Unwanted - Part Three

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The CBB -> St Agnes's House

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#1: Unwanted - Part Three Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:39 pm

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Archived for length 14/03/05

Unwanted - Part One
Unwanted - Part Two
~Ally~

Once Grizel had fully recovered from her fall, some of her buoyancy returned. Determined to show Cookie and Ellen her gratitude for their help, she spent a considerable amount of time in the schoolroom, working on something that was quickly hidden out of sight when her meal trays were brought in. The result of her hard work was a garish orange and green pincushion for Ellen and a pink and yellow handkerchief case for Cookie. Grizel was no needlewoman, and neither object would have survived much use, but when, having watched her stepmother go out on Saturday morning, she appeared in the kitchen and presented them, both were received in the spirit in which they were given. They exclaimed over them, recognising the effort and love the little girl had put into them and thanked her sincerely.

The sound of the front door opening cut short their thanks. Ellen hustled Grizel out of the back door just in time. When Mrs Cochrane came into the kitchen she found Ellen cleaning the silver at one end of the kitchen table, while Cook was busy chopping carrots.

Last edited by LizB on Thu Oct 20, 2005 6:37 pm; edited 58 times in total

 

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#2:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:42 pm

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Thanks Liz. Thank goodness Grizel has Cookie and Ellen can you imagine what Irene treatment would have done to her without them!

 

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#3:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 5:14 pm

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This is great Liz. It completely explains why Grizel held cookie in such great affection.

I'm so glad she got away with that, and the presents were adorable, but can't help wondering what Irene's going to do to her next

 

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#4:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 5:38 pm

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Thanks Liz! Grizel was so sweet making presents for cookie and Ellen.

 

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#5:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 6:30 pm

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Sweet Grizel! (never thought I'd say that!)

So glad the board is back...

 

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#6:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 9:51 pm

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bless her little heart

so glad ellen and cookie are looking out for her!

 

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#7:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:19 pm

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Grizel was very lucky having those two - dread to think how she'd have turned out otherwise.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#8:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 4:01 am

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See, she's NOT entirely hard and selfish. So ya boo sucks to The Author who thought she was.


Oh...and what Sophoife said.

 

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#9:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:31 pm

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Grizel came home from school a few days later full of excitement. She had been chosen as a reserve for the lower school netball team, in a match to be played against St Ann’s, another local school. She had a note for her father, asking for his permission, which he duly gave, much to her delight. She was disappointed when the match came that she didn’t get the chance to play, but went home with the news that she had been asked to join the team for regular practice sessions on Wednesday afternoons.

“I hope they’ll say I can go.” She said to Mrs Acott when she told her the news.

As it happened, Mr Cochrane was pleased that Grizel had been chosen, and persuaded his wife that it was a good idea. “It may help her if she can expend some of her excess energy in a controlled environment,” she conceded, so Grizel joined the team.

The next game, she was called in as a reserve, playing wing defence when one of the girls tripped and grazed her knee. She didn’t distinguish herself with any brilliant playing, as she had dreamt of, but played a steady game that ensured she was picked for the team for the next match.

 

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#10:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:42 pm

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And so her love of Games beginnings

*pokes Irene for destroying those dreams*

*hugs Grizel*

Thanks Liz

 

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#11:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 8:35 pm

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Yep - first stop netball team, last stop games prefect - Irene's doing yet again!

Glad they're letting her play though

thanks Liz

 

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#12:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:10 pm

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Thanks Liz - at least she was allowed to do that.

 

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#13:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:12 pm

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good for Grizel

but

Quote:

“It may help her if she can expend some of her excess energy in a controlled environment,”

 

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#14:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:41 pm

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I'm not posting much on this thread, even though I'm keeping up to date with it because I'm finding it such a hard, heart rending story, but this is excellent, and I feel for the poor kid so much, you have really turned her around for us and was so gentle and thoughtful in that last bit, so unlike her later presentation. Thank you.

 

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#15:  Author: keren, Location: Israel Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 1:02 pm

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I only started reading this recently, but please carry on with it.

 

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#16:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 2:06 pm

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Poor Grizel! Hopefully she'll make more friends from playing netball.

 

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#17:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 2:21 pm

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Grizel told the Bettanys all about the game when visited them the following weekend. Now the weather was getting warmer and Joey had fully recovered from a recent cold, Madge allowed the girls to play outside when Grizel visited. She was interested to see Grizel giving the younger girl hints and tips as they practised netball passes, and was impressed by Grizel’s willingness to demonstrate a throw time and time again until Jo had grasped it.

Madge was pleased to see the old enthusiasm back in her chatter. Suddenly and unexpectedly having a child to bring up was not easy, as Madge knew only too well, and there were bound to be mistakes and difficulties until both Grizel and her step-mother got used to the changes and settled down. Perhaps, Madge thought, Mrs Cochrane was getting used to being married and bringing up a child, and now Grizel would find things a bit easier. She left her vigil at the window and went outside to join them in their game, much to Grizel’s surprise and both girls’ delight.

The weeks passed and Grizel continued to play netball and even distinguished herself by scoring a winning goal in one match.

 

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#18:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 2:34 pm

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Nice that Madge can recognise that Grizel has had a bad time - sad that it wasn't just Irene Cochrane settling down to having to bring up a child - wonder when Madge will realise that.

 

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#19:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 3:09 pm

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Good to see shades of Grizel the games prefect, also wondering when Madge will see that things aren't really getting better.

Thank you Liz!

 

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#20:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 4:23 pm

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Good to see Grizel helping Joey without the scarcastic/impatient edge, one guess where that developed

 

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#21:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 5:14 pm

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Glad Grizel has got an interest to take her mind off the nastiness of her home life.

Pokes irene (again) and sends fowers and chocs for Ellen and Cookie.

If she judged most grown up women by Irene Madge must have been a big shock to her.

 

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#22:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 9:01 pm

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Go Madge!!!

Grizel is so nice here

Irene for ruining her

 

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#23:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 10:32 pm

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Glad Madge is keeping an eye out for Grizel. Shame the poor girl's happy mood probably won't last for long.

Thanks Liz, lovely update.

 

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#24:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 12:31 am

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I'm glad Grizel's found something that she really enjoys - it's a shame she wasn't allowed to carry it on into her adult life.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#25:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 11:00 am

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The Easter holidays arrived and Grizel brought home her end of term report. She handed it to her stepmother and watched apprehensively as it was opened. “I hope that all this time playing games has not distracted you from your more important lessons.” Mrs Cochrane said as she withdrew it from the envelope. She frowned as she read it through, and Grizel’s nervousness increased. She’d tried really hard this term, and her French was definitely improving, thanks to help from Joey and Miss Bettany.

