Turning the Tables!
The CBB -> St Agnes's House
#1: Turning the Tables! Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 7:35 pm

I've posted this drabble in St Agnes to distance it from New Dreams, but if any of the mods think it needs moving, please feel free to do so....

Closing the first full Staff meeting of the Summer term with a gentle murmur of appreciation, Hilda Annersley picked up her books and files and returned to her Study, intending to finish at least one or two personal letters before Abendessen. Once the girls returned on the morrow, a myriad other things would be claiming her attention and anything personal would have to wait.

However, as she turned to close the door behind her, she realised with a start that she had been dogged by silent footsteps. Nell Wilson was standing there in the dim light, grinning at her like a loon.

“That face bodes me no good at all!” muttered Hilda darkly. “ I thought we’d covered everything.....”

Nell simply grinned again, stalked into the room and settled herself on the settee placed near the stove, which was emitting a gentle heat to ward off the chill in the April air. Hilda piled up her belongings on the large desk and then bestowed a far from welcoming glance on her friend and Co- Head.

“A double whisky it is then!” she said with heavy irony, knowing full well she was going to get nowhere trying to remonstrate with Nell when she was in this sort of madcap mood. Repairing to the cupboard where she kept hidden her secret restorative, she heard Nell chuckle behind her and, with a sigh, gave up all idea of letters for the rest of the evening.

Deciding she needed it more than her friend did, she splashed the amber liquid lavishly into both glasses and settled herself in an armchair opposite Nell. Sit near her and get comfortable and the night would be long, she reflected silently, her face as impassive as always.

Nell eyed her over the rim of her glass as she took a large sip, rolled it round and over her tongue, swallowed, and then raised the glass to Hilda in appreciation. “You’re quick! It’s not too often I get offered your best!” she complained, sarcasm rife in her crisp voice.

Hilda sighed again and then wrinkled up her nose at Nell. “It’s clearly important enough to waste both our evenings, even though we have already spent most of the day together getting things organised. So I thought I might need the best, to withstand the proposition you’ve all too obviously got in mind for me.”

“It’s so unfair,” Nell sighed in her turn. “You read me like a book every time – and I still never know which way your mind is jumping.” As Hilda smirked and took another sip, Nell asked abruptly, “What are you doing on Saturday?”

Hilda choked over her mouthful of whisky, the unexpectedness of the question catching her unawares. Swallowing quickly, she looked very pointedly at her desk, at the piles of correspondence, files and books weighing it down. “You need to ask?” Her question was put gently but was loaded with sarcasm, something to which she herself very rarely resorted.

Nell glanced at the self-same desk, pursed her lips and then nodded. “I take your point.” Her eyes swung back to her friend and Hilda saw the sardonic amusement lurking there. What was the woman plotting in that devious mind of hers?

Nell took up her theme again. “If I help you with some of it, seeing as my own desk is clear for the moment,” she added with heavy emphasis. “I thought we might wander down to Interlaken and have lunch somewhere,” and she assumed such an air of innocence that Hilda knew instinctively it was totally false.

It was Hilda’s turn to survey Nell reflectively over the rim of her glass, her mind working feverishly. It was nowhere near Nell’s or her own birthday, and there was nothing else in the wind, so far as she knew.

Nell sat, perfectly at her ease, and stared back at Hilda, fully aware of her partner’s suspicions. Fiendishly letting the silence linger, she finally added, her tone somewhat sober, “You know you work too hard. You always did. Let’s face it, I’m forever telling you off, dragging you away from your blasted correspondence, forcing you to eat because you’ve forgotten yet again. I thought I might help you turn over a new leaf – take the first Saturday of term off and you might even get a liking for it,” and suddenly a mischievous smile lit up her clear grey eyes.

Without warning, Hilda downed the rest of her drink in one, set the glass firmly on the table and smiled serenely across at Nell. “Alright, you’re on!”

Nell started visibly, both at the sudden capitulation and at the very unwonted use of slang, and failed to notice the subversive amusement lighting up Hilda’s eyes at having achieved the effect she had intended. Hilda waited, ready to pounce.....

“You mean....” stuttered Nell, “You mean, you give in? You’ll come?” she asked, in total disbelief at getting her way so easily.

Hilda nodded. “Well, you did say you’d take some of the work off me if I agreed. I thought we might start right now.” Her face was devoid of expression as she spoke, her voice colourless, but as she watched Nell nearly drop her glass and then turn to eye the desk once more with profound distaste, Hilda’s musical laugh rang round her Study, and Nell knew she had been had! Hilda had struck once more!

(To be continued)

Last edited by MaryR on Fri Sep 16, 2005 12:12 pm; edited 17 times in total

 

#2:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 8:35 pm

Wondered when you were going to post this! Laughing

Last edited by Lesley on Sat Aug 27, 2005 6:16 am; edited 2 times in total

 

#3:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 8:37 pm

I like the look of this. I'm glad Nell has persuaded Hilda to take a break from her work. Sorry to be unhelpful but the 25th of August 2008 will be a Monday - or is that part of the plan?

 

#4:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 9:18 pm

I thought it was a question.....to which my answer would have been not the foggiest! I don't even know what I'm doing next saturday!!

Great Mary thanks

 

#5:  Author: Kim, Location: Tipperary, Ireland PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 9:34 pm

Great start Mary! Nice to see Nell as the lead character in another drabble. Looking forward to more

 

#6:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 11:08 pm

Probably the housework!

Oh - sorry you weren't asking me Wink

Thanks Mary Very Happy

Liz

 

#7:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 1:27 am

Oh, goody, this is fun. Lovely to see them relaxing...and how nice, Hilda has learnt to appreciate the Good Stuff! It obviously sharpens her mind; poor Nell, I wouldn't even try to get the best of her. Am looking forward to see what nell has planned. Very Happy

 

#8:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 8:58 am

Sa this last night Mary, but as I was rushing off to a meeting I didnt have the chance to read it, let alone comment. And it was after 11 by the time I was home - Don't ask!

However - it was great seeing the pair of them bantering like that. Poor Nell, to have Hilda in that mood when she comes up with ideas like that. Hilda seems very suspicious though, it will be interesting to see how it develops and if she is right in her suspicions. So does she actually get Nell working then? That is an interesting thought. I wouldnt want to start working after a glass of whiskey!

Thanks Mary

 

#9:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 9:30 am

Mary this is wonderful. I love seeing the banter between the pair of them and the suspicions that there is always something else going on below the surface! look forward to seeing more soon!

 

#10:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 10:12 am

Yay, a shiny new drabble! Thanks Mary, looking forward to seeing more
Very Happy

 

#11:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 12:55 pm

Looking forward to more of this. It's not that I don't trust Nell, but..........

 

#12:  Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 6:14 pm

Oo goody, goody, I've been looking forward to this!

Thank you, Mary - I look forward to catching up on several episodes after the Bank Holiday weekend!

 

#13:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 8:38 pm

Hooray! Another Mary drabble! Very Happy

Thankyou Mary - looking forward to more of this Smile

I too love the way you capture Nell and Hilda's banter.

 

#14:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 9:33 pm

Eleven o’clock on the following Saturday morning saw the two of them sitting in Hilary Graves’ car, being driven down the steep coach road.

“Um, Nell,” asked Hilda tentatively from the back seat, “Why has poor Hilary got the job of chauffeuring the pair of us? I know you think my driving is so slow as to constitute a crawl, but you’re pretty nifty – or did you decide to let me relax for once?”

Quick as Hilda was, she missed the meaningful glance the other two gave each other. Hilary laughed. “Don’t worry, Hilda. I’d got some shopping to do, so when Nell told me of your expedition I thought if I drove you, you could both have a drink, or whatever, and not be a danger to others on the way home.”

Hilda subsided, but all her suspicions were once more aroused. Nell hated being driven by anyone else! Also Nell had told her to wear her ‘glad rags’, a most unusual request, as comfort was usually Nell’s first thought, not elegance. But Hilda noticed that today Nell had excelled herself, sporting a very smart soft green two-piece ensemble that complemented her crown of white hair perfectly.

Hilda herself was wearing a gentian blue silk dress, its simple yet elegant cut enhancing the grace of her slim figure. Hating shopping as she did, she had bought the dress on the spur of the moment in the January sales in Paris, whither she and Nell had gone for the New Year. She had seen it in a shop window and had fallen in love with it on the spot – and giving in to a rare impulse, she had tried it on. Delighted with just what it did for her, she had bought it forthwith, only to discover, like every other woman since Eve, that she had absolutely no occasion for which to wear it. However, Nell now seemed to have solved that dilemma for her!

Giving up any more speculation, she sat back and relaxed, and thought back to the night when Nell had proposed this outing. She had insisted on Nell making good her promise right there and then, and settled her at a small table, completely ignoring Nell’s mutterings. Writing her own letter, she had cast surreptitious glances now and then at her friend, as Nell struggled with the forms Hilda had handed her, the longest and most complicated ones she could find. Hilda had smiled inwardly, and serenely finished and signed her letter with a flourish.

Addressing the envelope and placing it in her ‘Out’ tray for Rosalie, she had sat quietly watching Nell for a few moments as the latter concentrated hard, filling in several lines, scratching her head, sucking the end of her pen, staring into the distance, then filling in a few more lines..... Just like any wayward schoolgirl doing her prep, thought Hilda, as her keen eyes softened with her love for this woman. Rising and stretching, she had moved quietly and was soon placing a well-filled glass beside Nell, and taking the pen and form from her. Nell had looked up, startled, and then had calmly taken them back again.

“Oh no, my dear, when I start something I finish it. Anyway, it was all my own fault,” she had grinned. “You really came out of left field with that one – I should have known better. Maybe doing this will teach me to be a little more careful when I tease you. I do have my reputation to keep up, after all. It would never do for people to know how easily you can demolish me.....”

