The Troubles of Jessica
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#1: The Troubles of Jessica Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Tue Dec 20, 2005 1:55 pm

Please be gentle with me! This is my first drabble. All comments and suggestions gratefully received! Also, any EBDisms are all my own work and not intended!



There had never been a more unwilling wedding guest than Jessica Wayne. As she sat at the back of the church, her face pulled together in a scowl, Jessica thought not a whit of Rosamund who was too unwell to attend her own father’s marriage.

Jessica Wayne was thirteen. Her father had died in a car accident when she was only two years old. Too young to remember Richard Wayne, Jessica’s most treasured possession was a small photograph taken of her mother and father at their wedding. It showed the bride and groom laughing up at each other as they left the church, Richard in a smart suit while his new wife wore a plain, but beautifully cut, white summer dress. There had been no money to spare on expensive wedding outfits. The photograph lived in a silver frame on Jessica’s bedside table and, since the advent of the Seftons into her life, she had taken to talking to her father as if he was really present.

Following Richard’s death three years after their marriage, Emily Wayne and Jessica had continued to live in the little cottage in a country town where Richard had been the local doctor. Richard had been fifteen years older than Emily and had left his bereaved family reasonably well provided for. Nothing, of course, could make up for the fact that two year old Jessica was fatherless and that Emily was a widow at age twenty one.

Mother and daughter were everything to each other. Although Emily’s parents were still alive and would have welcomed the pair to their home, Emily did not feel able to return to the stifling atmosphere of their house. They had not altogether approved of Richard, mainly because he had taken their daughter so far away from them, but they would have been more than willing to do their fair share for their little granddaughter. Emily made the brave decision to remain in the cottage where she and Richard had spent three short but happy years of marriage.

When she was six, Jessica and Emily moved to a big town on the south coast and Jessica went as a day pupil to Redferne School, a large boarding school on the outskirts of the town which also took a certain number of day girls. Jessica was happy there and soon showed that, while not a born student, she was a hard worker with a bent towards maths and science. She also enjoyed games, excelling at rounders and netball whilst she was in the Junior school, and looking forward to hockey when she turned twelve. Emily, finding her days somewhat empty with her daughter at school until five o’clock each day, took a part time job in a library.

Emily never forgot Richard Wayne, although as the years went by, his memory was relegated to a happy place in her brain and she was able to be thankful for the short time they had been blessed with together. Jessica was a joy to her and reminded Emily of Richard in more than just looks.

Although their week days were busy with Jessica at school and involved in various activities after school – in fact, once she had turned nine, Jessica remained at school until after tea to allow her to participate in games and other clubs – mother and daughter were very close. Emily made it a priority to spend time with Jessica every evening, helping with prep or hearing about the days events at school and the various adventures of her friends. Jessica often spent Saturday afternoons at school watching the matches which took place (thanks to indoor tennis and netball courts, these games were enjoyed all year round). Emily took these opportunities to spend time with her own friends and their children, while Sundays were always spent with Jessica. Two or three times a year, they went north for a week or two to stay with Mr and Mrs Rigby, Emily’s parents.

Jessica was twelve when Emily first met Adam Sefton. Adam was Emily’s bank manager and she had had reason to visit him on several occasions during that year. Whilst they were comfortably off, Emily wanted to make sure that there would always be money for Jessica in case anything should happen to her and she went to Adam to seek advice on trust funds and the like.

Emily had been alone since Richard’s death. This was not altogether through choice. She had met several young men through her work at the library who had declared an interest in her, but she felt that such an intrusion into her life would not be good for Jessica and so she had kept these suitors at arms’ length. Her friends were all happily married with one or more children and Jessica had more than one brevet uncle.

Adam was different.

Last edited by leahbelle on Tue Mar 21, 2006 8:40 am; edited 57 times in total

 

#2:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue Dec 20, 2005 1:58 pm

Thankyou, leahbelle, this looks good.

 

#3:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Dec 20, 2005 2:02 pm

This looks interesting, thanks leahbelle.

 

#4:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Dec 20, 2005 2:06 pm

Oooh!!!
This looks great! Thanks Leahbelle!

 

#5:  Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester PostPosted: Tue Dec 20, 2005 2:13 pm

This looks great! I'm looking forward to more of this! Thank you! Very Happy

 

#6:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Tue Dec 20, 2005 3:47 pm

Am getting carried away with this now! Please, please, please feel free to make suggestions and please also feel free to point out any glaring errors, omissions etc. I'm quite sure I have created at least six EBDisms since starting to write, but I may just be being paranoid!

Adam reminded Emily of Richard. He was about the same age that Richard would have been had he lived. Although dissimilar in looks, in character Emily almost felt that she had been transported back in time to the days when she was young and carefree and had met someone who had changed her life.

So, although the first attraction for Emily was his similarity to Richard, it soon became evident to her that Adam was worth knowing for his own sake. When the trust fund had been sorted out, they had met, quite by accident, once or twice at social events. Adam being relatively new to the town and not socially inclined, he had gravitated towards the one person in the room for whom he felt a genuine fondness and, from this, a friendship had sprung.

Adam was a widower, his wife having died in childbirth and, eight weeks after their first meeting, Emily was introduced to Adam’s daughter, Rosamund. Rosamund was a little younger than Jessica, but the two girls could not have been more different. The younger girl was crippled and unable to walk or move except with the assistance of an invalid chair.

Adam had told Emily all about his daughter, but even knowing that the girl was bound to a chair did not prepare Emily for the shock of seeing an eleven year old girl in an invalid chair on a bright, sunny afternoon when her own daughter was playing in a friendly netball match at Redferne. At their first meeting in Adam’s large out-of-town villa, Emily felt tears spring to her eyes as she was introduced to Rosamund. The girl was completely unlike Adam in appearance, being as blonde as he was dark. Her fair hair was cut into a simple shoulder length bob and was held back from her eyes with a slide. She was a pretty girl, but her face told of the suffering and pain that she experienced on a daily basis and there were lines around her eyes which would have been more at home in a forty year old.

Emily, realising the importance of not letting Rosamund see how shocked she was at her appearance, made a grab after her departing self possession and gripped it firmly. She bit back the tears she had felt at the sight of the girl’s slightly twisted body in the little chair and gave a bright smile as Rosamund held out a skinny hand to welcome her.

Despite her disabilities, Rosamund was a charming girl. Emily warmed to her at once and it was not long before the three were taking tea and talking as if they were old friends. Indeed, by this time, Emily felt that she had known Adam for eight years and not eight weeks.

Emily was desperately sorry for Rosamund, but she could see that the child herself saw through her disabilities and that she was a bright and intelligent youngster. Rosamund was not able to go to school and she tired easily so fulltime school lessons, even at home, were not for her. She had a part-time “governess” who came in for two hours in the morning. The governess, Miss Winter, was a retired high school mistress. She stayed with Rosamund through lunch and then, if she was well enough, remained for a few hours in the afternoon to continue lessons. Rosamund ate up her lessons when she felt well and had enough energy to concentrate on anything other than getting through the day. In the late afternoon, she would take a nap and the evenings were generally spent in the sitting room reading or sewing quietly while her father worked in the big armchair on the other side of the settee on which Rosamund was set to rest in the evenings. Even this small amount of activity taxed Rosamund’s little strength and she was usually in bed and fast asleep by nine o’clock.

However, whilst she enjoyed lessons and reading and spending time with her father, Rosamund’s real love was singing. She had a charming voice, very sweet and, although not very strong, held the promise of developing into something special in the years to come. Twice a week, her health permitting, Rosamund had singing lessons. The choir master from the local church came on Wednesday evenings for half an hour and on Saturday afternoons for an hour to take Rosamund through her paces. Mr Philips was so pleased with her progress of late, that there was talk of allowing her to sing in a concert that was to be held at the church the following month.

Adam Sefton was doubtful as to the wisdom of allowing this and even more doubtful that his daughter would be fit enough for such an ordeal. Rosamund, being very much her father’s daughter, was nothing if not determined and was so pleased when the idea was first broached that she made up her mind that nothing and no-one would stop her performing in the concert. Adam did not have the heart to forbid it. After all, Rosamund was a sensible girl and was well aware of her own limitations. Although she occasionally rebelled against her limitations, they always won and she had learned the hard way to take what fun and enjoyment she could while she could. Rosamund had put her heart and soul into her lessons over the past few weeks and her heart literally danced when she thought about the concert.

She did not get out much, though both she and her father enjoyed the walks that they took along the smoother country lanes in good weather. They could not go far but Rosamund, being pushed along in her chair, revelled in every minute of those walks. If she was well enough on a Sunday, Rosamund would insist on going to church. There was always tea and cakes afterwards and time to socialise with the minister and his wife and children. There were few visitors to Moorlands House, except for Miss Winter, Mr Philips and the minister and his family. Adam Sefton was a busy man and, although he made an effort to be home on time each night, he frequently brought work home with him. Rosamund was happy just to be in the same room as him and never complained that the time they were able to spend together was somewhat limited.

Emily Wayne was the first visitor outside the normal band who had called at Moorlands House in a long time.

When Emily returned home that afternoon, she decided that it was time to tell Jessica about Adam. Jessica knew that her mother had become friends with her bank manager, but it was only that afternoon that Emily and Adam themselves had realised just how serious things had become in a short space of time. Emily had refused to agree to anything until she had discussed things with Jessica, but she was beginning to feel that a father figure would be a good role model for her daughter and Rosamund would give Jessica the chance to have (and be) a sister. Despite the closely knit relationship Emily enjoyed with Jessica, thanks to her school interests the girl was growing up to be well rounded and Emily did not think that she would react adversely to having a new father.

 

#7:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Dec 20, 2005 4:56 pm

Thank you leahbelle, this is really good.

It's sad to think of all the problems that the Seftons and Waynes are going to come across.

 

#8:  Author: Róisín, Location: Gaillimh, Eire PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 12:05 am

Oh yay is this why you needed the transcript? Very Happy Looking good.

 

#9: jessica Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 12:22 am

Lovely, leahbelle. Very thoughtful and sensitive. Looking forward to more.

 

#10:  Author: Pado, Location: Connecticut, USA PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 3:07 am

Looking forward to the next bit... Smile

 

#11:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 8:56 am

It is, Roisin, and thanks so much again for it! It was a great help!

 

#12:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 9:41 am

Thanks so much for all your replies! Here's another installment. This conversation has been difficult to write. I don't know any twelve year olds, so I don't know if I have made Jessica realistic or too young or too old.....


Jessica returned home from the match full of the game. Emily loved listening to her daughter and was content to let her prattle on during dinner, but she couldn’t help thinking about the sunshine that Jessica would bring into Rosamund’s life with her tales of school and games and excursions. Perhaps they would even be able to do some studying together when Rosamund felt up to it.

Jessica could tell that her mother wasn’t “all there” as she phrased it when Emily seemed to be away in another world. This wasn’t quite true, for Emily religiously listened to every word Jessica spoke, feeling it important to encourage children every step of the way. To ignore a child would be encouragement of quite the wrong type. Feeling guilty that her daughter thought that she was not interested, Emily turned her full attention to Jessica for the rest of the meal and put thoughts of Adam and Rosamund to one side.

After dinner, when the pair were relaxing in the sitting room of their small terraced house, Emily turned to Jessica.

“I went to tea with Mr Sefton today,” she said.

“Oh, yes,” said Jessica, “the bank man.” This was Jessica’s pet name for Adam, knowing that he worked in a bank.

Emily smiled. “Yes. Jess, I need to talk to you about Mr Sefton. Put that book down and listen to me.”

Jessica obediently put her book to one side and turned to face her mother on the settee.

Emily smiled fondly at her daughter. “Jess, you know that your father died a long time ago?”

Jessica nodded. She could not remember her father, but she knew that her mother still thought about him and missed him.

“Well,” Emily continued, “how would you feel about having a new father?” She knew that she had put this clumsily, but there didn’t seem to be a better way.

Jessica cottoned on at once. “You mean you’re going to marry Mr Sefton?” she asked.

“How would you feel about that?”

Jessica considered. “I would like to have a father,” she said after a moment of thought. “All the girls at school have fathers and I do sometimes feel that it would be nice. Do you think you will marry him?”

“I think that I’d like to,” Emily admitted, “but I think you should meet him first. You might not like him!”

“Maybe. If I don’t like him, does that mean you won’t marry him?”

“What if he doesn’t like you?” Emily asked jokingly and Jessica looked surprised. The thought had never occurred to her! “You are going to meet him, Jess. He goes to a different church from us and they are having a concert next month – on Friday evening next week, in fact. He’s invited you and me to go along. Would you like to go?”

“A singing concert?” Jessica looked doubtful.

“Of course a singing concert!”

“Well, I don’t much like singing,” Jessica said seriously.
“I know, darling, but you won’t need to sing. You’ll just be listening. The church choir is meant to be very good and you know you like listening to music,” Emily said persuasively. It hadn’t crossed her mind that, being tone deaf, Jessica might not relish the idea of going to a concert. “It’ll be quite a special concert for Mr Sefton. His daughter will be taking part.”

“You didn’t tell me he had a daughter.”

“No, I don’t think I did. Her name is Rosamund and she’s just a little bit younger than you are, Jess. She’ll be a new sister for you!”

“I don’t want a sister,” Jessica sounded quite determined about this.

 

#13:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 9:50 am

Thanks leahbelle. Jessica is a really interesting character.

 

#14:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 9:59 am

It's very interesting to find out some background. I'm looking forward to seeing how you explore these issues, as I always felt a tiny bit sorry for Jessica. Thankyou!

 

#15:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 11:11 am

Here's some more. It's so quiet at work that I am getting on really quickly! I actually got quite upset when someone asked me to do something!


“Lots of your friends have sisters, just like they all have fathers,” Emily pointed out. She was not too worried about Jessica’s statement; she ought to have told the girl before that Adam had a child.

“I don’t want a sister,” Jessica repeated, quite patiently almost as if she was trying to explain something to a slightly slow person who wasn’t able to understand what she was saying. “You’re my mother, not Rosa… Rosamund’s mother.”

“I’ll be Rosamund’s step-mother and Mr Sefton will be your step-father. Lots of girls have step-brothers and sisters. It’ll be fun for you to have someone your own age about the house. You can be friends, and Rosamund will enjoy meeting you. She doesn’t have many friends because she’s not very well.”

Jessica interrupted before Emily could continue to explain about Rosamund’s condition. Emily realised that she had been remiss in not telling Jessica about Rosamund sooner, but until she herself had realised how serious things were between her and Adam there hadn’t seemed to be much point. Now it was important to let Jessica know about Rosamund’s condition before they met to prepare her. It would be a shock for Jessica to see someone of her own age in an invalid chair. Jessica had other ideas.

“I don’t want a sister,” she said for the third time, effectively stopping Emily before she could begin to tell her about Rosamund.

Emily sat back on the sofa. She was confused. She could not understand why Jessica would react favourably to the thought of her marrying Adam and yet be so against the thought of having a new sister.

“I know it’s been just me and you for a long time, Jess. If your father was still alive, I expect you’d have a brother or a sister.”

“That would be different. I don’t want this Rosamund to be my sister. She’s not my sister, and you’re not her mother. I don’t want you to be her mother.”

“I think you’re being a little bit unreasonable, darling. Poor Rosamund doesn’t have a mother. She died when Rosamund was born. Don’t you think it will be nice for her to have a mother? I think it will be nice for you to have a father.”

Again, in that very patient, tight little voice, Jessica said, “I don’t want a sister.” She stood up. “Please don’t be her mother. I want you to be my mother.”

“But, Jess,” Emily caught hold of Jessica’s hand and tried to pull her back down to the settee, but the girl resisted, “I’ll always be your mother. You’ll always be my little girl. I think there’s enough of me to be Rosamund’s step-mother, too. Don’t you?”

“No,” Jessica pulled her hand away from Emily’s and ran from the room. Emily heard her stumble up the stairs in her rush and enter her bedroom, slamming the door behind her.

Emily was nonplussed. If anything, she would have expected Jessica to react badly at the thought of her father being “replaced” by Adam. She would have thought that the prospect of having a sister might have been oil on the waters. Jessica herself could not have explained why she felt more threatened by the advent of a new sister than a new father.

Perhaps, Emily though, she should have explained about Rosamund before breaking the news about Adam. But was there a right way to tell a twelve year that she was going to have to share her mother with, not only an adult, but also a child? Probably not, she decided. And she hadn’t even managed to explain to Jessica about Rosamund’s illness.

Emily stood up and went upstairs to her bedroom. On the dressing table stood a photograph of herself and Richard on their wedding day. She picked it up and smiled as she remembered how happy they had been and how delighted Richard had been when she had told him that she was pregnant. A little thrill went through her – although she and Adam had not discussed children, there was always the possibility of a sister or brother that would be real to both Jessica and Rosamund.

Emily took the photograph and crossed the little hallway to the door of Jessica’s room. She knocked on the door. There was no answer, so she knocked again and then opened the door. Jessica was curled up on her bed, facing away from the door and Emily knew from her attitude was crying. Her Jessica, with her boyish hatred of tears, crying!

Rushing across the room, Emily placed the photograph carefully on Jessica’s bedside table before sitting down on the bed and taking her daughter in her arms.

“My darling, what’s wrong?” she cried as she hugged Jessica to her. Jessica didn’t answer but continued to cry and her small body shook as the sobs wracked her. Realising that talking was pointless, Emily continued to cradle Jessica to her until she felt the sobs lesson and Jessica lifted a teary face from her lap. Fishing awkwardly in her pocket, Emily took out a handkerchief and handed it to the girl. Jessica wiped her eyes and blew her nose and gave it back to her mother. Emily placed it delicately on the floor, making a mental note to herself to remember to pick it up later and put it in the washing pile. “Come, Jess,” she said, “tell me what the problem is.”

“It’s…it’s Rosamund,” Jessica whispered. “I don’t want a sister.”

Emily gave Jessica a gentle shove so that she was resting back on her pillows. She took hold of the girl’s hand and gave it a squeeze.

“I know it’s all come as a bit of a shock to you, darling - a new father and a new sister. It’s a lot for you to take in. But I’m sure, once you’ve got used to the idea, and once you’ve met Adam and Rosamund, you’ll be much happier. They’re such nice people and they are looking forward to meeting you so much.”

Jessica shook her head. “I won’t change my mind. Will you change your mind about wanting a new daughter?”

“Jess,” Emily said patiently, “it’s not about me wanting a new daughter. I’m more than happy with the one I have! You know I love you. We’re very close, all the more so because we lost your father when you were so young. That won’t change just because Adam and Rosamund have come into my life.”

“How do you know? Charlotte’s mum got a new baby and now Charlotte says that she spends all her time with the baby and doesn’t have time to help her with her homework anymore.”

“A new baby takes up a lot of time,” Emily explained, “but that’s totally different. Rosamund is nearly the same age as you. It will be totally different to what Charlotte is finding. I’ll still have just as much time for you as ever. In fact, I might have more time because I will probably stop working at the library.”

“But you like working!” Jessica exclaimed.

“Yes, but I’ll want to spend more time at home so that I can look after you, and Adam and Rosamund, properly. So, you see, I’ll be around a lot more for you, not less. We’ll still spend time together on Sundays and we’ll still go to visit your gran and granddad. Nothing will change except that there will be more people to enjoy doing things with. Please say that you understand that.”

Jessica shook her head. “I can’t. I don’t. It will be different. Nothing will be the same! I don’t want things to change.”

Emily leaned over the bedside table and picked up the photograph of herself and Richard. She placed it into Jessica’s hands.

“I want you to have this,” she said. “It’s your favourite photograph of father, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” Jessica smiled as she regarded the handsome image that stared back at her from the frame.

“Well, I want you to have this so that you will always feel that he is close to you. You can keep it on the little table by the bed, and father will watch over you through the night. He will always be there for you, even though you can’t see him. I hope that it will help you to remember, Jess, that whatever happens, I will always be there for you, too.”

“But you can’t be here for me if you have to be here for Mr Sefton and Rosamund, too. You just can’t.” Tears began to fall from her face again.

Emily felt at her wits end. She took the photograph from Jessica and stood it up carefully on the table.

“Jess, I think that you are going to have to be very brave and very grown up about this. Next Friday, we’ll go to the concert at the church and you’ll meet Mr Sefton and Rosamund. I want you to show them what a nice, friendly, happy girl you are. I want you to make them proud to welcome you into their family. Can you do that for me?”

“What if they don’t make me want to welcome them into my family?” Jessica said hardly.

“But they will, darling. Adam has told me how much he’s looking forward to meeting you. If it wasn’t that he is so busy at work, we would arrange to meet much sooner. Trust me, Jess, everything will work out fine.”

Feeling that she could do and say no more to improve the situation (though it was undisputed that she could make things worse!), Emily kissed Jessica and left the room. As she closed the door behind her, she could hear the girl crying again.

What on earth was she to do? Emily wondered as she went down stairs. It had been a long time since she had felt so happy, and wanted and needed and part of that was due to Adam. Although she had never dared to admit it to herself in case she became hard and bitter, one of her greatest disappointments was that she had only been able to have one child. She herself was an only child and Emily had vowed when she had married Richard that they would have at least three. Marrying Adam would help to fill the gap that Richard’s death had caused and give her a ready made family. Was she to give up what was possibly her last chance to be happy and to have a family because Jessica was so set against having a sister? And what on earth would Jess’s reaction be when she learned that Rosamund was unable to walk or to do many everyday things for herself?

It was beyond her tonight, Emily decided as she sat back down on the settee and picked up some embroidery that she had been working on. Let Jess meet Adam and Rosamund and she would soon see that she had nothing to worry about. Emily was sure that everything would be fine.

 

#16:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 11:28 am

Thanks leahbelle. I take it that Jessica isn't aware of Rosamund's medical condition yet? Feel sorry for her mum that Jessica's taking the news about her remarriage badly.

 

#17:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 12:57 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. Jessica isn't taking it well, but it is rather sudden, isn't it?

 

#18:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 1:23 pm

Heartbreaking all round, but not unexpected from a young girl who has always had her mother to herself. Please be patient with her, Emily.

Thank you, leahbelle, this is wonderful.

 

#19:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 3:26 pm

Crying or Very sad

This is so sad. And of course I don't think Emily realises how much of her time Rosamund will take up. More than a new baby...

Thanks Leahbelle

 

#20:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 4:13 pm

Some more!

Jessica was very quiet the next day, Sunday. After church and lunch, Emily took her for a walk and then spent the rest of the afternoon helping her with her homework and reading “Great Expectations” aloud to her. Jessica had a surprising passion for Charles Dickens.

Emily felt it best, rightly or wrongly, not to mention Adam and Rosamund to her daughter unless Jess mentioned them first. Perhaps if things hadn’t moved so quickly, Jess would have had more chance to adjust. Jessica did not mention them, but she did think about them.

She had cried herself to sleep last night, unable to work out why the thought of sharing her mother was Rosamund was upsetting her so much. She had woken up in the middle of the night, feeling lost, alone and confused. Why was she not enough for her mother anymore? Jessica had picked up the photograph from the table and pulled the curtains back slightly so that she could see the dim light from the street glinting off her father’s face. She had gone back to sleep with the photograph cradled in her arms. It was not a comfortable bedfellow, but it was a comforting one.

Jessica was so busy at school the following week that thoughts of the Seftons and the upcoming concert were more or less banished from her mind. She did develop a worrying habit of wakening at four am and, being unable to get back to sleep, she would take the photograph and talk quietly to her father about her worries before settling into an uneasy doze until her alarm went off at 7am. Jessica found it easy to put her thoughts and feelings into words to the picture of her father, but she found herself unable to voice them to her mother. Emily’s news had driven the first tiny wedge between the two.

As a result of several nights of disturbed sleep, by the time Friday came round Jessica was thoroughly tired out and inclined to be grumpy. She was in no mood for going out for the evening, even if it hadn’t meant had her having to meet the Seftons.

At 6.30, Emily, with an unwilling Jessica in tow, set off for the church. Emily had her own misgivings. Although she had tried to talk to Jessica about Rosamund several times through the week, Jessica had changed the subject or clammed up completely and Emily had been unable to explain to her about the younger girl’s illness. Emily knew that this was wrong – Jess ought to know about Rosamund before meeting her. As they walked along the road, Emily made one last attempt.

“We’re meeting Rosamund and Adam at the church,” she said. “I expect we’ll have seats near them at the front, near the performers. Jess, do you remember that I told that Rosamund wasn’t very well?”

Jessica gave a grunt which Emily took for an affirmative.

“Jess, Rosamund can’t walk and she can only move in an invalid chair,” Emily spoke more bluntly than she had intended but she felt it was the only way to finally tell Jess.

Jessica looked at up Emily, a look of interest in her face. “Do you mean she has to sit in a chair all day like an old lady? Like Mrs Kelly?” Mrs Kelly was an elderly lady who attended their own church and was confined to an invalid chair through crippling arthritis.

“Not quite like Mrs Kelly, darling,” Emily smiled, pleased that at least Jess was showing an interest, “but she can’t do very much for herself and she isn’t able to go to school. She isn’t able to get up the stairs, so her bedroom is on the ground floor and someone has to help her in and out.”

Jessica’s face darkened. If Rosamund was unable to do things for herself, then wouldn’t it be her mother – her mother, not Rosamund’s! – who would help her if she and Mr Sefton got married?

“Does she have a nurse?” Jess asked.

“No. She has a governess who comes for a few hours a day to teach her lessons. Then there is a housekeeper who helps her get dressed and in and out of bed. Maybe that’s something that you could help me with when Adam and I are married?”

“Won’t the housekeeper do it?” Jessica asked, and Emily failed to detect the sullen note in her daughter’s voice.

“No. It’s not really her job. I expect that I’ll help to look after Rosamund, and I’m sure she’d like it if you did little things for her, too.”

“That won’t be any fun. If she can’t walk, then we won’t even be able to play together.”

This time, Emily deliberately ignored the tone of Jess’ voice. “But of course you will, darling! You can help her with jigsaws and teach her board games and paper games and I think that she knows some card games that are a lot of fun.”

“I don’t like those sorts of games,” Jessica said rudely. Emily gasped. Jess was never rude. She didn’t know that the girl hadn’t been sleeping as Jessica had not seen fit to tell her and so she was unaware that some of the attitude came from tiredness. She was aware that most of the attitude came from the inability to accept that the Seftons were about to become a big part of her life.

“Jessica,” Emily said firmly, “we’re nearly at the church. Adam is meeting us inside. I want you to pleasant and polite and not let me down. Alright?”

There was nothing Jessica could do but nod as they climbed the few steps up in to the church together, but her brows were drawn together in a deep scowl and her eyes were dark.

Adam Sefton was awaiting their arrival in the vestibule. He came over at once when she saw the pair and gave Emily a brief hug and kiss on the cheek. Then he turned to Jessica.

“You must be Jessica?” He smiled and held out his hand to her and the girl who took it unwillingly. “I’m Adam Sefton. I expect your mother has told you about me. She’s certainly told me about you!” His eyes twinkled, but Jessica did not return his grin. Her lips remained set. Fortunately, Adam, used to coaxing Rosamund to talk when she was not feeling well, was used to small girls and he continued regardless. Emily shot him a grateful look. She had warned him that Jess might prove to be difficult. “Why don’t we go in and take our seats?” Adam suggested. “We’re right at the front, so we’ll have a great view. I’m sitting to beside Rosamund and you two will be on my other side. Let’s go in and meet her. Come on!” He swung his arm through Emily’s and, leading Jessica by the hand, took the pair through into the church.

There were a lot of people already seated in the pews, but Adam led them past them all, right down to the front. Jessica could see that a chair partially blocked the aisle and she guessed rightly that this must be where Rosamund was sitting and her lips tightened. They passed in front of the chair and Jessica had time to note that while Rosamund was a pretty girl, her body was slightly twisted and she looked pale. Emily gave Rosamund a warm hug, and then she and Adam turned to look at Jessica. Jessica felt herself going red as Rosamund too turned enquiring eyes on her.

“Rosamund,” said Adam, “this is Jessica, Mrs Wayne’s daughter. We’ve told you about her. Jessica, this is my daughter, Rosamund. She’s going to be singing in tonight’s concert.”

Rosamund gave a little laugh. “I’m so nervous,” she said. “I’ve never sung in public before.” She held her hand up to Jessica, smiling warmly. Rosamund had been very much looking forward to meeting the other girl as she had very few companions. “It’s so nice to meet you, Jessica. Dad wondered if you, and Mrs Wayne, would like to come back to our house for coffee after the concert? It’ll be quite late, but you won’t have school tomorrow, will you? Please do come. It would give us a chance to get to know each other.”

Automatically, Jessica held out her own hand and shook with Rosamund. The younger girl’s friendly greeting was as lost on her as Mr Sefton’s had been and it was not until Emily gave her a sharp dig in the ribs that Jessica said, “Yes, thank you.”

Emily now found herself turning red. Jessica was normally a polite, if somewhat shy girl, when meeting people for the first time, but she had never been as downright rude as she had been when greeting Rosamund. Rosamund, too, looked confused as she released Jessica’s hand and watched mother and daughter edge into the pew. Adam, following them, murmured, “It’s ok. It’s a big shock for her.” Emily felt guilty, knowing that Adam thought that Jessica’s reaction had come from seeing Rosamund in the invalid chair. She did not feel it was the time or place to explain that it seemed as if Jessica had already made up her mind to dislike his girl before she had ever met her. It was not often that Emily was angry at Jess, but now she was furious.

The concert was a great success. Rosamund performed two solos, and Emily’s eyes felt wet as the brave girl, sitting in her chair in front of a crowd of two hundred people, sang the songs which she had practised so diligently over the past weeks, and she was not the only one to wipe away a tear at the end.