“Hmmmm. Well it appears you have improved your marks and your teachers all seem satisfied with your progress.” she said at last. “Now you may go and have lunch and then spend the afternoon in the garden if you wish.”

Later she discussed the report with her husband. “If she can keep her marks up to that level that will be all well and good, but if she is unable to maintain it then I think we will need to reconsider the amount of time she is spending playing games.”

“Oh of course, her schoolwork is far more important than being in the netball team.”

“I shall keep an eye on her marks then and make sure she is staying up to standard.”


In the meantime, Grizel spent a lovely afternoon in the garden, making friends with a cat who appeared over the wall. The cat, whom she named ‘Obadiah’, was quite content to be petted and played with, and was of a friendly disposition, bearing with equanimity the little girl’s attempt to tie one of her hair ribbons around his neck.

It was with great reluctance that she left the cat behind at the end of the afternoon, promising she would return to play with him the following day, if she possibly could.

 

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#26:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 11:12 am

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Nasty, evil woman!

Think little Grizel is going to get into more trouble because of the cat......

 

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#27:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 2:18 pm

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Let me guess, now the old bat is going to be allergic to cat hair

Or has Grizel left her hair ribbon on the cat?

Thanks Liz

Last edited by Josie on Sun Mar 20, 2005 1:57 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#28:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 5:54 pm

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Nasty woman I'm also wondering if the cat will bring trouble for Grizel.
I'm also hoping that she gets to continue playing on the school team.

 

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#29:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 1:13 pm

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So Irene has an objection to games in general, not just Grizel's plan to become a games mistress?

Thanks Liz

 

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#30:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 8:26 pm

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Irene is a mean mean mean cruel woman

If Grizel enjoys netball, and she's good at it (which she is) then why shouldn't she play! Her marks are quite good enough so she didn't need to mention it to her husband in that pointed way.

*GRRRRRRRRRR*

and I just bet that when she starts music netball will be considered too dangerous - she might damage her hands or something.

 

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#31:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 12:26 am

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Grizel was disappointed that there was no sign of the cat when she returned to the garden the following morning, but soon forgot her disappointment in her enjoyment of the sunshine. Although she knew every nook and cranny of the garden by now, there was always something new to see – flowers coming up, trees budding into leaf, new smells. One corner of the garden, although still neglected and overgrown, was obviously a herb garden and Grizel loved the smell released as she brushed past a large rosemary bush, or when she pulled off mint leaves and rubbed them between her fingers. Mrs Accot would sometimes find her there when she came to gather herbs for cooking, and this particular morning the two of them sat on the low crumbling wall for a few minutes, enjoying the sunshine, while Cookie told Grizel about the herbs.

“That’s thyme, that is. I use it in cooking, but it can also be used in a mixture for curing coughs and bronchyitis. This one is good for coughs as well – lovage it’s called – and for stomach pains.”

“Are they all good for coughs?” asked Grizel, thinking of Jo and how often she got coughs.

“Not all of them lovey, but this one,” she pointed out a plant with pink and mauve flowers, “soldiers and sailors it’s called. That's good for coughs. And it’s used in those fancy drinks your stepmother offers guests when she has dinner parties - Martinis she calls them. Now, I must be getting back to the kitchen. You run off and play now.”

Grizel skipped down the garden, singing happily to herself.

The next day, Obadiah put in an appearance again, and Grizel petted him enthusiastically. Obadiah responded by rubbing his head under her hand and purring loudly. Then, he suddenly stiffened and became silent.

 

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#32:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 3:19 am

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Don't tell me that the wicked #itch of the west has poisoned the cat?

Please don't tell me that.


Please?


wibble

 

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#33:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 3:42 am

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I'm guessing that he sensed her presence and got scared.

She'd certainly scare me!!

 

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#34:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 8:01 am

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I suppose she's going to get rid of the cat? Can't have someone that grizel can call a friend can we?

Thanks Liz.

 

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#35:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 10:05 am

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Please dont be mean to the kittyprettykittykins!!!

*runs into the drabble and hides the cat*

Seems as if Grizel never gets a treat for long, *hugs her tightly*

 

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#36:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 12:50 pm

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Don't let her have poisoned the cat!

* Miss Di for putting that nasty idea into my head*

wibble

 

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#37:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 3:54 pm

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But surely if the cat was poisoned it would have collapsed in a heap or something? And even Irene wouldn't be that mean... would she?

Thanks, Liz.

 

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#38:  Author: Helen C, Location: Sheffield/Luton Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 3:58 pm

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Please don't let the cat be dead

Thanks Liz

 

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#39:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 4:12 pm

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Chelsea wrote:

I'm guessing that he sensed her presence and got scared. She'd certainly scare me!!

I was thinking that too!

thanks Liz.

 

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#40:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 7:56 pm

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Yep, I reckon he's seen Irene all right!

thanks Liz

 

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#41:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 3:08 pm

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Thanks Liz. Poor Grizel why shouldn't she play games? What is Irene doing to her? Hope she doesn't scare the cat too much.

 

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#42:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 12:06 am

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I have read the whole of this today.. ohhh yes three parts of it and it has mande me cry and want to huggle grizel like i never thought i would!
*huggles grizel*
*pokes irene with a very sharp pointy stick*
*sits on henry (is it henry - sorry have drunk wine and killed off a few brain cells) *
h xx

 

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#43:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 3:12 am

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Liz, you still haven't told us what happened to the Cat?!


(Yep, generally I like cats better than people)

Frances don't blame ME for nasty ideas,
( right back atcha) blame Liz.

 

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#44:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 3:06 pm

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I'm feeling worried that Grizel (remember, she's in the HERB garden), has got catnip on her skirt...

If so, I think Irene might find the cat hair on her skirt unacceptable.

 

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#45:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 9:36 pm

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Sorry - the next bit of this is written, but not typed. I'm back to working full-time (and more) at the moment, and am not keeping up with my drabbles very well. Hopefully I'll get it typed up tomorrow or at the weekend and as soon as I do I'll let you have some.

Anyway, while you're waiting, nothing bad is happening to the cat!

Liz

 

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#46:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 7:36 pm

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Sorry for spreeing, but here's the next bit...


Obadiah sank low to the ground, seeming to become smaller before Grizel’s eyes. She followed the direction of his gaze and for a moment saw nothing, then as Obadiah crept forward she noticed the flutter that had caught his attention. As the cat’s muscles bunched to pounce, Grizel gave a shriek of “Obadiah, no!!” that startled the bird causing it to fly away.

Obadiah looked at Grizel reproachfully, but just then the girl's quick ears caught the sound of footsteps approaching. “Quick, you’d better go. That’s my stepmother and if she saw you trying to catch that bird I expect she’ll be very cross. She gets cross lots.”