“Nell! Nell!” Hilda had said softly. “When have I ever let on?” Nell had glared up at her at that comment but Hilda’s soft voice rolled on, “I’ve had my revenge – and it was sweet! But enough’s enough.” For a fleeting moment her arm had rested on Nell’s shoulders and then she had very firmly removed the pen from Nell’s grasp and screwed the cap on. “Come on, sit back by the fire and you can tease me some more about Saturday.”

So, to make up for her earlier resistance to sitting beside Nell, Hilda had built up the fire, firmly ensconced both herself and Nell on the settee, with the whisky nearby, and the evening had indeed been long.......

 

#15:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 9:38 pm

That was brilliant Mary. I just loved the way that Hilda teased Nell, and giving her that form to fill out! But there was the mercy ready in the end as always, even when she teases she has to relent as well. How like Hilda.

Wondering what Nell has hidden up her sleave for the night out though, Hilda is obviously wary already, so what will happen?

Thanks Mary

 

#16:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 9:45 pm

Beautiful - love your Hilda and Nell.

Thank you Mary Kiss

 

#17:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 9:49 pm

Thanks Mary.

It's lovely to see them teasing each other and being so comfortable in each other's company.

 

#18:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 10:09 pm

I giggled at the fact that Hilda found the longest and most complicated forms for Nell to fill in! I hope Nell and Hilary are taking Hilda somewhere nice for her birthday.

 

#19:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 10:15 pm

Ooooooooh - this looks good

in fact it looks excellent - I've got my suspicions, but am probably wildly wildly wrong (as usual Laughing )

Looking forward to more Mary as and when you can

 

#20:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 10:42 pm

Um Chair - one of the reasons Hilda is rather suspicious about what Nell is up to, but is not sure about what is happening is that it is not the birthday of either Hilda or Nell. If it was Hilda's birthday then she would be expecting something

 

#21:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 1:08 am

Thanks Mary

*wondering what Nell has been plotting*

Liz

 

#22:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 9:24 am

Beautiful. Thank you Mary.

Although I am also wondering...

 

#23:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 10:05 am

Thank you Mary. I loved Hilda's description of Nell looking like a wayward schoolgirl doing her prep!

Very intrigued as to where the trio are going, and for what purpose....

 

#24:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 1:06 pm

Squirrel wrote:
Um Chair - one of the reasons Hilda is rather suspicious about what Nell is up to, but is not sure about what is happening is that it is not the birthday of either Hilda or Nell. If it was Hilda's birthday then she would be expecting something


I'm sorry Squirrel. Embarassed I had forgotten that. I hope they are taking her somewhere nice though.

 

#25:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 1:09 pm

No need to appologise to me Chair! I only pointed it out so you didnt get confused later on!

 

#26:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 1:18 pm

Girls! girls! Laughing *shakes head sadly*

Chair, please don't worry. It's nice that you're reading and enjoying.

Squirrel, you mustn't worry either. It's a great compliment that people are thinking enough to have ideas about it.

Bless you both. Wink

 

#27:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 2:51 pm

An here I was, thinking that was another episode of the drabble.

 

#28:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 2:51 am

hmmm yes it would be lovely to have a teensy bit more if you could possibly spare the time, Mary, please?

*not that I'm consumed by curiousity, oh no no no I'm not....really I'm not*

 

#29:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 9:02 am

Smiling at her memories, she was just deciding to enjoy without reservation whatever Nell had in store for her, when the car stopped. Hilda sat up straight and stared disbelievingly out of the car window at one of Interlaken’s most expensive and exclusive restaurants. What on earth.....? All her reservations returning in one fell swoop, she leaned forward anxiously.

“Nell, have you lost your mind?” she remonstrated sharply. “ Teachers can’t afford....”

Nell turned and regarded her severely, interrupting her with a laugh. “This is my treat, Hilda Mary Annersley, so pipe down – and don’t assume that Headmistress’s look with me, my dear! You know it has absolutely no effect at all!”

In total stupefaction, Hilda alighted from the car and stood staring at the elegant windows of the finest French restaurant in Interlaken, called simply L’Auberge de France – but there was nothing simple about the prices, she knew for a fact. As though in a dream, she followed Nell into the simple, spare yet comfortable ambience, where several diners were already seated. Hilda allowed the waiter to take her coat and then settled herself opposite Nell – their table tucked away discreetly in a corner, their waiter handing them enormous, beautifully hand-written menus.

Looking covertly around, she saw every table bore a crisp white damask cloth, sparkling glassware and glorious fresh flowers. She reached out wonderingly to touch gently one of the golden sweet-smelling freesias on their own table, and then smiled across at Nell, who had been watching Hilda’s wide-eyed bemusement with glee, but also with a heart full of love for her gentle friend, wanting to repay her a little for all her generosity and all her companionship down the years.

As she saw Hilda’s mouth open to remonstrate once more, she held up her hand. “Don’t, Hilda, this is for you,” she said quietly. “I want you to enjoy it without any feeling of guilt whatsoever. I want to thank you for all the happy years, for all the love.....” She stopped, her throat suddenly tight, as she remembered how close she had once come to losing this best of all friends.

Hilda’s eyes were very soft as she asked, almost in a whisper, “But why, Nell? You don’t owe me anything, anything at all......”

Before she could continue, their waiter was suddenly at their side, holding out a bottle of champagne for Nell to approve. When she nodded, he eased out the cork and slowly poured out the foaming golden liquid. Hilda’s eyes were, by now, out on stalks.

“Nell,” she gasped, looking at her friend beseechingly. “What is going on?”

Laughing gently, Nell picked up her glass and raised it to Hilda. “Happy twenty-first birthday, sweetheart.”

Hilda sat staring at her, speechless with shock, and Nell smiled quietly to herself – it was so very rare that anyone robbed Hilda of speech. Finally Hilda found her voice and muttered rather tartly, “I was right! You have lost your mind! Might I remind you, dear partner of mine, that I am well and truly past my green and salad days,” and she looked somewhat anxiously at Nell.

 

#30:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 9:22 am

Oh I love this - love Nell's wicked mind, her love for her friend, her delight in seeing Hilda so completely bewildered!

Thank you Mary - 21st birthday? I have my suspicions but will keep them to myself!

 

#31:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 9:25 am

Wonderful Mary, Just fantastic. Poor Hilda, being teased like that, isn't Nell wonderful. *also has ideas about what this might mean, reseving full judgement until Hilda gets the answer from Nell herself*

Thanks Mary

 

#32:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 12:32 pm

Quote:
and don’t assume that Headmistress’s look with me, my dear! You know it has absolutely no effect at all!”


Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing

Thankyou Mary - a wonderful post, and the description of the restaurant and the champagne makes me feel very envious when I look at my sandwich and cup of tea! Very Happy

21st birthday? I clearly have no imagination as I can't think of any reasons why Nell might say that!

Awaiting enlightenment with bated breath as usual! Smile

 

#33:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 1:26 pm

Is Hilda 21 again, Mary? It's lovely that Nell has gone to so much trouble.

 

#34:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 1:48 pm

Has Hilda been at the school for 21 years? If she has, we have to throw a party.

 

#35:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 4:52 pm

21 years as headmistress?

Well I have to say I'm well and truly bemused. I shall wait patiently for Mary to sort it out.

 

#36:  Author: Kim, Location: Tipperary, Ireland PostPosted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 9:54 pm

three issues here
teachers can't afford...
...how close she came to losing
21st Birthday (though I have some suspicions - probably way out)

fantastic as always Mary

more please!

 

#37:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 1:15 am

Looks like I was completely wrong






no surprise there at all then Laughing



Looking forward to more Mary

 

#38:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 1:17 am

Oh, Mary, how wonderful to see Nell spoiling Hilda like this!!!

And to see Hilda speechless - go Nell!

Definitely have my suspicions, but will keep mouth firmly shut!

 

#39:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester England PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 9:32 am

More please Mary.
I have ideas but I'm not saying anything!

 

#40:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 11:46 am

Still no more of this? Waaaaah!!!!!!!!

 

#41:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 4:33 pm

*completely intrigued*

Thanks Mary

Liz

 

#42:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 5:43 pm

Laughing gently, Nell picked up her glass and raised it to Hilda. “Happy twenty-first birthday, sweetheart.”

Hilda sat staring at her, speechless with shock, and Nell smiled quietly to herself – it was so very rare that anyone robbed Hilda of speech. Finally Hilda found her voice and muttered rather tartly, “I was right! You have lost your mind! Might I remind you, dear partner of mine, that I am well and truly past my green and salad days,” and she looked somewhat anxiously at Nell.

Nell smiled across the table at her, but Hilda noticed how intense her gaze was as she spoke, her usually crisp voice somewhat husky. “You’ve come of age as a Headmistress, my love. Twenty-one years ago this week you very bravely took on the leadership of the Chalet School. Twenty-one years ago you announced to us all that Élise was not returning, and that she and Madge had asked you to be the new Head.”

Her smile grew tender as she saw the wonderment in Hilda’s face. “I seem to remember that you told us you would only accept the Headship if we all agreed. Mad idiot that you were! Would you really have turned it down if we had gone on strike?”

Hilda nodded her head automatically in agreement, but Nell saw she had lost her. Looking into eyes that had become soft and sad, she remembered how distressed Hilda had been when the Frenchwoman had been taken so suddenly and so dangerously ill. She remembered the harshness in Hilda’s beautiful voice as she tried to control her emotion and lead the school in prayers for their beloved Headmistress. Hilda had been close to Élise Lepâttre, closer than she had been to anyone else in those days. She had been devastated when she had heard of her death during the school’s time in Guernsey.

Nell sat waiting peacefully, delighted with the outcome of her plotting. Suddenly, Hilda snapped back to the present, and her eyes focused on Nell as she shook her head. “Fancy you, the most unsentimental of creatures, being the one to remember,” she said softly, and there was the sheen of tears in her eyes. “Thank you, my dear. I had no idea the years had gone by so quickly.”

She looked around, and suddenly her heart was full and her voice a mere whisper, “But, Nell, there was no need for all this,” and she indicated the restaurant, the champagne, the menus.