Jessica remained unmoved by Rosamund’s performance – on the outside at any rate. Since babyhood, Jessica had loved listening to music but she had never been able to sing. Singing lessons had not improved the situation and her teachers had declared that she was tone deaf. In singing lessons at school, Jessica moved her lips but never allowed any sound to escape. The most she could hope for was to drone along on two or three notes, and usually several octaves too high or too low. Even Emily did not know what a disappointment this was to Jessica. It was one of her greatest dreams to be able to sing to her favourite music.

And now here was this girl – this girl who was unable even to walk – singing beautifully and effortlessly. It was too much. Jessica too felt a tear stinging at the back of her eye, but she wiped it away fiercely and sat with a set face for the rest of the performance, determined more than ever not to let Rosamund take her mother away from her.

After the concert, Adam wheeled Rosamund outside, followed by Emily and, at a distance, by Jessica. Rosamund was exhausted and had asked if she could go straight home to bed. The performance had taken all her strength and Adam knew that she would probably have to spend most of Saturday lying flat. He had, therefore, apologised to Emily but felt it best that she and Jessica did not come round for coffee as planned.

Emily was somewhat relieved as she felt that the best thing for Jessica, too, would be bad. She had seen Jess wiping away the tear during Rosamund’s solos and guessed that the girl was in turmoil and would be better off at home, among familiar things. After all, she had only just been introduced to Adam and Rosamund and it was probably expecting a bit much of her to play happy families right away. Emily was still angry at Jess, but she was also acutely aware that she must be very unhappy to have behaved as rudely as she had done.

Emily and Adam enjoyed a brief kiss and embrace before Adam turned to Jessica. She drew back from his gaze and he instinctively knew that any attempt show her affection would be rebuffed. Instead he merely said, “Goodnight, Jessica. It’s been nice to meet you. I hope that you and your mother will be able to come round some other time when Rosamund is feeling stronger.”

Rosamund managed to summon up the energy to give Emily a hug, but she too avoided any contact with Jessica though she did say in a friendly fashion, “Sorry I’ve ruined the rest of the evening. I hope you enjoyed the concert, though.”

It is to be feared that, by this time, Jessica was so full of pent up emotion that she could barely bring herself to say goodbye, in a cold, hard voice that was so unlike her usual tones that Emily wondered if it could really be her daughter speaking. The combination of the shock of learning about her mother and Mr Sefton and the speed with which things had happened, her lack of sleep and her jealousy of Rosamund had all taken their toll and Jessica felt ready to fight with a feather.

 

#21:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 4:48 pm

leahbelle, this was fantastic. You have delved right beneath Jessica's skin and teased out all her muddled emotions. And just how muddled they are! Crying or Very sad Things, I fear, can only go from bad to worse.

Thank you.

 

#22:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 7:32 pm

Thanks Leahbelle!
I 'm not sure which of them I feel sorrier for! It's such a hard situation for all of them.

 

#23:  Author: Michelle, Location: Near London PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 9:36 pm

Poor Jessica. I really like her - and the Seftons and especially Emily. They're all so lovely, it's sad that they're not all getting on, but it's so believable at the same time.

Michelle

 

#24:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2005 10:11 pm

Poor Jessica, it is just all heppening too quickly for her.

 

#25:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Thu Dec 22, 2005 8:54 am

Thanks, all, for your encouraging comments! I just hope I continue to do the story justice - sometimes, the bunny makes me do things I'm not happy with!


Back at home and Emily felt she had no option but to sit Jessica down and talk to her about her behaviour. She disliked disciplining the girl but, whatever she was feeling inside, there was no excuse for such rudeness. Emily did not want Adam to think that Jessica was badly brought up, especially when his own daughter had been so charming despite her tiredness.

She had a quiet chat with Jessica during which she listened with a polite, but somewhat blank, look on her face and Emily knew that she had taken in little or nothing of what she had said. Knowing that she must tread carefully because Jessica was feeling particularly fragile, Emily decided on her punishment.

“After the match at Redferne tomorrow, I want you to come straight home,” Emily said. “You are not to stay for tea. I’ll give you a letter for Miss Smith. You’ll go to bed until its time for dinner.”

The blank look was replaced by one of fury and Jessica overlooked the fact that she did not deserve to go to watch the match at all and it was only her mother’s reluctance to punish her too severely that had prevented this.

“But I always stay to tea! What will the others think? And I promised Charlotte that we would walk home together!”

“I’m sorry, Jess, I don’t want to have to punish you, but you must see that your behaviour was unacceptable tonight. You’ve not even told me that you’re sorry. You need to learn that you are not the only person in the world and that rudeness is inexcusable.”

“I’m sorry,” Jessica muttered, not meaning a word of it.

“I’m glad to hear it,” it was a very long time since Emily had had to be so stern in her treatment of Jessica and she hated it, “but your punishment stands. You will come home straight after the match. I’ll expect you no later than four o’clock, and you’ll spend the rest of the afternoon in bed. I think that you must be overtired. I can’t think of any other reason for your behaviour.” Emily bent over to bestow a kiss on Jessica’s forehead and, for a wonder, she did not pull away. “Now, it’s getting late and I want you to go up to bed. No reading tonight, please. Go straight to sleep. I’ll be up in fifteen minutes to make sure you’re tucked in.”

Jessica stormed upstairs, furious and, most unfairly, blaming Rosamund for everything. If she hadn’t had to meet Rosamund, if she hadn’t been crippled, if her mother wasn’t so obviously fond of Rosamund, if Rosamund didn’t have such a lovely voice… It was all Rosamund’s fault. Jessica threw herself down on her bed and burst into tears. All her life, Jessica had had a hatred of tears and crying and, here she was, sobbing again. It was another thing for which she blamed Rosamund.

When Emily came upstairs to tuck Jessica in, she found her huddled beneath the bedclothes without even so much as a hair showing. Emily didn’t notice that the photo from the bedside table was missing.

“Good night, Jess,” she said softly, but the only answer was a tiny sob and a movement beneath the covers that showed Jessica had no intention of showing her face. Emily stood for a moment, not quite sure what to do. This behaviour was alien to Jessica and she really had no idea to handle it. Eventually, she left the room, pulling the door to gently behind her.

Jessica was not the only one to indulge in tears that bedtime. Emily felt drained by the events of the evening and she, too, wept a little as she curled down under the covers.

On Saturday morning, Jessica came down to breakfast as usual and it was obvious to Emily that she had slept badly, if at all. Emily was in two minds as to whether to allow to her go to the match or order her straight back to bed, not as a punishment, but for her own good. She decided against this, however, when she realised that Jessica was still in a rebellious mood. It would be better to let her go and watch the match and perhaps work off some of her aggression.

Jessica was glad to get out of the house which, suddenly, didn’t feel like home anymore. She marched off to school with barely a goodbye to Emily, clutching in her hand the letter that told Miss Smith she was not to be allowed to stay to tea. She handed this over to the mistress with a glower that was unlike her usual sunny countenance that Miss Smith was convinced she must be sickening for something and wondered if she should send her home. On reading the letter, Miss Smith discovered the reason for Jessica’s bad humour and she sent the girl off to join her friends with an admonition to behave herself.

Jessica joined her little group of friends, including Charlotte of the new baby sister who was the only other day girl in the form. Jessica and Charlotte had gravitated together over the years and often walked part way home together, Charlotte living just slightly further away than Jessica.

Jessica’s mind was not on the netball match today, a league match between the fourth form of Redferne and the local convent school. Charlotte preferred tennis, both to watch and play, and so it was not long before the two had moved apart from the rest of their group and sat talking quietly while they watched the older girls play out of the corner of their eyes.

“What’s up, Jess? You look miserable.”

Jessica sighed, and began to tell Charlotte about her troubles. “Mother’s going to get married again,” she began, “to the bank man. I told you about him, didn’t I?”

Charlotte nodded. “I bet he’s got lots of money if he works in a bank.”

Jessica grinned suddenly. That was something she hadn’t thought of! But her faced clouded over again almost immediately. After all, what use was money when she would no longer have her mother to herself? “He’s got a daughter,” she went on. “I don’t want a sister. I don’t mind Mother getting married. Old people should be married and I expect I’ll get married when I’m old and I’ll have children. But why does Mother want Rosamund when she already has me? I should be enough for her!”

“I suppose,” Charlotte said wisely, “that she didn’t know he had a daughter when she decided to marry him and then, when she found out, it was too late. You can’t say no when you’ve already agreed to marry someone. I think my father would like to be married to someone else now that my sister has arrived. I bet if he had known she was going to come, he wouldn’t have married Mother.”

“What’s it really like having a sister, Char?”

“Simply awful,” was Charlotte’s response. “She cries all the time! She even wakes me up at night. Mother has to get up to feed her and that makes Mother tired all the time and then she’s grumpy. Father was going to take me to the park this evening, but now Mother wants him to stay in because Andrea’s been sick all morning, so now I have to stay in, too. We never get to do anything without Andrea now and it’s awful. You shouldn’t let your mum get you a sister. You’ll like having a dad, though. They’re fun…when they’re not having to look after a baby.”

“Rosamund’s not a baby, though, she’s nearly the same age as us. But she’s got something wrong with her and she can’t walk so if Mother marries Mr Sefton she’ll have to do everything for Rosamund and she won’t have any time for me anymore.”

“Gosh!” said Charlotte. “I would think that’ll be worse than having a baby sister. Will you have to sit with her and hold her hand?”

Jessica looked disgusted. “I don’t think so. She has a governess and she can read and sew, so she can do some things for herself. I suppose Mother will have to do everything else. Mr Sefton is always at work, or doing work at home, so he won’t be able to do much.”

“That’s rotten luck. I think it would be awful to have a sister like that.”

Now that her worst fears about having a sister had been confirmed by Charlotte – who knew! – Jessica turned her attention back to the match. If only Mr Sefton didn’t have Rosamund, everything would be alright.

Although she was tempted to disobey Emily and stay at school for tea, Jessica was somewhat in awe of her mother who rarely laid down the law. Jessica was not quite sure how to take her in this mood and decided that she had better do as she was told. It turned out that Charlotte had been told to go straight home too and so the pair got to walk together after all.

 

#26:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Dec 22, 2005 10:24 am

Poor Jessica, she's so confused. It's all happening too quickly for her.

 

#27:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Dec 22, 2005 1:38 pm

Poor Jessica; but poor Emily, too, having to deal with Jessica. It must be so difficult, knowing how she has upset her daughter, but still wanting to have her own life, too. At least we know that Jessica will be all right in the end! Thanks, leahbelle.

 

#28:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Dec 22, 2005 10:52 pm

Oh dear - Charlotte said exactly the wrong thing there. But sadly that seems to be how it will be...

Poor poor Jessica

 

#29:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Fri Dec 23, 2005 8:37 am

I'm going to leave the Waynes and the Seftons here til after Christmas - shame it's not a happier place!

After a quick, plain tea at home, Jessica was sent off to bed where, for a wonder, she actually did sleep and came downstairs for supper feeling much better, although no more reconciled to Rosamund. During supper, Jessica talked much more quietly than normal about the match and Emily found herself having to draw conversation from her, rather than to sit and listen as was usual. The talk, inevitably, turned to the Seftons.

“We’re invited to the Seftons’ for tea tomorrow, Jess,” Emily told her daughter in some trepidation. Had she had time to get her anger out of her system?

Jessica put down her knife and fork and looked her mother straight in the face. “Charlotte says having a sister is simply awful,” she said.

Emily gaped. Charlotte was a lovely girl, but was blessed with very few brains. “Charlotte’s sister is a baby and that will be very different from having an older sister like Rosamund. For a start, I don’t think you’ll find that Rosamund will wake you up through the night, crying because she wants to be fed,” and Emily smiled.

“But she can’t walk or do things for herself and that’s almost as bad as a baby,” Jessica persisted.

“Jessica!” Emily’s tone was sharp. “That’s a very cruel, unkind thing to say. Can you imagine what it must be like for Rosamund to be stuck in an invalid chair all day, or to lie on a couch, when other people her age are able to run about and play games and enjoy life? Why not try to put yourself in her shoes and think about how you would feel if you couldn’t play netball or go to school. Do you think you’d like it?”

“No, I’d hate it, but has Rosamund ever been able to walk?”

Emily shook her head. “No. She’s been crippled since birth.”

“Then,” said Jessica, without any idea of how thoughtless she was being, “she can’t ever have played netball or gone to school, so how can she miss them?”

Emily opened her mouth with a sharp retort, but thought the better of it. After all, Jessica had never even known disability in a child before, let alone had to deal with it. It would be hard for her accept.

“She misses them because she knows other girls play games. She knows that you can do anything you want. You can run and skip, and dress yourself and go to bed when you want, not when I’m ready to take you and undress you. Imagine, Jess, what it would be like to suddenly be unable to do the things you do everyday, the things you most enjoy. I think it would be dreadful and I don’t know if I could cope. I certainly don’t think I could be as cheerful and happy as Rosamund.”

“But she can sing,” Jessica said bitterly.

“Yes, she can sing, but not in a choir and not everyday. She can only sing when she feels strong enough and that’s not always.”

“I can’t sing and I’d love to be able to. I’d love to get up in front of people and sing like she did last night.”

“Exactly,” said Emily, “and that’s similar to how Rosamund feels when she sees other people walking and moving by themselves.”

“Oh,” it was little more than a grunt, and Jessica couldn’t see how wanting to walk was in the least like wanting to be able to sing. “Will you sing with Rosamund?” she asked, for Emily, unlike Jessica who took after her father, had a pleasant though unspectacular singing voice.

Emily answered cautiously. She knew how much Jess loved listening to music though she had perhaps underestimated her desire to actually be able to sing and the last thing she wanted to do was to make her feel worse about that. “Perhaps, if she asks me. You could listen.”

“No thanks, I didn’t think she was that good last night.”

“Oh, Jessica, for goodness’ sake!” Emily felt herself running out of patience. “You must stop this! Now listen, we are going to the Seftons’ for tea tomorrow, and I want to ask you to be polite and not to be rude like you were last night. Do you want Mr Sefton to think I haven’t brought you up properly?”

Jessica shook her head. She hadn’t thought that her behaviour would be blamed on Emily. That realisation, however, put an idea into her head. If she was rude and unruly wouldn’t Mr Sefton think that Emily was a bad mother and not want to marry her anymore? He certainly wouldn’t want her as a mother for Rosamund.

Jessica went back up to bed after dinner without demur while Emily, hoping that she might at last have begun to get through to Jess, went to relax in the sitting room in the belief that tomorrow’s visit to the Seftons would be very different to Friday evening’s fiasco. In that belief, she was to be disappointed.

Jessica went to bed slightly happier that night in the knowledge that she had a plan and would be able to do something positive to improve her situation. Jessica could not, and would not, see that her situation was all of her own making. Adam was happy to welcome Jessica, along with Emily, into his family and Rosamund was delighted at the thought of having a sister. Emily was thrilled to have met someone after so many years alone and she thought that being part of a proper family would be good for Jessica. It was only Jessica herself who could not reconcile herself to the marriage.

“I think,” she told the picture of her father before she turned her light off, “that if it was just Mr Sefton, it would be alright. I don’t remember you, but I do miss having a father. All the girls at school love their fathers and I would like one. And Mr Sefton does seem nice. But I don’t like Rosamund and I don’t want a sister, especially not one who needs to have everything done for her. Why does Mother want to spend so much time with Rosamund? What’s the matter with me?”

 

#30:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Dec 23, 2005 9:04 am

Thanks leahbelle.

 

#31:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Dec 23, 2005 12:29 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. It's very interesting to read about the Sefton and the Waynes' history. I look forward to reading more.

 

#32:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 4:26 pm

I can sympathise with Jessica here. Yes, she does have tunnel vision over this situation, but she is desperately confused about whether her mother still loves her, and the adults in the situation are rushing things far too much for a young girl.

 

#33:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 9:35 pm

Thank you leahbelle.

I really do sympathise with Jessica over this, because her reaction is so entirely natural and Emily just can't see it.

 

#34:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Dec 24, 2005 9:41 pm

Thank you leahbelle. Poor jessica, she has been rushed and is digging herself deeper into a hole now.

 

#35:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Tue Dec 27, 2005 7:18 pm

I feel so sorry for Jessica- Emily should have told her about Rosmund sooner. Thanks Leahbelle Very Happy

 

#36:  Author: alicat,  PostPosted: Wed Dec 28, 2005 11:53 am

Leahbelle this is very well written, don't worry about not knowing 12-yr-old girls, for the period you are writing about I think you have got it just right...my own 10-yr-old will frequently drive her siblings mad by announcing publicly and very sentimentally that I've been her mummy longest (accompanied by lots of lovely hugs and kisses) when she never showed the slightest sign of jealousy when they were born Twisted Evil Twisted Evil I don't think she is jealous but is just stating her place in the wolf pack so I think jessica's is quite a normal reaction....as is grabbing onto one small thing and magnifying it out of all proportion.
think emily's feeling that she isn't handling this well is also realistic, it's quite true that as your kids get older you find you have to be a bit stricter on the discipline because you feel they ought to be capable of behaving better, as of course you think you've done an OK job of making them understand what is and isn't acceptable...then you find you have told them off and feel only seconds later you've been too harsh....
will wait eagerly for the next episode

 

#37:  Author: Gabrielle, Location: Near Paris, France PostPosted: Thu Dec 29, 2005 1:07 pm

Leahbelle this is really good. Very Happy

Jessica's reaction is very realistic and I understand her reaction completely, I mean why would you want a sister if you are happy the way you are?
I agree that Emily should have told her about Rosamund sooner, this is the kind of thing you need to get used too.

 

#38:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Thu Dec 29, 2005 2:58 pm

Hi Folks! Here is another update. Hope you enjoy it

Thanks for all your comments - its really great to read them and encouraging, too, to know that people seem to be enjoying it even though the characters will keep saying and doing things I didn't intend them to!Hope you all had a great Christmas!


The trip to the Seftons’ the next afternoon did not begin well. Jessica had been uncommunicative all morning. When Adam arrived in his car to take the Waynes to Moorlands house, she climbed into the back of the car and pointedly ignored his greeting, instead becoming avidly interested in the antics of a small boy riding his bike along the pavement. Jessica saw the apologetic look that Emily flashed at Adam, and the brief grim that Adam returned, and knew that her plan would work.

For the entire afternoon, she would remain silent. Jessica did not stop to consider the hurt and grief this would cause to her mother, let alone to Adam and his daughter.

Tea was a disaster.

Rosamund was lying on her couch when the Wayne’s entered. Room had been left at the bottom for Jessica so the two girls could chat but, when this was pointed out to her, Jessica deliberately ignored this and went to sit on a pouffe under the window, effectively placing herself outside the circle of conversation. Emily saw the look on poor Rosamund’s face and sat down beside her herself. On seeing this, Jessica’s face suffused with colour and it was obvious that she was angry. She didn’t see that it was her own doing.

Not a word did Jessica utter that afternoon. She sat on the pouffe looking out of the window and refused tea, sandwiches and cakes with a shake of her head. Rosamund, who tried pitifully to bring Jessica around, gradually grew quieter and quieter and the atmosphere in the room became almost intolerable. Emily, too, began to stop making an effort so embarrassed was she at Jessica’s behaviour. It was left to Adam to try to make the best of the situation but it was hard going and he was not sorry when Emily rose to say that they must go home.

Jessica knew that she would be in trouble when they reached home, but she was not unduly worried. Her mother was generally lenient where discipline was concerned and, to be honest, this was the first time in long months that she had misbehaved – not counting her rudeness on the Friday evening. Jessica was fairly confident that Emily would say a few harsh words and leave it at that.

Emily had no intention of leaving it at that. While she understood that things were difficult for her daughter, she still felt that there was no excuse for such rude behaviour. She blamed herself in part. She shouldn’t have expected Jessica to adjust to the news overnight. She would need time. But surely she could find a better way of coping?

Jessica would need to try to find a way to cope – when Emily had helped Adam to take the tea things back to the kitchen, he had proposed to her. It was not the most romantic of locations for a romantic moment, but she had accepted with only a moment’s hesitation and thought for Jessica. Perhaps, Emily thought, she was being selfish but after nearly thirteen years, Emily wanted to do something for herself, something that put her first for once.

Jessica was half way up the stairs back home when Emily shouted on her to come back down. Jessica obeyed immediately. Emily never shouted and she was taken aback. She followed her mother into the sitting room and prepared to be told off. What followed was harsh by Emily’s standards, who rarely said a stern word to Jessica. In truth, harsh words had rarely been needed. When she had finished, Jessica was left dazedly wondering why she felt it had ever been a good idea to take a vow of silence for the afternoon. Her punishment felt severe. For the rest of the day and the next morning, Jessica was to remain silent. She was not to speak except in absolute necessity. For a girl who loved chatting to her mother about her various ploys, this punishment hit hard as Emily knew it would. She hated having to do it, but she could see no other way of bringing Jessica’s behaviour home to her and she did not believe in corporal punishment.

Emily ended by telling Jessica about Adam’s proposal.

“Jess, I have accepted and we will be married quite soon. Now, I want you to go upstairs and use tonight and tomorrow morning to think about this, and about your behaviour. We’ll talk about things when you get back from school tomorrow.”

Jessica was horror struck. Her mother knew how she felt about Rosamund, and yet she was still going to marry Adam so that she could be Rosamund’s new mother! Jessica’s eyes betrayed her hurt and Emily felt sorry for her. She leaned over and kissed the girl on the forehead, but she jerked back before her lips made contact. Jessica leapt to her feet and, in defiance of her punishment, shouted “I hate you! I hate him! But most of all, I hate her!” and with that, she ran from the room. A moment later, Emily heard the bedroom door slam shut.

Emily put her head in her hands. She had handled that badly. She should have waited until Jessica was in a clearer frame of mind before telling her that she had accepted Adam’s proposal. She shouldn’t have told her that they would talk about things tomorrow – after all, what was there to talk about? Emily had made her decision and even Jessica’s worst behaviour could not change her mind. In fact, Jessica’s behaviour had made her even more determined that marrying Adam was the right thing to do. It was time Jessica had an authority figure in her life and high time she learned that there were others in the world to consider besides herself.

Emily didn’t think that she had brought Jessica up wrongly. It was only natural that she should have clung to her daughter, and Jessica to her, when they were left alone. Perhaps if she had remarried when Jessica was younger, it would have been easier for her to accept. Perhaps if Rosamund had not existed, or if she had at least not been crippled, Jessica would not have reacted so badly. Emily had to admit to herself that Rosamund was one of the reasons why she loved Adam so much. Although she had only met the girl three times, she cared for her already and Adam’s love for his daughter made Emily’s heart melt. Perhaps if Rosamund had been a different sort of girl, Emily would have felt differently, but she wanted to help Rosamund and, most of all she wanted to help Adam.

But at the expense of her own daughter’s happiness? Emily cast that thought from her mind.

Jessica remained in her bedroom for the rest of the evening, refusing to come down for dinner. Emily brought up her food on a tray and left it at the door of the room but, when she came back forty five minutes later, nothing had been touched. Worried, Emily took the tray back to the kitchen and prepared some bread and butter, some biscuits and a glass of milk. She placed these at the bedroom door thinking that, at least if Jessica got hungry in an hour or so, they would still be reasonably fresh. She knocked on the door. There was no reply which was to be expected given her punishment.

“Jess, darling, I’ve left some food at the door for you. It’ll be there when you’re ready.”

Things were no better in the morning. Emily had hoped that, by spending time alone with her thoughts, Jessica would have started to think more reasonably. One look at her daughter’s face as she took her place at the breakfast table told Emily that nothing had changed. Jessica looked pale and drawn which was not surprising since she had cried herself to sleep and had then woken just after 4am and had been unable to even doze for the rest of the night. She sat down at the table without even so much as a look at her mother and took a slice of toast. Emily watched as she slashed at it with the butter knife, scattering crumbs near and far. Jessica wasn’t hungry, and the food her mother had brought up the night before still sat untouched on the tray outside the bedroom door. However, she forced herself to eat the slice of toast and gulp down a cup of tea that was so full of milk that it was barely lukewarm. Then, still without meeting Emily’s eyes, she left the table and Emily could hear her in the hall, pulling on her school blazer. A few moments later, the door closed and Emily was left alone in the house, dazedly realising that, for the first time since she could remember, Jessica had gone to school without kissing her goodbye.

Emily was hurt. She also felt an unreasonable anger towards Jessica. Of course Jess was annoyed that she had been punished for her behaviour. If Jess had seemed repentant this morning, Emily would have lifted her punishment and the two could have had their usual breakfast conversation. It had been obvious that Jessica was still in a bad temper and Emily felt that she preferred not to become involved an argument and so the best thing was for Jess’ punishment to stand. Emily hoped that, by the time she had returned home from school, she would have worked off her anger and be prepared to start behaving like a proper human being.

At school, Jessica was sullen and withdrawn all day. She paid barely enough attention in lessons to avoid a scolding and more than one mistress tore their hair out over her appalling preparation. It was only with Charlotte that Jessica felt she could open up and this was good for no-one. Charlotte had a chip on her shoulder the size of her baby sister and she willingly passed on her experiences of sisterhood (but only the bad ones) to Jessica who became more and more determined as the day, and indeed week, went on that Rosamund would never be her sister.

Emily was disappointed when Jessica arrived back home in a mood as black as it had been in the morning. She had hoped, even expected, that her daughter would shake herself out of the sulks. With Jessica in this mood, however was Emily to begin to prepare for her wedding, let alone look forward to it?

 

#39:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Dec 29, 2005 3:22 pm

Quote:
She should have waited until Jessica was in a clearer frame of mind before telling her that she had accepted Adam’s proposal.

Yes, she definitely should have. Poor Jessica, all this is just too fast for her. But Emily is right; after so long alone, she should be entitled to some happiness. Thanks Leahbelle, I'm really enjoying this.

 

#40: Jessica Author: kibblebucket, Location: Norfolk PostPosted: Thu Dec 29, 2005 3:54 pm

I love your story and recognise in Jessica the behaviour of many a confused child I've taught

 

#41:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Dec 29, 2005 4:12 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I don't think there is an easy solution in this situation.

 

#42:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Dec 29, 2005 4:49 pm

Thanks leahbelle. Stepfamily relationships can be so difficult sometimes.

 

#43:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Dec 30, 2005 1:12 pm

But do mothers always have to sacrifice their own happiness because of their children? Crying or Very sad

Yes, perhaps Emily should have taken it slightly more slowly, but would Jessica have accepted it anyway, being the age she is, the age when one's own wants are the most important things in life, the age when it is most difficult to put oneself in another's shoes?

They are both between a rock and a hard place....

 

#44:  Author: Michelle, Location: Near London PostPosted: Fri Dec 30, 2005 1:30 pm

Poor Jessica and Emily (and poor Rosamund and Adam!). Thank you, Leahbelle. It's so easy to see each person's point of view, which makes it all the sadder.

Michelle

 

#45:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Dec 30, 2005 2:30 pm

I feel sorry for all of them.

 

#46:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Fri Dec 30, 2005 2:55 pm

(((Every single one of them but especially Jessica because everything could have been said in a different way to make her feel better!)))
poke Charlotte because she is just making everything worse!!

 

#47:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Fri Dec 30, 2005 6:41 pm

Poor Jessica. Poor little kiddy. Poor all of them actually. Thanks for this.

 

#48:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sat Dec 31, 2005 9:47 am

There's no reason why she shouldn't accept, but it would have been nice to have talked it over with Jessica first!

And also to take things a little slower......

Thanks Leahbelle

 

#49:  Author: RuthY, Location: Anyone's guess PostPosted: Sun Jan 01, 2006 11:04 am

This is great, thank you leahbelle.

Poor all of them.

It might have been better if Emily had taken it a little slower when Jessica was reacting badly. Charlotte is just making things worse although I suppose she doesn't really realise what she is doing.

Ruth

 

#50:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 12:14 pm

Despite Emily’s hopes, things did not improve as the week continued. At home, Jessica remained withdrawn and uncommunicative, almost as though she was carrying on her punishment of her own volition. At school, she was sullen and rude to the mistresses and her work fell off badly. This was such a change that Miss Smith, her form mistress, was seriously considering asking Mrs Wayne to come in to discuss her daughter and to see what they could do to help.

Jessica was not proud of her behaviour. She could see how it was affecting her mother and felt guilty, but she could think of no other way to let Emily know her feelings about Rosamund and the wedding.

On the Sunday afternoon, Adam and Rosamund came to tea at the Waynes’. Emily hoped that, by seeing Rosamund in the familiar surroundings of her own home, Jessica might thaw towards her and towards Adam. Jessica watched from the top of the stairs as Adam carried Rosamund into the house and through to the sitting room. Rosamund was settled on the settee and a blanket was placed round her shoulders. Jessica came downstairs slowly and unwillingly and perched herself uncomfortably on the edge of a chair. The settee was generally the domain of herself and her mother and so this was another black mark against Rosamund.

The afternoon went badly.

Jessica maintained her silent, sullen attitude and refused to speak, even when spoken to. She was really quite outrageously rude. Eventually, though it pained her to do so, Emily turned her back on Jessica and began to talk to Adam and Rosamund about plans for the wedding. She hoped that, in hearing the happy plans that were being made, Jessica might relax her sulks and join in. It was a vain hope.

After tea, Adam helped Emily take the crockery into the kitchen. Emily placed her little pile on the kitchen table and then sank down onto a stool and burst into tears. Adam literally dropped his own pile – later, one or two chipped tea cups were discovered – into the sink and then took Emily in his arms.

“Oh, darling, this is so difficult for you!” he whispered.

“I’m beginning to wonder if we shouldn get married at all,” Emily sobbed. “Jessica is so unhappy and its so unlike her. She’s such a happy girl, normally. She’s hardly spoken to me all week. She just comes home from school and spends the rest of the evening in her room. It’s like she doesn’t want to be around me anymore. Adam, I think she hates me!”

Adam sat down on a stool next to Emily and took her hands in his. “I wish she could see how miserable she’s making you,”

“Only because I’m making her miserable,” Emily sniffed.