As if he understood every word, Obadiah darted away across the garden and had disappeared over the wall before Mrs Cochrane appeared.

“Was that you I heard shouting, child?” she asked coldly.

“Yes, but it was just …”

“I don’t want to hear your excuses. Kindly remember not to make such an unladylike noise in the future.”

“Sorry, it was only because …”

“I said, no excuses. Now go inside and do something about the state of your drawers. They are in a disgraceful mess.” She turned and went back to the house, Grizel following slowly.

 

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#47:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 8:02 pm

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God, what a cow!

*Imagining a time in the future when Irene Cochrane gets knocked down by a bus, when she is lying in agony, she asks Grizel why she didn't tell her it was coming.

"Oh, I did, Stepmother, but you cannot have heard me. I would have shouted but I know how terrible you think it is to make unladylike noises!*

Last edited by Lesley on Fri Apr 01, 2005 8:32 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#48:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 8:28 pm

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Wicked Lesley, but genius too!

Thanks Liz. She really is a God-awful cow, isn't she?

I can completely picture her in my head, that horrible sort of bitter, twisted woman, taking her frustrations out on an innocent kid

 

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#49:  Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 11:46 pm

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eurgh, that woman!

 

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#50:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 12:29 pm

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By the time Grizel had tidied her drawers, Ellen was bringing her lunch up to the schoolroom. “Here you are Miss Grizel,” she said cheerfully as she put the tray down. “Cook says it’s cold ham, with apple turnovers for afters.”

Grizel smiled radiantly “Thank you Ellen,” she said and sat down at the table to eat with gusto. Apple turnover was one of her favourites and she knew Mrs Accot knew that. She had soon cleared her plate and ran back downstairs, eager to go outside again.

“Where do you think you’re going?” the question stopped her in her tracks as she reached the bottom of the stairs.

“Out to the garden.”

“I thought I told you to tidy your drawers.”

“But I have tidied them.” Grizel protested.

“Well, you can go back upstairs and wait quietly until I have come and inspected them. I do not want to have to come and find you again if they are not satisfactory.

Grizel turned and went back up the stairs feeling slightly indignant. She had tidied her drawers properly. She went back to the schoolroom and occupied herself for a while with her book, but the sun shining outside the window made her long to go back outside. She fidgeted impatiently, waiting for her stepmother to come and, eventually even the excitement of The Book of Dragons couldn’t hold her attention and she abandoned it, to wander restlessly about the room, fiddling with a scrapbook, drumming her fingers on the windowsill as she looked down at the street below.

She was surprised when she saw Mrs Cochrane go out of the front gate and down the street and began to feel rebellious. If her stepmother could go out, surely she could. Without stopping for further thought she ran back downstairs, through the kitchen with a quick “hello” to Cookie and Ellen and out into the garden. A few minutes running up and down the paths burnt of some of her indignation, and in her enjoyment of the sunshine and attempts to beat her skipping record she soon forgot her grievance.

 

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#51:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 12:35 pm

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*boils with indignant rage*

And I suppose Irene will arrive home and find Grizel in the garden and take out her guilt at forgetting her on Grizel.

*hugs Grizel tightly*

Thanks Liz

 

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#52:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 1:04 pm

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Actually I don't think Irene will feel guilty - I think she's done it deliberately - she knows how much Grizel loves playing out in the garden.

Liz you have made such an evil character here that I'm having trouble remembering that she is a character.- Thank you for your efforts.

 

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#53:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 3:07 pm

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Lesley wrote:

Liz you have made such an evil character here that I'm having trouble remembering that she is a character.- Thank you for your efforts.

I know what you mean Lesley! I'm having the same trouble!

Loving the story tho Liz.Thank you

 

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#54:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2005 9:21 pm

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I started off feeling a bit sorry for Irene having Grizel foisted on her with no warning, and then being told she was one of the reasons for the marriage. Not now - she should have worked through her resentment, or at least stopped taking it out on poor Grizel.
She is the most evil cold-hearted woman!!!

 

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#55:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 12:01 pm

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Nasty woman. Poor Grizel, I hate to think what Irene will say and do when she gets back.

 

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#56:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 1:37 pm

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Mrs Cochrane had completely forgotten her intention to check Grizel’s tidying before she went visiting. It was not until she was returning to the house that she remembered.

Well, she reasoned to herself, it wouldn’t do the child any harm to cultivate some patience. She had plenty of books and toys in the schoolroom anyway, far more than necessary, so no doubt she had been able to occupy herself adequately during the afternoon.

When she arrived home and went upstairs to find Grizel was not there, she was furious.

 

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#57:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 2:01 pm

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Why does that not surprise me?

 

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#58:  Author: claire, Location: South Wales Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 2:20 pm

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Hope Cook protects her

 

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#59:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 3:11 pm

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Because, of course, Irene couldn't POSSIBLY be in the wrong.
Irene

 

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#60:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 3:13 pm

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LizB wrote:

When she arrived home and went upstairs to find Grizel was not there, she was furious.

Most people would initially be worried for the little girl's safety, although they might feel angry when the child turned up safe and well. Irene really is a heartless woman.

 

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#61:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 4:33 pm

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Ann wrote:

LizB wrote: When she arrived home and went upstairs to find Grizel was not there, she was furious. Most people would initially be worried for the little girl's safety, although they might feel angry when the child turned up safe and well. Irene really is a heartless woman.

I just don't understand how she can be so heartless. Even when little kids are being horrible (and i teach 22 of them which can be very horrible) you don't stop caring about where they are and if they're ok... do you?

 

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#62:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 9:30 pm

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Aitchemelle wrote:

Quote:

Even when little kids are being horrible (and i teach 22 of them which can be very horrible) you don't stop caring about where they are and if they're ok... do you?

No, you don't, aitchemelle, not in my experience anyway!

Didn't she feel guilty at all? !!! Evil woman!

 

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#63:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 9:53 pm

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I wonder what there was about Irene that made Grizel's Dad think she would be a good mother? I'm assuming he found something.

 

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#64:  Author: Shander, Location: Halifax Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2005 10:56 pm

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I'm really really enjoying this, but I do wish that someone would right an alternate where that evil woman got her commupance, and we could see what Grizel would be like if she got raised like a decent family. There are times when I could bite that woman!

 

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#65:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 12:23 am

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I'm running out of words to describe her.

And no, aitchemelle, you don't stop caring - not if you've a decent bone in your body!

 

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#66:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2005 9:54 pm

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AAAAAARRRGGGHHH!!!

Please may I strangle Irene????

 

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#67:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 6:42 am

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Ohh Mrs Cochrane? I've made some special rockcakes for you.

I got the recipe from DWJ's The Ogre Downstairs. Unfortunately, the ogre never got to report on their effects. Maybe you could demonstrate for us?