Nell reached across and laid her hand over Hilda’s where it lay on the table. “There was every need, Hilda,” she answered equally softly. “You have been a superb Headmistress. The job was made for you and you were made for the job. It fits you perfectly – it is truly your rightful place. After God made you, He broke the mould where headmistresses are concerned.”

Hilda shook her head, her damp eyes luminous at this tender accolade. However, Nell had not finished with her yet. “But it’s more than that – out of it, out of the Headship, grew what you and I have today, a love I wouldn’t be without. I have treasured every moment, sweetheart. Even the accident, terrible though it was, only served to make me more aware of what you meant to me. My life without you, Hilda, would be but half a life.”

Nell stopped, unable to say anything else. Revealing her emotions like this did not come easily to her. And, after all, what else was there to say? Her last sentence, spoken slowly as though in emphasis, had conveyed it all for her. Hilda’s hand turned up to squeeze Nell’s softly, her own eyes now intensely blue, her own throat too tight for words. Despite herself, one or two tears finally spilled over, as they smiled at each other in perfect accord, their love for each other shining in their faces.

Loosening her fingers, Nell placed Hilda’s hand gently round her glass and they toasted each other silently, their eyes saying all they needed as the crisp, dry champagne slid smoothly down and eased the tightness in their throats. Her eyes never leaving Hilda’s, Nell leaned forward, and with a gentle finger she caught one of Hilda’s tears where it lay glistening on her cheek.

Last edited by MaryR on Mon Aug 29, 2005 9:11 pm; edited 2 times in total

 

#43:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 5:50 pm

That is simply beautiful Mary. So it was the headmistress one, yes, that fits well.

There is so much that is worth commenting on that there just isnt room for it all - I'd probably just resubmit your whole post! And you have shown us one of your lighning changes again - from teasing and Hilda being worried about Nell's sanity to the deep thoughtfulness of Hilda when Nell reminds her. I can simply see her remembering not just that time, but also the different things she has passed through since she became headmistress.

Thank you Mary

 

#44:  Author: Nicola, Location: Derbyshire PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 6:55 pm

Ooh yes, I like that change of pace. Very much indeed. Thank you for that glimpse Mary, revealing more of Nell and Hilda's relationship.

I can't work out whether this is set in the same world as New Dreams- I'm not sure I want to know, because if so they must have very little time left together which just adds to the general lumpyness of my throat.

 

#45:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 10:32 pm

Just found this Mary. Wonderful.

 

#46:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue Aug 30, 2005 1:03 am

Mary, it's just....gorgeous! What a lovely thing for Nell to do. And the delicacy of the whole exchange, and the control you have over the mood changes are marvellous. Very Happy Very Happy

 

#47:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Aug 30, 2005 4:59 am

Couldn't reply to this last night as that last post moved me to tears and I couldn't find the words.

Beautiful, Mary, such a wonderful way for Nell to express her love for Hilda. Thank you.

 

#48:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Aug 30, 2005 5:14 am

Wow!

(And I'm very relieved that this is in St. Agnes. Otherwise I'd probably be biting my nails wondering what horrid cliff such a lovely episode could presage....)

 

#49:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 30, 2005 8:14 am

Thanks Mary

Liz

 

#50:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 30, 2005 10:33 am

Absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much. Kiss

 

#51:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Aug 30, 2005 11:13 am

Aww this is gorgeous, thanks Mary

 

#52:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 30, 2005 3:54 pm

Mary, I have read all this now and it is beautiful. Thank you for posting it.

 

#53:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Aug 30, 2005 8:42 pm

.......Her eyes never leaving Hilda’s, Nell leaned forward, and with a gentle finger she caught one of Hilda’s tears where it lay glistening on her cheek.

Nell’s action and words tugging at Hilda’s very heartstrings, the latter finally capitulated to her friend’s need to offer her this gift, and enjoyed both the champagne and her meal. But more surprises were to follow. As they sat chatting over their coffee, their waiter appeared again, this time bearing a most beautiful bouquet of all Hilda’s favourite flowers, including roses, freesias and dainty celandine, and laid them down beside her on the table.

“For me?” whispered Hilda, and when Nell nodded, she touched the blooms with a delicate finger. She loved flowers, always insisting on bowls of them everywhere, in her Study, in the Salon, in the entrance hall.... To Nell herself, flowers always had a beautiful reserve about them that reminded her so much of Hilda’s own nature.

Smiling at Hilda’s entranced face, Nell pulled an exquisitely wrapped package out of her capacious bag and placed it on the table by the flowers. Hilda’s hand touched the curling ribbons in awe and then her hand went to her throat as she looked across the table. “Nell!” she whispered. “It’s too much. You’re spoiling me outrageously – no one deserves all this...” only to find Nell’s fingers on her lips, silencing her.

“I’ll allow you to spoil me sometime,” Nell whispered back. “For now, let me show how much you mean to me, how much I am in your debt.” This time more than one or two tears escaped as Hilda stared at this amazing woman who had stood by her so steadfastly through these last twenty-one years and more.

Her voice trembling, she tried to make Nell understand. “There is no debt, Nell. Anything I have ever done for you has been repaid a hundredfold. This is an equal partnership – and I am not talking about the schools. We each give, and we each take – in equal measure, not one more than the other. Please believe that!” she added earnestly.

Nell’s gaze held hers and found only truth there. Finally she nodded then indicated the present. “Are you going to open that?” she asked unsteadily. “Or am I returning it for a refund?”

Wiping the tears away with the tips of her fingers, Hilda carefully untied the dark pink ribbon and peeled back the paler pink paper – and then stared blankly. “Nell!” she whispered dazedly, as she picked up the topmost book. It was a first edition of T S Eliot’s Four Quartets, in perfect condition. Staring up wildly for a moment at Nell, who had her chin propped on her hands watching avidly, Hilda looked down at the second book, to discover another first edition, this one of the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke, again in perfect condition.

It was the third book, however, that finally undid her. This was a special edition, in its own slipcover, of Le Petit Prince by Antoine de St Exupéry, one of her favourite books. As she opened the front cover, intent on looking at the exquisite pictures, she saw the words Nell had written inside, and suddenly warm tears were dripping on the book.

She gave up. Laying down the book, she propped her elbows on the table and buried her face in her hands. Nell was moved to tears herself, for it was so rare that Hilda gave way like this, her self-control being too great, usually, to allow her such release.

Moving to Hilda’s side, she put her arm round her friend and held her close for a moment, savouring the nearness........

Last edited by MaryR on Tue Aug 30, 2005 8:49 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#54:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Aug 30, 2005 8:46 pm

Cannot think of anything to say except that this is wonderful.

Thank you Mary, you capture the love so perfectly.

 

#55:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Tue Aug 30, 2005 8:47 pm

Awww that is just so beautiful, thank you Mary. How can I possibly comment on the love that is between Hilda and Nell. This mini drabble will bring Hilda's loss even more to the forefront when you restart New Dreams again. Once again I can only say Thank You Mary for sharing such beauty with us - the beauty that is within your soul.

 

#56:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 7:38 am

Oh Mary!!! Words fail me...but I will try.
How perfect - especially the books. I can see Nell sitting there with shining eyes, and smiling, knowing that the gift is right, but with that tiny edge of "Will she like it? What will she say?", and getting so much pleasure out of it herself. And Hilda accepting as generously as Nell gives and moved to those rare tears. Just....wonderful.

 

#57:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 9:59 am

Thanks Mary

 

#58:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 10:31 am

Thank you Mary!

*lost for words*

 

#59:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 11:06 am

That is beautiful, Nell must have planned and saved a lot for this. It is not a spur of the moment gift at all.

 

#60:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 12:20 pm

An awful lot of thought, time and effort must have gone into those presents

Thanks Mary

Liz

 

#61:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 3:36 pm

Thanks, Mary - that was a wonderful and beautiful post. With all the cost, Nell could have been planning and saving for this day for a long time.

 

#62:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 5:31 pm

Beautiful

Sheer perfection Mary


Thankyou

 

#63:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 8:51 pm

...... Laying down the book, she propped her elbows on the table and buried her face in her hands. Nell was moved to tears herself, for it was so rare that Hilda gave way like this, her self-control being too great, usually, to allow her such release.

Moving to Hilda’s side, she put her arm round her friend and held her close a moment, savouring the nearness, and then whispered in her hair, “ I think, my darling, they'll throw us out if we don't move soon. We’re the only ones left and they’re eying us rather anxiously, now you’re in tears. They must think we’re spoiling for a fight!”

Hilda gave a sound somewhere between a laugh and a sob, then took the freshly laundered handkerchief Nell was pressing into her hand and blew her nose. “I thought that was my party trick!” she whispered, as she looked up, and when Nell smiled, Hilda quickly kissed her gently on the cheek, before gathering up her precious books and flowers and letting Nell help her to stand.

Having been handed their coats, they made their way outside, to find Hilary patiently waiting. They scrambled into the car, Nell laying the flowers carefully on the back seat by Hilda. The latter touched the blooms again gently and then buried herself in her books, as Hilary negotiated her way through the streets of Interlaken.

Seeing Hilda was preoccupied, Nell looked surreptitiously at her watch and then whispered, “Everything ready up there?”

“More or less,” returned Hilary. “You’ve certainly kept her out of mischief for a good few hours.”

Nell nodded, satisfied, her eyes tender as she reflected on the last three hours. No gift she had ever received had given her such a thrill as watching Hilda’s pleasure over what she, Nell, had offered her this day. But it was not over yet!

Turning round to glance at Hilda, she saw her gazing dreamily out of the window. “Happy, Hilda?” she asked gently.

Hilda’s eyes, warm with appreciation and love, focused on her friend. “You’ll never know how much,” she answered quietly.

“Oh, I think I can make a guess, sweetheart, just by the look on your face,” responded Nell.

 

#64:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 9:00 pm

Awwww! Lots more to come - think I can make a guess as to what's to come - but I shan't spoil it for others!

Thanks Mary.

 

#65:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 9:36 pm

That's lovely, and she will never guess there is more to come.