“Nonsense,” Adam was quite firm about this. “It’s Jessica who has made the decision to behave like this over our engagement. No-one has forced her to hate the idea. You deserve to be happy. You’ve cared for her since she was born and given up your own wants and needs. Its time Jessica realised that. It’s time that you were allowed to be happy. Jessica’s not a baby anymore. She’s twelve, nearly thirteen. That’s old enough to be able to think about other people and to put what’s best for them first. She can’t expect you to devote her whole life to her now that she’s growing up. Besides, Jessica needs her own space to develop and grow. She doesn’t need you to smother her with love all day.”

“Then why she is being so difficult about us getting married?”

“I think,” said Adam, “that it has a lot to do with Rosamund. You told me Jessica said that she didn’t want a sister, yet she wouldn’t mind having a new father. She feels that having a new sister would mean that she will have to share you. Finding out that Rosamund requires a lot more care than a “normal” sister has only compounded that idea. She feels that you and she will grow apart, that you won’t want her anymore once you have Rosamund to care for.”

“I know, but what can we do to show that we do love her? I’ll always want her! She’s my daughter. How could she even think otherwise?”

“She’s at a difficult age. She’s going through a lot of changes. This will be another big change in her life and she probably feels overwhelmed. We need to try to make things as easy for her as possible.”

“How can you be so understanding when she’s been so awful to you and Rosamund?”

Adam shrugged. “I don’t know that I am,” he said honestly. “I can see how unhappy she is making you and that’s wrong. I can see that she, herself, is unhappy and that isn’t right either. If there’s anything that we can do to help her, then we must do it. At the same time, we need to let her know that her behaviour won’t change how you feel about me and that we will get married.”

“It sounds so easy when you say it!”

“It’s much harder for you because you are on your own with her. Once we’re married, I’ll be there to help you. I’m sure that, given time to settle in to these new ideas, Jessica will be fine.”

Emily was not so sure, but she did not say so. “I think we should get married soon. I’m scared that I will change my mind if Jessica goes on like this. I can’t bear to see her so miserable.”

Adam nodded. “I don’t think you will change your mind. I think you know what you want too much for that! I’ve been thinking about dates, though. When does Jessica break up for the summer holidays?”

“Three weeks time and, oh Adam, how am I going to cope with her for eight weeks at home if she’s still in this mood?”

“Don’t worry, darling, I told you I had been thinking. I propose we get married on the Saturday after Jessica finishes school. Yes, I know it’s not long, but you love me don’t you? And I love you. Why wait any longer to do what we both want? I’ve spoken to Reverend Hayes and he can fit us in. What do you think?”

Emily took a deep breath. It was very soon, but it felt right. Adam would be able to help her with Jessica and she would not be alone anymore. She would have someone at her right hand side to help her cope.

“Yes,” she said. “Let’s get married!”

“There are still a lot of things we need to talk about – where we’ll live, honeymoon and so on. Would you come to lunch with me tomorrow? My deputy manager started last week and he’s beginning to take some of the pressure off me. I can hope to start getting home on time soon and may even be able to leave my work at work!”

“I’m not at the library tomorrow, and I’d love to have lunch with you.”

“Good. I’ll pick you up at 1230. Now, why don’t we go and tell the girls?”

“Jessica’s not going to take it well.”

“She may surprise you,” said Adam, but Emily looked doubtful. “In any case, Jessica mustn’t be allowed to ruin your excitement. We’ll need to have a think about how we turn this into something she can look forward to.”

Walking back into to the sitting room, Emily and Adam were surprised to find Rosamund on her own.

“Where’s Jessica?” Emily asked.

“I don’t know, Mrs Wayne, she left the room just after you and dad and she hasn’t come back.”

“I expect she remembered something that she had to do,” Adam said easily.

“I’ll fetch her,” Emily went upstairs and found Jessica sitting on bed, the photograph of her and Richard on her lap. Jessica appeared to be talking to the picture and the girl jumped violently when Emily spoke, turning the photo over and pushing it out of the way. “Jess, I need you to come downstairs. Adam and I have something we want to tell you and Rosamund.”

Jessica clambered off the bed, her reluctance obvious in her face. She stomped downstairs behind her mother and stood awkwardly in the doorway while Adam and Emily held hands and stood in front of the fireplace, facing the girls.

“Jessica, Rosamund,” Adam said, “Emily and I have set a date for the wedding, three weeks on Saturday.”

If she had been able to, Rosamund, in her excitement, would have flung herself across the room and thrown herself at her father. As it was, her face expressed her pleasure and she clapped her hands together delightedly. In two strides, Adam had crossed the room and enveloped her in a bear hug.

Jessica’s reaction was different. She had known about the engagement, of course, but she had felt that, until a date was set, nothing was carved in stone. This was a bitter blow. She looked from Emily to Adam and Rosamund, and then back to Emily, tears sparkling in her eyes.

“How can you!” she cried to Emily. “Why don’t you want me anymore?”

And with that, Jessica fled from the room to take refuge on her bed and comfort from the photo of Richard.

 

#51:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 12:27 pm

Thanks leahbelle - very sad but very realistic.

 

#52:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 12:50 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I hope they will be able to make all the preparations for the wedding in time.

 

#53:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 1:24 pm

Help needed, please! Emily is taking Jessica to the cinema to see a film for a birthday treat. Does anyone have any idea what films suitable for children were released around this time? (Its two years before Mary Lou so 1954 or thereabouts.) Were any of Jo's books ever filmed?

Thanks a lot!

 

#54:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:46 pm

No idea about films but that was a wonderful update! I'm quite wanting to poke Adam - he went from being lovely and understand to a complete chauvinist idiot.

Thanks Leahbelle

 

#55:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 5:07 pm

Oh dear- that was possibly the worst thing to say to Jessica just then! Thank-you Leahbelle, that was a lovely update. Very Happy

 

#56: Jessica Author: kibblebucket, Location: Norfolk PostPosted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 5:27 pm

Ok I know she's behaving appallingly, but still, poor Jessica. She really is scared that she'll lose her Mother and whist Rosamund's needs are to be met, very little has been done to help a very frightened Jessica. It's really sad. What a wonderful story (and one which is so relevant in today's climate of broken and step-families- I taught one class of 9-10 year olds where only 5/30 still had both parents living with them)

 

#57:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 8:37 pm

leahbelle wrote:
You’ve cared for her since she was born and given up your own wants and needs. Its time Jessica realised that. It’s time that you were allowed to be happy. Jessica’s not a baby anymore. She’s twelve, nearly thirteen. That’s old enough to be able to think about other people and to put what’s best for them first.


*wonders what Adam was like when he was 12, nearly 13*

Thanks Leahbelle - this is brilliant!

Liz

 

#58:  Author: Dot, Location: Ireland PostPosted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 10:15 pm

Hey leahbelle check out this link for some info on 1954 films.

 

#59:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 8:58 am

Dot wrote:
Hey leahbelle check out this link for some info on 1954 films.


Hi Dot - Thanks so much for this! Its really helpful and I've decided on a film now!

Thanks to all for reading this and for taking the time to make comments. I'm glad you all seem to be enjoying it - even though my characters seem to have a life of their own! Adam is not turning out at all as I had intended and I am having difficulty with Jessica. I know that EBD says that her behaviour was outrageous, but the difference between what would be classed as outrageous behaviour today and in the 50s must be very different. Today she'd probably take up smoking, do some drugs and get herself pregnant!

Here's a brief update:

The Seftons left five minutes later, leaving Emily alone with her confused daughter. She decided to allow Jessica time to gather her thoughts into some semblance of order before trying to talk to her and so she washed and dried the tea dishes before climbing upstairs once more to confront Jessica.

Emily may as well not have bothered. Jessica lay on her bed, her back to the door and would not even turn round to look at her mother. Emily perched on the edge of the bed and tried to persuade Jessica to turn round, but the girl lay with her eyes closed and gave no sign that she either knew or cared that Emily was there.

After ten minutes, Emily gave it up as a bad job. It was heartrending for her to see her daughter in that state and nothing she said or did seemed to improve the situation. As she left the room and closed the door, Jessica sat up and it felt to her like her mother’s worst abandonment. Clutching the photograph, Jessica fell back onto the bed and burst into a flood of tears that continued for almost an hour, ending only through sheer exhaustion when she fell into an uneasy sleep.

 

#60:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 9:00 am

Oh dear, this is so difficult for everyone, isn't it? Thanks leahbelle.

 

#61:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 10:18 am

She is only 12, and I know it felt grown up at the time, but actually, it's awfully little in reality. Poor Jessica. I hope something helps soon.

 

#62:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 1:19 pm

Poor Jessica Crying or Very sad

Thanks Leahbelle

Liz

 

#63:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 1:21 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I'm sorry that communication has broken down so much between Emily and Jessica.

 

#64:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 10:42 am

Here's another wee bit. Be gentle to Adam - he just won't do and say the things I want him to!

The following morning, Jessica set off for school without even saying goodbye to Emily. Unsure whether to be hurt or angry, Emily decided to be hurt and it was only the memory of Adam’s words the day before that stopped her from getting in touch with him and cancelling their lunch.

Adam took Emily to a well known local hotel in town for lunch. They were seated in a quiet corner of the dining room which had a view over the high street. It was obvious to Adam that Emily was upset and he made her tell him about it. Emily explained about Jessica’s behaviour in the bedroom and this morning, when she had left for school.

“I think it’ll be good for Jessica to know when all the arrangements have been made,” said Adam. “I expect she’s worrying about all sorts of things, like what she should call me and where we’ll live.”

“I didn’t think about that. She always calls Richard “Father”.”

“Rosamund calls me “Dad”.”

“I like that,” Emily said approvingly. “Not too formal.”

“She could always call me “Adam”,”

“She could not! That’s a lot too informal for my liking!”

“Rosamund has asked if she could call you “Mum”. What do you think?”

“Oh, of course she can!” Emily was touched. “I’m always “Mother” to Jessica, so she won’t feel as if Rosamund is stealing that from her, too.”

“Then that’s settled. I’ve been thinking a lot about where you’d like to live…”

“Won’t we live at Moorlands?” Emily asked. “It’s such a beautiful old house, and Jessica would love to live in the country. She could have one of those suites on the first floor for her very own – living room and bedroom. Then, if she felt that things were getting too much for her, she’ll always have somewhere private to slip away to.”

“Would you really like to live at Moorlands? I wondered if it wouldn’t be better to look for somewhere that was new to us both and make a fresh start.”

Emily shook her head. “No, don’t do that, Adam. I’ve thought about it as well. Rosamund loves that house and it’s the only home she’s ever known. I think it would be far too upsetting for her to subject her to a move. Besides, I used to like in the country as a girl and I’ve missed it. The town is fine, but there’s something about the country. Think of the walks we can take together. Jessica will adore the open space and there’ll be room in the house for her to have her friends to stay.”

“What will you do with your house? You could make a bit of extra cash by renting it out.”

“No, I think I’ll sell it. One of the girls at work is getting married just after us and she’s looking for a place. If she’s not interested, then I’m sure there are plenty who will be. I’d like to put the money into a trust fund for Rosamund and Jessica.”

“Really? Em, that’s just about the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for Rosamund. Not that she’ll need the money as such, but she will need care for the rest of her life and it means a lot to me to know that she’ll be secure. You know,” he went on, “when you first met Rosamund, I was scared you’d run off.”

“Why on earth? Because she’s crippled?”

Adam nodded. “You’d be surprised how it puts some people off. I told you about Ruth, didn’t I? We were quite close but as soon as she realised that marrying me meant being shackled to Rosamund as well, she left.”

“That’s awful!” Emily cried. “So cruel. Rosamund is one of the sweetest girls I know. She never complains, does she, and she’s so brave. I’m looking forward to being her mother. I think she needs one! Housekeepers and governesses are all very well, but sometimes you just want your mum. I’m not expecting her to accept me straight away. It’ll take a bit of getting used to for her, but…”

“Hey,” Adam interrupted, “there’s no need to worry about Rosamund. She told me last night how much she was looking forward to having a mum… and to having a sister.”

Emily looked grave. “Do you think Jessica will ever accept Rosamund?”

Adam frowned. “I don’t know whether she is struggling so much because she thinks you are being taken away from her as because Rosamund is crippled.”

“Oh, no, Adam. Jessica isn’t like that. She wouldn’t think any the less of Rosamund because of her disability. Although,” Emily said with a flash of insight, “I will need to spend a lot more time caring for Rosamund than if she was able to walk and so that will mean that I won’t be able to spend so much time with Jessica. I guess that must be part of it. I suppose it would be difficult enough for Jess to learn to share me with just you, but it will be doubly hard because of Rosamund.”

“Then we have to try to help her and make it as easy for her as we can.”

“I don’t think that Jess is going to make it easy for us to help her.”

“Don’t worry, Em. We’ll do it. Together we can do anything. Have you had any thoughts about a honeymoon?” Adam changed the subject swiftly.

“No. I thought we’d just settle straight into our home together, what with Rosamund and Jessica.”

“Definitely not! You must have a honeymoon. Have you ever been to Scotland?”

“No, which is strange as my parents live in the Lake District. Are we going to Scotland?”

“Yes. We’re going to spend ten days touring round the Highlands,” Adam announced.

“Oh, Adam, that’s fantastic! But… what about the girls?”

“No problem! You said yourself that your parents live in the Lake District. I propose that we drop Jessica off with them on the way up and collect her on the way back down. That way, she has a holiday, too.”

“And what about Rosamund?”

“Again, no problem. My sister lives near York and Rosamund will go up with them after the wedding. I thought we could spend the night at your parents after dropping Jessica off and then go on to Scotland the next day. It’s such a long journey. What do you think?”

“It sounds great! I haven’t had a holiday in years. Oh, we go to stay with my parents a lot, but its not the same as really getting away from it all. Jessica’s never been away from me for that length of time before. I wonder what she’ll think?”

“She’ll probably be glad of a break from us. I was going to suggest sending both girls to my sisters but I think it would be best to give Jess some time to herself, away from Rosamund.”

“How will Rosamund manage?” Emily queried.

“Rosamund always spends two weeks each year at Rebecca’s,” Adam explained. “It’s good for her to have a change. And, it’s what normal girls do – go on holiday. I can’t do much to make her life normal, but I can give her a holiday. Rebecca loves her. In fact, she wishes we had settled closer to her after my wife’s death but I wanted Rosamund all to myself at first and we’ve just kind of stayed. So going to Rebecca’s will be quite normal for Rosamund.”

“Do you think Rosamund would be well enough to be a bridesmaid?”

“Rosamund? What about Jessica?”

“Oh, it goes without saying that I want Jess to my Chief Bridesmaid, but I think it would be nice if Rosamund could take part in the ceremony too. She’d be able to sit at the front in her chair, wouldn’t she, and she could have a proper bridesmaid’s dress. Would she like that?”

“Like it?” Adam gasped. “She’d love it. I thought you’d probably only want to have Jessica, so I haven’t mentioned anything to Rosamund.”

“Then tell her. It’ll be something for her to look forward to. Perhaps she could come shopping for her dress with Jess and I?”

Adam shook his head. “I don’t think she’d be up to that, and shops aren’t made for invalid chairs, especially those little boutique places. But what if we ask a dressmaker to come to the house? You three could spend an afternoon deciding on dresses and styles and fabrics?”

“Won’t that be terribly expensive?” Emily asked doubtfully.

Adam smiled wryly. “When I got married the first time, we were poor. It was before I had worked my way up in the bank. We couldn’t afford a big do, and the closest poor Anne got for a wedding dress was a new white summer dress…”

“That’s exactly what I wore when I married Richard! He had just bought the house and there wasn’t enough money for anything smart.”

“And I bet you thought, as I did, that you’d only get married once?” he continued as Emily nodded, “Then this time we’re going to do it properly. We can afford it and our girls deserve a proper show. Most of all, we deserve it. I know how difficult it’s been for me since Anne died. I’m sure it’s been just as hard for you and Jessica. I think, darling, that our time has come!”

 

#65:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 11:17 am

Thank-you Leahbelle- this is such a lovely drabble! At least Emily and Adam are starting to see a few things from Jessica's POV, but I hope that they tell Jessica at the right time this time!! Laughing Is Jessica going to like Rosamund being bridesmaid as well??

 

#66:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 11:18 am

Poor Jessica, she's going to feel really bad about this, all these arrangements are being made and she'll just feel left out and even more ignored and isolated.

I know her reactions are bad, but they're also natural.

 

#67:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 1:36 pm

Oh dear - poor Jess is going to hate everything just because it's more change and she's got no control over it isn't she Sad

Thanks Leahbelle - this is brilliant.

Liz

 

#68:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 2:23 pm

They are so sweet together; I just wish that Jessica could see it, too. Thanks, leahbelle.

 

#69:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 3:06 pm

They are very sweet - but also very high-handed. It would have been so much better to talk to both girls about it, get the both involved in the arrangements. At least then they would be forced to talk, because I can't see Jessica letting Rosamund getting her own way after something she really likes.

Thanks Leahbelle

 

#70:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 05, 2006 7:19 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I also wish they would talk more to Jessica and Rosamund about their decisions.

 

#71:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 9:28 am

In those days they didn't. Things were just announced to them and children were expected to put up with them.

 

#72:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 10:50 am

Hi Folks. Here's another update. This is turning into a regular novel!

Adam and Emily are being high handed and the bunny is afraid that it's only going to get worse!!

Emily went back home after lunch with a singing heart. Everything was going to be fine. There was nothing that Adam had not thought of. Going into the sitting room and looking around the familiar room, she knew that she would miss the little terraced house which had been home for many years now. Although they hadn’t discussed furniture, Emily felt sure that Adam would allow her to bring her own favourite pieces, and her pictures and ornaments, so that Moorlands would feel like her home. Jessica would enjoy being given one of the suites on the first floor, so different from the tiny room she inhabited at the moment. She and Adam would have the other suite and Rosamund’s room was on the ground floor. The gardens at Moorlands were a joy to behold, and she knew she would like spending time there. There wasn’t a proper garden at the terrace and Emily missed the flowers and shrubs that she had been used to tending whilst growing up. Jessica had never had a chance to enjoy a garden either, except when she went to stay with her grandparents, and perhaps she and Rosamund could spend time there in the summer months.

Jessica came back from school and came in the sitting room after she had removed her blazer. Emily looked up in surprise from her sewing. She had expected Jessica to go straight upstairs. It was clear that something had happened, as Jessica looked happier than she had in days.

“Hello, darling,” Emily said, clearing her sewing off the seat beside her and beckoning to Jessica to sit down beside her. When Jessica was ensconced on the cushions, Emily asked, “How was your day?”

“Oh, the usual,” Jessica said noncommittally. “Mother, Charlotte says that when you marry Mr Sefton, I can go and live with them. She’s going to ask her mother tonight, but she’s sure it’ll be fine.”

Emily was stunned into silence.

“I can share Charlotte’s room, because the baby has the spare room,” Jessica continued, “and I can come home to visit you on Sundays. You can come to see me at theirs, too.”

Emily found her voice and she tried to remain calm. “Darling, I’m afraid that won’t be possible. Charlotte’s mother has far too much on her plate already without having to worry about looking after someone else’s daughter. Charlotte is very naughty to have suggested this to you. Besides, I would miss you. I want you to live with me and Adam and Rosamund. They want you to live with us too.”

“But I don’t want to live with them!” Jessica burst out. “Why won’t you let me stay with Charlotte? You’re always saying that you want me to be happy, and this would make me happy. Living with them wouldn’t make me happy at all.”

“You can’t go to live with Charlotte, Jess, and that’s an end to the matter. I want my daughter to live with me. I don’t want to discuss it any further,” Emily said firmly. “When Mr Sefton and I are married, we’re going to go and live in his house, Moorlands House. We talked about it today, and you’re to have a suite of rooms of your very own. Won’t that be fun? You’ll have your own living room and a bedroom. You’ll be able to have friends to stay over whenever you want.”

“We won’t be living here?” Jessica hadn’t thought much about the logistics of what would happen once her mother had married Adam. She was too busy hating the idea in the here and now to think about what would happen after the event. “But we’ve always lived here.”

“Not always,” Emily reminded her, “we moved here when you were six. Do you remember the cottage we used to live in before we came here? You liked the country, didn’t you?”

“Yes, but…”

“Well, Moorlands House is in the country. Didn’t you think it would be a nice place to live when we went to tea there?”

Jessica shook her head. She hadn’t thought anything at all about living in their house.

“You’ll be able to take all your special things with you, and we’ll be buying you some new things, too,” Emily said persuasively. “Would you like a new dress for the wedding?”

Jessica screwed her face up. She had never been a child who liked “pretty” clothes, preferably to scramble about in attire which had seen better days. “Not really,” was her response.

“You’ll need to get a nice new dress if you’re going to my bridesmaid,”

“I’m to be your bridesmaid?” Jessica cried, her face brightening and Emily felt that, at last she might be getting somewhere. “I’m to walk down the aisle with you and hold your dress and things?”

“Yes. Who else would I want to be my Chief Bridesmaid?”

“Chief Bridesmaid?” Jessica sounded suspicious. “Will Rosamund be a different sort of bridesmaid?”

Here we go again, Emily thought.

“Rosamund will be a bridesmaid, too, but you will be the most important one. She’ll need to sit at the front of the church. She won’t be able to walk behind me. And it will be you who’ll help me to greet the guests and dance with everyone.”

“Can’t I be your only bridesmaid?”

“You could, yes, but I’d like Rosamund to be one too. It’ll make her very happy. Otherwise, she’ll feel very left out and that wouldn’t be nice. You wouldn’t want to feel left out, would you? After all, it is her father who’s getting married, so she’ll want to take part. Come, Jess, will you be my Chief Bridesmaid?”

Jessica was in two minds. She desperately wanted to be a bridesmaid at the wedding. She didn’t particularly want to wear a pretty dress that she would have to keep clean, but she relished the thought of walking down the aisle behind her mother with all the guests watching her. It would be fun to meet people and to dance too, but she didn’t want to share the honour with Rosamund. What fun would it be having to look after a girl who couldn’t walk?

“Who will look after Rosamund?” she asked.

“Miss Winter, Rosamund’s governess will be there to keep an eye on her. You’ll be the one who is able to have fun; Rosamund will only be able to watch.”

“Alright,” Jessica agreed. If she could look pretty for her mother, while Rosamund could only sit in her chair, Emily would soon see that she, not Rosamund, was the most special daughter.

Not knowing what was going through Jessica’s mind, Emily hugged her. “Good! And we won’t have any more nonsense about going to live with Charlotte?”

Jessica shook her head reluctantly. She would still rather live with Charlotte and the new baby than with Rosamund, but that was something her mother clearly wasn’t going to agree to straight away. The climax to that came when Charlotte’s mother called round later that evening and explained very patiently to Emily that she was very sorry, but it would be impossible for Jessica to live with them. Wondering what on earth Jessica had said to Charlotte that would have put such ideas into Mrs Burgess’ head, Emily told her that there had never been any question of Jess leaving home to live with the Burgess’. Mrs Burgess left with some idea of Jessica’s feelings on the subject of her mother’s remarriage and her new sister, and resolved to speak to Charlotte about the iniquities of talking about how awful it was to have a sister.

Jessica had been in the hall when Mrs Burgess had called and she had heard every word. She was furious, first because Charlotte’s mother had let her down and second because Emily had spoken very candidly to Mrs Burgess about Jess’ attitude, having no idea that she was listening in the hall. Jessica didn’t like what she heard but, instead of blaming herself and making the decision to try to like Rosamund and Adam, she blamed Rosamund.

 

#73:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 10:54 am

Poor Jessica. And yet from what we here in 'Mary-Lou' I can imagine it must have been pretty much like this for her. Thanks, leahbelle.

 

#74:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 10:55 am

Oh dear, this isn't going well. Thanks leahbelle.

 

#75:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 12:20 pm

We like novels, Leahbelle, and I'm really enjoying this. You're giving it so much more depth than we got in the books and making it so credible.

Really, it's the parents I blame, not for wanting some happiness, but for arranging things so suddenly. It would have been so much better for the girls to have met first and got to know one another before springing the whole 'new sister' thing on Jessica.

 

#76:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 2:21 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I'm glad that Jessica has agreed to be a bridesmaid. I hope Charlotte's Mum can talk Charlotte into not being so negative about having a sister.

 

#77:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 6:49 pm

*agrees with Chair* Things might be a bit easier if Charlotte will stop going on about how bad sisters are.
Thanks Leahbelle- it's good that this is getting long!! Very Happy

 

#78:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 9:37 pm

This is great Leahbelle - I can see just how this situation could and how have arisen it just isn't going to get better any time soon.

It's like watching a car-crash.....how long before she tries to hurt/remove Rosamund?

*starts wibbling in preparation*

 

#79:  Author: Pado, Location: Connecticut, USA PostPosted: Sat Jan 07, 2006 1:26 am

Quote:
Here's another wee bit. Be gentle to Adam - he just won't do and say the things I want him to!


Isn't this supposed to mean your characters are becoming alive?

Yours certainly are! Smile I'm really enjoying this!

 

#80:  Author: Guest,  PostPosted: Sat Jan 07, 2006 1:14 pm

Thanks so much for all your comments and thanks for taking the time to read it! Its great that everyone seems to be enjoying it. I'm thoroughly enjoying writing it. No more til Monday, I'm afraid, cos its on my pc at work!

Have a fab weekend, all.

 

#81:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Sat Jan 07, 2006 1:14 pm

Oops. sorry. That was me forgetting to log in!

 

#82:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 9:12 am

Thus, when Saturday and the day of the dressmaker’s visit arrived, the brief respite that Emily had felt when Jessica had agreed to be a bridesmaid had passed and Jessica was once again deep in the sulks. She had got into trouble at school on two occasions that week, once for prep done so badly that she might as well not have bothered doing it at all and then for cheeking a mistress outrageously when she was told not to talk in the corridors. She had been given two order marks and had had to spend some of her free time at home in redoing the prep. This, again, she blamed on Rosamund.

Adam Sefton collected them both from town and drove them out to Moorlands House. They had been very lucky to get a dressmaker with time to spare to make three dresses at such short notice and Adam was paying for the privilege. Mrs Hunter was an experienced dress maker who was better used to dealing with blushing young brides than more mature ladies with daughters, one of whom was so sulky that she barely spoke a word and the other who was chair bound which made measuring extremely difficult.

For Emily, Mrs Hunter suggested a plain sheath dress in cream silk with a plain veil to match. Emily agreed thankfully. She had been concerned lest Mrs Hunter should suggest something flouncy and frilly which would make her look like a cake decoration. Mrs Hunter had not been a dressmaker for twenty years for nothing, however, and she was able to sum up her client’s needs with barely more than a nod in Emily’s direction.

She felt that Rosamund would be more comfortable in an ordinary summer dress rather than something made of material that would make her hot and sticky and would give her no room to move about in. A pretty, loose pattern was chosen in a blue sprigged cotton and Rosamund declared herself pleased.

Jessica was more difficult. She refused to wear anything resembling a traditional bridesmaid’s dress, turning aside the pages of the pattern book with expressions of disgust at the simple, girlish designs she saw. She would have refused to choose a dress at all, but she felt somewhat in awe of Mrs Hunter who never stood any nonsense from anyone, let alone a spoiled twelve year old.

Emily, beginning to wish that she had left Jessica at home as the girl gave vent to comments like, “I’m not wearing that!” and “That’s a baby’s dress!”, pointed at a pale blue dress with an embroidered bodice and full skirt.

“What about that one?” she suggested brightly. It’s very pretty and it would match the blue embroidery on my dress and the blue flowers on Rosamund’s.”

“A very good idea,” Mrs Hunter nodded approvingly. “It’s exactly the right sort of style for her.”

“But I don’t like it,” Jessica stated.

“You haven’t liked any of the dresses so far,” Mrs Hunter pointed out. She turned to Emily, effectively ignoring Jessica. “I think you should go for this one, Madam. I have another appointment to get to shortly.”

That decided Emily. She had wanted Jess to choose a dress she liked but it was clear that none of the dresses that Mrs Hunter had to show them would meet with her approval and the session was becoming painful. Rosamund was looking tired and Emily herself felt that enough was enough.

“Thank you, Mrs Hunter. Would you please make up this dress for Jessica? Then the sprigged cotton for Rosamund,” she flashed a smile at the younger girl, “and the cream for me.”

“Of course,” Mrs Hunter agreed. “I’ll contact you to arrange a final fitting. It will be a bit of a rush to get these done in time, but Mr Sefton helped us out a while ago so I’m pleased to do anything I can for him.”

With the dress question sorted, and Adam taking care of all other arrangements, the main problem still remained Jessica. She gave no sign that she was letting up on her dislike of Rosamund. Emily tried to be patient with her, aware that the girl was desperately unhappy but, try as she might, she was unable to make Jessica see that much of her unhappiness was her own fault. Several outings with the Seftons were a complete disaster because of Jessica’s rudeness – she was either appallingly insubordinate or else she refused to speak to Adam and Rosamund at all. Although Emily despaired, Adam seemed to take it all in his stride, convinced that, after the wedding, Jessica would be reconciled to things.

Jessica herself was desperately trying to hold her world together. She was not used to change and this change had come about very quickly and with little warning. Perhaps if she had had longer to come to terms with the idea of having a new sister and having to share her mother, she might have felt differently. Perversely, she liked Adam; it was only his daughter with whom she had a problem. Whether or not Jessica would have had such a down on Rosamund if the younger girl hadn’t been crippled was unclear.

Jessica’s school work was beginning to suffer. Her sleep patterns were still erratic and she always looked pale and drawn. Her eyes had huge black circles underneath them and she was beginning to lose weight. Emily had heard Jessica crying in the night and, on more than one occasion, had got up to go to her but when she entered the room she found Jessica huddled beneath the quilt, quiet and still and, to all appearances, fast asleep. Although she spoke to the girl comfortingly, Jessica made no response and there was little Emily could do but withdraw.