ETA Yesterday I read for the first time in many many years "The Technical Fifth". The heroines are Joey and Carol (short for Carola). Carol has an older sister named Grizel. Their surname is Cochrane. However their behaviour is distinctly Un-Chaletian.

 

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#68:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2005 6:22 pm

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Pat wrote

Quote:

I wonder what there was about Irene that made Grizel's Dad think she would be a good mother? I'm assuming he found something.

Can't you just see that caring, loving father, Henry Cochrane, taking great pains to find the right mother for his innocent child? Endlessly talking to sensible seeming women about their notions on childrearing? Finding out the latest theories himself so he could lovingly giude his new wife?

What, you couldn't picture it? Oh, she must have just been available then.

 

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#69:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2005 1:11 am

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*slaps Irene*

evil, vicious, cold-hearted nasty nasty nasty woman

 

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#70:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 9:41 am

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Ellen was dispatched to search for Grizel in the garden. She soon located her, following the sound of a young voice singing.

“There you are Miss Grizel,” said the maid. “The mistress sent me to find you. She’s awfully angry miss, what have you been doing?”

“I haven’t done anything,” replied Grizel, “I made sure everything was really tidy.”

“Well, something’s got her goat.” Ellen told her. “We’d better hurry,” she clasped Grizel’s hand and led her to the house, half-wishing she hadn’t found her, half-glad it hadn’t taken long so Mrs Cochrane hadn’t had to wait and get even more angry.

After pausing in the kitchen, where Cook and Ellen smoothed her hair and pulled her frock straight, Grizel went to the drawing room, where Mrs Cochrane was waiting.

“What were you doing in the garden when I specifically told you to wait upstairs until I had checked your drawers.”

“I did wait upstairs, but then I saw you go out and I thought that it would be alright for me to…”

“To blatantly disobey me?”

“No,” protested Grizel, “I …”

“Then explain why you did go outside.”

“I was bored and …”

“Bored? With all those books and toys? I think you need to learn what boredom really is child! Now go upstairs and put all your books and toys away in the big cupboard, lock it and bring me the key.”

“But that’s not fair! Youi went out and …”

Thwack!

Her protest was cut short as Mrs Cochrane smacked her across the back of her legs.

“I have told you before, I will not have you answering me back and you will obey me. Now go and do as you are told. I shall come upstairs shortly to check and anything not put in the cupboard by then will be thrown away. Is that clear?”

Grizel nodded miserably, and turned and left the room, blinking back the tears. She would not cry. Swallowing hard she made her way upstairs and started piling books and puzzles haphazardly into the big cupboard. After a few minutes she heard footsteps on the stairs and panicking she grabbed an armload of stuff, only to drop a rag doll and trip over it, scattering the pile in her arms and somehow banging her elbow on a chair and shoulder on the table.

 

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#71:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 9:45 am

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She is so nasty I can't comment - EVIL woman.

 

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#72:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 10:35 am

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*locks evil Mrs. Cochrane in the big cupboard*

 

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#73:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 12:41 pm

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...hides the key so evil Mrs Cochrane can't get out.

 

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#74:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 1:31 pm

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GRR RAH GRR RAH GRR RAH GRR RAH GRR RAH GRR RAH

(sorry cant express myself any other way)

*hides the scattered toys to smuggle to Grizel later*

*hugs Liz as this must be hard to write*

 

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#75:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 2:29 pm

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Quote:

She would not cry.

This looks like the beginning of Grizel suppressing her feelings.

Thanks Liz, this is so well written. There are no words to describe how much dislike I have for this woman!

 

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#76:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 2:31 pm

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She's an evil, embittered old hag.

More soon please Liz! And pretty please can someone write a drabble in which she gets her comeuppance? Although it might be mroe fun as a communal...

 

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#77:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 5:30 pm

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Hands out the slapping sticks.

 

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#78:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 5:37 pm

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RRRGH

What an evil, vile woman

 

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#79:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 7:35 pm

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GRRRRRRRR

RRRRRRGGGGHHHH

 

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#80:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 9:26 pm

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*cries for Grizel*
*pokes Mrs Cochrane with a ret hot poker*

 

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#81:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 10:40 pm

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*slaps mrs cochrane accross the back of the legs*

how can you DO that to a child? she didn't mean to be delibrately naughty. does this woman have no sympathy whatsoever.

chilling

 

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#82:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 11:09 pm

---

To her great relief, it was Ellen who came into the room and helped her to her feet. Through the carefully propped ajar kitchen door, Cook and Ellen had listened to every word and then had a hurried conference. The result was that Ellen came to help Grizel tidy everything away, while Cook detained Mrs Cochrane in the kitchen with a list of real and imaginary domestic issues.

Ellen gave the bruised arm a rub “to make it better. There you go Miss Grizel. Now, let’s get everything put away before the mistress comes up here. You do this shelf here and I’ll do those over there.” With her help, it wasn’t long before everything was put away in the cupboard and Ellen closed the doors. “Right Miss Grizel, I’ll be off downstairs now, so the mistress doesn’t catch me here.”

Grizel flung her arms around Ellen’s waist. “Thank you Ellen,” she said, the words slightly muffled.

Ellen ran a hand over the brown curls then dropped a kiss on them. “That’s alright lovey,” and hurried from the room.

 

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#83:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2005 11:35 pm

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Sooooo pleased Ellen and Cookie are there - wonder how much they speak of Grizel's treatment outside the house?

Thanks Liz.

 

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#84:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 12:45 am

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as family employees they could be dismissed for talking about it, lesley, so i doubt anyone ever knew. it makes it ten times worse thouhg, for grizel and for them.

 

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#85:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 5:44 am

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francesn wrote:

as family employees they could be dismissed for talking about it, lesley, so i doubt anyone ever knew. it makes it ten times worse thouhg, for grizel and for them.

Yes I suppose - and it was in the 1920's - 1930's so jobs would have been scarce - especially for a servant that had been dismissed from their previous employ.

Just makes it so bad for Grizel that no one knew of her treatment - and that she has another 3 years of it to go.

 

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#86:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 7:54 am

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Poor Grizel - I'm glad she had Ellen and Cookie to help her and give her some affection.

(((Grizel)))

 

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#87:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 12:23 pm

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Well done Ellen and Cookie - yet again. Can't imagine what the poor soul's life would be life without them.

Thank God the Chalet School came along when it did.

 

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#88:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 1:12 pm

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Ellen returned to the kitchen, and gave a slight nod to Mrs Accot. “Whatever you think is best Ma’am,” said that lady, effectively bringing the discussion on whether to change butchers to a close, and Mrs Cochrane left the kitchen.