I know what my guess is! Laughing

 

#66:  Author: Kim, Location: Tipperary, Ireland PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 10:39 pm

Hilda really has no idea of the affection in which she is held by everyone who knows her. If my guess about the next bit is right she will be floored

 

#67:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 10:46 pm

Fantastic Mary, and naughty Nell, to make her feel that it's all over when she has something, obviously quite big, up her sleeve yet!!!

 

#68:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 11:19 pm

Thanks Mary Very Happy

 

#69:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Aug 31, 2005 11:45 pm

Thank you Mary; I can make a guess too!
What fun Nell and her helpers must have had planning this!!
Hilda will be soooo delighted and overwhelmed in the nicest sort of way!

Loved the reference to the waiters wondering what's going on! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#70:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 7:27 am

Okay, I haven't a clue

What has been going on while Hilda has be kept out of the way?

Thanks Mary

Liz

 

#71:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 9:13 am

So moving, I have to wipe the tears away.

 

#72:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 11:39 am

Lovely. Thank you Mary.

And like Liz I haven't a clue either...

 

#73:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 9:04 pm

It was nearly five o’clock by the time they returned to the school, but Hilda was surprised to find Hilary getting out of the car with them, instead of driving away. She walked with them into the entrance hall.

“I just want to have a word with Rosalie,” she said casually, and took herself off while Hilda and Nell went along to the Annexe, where Nell waited impatiently as Hilda arranged the flowers to her satisfaction and set them around the room. But her impatience broke through when Hilda turned to look at her new, beloved books once more.

“Hilda!” The Head turned at the sound of exasperation in Nell’s voice, and she raised her eyebrows inquiringly. But then, some sixth sense kicked in and she knew!

She drew herself up straight and tall, and stared wide-eyed at her friend. “Nell Wilson, what else have you got in store for me?” she asked fearfully.

Nell melted at the alarm in the mellow voice and she took Hilda by the shoulders. “It’s okay, love, it’s okay. I promise. I did want to surprise you with a huge party of all our old friends from far and near....” she added ruefully, at which point Hilda’s eyes widened even more and she shook her head wildly. “But I didn’t, so don’t look at me as though I’m leading you straight to the gallows. I know you hate being made a fuss of, hate being the centre of attention – though why that should be so, when you can face an audience of hundreds, be they adults or children, without turning a hair, I really don’t understand. It must be...”

“Nell,” broke in Hilda, her eyes still wide and somewhat frantic. “What have you done?”

“It’s just the girls. They want to show their appreciation,” she said and felt the tension drain out of Hilda’s body. The girls meant everything to her - this she could accept. Though it still bothered her to be thanked so publicly. She turned away to make sure she was presentable, and so missed the secretive smile that crossed Nell’s face.

Hilda came back to stand before her. “Will I do?” she asked anxiously, like a small child seeking approval.

“As always, sweetheart, you will do perfectly,” responded Nell softly, as she slipped her arm through Hilda’s and led her out of the Annexe and along to the Hall. She felt Hilda square her shoulders before she entered, but looking at her, Nell saw her face was now as calm and impassive as ever, if a little flushed.

Nell pushed open the upper door that led directly to the dais and immediately the air was filled with the sound of clapping and cheering as the whole school rose its feet. Hilda actually took a step backwards as the barrage of noise hit, but then faced her audience bravely, a smile on her face, but Nell, her arm still through her friend’s, could feel her trembling. It was becoming a very emotional day.

 

#74:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 9:09 pm

Oh poor Hilda, she must be so tired after all of these incedents. And well done Nell for aknowledging that she had realized that a big party was not the thing. A perfect round to the end of the day. Doesn't stop me from deciding that Hilda needs a hug though" *hugs Hilda*. I'm so glad that Nell was there with her when she realized that something else was going to happen, and that she was able to give some comfort.

*Calls for 3 cheers for Hilda* Well done for coping with all that!

Thanks Mary

 

#75:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 9:14 pm

MaryR wrote:
It was becoming a very emotional day.


Becoming??

Mary if it's not been emotional so far I'm going to have to take out shares in tissue manufacturers before you post any more!

Looking forward to finding just how the school will show their appreciation.

Liz

 

#76:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 9:20 pm

Mary I have a sneaking suspicion as to why Nell had a secretive smile!!!! Laughing

Lovely, especially Nell getting all impatient when Hilda was faffing about!

 

#77:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 10:07 pm

*Wondering just how broad a definition of 'the girls' Nell is using.*

This is lovely Mary, and while emotional, it is calm and happy. Thank you.

 

#78:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 11:20 pm

Thanks, Mary. It's lovely that Nell has got something else up her sleeve but I have absolutely no idea at all what that something else is!

 

#79:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 5:38 pm

Thank you Mary for another touching update Very Happy

 

#80:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 9:45 pm

Nell pushed open the upper door that led directly to the dais and immediately the air was filled with the sound of clapping and cheering as the whole school rose its feet. Hilda actually took a step backwards as the barrage of noise hit, but then faced her audience bravely, a smile on her face, but Nell, her arm still through her friend’s, could feel her trembling. It was becoming a very emotional day.

Suddenly Len Maynard, the Head Girl, leapt to her feet and called loudly for three cheers for Miss Annersley, after which Hilda was somewhat astonished to find the roof still intact and in its place, for they had let themselves go very willingly. The two William and Mary chairs had been pulled forward and Nell ceremoniously seated Hilda and then herself. As Len moved forward, Hilda looked around and then gasped. She would kill Nell Wilson, when this was over!

In addition to the girls and mistresses, the whole of St Mildred’s school was there, ranged along the back. But that was not all. Dotted around the Hall were Jack and Joey, plus Hilary and Biddy and Grizel, all with their husbands in tow. Helen Graves and some doctors and nurses from the San were also present, which rather puzzled her. Even Ian Stuart, the San Chaplain, was there. What was going on? Hilda turned to glare at Nell, but when she saw the laughter in the grey eyes Hilda suddenly saw the funny side, smiled and relaxed, much to Nell’s relief.

“Miss Annersley,” began Len nervously, then cleared her throat and began again as Hilda smiled encouragingly. “ Miss Annersley, all the girls, mistresses and other guests here would like to congratulate you on your twenty-first birthday.”

She paused as laughter rippled round the Hall at this. “Twenty-one years as Headmistress is no mean feat, especially when during that time you have had to close the school a number of times, and start up again somewhere else, usually in a completely different country. The first time was when the Nazis overran Austria and you had to make sure all the girls were removed to a place of safety, or at least all those that were remaining to you at that time. One can imagine the fear....”

Len paused for a moment to sip some water, and as Hilda looked round she saw many of the adults present were thinking of that dangerous time. She still shuddered herself whenever her mind dwelt on it too much, as she was aware Nell, Joey and Hilary often did, after their desperate race to flee the country ahead of the Nazis.

Len continued, “You then had to set the whole thing in motion in Guernsey, only for it again to come to an end after only two terms when the Nazis once more threatened your safety. I am told, on very good authority, that you were the first to see the danger and insist that the girls should be moved, and that Miss Wilson took you severely to task for being too much of a worrier.”

Hilda turned sparkling eyes on Nell at that point for her co-Head had let out a great guffaw. “Len, Len,” moaned Nell, shaking her head. “Your mother really shouldn’t let out trade secrets. I was young and stupid, unlike Miss Annersley here, with her wisdom and foresight.” As Hilda let out a peal of laughter at this piece of idiocy, Nell glared at her and then giggled.

Len smiled as she continued, “Mamma strikes again,” she said succinctly. “After that, Miss Annersley, once settled at Plas Howells, you had to steer the school through the war years, which you did magnificently by all accounts, your own bravery encouraging the same in others.”

Hilda shook her head in swift denial of Len’s words and Nell laid her hand on her friend’s arm, quieting her. She knew it was not easy for Hilda to listen to this summary of all she had done over the years. She knew that Hilda herself thought she had done nothing out of the ordinary.

“That same courage helped you overcome your near-fatal injuries in a coach crash during those years – injuries that would have led to severe disabilities without your dogged determination to overcome them and return to school.” At that point Hilda gasped and then glared at Nell.

Only Nell herself, and Jem Russell, had known just how severe those disabilities could have been and just how hard she had had to work, how gruelling it had all been. Nell had no right to reveal those things to everyone! But Nell merely smiled back at her serenely. As far as she was concerned, Hilda deserved some recognition for her solitary battle, for battle it had undoubtedly been.

 

#81:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 9:50 pm

Oh Poor Hilda! They really are putting her through it arn't they. I'm sure she will live out the embarrassment soon enough, but I'll bet part of her wants to kill Nell at this instant. And part of her wants to hug her, despite all that has happened to her, the surprizes etc.

Mary - That's just brilliant. Well done you!

 

#82:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 9:53 pm

Thanks, Mary. What a lovely event for Hilda. I hadn't realised that it would be celebrating 21 years of being a Headmistress. Len gave a really great speech as well.

 

#83:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 9:54 pm

Mary, that is lovely. Poor, poor Hilda. Laughing

 

#84:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Sep 04, 2005 1:36 am

Fabulous Mary - and thank you. Kiss

 

#85:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Sep 04, 2005 11:51 am

Have just got back and come to check what's been happening...oh, lovely! Hilda, you deserve this, and although you are finding it hard to cope with at the moment, the memory will stay for ever!

 

#86:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Sep 04, 2005 12:31 pm

How wonderful for Hilda!

 

#87:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 2:48 am

Hilda deserves all of this and more. Thank you, Mary.

 

#88:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 1:01 pm

MaryR wrote:
“That same courage helped you overcome your near-fatal injuries in a coach crash during those years – injuries that would have led to severe disabilities without your dogged determination to overcome them and return to school.” At that point Hilda gasped and then glared at Nell.

Only Nell herself, and Jem Russell, had known just how severe those disabilities could have been and just how hard she had had to work, how gruelling it had all been. Nell had no right to reveal those things to everyone! But Nell merely smiled back at her serenely. As far as she was concerned, Hilda deserved some recognition for her solitary battle, for battle it had undoubtedly been.