 

#83:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 9:40 am

Oh dear, she's blaming Rosamund for everything, isn't she? This is very realistic, thanks leahbelle.

 

#84:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 12:36 pm

Poor poor Jessica. You're writing this brilliantly - I can see exactly how both parties are feeling.

Thank you, leahbelle.

 

#85:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 1:45 pm

Poor Jessica Sad

Thanks Leahbelle - I can see this happening.

Liz

 

#86:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 1:52 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. It's all so natural.

 

#87:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 10:13 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. The dresses sound lovely.

 

#88:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Tue Jan 10, 2006 9:08 am

The Saturday before the wedding was Jessica’s thirteenth birthday. It had long been arranged that Emily would take both Jessica and Charlotte to see a film at the local cinema followed by a birthday tea at a local hotel and then, time permitting, ice skating at the newly opened indoor ice rink in the town. Emily was the first to admit that Jessica’s behaviour did not warrant any form of treat for her birthday, but she was wise enough to know that, should the treat be withheld on grounds of bad behaviour, it would only serve to make Jessica worse and more inclined to think that her mother had turned against her.

In the morning, Jessica opened her presents. There were the usual sweets, clothes and books from her grandparents and Emily. Emily had also given her a pretty necklace of some blue stones which would look nice when worn with her bridesmaid dress. From Adam there was a lovely sketch of the terrace house, Adam being rather a gifted artist when his work allowed him the time. Jessica looked at the picture without much enthusiasm but, inwardly, she was deciding that it should hang above her dressing table. Rosamund had sent a bracelet made of the same stones as the necklace Emily had given her, indicating that the two had collaborated over their presents and Jessica felt a deep sense of annoyance. Did Rosamund have to invade everything – even her birthday?

Though she professed herself pleased with the necklace, Jessica relegated the bracelet to its box and determined that she would not wear it. This was a pity as it was a simple bracelet, not at all fussy, and just the type of jewellery that Jessica would have chosen for herself.

Jessica did make an effort to pull herself out of her misery for her birthday. The Seftons were not involved at all and, apart from Charlotte (who didn’t count), Jessica had Emily to herself for the whole day. The cinema was a rare treat and the matinee performance of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was thoroughly enjoyed by all three. On leaving the cinema, Charlotte declared that she was going to be an actress. She would go to Hollywood and all the leading men would fall at her feet. Jessica snorted at this and said that she would far rather watch films than make them, feeling that learning all those lines would be a unique form of torture, and the singing part didn’t even bear thinking about!

Tea was a sticky and delicious selection of cream cakes and it was a full hour before the girls felt ready to continue to the skating rink. Emily, too, donned a pair of skates and the three wobbled round the ice envying those who flew past them with the skill and ease of the practiced skater. There was one bad moment when Charlotte tripped and Jessica fell down with her, both girls banging their heads quite hard on the cold ice. They were up again immediately and, after ensuring that no harm had been done, Emily allowed them to skate off again. She herself hung up her skates after about half an hour and went off to get a cup of tea to warm herself up. The girls continued for another forty five minutes after which time Emily called them to the side to return their skates. She took them for a hot drink to warm their cold hands and then Mrs Burgess arrived to collect Charlotte.

Emily was delighted to see that, during the skating especially, the mulish look had left Jessica’s face and she looked as happy and contented as Charlotte or any of the other girls in the rink. She was quieter than normal, particularly with her mother, but her chatter with Charlotte was cheerful and girlish and Emily felt hopeful that, perhaps, this day might mark a turning point for Jessica. One of the reasons that Emily had agreed to the ice skating was because she hoped that it would make Jessica realise that this was something which Rosamund had to miss out on. Anyone could go to the cinema, even in an invalid chair, but unless you wanted to sit at the side of the rink and freeze, skating was strictly for those taking part.

As they walked home, Jessica kept up her new found cheerfulness and talked quite happily to Emily about what a nice day she had had for her thirteenth birthday. She liked the necklace and even mentioned the sketch Adam had sent, though she did not mention the bracelet. However, Emily saw the clouds begin to come down over Jessica’s face almost as the front door closed behind them. She wished that she had kept the girl out longer to keep up her happy mood.

 

#89:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Jan 10, 2006 9:47 am

Poor Rosamund can't do anything right, can she?

Thanks, leahbelle.

 

#90:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 10, 2006 10:13 am

Thanks, Leahbelle. I'm glad she had such a good birthday.

 

#91:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 10, 2006 1:10 pm

I'm glad Jessica was able to enjoy her birthday - very wise of Emily not to involve Adam and Rosamund in the day's events.

Thanks, Leahbelle

Liz

 

#92:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Tue Jan 10, 2006 5:34 pm

I'm very glad that Jessica had a lovely birthday, but surely she should have begun to realise by now that nothing is Rosamund's fault and that Emily will still love her even when she has two daughters? I know that Jessica is only 12 but so is my sister and all her friends- they would accept this I'm sure. Oh dear, I forsee bad things coming now! Confused
Thanks Leahbelle, this is fantastic! Very Happy

 

#93:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Jan 10, 2006 11:11 pm

Oh dear - I do think Emily could have left Rosamund out of it, and Rosamund given her something separately.

Poor all of them

 

#94:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 9:18 am

I must admit I'm struggling somewhat with Jessica now. Part of me wants to give her a good spank or a shake and tell her to pull herself together and yet we know that things are only going to get worse for them all!

It was more obvious than ever that Jessica’s sulkiness had returned as Saturday evolved into Sunday and then Monday. She was rude and sullen throughout Sunday, refusing to go to Church and, when Emily insisted, she deliberately sang at her loudest causing the heads of even those sitting in the further pews to turn to stare at her. At an appropriate break in the service, Emily sent Jessica outside with instructions to wait in the graveyard until Church was over. Emily was furious at Jessica although she had been able to see the funny side of it – Jessica had spared nothing in volume or tone and Emily was able to laugh later when she recounted the story to Adam – she was embarrassed by her daughter’s latest and meant to make her think about the error of her ways. On the way home, Emily spoke seriously to Jessica about how her behaviour had not only been rude to the congregation and the minister but that it had also been rude to God. This was not something Jessica had considered, but she tossed aside Emily’s words with a contemptuous sniff and refused to see reason. The pleasant atmosphere of the previous afternoon was merely a memory.

 

#95:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 1:18 pm

Oh dear!

What a shame there's no outside adult Jessica can talk to about things.

Thanks Leahbelle

Liz

 

#96:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 3:50 pm

Poor Jessica. I can see why Emily and Adam might think she needs a good stern talking to, but while that might help for a couple of days, it won't in the long run and it will probably alienate Jessica from her mother even more.

Thanks leahbelle - this is so thought provoking

 

#97:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 9:04 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. That section reminded me of when we used to sing 'The 12 Days of Christmas' very loudly on the last day of the Christmas term!

 

#98:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 10:29 am

After lunch, Jessica developed a headache. Emily suspected that this was merely an excuse to get out of a visit to the Seftons and she did not feel that Jessica should escape so lightly; however, the prospect of an afternoon with her daughter after the disgraceful episode at Church was not one to which Emily felt overly endeared and so she agreed that Jessica could remain at home. She must stay in her room and rest on her bed and she must not read or do anything other than try to get some sleep. Emily hoped that a somewhat boring afternoon would alert Jessica to the waywardness of her behaviour. Emily herself spent a pleasant and relaxing afternoon with the Seftons and she felt guilty as she realised that she was glad that Jessica had stayed at home. She tried to make it up to her later and the pair settled down to a game of Scrabble after dinner but Jessica’s heart was not in it and she had only agreed to play because she was so fed up with being in her bedroom.

On the Friday a week before the wedding and a week before school was due to break up for the summer holidays, Jessica returned home from school bearing a letter for Emily. The letter was from Jessica’s form mistress, Miss Smith, and it invited (politely but insistently) Emily to call on Miss Smith on Monday afternoon at 3pm. Groaning inwardly as this could only mean more trouble with Jessica, Emily quickly put a positive response into the post.

She tried to talk to Jessica over the weekend about the letter and even kept her at home all day Saturday rather than allowing her to go into school as usual, but she could gain nothing from her daughter about the nature of the summons. When she told Adam, he told her not to worry. Likely it was just some piece of schoolgirl nonsense that could be easily sorted out. He offered to accompany her on Monday, but Emily refused feeling that Jessica was still her own problem.

 

#99:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 10:41 am

What has she done now?

Thanks Leahbelle.

 

#100:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 10:51 am

Oh dear, poor Emily.

At least she only sang loudly - we used to sing football versions of hymns in school assemblies Laughing !

 

#101:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 11:42 am

Alison H wrote:
Oh dear, poor Emily.

At least she only sang loudly - we used to sing football versions of hymns in school assemblies Laughing !


Ooo, I wish I'd thought of that!!

 

#102:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 1:28 pm

Only a week until the wedding - it's come up really fast hasn't it!

Liz

 

#103:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 8:05 pm

leahbelle wrote:
Alison H wrote:
Oh dear, poor Emily.

At least she only sang loudly - we used to sing football versions of hymns in school assemblies Laughing !


Ooo, I wish I'd thought of that!!


*suspects they hold similarities to Katya's rugby versions*

 

#104:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 1:47 am

Leahbelle, I've just read your epic in one sitting and wanted to tell you how good it is. I feel so sorry for Jessica, I can see exactly how she is feeling - you've really got under her skin.

Mind you I feel for Mr and Rosamund and Emily as well - but I think Emily was a fool to let Ros buy the braclet - something else would have been far more appropriate.

 

#105:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 1:57 pm

Miss Di wrote:
Leahbelle, I've just read your epic in one sitting and wanted to tell you how good it is.


Thanks, Miss Di!


It turned out to be far from a piece of mere schoolgirl nonsense. Miss Smith asked Emily to take a seat in front of her desk and furnished her with a cup of coffee and plate of biscuits before beginning.

“Mrs Wayne,” she began, “I am very worried about Jessica. I wondered…is there anything going on at home that we should know about?”

“I’m about to get married again,” Emily explained. “Jessica is having trouble coming to terms with that.”

“I see. That would explain things,” Miss Smith mused.

“Excuse me,” said Emily, “I must admit that Jess’ behaviour at home has been less than satisfactory since I told her about the wedding but I wasn’t aware there was anything wrong at school. She’s hardly talking to me and it’s difficult to get more than a yes or no out of her.”

“The quality of Jessica’s work has slumped. She has gone from being sixth or seventh in class to being bottom for the past two weeks.”

“Bottom!” Emily gasped.

Miss Smith nodded and opened a marks book which was sitting on her desk. “Yes, Jessica has averaged only around 40%. That’s a slip of 20%.”

“I see. She’s taken to doing her prep in her bedroom lately. She used to do it downstairs where I could see what she was doing.”

“It’s not just prep, Mrs Wayne, it’s class work, too. Jessica spends most of her time staring into space or out of the window and, when called to account, is rude and uncooperative. It’s most unlike her. She’s usually such a cheerful, well behaved girl. We didn’t want to punish her until we could find out if there was anything behind the behaviour. Unfortunately, she is disrupting the rest of the girls by constantly being told off for inattention and her rudeness sets a bad example, especially to younger children. We really can’t be seen to let her get away with it, even if there is a good reason for the change in her.”

“No, I see that. Jess’ behaviour at home leaves a lot to be desired, too, and I haven’t been able to get through to her. Jess seems to think that, because Adam has a daughter, she will have to take second place in my affections after the wedding. That’s not true, of course, but Jess will not – or cannot – accept that. I know that she’s not sleeping well, either, and I don’t suppose that will be helping.”

“I’m very sorry for Jessica,” Miss Smith said seriously. “She’s clearly going through a very big change in her life which she’s not able to accept at present. We’ll do all we can at school to help Jess through this, Mrs Wayne, but we have decided that we must do something to check her current behaviour, for Jess’ own sake as much as for the sake of the girls in her class.”

“Yes, you must punish her, of course. I’ve tried several things at home but nothing seems to make a difference. If you feel that there’s anything else you can do to help her, I would be grateful.”

“We have decided that, for the rest of term – this week – Jessica will be forbidden any out of school activities, no games other than the obligatory lessons, and no clubs. She will do prep instead and have some extra lessons so that she does not fall too far behind. I would ask that you continue to allow Jess to stay until after tea. We had thought of asking you to take her home at the end of school, but I think that this idea will be more effective. She’ll be given work to do instead of attending her usual activities. I will ask the mistresses who sit with her to be understanding with her, but we don’t want her lessons to suffer, so I will insist that they ensure they see that she does the work that has been set for her.”

And so, for the last week of term, Jessica found herself having to endure an extra hour of lessons instead of enjoying herself in her customary out of school pursuits and she was not pleased about it. Far from supporting her as Jessica had expected, her mother backed up the school and explained that, if Jessica would not work during school hours, she must work during her leisure hours to make up for it. Emily felt that it was important that she should back Miss Smith up in this punishment. Nothing that she had done so far had done anything to improve Jessica’s mood and she felt that she must try everything she could to get her daughter back on track.

 

#106:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 2:07 pm

And that's not the way to go about it! Jessica will just think that the whole world is against her.

 

#107:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 2:20 pm

That's just going to make her feel worse, isn't it? & when she eventually gets sent to the CS it's no wonder she sees that as a punishment to start with. Thanks leahbelle - this is a brilliant story about an under-used character.

 

#108:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 4:02 pm

Poor Jessica - she must be feeling so upset and unloved and confused. Of course she'll feel even worse if the extra time she spends at school, Emily spends with Rosamund and Adam.

Thanks leahbelle, this is just so compelling

 

#109:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 4:49 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I'm sorry that Jessica is feeling even more hard done by.

 

#110:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 5:35 pm

I feel even more sorry for Jessica now. That was entirely the wrong thing to do!
Thank-you Leahbelle, I'm hooked! Very Happy

 

#111:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 5:43 pm

Poor, little, confused Jessica Crying or Very sad

Thanks Leahbelle

Liz

 

#112:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 6:32 pm

I've been sneaking here all day at work and have read loads and loads of this. It is brilliant, thank you Leahbelle.

 

#113:  Author: Cryst,  PostPosted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 1:22 pm

Many thanks for this, really enjoying it, and feeling bad for Jessica, knowing it'll get worse for her before it gets better.

 

#114:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 2:43 am

Gee mum, you could have at least pretended to be sympathetic - adding at the end "but I can't interfere in the school's rules darling as much as I'd like to"

 

#115:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 8:45 am

It certainly is going to get worse!!


There was more trouble ahead.

Moorlands House was some ten miles out of town. Redferne School was at the opposite end of town, meaning that it would be a journey of twelve miles for Jessica to reach school each day when the Wayne’s moved to the Seftons’. Although Adam drove in and out of town each day to work, his hours would not always coincide with Jessica’s. A bus did pass by the end of the lane at which Moorlands House stood, but it left at 7.30 am and there was no bus back until 6pm. This would mean that Jessica would have to hang around before and after school, not to mention what a long day it would be for her. Emily felt that this would be too much for Jessica each day, especially if she continued to go into school on most Saturdays.

 

#116:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 8:49 am

Presumably this is when she goes to the CS? She must really feel that she's being pushed out, and resentful that her days've been messed up because they've moved to Adam's house. Thanks leahbelle.

 

#117:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 10:20 am

Didn't they arrange for her to be a weekly boarded at her own school first? I can't remember.

Thanks for the update.

 

#118:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 11:06 am

Yes, Jessica has actually got another academic year and a term at Redferne and then she goes to another boarding school for two terms before finally going to the CS - at least, that's the time scale by my calculation, but please feel free to correct me! Lord knows what I'm going to do with Jessica for another two years! Again, any ideas on what she can get up to at school to be politely asked not to return gratefully received!!

 

#119:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 1:20 pm

Thanks Leahbelle - I can quite see why Jessica turned up at the Chalet School with such a huge chip on her shoulder.

Liz

 

#120:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 4:19 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I wonder what will happen about Jessica's schooling.

 

#121:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 8:17 pm

Oh dear, Jess is really going to feel like they've chucked her out now. Also, it will seem as if Rosamund has taken her place. Sad Oh dear oh dear!!
Thanks Leahbelle Smile

 

#122:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 10:12 am

And worse...


It was Miss Smith who came up with the solution. From next term, Jessica should be a weekly boarder at Redferne, going home to Moorlands after school on a Friday evening with Adam and returning on a Monday morning. Adam would drop her off. On the Saturdays when there were matches and other activities, Jessica would stay at school until tea time on Saturday and only return home to Moorlands on the Saturday afternoon.

Had this been discussed with Jessica, chances are that she would have sent the wisdom of the suggestion. She may also have felt grateful, for the chance to remain at school through the week meant that she would not have to spend time with Rosamund. However, this was decided by Emily and Adam without recourse to Jessica and it was not til the Friday evening, when school was finished for six weeks that Jessica learned of the plan. As this was also the day before the wedding, it was far from the best time to break the news but Emily felt that Jess had a right to know what was in store for her.

It was the last night that Emily and Jessica would spend in their little terraced house. It had been sold the week before to Emily’s friend at the library and all the Waynes’ belongings had been packed up. Some of them were accompanying them to Moorlands House, others had been set aside for scrap while still others were remaining for the use of the new owners.

 

#123:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 12:14 pm

Oh dear - troubles coming and quickly. I hope that she doesnt refuse to attend the wedding again. *wibbles*

 

#124:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 12:41 pm

I've just read this from the beginning, leahbelle. It's fab and fits in with EBD's version of Jassica so well.

Thanks. Very Happy

 

#125:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 1:41 pm

Eeeeek! Poor Jessica. I don't think their last night is going to be a very happy one Sad

Thanks Leahbelle

Liz

 

#126:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 2:57 pm

Just want to thank everyone again for reading this and for responding. I'm so glad everyone seems to like it. The comments and encouragement mean an awful lot to me and I'm looking forward to finding out what Jessica gets up to as much as everyone else! (I blame the bunny hammer !!)

 

#127:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 3:37 pm

Oh, I do feel so sorry for Jessica. How dreadful for her. And how awful for Emily, thinking she is doing the best for her daughter, and yet making matters worse with everything she does.

 

#128:  Author: Cryst,  PostPosted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 9:04 pm

Oh no, so there was really no chance that they would become a family. Poor kid.

 

#129:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Thu Jan 19, 2006 8:40 am

It was the last night that Emily and Jessica would spend in their little terraced house. It had been sold the week before to Emily’s friend at the library and all the Waynes’ belongings had been packed up. Some of them were accompanying them to Moorlands House, others had been set aside for scrap while still others were remaining for the use of the new owners.

At first, it had been suggested that Rosamund should also spend the night with the Wayne’s but she had fretted at the idea of staying in a strange place – even with Emily whom she adored – and so it had been decided that the Waynes would stay in town for their last night. Adam would come for them in the car at 9am and take them to Moorlands House where the three females would dress. Adam himself would go to the house of his best man to dress.

Emily was glad for the chance of a last night alone with Jessica and she had hoped that the girl would open up to her the night before the wedding, but Jessica remained as sullen and unpleasant as she had been for the last four weeks and when she heard the news that she was to be a weekly boarder at Redferne, she exploded.

“I knew you wanted rid of me! You want rid of me so that you can spend all your time with Rosamund!”

Emily had genuinely not considered this. Nothing had been further from her mind. Her main concern was her daughter’s well-being and education. “Jess!” she gasped. “You know that’s not true! I’ve explained why we think it’ll be a good idea. It’s too far for you to travel everyday. You’ll be exhausted and your work will continue to suffer.”

Jessica, still smarting from the punishment she had endured all week, could not see the reasoning behind this.

“You don’t want me anymore!” she cried. “It would serve you right if I said that I wanted to stay at Redferne all the time and not come home at all. Then you would think that I didn’t want you anymore!”

Inwardly wishing that she had taken Adam’s advice and waited until their return from honeymoon before breaking the news to Jess, Emily said, “That’s all nonsense, Jessica, and you know it. Of course we want you. I want you. Adam wants you, and so does Rosamund, though goodness knows why after the way you’ve treated her.” Emily could have bit her tongue. She had not meant this to come out, but it had and now she would have to deal with the backlash.

“I don’t care if they want me or not!” Jessica stormed. “You want them, but I don’t. I hate them! And I hate you, too, for marrying him. I knew he would want you to love Rosamund more than me and I was right.”

“Jess…”

But Jessica continued, “I won’t be your bridesmaid. I won’t come to the wedding tomorrow. You can go without me! And if you really love me like you say you do, you won’t get married! So there! And,” she went on, “if you marry him, I won’t call him Dad. He’s not my dad. And you’re not Rosamund’s mum, either. I won’t let her call you that! And…So there!” Jessica wound down, breathless after her outburst.

Open mouthed, Emily stared at her daughter in horror as, once again she stormed out of the room and slammed the bedroom door behind her.

 

#130:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jan 19, 2006 8:47 am

Oh dear. It wasn't a very good time to break the news, was it? & they could've discussed it with her first. Really enjoying this.

 

#131:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 19, 2006 7:26 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. Maybe Adam is of the opinion that everything needs to be decided by the parents, and not discussed with the children as they're too young. I'm sorry if this is totally obvious.

 

#132:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Jan 19, 2006 10:14 pm

Thanks leahbelle.

Emily's just made things so much worse for herself. I think Adam had the right idea (for once) but they really should have discussed it with Jessica first.

 

#133:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jan 20, 2006 4:20 am

I'm really enjoying this, too, thanks Leahbelle. I'm just so glad that I know that Mary-Lou got through to Jessica and that she did get the chance to make amends to everyone and to appreciate how a family can absorb new members without the original ones loving one another any less.

 

#134:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 20, 2006 8:46 am

They're just making things go from bad to worse for her. Yes, I know Jessica isn't helping, but they're the adults and should think a bit more about how it will affect her.

I can quite understand why she feels Rosamund is preferred over her.

Thanks Leahbelle

Liz

 

#135:  Author: Kat, Location: Swansea PostPosted: Fri Jan 20, 2006 3:21 pm

She needs a good slap!

Thanks Leahbelle, I've just read this through from the beginning and I'm really enjoying it. I'd never thought all that much about the lead up to Jess going to the Chalet School, so this is great!

Thank you Smile

 

#136:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sat Jan 21, 2006 1:59 pm

Oh dear, it's going from bad to worse. I hadn't realised that there's so much time before Jessica goes to the Chalet. I was thinking that there'd be just another 6 months before everything was sorted.

 

#137:  Author: Michelle, Location: Near London PostPosted: Sat Jan 21, 2006 2:04 pm

Poor Jessica. I can see Emily is trying her best, but I think all this marriage business is affecting her brain. Thank you, Leahbelle.

Michelle

 

#138:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Sun Jan 22, 2006 4:53 pm

(((Jess))) *feels very very sorry for Jess*
Thanks Leahbelle

 

#139:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 2:24 am

Kat wrote:
She needs a good slap!




Leahbelle, Emily or Jessica?

 

#140:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 9:59 am

Miss Di wrote:
Kat wrote:
She needs a good slap!




Leahbelle, Emily or Jessica?


Not me, I hope!


This was as bad as things had ever been. And it was the night before the wedding. Emily could hear Jessica thumping about in her room. She would come to the wedding, wouldn’t she? Even if she still refused to be a bridesmaid, surely she’d at least want to see her mother married?

Emily slept badly that night, as did Jessica. Emily’s dreams were plagued by a rogue guest who looked suspiciously like Jessica from behind but who, when she turned round, had no face. When the minister asked if anyone knew of any reason why Emily and Adam should not be married, this sinister figure stood up but, because she had no face, she could not speak.

In the morning, Emily decided to ignore Jessica’s behaviour of the night before. Another row would be to no-one’s advantage. Breakfast was a rushed affair to be ready for Adam’s arrival in the car. The wedding clothes had all been taken round there the day before, so Emily was dressed casually and Jessica was wearing her oldest jumper and skirt. Emily prayed that she would agree to change into the bridesmaid’s dress at Adam’s.

Adam arrived and mother and daughter piled into the car, Emily pulling the door of the house to behind her and locking it for the last time. Adam had some bad news for them.

“Rosamund’s not well,” he said as he began the drive to Moorlands House.

 

#141:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 10:10 am

Oh poor Adam and Emily - doesn't exactly sound like the ideal wedding day Sad . & poor Rosamund.

 

#142:  Author: vicki_theterror, Location: london PostPosted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 10:27 am

yeah more, this is great i read the whole lot last week and spent the weekend wanting to know more.
thanks Very Happy

 

#143:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 10:42 am

Oh, I do hope that the wedding goes ok; it would be sad if Jessica spoiled it for everyone, or got it into her head that Rosamund had spoilt it for everyone.

 

#144:  Author: alicat,  PostPosted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 12:32 pm

go for it leahbelle this is so good

I have just caught up with it at work, which has made my recent simply horrid (shades of Joey bettany) RL much better.

Have PM'd you some ideas for bad things for jessica to do Twisted Evil Twisted Evil

 

#145:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 1:24 pm

Thanks Leahbelle - not an auspicious start to the day Confused

Liz

 

#146:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 2:47 pm

Thanks leahbelle.

 

#147:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 9:32 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I'm sorry that Rosamunde isn't well.

 

#148:  Author: Cryst,  PostPosted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 9:33 pm

Thank you, Leahbelle. Rosamund stealing the limelight just as Jessica is working up to a big scene makes things interesting.

 

#149:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 2:56 am

leahbelle wrote:
Miss Di wrote:
Kat wrote:
She needs a good slap!




Leahbelle, Emily or Jessica?


Not me, I hope!



Not as long as you keep updating us this regularly! Twisted Evil

 

#150:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 8:54 am

“Oh, no! What’s the matter?”

“I think she’d worked herself up into such a fever pitch of excitement that she was awake all night and now she’s running a temperature.” Adam explained. “I don’t want to risk her coming to the wedding. She needs peace and quiet and to lie flat for the rest of the day.”

“Do you want to postpone the wedding?” Emily asked in dismay. She was sorry for Rosamund but she felt that, if the wedding were put off now, it would never happen. Jessica would see to that.

“No. Rosamund told me to tell you that she still wants us to get married today. She just won’t be there, that’s all. I think she’s right,” he added. “I want her to be there, of course, but I want to marry you, too!”

“Are you sure? It won’t seem right without Rosamund there.”

“I’m sure,” Adam said firmly. “Rosamund is quite happy to stay home and sleep. It’s what she needs. She’s disappointed, but she knows she has to be sensible when this sort of thing happens. I did warn her about getting too excited, but she didn’t listen. I’ve told her that we’ll pop back home for an hour before the reception and tell her all about the service. Then we might leave the reception early to spend the evening with her… if you don’t mind, obviously.”

“No, I don’t mind. Poor Rosamund!”

In the back seat of the car, Jessica felt triumphant. Rosamund would not be at the wedding after all! She wouldn’t be able to be a bridesmaid! Jessica remembered that she had refused to be a bridesmaid or to even go to the wedding the night before. Now she would go, but nothing on earth would compel her to wear that dress and walk down the aisle. She was glad that Rosamund couldn’t go. It served her right.

 

#151:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 8:56 am

Now Jessica definitely deserves a good slap!

 

#152:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 10:00 am

I agree that Jessica deserves a good slap, but this is Emily and Adam's day and now it might go off a little more smoothly for them. I'm sorry that Rosamund can't be part of it, but perhaps it's better that she won't be there.

 

#153:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 12:32 pm

*Chair joins the queue to slap Jessica*.

Thanks, Leahbelle. I'm sorry that Jessica is being so horrible about Rosamund.

 

#154:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 1:36 pm

An understandable reaction, although not the nicest one!

Thanks Leahbelle

Liz

 

#155:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 8:15 pm

I'm not going to slap Jessica, I'm going to give her a hug, because what she needs from her mother is a little love and attention.

Thanks leahbelle

 

#156:  Author: Guest,  PostPosted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 10:36 pm

Thanks Leahbelle, Im enjoying this. Hope Emily's day picks up from here though!

 

#157:  Author: JosieG, Location: Yorkshire Dales PostPosted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 10:45 pm

oops! the guest was me, but i failed to work out how to make my computor sign me in! hooray for shiney new computors!! Very Happy I might be able to post a bit more around here now!

 

#158:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 24, 2006 11:20 pm

I agree with Frances,
Quote:
.... what she needs from her mother is a little love and attention

 

#159:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 12:37 pm

I feel sorry for all of them.

 

#160:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 1:03 pm

On arrival at Moorlands, Emily went straight to Rosamund’s room to check on the girl. She was fast asleep, but her face was flushed and her breathing was fast.

“Are you sure she’s alright?” she asked Adam.

“The doctor called round in the night. She’ll be fine; it’s just a fever. This has happened before when she’s been excited. By this evening, she’ll be back to normal,” Adam drew Emily out of the room. “I must go and you need to get dressed. How’s Jessica?”

“Not good. She refused to come to the wedding last night.”

“What? She is going to come though, isn’t she? She does realise how hurt you’ll be if she doesn’t?”

“I don’t know. We’ve hardly spoken this morning. I hope she’ll come, but I don’t think I’ll try to persuade her to be a bridesmaid. I think she might be happier to sit at the back, out of the way.”

“Oh, Em! I’m so sorry! First Jessica and now Rosamund. I was so determined this was going to be happy day for you.”

“It will be,” said Emily simply. “I’m marrying you!”

Jessica did change her mind about going to the wedding, much to Emily’s relief, but be a bridesmaid and wear that dress she would not. She did allow herself to be persuaded to change into something more suitable and she wore the blue beaded necklace that had been a birthday gift from Emily around her neck. The matching bracelet which had come from Rosamund had been left in its box and shoved to the back of a drawer. It was a very reluctant girl who climbed into the car alongside her mother for the drive to the church.