Upstairs, she was surprised to find Grizel had finished, but merely demanded the key to the cupboard, not suspecting that Grizel had been given any help. “I have asked Cook to bring you a plain supper and then you can go to bed. Tomorrow you can spend the day in here with no books or toys and then maybe you will realise what boredom is and appreciate your circumstances more.” Without another word, she departed, leaving Grizel to sink slowly onto a chair.

 

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#89:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 1:31 pm

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Poor Grizel. Life must feel so hard for her at the moment, and not an ounce of understanding from Mrs Cochrane

Thanks Liz

 

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#90:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 2:00 pm

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Nasty b*tch!

Really angry with her - bet you are too, Liz!

 

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#91:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 3:37 pm

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Lesley wrote:

Nasty b*tch!

Says it all.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#92:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 9:58 pm

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She is evil, almost unbelievably so, surely someone would realise.

Why did Grizel's father choose her, if all he wanted was a mother there must have been other candidates around, what about Madge? There must have been something attractive about Irene.

 

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#93:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 9:59 pm

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Such as? Her kind, child-loving nature?

 

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#94:  Author: RroseSelavy, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 10:03 pm

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Do we ever get told how Mr & Mrs Cochrane die? If not, then please feel free to use as much poetic justice as possible, Liz!

(Sick, moi?)

 

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#95:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2005 11:57 pm

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Irene dies arounf the time of Reunion. Grizel comes back from New Zeland to deal with everything. He father died before the school went to Switzerland, but let Grizels money in trust for her till she was 35!!!! Irene wouldn't let her use the money for the New Zeland venture!

 

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#96:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 12:47 pm

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In the kitchen, Ellen told Mrs Accot how she had managed to help Grizel tidy everything away. “Poor little mite,” she concluded, “what harm was it doing, her playing in the garden?”

“That woman!” exclaimed Cookie, “I’d hand in my notice on the spot, if it weren’t for that poor child. But what would she do without us here? She’d wither away, that’s what. Children need a bit of love and attention just like flowers need sun and water, and I’m going to do my best to see that she gets it, or my name’s not Martha Accot!” She prepared a tray for Grizel, deciding to use her own judgement as to what constituted a “plain supper” and once Ellen was serving at the table, she took it upstairs.

In the schoolroom, she found Grizel hunched dejectedly at the table, although her face lightened when she saw Cookie.

“Here’s your bread and water, Miss Grizel,” she said with a wink as she put the tray down. Grizel lifted the cloth and found a crusty bread roll, hard-boiled egg, tomato, lettuce and slices of cold ham. On one side was a large slice of treacle tart, on the other a glass of lemonade.

“But… she said… I thought…”

“Never mind what she said, lovey, you just eat up every scrap and she’ll never know.”

 

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#97:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 1:01 pm

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Go cookie!! Thanks Liz. And yes, poetic justice in manner of death would rejoice my heart!

 

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#98:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 1:06 pm

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Thanks Liz.

Well done Cookie.

 

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#99:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 2:32 pm

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Well I consider that a pretty plain meal - nothig fancy about it at all. Quite simple in fact.

 

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#100:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 4:41 pm

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Thank you Liz, thank goodness for Cookie and Ellen.

 

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#101:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 5:36 pm

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It's a good job Grizel's got Cookie and Ellen.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#102:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 8:14 pm

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Lovely Cookie!

Thanks Liz.

 

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#103:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 9:41 pm

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*huggles cookie*

i'm so so so glad that grizel has her to give her all the love that Irene is simply incapable of

 

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#104:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 10:29 pm

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Thank heavens for Cookie, and may I say just once again (in case I haven't said it enough) grrrr to Mrs Cochrane!

 

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#105:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2005 10:58 pm

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Hurrah for Cookie!

Hurrah for Ellen!

Confusion to Irene!

oh, and hugs to Grizel!

 

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#106:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 12:13 am

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Even having those two isn't enough to make up for that evil woman. I can't help thinking of all the heartache poor Grizel still has to go through.

Thanks Liz

 

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#107:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 12:50 pm

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Grizel cleared her plate and drained the glass of lemonade, leaving no crumb of evidence of her meal. Then she hurriedly changed into her nightgown and got ready for bed. She was kept awake for a while by feelings of injustice and hurt, but the memory of Ellen and Cookie’s kindness soothed her and feeling slight less miserable, she drifted off to sleep.

The following day she woke to find the sun shining again and she jumped eagerly out of bed. A moment later, her heart descended with a thump as she remembered how she was to spend the day. With a sigh she climbed back into bed and pulled the covers right up. There didn’t seem to be any point in getting up before she had to.

 

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#108:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 4:12 pm

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Poor little girl.

Irene!

Thanks Liz.

 

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#109:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 5:35 pm

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Poor Grizel (((hug)))

Thanks Liz

 

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#110:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 8:03 pm

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Eventually, she did get up and dressed, taking her time over putting on her clothes, to give herself something to do for as long as possible. Then she went downstairs, still moving slowly, although once she was at the breakfast table, she didn’t dare dawdle over her food. When she had finished her meal, Mrs Cochrane accompanied her back up to the schoolroom and gave a quick look around to check that nothing had been missed the previous day.

She waited until Grizel was sat at the desk her hands folded in front of her, “I don’t want to hear any noise from you.” Mrs Cochrane told her, and left the room.

Once she was sure her stepmother had gone downstairs, Grizel left the table and went over to look out of the window. At least she had something to watch out there, the trees waving in the breeze; children running along the street; Obadiah picking his way fastidiously along a wall, his tail in the air; the birds fluttering in and out of the hedges; a small dog being taken for a walk and stopping to sniff at every smell. After a while, she started to feel tormented by the sight of everything happening, while she was confined to solitude.

She thought about Joey, and how when she was ill she was unable to do anything – sometimes she was not allowed her arms out from under the blankets and so could not hold a book, and wondered how she kept from being bored. She didn’t understand that Jo’s vivid imagination meant that she was never stuck for things to think about and stories to tell herself. Grizel did not have such a gift to help her escape from reality, and the hours dragged by.

 

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#111:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 8:39 pm

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Poor Grizel it must have been absolutely awful for her just doing nothing.

*hugs her some more*

Eveillll Irene!!!

 

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#112:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 8:42 pm

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That would be b***** awful - nothing to read, and no imagination!

Poor Grizel.

 

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#113:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 9:59 pm

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this is worse than is done to prisoners ( in humane countries). i hope that irene was able to draw an analogy to her behaviour when the atrocities of the nazis became common knowledge.

 

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#114:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 11:37 pm

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Oh the poor little love

 

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#115:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 5:32 am

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Will someone show Grizel how to hide a book between the matress and the springs. Or something!


Nasty nasty stepie.

Liz, you know you're writing well with us all reacting to your characters so strongly! Thanks for the updates.