Hilda may have deserved recognition but I hope she's going to tell Nell in no uncertain terms that she had no right to give away information like that - whatever the occasion. I hope it doesn't cause a rift between them.

Thanks Mary - looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Liz

 

#89:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 8:24 pm

.....As far as she was concerned, Hilda deserved some recognition for her solitary battle, for battle it had undoubtedly been.

“After several years at Plas Howells, the drains packed up and yet again you were on the move, to St Briavel’s. And finally, the last move. You led the school here to the Platz with your usual serenity and good humour.” Len turned to the school and the Hall once more rang with applause and cheers. Nell suddenly felt Hilda’s hand bruise her own as Hilda tried to contain her emotion – for the second time that day.

Len took up her theme once again. “The school owes you a very great debt, Miss Annersley. But that’s not the only reason we are here. We want to pay homage to the person as much as to the Headmistress. To the person who always has time for her pupils, no matter how busy she is. To the person who always sees the best in us, who tries to help us grow and mature in ways that might seem impossible to anyone else. To the person who is a natural and inspirational teacher, who can motivate and encourage her pupils, and do it all with gentleness and humour. To the person who rarely loses her temper but deals justly with the sinner – and then offers mercy. And to the person who has enough ice dripping from her lips to quell the hardiest offender!”

A ripple ran through the Hall as Len added, “I believe even the mistresses have been known to shiver when the chill appears.”

More laughter rippled round the Hall and many folk there turned red, even among the adults present, as they remembered being on the receiving end of those slivers of ice. Hilda’s eyes flew to those adults, and her eyes lit with laughter as she saw the rueful looks on the faces of Joey, Nancy, Biddy, Hilary and Grizel, as well as other Old Girls such as Rosalie Yolland. Clearly, she had made her mark! She glanced at Nell, and grinned at the furtive look in her partner’s eyes, as she remembered the times Hilda had used the ice on her, co-Head or no!

Len continued, “Miss Annersley, I should tell you that all of us here have made a collection as a token of our appreciation – but Miss Wilson was adamant that you would never accept a personal gift from us. So, subject to your approval, we are going to open another bed in the San, in your name, and we have enough money to keep it running for at least five years. I have here the cheque, as we thought you might like to present it to Dr. Maynard yourself.”

The school let itself go once more – while Hilda froze and went white at this unheard-of generosity. Nell felt her hand being clutched fiercely yet again, and she chuckled softly. Poor Hilda! It was enough to turn her hair as white as her partner’s.

Gently Nell pulled her to her feet and guided her over to the lectern, where she received the cheque from Len. Once there, however, she made the mistake of looking down, saw the amount – and nearly dropped the cheque in shock as her eyes flew to Nell, but Nell simply turned her back again to the lectern.

Hilda looked down and across at the sea of faces, and in the sudden silence that fell she opened her mouth to speak – but not a sound came out........

 

#90:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 8:30 pm

I say it again - Poor Hilda. What an evening to remember. Len certainly covered her topic well - both the headmistress side and the friend of all. How well Hilda fills all needs about her.

And as for the reference to the ice in her voice at times of need Laughing And even Nell suffers from that does she!

What a crowning to the day - to have a bed opened in her honour for the next 5 years at the San. I can see that appealing to Hilda as much as everything else.

I think Hilda and Nell might have a heart to heart soon enough!

Thanks Mary

 

#91:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 9:20 pm

Oh poor Hilda - to see just how much she is loved. Absolutely wonderful resume from Len - especially the 'ice' and everyone's reactions!

Thank you Mary.

 

#92:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 10:22 pm

Thanks, Mary. I loved seeing even the adults remembering when Hilda had used her icy tones. Nell was right in guessing that Hilda wouldn't have accepted a personal gift and the money went to the San instead.

 

#93:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 12:46 am

Thanks Mary - what a lovely gift Smile

Liz

 

#94:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 3:26 am

Ohhh, perfect! Nell was spot on when she said Hilda wouldn't accept a personal gift, but the bed now, that's inspired. Nell makes a remarkably good conspirator doesn't she? Laughing

 

#95:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 3:38 am

Well done, Nell! I imagine Hilda's a bit shell-shocked, but she can't help but feel loved -- and the gift from the school was perfect.

 

#96:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 3:47 am

I've just found this Mary and have to say (along with everyone else) how wonderful, tender and moving this drabble is. You have captured the respect and love everyone who comes into Miss Annersley's orbit feels for her perfectly.


Miss Annersley speechless! Laughing I never thought I'd see the day!

 

#97:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 10:14 am

I've just caught up (again!), Mary.

This continues to be wonderful. I loved all of Len's speech and think she is incredibly brave to stand up there in front of the whole school and say all those things to Hilda - quite potentially inflammatory things too! Shocked

I particularly enjoyed the succint "Mamma strikes again"! Very Happy

The gift of a bed in the San in Hilda's name is indeed truly inspired - and I'm so glad she is having a chance to see just how appreciated she is, and how much of an impact she has had, and continues to have.

I liked the little reference to Ian Stuart too Smile

Looking forward to finding out if she stays speechless, or if she finds her voice!

 

#98:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 1:42 pm

Nell is so thoughtful. That really is the perfect gift for Miss Annersley, someone who has spent her life helping others.

 

#99:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 9:16 pm

.... Once there, however, she made the mistake of looking down, saw the amount – and nearly dropped the cheque in shock as her eyes flew to Nell, but Nell simply turned her back again to the lectern.

Hilda looked down and across at the sea of faces, and in the sudden silence that fell she opened her mouth to speak – but not a sound came out and she turned in blind panic to Nell, who leaned forward to say wryly, “Well, girls, you’ve finally done it! Miss Annersley, for the first time ever to my knowledge, has been reduced to silence, robbed of breath. I salute you! I didn’t think anything could ever do that. I certainly have never succeeded – and it hasn’t been for lack of trying.” This despite the fact that she had achieved just that, earlier in the day, while in the restaurant!

Her humour broke through Hilda’s panic and shock. Letting go of Nell’s hand, she leaned on the lectern to keep herself upright. Her musical voice trembling but still mellow and deep, she tried to express her thanks.

“As Miss Wilson has said, words fail me. This whole day has been a total surprise. I never realised the years had gone by so quickly – or that I am growing so old.” She smiled tremulously down at them as they laughed. “Such kindness, such generosity.... I don’t think anyone ever received a better twenty-first birthday present. To know your gift to me is going to help others....” The mellow voice broke at that point and it was a moment or two before she could control it. “Len, I find it hard to recognise myself in your glowing description – except for the icy tones. Those I acknowledge willingly – how else could I keep you all in order?” and her eyes swept not only girls but adults as well, and the latter applauded her silently.

Hilda turned to Jack. “Dr Maynard, if you would care to come up here and take this magnificent cheque, before I’m tempted to run away and spend it on idle luxuries....” Another laugh rippled round the Hall as Jack sprang to his feet. Pausing only to shake her hand and to thank the girls, to promise he would let them all see the bed once it was installed, and to promise also that it would have a plaque on it bearing Miss Annersley’s name, he quickly left the dais again, feeling it was Hilda’s day.

Hilda herself, feeling tears beginning to well up, decided to keep it short, but her voice was now rich and compelling. “Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. My years here have been good years and I have received far more than I ever gave. I couldn’t imagine being Head of any school but the Chalet School...”

Cheers drowned her voice at that point and she laughingly threw her hands up in the air, deciding to give up while she was winning. As the cheers continued, young Marjorie Graves trotted on to the dais and presented Hilda with another magnificent bouquet. Hilda bent to kiss her and then turned to smile at everyone, the tears now shining in her eyes as the cheers redoubled. Putting her arm round her friend’s slim shoulders, Nell leaned forward on the lectern and held up her hand.

Into the instant hush that fell, she said with a smile, “Instead of Abendessen later tonight, there is a celebratory meal awaiting you right now in the Speisesaal, after which the Prefects have undertaken to keep you amused with something rather special while the Staff relax,” and then leaving Ruth Derwent to dismiss everyone, she guided Hilda off the dais, through the door and back to the Annexe, Hilda moving as though in a dream.

But once inside and the door closed, Nell took the flowers from her and then very gently pulled her close, as Hilda finally broke down and wept on Nell’s shoulder.

“You deserve it all, sweetheart,” whispered Nell, when Hilda was finally still. The head on her shoulder shook in disagreement, and Nell moved to take Hilda by the shoulders and look into the tear-stained face. “You may not recognise that person you heard Len describing, but I have had her walking beside me for more happy years than I care to count. You are a wonderful Headmistress, an extraordinary person – and a truly outstanding friend. Let’s face it, love,” she added with a wry grin, “only an extraordinary person could have put up with me all these years.”

Last edited by MaryR on Tue Sep 06, 2005 9:37 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#100:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 9:29 pm

Oh I am glad that Hilda has had this chance to let out that pent up emotion Mary. What a roller coaster of a special day. And there is still more to come. I do hope the prefects are going to let her down gently. *hug's hilda and thanks Nell for dealing with her in such a way*

Thanks Mary

 

#101:  Author: Nicola, Location: Derbyshire PostPosted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 10:35 pm

Thank you, Mary. Lovely to see what the school feel about Hilda, as well as Nell's own gifts and compliments. But the relationship you portray between Nell and Hilda is what I like best about this story, because it feels so exactly right- and Nell has always been my favourite! I'm sure she does give Hilda a great deal to put up with.

 

#102:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 10:35 pm

What a perfect friend Nell is - and how well she knows her Hilda.

Thank you Mary
*Sniffling quietly*

 

#103:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 10:54 pm

How wonderful!

Quote:
“Well, girls, you’ve finally done it! Miss Annersley, for the first time ever to my knowledge, has been reduced to silence, robbed of breath. I salute you! I didn’t think anything could ever do that. I certainly have never succeeded – and it hasn’t been for lack of trying.”