Emily looked beautiful and Jessica felt a small twinge of guilt as she saw how happy her mother looked. She knew that she had made life difficult for everyone over the past weeks, but no-one seemed to care that they were making her life difficult. Jessica simply refused to see that most of her problems were of her own making. Where Rosamund and Adam were concerned, her vision was blinkered.

 

#161:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 1:36 pm

leahbelle wrote:
Jessica simply refused to see that most of her problems were of her own making. Where Rosamund and Adam were concerned, her vision was blinkered.


I think she had some assistance in the making of them, unintentional though it might have been.

Thanks, Leahbelle.

Liz

 

#162:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 1:58 pm

Glad she's decided not to spoil Emily's big day. Thanks leahbelle.

 

#163:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 7:59 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. It's interesting that Jessica is starting to feel guilty.

 

#164:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 9:08 am

At the church, Emily put her sulky daughter into the charge of an old friend, Lucia Gordon. Jessica knew “Aunt Luce” quite well and liked her and so Emily left her in the hands of her friend without too much concern. Emily had spoken to Lucia about Jessica and that good woman knew all there was to know about what was going on. Lucia saw the black, sullen look on Jessica’s face and determined that, if she had a chance, she was going to do something about it!

Thus it was that Jessica found herself sitting at the back of the church beside Lucia Gordon, out of the way so that no-one would have to be told that the girl who looked as if she ought to be at a funeral was, in fact, the bride’s daughter. Jessica glowered her way through the service and though, when the minister asked if there were any objections, she felt tempted to stand up and shout out her woes at the top of her voice, Aunt Luce kept a firm grip on her arm and she was unable to move.

The ceremony was not long and the bride and groom were soon outside in the sunshine having their photographs taken to mark the day. Emily looked radiantly happy and she had managed to forget all about Jessica and her woes during the simple service. Adam, although concerned about Rosamund, also looked happy and he held his arm around his new bride as if determined never to let her go.

Jessica stood diffidently to one side while the photographer took his snaps. Part of her very much wanted to be in the photos but her pride made her dig her heels in and she stood out of the way looking miserable. Aunt Luce who, as one of the bride’s closest friends, had been invited to join the photo group saw her and marched across to her. She thrust a packet of confetti into the girl’s hand and Jessica grasped it unwillingly.

“Come on, Jess,” Aunt Luce said firmly, “you can’t stand here all on your own. Your mother wants you to be in some of the pictures, though goodness knows,” she went on trying to adjust Jessica’s outfit to hang more smartly, “you’re hardly dressed for it, are you? Never mind. Come along.”

Aunt Luce simply gave Jessica no opportunity to refuse and that young lady found herself being led across to join the group. Emily held out her hand as Jessica stood awkwardly in front of everyone, unsure where she should go. Her mother pulled her gently in between her and Adam and Adam’s arm was around both of them. Jessica frowned at this, but the photographer was setting up for another picture and encouraging everyone to smile. The grimace Jessica managed wasn’t quite a smile, but at least it wasn’t a scowl.

A long, black, low slung car pulled up at the church gates and, to a shower of confetti and rice, the bride and groom departed. Jessica, scorning the confetti, had shoved the box Aunt Luce had given her into a pocket. Adam and Emily were going back to Moorlands House to check on Rosamund while Aunt Luce would take Jessica straight to the hotel. The rest of the guests made their own way to the hotel which was little more than a ten minute walk away.

 

#165:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 9:20 am

Oh I forgot they knew Kat Gordon's Aunt Luce. Glad the wedding went OK.

 

#166:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 12:24 pm

I'm glad the wedding went well.

 

#167:  Author: JosieG, Location: Yorkshire Dales PostPosted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 12:28 pm

Glad Jessica turned up, and managed to be in some of the photographs. Also hoping Aunt Luce can help her feel better about the whole thing.

Thanks Leahbelle!

 

#168:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 1:55 pm

I'm relieved that the wedding went so well. Thanks, Leahbelle.

 

#169:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 2:48 pm

Thanks Leahbelle

I hope Aunt Luce can do something to help, even though we know it's not going to cause a complete turnaround on Jessica's part.

Liz

 

#170:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 26, 2006 8:00 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I had forgotten about the connection with the Gordons. It would have been good if Katharine and Jessica could have had at least one scene together in the CS books - I guess this was an EBDism, though.

 

#171:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 3:32 am

Whoever would have thought that Aunt Luce had so much horse and common?


Thanks for all the updates Leahbelle!

 

#172:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 9:02 am

Adam and Emily found Rosamund awake and looking much better, although her face was still flushed and she looked tired. She smiled in delight as her father and step mother came into her bedroom. Adam came over and helped her to sit upright and then she threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly. Rosamund was an affectionate, demonstrative child and Emily hung back awkwardly at the door unsure whether or not to join in this display of affection. Jessica had never been one to show her affections wildly. She wasn’t left unsure for long. Adam turned round and beckoned to her and she went forward happily to join in the hug.

“Mum,” Rosamund whispered so quietly that the word was barely audible but Emily heard and she couldn’t stop the tears that flowed unashamedly down her cheeks. Rosamund wept a little too and Adam pulled back in mock severity.

“Come on! This is a happy day!”

Emily stood up straight, wiping her eyes with a scrap of a hanky. “I’m crying because I am happy,” she said, sniffing slightly.

Rosamund nodded. “Mum,” she repeated. “That sounds so nice.”

Adam and Emily spent the next while at Rosamund’s bedside, telling her all the details of the wedding and her eager ears ate up descriptions of the guests and the service. Adam explained that he had arranged with the photographer to come back to the house and take some snaps of them together.

“But….I’m in my nighty,” Rosamund gasped.

“We could get you dressed in your wedding outfit?” Emily suggested, looking at Adam questioningly.

“Do you feel well enough to get up for a while?” Adam asked.

“Oh yes!” his daughter assented, enthusiastically. It had been a blow to her that she hadn’t been able to wear her pretty new dress.

“Em, would you mind helping Rosamund? I hear the door bell and its probably the photographer. We need to be quick.”

“Of course I will,” Emily agreed. “You go and let him in and we’ll shout on you when we’re ready.”

And so Emily had the first glimpse into what the rest of life was going to be like looking after Rosamund. It took her inexperienced hands a good twenty minutes to get the girl out of her nightdress and into the blue cotton dress and Rosamund was unable to much to help herself. Exhausted by the time she was dressed with her hair brushed and held back with its usual slides, Emily felt a sense of satisfaction as she looked at the girl on the bed. Rosamund was attractive and she looked so happy that her countenance was almost beautiful despite the pain the effort getting dressed had caused. Emily called Adam back into the room and he helped his new wife get Rosamund into the invalid chair, showing Emily how to do this single handed.

Rosamund was wheeled through to the sitting room. Emily handed her her bride’s bouquet of orange blossom and the photographer took three or four snaps before packing up his equipment and departing. Emily was pleased that Rosamund had been able to share in her special day even in such a small way.

The girl was obviously tired after the exertion and she had still not fully recovered from her fever so Adam declared that she must go straight back to bed and stay there, lying flat, for the rest of the day. Rosamund was too tired to demur and, besides, she knew that argument would be pointless. Emily decided not to undress her, but to put her straight between the sheets and, fifteen minutes later, Rosamund was fast asleep. Adam and Emily crept from the room, closing the door quietly behind them.

“You didn’t mind that, did you?” Adam asked as the door clicked to.

“Why should I mind?” Emily cried. “I love Rosamund and I’m so glad to be able to help you with her. I’m not very good yet. It took me an age to get her dressed, but I’m sure I’ll improve.”

“Some days she’s able to a bit more for herself and that always makes it easier,” Adam told her. “Thank you, darling. You’ve made her day!”

“I think you had something to do with it, too,” Emily stood on tiptoes and kissed Adam gently on the lips. He responded in kind and pulled her tightly to him. Emily disentangled herself unwillingly. “We’d better make tracks to the hotel otherwise the guests will think we’ve run off. We’ve been such ages!”

Adam agreed and they returned to the car to be driven to the hotel.

 

#173:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 9:09 am

How lovely to see Emily and Rosamund getting on so well together ... but Jessica's bound to be jealous. Thanks leahbelle: this is great.

 

#174:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 10:10 am

Emily was lovely with Rosamund, but I can't help thinking that Jessica won't see it that way.

 

#175:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 10:53 am

That was lovely of Emily.

Thanks Leahbelle.

Liz

 

#176:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 11:12 am

Thanks, Leahbelle. It's a pity Jessica couldn't be in the photos as well.

 

#177:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 11:18 am

Thanks leahbelle. Poor Rosamund, having to miss the wedding.

 

#178:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 12:08 pm

Thanks leahbelle.

That was a really happy scene.

 

#179:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 1:52 pm

Why do I think that these happy times are going to be short - lived?

 

#180:  Author: Joan the Dwarf, Location: Er, where am I? PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 4:06 pm

Emily and Adam need to be slapped for not taking Jessica to the house with them. She'll hit the roof when she sees that photo of the three of them - as a happy family who don't need her!

 

#181:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Fri Jan 27, 2006 4:19 pm

Joan the Dwarf wrote:
Emily and Adam need to be slapped for not taking Jessica to the house with them. She'll hit the roof when she sees that photo of the three of them - as a happy family who don't need her!


You've just given me a fab idea! I was stuck - bunny block! - but now I know exactly what to do in a scene. thank you!

 

#182:  Author: Lucy, Location: Leeds PostPosted: Sat Jan 28, 2006 2:03 pm

Wow! Just read through all of this in one intense go. Its excellent, very believable. Poor Jessica.

Thanks leahbelle

 

#183:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Sat Jan 28, 2006 6:51 pm

Oooh am also thinking how Jess is going to feel when she sees that picture... Confused Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo dear

 

#184:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Sun Jan 29, 2006 11:47 pm

If Rosamund is totally unable to dress herself why doesn't she have a nurse? Hardly fair to Emily to expect her to take over those sort of duties with no training. And Jessica is going to have a Fit and who can blame her.

 

#185:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2006 8:40 am

While Adam and Emily had been at Moorlands, Jessica and Aunt Luce had been taking stock of each other at the hotel. It was the same hotel that Emily had taken Jessica and Charlotte to for the birthday tea. Jessica and Aunt Luce were the first guests to arrive. They found their way to the function room and Aunt Luce firmly settled Jessica in her proper place at the top table. She sat down beside the girl, although she would move to one of the lower tables when the other guests, including Adam’s sister, arrived. The meal and refreshments were not yet available and so Aunt Luce caught a passing waiter and ordered lemonade for them both. When it arrived, she turned to Jessica, preparing to do her best to find out what was at the bottom of the girl’s mood. She had known Jessica for sometime and had never found her to be anything other than an ordinary, happy schoolgirl. It was obvious that something needed to be done to improve her temper!

“It must be exciting to have a new father and sister,” she remarked, sipping her lemonade.

“Exciting?!” Jessica had a mouthful of juice in her mouth and she almost choked as she spat the word out. She coughed as the lemonade went down the wrong way and Aunt Luce obliged by thumping her on the back. Tears streaming down her face, Jessica set the glass back down on the table and fished in her pocket for a handkerchief. She mopped her eyes and gave a deep, gasping breath as she began to recover.

“All right?” Aunt Luce asked.

Jessica nodded. “Yes,” she breathed.

“Dear me, Jess, things can’t be that bad that you want to choke yourself to death! Do try to take a little more care in future. Now, come on, I’m longing to hear all about Adam and Rosamund.”

Whether or not this approach was a good one remained to be seen. It was certainly a novel one. Aunt Luce didn’t sound at all preachy and, though she had professed herself interested in the Seftons, Jessica felt that she was also interested in her.

“I simply hate them!” she burst out.

 

#186:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2006 8:50 am

Hope Aunt Luce can get through to her. Thanks leahbelle.

 

#187:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2006 1:12 pm

Poor Jessica, she gets the blame for everything, when Adam and Rosamund have done everything they can the wrong way round.

 

#188:  Author: alicat,  PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2006 1:29 pm

The CS has clearly worked its magic on Aunt Luce, who I always pictured as too scatty to even remember to turn up at a wedding on time!

And Miss Di, sorry to inject a note of RL, but training? for parents of sick children? even in these enlightened times it's a rareity, in those days unheard of.

When I had number 1 child, a nice nursery nurse showed me how to bathe her in her first 24 hours on this planet...by the time I had no 3, four years later, this lovely lady was a victim of NHS cost-cutting and us experienced (ha-ha) mums found ourselves offering helpful tips to in-shock newbies trying to cope with sponging a greased but very precious eel Exclamation Exclamation

I know this experience is now in the last century Embarassed Embarassed but even so...........

 

#189:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2006 7:51 pm

What will Aunt Luce discover???? Neutral
Thanks Leahbelle- this is such a realistic tale! Very Happy

 

#190:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 30, 2006 8:49 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I wonder if Luce will be able to help Jessica.

 

#191:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 3:37 am

alicat wrote:

And Miss Di, sorry to inject a note of RL, but training? for parents of sick children? even in these enlightened times it's a rareity, in those days unheard of.


Yeah, but she is marrying someone with a severely disabled child. I think it's a bit rich for him to expect her to be able to cope from scratch. Who has been caring for her until now?

Besides, it's not real life! In New South Wales (in real life now as opposed to 50 odd years ago) there are support services provided by a variety of government and non-government agencies to disabled people, their families and carers, and their treatment providers.

 

#192:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 10:42 am

Must admit, it never really crossed my mind that Adam might have someone to help look after Rosamund. In my world, I had Mrs Childs (the housekeeper) and Miss Winter (governess) doing most stuff for her, and some days she is well enough to dress herself and do more things for herself. And maybe one reason Adam married Emily is so that Rosamund would have a mother figure and someone to look after her properly. Maybe Emily married Adam because she wanted someone to look after and Jessica is so selfcontained.

Here's a wee bit more:

“I wonder why?” Aunt Luce’s kept her tone carefully conversational, but Jessica didn’t need time to consider her response.

“Rosamund can’t walk. She can’t do anything for herself, and that means that Mother will have to spend time with her, caring for her when she should be spending time with me!” Jessica’s pronouns became rather muddled in her haste to get this out, but Aunt Luce got the gist.

“Poor Rosamund,” she said quietly.

“I don’t see why!” Jessica cried. “She’ll be spending time with my mother while I’m at school and mother won’t have any time for me anymore. I’m not even to be allowed to come home in the evenings anymore. I have to stay at school through the week and only come home at weekends. They don’t want me to live with them – they just want Rosamund!”

Aunt Luce already knew all this from conversations that she had had with Emily before the wedding, but she had hoped that Emily had exaggerated the situation and that Jessica wasn’t as averse to the marriage as she made out. This was not the case and Aunt Luce could see that Jessica genuinely believed that her mother no longer cared for her and that Emily only wanted her new family. Although Aunt Luce could see the sense behind the decision to make Jessica a weekly boarder, she couldn’t help but feel that this had helped to compound the girl’s feelings. It might have been better to try her continuing as a day girl and see how she coped with the travelling. At least then Jessica would not have felt that Adam and Emily wanted rid of her. Aunt Luce was sympathetic to Jessica’s cause. She had a niece, Katherine, whose parents were abroad and she acted in loco parentis. She knew that Katherine had missed her parents badly at first and had not been able to understand why they had left her behind. That wise lady had some idea of Jessica’s troubles.

Being Aunt Luce, she was unable to leave things to stagnate. Jessica was unhappy, desperately so, and she couldn’t be allowed to continue in this vein. If she did, she would only succeed in making herself more miserable, possibly to the point of becoming ill, and in alienating herself from Emily. It was also likely that, with such behaviour, Adam and Rosamund would never be able to accept her. All in all, Jessica would find herself becoming more and more on the outside and her fears that her mother no longer wanted her may actually find reason.

 

#193:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 10:48 am

What's Aunt Luce going to do about it?

Thanks Leahbelle

 

#194:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 10:50 am

Oooooh! Wonder what she is going to do. Thanks Leahbelle

 

#195:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 11:12 am

Nice to see that Aunt Luce wasn't always as scatty as EBD made her out to be!

 

#196:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 11:30 am

Even though I know she doesn't, I wish Aunt Luce could have got through to Jessica and helped her to understand that Emily does still love her and want her; it's sad seeing her so miserable.

 

#197:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 6:23 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I'm sorry that Jessica is so upset with everyone.

 

#198:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 7:19 pm

Can Aunt Luce get Adam and Emily to see things from Jessica's point of view perhaps? Or are they so wrapped up in newly-wed bliss they won't take it in? Confused

Thanks Leahbelle

Liz

 

#199:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 8:27 pm

I think that Emily would want to do a lot for Rosamund, even if she did have a nurse. It strikes me that she is a genuinely nice, caring person and wants to make life better for Rosamund, but she's expecting her daughter to be just as altruistic and teenage girls just don't think like that.

Or at least normal ones don't.

Thanks leahbelle

 

#200:  Author: Cryst,  PostPosted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 11:17 pm

At least Jessica has been able to tell someone how she feels now.

Thank you Leahbelle.

 

#201:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 2:05 am

leahbelle wrote:
Must admit, it never really crossed my mind that Adam might have someone to help look after Rosamund. In my world, I had Mrs Childs (the housekeeper) and Miss Winter (governess) doing most stuff for her, and some days she is well enough to dress herself and do more things for herself. And maybe one reason Adam married Emily is so that Rosamund would have a mother figure and someone to look after her properly. Maybe Emily married Adam because she wanted someone to look after and Jessica is so selfcontained.



I think that means that we are all totally hooked and are not remembering they are your characters. I'm seeing them as real people and ascribing real motives to them.

Thanks Leahbelle, I'll try not to interupt Embarassed

 

#202:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 8:58 am

Miss Di wrote:


I think that means that we are all totally hooked and are not remembering they are your characters. I'm seeing them as real people and ascribing real motives to them.

Thanks Leahbelle, I'll try not to interupt Embarassed


No probs, Miss Di. I'm just glad everyone is enjoying it enough to feel that they can comment! Very Happy

I'm not sure about this next bit. The conversation seems a little bit forced to me, and not natural. I think the upcoming bit about David (only just begun below) might be a bit too obvious and unsubtle. See what you think, anything.

Also, there's a reference to Katt Gordon being at school in Switzerland, but I'm not sure if the CS had moved by this point. I claim artistic licence - or should that be bunny licence?!

“What did you do for your birthday this year, Jess?” Aunt Luce asked.

Taken aback by the sudden apparent change in subject, Jessica answered, “Mother took Charlotte and I to the cinema to see Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and then we went for tea. Then we went ice skating! It was great.”

“Ice skating must be a lot of fun – sort of like running on ice?”

“It is fun!” Jessica assented. “Charlotte’s dad says that he’ll take us again one weekend. It’s so difficult to keep your balance at first, though. Charlotte and I both fell over and banged our heads and I had an enormous lump the next day!”

“You like sports, don’t you, and your Mother tells me that you’re good at games?”

“Oh, yes!” Jessica actually sounded enthusiastic. “I love netball and hockey and tennis. They’re great fun and I might be able to play in one of the school teams next year. I’ll be old enough then. I’ve played in form matches, but you’re not allowed to play matches against other schools til you’re thirteen. It’ll be smashing!”

“What else do you enjoy doing, Jess?”

“Well, at school I like Maths and Science is good too. I like reading, but I’m not very good at English. We have to do French and German, too. French is ok, but German is frightfully difficult.”

“Do you enjoy school? My niece, Katherine, loves her school. She goes to school in Switzerland, you know.”

“Does she?” Jessica was suitably impressed. “That must be smashing. I just go to Redferne. It’s quite a decent school and I like most lessons though Miss Carter is the LIMIT!”

“Have you got lots of friends?”

Jessica nodded. She was really opening up under Aunt Luce’s questioning and it felt to her like the first time in a long time that someone had taken notice of her. Little did she know that it was heading somewhere!

“Charlotte’s my best friend. She’s a day girl, too. But I like Rose and Mary and Frances too. And Jennifer’s good at tennis.”

Aunt Luce smiled. “How lucky you are, Jess.”

“Lucky? Why?”

“I know a boy – he lives next door to me when I’m at home. He’s about your age but he can’t go to school or play games.”

 

#203:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 9:03 am

Aunt Luce seems to be getting through to her. Thanks leahbelle.

 

#204:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 10:43 am

I don't think it seems forced or the bit about David obvious. I think Jess would open up if someone took an interest in her as Jess the person. (Emily isn't really doing this and Adam certainly isn't, I think Charlotte has her own agenda and their mistresses are interested in her as thier pupil.)

And I think you would tell Jess if you knew someone with a similar situation to Rosamund. Because I think part of her problem is that this was in an era when you didn't see people in wheelchairs out and about. The unknown is always scary!

 

#205:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 12:33 pm

You can tell that the conversation is one with a purpose, if that's what you mean, but then that's natural. I know that I can tell if someone is asking me questions and they are not just idle every day ones. Generally I just give the person the answers they are after.

Jess - well, she is quite a bit younger than I am, and if she was going to catch on to it, then she would have reacted guns blasing before now. I think she is just enjoying someone taking an interest in her, asking questions, and not judging. And appearing to stear away from the issues as well.

My memory isn't serving me right at the moment though, because I don't recall who David is! Can someone remind me (or at least tell me where I can find the information) Thanks.

 

#206:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 1:26 pm

Squirrel wrote:

My memory isn't serving me right at the moment though, because I don't recall who David is! Can someone remind me (or at least tell me where I can find the information) Thanks.



Hi Squirrel

David's just a boy I've introduced that Aunt Luce knows from her home town who also has a disability and she's going to use him to try to get Jessica to think about things. He'll figure more in the next part of the conversation tomorrow.

 

#207:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 2:35 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I wonder how Jessica is going to react about what Luce has to say about David.

 

#208:  Author: JosieG, Location: Yorkshire Dales PostPosted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 10:32 pm

I aggree with Squirrel, the questions are definately leading ones, but Jessica's bound to just be happy that someone's paying a bit of attention to her and unlikely to notice where the conversation is going. Still sounds good to me, I'm enjoying this. Smile

 

#209:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2006 8:58 am

I hope people think this bit is ok.



“Why not?” Jessica demanded.

“Well, a few years ago he was in a fire at school. He was badly burnt and he lost his sight.”

“He went blind?”

Aunt Luce nodded. “His face was so badly burned that it was weeks before the doctors knew if he would pull through. When they were eventually able to take the bandages off, he’d lost his sight. And, as if that wasn’t enough, his face is terribly scarred and misshapen. His parents were just glad that he survived. It doesn’t matter to them that he’s marked and that he’s blind. David’s just their son and they love him just as much now as they ever did. He needs a lot of help, of course, but he’s a brave soul and, though he gets frustrated at times, he’s usually quite cheerful.”

“How awful!” Jessica gasped. “How awful to be able to see one day and then never to be able to again!

“It’s taken David a long time to come to terms with things but he’s getting there. He certainly wouldn’t have been able to go ice skating for his birthday and, though he was good at football and rugby, he’ll never play in matches now.”

“That’s ghastly,”

“Can you imagine what it’s like for him? I wonder how many of the things you do every day – things that you do without even thinking about them – that you wouldn’t be able to do if you couldn’t see?” Aunt Luce still kept her tone conversational, but quietly interested.

“Well,” Jessica considered, “could you get up and washed and dressed by yourself? But I don’t think you could because how you would find the bathroom or know if your socks were matching?”

Aunt Luce nodded. “At first, it was very difficult for him, but over time, he’s learnt to count the number of steps from his room to the bathroom. As long as everything in the bathroom stays in the same place, he can wash and dress himself, but someone has to choose his clothes for him. What else?”

“Gosh,” Jessica began to realise the enormity of the boy’s situation. “He wouldn’t be able to read, or write or do lessons or play games with his friends, or go for walks… or see his mother and father, or look at himself in a mirror. How would he know what he looks like?”

“It would be dreadful, wouldn’t it?”

“I think I’d rather be dead!” Jessica exclaimed.

“I can understand why. And yet, David never feels sorry for himself. At least, not anymore. It’s been a long, hard struggle for him, but he’s come to terms with his blindness. When he’s older, he wants to do what he can to help other blind children.”

“How can he help others when he can hardly do anything for himself?”

“He’s had a lot of help from his parents. They want him to be as independent as possible. They won’t be around for ever, and it’s important that David learns to do as much for himself as possible. You’d be surprised at what he can do. Although he doesn’t go to school, he has a tutor and because he can read Braille, David studies most of the subjects that you do. He has some friends, and he can go out with them; he can go to rugby or football matches and, though he can’t see what’s going on, his friends give him a running commentary. He wouldn’t be able to go to the cinema, though, or go ice skating.”

“I think,” Jessica said, with an insight that was amazing in a girl her age, “that one of the worst things must be not being able to see people and things. How would he remember what he looked like? He’ll never know what he’ll look like when he’s grown up. If he could suddenly see again, how would he know his parents because he wouldn’t know what they looked like?” Jessica was very sober.

Nodding again, Aunt Luce said, “Now do you see why I said you were lucky, Jess?”

“I think so,” Jessica acknowledged. “I can see and do all those things that David can’t do. Oh,” she gave a sudden sniff, “it’s very sad.”

“Now, now,” Aunt Luce said briskly. “The last thing David wants is for anyone to feel sorry for him. He doesn’t feel sorry for himself anymore. Sometimes he’s angry at the fate that put him in the school at the time when the fire broke out and he’s often frustrated that there are so many things he can no longer do. But, most often, he’s just glad that he survived. Life is a very precious thing, Jess.”

“Yes,” Jessica agreed soberly. She had been shaken out of her own misery by Aunt Luce’s story of David and she remembered a time when, not looking where she was going, she would have fallen down a steep bank if her mother hadn’t pulled her to safety in time. Jessica thought that what happened to you in life seemed to depend very much on where you were and who you were with at the time. She could have been badly injured if she had fallen down the bank as it was rocky and there was a deep stream with a strong current at the bottom. Jessica had never thought much about it before, but if Emily hadn’t managed to grab her, she could have been killed. She shivered.

“I suppose, really, David’s lucky, too. He could have died,” she said.

“Yes,” said Aunt Luce, “but there are lots of people who aren’t so lucky. They are born blind. They’ve never been able to see the beauty of the world around them.”

“But how could they miss something they’ve never been able to do?”

Aunt Luce considered. “Think of something that you can’t do, something that you would give anything to be able to do.”

Jessica didn’t even need time to think. “I wish I could sing.”

“How does it make you feel when you hear other people singing, enjoying themselves and doing something you can’t?”

“Angry,” Jessica said instantly, “and upset and jealous. I’d love to be able to sing. Oh…” she stopped suddenly. “Do you mean that that’s how David feels?”

“Sometimes. He used to be very angry. Now he’s reconciled, but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t still wish he could do the things he used to. And it’s not just David who feels like that. It’s anyone who’s ever had anything precious taken away from them – even people who never had the precious thing to begin with, like your singing.”

“You mean Rosamund, don’t you?” Jessica said, slowly.

Aunt Luce patted the girl on the arm. “Just think about it,” she said gently. Then, as other guests were beginning to arrive and take their seats, she stood up. “Adam and Emily will be here soon and I think I see Adam’s sister coming over. Try to enjoy the afternoon, Jess.”

 

#210:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2006 9:50 am

Well, that's something, she *seems* to be getting through to her. Jess *seems* to be listening, and perhaps she has been pulled up for a bit, the question now is what happens to make Jessica forget this talk.

Thanks for reminding me about David, like I say, my memory obviously wasn't working properly this time around.

 

#211:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2006 11:16 am

Hope Aunt Luce makes a difference, but somehow I don't think she will.

 

#212:  Author: Joan the Dwarf, Location: Er, where am I? PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2006 11:30 am

Maybe Aunt Luce didn't get through at the time, but Jessica remembered it and that's why she came round so suddenly when OOAOML said pretty much the same thing?

 

#213:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2006 12:55 pm

She needed to hear that - thanks leahbelle.

 

#214:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2006 2:17 pm

I know Jessica needed to hear that, and Aunt Luce was wise to tell her that little story, but I don't think it's going to make much difference to the situation at home. Perhaps that's me being gloomy because it's doing its best to snow here.

 

#215:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2006 7:10 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I think the things that Aunt Luce has said have definitely made a lot of sense.

 

#216:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2006 8:38 pm

I don't think that was forced or unnatural at all - and I liked that way Jessica suddenly grasped the point. I wonder how she'll feel now...

Thanks leahbelle

 

#217:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Thu Feb 02, 2006 8:54 pm

Yes, I wonder, will Jessica change...?
I hope so!!!!!

Thank you Leahbelle

 

#218:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 4:33 am

I loved the way Jessica suddenly saw what Aunt Luce was getting at. But it's easier to accept such things in theory than in practice, especially if it's your mother seeming to abandon you in favour of someone else!
Thanks, Leahbelle.

 

#219:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 8:57 am

Glad folk enjoyed that!


Aunt Luce departed to take her place at one of the lower tables and Jessica was left on her own. She was sitting at the end of the top table. Adam and Emily would sit in the middle, with Adam’s sister Rebecca and her husband, Peter, on their other side. A place had been laid for Rosamund but it would remain empty.

As the room began to fill, Jessica considered Aunt Luce’s words. It was the closest that she’d come to giving any understanding to Rosamund’s condition. She didn’t have long to think as Peter and Rebecca came over and tried to engage her in conversation. Although she was not particularly forthcoming, Jessica was, for a wonder, polite and it looked as if Aunt Luce’s words might have done some good.

The bride and groom arrived shortly afterwards and the reception began. The meal was plain, but delicious – tomato soup followed by roast beef with all the trimmings. Dessert was apple pie with custard or cream. After the traditional speeches, Emily and Adam got up to cut the cake and, impulsively, as she passed behind her daughter, Emily drew Jessica to her feet and herded her to the cake. She pushed Jessica into position between her and Adam and handed her the knife. With the hands of all three on the handle, Jessica cut the cake and there was actually a smile on her face as she did so. Spontaneously, Jessica dropped the knife and turned to hug Emily who was thrilled. A happy smile passed between her and Adam.