 

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#116:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 1:37 pm

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By lunchtime Grizel had measured the room across both ways and diagonally in footsteps and pigeon steps. She had crawled under the table and pretended she was hiding in a den, but it wasn’t much fun when there was nobody to hide from. She had found a frayed edge on the rug on the floor, and enjoyed pulling out a few threads, before suddenly realising discovery of her occupation would get her into more trouble, so she pushed the threads into her pocket and went to see if she could reach further up the wall with one hand than the other when she stood on tiptoes.

She was delighted to see Ellen, when her lunch tray was brought in, although the maid didn’t dare stay long. Grizel ate her lunch slowly, taking tiny bites and counting how many times she chewed, but eventually it was all gone. Until Ellen returned to collect the tray, she amused herself drawing patterns in the remainder of the sauce with her knife and watching it slowly ooze back to smoothness.

Once Ellen had come to collect the tray and left her with a kind word and a smile, the loneliness and misery returned in full force, made all the worse by the brief encounter.

 

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#117:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 2:02 pm

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Poor Grizel. Only lunchtime and already she has done almost all the things it's possible to do in an empty room by yourself! (At least, I can't think of any more!)

Hope Cookie and Ellen can make the rest of the day bearable for her.

 

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#118:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 2:09 pm

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Poor Grizel. I have a certain amount of imagination and think I would be goign mad by lunch time with nothign to do in an empty room.

Thank you Liz.

 

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#119:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 5:18 pm

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But she hasn't done standing on your head yet....!

Thanks Liz.

 

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#120:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 5:31 pm

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Poor Grizel The day must seem so long for her.

Thanks Liz

 

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#121:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 5:55 pm

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The poor girl!

EVIL woman!!

 

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#122:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 7:09 pm

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Just echoing the sentiments really - if I ever managed to meet Irene I'd ********* (Censored as this is a family board)

 

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#123:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Thu Apr 14, 2005 9:46 pm

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((Grizel))

I feel so sorry for her - I hated being sent to my room even with all my books and toys. not having even them must be dreadful.

 

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#124:  Author: Charlotte, Location: home yey! Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 12:39 am

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WOW!!! This is AMAZING!!!
I just read it all upto here!!!
It's so well written and all the charaters are superbly discribed! I was dreading coming to this bit coz there's nothing left to read (yet!)

Poor Grizle, I'm so glad cookie and Ellen are there!
and Mrs Cochrane is EVIL!!!!
I hope Madge gets thinking about schools soon!!

 

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#125:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2005 3:42 pm

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Thanks for the updates, Liz

 

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#126:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2005 9:56 am

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Poor Grizel

 

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#127:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 1:52 am

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Sorry for the delay in updating - my bunnies went AWOL. I have finally managed to coax them back have persuaded them to tell me a little more.


The sun shone in at the window, making the room warm and Grizel started to feel drowsy. Before long she was curled up on the floor fast asleep. She awoke a couple of hours later, feeling muzzy-headed and despondent. Getting to her feet, she went and looked out of the window. Usually she enjoyed watching people go along the street, but this afternoon it felt as if they were taunting her with their freedom, their smiles, their hair blowing in the breeze, the sun on their faces. She turned away from the window in frustration, fiddling with the one of the odd pieces of carpet thread in her pocket, jerking it between her fingers until it snapped. There was something satisfying in the frayed ends, and she pulled out all the threads, snapping them one by one into tiny pieces. Hearing footsteps on the stairs, she hurriedly shoved the pieces back into her pocket.

When her stepmother entered the room, she was once more gazing out of the window.

 

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#128:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 8:09 am

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I expect Irene will find something wrong with that too! How I detest that woman!

Thanks for the update, Liz.

 

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#129:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 10:02 am

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Thanks for the update - glad the bunnies are back!

 

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#130:  Author: Helen C, Location: Sheffield/Luton Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 10:21 am

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Thanks Liz glad to see more of this.

 

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#131:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 11:10 am

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Thank you Liz! Lovely to see more of this!

Is it to early to start chanting??

 

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#132:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 2:57 pm

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Thanks Liz, Im glad the bunnies are back *feeds them dandelion leaves*

*hugs Grizel some more*

 

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#133:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 4:26 pm

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Also glad that the bunnies have come back to you Liz. I bet Mrs Cochrane feels that Grizel should be doing something constructive rather than gazing out of the window!

Thanks Liz.

 

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#134:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 6:32 pm

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also glad the bunnies are back!

*tempts bunnies with tasty carrots (organic of course)*

 

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#135:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 8:43 pm

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Adds to the welcome back to the bunnies

No doubt Mrs C will notice the carpet, or somthing else wrong. Stupid cow.

 

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#136:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester England Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 9:37 am

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I have just read all of this (yes all 3 parts) and, wow. I have never felt so sorry for Grizel. Thanks Liz this is fantastic.

 

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#137:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Tue May 03, 2005 2:10 pm

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Maybe Mrs Cochrane will amaze us all and let Grizel out early *doesn't hold much hope*

Thanks Liz

 

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#138:  Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 8:30 am

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Liz, I have finally managed to find the time to read all of your story and have loved it so far.

Poor, poor Grizel. What a life!

Makes you realiize why she got up to such monkey tricks at school.

 

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#139:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 12:29 pm

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“I hope you have had time to consider what it means to be bored.” Mrs Cochrane said as she entered the room. “And that you will remember that in future when you think you can use that as an excuse for disobedience.”

Her eyes downcast, Grizel nodded, but before she could say anything her stepmother continued with an annoyed exclamation.

“Don’t slouch like that child – stand up straight and look at me when I’m talking to you. And look at the state of your clothes! How can you possibly have got them like that when you’ve been in this room all day?”

Grizel looked down at her crumpled clothes, and tried to shake out the creases caused by her sleep. “I don’t know.” she said slowly.

“What do you mean, you don’t know. You must have been doing something to get them in such a mess. You’re not fit to be seen!”

“But, I haven’t done anything,” protested Grizel.

“Don’t add to your disobedience by lying to me child. Obviously you haven't learnt your lesson and I shall have to lock you in here tomorrow.” She turned and swept out of the room.

Grizel stood at the window, kicking the skirting board and furiously blinking back tears. If she was going to be punished again, she would jolly well think of something to do to deserve it.

 

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#140:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 1:02 pm

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I've given up even attempting to say what I think of Mrs Cochrane - this is a family board after all. Liz,you are doing a wonderful job here of showing us exactly how Grizel became the way she was during the series - the only thing I cannot understand is how she ever managed to keep her hands off of her step mother once she was an adult.

Thank you Liz.

 

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#141:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 1:36 pm

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Agree with Lesley - words fail me. That woman shouldn't be allowed to look after a goldfish, never mind a child I wonder what Grizel's going to do now.