Laughing Laughing Laughing Mary, you write Nell so well - I can just imagine you having the same sarcastic tone to your own voice when you are teaching naughty children! Wink

I too am glad Hilda had the chance to weep on Nell in private - she will now be able to face whatever the prefects have in store with equanimity - hopefully!

 

#104:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 11:28 pm

Thanks Mary

I hope Hilda really can relax with the staff - she must need it by now

Liz

 

#105:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 11:33 pm

Thanks, Mary. What a special day for Hilda - and I'm looking forward to the rest of the day - and she definitely deserves it.

 

#106:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 1:45 am

Mary, how lovely, but what an up and down of emotions for Hilda. And how clearly Nell sees her and can show her to herself, as it were - and also knows when it is necessary to lighten the mood. Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#107:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 7:35 pm

Thank you Mary!

 

#108:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 8:53 pm

Just caught up. That was heartwarming Mary. Love seeing Hilda speechless. Laughing

 

#109:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:07 pm

"......You are a wonderful Headmistress, an extraordinary person – and a truly outstanding friend. Let’s face it, love,” she added with a wry grin, “only an extraordinary person could have put up with me all these years.”

Hilda chuckled tearfully, then laid her head again on Nell’s shoulder, drawing reassurance from Nell’s strength. Her voice was muffled as she spoke. “You talk some awful gibberish at times, Nell Wilson. I am no more wonderful, extraordinary or outstanding than you are. There might be a grain of truth in the difficulty of putting up with you, of course........” She paused tantalisingly and Nell grinned. “After all, look what you have put me through today! I suspected nothing, nothing at all. How on earth did you organise it all?”

“We wrote to all the parents before Easter and as many of the Old Girls as we could manage. We did it all from Millie’s so you wouldn’t get wind of it. The response was staggering, as you have seen. They love you very much, Hilda. Make no mistake, “ she said softly, knowing full well that Hilda’s innate modesty would deny it all. Then Nell smiled into Hilda’s hair as she added, “And I hate to add to your mountain of correspondence, but there’s literally a sack full of cards and such for you to open.”

Hilda raised her head to goggle at her and then groaned, and Nell laughed out loud at her expression. “It’s okay, love, I’ll help you with those as well. I’m getting quite used to handling your correspondence for you!”

Hilda laughed and then leaned forward to kiss Nell gently on the cheek, remembering as she did so Nell’s words in the restaurant. Her gentle eyes holding Nell’s in thrall, she whispered, “My dearest one, thank you for this wonderful surprise, and Nell - my life too would be but half a life without you.”

Nell blinked several times and then, dropping a kiss on Hilda’s nose, said quietly, “You need to go and wash your face if you don’t want to appear in the Speisesaal with those red eyes. I should think they’re all champing at the bit as we stand here....”

“How I’m going to eat another morsel after all you fed me at lunchtime....”moaned Hilda, as she disappeared to repair the damages, and Nell smiled to herself.

Though the smile was wiped off her face somewhat when Hilda returned, and said tartly, “I should really put you on a Head’s Report, of course, for all that about my injuries – that was not for sharing, Helena Margaret Wilson!”

Nell regarded her speculatively for a moment, her head on one side, and then took her hand. “Dwight Moody once said that character is what you are in the dark. Sweetheart, I wanted your pupils to learn that, even when no one was around to see, you still bore yourself with the utmost courage – that you are truly an example to follow.” Hilda’s eyes never left hers and she was quite clearly still waiting. Nell’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Love, so often you make me so proud of you that I want to shout it from the rooftops – and you won’t let me. You hide. Well, I was determined you weren’t hiding this time. Am I forgiven – or do you want me to grovel?”

There was a catch in her voice as she asked that final question, for Hilda’s face had remained inscrutable. Was she really angry? Then suddenly she realised that no, Hilda was not angry, just desperately trying to control her feelings. She saw her swallow, as though her throat was too tight, and immediately Nell moved to take her in her arms again. The woman was shaking!

As she held her, Nell began to wonder if she had put Hilda too much under the spotlight this day. She did so hate it, after all. The shaking gradually stopped and Nell waited rather anxiously. Hilda finally raised her head and, looking into her face, Nell thought to herself that there was no smile so beautiful as the one that struggles through tears.

“Am I forgiven?” whispered Nell once more.

Hilda’s eyes were infinitely gentle as she whispered back, “What is there to forgive? I feel so humble that you have such faith in me, love me so much. Your compliments today have overwhelmed me. It’s not like you at all, Miss Wilson,” she added beguilingly.

“I don’t tell you often enough, do I?” said Nell ruefully. “They are not pretty compliments, sweetheart, they are nothing but simple truth. You are my joy, Hilda.”

Hilda closed her eyes again and they stood, forehead to forehead, heart speaking to heart......

 

#110:  Author: Nicola, Location: Derbyshire PostPosted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:16 pm

Quote:
“I don’t tell you often enough, do I?” said Nell ruefully.


Do any of us ever tell those we love often enough? A beautiful portrayal of the tenderness and affection between them after so many years. Thank you Mary.

 

#111:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:35 pm

Thanks, Mary. That was such a wonderful, beautiful, lovely post. I'm glad Hilda isn't angry at Nell. I was wondering if there would be a sequel for Nell's 21st when it happens? Laughing

 

#112:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:38 pm

So, so true. How many of us don't pass on our love for others, don't tell them just how we feel? Nell Wilson is a very wise womean and a wonderful friend.

Thank you Mary - and no it wasn't rather sentimental, just wonderful.

 

#113:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:40 pm

Thank you Mary! That was lovely!

 

#114:  Author: Kim, Location: Tipperary, Ireland PostPosted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:44 pm

Fantastic Mary = a thorough rollercoaster of emotions. Thank you

 

#115:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 10:08 pm

Mary - that was beautiful, I had tears in my eyes as I read it. Such love and such friendship on both sides, it really shines through in your writing.

 

#116:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 10:45 pm

Oh Mary, such love and humility from Hilda. She really is a wonderful person who deserves all that she has been given. Thank you for giving her such lovely memories

 

#117:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 11:51 pm

Thanks Mary

Liz

 

#118:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Sep 08, 2005 2:05 am

Thank you Mary. Hilda knows that Nell loves her, but to hear it from her, maffirkmed in this way, is so significant and so special! And I loved the line "You are my joy" - not happiness, but joy with the distinction that this entails.

Oh, my, oh my....reaches for tissue.

 

#119:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Sep 08, 2005 9:01 pm

How did I miss this till now?! Shocked

All I can find to say is 'wow'. And I'm reaching for the tissues as well. Knowing what is going to happen to Nell makes it all the more poignant.

Quote:
“Dwight Moody once said that character is what you are in the dark


I haven't heard that quote before - thank you Mary for that; yet another one to remember!

 

#120:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 12:58 pm

That is beautiful Mary. I missed it as I haven't been on the board as much this week, but what a piece to miss. The love and unity between the two of them is so evident in this post.

Love the Moody quote as well, not one I have seen before, but very apt to Hilda.

 

#121:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 8:01 pm

After the festive meal, much enjoyed by everyone despite Matron’s dark mutterings about upset stomachs and doses all round, Nell steered Hilda in the direction of the Study, away from the rest of the Staff. Assuming the festivities were now over, Hilda had relaxed and was looking forward to a peaceful evening with Nell, sharing a bottle of wine or even her best whisky. She would enjoy being lovingly teased, now it was all over!

“I see what you mean,” she cried, awestruck, on beholding the bulging sack of mail, tied up with bright green ribbon and bearing her name. “I shall hold you to your promise – otherwise I’ll still be trying to open them this time next year. There is always the option of a bonfire, I suppose.....” she said, her face expressionless, and then laughed when she saw Nell’s outraged glare.

Catching sight of the beautiful bouquet from the school, which Nell had dropped off on their way to the Speisesaal, Hilda went into Rosalie’s room, returning with two vases, and Nell helped her transfer the flowers to the vases, but leaving the artistry to Hilda, such was her gift.

Arranging a bowl of flowers... can give a sense of quiet in a crowded day – like writing a poem or saying a prayer. (Anne Morrow Lindbergh)

Nell smiled fondly as she heard Hilda murmur those words, almost unconsciously, while putting the finishing touches to her arrangements. She had heard her say them before, and she thought they were particularly apt on such an emotional day as this had been. This tiny oasis of peace might help her through the next hurdle!

Nell helped Hilda set out the filled vases and then took her by the hand gently. “How about a quiet drink, chez toi?” she asked companionably.

Hilda nodded and led the way, talking quietly. However, as she reached for the door handle to go into her salon, Nell saw her suddenly hesitate for a moment, as though sensing something, and Nell wondered if she herself had let something slip. One had to be so very careful around Hilda, for she picked up the slightest nuance. But then Hilda shook her head, as though to say to herself there could not possibly be any more surprises, and was about to turn the handle when suddenly the door was opened from the other side and Joey stood there, illuminated by the light behind her.

Hilda stopped dead – and Nell walked right into her. With a muffled exclamation at Joey for being so silly as to open the door like that and give away people’s surprises, Nell walked round to stand in front of Hilda......

 

#122:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 8:06 pm

Loved the comment from Matey Mary! Now just what has Nell got up her sleeve now? Poor Hilda. At least she did have the calm of arranging the flowers to give her a little bit of a break.

Thank you

 

#123:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 8:10 pm

ooooh what's the next surprise?

*sneaks off and puts freshly laundered sheets on Hilda's bed and plumps up the pillows 'cos she's going to need somewhere comfortable to collapse into by the end of the day*

But what a day - Nell certainly isn't doing things by halves is she? Very Happy

Thanks Mary

Liz

 

#124:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 8:13 pm

Norty Nell!! - and she is absolutely loving all this isn't she?

*Hugs Hilda very tightly to give her strength for the next bit!*

Mary - thank you Kiss

 

#125:  Author: Nicola, Location: Derbyshire PostPosted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 8:40 pm

Isn't it time to leave for Nell to stop tormenting Hilda soon? It's like 'This is Your Life'. Glad she's had a short respite.

Thanks, Mary.