The rest of the reception passed pleasantly and was enjoyed by bride, groom and guests alike. A local band had been hired and there was dancing once the dinner tables had been pushed back out of the way. The band played a mixture of old favourites, classical tunes and modern themes and Jessica found herself caught up to dance by brevet uncles, friends and by Adam and even found herself enjoying it. Charlotte and her parents had also been invited to the reception and, when the two girls were exhausted, they retired to chairs to gossip about the costumes of the women and laughing at the antics of the men on the dance floor.

Adam was still worried about Rosamund and, at seven o’clock as a buffet supper was being laid out, he suggested to Emily that they take their leave. Emily agreed immediately. She was weary after a long day and was looking forward to returning to Moorlands and taking her place as the lady of the house. Jessica, too, made no demur about leaving as Charlotte and her parents had already departed and there were few other people her age there. Rebecca and Peter were to stay at the hotel for the night. The next day, Sunday, they would come to Moorlands to spend the day and, on the Monday, they would depart with Rosamund to begin the journey to their home in Manchester for a fortnight. Also on the Monday, Emily, Adam and Jessica would set out for the long journey to Ambleside in the Lake District. They would spend the night at the Rigby’s, Emily’s parents, and set off for Scotland the following morning, leaving Jessica at her grandparents.

 

#220:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 9:41 am

The wedding sounds lovely. Hope Jessica enjoys Ambleside - I love the Lake District!

(Nice to know that Adam's sister and brother-in-law live in Manchester Very Happy !)

 

#221:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 1:02 pm

Thanks for that, Leahbelle.

 

#222:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 5:15 pm

Thanks Leahbelle. And I'm glad about that photo with the cake, hopefully it might take a bit of the bitterness off of the pill when Jess finds out about the photos with Rosamund. That impulsive hug of her mother gives a bit of hope too.

 

#223:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 7:51 pm

Thanks leahbelle - I hope Jessica had a happy time, and it will sort of even things out with Rosamund a bit.

 

#224:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 03, 2006 9:57 pm

Thanks, Jessica. I'm glad that Jessica made her Mum's special day even more special.

 

#225:  Author: Michelle, Location: Near London PostPosted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 12:28 am

I'm glad Emily and Adam had such a lovely wedding. And I do like Aunt Luce.

Michelle

 

#226:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 4:45 am

I'm so pleased that Jessica enjoyed the reception and I hope that she has a lovely time with her grandparents, too.

 

#227:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Sat Feb 04, 2006 5:04 pm

*echoes every other comment left!!!*
Thanks!!!!!! Very Happy

 

#228:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 9:46 am

Back at Moorlands, both Adam and Emily were delighted to see that Jessica was still smiling. What a difference a cheery look brought to the girl’s face – the dark circles under her eyes seemed diminished and even the hollows in her cheeks seemed to have filled out. Emily sent her off upstairs to run a bath and have a good long soak before coming back down for something to eat and Jessica went off quite happily.

The new Mr and Mrs Sefton went into Rosamund’s room. Miss Winter, the governess, had spent all day with the girl and she was now reading aloud to her. She closed the book as the Seftons entered, congratulated them and wished them luck before leaving. Rosamund was still in her bridesmaid’s dress and Adam suggested that it was time that she got into her night clothes. Emily instantly offered to help and Adam departed for the kitchen to see how the housekeeper was progressing with the light supper he had ordered earlier.

Upstairs, Jessica went into the bathroom and turned on the taps, adding some of Emily’s bubble bath. As the bath filled, she returned to her new bedroom to collect her towel and night things. Jessica had to admit that she was pleased with her room at Moorlands. It was a suite, one of two, and consisted of a sitting room and smaller bedroom. The sitting room had been furnished with furniture from Moorlands – two comfy old armchairs, a battered old chintz sofa, a coffee table, two book cases waiting to be filled with Jessica’s books and Jessica’s own desk from her old bedroom at the terrace. The carpet was pale pink and the curtains were of pink sprigged cotton. Adam had really made an effort to make the room as pretty and dainty as he could. In the bedroom was all the furniture from Jessica’s old room – her bed, dressing table, chest of drawers and wardrobe. The carpet in here matched that in the sitting room, as did the curtains. Adam had ordered some new bed lined for her and the bed was made up in a pretty pink cotton similar to the curtains.

On the bedside table Jessica had already placed the photograph of her mother and father on their wedding day so many years ago. The picture seemed to take on a particularly poignant aspect today, the day of Emily’s remarriage, and Jessica picked it up and hugged it to her before departing to the bathroom to soak luxuriously in the bubbles for half an hour. This was in the nature of a treat. The bathroom at the old house had been purely functional and there had never been any pleasure in spending much time in it. The Moorlands bathroom was spacious and well appointed and the bath itself was an enormous Victorian replica which to Jessica like being in a swimming pool.

Out of the bath and Jessica dried herself thoroughly and dressed in her pyjamas and dressing gown. She went back into the bedroom to hang up her towel and put her dirty clothes into the laundry basket and noticed at once that the photograph was missing from the bedside table. Thinking that she had taken it into the sitting room, Jessica had a good look for it but it was nowhere to be found in either bedroom or sitting room.

Puzzled, Jessica sat down on the bed and considered. The frame had been in her room half an hour ago. Now it was gone. She had not moved it. The only explanation was that someone else had moved it.

Jessica was furious. Not only had someone come into her room and removed her precious picture, but they had invaded her personal sanctum which Emily had assured her would be hers and hers alone, available to her whenever she wanted to escape from it all.

 

#229:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 9:49 am

Oh dear. I hope Emily hasn't take it to show Rosamund. That would be a bad thing.

Thanks Leahbelle.

 

#230:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 11:42 am

Thanks, Leahbelle. I'm glad Jessica likes her suite of rooms. I wonder what has happened to the photo.

 

#231:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 1:35 pm

I'm also wondering what has happened to the photo.
I'm glad Jessica was happy, even though that has now spoilt it all for her.

 

#232:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 2:56 pm

Oh dear! This does NOT bode well....

 

#233:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 6:40 pm

Oh dear - this doesn't sound good!

 

#234:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 7:48 pm

Oh no, just as Jess was starting to get happy... Sad But has she checked down the back of the table it was on? Confused
Thanks Elle Very Happy

 

#235:  Author: Cryst,  PostPosted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 8:07 pm

I hope Emily hasn't decided it should disappear. I do like the suite - glad Jessica does too.

 

#236:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 8:34 pm

Poor Jessica - I feel so sorry for her. I'm glad that she likes her rooms but that photograph means a lot to her. I hope it turns up.

Thanks leahbelle

 

#237:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 9:14 pm

Oh dear...

Thanks leahbelle.

 

#238:  Author: JosieG, Location: Yorkshire Dales PostPosted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 10:53 pm

Aww...this doesn't look good. Sad Just as things were starting to look up as well.

Thankyou Leahbelle.

 

#239:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 9:07 am

She leaped to her feet and ran across the landing, unceremoniously throwing open the door of Adam and Emily’s room. There was no-one in either the sitting room area nor the bedroom. Adam’s dressing room was also empty, as were the two spare rooms. Running downstairs, she discovered that the lounge, drawing room and kitchen were all abandoned. That left only Rosamund’s room.

Sure enough, as Jessica paused outside the door, she heard voices – Adam’s low one, Emily’s sweet, deep voice and Rosamund’s higher, girlish tones. Consumed by rage, Jessica shoved open the door and flung herself into the room. She so angry that she was only just able to take in the fact that Adam and Emily, still in their wedding gear, were perched on the bed on either side of Rosamund while Rosamund, now in her nighty, was holding the beloved picture in her hands.

“Oh, Jessica,” Emily said, as she saw her daughter come in, unfortunately failing to read the signs emanating from that young lady which meant that she was on the war path, “I’ve been telling Rosamund and Adam all about Richard and our wedding. Rosamund wanted to see the photo,” she smiled at the younger girl. “She says I look even prettier today than I did then, but I think she’s being kind!”

Jessica was too furious to speak at first. She took two deep breaths and then it all came pouring out.

“You went into my room and took my photo!” she cried. “It’s my room and my photo!” she dashed across the room and snatched the frame from Rosamund’s hands. “How could you give it to her! She’s already stolen you and now you’re letting her steal my father, too!”

“Jessica!” Adam thundered. “That will do! Go up to your room this instant. Your mother will be up to speak to you in a minute.”

Jessica glared at Adam. This outburst from him was unexpected, but he was tired and was looking forward to a quiet evening. The last thing he needed was Jessica playing up again, especially when she had seemed to enjoy the reception. She opened her mouth to argue, but Adam simply said, “Now,” in a tone which brooked no opposition and Jessica turned on her heel and went.

 

#240:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 10:07 am

I really don't think that was the best way for Adam to handle things.

Thanks Leahbelle

 

#241:  Author: alicat,  PostPosted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 12:16 pm

that's the trouble with being a parent, step or otherwise, you don't always handle things in the best way...something to do with being human and not a saint.

Adam is clearly very used to being over-protective of his womenfolk, after all he'd probably had to shield Rosamond from stress or worry all her life for th sake of her health and he is very much in love and wants to spare his new wife some of the stress he knows she has been going through.

such a shame this is clearly going to wipe out any kind feelings jessica might have had beginning to form at the back of her mind and make her even more resentful

 

#242:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 2:18 pm

Oh, what a sad end to a lovely day. I agree that Adam was a bit hard on Jessica, but it's entirely understandable. Thanks, Leahbelle.

 

#243:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 5:58 pm

Oh dear - sure he didn't mean to upset her but that didn't go very well.

 

#244:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 6:44 pm

Whooops.

I think every single bit of good that came out of the wedding day has just been thrown away.

Thanks leahbelle - this is all so realistic

 

#245:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 9:12 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. It seems like they will be back to square one after things were starting to improve.

 

#246:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 11:32 pm

Somehow I think all Aunt Luce's hard work has been wasted by Emily and Adam's thoughtlessness. Have they not realised now how carefully they need to tread if they're not going to alienate her entirely! *exasperated*

Thanks Leahbelle.

Liz

 

#247:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 5:02 am

LizB wrote:
Somehow I think all Aunt Luce's hard work has been wasted by Emily and Adam's thoughtlessness. Have they not realised now how carefully they need to tread if they're not going to alienate her entirely! *exasperated*


Too right Liz! And how stupid was Emily (yet again) to take the photo without even telling Jessica.

 

#248:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 8:42 am

Don't be too harsh to Adam - he's about to be quite nice over the next day or two!


Adam and Emily eyed each other across the bed. Emily gave a deep sigh and turned to Rosamund who was weeping quietly. She took the girl’s hands in hers. “It’s not your fault,” she reassured. “I brought the picture down. Don’t upset yourself. Adam, why don’t you bring Rosamund something to eat and I’ll go and speak to Jessica?”

Adam nodded. He followed Emily out of the room. “I’m sorry I shouted at her, Emily. I’m so tired, and I just saw red.”

“She had no right to say what she did,” Emily acknowledged, “but I’ll tell her you’re sorry.”

“Come back down and get some supper and then hopefully we can have some peace and quiet for the rest of the evening.”

Emily climbed the stairs to Jessica’s room slowly. She had no wish for another confrontation with her daughter tonight and she was devastated that the happy mood she had presented at the reception had lasted such a short time. Emily knew that Lucia Gordon had spoken to Jessica and she had hoped that whatever Lucia had said had done the trick. It was a vain hope. Emily partly blamed herself. It had been silly to go into Jessica’s room and take the picture when she knew that the girl worshipped the image of her father, but Rosamund had been so keen to see it that Emily had hoped that it would be ok. She saw know that that been naïve.

She knocked on the door of Jessica’s room. There was no reply but that was not surprising, so Emily opened the door and went in. She found Jessica, sprawled out on her bed crying as if her heart would break. She was clutching the picture to her chest. Jessica paid no attention as Emily sat down on the edge of the bed.

“Jess.”

No response, except more sobs.

“Jess,” Emily spoke firmly this time as if she expected Jessica to acknowledge her and the girl raised a tear stained face to her.

“Go away!” she whispered.

“I can’t do that,” Emily said. “Oh, Jessica, why do you keep doing these things? Can’t you see that you’re upsetting yourself? You’re going to make yourself ill if this continues. Is that what you want?”

“Well,” Jessica cried, “she’s ill and you pay attention to her!”

“But that’s completely differently,” Emily explained for what seemed like the hundredth time. “Rosamund is completely reliable on other people. If you make yourself ill, it will be something deliberate. Don’t you think that’s a bit selfish? I’m sorry I took the photograph, Jess. It was wrong of me. I should have asked you first. And Adam is sorry he shouted at you. But there’s no excuse for the way you spoke downstairs. You must understand that.”

“I won’t,” Jessica said stubbornly. “This is my room. I don’t want anyone to come in here unless I invite them. You said that it would be a private place for me. How can it be private when you come in and take my things?”

Emily was beginning to blame herself completely for the whole episode, but Jessica appeared unwilling to accept any apologies or explanations.

“I take your point, Jess,” she conceded. “I promise that neither I nor Adam will come into your room again without your permission, and we promise not to touch your belongings, either. Mrs Childs will need to come in to clean, though, but I think that will be all right, won’t it?”

Jessica nodded, having no desire to be told that she must clean her own room!

“Very well. And will you also accept our apologies for invading your space?” Jessica nodded reluctantly. “Good,” said Emily. She handed Jessica a hanky. “Now, dry your eyes. I want you to come down now and apologise to Rosamund for speaking to her the way you did.”

Jessica stopped in the process of mopping her eyes and nose. “I won’t,” she said. “I won’t apologise to her when she’s the one who’s trying to steal my mother and father!”

“Rosamund isn’t trying to steal anyone!” Emily snapped. “She’s trying to become part of our new family, to fit in. Can’t you try to do that too? Please, Jess?”

“I won’t apologise. I haven’t done anything wrong! You took the picture and she’s taken you,” Jessica forced the hanky back into Emily’s hand.

“Very well,” Emily stood up. “If you won’t apologise to Rosamund and you won’t be pleasant to her, I think it’s best that you have nothing to do with each other until we go to Scotland. Unless you apologise to Rosamund, you’ll stay in your room tomorrow while Adam’s sister is here and, if we go out anywhere for the day, you will stay at home. Do you understand?”

“I don’t care,” Jessica said, and she turned over and faced the wall, effectively ending the conversation.

Once more at her wits end, Emily saw nothing for it but to leave Jessica alone. She knew that, as soon as she closed the bedroom door, Jessica would burst into tears again. Tears and Jessica were becoming increasingly common. She wanted to take the girl in her arms and cuddle her and assure her everything would be all right but, even if Jessica would let Emily near her, what was the point when the girl wouldn’t listen to what her mother had to say?

 

#249:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 8:54 am

I feel a little sorry for Emily, having to deal with this on her wedding day, but can't she see that Jess needs to feel more secure with her and less threatened by all the changes she keeps thrusting on her?

Thanks Leahbelle

Liz

 

#250:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 10:01 am

Things just get worse for Jess, don't they?

Thanks Leahbelle.

 

#251:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 12:23 pm

I can understand poor Jessica, her mother is handling everything the wrong way.

 

#252:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 2:29 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I'm sorry that Jessica is still angry.

 

#253:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 2:36 pm

I feel so sorry for Emily. It must be so difficult to know how to deal with Jessica, as whatever she does upsets her.

 

#254:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 6:38 pm

I feel sorry for all of them - what a difficult situation.

 

#255:  Author: Cryst,  PostPosted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 8:47 pm

leahbelle wrote:
I want you to come down now and apologise to Rosamund for speaking to her the way you did.”


Oh, Emily, you could have turned it round if you hadn't said this.

Thank you leahbelle - this is super, if sad.

 

#256:  Author: JosieG, Location: Yorkshire Dales PostPosted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 9:26 pm

Oh, I just want to come and give Jessica a big hug. Poor love, this really isn't easy for her.

Thanks for the update Leahbelle.

 

#257:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 2:42 am

Leahbelle, you're not going to inflict two more years of such utter misery on us I hope.

I'm totally enthralled anyway!

(vaguely remembering being a teenager and how miserable little things could make one.)

 

#258:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 5:19 pm

(((((Jess)))))
That's are all there is to say!!

 

#259:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 12:04 am

Poor little Jessica.

She must be feeling so alone and confused.

(((Jessica)))

 

#260:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 1:32 pm

Emily went downstairs to the kitchen and put together some sandwiches and a drink. She put them on a tray and took them up to Jessica’s room, leaving them outside the door. She didn’t dare brave another outburst by taking them inside.

Back downstairs, Emily joined Adam in the sitting room. He had taken some supper through to Rosamund and she was now settling down for the night. He had brought the supper into the sitting room for himself and Emily, a simple meal of sandwiches, some fruit and some wedding cake – the housekeeper had insisted! Emily sank thankfully into the sofa beside him, accepting the plate he held out to her containing a selection of Mrs Childs’ delicious sandwiches. When she had eaten and put the plate back on the table, Adam asked, “How’s Jess?”

“Not good,” Emily sighed. “I honestly thought she was looking happier at the reception. I thought that maybe, just maybe, Luce Gordon had managed to get through to her. If only I hadn’t taken the photo!”

“You weren’t to know she’d react like this,” Adam poured a cup of tea, added milk and stirred in some sugar before giving it to Emily.

“I should have known. She’s my daughter. If I don’t know her, who does?” Emily took a sip of the tea and replaced the cup on the saucer. “How is Rosamund?”

“She’s upset, but I think she understands that Jessica is finding this very hard.”

“If Rosamund can understand, why can’t Jess?” Emily asked. She took another drink of tea from the delicate cup. “I was harsh with her, I’m afraid, and now she hates me more than ever.”

“She doesn’t hate you, Em, she’s looking for an outlet for her feelings and that outlet is you and Rosamund. What did you say to her?”

“I apologised and told her that you were sorry, too, but she was having none of it and refused to apologise to Rosamund. I told her that, if she wouldn’t say she was sorry, she could stay in her room all day tomorrow and have nothing to do with Rosamund until we leave for Scotland. I thought that some time alone might bring her round.”

Adam was thoughtful. “I must admit that I don’t particularly want Jess around Rosamund if she’s going to upset her. Rosamund’s not strong as today has shown and she doesn’t have the reserve energy to cope with conflict. But, Em, I do understand that Jessica must be finding this extremely hard. She’s never had to cope with anything really difficult before and, thirteen or not, she’s still a little girl inside. I think,” he went on, “that we should see how things are tomorrow. I don’t want to ban Jessica from joining us tomorrow. If the weather’s nice and Rosamund is feeling up to it, I thought we could take a trip to Houghton Castle with the girls and Peter and Rebecca. We could have a picnic. I’d hate to think of Jessica stuck home alone, through her own stubbornness. It might make things worse. She’ll only blame you and Rosamund for missing the treat. Perhaps if we brought her along and tried to get the girls to get on together on an equal footing, she might start to see things differently?”

“Yes, it’s an idea. I don’t want to leave her at home if we’re going out. And they have only been together in formal situations until now. Maybe in a proper family setting, Jess might begin to accept Rosamund?”

“I certainly don’t think that taking her with us could make matters worse and, if it helps Jessica to settle in and know that we accept her, then I think you should rethink the punishment. We need her to know that we’re on her side – for her, not against her.”

“It’s so difficult!” Emily cried, replacing the cup and saucer on the table. “She can’t be allowed to treat Rosamund like this and yet I can see that punishing her is only going to make matters worse! Oh, Adam, she might never have had to cope with anything really difficult before, but I don’t believe I have, either!”

“I’m here for you, Em, you’re not alone anymore. We’ll help Jess together. She needs to know that we love her, that we care for her and that we want her every bit as much as we want Rosamund. You and I know that, but we have to convince Jess. If that means being lenient with her for a while, then that’s what we must do. Besides, she’s off to your parents on Monday. That’s bound to cheer her up.”

“She’s looking forward to it immensely,” Emily admitted. “She loves my parents and they love her and I think the break will do us all good. Maybe all she needs is some time away to clear her head. All right, I’ll speak to her in the morning. I’d feel horrible leaving her at home, anyway.” She stood up. “I’ll go and make sure that Rosamund has everything she needs for the night,”

Adam and Emily went to bed early. They had had a busy day and both were exhausted. Rosamund, too, fell asleep early and had a restful night’s slumber.

 

#261:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 1:56 pm

The 2 of them seem to have a lovely relationship: glad they're able to try to deal with this difficult situation together. The joys of family life!

 

#262:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 4:08 pm

It seems that he is a bit wiser than Emily, but for Heavens' sake, why should Jessica have to apologise? Can't they see that the poor child feels that she's lost everything?

 

#263:  Author: Miriam, Location: Jerusalem, Israel PostPosted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 7:13 pm

Quote:
“You weren’t to know she’d react like this,” Adam poured a cup of tea, added milk and stirred in some sugar before giving it to Emily.


I have to say that I definately seen to be reading this as an intrinsic part of the CS series. When I read that line, I was expecting something else to be slipped into the tea, to ensure a good nights sleep! Maybe it's lucky that Adam isn't a doctor. Wink

 

#264:  Author: Cryst,  PostPosted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 7:47 pm

Looking forward to the day out. Maybe if Rosamund and Jessica had to spend some time alone together it would help a bit? It's a good job the problems aren't driving Emily and Adam apart though. This is absorbing, thank you.

 

#265:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 11:42 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I hope they will all be able to go on the day out.

 

#266:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Feb 12, 2006 4:00 pm

Thank you leahbelle - I hope the trip will help Jessica get to know Rosamund a bit.

 

#267:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 3:30 pm

Meanwhile, Jessica, when Emily had left her, had burst into a storm of fresh sobs that left her worn out. Her eyes and nose were so swollen that she could barely see and she had to breathe through her mouth. She eventually fell into an uneasy sleep from which she awoke, feeling hungry, just after midnight. She found the tray that Emily had left her and made short work of the slightly curling sandwiches and warm glass of milk. The wedding cake Jessica ignored on principle.

Back in the bedroom, she remembered the small box of confetti that Aunt Luce had given her and which she had shoved in to a pocket. Jessica gave a sudden grin as a thought sprang into her head. After all, it would be a shame to waste the confetti.

Jessica retrieved the box from the pocket and crept quietly downstairs with it clutched in her hand. She stopped outside Rosamund’s room and listened. There were no sounds from inside and the rest of the downstairs was in darkness. Everyone was in bed and asleep. Very gently, she eased open the door of the room. The curtains were drawn back and Jessica could see the shape of Rosamund as she lay sleeping peacefully in her bed. The dim light from the window lit Jessica’s way as she moved over to the bed. Rosamund was fast asleep, her eyes tightly closed and her hair tossed about the pillow. The only movement was the slight rise and fall of her chest. Jessica opened the box of confetti and, as carefully as she was able, scattered it across Rosamund and the bed. Some of it landed on the girl’s head and she moved slightly as she felt the petals land, but she didn’t wake up. Relieved, Jessica scattered the remaining flakes in the box and threw the box on the floor.

“Welcome to my family!” she whispered and, as quietly as she had entered, Jessica withdrew.

Not normally a cruel girl, Jessica began to regret her actions as soon as she reached the haven of her room. She closed the door and wondered what Adam and her mother would have to say. She supposed it would mean another row and she was honest enough to know that she deserved it. It had been a mean trick to play. But it was done now and there was nothing to do but face the consequences. Anyway, that silly Rosamund deserved it and it would be Rosamund’s fault if Jessica got into trouble again.

 

#268:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 3:36 pm

Oh dear, that wasn't very nice, but it was very realistic.

 

#269:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 3:37 pm

Oh, the feeling of regret isn't going to help Jessica at all either.
Thanks, Leahbelle.

 

#270:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 5:24 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I wonder how Rosamunde is going to react when she wakes up.

 

#271:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 8:18 pm

Oh no that wasn't nice!! But I can understand why she did it. Sad
Thanks Leahbelle Very Happy

 

#272:  Author: Cryst,  PostPosted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 9:42 pm

Oh but it was not a very big sin. I hope they won't be too cross with her. Rosamund may even be pleased ???

 

#273:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 13, 2006 10:01 pm

Thanks Leahbelle

*hoping Rosamund is delighted to wake up scattered with rose petals*

Liz

 

#274:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 2:20 am

I thought it was cute not mean.

Well, I guess if the intent was mean the action was too.

 

#275:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 10:17 am

It was definitely mean, trust me!!


Jessica was awoken the next morning by a knocking on the sitting room door. Glancing at the clock on her bedside table, she saw that it was eight o’clock. Despite her emotional state, she had slept well and had managed to put the confetti incident out of her mind. She got out of bed and pulled on her dressing gown as the knock on the door sounded again, more impatiently this time. Shrugging herself into the gown, Jessica pulled open the door. She had expected to see her mother there, waiting to read the riot act, but it was Adam who stood there.

“Good morning,” he said.

“G…good morning,” Jessica returned. His tone had been tight, and his face was stern and his eyes unsmiling. On the whole, Jessica felt that she would rather face her mother than Adam. After all, Rosamund was Adam’s daughter and he was bound to be furious about what Jessica had done with the confetti.

“Come down stairs, please. We’d like to see you in Rosamund’s room,” Adam moved towards the top of the stairs, but Jessica stopped him.

“Should… should I get dressed?” she asked uncertainly. She couldn’t understand why Adam hadn’t immediately launched into recriminations.

“No, come as you are,”

Adam’s tone expected immediate obedience and Jessica decided that doing what she was told was the best option. She followed him down to Rosamund’s room where they found the younger girl up and dressed and in her chair with Emily putting the finishing touches to her hair. The bed was unmade and Jessica saw at once that the confetti had been spread near and far. She hadn’t noticed that the window had been opened slightly and the light breeze had distributed the flakes across the room.

“Hello, Jessica,” Rosamund greeted her new step sister shyly.

Jessica would have ignored her, but the look Adam sent in her direction made her mutter, “’lo,” in a somewhat sulky voice.

Emily looked up from fixing Rosamund’s hair.

“Adam, Rosamund’s ready to go through the dining room for breakfast. Would you take her? I need to talk to Jess.”

 

#276:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 10:22 am

I thought it was mean to use the confetti when Rosamund was upset about not being able to go to the wedding. Thanks Leahbelle.

 

#277:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 10:29 am

It was mean, wasn't it?

 

#278:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 12:34 pm

Mean, but understandable.

 

#279:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 1:13 pm

If Adam is taking Rosamund in for breakfast, surely it would have been more tactful to wait for that and then for Emily to come and talk to Jess - she could still have taken her to Rosamund's room if she needed to, but surely they should realise that seeing her mother in there doing Rosamund's hair is only likely to upset Jess and put her back up.

Thanks Leahbelle.

Liz

 

#280:  Author: Guest,  PostPosted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 1:22 pm

Yes probably not the most tactful thing for Adam to have done! Sad
Thanks Leahbelle

 

#281:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 1:23 pm

That was me- forgot to sign in again!!! Embarassed

 

#282:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 5:27 pm

Adam needs a crash course in parenting normal children. He's great at looking after Rosamund but he doesn't know HOW to deal with Jess - and he probably resents her too, because she can do so much more than Rosamund ever will.

Thanks leahbelle

 

#283:  Author: Cryst,  PostPosted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 10:50 pm

leahbelle wrote:
It was definitely mean, trust me!!

Well Rosamund doesn't seem very bothered. I do hope they won't be horrid to Jessica - this is very hard for her. Thank you Leahbelle.

 

#284:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 14, 2006 11:50 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I wonder what Emily is going to say to Jessica.

 

#285:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 2:47 am

francesn wrote:
Adam needs a crash course in parenting normal children. He's great at looking after Rosamund but he doesn't know HOW to deal with Jess - and he probably resents her too, because she can do so much more than Rosamund ever will.



Very insightful Frances. I hadn't thought of that!

 

#286:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 8:44 am

With a final glance at Jessica – and there was something in his eyes that Jessica didn’t like: was it pity or dislike? – Adam wheeled Rosamund out of the bedroom, closing the door behind him. Emily turned to Jessica who stood awkwardly in the middle of the room wondering what was to come. She was fully prepared to be punished and she was taken aback when Emily said, “Well, Jess, Rosamund’s room’s in a bit of a state, isn’t it?”

Jessica looked about her and saw now that the bed was full of confetti, it having got into every corner of the sheets when Emily had got Rosamund up. She nodded, “Ye-es…”

“After breakfast, I’d like you to clean the room,” Emily said. “You can use the hoover to get the confetti off the floor and then you’ll need to strip the bed and remake it. I don’t want to see any confetti left when you’ve finished. All right?

Jessica was nonplussed. Where was the scolding? She could accept a row, but this calm acceptance and instruction was unexpected.

What she did not know was that Adam and Emily had spoken about this and agreed that Jessica must not get away with this. It had been a cruel trick, played with malicious intent, but they had also agreed that to get Jessica’s back up further would be no good. Adam was reluctant to refuse Jessica the trip to Houghton Castle and had suggested that, provided the girl cleaned and tidied the room, she would be allowed to be a member of the party. Emily was doubtful, feeling that Jessica might be even more outrageous if she thought she was to be allowed to get away with things, but, since the previous punishments had not seemed to make any difference, Emily decided to back Adam and show some leniency. Hence, the actual deed was not to be mentioned to Jessica. She would merely be asked to clean and tidy Rosamund’s bedroom and remake the bed, and no more would be said about it.

“All right?” Emily prompted gently as Jessica stood dumb in the middle of the room.

“Yes,” she agreed.

“Good,” Emily stood up. “Come and join us for breakfast. It’s all ready. You can do the room after you’ve got dressed. We’re leaving for church at 1030, so you’ll need to hurry.”