Thanks Liz

 

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#142:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 1:39 pm

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Poor Grizel, it's such a shame that social services wasn't around in those days...

 

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#143:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 2:53 pm

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*pokes horrid woman*

grrrr i'm cross now


but thanks Liz

 

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#144:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 3:09 pm

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I am VERY VERY annoyed. I know it's only fiction but that woman makes my blood boil!

 

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#145:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 8:15 pm

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That woman needs a good kicking! *dons heavy nailed boots*

Thanks Liz.

 

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#146:  Author: RroseSelavy, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 8:53 pm

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*hands out heavy-duty poking sticks*

Do you think she resented Grizel more because she was (I presume) too old to have children of her own? The sad thing is that although Grizel was 'rescued,' no-one ever seemed to give her a chance to talk about her homelife, so it all stayed bottled up. Though I wonder if she and Juliet ever swapped stories...

Thanks Liz!

p.s. Tom is nearly finished!!!

 

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#147:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 8:22 am

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RroseSelavy wrote:

p.s. Tom is nearly finished!!!

Yay! *happy dance*


Before she could decide on anything there was a series of clatters and bangs from downstairs. Sneaking to the top of the banisters she peered over and could see nothing, but could hear concerned exclamations from Cookie and Ellen although she could not make out what they were saying. Then she saw Ellen coming up to her stepmother’s room.

“Ellen, what’s going on?” she whispered urgently. Ellen looked up and saw her then crept a little way up the flight of stairs.

“Your stepmother has fallen down the stairs.” Ellen answered, “I’m just getting some pillows to make her more comfortable and then I must run for the doctor. You stay up there Miss Grizel, and I’ll come and let you know how she is later.”

It seemed and age to her before anybody came back up to see her. Grizel had heard the doctor arrive and various bustle going on, but had obediently stayed in the schoolroom out of the way, desperately curious, but waiting for Ellen to keep her promise and let her know what was going on.

It was Cookie who eventually arrived. “There’s been an accident Miss Grizel. Your stepmother fell down the stairs and hurt herself. She hit her head and her arm and fainted. The doctor has been and we’ve put her to bed and he will come back this evening to see her again. You’d better come down to the kitchen with me, where we can keep an eye on you, and you can have your dinner with us.”

 

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#148:  Author: Charlotte, Location: home yey! Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 8:41 am

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Yey! (in least man way!) but she DID deserve it! but OWCH!!!!
Yey Go Cookie!

Thanks for the update!

 

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#149:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 8:47 am

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*looks innocent*

Mrs Cochrane falling down the stairs had nothing to do with me, honest...

 

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#150:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 12:12 pm

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I'm trying really, really hard to feel a bit of sympathy for Irene - and failing
At least Grizel will have a better time with Cookie and Ellie.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#151:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 1:31 pm

---

Ann wrote:

*looks innocent* Mrs Cochrane falling down the stairs had nothing to do with me, honest...

Could have been me, though

I was just thinking (hoping rather)perhaps Irene could have an accident or get ill and Grizel could go downstairs and .......

there it was.

Though I'm I wasn't the only one thinking that

 

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#152:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 2:20 pm

---

I guess when she hit her head it didnt actually knock any sense into her *sighs*

I bet this gets blamed on Grizel too, as Irene was preoccupied with being andgry and didnt notice where se was going. Grrrrrrrrrr.

Thanks Liz

 

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#153:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 2:42 pm

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*whispers*

Don't tell anyone, but I was lying in wait and pushed her.......

 

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#154:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 5:08 pm

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Well I'm really sorry about Mrs Cochrane..........

sorry she didn't break her neck - I think I could have coped with that!

Thanks Liz.

 

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#155:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 5:14 pm

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Thanks Liz! Please can Irene be stuck in hospital for a really long time??

 

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#156:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 5:26 pm

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She has sustained a fracture to her neck and correspondingly must be held still in hospital for the next three months so as not to hinder the recovery process?!

Thanks Liz! Has made me feel much better..

 

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#157:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 7:20 pm

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Thank you! I hope its a very complicated injury and she has to stay in her room for months being bored!!

 

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#158:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 8:04 pm

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Thank you, it couldn't have happened to a better victim.

Of course, Cookie will just have to be severe with Grizel, won't she?

 

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#159:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 8:12 pm

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That will teach Irene for being an evil moo!

 

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#160:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 8:22 pm

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Who stretched the string across the stairs?

 

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#161:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 8:29 pm

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Tell me that Ellen and Cookie pushed her!

 

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#162:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 10:24 pm

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*seconds Catherine*

at least she gets out of her room now

Mrs C will probably find a way to blame Grizel though

 

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#163:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 8:01 am

---

I wondered how many, and which, of you would confess to pushing/tripping her


Grizel was quite happy to sit in the kitchen, chatting with Cookie while Ellen sat keeping watch over her stepmother. Her father arrived home at the same time as Doctor Lupton returned to examine Mrs Cochrane. He pronounced concussion and re-bandaged her shoulder, which had been dislocated, and wrist, which was possibly broken, but might just be sprained. “She needs to have complete bed-rest for several days,” he decreed as the two men went downstairs. “You may want to employ a nurse to take care of her for a few weeks while she recovers.” He caught sight of Grizel as she came out of the kitchen. “Is there somebody who can take care of the little girl? It would help keep the house quiet, and it would be better for your wife if she didn’t have to worry about her being cared for while she’s laid up.”

“There’s my mother,” said Henry, slowly, “she might be able to help, but she lives some distance away and I don’t want to interrupt Grizel’s schooling. If it were two weeks ago, the holidays would have just begun and it wouldn’t be a problem, but the new term starts in three days time.”

“Well, perhaps your mother could come here and help out,” suggested Doctor Lupton. “Why don’t you sleep on it and see what you think is best in the morning. I shall come back tomorrow to check on your wife. Good evening Mr Cochrane.”

Henry closed the door behind the doctor and went into his study, where he poured himself a brandy. He swilled the liquid in the glass, watching it as he thought. Even he was aware that his wife would not consider his mother’s presence in the house helpful. Maybe it would be better to send Grizel to stay with her. But it was important that she didn’t miss any school. With a sigh he decided to follow the doctor’s advice and make his decision in the morning. He picked up a pile of papers and soon he was immersed in them, all thoughts of his wife and daughter driven from his mind.

 

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#164:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 8:21 am

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Oh dear oh dear... I'd be delighted for Grizel to have a break from that horrible household, but I remember Madge (?) once saying that Grizel's grandmother had spoilt her, and if she's about to find herself in a doting home, how much harder will it be when she has to come back to the kingdom of the evil Mrs C?