Off to join Nell with a whisky now.

 

#126:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 10:00 pm

Oh crumbs - what is poor Hilda going to have to face now?

I hope she will enjoy it, anyway - it will have to be good after she was so looking forward to her quiet drink!

Quote:
“I shall hold you to your promise – otherwise I’ll still be trying to open them this time next year. There is always the option of a bonfire, I suppose.....” she said, her face expressionless, and then laughed when she saw Nell’s outraged glare.


That bit made me giggle out loud!

Thankyou Mary - I now await developments with some trepidation!

 

#127:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 10:41 pm

Thanks, Mary. I'm looking forward to finding out what the next surprise is. Please don't leave us in suspense!

 

#128:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sat Sep 10, 2005 12:26 pm

Nell, you are a bad girl! But you have planned it very carefully to ensure that Hilda does get moments of respite.

Hilda is so blessed, to be able to inspire such love...

 

#129:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Sep 10, 2005 9:53 pm

.......and Joey stood there, illuminated by the light behind her.

Hilda stopped dead – and Nell walked right into her. With a muffled exclamation at Joey for being so silly as to open the door like that and give away people’s surprises, Nell walked round to stand in front of Hilda, and then softened when she saw her friend had gone white and her eyes were filled with panic once more. She could feel Hilda’s urge to flee, so held her gently in place. “Take it easy, love, it’s just the usual crowd. Nothing to be worried about, but they do want to show their own appreciation.”

Listening to the quiet whisper and looking into Nell’s warm grey eyes, Hilda knew she could not hurt this woman who had demonstrated today just how much she cared. Straightening up to her full height, she nodded, smiled somewhat ruefully and walked past Joey into the room – and the people waiting there clapped softly: all her mistresses, Jack and Joey, the adults she had seen earlier in the Hall and whom she had presumed had gone home. (She was to learn later that all the guests had eaten over at Freudesheim.)

Assuming her relaxed public persona with ease, she went to each of them and found herself hugged and kissed as she thanked them all, in her gentle, unassuming way, for their gift. She really had been humbled by their magnificent generosity and she let them see that.

“So this was why my poor Prefects had to think of something special to entertain the troops!” she commented, as she accepted a glass of champagne. They all laughed, and through a gap in the throng she raised her glass unobtrusively to Nell, who raised her own glass and then winked broadly, her eyes once more full of mischief. Hilda groaned inwardly. Was there no end to Nell’s surprises today? What was coming now?

When everyone finally held a glass, Joey stepped forward. “Hilda, I’m not going to embarrass you any more than my daughter already has, so everyone, I give you - Hilda Mary Annersley, Headmistress of the Chalet School for twenty-one years.”

As they all murmured, lifted their glasses and drank, Hilda felt her throat tightening again and prayed that people would start talking once more to hide her confusion. But Joey had not quite told the truth. After the toast she spoke again. “Hilda, the school has indeed given you a magnificent gift but Madge, Dick and I felt we wanted to do more - to thank you for the way you have led the school for us for so many years, for all you have done for us.”

“Joey, I haven’t done anything,” whispered Hilda, her face white again, her lips trembling. There really was only so much emotion a person could take in any one day, she thought to herself. Joey saw her difficulties and reached for her hand, squeezing it gently, while at the same time accepting in her other hand a large envelope from Jack.

Her own black eyes were very soft as she gazed into the suddenly tear-filled eyes of one of her dearest friends. “Hilda, your wisdom and gentleness and strength have influenced this community in so many ways since the day you walked through the door. In all the years I have known you, from the time I was a mischievous Middle, I have never known you let anyone down or turn anyone away, if they come for help. I don’t think you know how. And quite often it has come at great personal cost. Everyone else always comes first for you.”

Hilda’s eyes were fixed unwaveringly on Joey as yet again she heard herself being dissected, and Joey, with her quick intuition, realised that if she dragged this out, Hilda was going to break down completely. “Hilda, the Maynard, Russell and Bettany families feel it’s about time you came first, about time you received some of that kindliness and warmth you lavish on others, so please - accept this small token of our gratitude, our love and our esteem,” and she placed the large envelope in Hilda’s shaking hand.

However, blinded as she was by tears, her hands shaking even more now with her emotion, she could find no way into the envelope......

 

#130:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Sep 10, 2005 9:59 pm

Lovely intuition from Jo there - thanks Mary

Liz

 

#131:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Sep 10, 2005 10:05 pm

Thansk Mary. I'm really looking forward to seeing what's in the envelope.

 

#132:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Sep 10, 2005 11:21 pm

Quote:
Hilda’s eyes were fixed unwaveringly on Joey as yet again she heard herself being dissected, and Joey, with her quick intuition, realised that if she dragged this out, Hilda was going to break down completely.


How lovely to see such a nice Joey - a rare thing among drabbles! Wink

Thank you for another lovely post, Mary; I'm glad Hilda didn't kill Nell (although I rather feel she deserves it! Very Happy ) and I am so looking forward to finding out what this mysterious envelope contains!

 

#133:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Sat Sep 10, 2005 11:44 pm

Thanks, Mary. Please don't keep us in suspense over what's in the episode!

 

#134:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Sep 10, 2005 11:54 pm

Thank you Mary, you have captured Joey at her greatest. Poor Hilda - and she has shown her willingness to place herself last once again, by staying not wanting to disappoint Nell - even though her own instincts told her to flee.

 

#135:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Sep 11, 2005 4:55 am

Good for Joey! It will take Hilda some time to come to terms with all this, but when she does, she will have a most prized memory on which to look back. She will probably still want to strangle Nell at intervals tho'! Laughing

 

#136:  Author: calico, Location: Wellington, New Zealand PostPosted: Sun Sep 11, 2005 6:49 am

Thank you Mary.
This is lovely.

 

#137:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Sun Sep 11, 2005 8:48 am

Poor Hilda, when is this day going to stop? Somehow I half expect Madge to jump out of somewhere! Anyhow, thanks for showing us how much the Russel, Bettany and Maynard clans think of Hilda, and for Jo's compassion when she realizes how hard Hilda is finding allof this.

 

#138:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Sep 11, 2005 9:34 pm

Thank you Mary. I am so glad you gave Joey that intuition and compassion, Hilda could not take much more in such a public way. It is lovely how they have all recognised how much they owe to Hilda.

 

#139:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Sep 11, 2005 11:27 pm

What a day for Hilda - I'm not suprised she can hardly open the envelope. And what a lovely Joey, you've got her just right.

 

#140:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Mon Sep 12, 2005 12:35 am

I have been privileged to read this tale in its entirety, as 'holiday reading', but I've also been following it, and the comments, on the Board when I could access it. I've been home a few days, now, and am just managing to really catch up and start posting again.

This is a wonderful story, and I can see from the comments that you are all enjoying it too. It certainly lives up to its title, as everyone conspires to celebrate Hilda's 21 years with the school and to show her just how much everyone appreciates all she has done for it, and for all the people she has met along the way. Her reactions are just exactly what we would expect from Hilda, who never did have any true realisation of the influence she had on everyone around her.

It also shows a softer side of Nell than we often see. While we've always known it existed, the depth of affection between the two of them, as the evening unfolds, is almost palpable. It's such a contrast to 'New Dreams', Mary, but at the same time it helps us to understand even more the depth of Hilda's despair and grief over Nell's death which you portray so powerfully there.

Thank you (and Hilda) for this evening of celebration.

 

#141:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Mon Sep 12, 2005 7:59 am

Wondering what's in the envelope.

Poor Hilda, what an exhausting day. I'm not surprised she needs a large stiff drink!

 

#142:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester England PostPosted: Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:40 am

I have an idea of what's in the envelope but I'm not saying as I'm prolly wrong!

 

#143:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Sep 12, 2005 12:55 pm

Wow. Just caught up on a weeks worth of this. Thank you Mary.

 

#144:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:04 pm

*slaps self on head for not finding this sooner* Mary this is wonderful- so nice to see the happy side of Hilda and Nell's relationship in full. The depth of their feeling for one another, and your descriptions of it, never fail to move me. Poor Hilda though, the school seem determined to kill her with kindness!

 

#145:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 1:02 pm

Here you are, all you impatient creatures! Laughing Hope it's not too much of a disappointment.

However, blinded as she was by tears, her hands shaking even more now with her emotion, she could find no way into the envelope. Taking it gently from her, Joey opened it and placed its contents in Hilda’s hands. “Hilda, we’re sending you on a world cruise, taking in Australia so you can stop off and have a quick visit with Madge and Con, maybe even Maynie. You’re also going to places you already know and love such as Rome, Venice, Lisbon and places you’ve never visited, in India, America......”

Rubbing the tears from her eyes, Hilda gazed, thunderstruck, at the tickets in her hands. “Joey....” she began “Joey, I.......”, but she had no voice to continue and just went on staring down. But suddenly something penetrated and she looked up. “But there are...... there are two tickets here.....”

She stopped, gulped and then stared as Nell pushed through the throng to stand by her friend. She smiled at her sympathetically, but there was devilment in her eyes as she spoke. “You didn’t think they were going to let you loose on the world on your own, did you? Heaven forfend! You’ve got me along, I’m afraid, to protect you from harm.”

For a moment Hilda gazed at her in silence, and everyone around held their breath. Then, miraculously, the tears dried, a radiant smile lit up her clear-cut face and she spoke fervently and very lovingly. “Oh, no, Nell, it wasn’t just to protect me, danger as I might be to the world at large. If I’ve been Head for twenty-one years, you’ve been my partner for those same years. This is as much your celebration as mine. You’ve done as much for the school, in every way, as they all say I have.”

She paused and then, without taking her gaze from Nell’s suddenly startled eyes, she breathed, “Right, Joey?”

Joey put an arm round each of them and hugged them close. “Right, Hilda, as always. One has to get up very early in the morning to fox you. No, we couldn’t reward one without the other. Between you, you have made the Chalet School what it is today and we are truly grateful,” and she kissed each of them in turn.