There was wisdom in Adam’s method. Had Emily scolded, Jessica would have retaliated with harsh words and she would have been forbidden the trip to Houghton Castle. She was still under the illusion that she was to stay in her room for the day, unless she apologised to Rosamund, and so she felt slightly happier that she was being asked to join the family at breakfast. Emily knew what she was thinking and said, “We won’t make you stay in your room, Jess. That wouldn’t be fair, especially as we’re planning an outing this afternoon and we want you to come with us.”

“Yes,” Jessica repeated, still unsure about how to react at this new treatment she was receiving, but glad that her punishment had been rescinded. It was a beautiful day and she had no desire to spend it stuck in the house.

She followed Emily through to the dining room where she ate her breakfast in silence. The others chatted about the day ahead and Jessica learned that the outing would be to Houghton Castle. Adam and Emily cast subtle glances at the girl, and felt that they had done the right thing. Jessica still looked far from happy, but she did make a good breakfast and, though she was quiet and only spoke when she wanted something, the adults felt that this was an improvement on the outbursts that had become so common.

Breakfast over and Jessica spent a good hour cleaning Rosamund’s bedroom. The confetti seemed to have spread into the tiniest cracks and corners and the punishment was, indeed, a fitting one. She wrestled with the bed clothes until the bed was remade to Emily’s standards and then struggled round the room with the hoover until not a speck of confetti remained. When Jessica had finished, she was bitterly regretting ever having seen the confetti let alone having thought that scattering it about was a good idea.

 

#287:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 8:48 am

Well done Adam!

 

#288:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 8:51 am

I hope these new tactics continue to pay off.

Thanks Leahbelle

Liz

 

#289:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 11:21 am

Very Happy Adam seems to be learning something!!!
Thanks Leahbelle Very Happy

 

#290:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 1:03 pm

But will it work?

Thanks leahbelle

 

#291:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 1:18 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I think that this is a better way to try and sort things out - I hope it continues to work.

 

#292:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 2:40 pm

That was inspired! I'm so glad they didn't scream and shout at her, for it would have made her a lot worse. Thanks, Leahbelle, this is a really good story.

 

#293:  Author: Cryst,  PostPosted: Wed Feb 15, 2006 6:31 pm

Relieved about that, but I'm get a feeling of calm before the storm ...

 

#294:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:43 am

After church, Adam’s sister and her husband, Rebecca and Peter arrived for lunch. It was quite a jolly meal and some of the festive atmosphere of the wedding had returned. Rosamund had fully recovered from her small fever and was full of energy and excitement at the thought of an outing that afternoon and at the prospect of a fortnight in Manchester with her aunt and uncle. Only Jessica was quiet but, as Adam and Emily thought to themselves, at least that was better than rudeness.

Jessica wasn’t sure if she was looking forward to the trip to Houghton Castle or not. She was very glad that she was not being forced to stay in doors on such a beautiful day and she was grateful to her mother and step father for changing their minds. She liked Rebecca and Peter and, if only Rosamund hadn’t been going on the outing, everything would have been fine.

Houghton Castle had been built in the late fourteenth century and was a massive stone structure, now much in ruins, of five storeys and a garret. It was situated on a small, grassy island in the middle of the Houghton river and was reached by means of a boat. The island was the legendary home of the ancient kings of Houghton and the old castle had been built by Archibald the Grim, Lord of Houghton in 1370.

The island was one of Jessica’s favourite places. She enjoyed the trip across the river in a small boat owned by a local boatman who could sometimes be persuaded to take one further out into the river. In summer, the island was carpeted with velvet green grass and a thousand varieties of flowers.

It was impossible to take Rosamund’s invalid chair on the tiny boat and so the girl would have to spend most of the afternoon relaxing on the picnic blanket. Rosamund was thrilled at the thought the trip. She had never been to the castle before, although Jessica had been many times. She knew that she wouldn’t be able to tour around the site like the others but she was in the middle of a good book and was looking forward to reading in the warm sunshine and to watching the others exploring and having fun. Emily had promised to stay with her for most of the time and to read aloud to her if she wished.

On arrival at the car park, the new family could see the ruined remains of the tower on the middle of the island. The old boatman, seeing them from his hut, came out and climbed into the boat, ready to row them across the calm water. Adam carried Rosamund and they went over first, the others standing on the bank watching as the boat landed safely on the other side. Getting Rosamund out of the boat proved more difficult than getting her in but Adam managed eventually with the aid of the boatman and then the boat made its way back across to pick up the remainder of the party. Everyone clambered in, Peter bearing the large picnic basket with all their edibles.

Ten minutes later, a picnic site had been set up on the flat, grassy bank of the island. Around the other side of the island, the bank sloped steeply down to the water and was completely unsuitable for picnicking. Rosamund was settled on a thick tartan rug supported by pillows. She had brought her book and also a sketch pad and some pencils. Two additional blankets had been spread out for everyone else to use and, after some coffee and biscuits, Rosamund was left on her own while everyone else went off to explore the ancient building.

Jessica went off by herself, climbing to the very top of the tower. There were marvellous views across the country and Jessica could see for miles. Down below, she could see the others meandering about and she could just make Rosamund out, on her own. It looked like she was doing some sketching and Jessica stuck her tongue out at her and hoped that she had seen.

 

#295:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:48 am

leahbelle wrote:
Down below, she could see the others meandering about and she could just make Rosamund out, on her own. It looked like she was doing some sketching and Jessica stuck her tongue out at her and hoped that she had seen.


*giggles*

I hope she feels better for that, although I'm rather worried that Emily has promised to spend most of the time with Rosamund Confused

Thanks Leahbelle

Liz

 

#296:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:49 am

I think Emily needs to realise that her own daughter needs her as well.

Thanks leahbelle

 

#297:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 8:59 am

That was a bit of a silly thing to do, but very realistic Laughing !

*Wishing I was at a lovely castle instead of in the office Laughing !*

 

#298:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 1:04 pm

It might be working in one way, but not in another.

 

#299:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 1:30 pm

What a lovely day out! I agree with Eilidh - Emily should realize that Jessica also needs some of her time and attention, more now than ever.

 

#300:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 3:30 pm

That does sound like a wonderful day out!! I hope that sticking her tongue out has relieved Jess of some tension- I know it used to me when I was little!!! Embarassed

 

#301:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 5:11 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I'm glad they are having a good time.

 

#302:  Author: Cryst,  PostPosted: Thu Feb 16, 2006 7:44 pm

Lovely, Leahbelle. Is it a real place? Pity they didn't go somewhere where Rosamund could be with them all, though. Doesn't she ever get fed up and whinge? I hope Jessica doesn't fall off.

 

#303:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 1:19 am

I'm with the people who are voting Emily as a goose for promising to stay with Rosamund instead of her own daughter.

But the castle sounds way cool.




I wish we had castles in Australia, but they'd look pretty funny I guess

 

#304:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 8:51 am

Houghton Castle isn't real in itself, but its based on a place called Threave Castle in Kirkcudbrightshire which was one of my favourite places when I was little.

It's all downhill from here...


Five minutes later and, just as Jessica was just about to seek out her mother to explore the rest of the castle, she saw a figure approaching Rosamund and then sit down beside her. Rosamund appeared to put down her sketch pad and the other figure picked up a book. It was her mother! Jessica was fuming. She had wanted to tour the castle with Emily. They had come here often on their own and explored and made imaginings about the long gone residents and Jessica had assumed that today would be no different. But there was her mother, calmly reading aloud to Rosamund, while her real daughter was left alone.

Jessica didn’t realise that, if she had gone with Emily in the first place rather than running off by herself, Emily would have been pleased to spend time with her daughter. Jessica simply thought that, because her mother hadn’t even come looking for her, she preferred to spend the afternoon sitting with Rosamund and not with Jessica.

Jessica jumped to her feet and made her way swiftly down the narrow, winding staircase to the bottom. There was a tiny, narrow room with a slit for a window on the ground floor. It was well hidden and Jessica had only found it by accident the last time she had visited. She found it again today and sat down on the cold stone floor. From the window, she could see the picnic area but, because the walls were so thick and the slit was so narrow, no-one could see her. If they wanted her, they could jolly well come and find her! And if they didn’t come to find her, she would know once and for all that she wasn’t wanted!

It was a good hour and a half later, when the adults had tired of exploring and had begun to feel hungry, that Jessica was missed. By that time, she was bored and cramped from sitting on the cold floor for so long, but she was stubborn and wouldn’t allow herself to move until someone found her.

Peter, Rebecca and Emily left Adam to lay out the picnic while they wandered round the grounds shouting on Jessica. The silly girl had decided that, unless someone actually ventured in to the room and found her there, she wouldn’t make her presence known. As even Emily didn’t know of the room’s existence, it was bound to a goodly while before anyone even came close to finding her. Jessica could hear them shouting on her but she wouldn’t move, even when her stomach began to rumble.

Peter found her about forty minutes later. By that time, the searchers were hot and flustered and Emily was genuinely worried. There was no way Jessica could have got off the island, but Emily was worried that she might have fallen down the steep bank into the river and injured herself and been unable to call for help. A detailed search had ruled this out, but that still didn’t do anything to ease Emily’s worries as her daughter was still missing!

Peter stumbled on the room by accident and found Jessica still sitting on the floor. He was understandably annoyed at her. It was a warm day and they were all hot and bothered. Emily’s concern had transferred itself to the others, including Rosamund, and they had been starting to think that something terrible must have happened to her – although what, they could not say as they were the only visitors on the island.

“There you are!” Peter exclaimed as he came across the girl. “We’ve been really worried about you. What have you been doing in here? Didn’t you hear us shouting on you?”

In all honesty, Jessica couldn’t say no because she had heard the shouts, loud and clear. She had just chosen to ignore them but she didn’t want to tell Peter this and so she remained silent.

“Well, come on!” Peter said impatiently. “The others will want to know that you’re safe and everyone’s ready for something to eat.”

Jessica got to her feet with such deliberate slowness that Peter felt he could shake her. He wanted to get her to Emily straight away before that young woman dissolved into hysterics. Jessica trailed along behind him aware that, when she reached the others, she would be in for a scolding that she knew she deserved.

Everyone was relieved as Peter led Jessica out of the castle into the sunlight. Jessica was shocked at her mother’s appearance as she approached the picnic area. Emily was white as a sheet and her wide eyes stood out from her face. She was actually shaking with worry and Jessica could see that she was close to tears. Instantly contrite, Jessica flung herself at her mother and hugged her closely.

“I’m sorry!” she cried. “I didn’t know it would upset up you.”

That wasn’t entirely true. Jessica had known that Emily would be upset. She just hadn’t realised how guilty it would make her feel.

Emily embraced Jessica in return. Glad that her daughter was safe, she refrained from incriminations. Not so Adam. It had been his idea to allow Jessica the privilege of the trip and he felt that her behaviour had betrayed his trust. He was also upset at the seemingly callous way she had treated Emily’s feelings. He spoke a few sharp, and well deserved words to Jessica. If he had spoken to her in private, chances are she might have accepted his scolding but, to row her in front of everyone – especially Rosamund – seemed to Jessica to be ultimate of insults and merely went to prove that she was right. She was not wanted.

The pleasant, holiday atmosphere vanished. The adults finished their picnic quickly, but without really enjoying any of the food. Jessica glowered at them all from a distant corner and refused to eat. Rosamund, who was already beginning to flag, declared herself not hungry and watched the seething Jessica out of the corner of her eyes. Rosamund couldn’t help but feel that part of this was her fault, though why she could not say.

As soon as the picnic was over, the adults began to pack up. The intention had been to stay for another hour or so to make the most of the weather, but no-one felt inclined to stay after Jessica’s exploit and Rosamund was looking shattered. Emily, too, only wanted to get back home.

 

#305:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 8:55 am

Oh dear - she well and truly spoilt a nice day out there. Thanks leahbelle.

 

#306:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 8:58 am

Oh dear. Silly stubborn little girl Sad

Thanks Leahbelle

Liz

 

#307:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 9:15 am

Thanks Leahbelle.

 

#308:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 9:48 am

But it's so easy to understand why she feels so neglected by her mother and Emily really doesn't make things any better.
Thanks, Leahbelle.

 

#309:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 11:25 am

Thanks, Leahbelle. I'm sorry the end of the day went wrong.

 

#310:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 12:03 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. What a muddle.

 

#311:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 4:48 pm

All downhill from there? Oh no!!! Shocked
That was a silly thing to do, quite understandable though.
Thank you Leahbelle Very Happy

 

#312:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 7:38 pm

Oh dear!! SO many misunderstandings!
May I shake them all!?

Thanks Leahbelle!

 

#313:  Author: Cryst,  PostPosted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 9:43 pm

I really feel for Jessica - if I was in the same position, I could see myself doing that "sit in the room until they find me" thing. I do hope things will look up.

 

#314:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 9:50 pm

Silly Jess. But perfectly understandable.

Thanks leahbelle

 

#315:  Author: Michelle, Location: Near London PostPosted: Sat Feb 18, 2006 7:08 pm

Poor Jessica. She is behaving badly, but I don't blame her at all for feeling as she does. I kind of want Emily to hurry up and send her to the CS so she can be happy again... but that would mean the end of the drabble, and I'm enjoying it!

Michelle

 

#316:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 3:08 am

Oh dear, Oh dear, Oh dear, Oh dear.

This is painful to watch. I feel like knocking ALL their heads together!

But thanks anyway Leahbelle, I'm totally hooked.

 

#317:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 2:21 pm

I think they're all handling this badly! No-one seems to be able to do or say anything right!! Thanks for all your lovely comments. Here's today's update.

Back at Moorlands, the final arrangements for Rosamund’s journey to Manchester were made. Peter and Rebecca would arrive early on Monday morning and they would begin the long drive. It would be too much for Rosamund to do it in one go, and so they had arranged to stay over night at a hotel about half way up. Provided that Rosamund wasn’t too tired, they would continue their journey on the Tuesday but they would put it off until the Wednesday if she wasn’t fit.

For Jessica, Adam and Emily their longer journey to Ambleside would begin after Rosamund had departed. They would stop three or four times on the way and would not reach Emily’s parents until gone ten o’clock on the Monday evening. On Tuesday morning, the newly-weds would continue to Scotland and Jessica would remain at the Rigbys’ for a fortnight.

Jessica was looking forward to this break more than anything. As they drove home in the car from Houghton Castle she suddenly wondered if Emily and Adam would decide that her behaviour did not merit such a treat and that she must stay at Moorlands in the care of Mrs Childs and she began to regret her afternoon’s exploit.

Fortunately, nothing was further from the Sefton’s minds. It was important to them that both girls had a break and, what was more, that they both enjoyed their break. It was a shame that the girls’ relationship was such that the break could not be spent together, but it would be a good chance for Jessica to clear her mind and Rosamund always enjoyed a trip to Rebecca’s.

Jessica spent the evening packing. Emily had spoken to her about the incident at the castle, but had not scolded. She had merely pointed out how worried everyone had been at the thought that something bad might have happened to the girl and Jessica had the grace to look ashamed. However, she ventured no apology.

Next morning, bright and early, Rosamund set off in Peter’s large car and, a few moments later, the Seftons and Jessica followed suit. It was a long journey and before it was more than half over Jessica was fed up. She had done this trip before, but always on the train where there was room to get up and walk about and there was a dining car to visit. In the car, her legs were cramped and she was bored. She couldn’t read in the car as she got car sick, and the same went for playing card games. Emily tried to keep her amused, but her attempts were met with rebuffal and she eventually stopped and gave herself up to thinking about the lovely fortnight that she and Adam had in front of them.

They stopped for elevenses, a late lunch and then tea. After that, Adam decided to do the rest of the trip in one go. He, too, was tired, and Jessica’s sulks and moans had done nothing to make the journey easier for him. It was just after nine thirty when they drew up outside the Rigby’s house in Ambleside and Jessica was not the only one to be thankful that the long trip was over.

The cottage, the Coach House, was a four bedroom detached cottage and was only a minute from Ambleside town centre. Built of traditional lake-land stone, it was full of Victorian character. It had been in the Rigby family for years. Emily had been born in it, as had her father before her. It was a very special to Emily and to Jessica, too. They both had happy memories of previous holidays there and, for Emily, there were also the memories of childhood. Each time she saw the cottage, Emily wondered if she done the right thing in taking Jessica to live so far away, but she had needed her independence after Richard’s death and to return home would have been a step backwards.

The Rigby’s, John and Kate, stood at the open door as Adam hefted Jessica’s suitcase from the boot and Emily carried their own smaller overnight bag. Jessica rushed up to her grandparents and was instantly enveloped in a loving embrace. The Rigby’s doted on their only granddaughter and were only sad that they didn’t get to see as much of her as they would have liked. They had looked forward to her visit immensely and had some trips planned that they knew Jessica would enjoy. They had heard about the girls’ attitude to the marriage and to Rosamund and hoped that they could do something to set her mind straight during her stay. It was obvious to them as soon as they set eyes on her that she was unhappy and Kate immediately determined that she needed fattening up and some good nights’ sleep.

Dinner was first on the agenda after the weary visitors had washed their hands and faces and tidied their hair. There was hot water for all to have a refreshing bath later. After dinner, Jessica unpacked her suitcase in the cosy room that was to be hers for a fortnight while first Emily and then Adam took advantage of the hot water. Jessica then followed suit and it was almost midnight by the time she tumbled into bed.

Emily came up to say goodnight. She would miss her wayward daughter over the next fortnight. They had never been parted for so long and she was unsure how Jessica would cope. Emily did not lie to herself though, and she freely admitted to Adam that it would be lovely to spend a peaceful fortnight alone with him.

Jessica was unresponsive to Emily’s approach that night. She submitted her face for a duty kiss but only grunted when Emily told her to be a good girl for Gran and to enjoy herself. Emily shrugged as she left the room. She was determined not to be hurt, knowing that Jessica herself was hurting. Emily just hoped that some time away from Rosamund would improve the situation at home.

The Seftons departed early again next morning. Emily decided against waking Jessica. She had had a very busy few days and needed to have her sleep out. Kate agreed with this wholeheartedly, having remarked to Emily the night before how tired she thought Jessica was looking.

Thus, when Jessica eventually woke up and made her way downstairs, it was almost midday and she was on her own for the next fourteen days. She had had a relatively good night’s sleep – in fact, the best she had had in a long time and, though she still looked tired, the dark shadows were not so obvious and her face was less drawn.

 

#318:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 2:30 pm

I hope her grandparents' love can help her to see things in a better light.

 

#319:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 4:20 pm

I also hope her grandparents can make her feel better about Rosamund. I do think it's a shame Jessica didn't get to say goodbye to Emily before they left though - I hope she doesn't notch that up as another point against her mother.

 

#320:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 5:10 pm

I hope Jessica will enjoy her fortnight's break, but I'm worried that if she does Emily and Adam will see it as a good thing and send her there lots which will lead to her feeling even more alienated.

Thanks leahbelle

 

#321:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 5:47 pm

Hope she has a good break (I love the Lake District!), but going back to real life after a nice holiday can be hard.

 

#322:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 8:05 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I hope that the holiday goes well. I'm sorry that Jessica didn't get to say goodbye to Emily.

 

#323:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 8:12 pm

Thanks Leahbelle, I hope the time apart is good for Jessica, and Emily and Adam.

 

#324:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 2:25 am

Alice wrote:
Thanks Leahbelle, I hope the time apart is good for Jessica, and Emily and Adam.



or at least that she becomes a little more reconciled to the situation.

 

#325:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 9:03 am

Be warned - this is quite a long post!

Kate still felt that she looked very different from the Jessica that she and John knew and loved and felt that there was a lot of work to be done to bring Jessica back to herself. First things first, and Kate produced a brunch that Jessica more than did justice to. Both Kate and John knew that they would have to pick their moment and their words very carefully. They didn’t want to make things any worse for their granddaughter than they already were. They had planned some outings for Jessica and, all in all, she would be kept busy for the next two weeks. There was no rush to talk about things and Kate suspected that Jessica might bring the matter up of her own accord when she was ready to talk.

In fact, for the next twelve days, Jessica became the happy, contented girl that she had always been. Long walks in the country, visits to museums and trips on the river all served to help her forget her woes and thoroughly enjoy herself. This was the case to such an extent that she didn’t event think about Rosamund, let alone consider what would happen when she returned to Moorlands. Kate and John spent nearly all of their time with Jessica, taking her on trips and outings, many of them to places visited many times previously but which were well loved by all. Most of all, Jessica enjoyed the long country walks and the marvellous scenery. Kate and John kept her so busy that, by the time she got back to the Coach House in the evening Jessica was more than happy to curl up with a book and relax for the rest of the night.

In turn, her sleeping improved and she began to sleep through the whole night. She fell asleep almost as soon as her head touched the pillow and didn’t wake up til gone eight o’clock every morning. Kate refused to have her awoken earlier. The girl was on holiday and needed as much rest as she could get – but it was rest interspersed with exercise and other healthy activities and this did more for Jessica than all the talking to in the world could have done.

Her appearance improved, too, and she no longer had hollows in her cheeks and the pasty, pale look she had cultivated over the previous few weeks vanished to be replaced with a glowing complexion which was freckled by the sun. She put on some weight as well and Kate declared that Emily would not recognise her when she and Adam returned.

It was this statement that brought Jessica back to earth as she realised that her mother and step father would be back to collect her in a couple of days. She would go back to Moorlands, back to being second best to Rosamund and back to school – to weekly board. Almost in front of her eyes, Kate saw Jessica’s face fall and it seemed as if all the good work of the last days had been undone. Now, Kate decided, was the time to take the bull by the horns and confront Jessica. There was no point in her physical health being improved if her mental health continued to suffer.

Jessica was sipping a cup of cocoa and munching on some toast after a busy day shopping. John was taking advantage of the light nights and was out working in the garden. Kate was sitting with Jessica in the living room, a mug of cocoa clasped in her own hands.

“What’s wrong, Jessica?” Kate asked, gently.

“Nothing,” Jessica sounded surprised. “I’ve had a lovely day.”

“That’s not what I mean. I know you’ve enjoyed your time here, but there’s something making you unhappy, isn’t there? I know it’s taking you a while to come to terms with your mother re-marrying, but it seems to me that there’s more to it than that. Can you tell me about it?”

“I don’t want to go home!” Jessica blurted.

“Why not?”

“It’s not home anymore! It’s his house, not our house. It won’t be like going home. It’ll be like being a visitor in someone else’s house but living there and never really feeling that I belong.”

“It’ll certainly be different, but I thought Emily told me that you had a sitting room all to yourself and a bedroom as well. That sounds as if it would be fun, certainly an improvement on the cupboard that you slept in at the old house.”

“I liked our old house. It was just me and mother with no-one else to bother us. Now there’s Rosamund and Adam too and I don’t want them. I want things to be the same as they always were.”

“Change is always difficult,” said Kate, “but everyone has to do deal with it. Look at the changes I’ve had in my life. I married your granddad and moved away from home. That was very scary at first and I missed my parents so much that I almost ran away back to them. Then Emily arrived. That was even scarier. A new little person and I was responsible for her. After only having me and John to look after, that was a huge change! Emily grew up and she moved away. It took me a long time to get used to not having her around, and she was so far away that we couldn’t just pop in to visit and it cost a fortune to phone.”

“That’s not the same,” Jessica moaned.

“No, it’s not. It’s completely different from the change you’re facing. It’s been you and Emily, on your own, alone, for most of your life. I daresay that you don’t even remember Richard. Now, you have to get used to having a step father, to moving to a new house and to having a step sister. And Rosamund’s not just any step sister, is she?”

“She can’t do anything for herself. Mother will have to do everything for her!”

“You could help,” Kate suggested, “then maybe you wouldn’t feel left out. I’m sure Rosamund would love that, and it would give Emily a break.”

Jessica stared at her gran. “Maybe,” but she sounded doubtful and Kate knew that the girl had no intention of trying to integrate herself into her new family in this way.

“You need to try to think of ways to help you cope with this change,” Kate encouraged. “It’s not going to be easy and it will be a long time until you’ve all settled down together as one family, but it will happen, Jess. And, whatever happens, you must remember that your mother loves you more than anything else in the world – more, even than Rosamund. You are her own daughter and you will always hold the most special place in her heart. No-one can take that away from you, though you may sometimes think that they have. A mother’s love is a very special thing. A mother will love her daughter regardless. You don’t need to do anything to earn it and nothing you do will stop her loving you, even if she sometimes feels that you don’t deserve it.”

“But she won’t have time to love me. She’ll be too busy looking after Rosamund to have time to love me.”

“Nonsense. She’ll be busy, of course, but she’ll always time for you.”

“Then why are they sending me to Redferne through the week instead of letting me come home at night? It’s so that she has more time for Rosamund, isn’t it?”

“No, Jess. That’s not it at all. I’m sure Emily has explained this to you. The journey is too much for you everyday. You’d be exhausted. You’re not sleeping well as it is. Add that long journey onto your school day, every day, and you’ll be too tired to even think properly, let alone do your work. You’ll be grumpy and probably get into more trouble at school. Your marks will slip. You don’t want that, do you?” Jessica shook her head. “Then,” Kate went on, “you must see that being a weekly boarder is best for you. At least give it a try. If you really find that you hate it after a term or so, then maybe we could think things through again.”

“I suppose so, but Mother will still be spending all her time with Rosamund, not with me.”

“Yes, through the week, but when you come home I think you’ll find that Emily has just as much time for you as she ever did.” Kate drained the last of her cocoa. “Think about it, Jess. Try to be positive about the change. No-one’s saying it’ll be easy, but if you make the effort now you’ll find that you’re much happier in the long run.”

Jessica looked unconvinced and slightly mutinous. Deep down, what Kate was saying made sense but her jealousy of Rosamund went even deeper and she just couldn’t make up her mind to make a fresh start.

Knowing what her granddaughter was thinking and feeling that she failed, Kate took the two empty mugs through to the kitchen. This looked like being a battle that Jessica was going to have to try to win by herself and in her own way – it was unfortunate that the only real enemy was Jessica herself.

 

#326:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 9:47 am

Thanks Leahbelle. Jessica just won't listen to anyone, will she?

 

#327:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 10:31 am

Poor Jessica - she can't see, or won't see, that Emily only wants the best for her. I'm sure Emily will miss Jessica just as much as Jessica will miss her mother.

Thank you leahbelle

 

#328:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 1:25 pm

Thanks Leahbelle Very Happy

I hope Kate also has the chance for a chat with Emily.

Liz

 

#329:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 1:30 pm

Yes, Kate needs to remind Emily that she must make sure she finds lots of time for Jessica at the weekend, or it will just reinforce the being sent away idea. Mind you, they can't do too much, can they, or there will be nothing left for OOAO to get to grips with!
Thanks, Leahbelle.

 

#330:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 5:22 pm

She won't listen, will she? It's so frustrating when someone's being like that, but she'll just have to work it out for herself. Thanks leahbelle.

 

#331:  Author: Cryst,  PostPosted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 6:38 pm

Thank you Leahbelle. I'm glad she's had a good holiday, but filled with dread about going back.

 

#332:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 7:59 pm

Jess is so stubborn!!! But good on Kate for trying. Very Happy

 

#333:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 21, 2006 11:11 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I'm glad she wasn't upset about her Mum not saying goodbye. I hope Jessica will consider some of the things that Kate has said.

 

#334:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 3:44 am

I hope Kate has brains enough to spend lots of time with Jess on the weekends so she doesn't continue to feel so neglected.

I'm pleased Jess had such a pleasant time with her Grandparents.

 

#335:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 8:48 am

Oh dear....


Emily and Adam arrived back at the Coach House on the Tuesday. Both were brown as berries and Emily’s face was a positive sea of freckles. She looked radiant and Adam, too, looked happy and relaxed. It was obvious to Kate and John that their honeymoon had been everything they had dreamed of. Jessica, too, felt the happiness flowing from them and, rather than feeling glad for them, felt jealous that she was not a part of that happiness.

The plan was that the Seftons and Jessica would drive back to Moorlands House on the Wednesday. They would do the journey in one day, as previously, stopping frequently on the way. Rosamund would not arrive home until the Thursday and Emily wanted to make that everything was in place for her return.

Jessica, however, had different ideas. Since her talk with Kate she had been thinking seriously about things and the one conclusion that she had been able to reach was that she really did not want to return to Moorlands House at the moment. She wanted to stay on at the Coach House with the Rigbys. Jessica hadn’t discussed this with Kate or John, but she felt sure that they would agree. They professed to love her as much as her mother and, if they refused and made her go back with Emily and Adam it would be proof to Jessica that they, too, did not love her as much as they claimed to. In her somewhat twisted way of thinking, Jessica also felt that if her mother allowed her to stay at the Coach House it would be because she didn’t want her daughter to return to Moorlands and would rather leave her at her grandparents. The Rigbys and the Seftons were in a no-win situation, as was Jessica. Whatever was decided, she was going to be hurt and she had set herself up for it.

Jessica broached the subject at dinner that evening. Emily had been pleased to see that the girl was looking healthier and even a little happier and she hoped that this would continue when they go back to Moorlands. There were still four weeks left of the summer holiday and Emily had planned some trips which involved only herself and Jessica. She knew that a lot of her time now must, perforce, be spent with Rosamund and she didn’t begrudge this but she was determined that it wouldn’t be at the expense of Jessica.

“Stay here?” Emily gasped when Jessica raised the issue. Adam looked surprised and the Rigby’s stared at each other open mouthed. They had not expected this.

“Please, mother, I’ve had such a lovely time and I don’t want to go home. Couldn’t I stay here and come back by train later?”

“But I’ve got all sorts of things planned for you at home. You’ll have a lovely time with me,” Emily was hurt and a little petulant. She looked at her mother. “Did you know about this?”