Nell looked at Hilda, and her face was as white as her hair. “Well, you certainly know how to turn the tables, my dear.” Everyone laughed, as it was rare to see Nell so shaken. “But this was supposed to be your celebration......”

“Oh, I’m quite happy to share, Nell,” smiled Hilda happily, just relieved that the limelight had been taken away from her. She turned to Joey, and her deep voice was very sweet as she spoke. “Joey, I don’t know how we ever thank you and Madge and Dick. We really didn’t need this. We only ever did our best....”

“You speak for yourself, Hilda Annersley,” interrupted Nell’s familiar caustic tones as she recovered her equanimity. “You may only have just been doing your best. I very often had to do a whole lot more than my best to keep up with you, and the effort nearly killed me sometimes. So you just pipe down, before they decide to take those tickets back,”

Loud laughter greeted Nell’s sally, her humour breaking up the emotion still lingering, and the guests all relaxed and began to chat quietly. Hilda turned to kiss Joey and Jack, and then took her stunned friend in her arms and whispered in her ear, “It’s about time you got the recognition you deserve, my love.”

 

#146:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 1:06 pm

Thanks, Mary. It was a lovely surprise for Hilda and it certainly didn't disappoint! I'm glad Nell is going on the cruise with Hilda.

 

#147:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 1:41 pm

What an amazing gift - Thanks Mary

Liz

 

#148:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 2:29 pm

I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes and a huge grin on my face.

Like this: Crying or Very sad Very Happy Crying or Very sad Very Happy

Quote:
“You speak for yourself, Hilda Annersley,” interrupted Nell’s familiar caustic tones as she recovered her equanimity. “You may only have just been doing your best. I very often had to do a whole lot more than my best to keep up with you, and the effort nearly killed me sometimes. So you just pipe down, before they decide to take those tickets back,”


Laughing Laughing How very Nell!

Thankyou so much Mary.

*Whispers* That's not the end, is it? Confused

 

#149:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 3:57 pm

That was LOVELY Mary! Thank you!

 

#150:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 5:31 pm

Thank you Mary. I love Nell's reaction, it is so in character for her, and Hilda's turning of the tables like that was also spot on.

 

#151:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 6:28 pm

That was fantastic - so Madge *did* appear out of no where, even if she didnt turn up during the celebrations. What a lovely gift to give both of them. And I love the fact that Nell has been included in this tribute - and that Hilda was able to 'turn the tables' on her and touch her so deeply. That was simply lovely. Thanks Mary

 

#152:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester England PostPosted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 6:33 pm

Well the contents of the envelope were a lot more exciting than my idea. Thanks Mary.

 

#153:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 7:31 pm

Well done Hilda!

I agree that Nell definitely deserves recgnition for all that she did. It's such a shame EBD sidelined her towards the end.

 

#154:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 2:52 am

Oh splendid - and how lovely that Nell is included too. And how like them both to use humour to rebalance the situation.
How good it is that they are both appreciated.

 

#155:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 6:49 am

Now why do I think my greatful employers won't be giving me a world cruise in recognition of all my hard work anytime soon?

Thanks Mary, lovely and touching as always.

 

#156:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 9:17 am

How lovely and a wonderful gift. Thank you Mary.

 

#157:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 8:21 pm

Wonderful, Mary. The gift, Hilda's response, Nell's initial shock then recovery. All of it so in character, so touching.

Thank you.

 

#158:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 9:02 pm

Sorry, Mary, for some reason I missed this yesterday! But I can only echo what everyone else has said here, both about the gift and Hilda & Nell's reactions to it. Do we hear about their experiences on the trip itself - or is that cue for another drabble from you?

 

#159:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 9:52 pm

Turning back from the door after seeing the last of the guests leave, Hilda saw that Nell had pulled one of the settees closer to the fire and was sitting there holding out her hand, a tender smile on her face. How truly blessed she had been to have this glorious woman by her side all these years, reflected Hilda, as she stopped to gaze at her for a moment in wonder.

Then, picking up her precious books en route, Hilda sat down and laid her head on Nell’s shoulder as Nell’s arm gathered her close. They remained silent, gazing into the dancing flames, and peace settled over the room.

“Happy?” whispered Nell into her hair, asking the self-same question she had asked earlier in the day. The head was lifted from her shoulder and glowing blue eyes looked up into loving grey ones.

“It’s been one of the most wonderful days I have ever known,” murmured Hilda, her beautiful voice soft with her love for this most perfect of friends. “I’ve had more than my share of splendid days with you over the years but today.......today was very special, Nell. I shall never, ever forget it. To do all that for me...”

Nell looked down into the glowing eyes of this gentle yet courageous woman for whom she would give her very life, and said very quietly, “I meant it, you know. You are my joy, sweetheart.”

Hilda gazed steadfastly back into the soft grey eyes above her and whispered, “As you are mine, my love, as you are mine. I would reach down the moon and stars for you if you needed them."

Nell’s finger was laid over her mouth, Nell’s lips lightly touched her forehead, and then she pulled Hilda close again, satisfied. Hilda laid Le Petit Prince on her knees, and opened the cover to read once more Nell’s inscription :

My Hilda, as the Little Prince ‘tamed’ the fox and thus became responsible for him and learned to love him, so you ‘tamed’ me long ago with your gentleness and serenity, and made me whole.

Your integrity, compassion and courage, your deep faith in a loving God, have inspired and challenged me over the years to be more than I once thought I could be. More than that, though, they have filled me with such love for you that, as we have grown ever closer, you no longer seem a separate person, but an expansion, an interpretation, if you like, of my own self. With God, you have become the very meaning of my soul.

How had Nell been able to find the words to express the inexpressible – to convey the unfathomable depths of Hilda’s own feelings for Nell, and her intense gratitude to God for allowing them to find each other?

She closed the book, traced a delicate finger over the colourful figure of the dauntless little Prince and then laid her head back on Nell’s shoulder, letting Nell’s love for her settle gently in her heart and fill her with its sweetness, and they sat there together, on and on, not wanting this day ever to end......


The End

 

#160:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 10:11 pm

Oh Mary, you have surpassed yourself - that was perfect.

Thank you.

 

#161:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England PostPosted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 10:15 pm

Thanks, Mary. What a wonderful scene. I don't want that day to end either!

 

#162:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 10:23 pm

Thanks Mary - I think I'm glad it ended though - things were getting too much for Hilda before she was anywhere near the end of it. Thankyou for giving her such a nice day, and a quiet refreshing time with Nell at the end of it. Smile

 

#163:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 10:28 pm

Thank you Mary. That was a wonderful day with a perfect ending.

 

#164:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Wed Sep 14, 2005 10:35 pm

What a beautiful final scene, Mary - so gentle and loving, but revealing such depth of feeling between these two.

It's no wonder Hilda's grief for Nell in New Dreams is so gut-wrenching - they truly were the complementary halves of a whole.

Thank you for the whole of this lovely tribute to Hilda - and, in its own way, to Nell, who is always seen as the practical, pragmatic - her words here are worthy of Hilda herself.

 

#165:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 1:43 am

"I would reach down the moon and stars for you if you needed them."

As Nell would for her.
Mary, that was wondrous...I am bereft of words.
And crying, and smiling. Very Happy Crying or Very sad Very Happy

 

#166:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester England PostPosted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 7:05 am

That was wonderful Mary, thank you.

 

#167:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 8:25 am

*gentle sigh* Smile

Thanks Mary

Liz

Last edited by LizB on Thu Sep 15, 2005 1:47 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#168:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 9:34 am

Wow. Thank you Mary, a perfect end.

 

#169:  Author: Nicola, Location: Derbyshire PostPosted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 1:28 pm

Mary, that was a lovely end to their perfect day together, thank you. Wonderful to see more of the relationship between them, and see how very much they mean to each other. I hope they enjoy their cruise.

 

#170:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 8:31 pm

Sublimely beautiful

Thank you so much, Mary

 

#171:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Sep 15, 2005 10:31 pm

Perfect. Thankyou Mary. I'm really sorry I missed this yesterday Sad

I loved Nell's inscription in the book - and can quite understand why they don't want the day to end. Lovely.

 

#172:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 12:10 pm

Thank you, all you delightful people, for the encouraging remarks. Very Happy

It was such a joy to write and I really didn't want it to end. Mad! Embarassed

Some have suggested I write about the cruise but as I have never been on one myself, I think that would be an impossibility.

BUT Shocked one is being slowly given to me about Hilda plotting in secret in her turn..... Watch this space! And watch out, Nell! Wink

 

#173:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 1:01 pm

Quote:
one is being slowly given to me about Hilda plotting in secret in her turn..... Watch this space! And watch out, Nell!


I'm delighted to hear it! Very Happy *Watching this space very carefully indeed*

 

#174:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 1:14 pm

Quote:
....one is being slowly given to me about Hilda plotting in secret in her turn..... Watch this space! And watch out, Nell!



Don't worry, Mary, we'll be watching - impatiently, but containing our souls in patience, at least for a while! However, if you keep us waiting *too* long, we may even start chanting! Laughing

 

#175:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 2:47 pm

Ooooh - Looking forwards to it already!

 

#176:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri Sep 16, 2005 6:52 pm

That was absolutely beautiful Mary

and I'm lookin forward eagerly to the next part
Mexican Wave

 

#177:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Sep 18, 2005 8:18 am

Thank you, Mary, for lovely portrayals of Hilda, Nell, and their relationships with each other and the school.

*sighs happily*

 

#178:  Author: Mora, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Wed Sep 21, 2005 7:05 pm

MaryR wrote:
With God, you have become the very meaning of my soul.


Could there be a more perfect love, or a more perfect expression of it? This whole scene is so beautiful. Thank you so much Mary.
Looking forward to Hilda's revenge!

 

#179:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Sep 28, 2005 9:44 pm

Have just read this from start to finish, Mary. Beautifully and evocatively written, fab characterisation and such a satisfying ending.

Am also looking forward to Hilda's revenge! Laughing

Thanks.

 

The CBB -> St Agnes's House


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