“No,” Kate said. “I know that things aren’t….well, and Jess has had a great time and we’ve loved having her but,” she turned to Jessica, “it really is time you went home, darling. You’ll come back again soon.”

“You don’t want me,” Jessica said. “None of you do! Well, I don’t want you either!”

Jessica jumped from her seat, leaving her dinner practically untouched. She couldn’t bear to spend another moment in the room. She rushed from the room and through the open front door into the garden where she took refuge and allowed the tears to flow.

 

#336:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 8:53 am

oh dear is right!

Thanks leahbelle.

 

#337:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 3:27 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I'm sorry that Jessica isn't thinking straight. It's nice though that Emily has planned trips for just her and Jessica.

 

#338:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 4:17 pm

Oh, poor Emily and poor Jessica. Sorry to keep on saying the same thing, but I do feel so sorry for them both. Thanks, Leahbelle.

 

#339:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 4:24 pm

She really did set herself up be hurt there.

Thank you leahbelle

 

#340:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 5:27 pm

Oh dear Sad .

 

#341:  Author: Michelle, Location: Near London PostPosted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 2:08 am

Oh, poor Jessica. Thank you, Leahbelle. Jess is behaving badly, of course, but you capture her feelings so well, and I just want to hug her.

Michelle

 

#342:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 3:11 am

Oh Dear is certainly right Leahbelle.

Do you think she is deliberately making situtations which are going to be so dreadful? Poor mixed up kiddy.

 

#343:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 8:29 am

Miss Di wrote:

Do you think she is deliberately making situtations which are going to be so dreadful?


My thought is that she is just so upset she can't help it. I've not been as bad as this, but I do know the way you can think when it seems that the whole world is against you. Staying with her grandparents must have been the ideal situation to her mind, but she can't take in just how hurtful she is being.

Right now she is just so upset and angry that she wants her mother to prove she loves her by doing something heroic to show her that. All she is succeeding in doing is alienating herself even further from the rest of the family.

Pity she doesn't have a Miss Annersley to get through to her, and help her to understand just how much she is hurting her own relationship with her mother.

Thanks Leahbelle

 

#344:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 10:02 am

Kate, who hadn’t been privileged to see this side of Jessica during the girl’s stay, was shocked. John, too, was nonplussed. Where was their happy, cheerful granddaughter? Everyone had lost their appetites and, though Adam tried to do justice to the home cooked meal, he mainly pushed the food around the plate to make it look less full.

“What are we going to do?” Emily demanded, in despair. She had been so looking forward to seeing Jessica again, having missed her horribly, but the reunion had been nothing like she had imagined.

“I think you should let her stay,” John said unexpectedly. “She’s only going to work herself up into a state if you don’t. She’s really improved these last two weeks. Perhaps if you give her another fortnight with us, we might be able to do some more good.”

“I had a long chat with her the other night,” Kate said, “and it doesn’t seem to have done any good at all. I’m so sorry, darling. I really hoped that she was starting to see things differently.”

“If we let her stay, aren’t we just putting off the evil moment?” Adam asked. “Besides, Emily wants Jess at home.”

“But she’ll be in a foul mood and I did so hope that things would be all right now,” Emily moaned. “I want her with me, of course I do. She’s my daughter and I love her. But I think Father might be right. She’s going to work herself up to fever pitch and take it out on Adam and Rosamund. Do you really think her staying here for a while longer will help?” she appealed to John and Kate.

Kate shrugged. “As I said, I don’t think I’ve managed to make much difference, though I have tried. She’s pretty much decided that she doesn’t want to go back to Moorlands. It’s not her home and she feels like an outsider.”

“But she’ll never feel like anything but an outsider if she doesn’t try to fit in,” Adam argued.

John cut in, “She does need to try to fit in and, I think, given time she will. But she has to want to fit in first and she doesn’t at the moment. Taking her back to Moorlands, when she is obviously unhappy about it isn’t the best way. Leave her here for a bit longer. When she realises that she is missing out on spending time with you, Emily – time that you are then able to give to Rosamund – she might find herself ready to accept things. Right now, she’s at odds with herself and the world and more conflict at home is the last thing you two need. Give yourselves and Jess a little bit of breathing space.”

“If we let her stay, how will she get back home?” Adam asked. “The journey is far too long for a thirteen year old girl to do on her own. There are at least three changes – and that’s always providing the trains are running to time and aren’t cancelled. I could take a couple of days off work and drive up to fetch her.”

“No,” said Emily, “if Mrs Childs didn’t mind looking after Rosamund for a while, I could come up on the train for her.”

“Yes, you could stay here for a few nights before coming back to Moorlands,” Adam agreed. “That would be fine, if that’s all right with John and Kate?”

“Of course it is,” Kate said. “We’ve loved having Jess and it’ll be nice to see you for a few days, Emily. I think Jess will appreciate being able to spend some time with you, too.”

“Good,” John said. “Then it’s agreed. Jess will stay for another fortnight and we’ll do what in us lies to help her. I think it’s the best way.”

“But,” Kate put in, “this next fortnight isn’t going to be the holiday that the last few weeks have been. My daily’s away for the next month or so. Jess can help me about the house and with the cooking. And the garden’s been shamefully neglected. She can help John with that. We’ll keep her busy, but she’s not going to have another fortnight full of treats.”

“You won’t be too hard on her, will you?” Emily pleaded.

“We won’t be hard on her at all. She’ll just be making herself useful. That might help her to appreciate what she has at Moorlands.”

So it was decided. Jessica was to have her own way. Emily wasn’t one hundred percent happy. She had been looking forward to having Jessica back with her again and had imagined that the break she had had would have helped her to put her mind straight. However, that obviously hadn’t happened and Emily had to admit that things would be much easier at Moorlands without a sulky and unwilling daughter. It wouldn’t be for long and it might be just what Jessica needed.

 

#345:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 10:12 am

Or it might just confirm Jess's belief that they don't want her.

Thanks Leahbelle.

 

#346:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 12:14 pm

Jessica is in no state to think straight, so any course of action is enough to confirm to her that she isn't wanted and that her mother prefers Rosamund.

It's a no-win situation all round.

 

#347:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 1:26 pm

Jess isn't going to take this the right way at all. She'll think her grandparents are only keeping her because someone has to and as she's going to be made to work she'll see that as a punishment.

Poor unhappy mixed up little girl.

 

#348:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 3:32 pm

Yes, even though she wanted to stay, I think she's going to look upon it as a punishment now. I do feel so sorry for her. Thanks, Leahbelle.

 

#349:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 6:00 pm

Whatever they do's going to cause problems - if they make her come home then she'll sulk, and if they don't then she'll think that they don't want her around. This is so interesting.

 

#350:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 9:29 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I wonder how Jessica will react to the news that she is staying.

 

#351:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 9:30 pm

Poor silly mixed up girl.

 

#352:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 9:31 pm

Oooer I don't know who to feel sorry for or quite what to say! It's all so mixed up! Confused
Thanks Leahbelle

 

#353:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 10:23 am

After helping Kate to clear away the remains of dinner (most of it!), Emily went outside to find Jessica. She was lying stretched out on the grass in a shady hollow. Her tears had stopped, but she looked so miserable that Emily’s heart went out to her and she was glad that the decision had been made to allow her to stay on at the Coach House.

Emily sat down on the grass beside her daughter. Jessica looked up at her listlessly.

“We’ve agreed that you can stay on here for another two weeks,” Emily told her. “Does that make you any happier?”

Jessica sat up, a smile lighting her face. “Oh, yes!” she cried. “I love it here! “

“And you don’t love being at home?” Emily questioned gently.

“It’s not home anymore. Everything’s different and I hate it. I want to stay here.”

“You can’t stay here for ever, Jess. You can stay for the fortnight and then I’ll be coming up to bring you back to Moorlands.”

To Jessica, a fortnight seemed like a lifetime away and she was thrilled that her return to Moorlands had been postponed. She would worry about her eventual return when she had to.

“I know. Thank you for letting me stay on here.”

The change in Jessica had been instant and enormous and it worried Emily to think that the girl was so distressed at the thought of returning to her new home. Perhaps she should have insisted on her coming back with them in the car on the morrow – but the decision had been made and Emily would not go back on her word. Jessica had turned from a picture of misery into a smiling girl and she caught at Emily’s hand as she asked,

“Will you come on your own?”

“Yes. And I’m going to stay for a few days so we can spend some time together on our own. Will you like that?”

“Oh, yes!” she cried again. “We can go for a trip on the lake and Gran and I found the loveliest walk to show you.”

Emily smiled. “I’m looking forward to it already. Now, you mustn’t get too excited about staying on here. Gran has plans for you and they don’t involve many treats. She’s got a lot to do about the house and she needs your help and Grandpa wants your help in the garden, too. Will that be ok?”

Jessica felt that, as long as she didn’t have to go home just yet, anything would be ok. “Yes, it’ll be fun!”

Emily laughed. “Remind me of that the next time Mrs Childs is away and you find me up to my neck in hoovers and dusters. I’m glad you’re happy with this, Jess. Adam and I will miss you, you know.”

Emily and Adam departed early the next morning. For a wonder, Jessica got up to say good bye. Emily was upset to leave her girl behind, but the change in her was almost tangible and it really did seem that they had made the best decision. She felt sad to see the smiles on Jessica’s face and to know that they were only there because Jessica had been allowed not to return home.

 

#354:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 10:28 am

Poor Emily.

Thanks leahbelle

 

#355:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 10:38 am

Leahbelle wrote:
Jessica felt that, as long as she didn’t have to go home just yet, anything would be ok. “Yes, it’ll be fun!”

Thank goodness for that! I hope her grandparents can talk some sense into Jessica over the next two weeks.

 

#356:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 11:01 am

Oh dear - I'm glad that Jessica's happier now, but is she really that unhappy at home?

Thanks leahbelle

 

#357:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 1:16 pm

Poor Emily - and poor Jessica, being so unhappy at home.

 

#358:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 1:22 pm

I'm glad Jess is staying for a little while longer - perhaps it will give Emily and Adam a chance to see what they can do at home to help her be happier there too, and a chance for Kate to have a few more wise words with her granddaughter.

Thanks Leahbelle

Liz

 

#359:  Author: Cryst,  PostPosted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 6:19 pm

Oh dear, Rosamund will really have got her feet under the table by the time Jess gets back. Thank you Leahbelle.

 

#360:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 24, 2006 8:41 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I'm glad that Jessica is pleased about staying on at Moorlands.

 

#361:  Author: JosieG, Location: Yorkshire Dales PostPosted: Sun Feb 26, 2006 3:33 pm

Thanks Leahbelle. I've just caught up on this. I'm really hoping the extra time with her grandparents can help Jessica sort her feelings out, but I'm not convinced it's going to work!

 

#362:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Mon Feb 27, 2006 8:51 am

The fortnight passed quickly, too quickly for Jessica. Kate kept her busy about the house and Jessica, who had always been rather lazy about helping Emily about the house, found herself being taught to clean and to cook. Cooking was a completely new enterprise for her and she thoroughly enjoyed it. Kate kept her to simple things at first and she learned to prepare a salad and make scrambled eggs that didn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Then they progressed on to main meals, and Kate instructed Jessica in the finer points of cooking a chicken and roasting vegetables.

The rest of her time was mainly spent in the garden, helping John. The garden at the Coach House was large and was practically a full time job in the summer. John was glad of Jessica’s help with planting and pruning and picking. Jessica wasn’t quite so keen on gardening as she was on cooking, but she set to with a will, grateful to her grandparents for allowing to stay on.

Despite what Kate had said, there was also time for trips and treats and Jessica found herself able to explore some places she had never been to before.

It seemed to Jessica that the fortnight was over in the blink of an eye. Emily was expected on the morrow and, though she was looking forward to seeing her mother again and to spending a few days alone with her, Jessica knew that her reprieve had come to end and that, on the Thursday she must go back to Moorlands.

Emily arrived in some trepidation, wondering what sort of a mood she would find Jessica in. She fully expected more tears and tantrums and was prepared for this. She had spoken to Kate on the phone a few times and knew that Jessica had been kept busy and that she had been cheerful and good natured. Emily prayed that this would last, but feared that it was to be short lived.

Jessica, too, was nervous about seeing Emily again, but she needn’t have worried. Jessica was waiting at the gate as Emily alighted from the cab which had brought her from the station and, before her mother had fully got all her belongings out, Jessica had wrapped her in a bear hug. Emily was delighted and laughed as she extricated herself from the girl’s grasp. They went into the Coach House together happily.

Emily was to spend two whole days at the Coach House. Mrs Childs had been pleased to look after Rosamund in her absence and had even suggested that she stay longer. Emily wanted to get back to Adam, however, and found that she was missing him already. On the Thursday, Jessica and Emily would undertake the gruelling train journey back home and Adam would meet them at the station with the car.

Emily had some pleasing news for Jessica. The Burgesses, Charlotte’s parents, were going to Brighton for a week on Sunday and Jessica had been invited to join them. Emily had agreed, glad that Jessica was invited to join in on a treat. She had never been to Brighton before. There would still be a week of the summer holidays left when Jessica returned when they would be able to spend time together as a family.

Jessica was thrilled at the news and it took the edge off her depression at having to leave her grandparents. She had spent a wonderful month with them and would miss them badly. A week in Brighton would do a lot towards cheering her up. She even felt that, by the time she got home, she would be able to be pleasant to Rosamund. After all, she had had very few treats these holidays.

The week in Brighton was spent mainly on the beach. Mrs Burgess struggled somewhat to keep two lively teenagers amused whilst still looking after baby Andrea. Mr Burgess took the two girls out and about a bit, but their happiest days were spent relaxing on the beach with their books and bathing in the warm sea. Both were good swimmers and the sea was remarkably calm, allowing them to have games and races.

Alas, it all came to an end much too quickly for Jessica’s liking and she found herself back at Moorlands, with only a week before she must return to school as a weekly boarder.

 

#363:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Feb 27, 2006 8:56 am

It all sounds so nice ... and she's really going to feel it now that she's go to school as a weekly boarder.

 

#364:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 27, 2006 1:25 pm

At least she's had a good time during the summer. I dread to think how she'll react to weekly boarding.

 

#365:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Feb 27, 2006 3:07 pm

It was nice to think that she felt she might be nice to Rosamund because she hadn't had as many treats over the summer. Thanks, Leahbelle.

 

#366:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 27, 2006 5:34 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I'm glad that the rest of her time with her grandparents and Brighton went well.

 

#367:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Mon Feb 27, 2006 5:48 pm

I'm glad that Jess' half term has turned out to be really great, and that she realised that Rosamund had so few treats. I hope that now she is a weekly border she does not feel too left out of her family.
Thank you Leahbelle Very Happy

 

#368:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Feb 27, 2006 9:57 pm

I'm glad that Jessica did have a nice holiday but being the pessimist I am I just don't think it can last.

Thanks leahbelle

 

#369:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 2:25 am

Summer was a beaut break and it's nice to see Jess realise that Rosamund won't have had the treats she has had.


So what drama is going to knock us for a six next Leahbelle?

 

#370:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 8:49 am

Thanks Leahbelle - I'm glad Jessica has had a good summer, but I'm guessing things still won't be that easy at home, especially as the holiday gradually fades into the past.

Liz

 

#371:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 9:08 am

Unsurprisingly, Jessica found it difficult to settle into the routine that had been established in her absence. Adam left for work early in the morning and returned home around five o’clock. Emily had found her days full with looking after Rosamund and she wondered how Mrs Childs had managed to care for the girl and look after the house as well. At first, Emily had missed her work in the library and the camaraderie of her colleagues there but she found Rosamund to be a delightful companion, despite her youth and she soon settled into life at Moorlands.

Rosamund, too, was pleased to have someone around to spend time with. Mrs Childs, though kindly, did not have time to spend with her and amuse her and Miss Winter was more interested in trying to teach her than in trying to keep her amused. Emily had read widely, the result of her job, and she found that Rosamund had surprising tastes in literature for a girl so young. She read everything that she could get her hands on and loved Wilkie Collins, Jane Austen, Shakespeare and, like Jessica, Charles Dickens. She also had an appetite for whodunits and adored Agatha Christie. The pair spent many a happy evening reading aloud together and discussing the books they had read. Both were interested in history, especially ancient history, and Emily broadened Rosamund’s education to include this. Both enjoyed needlework and Rosamund could produce embroidery that was astounding in someone of her age. Emily taught her some new stitches and was taught, in turn, some new crochet stitches. Rosamund was quite a good little artist and, though Emily was no use at drawing or painting herself, she enjoyed watching Rosamund’s little compositions being given life.

In short, it seemed that Emily had more in common with her step daughter than with her real daughter.

It was obvious from the first that Jessica was going to have trouble settling into the routine. Used to spending a lot of time with Emily during the holidays and going on day trips and outings, Jessica now found that Emily was tied to the house for a great deal of the time as there were many places that were not suitable for Rosamund and her invalid chair. Jessica did not want to spend the remainder of her holidays inside, reading and sewing, when the weather was holding up so beautifully and the common and countryside that surrounded Moorlands was so inviting. Jessica, therefore, found herself spending much of her time alone, exploring the country around Moorlands. Emily and Rosamund accompanied her on occasion, with Emily pushing the chair, but it was hard going and they hardly ever went far. This was of no concern to Jessica, who was enjoying her own company more and more.

To Emily’s credit, she did try to involve her daughter in the pursuits that she enjoyed with Rosamund as she didn’t want Jessica to feel that she was being pushed out. It was difficult. Although Jessica enjoyed reading, she loathed sewing and knitting and had no interest in art. Her musical ability we have already encountered. She was certainly not interested in the books on ancient Egypt and Greece that her mother and Rosamund read and discussed with such vim.

Jessica knew that she could at least try to be interested, or to pretend an interest, but she just couldn’t see the point. She didn’t want to spend time with Rosamund. She had decided that being in an invalid chair had nothing to do with it. She just didn’t like her step sister.

However, on two afternoons, Emily left Mrs Childs in charge of Rosamund and went with Jessica on her expeditions in to the countryside and Jessica enjoyed this.

Jessica’s behaviour had been much improved since her return from the Coach House and Brighton. She was still quiet, but she wasn’t rude to Adam and Rosamund. She didn’t venture conversation, but did speak when spoken to and was polite about it. She was spending a lot of time alone and Emily worried about this. Jessica still resented Rosamund, hated her in fact, but she kept her feelings to herself because it made her own life much easier to bear. She escaped from Moorlands whenever she could and when Saturday evening arrived, she found that she was glad to be returning to Redferne as a boarder the following day.

 

#372:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 9:14 am

Thanks Leahbelle,

Poor Jessica - I hope she settles in well as a weekly boarder and doesn't feel too much like a fifth wheel when she goes home for weekends.

Liz

 

#373:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 9:21 am

Poor Jessica - she's bound to feel left out when she realises how well Rosamund and Emily are getting on, especially when she's not there most of the time and Rosamund is.

 

#374:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 11:32 am

Thanks, Leahbelle. I'm sorry that Jessica is feeling left out but I'm glad they still had time for a couple of treats.

 

#375:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 12:06 pm

Of course Jessica is feeling left out, her mother isn't spending enough time with her.

I can't help feeling that Rosamund is the daughter that Emily wanted all along, and Jessica knows this without being able to put it into words.

 

#376:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 2:12 pm

At least she's not being rude to Adam and Emily now - which might help Adam to get on with her better. I hope things go well for her when she gets to school. And I really hope that Emily finds time for Jessica at the weekends, as she will be really put out if she is still wrapped up in Rosamund then.

 

#377:  Author: Le Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 4:51 pm

It must be hard on Emily to have to try and divide her time, but poor Jess all on her own! Sad
Thanks Leahbelle Very Happy

 

#378:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 1:03 am

I have a feeling of 'the calm before the storm'. Poor old Jessica, her mother is really neglecting her in favour of her step daughter.

 

#379:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 8:41 am

Jessica had asked that she could arrive at Redferne with the other boarders, rather than waiting til the Monday morning to return as she would have done if she was still a day girl. She was nervous about boarding weekly. Although she had lots of friends in her form, she and Charlotte had always hunted in pairs and she would miss her partner in crime in the evenings. Emily and Adam were to drop Jessica off at Redferne in the afternoon. Her main luggage had already been sent.

Emily had planned a special meal for Jessica’s last night at home. She had lovingly prepared, by herself a country pork casserole followed by strawberries and ice cream, one of Jessica’s favourites. Rosamund had contributed to the dinner by making some place settings for the table, beautifully decorated with wreaths of flowers. Although Jessica spoke little to her step sister, Rosamund was actually going to miss having someone of her own age about the house and she wished, for the thousandth time, that Jessica liked her a bit more.

There was also to be another treat in store, in the form of the wedding photographs. The photographer had dropped them round that morning and Emily wanted everyone to choose two or three of their favourites to make up into an album.

The meal went well and Emily even began to breathe more easily. Jessica seemed to be looking forward to being a weekly boarder, despite her natural nervousness, and it looked like it might have been the right decision after all. She was more animated throughout the meal than she had been for a long time and even ventured remarks of her own without waiting to be spoken to. It is true that these were mainly aimed at Emily and she paid little attention to Adam and Rosamund, but at least it was a step in the right direction.

After dinner, the four retired to the sitting room. Adam and Emily sat on the sofa with Jessica at Emily’s feet. Rosamund’s chair was beside Adam. Emily went to the bookcase and picked up the huge album that contained the photographs of the special day. The photographer had certainly been value for money!

“What’s that?” Jessica asked with interest. Emily hadn’t told anyone except Adam about the album, wanting it to be a surprise.

“It’s our wedding photos,” Emily explained, sitting back down on the sofa. “Shall we all have a look? I want everyone to pick some of their favourites and we’ll make them into a special album to remember the day by.”

Emily and Adam had already leafed through the photos, but they looked on with interest as Jessica took the album and started turning the pages. The first pictures were of Adam and Emily as they arrived at the church, Adam with his best man and Emily on her own. The next ones were of the newly wed couple and even Jessica, wrapped up in her thoughts and problems, had to admit that they were beautiful and made a special couple. The group photographs followed, in which Jessica was conspicuous by her absence. Then came the ones in which Jessica stood between Adam and Emily in her rather dowdy, untidy clothes. In these, it had to be said that she stood out a mile and the twist to her lips made a stark contrast to the smiling faces of the others. Cutting the cake came next and Jessica looked much happier in these, though again her outfit rather spoiled the overall impression. There were a few photographs of the newly weds taking the floor for the first dance at the reception and then Jessica turned the page, expecting to see that the last few were empty.

The last few pages were taken up by the photos of Adam, Emily and Rosamund that had been taken when the bride and groom returned to Moorlands to check on Rosamund. They looked like a charming, normal, happy family with no cares in the world. Rosamund beamed from the photos, holding Emily’s bouquet and looked appealing in her pretty dress. The contrast between these pictures and those in which Jessica appeared could not have been more different.

 

#380:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 8:47 am

Oh dear!

Thanks Leahbelle

Liz

 

#381:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 8:56 am

Oh dear!

 

#382:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 9:35 am

Hi

I just wondered how people felt about me continuing this? It seems that Jessica is always in trouble - is it becoming a bit repetitive? Are folk still enjoying it?

Please let me know!

 

#383:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 9:45 am

It's great, leahbelle. I know several people who've had problems like this with stepfamilies, unfortunately - it can be very difficult when 2 families come together, especially with someone like Jessica who's never had to "share" her mother with anyone before and is at what can sometimes be a difficult age anyway. Oh dear, am I starting to sound really old?!

Please carry on with it!!

 

#384:  Author: Joan the Dwarf, Location: Er, where am I? PostPosted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 12:24 pm

Don't stop now!

 

#385:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 12:27 pm

Please keep writing Leahbelle. I'm really enjoying this - it's such a realisitic situation. You can see how Jessica became so bitter by the time she got to the Chalet School, and I'd love to see Mary-Lou from Jessica's point of view!

 

#386:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 1:04 pm

leahbelle wrote:
Hi

I just wondered how people felt about me continuing this? It seems that Jessica is always in trouble - is it becoming a bit repetitive? Are folk still enjoying it?

Please let me know!


Don't stop Leahbelle, I'm eally enjoying it.

 

#387:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 1:33 pm

Yes please do continue - I'm really enjoying it Very Happy

Liz

 

#388:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 2:49 pm

It's wonderful - one of my favourite drabbles on the board at the moment. Please don't stop. I'm also looking forward to seeing Jessica going to the Chalet School and hearing her thoughts about Mary-Lou. And not to mention making it all up to Rosamund at the end! Thanks, Leahbelle.

 

#389:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 3:00 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I am really enjoying this and I am not finding it is repetitive. I wonder how Jessica will react.

 

#390:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 3:40 pm

Thanks, everyone, for your lovely comments! It's really great to hear that everyone is still enjoying reading it. I must admit, I'm still enjoying writing it! Just as a little teaser, here's a wee bit more before tomorrow's installment....


“Why is she in the photos?” Jessica demanded. “She wasn’t even at the wedding.”

“Darling, you know we came back to Moorlands to check on Rosamund and the photographer offered to come too to take some pictures so that she wouldn’t miss out.”

“I think they’re horrid,” Jessica said. “They’re all horrid. This one, and this one and this one.” She pointed to all the photos that contained Rosamund.

 

#391:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 4:00 pm

Thanks, Leahbelle. I'm sorry that Jessica isn't being very kind about the photos.

 

#392:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 4:34 pm

She's being really stroppy and unreasonable now, isn't she?

Glad you're going to be writing more Very Happy !

 

#393:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 7:54 pm

Eeek!!

*hides from the upcoming fireworks*

 

#394:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 10:50 pm

Really don't see Adam or Emily being impressed with Jessica's attitude there.

Thanks leahbelle - this is a fantastic drabble, please carry on

 

#395:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 7:35 am

I know that it's a horrible attitude, and they can't let her off with such rudeness. However, we all knew there would be trouble when she saw them looking like a family without her. She was bound to feel it, particularly as she is going to be made a border. That was the last thing she needed to see before she began to go away!

Thanks Leahbell. This is good, and I'm looking forwards to seeing what happens next. She has to be in trouble more or less all the time, or she wouldn't be so difficult when she first arrived at the CS.

 

#396:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 8:56 am

“They’re not horrid at all!” Rosamund cried. “I think they’re beautiful.”

“You would!” Jessica retorted. “You look all pleased because you’re part of the family. Well, you’re not! Mother is my mother, not yours!”

“Jessica!” Emily exclaimed. “Stop that this instant!”

“Rosamund has just as much right to be in the wedding photos as you do,” Adam pointed out and then went on to add, somewhat unwisely, “the difference is that she wanted to be in the photos and was pleased to be part of the wedding even though she couldn’t be there.”

“You didn’t want me there anyway!” Jessica shouted. She poked at the photos again. “These prove that! As soon as you could, you left me with Aunt Luce and came back to be with her. You never even asked me if I wanted to come and be in the pictures. You thought I would spoil them and it would be much better if it was just you and her.”

“Jessica,” Emily said, quietly but firmly, “stop this nonsense at once. Of course we wanted you to be there and to be in the photos. Look at this one,” she took the album from Jessica and leafed through it until she reached the one where Jessica was helping to cut the cake. “This one is lovely. I definitely think this one should go into our album.”

“I don’t care!” Jessica burst out. “Have whatever you want in your stupid album. I’m sure you’ll have all the ones of her! I don’t want to be in it anyway!”

“What do you want, Jessica?” Adam asked. “You’re very certain about what you don’t want.”

“I want to be part of a normal family again. I don’t want you or her. I want it to be just me and Mother. She loved me before she met you. Know she just wants to look after Rosamund and there’s no room for me anymore! That’s why you’re making me stay at Redferne through the week. Mother has no time for me because she always has to be looking after her. What about me?”

Emily looked helplessly at Adam across the sofa. Should she have foreseen this? Probably. And now, what had started out as a pleasant last evening for Jessica had deteriorated into another shouting match. Jessica was upset and Rosamund looked as if she was about to burst into tears at any moment.

Before Emily could say anything to still troubled waters, Jessica had grabbed the album from her and thrown it on the floor. She looked as if she would liked to have stamped on it, but she managed to control herself. Furiously, she stormed roughly past Rosamund, incidentally almost overturning the chair, and ran upstairs to the haven of her room. She grabbed the photograph of Richard and Emily from her table, and clutching it her chest, fell on to the bed and dissolved into tears.

Downstairs, Adam steadied Rosamund and reassured her while Emily rescued the maltreated album from the floor and smoothed the pages that had become slightly crumpled.

“I thought she’d like to see these,” she said.

“I think she would have,” Adam said, “if Rosamund hadn’t been in the photos too.”

“What am I going to do with her? Things are going from bad to worse. I don’t understand her at all!”

Adam sat down beside Emily, his arm around her shoulder. “You’re not going to do anything with her. But what we are going to do with her is beyond me at the moment.”

Jessica couldn’t, in all honesty, explain why she had burst out in such a way. She admitted to herself that she hadn’t been that bothered about being in the photographs, but for Rosamund to be in them and to look so pretty and happy and at one with Adam and Emily was galling. Rosamund had no right to be so happy when she, Jessica, was so miserable.

 

#397:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 9:03 am

She's behaving like the worst sort of stroppy teenager, isn't she? Not surprising given the difficult circumstances, but not much fun for anyone Sad .

 

#398:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 12:33 pm

Oh dear, poor Jessica, she's appallingly confused and uncertain, isn't she?

Please don't stop writing this, Leahbelle.

 

#399:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 3:16 pm

It just doesn't get any easier for her, does it? Poor Jessica.

 

#400:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Mar 03, 2006 12:02 am

Please don't stop writing Leahbelle. Even though Jessica is constantly getting herself into strife and we all know that she is going to keep doing so I'm enthralled. Your characterisations are great.



But can you make Rosamund loose her temper for once? She is too good and patient Twisted Evil

 

The CBB -> St Agnes' House


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