 

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#165:  Author: keren as guest,  Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 10:44 am

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If it were the place of servants to speak, they could say they would take care of her

 

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#166:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 3:24 pm

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*wonders what Henry will decide to do*

 

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#167:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 6:27 pm

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Have no sympathy for Irene!

In two minds about them invitin graany down. Though maybe she'll wake Henry up about what Irene's doing to his daughter (whether he'd care is a different matter I guess)

thanks Liz

 

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#168:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 8:32 pm

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Maybe Madge could offer to look after Grizel? Give the poor kid a break at least.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#169:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 8:51 pm

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Please let Madge take Grizel in for a few weeks!

 

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#170:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under Posted: Tue May 10, 2005 9:35 pm

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Starting a chant for Granny to come and look after Grizel.

Thank you for the nasty accident!!

 

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#171:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 1:03 am

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*adds chant for Madge*

*sadly unsympathetic over Mrs. Cochranes injury*

 

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#172:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 8:06 am

---

When he awoke the following morning, he still had no idea how to resolve the situation. After dressing he went to see Irene, who was still asleep, with Ellen who had kept watch overnight, dozing in a chair next to her. This resolved one issue. He must employ a nurse straight away. Doctor Lupton would be able to recommend somebody. Having told Ellen to go and get some rest, he went down to the kitchen, where he found Cookie preparing breakfast.

“I know it’s asking a lot Mrs Accot, but would you be able to keep an eye on Grizel today. Mrs Cochrane must not be disturbed.”

“No trouble at all sir,” answered Cookie. “I’ll take her with me when I do the shopping this afternoon and she can play in the garden this morning so she doesn’t disturb the missus.”

“Thank you,” he answered, “I will make other arrangements for her as soon as possible.” What those arrangements would be, he still had no idea. Maybe the nurse would be able to take her to school and see to her in the evenings.

Grizel spent a delightful morning in the garden. Obadiah came to play with her for a while, and she ran, skipped, danced and generally made up for the previous day’s incarceration.

By lunchtime a nurse had arrived. She was a thin, sour-faced woman who immediately made it clear that taking care of a child was not included in her duties. “I am a nurse, not a nursemaid,” she told Mr Cochrane, when he mentioned his daughter.

 

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#173:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 8:25 am

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Please let her goa dn stay with Madge!!! Please!!

It may give her more opportunity to find out Grizel's troubles, so that she can help her in small ways in the future. Thanks Liz

 

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#174:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester England Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 8:32 am

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Thank you for the update! Please let Grizel go to Madge! (although what if Joey gets ill again?)

 

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#175:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 9:51 am

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Thank you Liz!

Please can she go and stay with Madge and Joey?

 

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#176:  Author: Helen C, Location: Sheffield/Luton Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 11:23 am

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Thanks Liz.

* at Mrs Cochrane falling down stairs and echos calls for Grizel to stay with Magde and Joey*

 

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#177:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 11:44 am

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The nurse seems just the right sort of person for Irene - they could probably compare hints and tips for being sour
I'm glad Grizel's having a better time with Cookie.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#178:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 12:30 pm

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I hope the nurse is as pleasant to Irene! Do her good to get s dose of her own medicine!

 

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#179:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 12:40 pm

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I was just about to say I hope the nurse won't be nasty to Grizel as well...!!

 

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#180:  Author: Charlotte, Location: home yey! Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 4:35 pm

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nasty nurse! Cookie could look after her, or Madge, or anyone nice!!! Please!!!

*thanks for lovely updates*

 

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#181:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 4:57 pm

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yay!

Glad Grizel gets at least one day with Cookie looking after her before she's supressed again....unless of course you wanted to send her to Madge? Cos that would be fine by me.

 

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#182:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 6:39 pm

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Actually like the nurse - it's not part of her duties,why should she look after a child?

*Also hope she's as sour to Irene! *

Thanks Liz.

 

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#183:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Wed May 11, 2005 8:50 pm

---

Slightly disappointed that Irene is only laid up for a few days - was hoping for weeks, if not months - in an ideal world, years!! I feel a touch of Stacie-type reform would do her a lot of good!

Thanks, Liz. Looking forward to seeing how it works out!

 

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#184:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 12:31 pm

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Why can't Irene have a relapse? Just something simple such as bubonic plague.

 

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#185:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 7:05 pm

---

Henry telegraphed his mother, and a reply came back quickly. She would have loved to care for Grizel, but was recovering from bronchitis and so was unable to help. Mr Cochrane was trying to come up with another solution to the problem when Ellen knocked on the study door and gave him a note that had just been delivered.

I am very sorry to hear of your wife’s accident. Please let me know when she is able to have visitors and I will come to visit. In the meantime, my brother and I wondered if we could help by having Grizel stay with us for a while, until her stepmother has recovered sufficiently.

It was signed H. Fareham.

Grizel’s father dashed off a note of thanks and appreciation and asked Ellen to send it straight away and then to tell Grizel to go and pack a suitcase. A couple of hours later he took her to the Rectory.

“Good-bye Daddy” she said and flung her arms around him.

“Good-bye Grizel,” He patted the brown curls awkwardly then pulled out three 10-shilling notes out and slipped them into her hand. “Be good for Miss Fareham.” He shook hands with the rector and left.

“Well Grizel,” said Hermione with a smile. “It’s just time for tea and I think Cook’s been baking some special cakes today – shall we go and see what they are?”


It may be a while before I post any more of this, or it may become more sporadic for a while, as I've just started a big project at work that's going to mean some long hours over the next few months, plus my father-in-law went into hospital today, so I'm not sure how much serious drabbling I'll have time/mental capacity for. I've left Grizel safe and happy for the time being and will let you have more when I can.

 

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#186:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 8:34 pm

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He doesn't deserve that Grizel even acknowledges him - horrible ineffectual man.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#187:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Thu May 12, 2005 11:37 pm

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thanks Liz

 

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#188:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 6:11 am

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D'you think if I accidently-done-a-purpose left the string tied around the top of the stairs dumb Dad will fall down them too?


(why isn't there a 'whistling inocently' emoticon?)

 

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#189:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 9:27 am

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Thank you Liz. Glad Grizel has gone to stay with the Rector.

And don't worry about not posting more for a while - we can wait

 

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#190:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 9:43 am

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((((Liz))))

Im glad Grizel has gone to stay with the rector, I hope she has a happy few weeks there.

 

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#191:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 10:23 am

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Hope your Father in Law gets well soon Liz, thanks for leaving Grizel in a safe happy place while RL takes over

 

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#192:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 1:42 pm

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Thank you for leaving Grizel where she'll be safe and happy, Liz.

Hope everything goes well with the projects, and for your F-I-L.

 

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#193:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 5:17 pm

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Thanks for leaving her safe whilst RL claims you, hope everything's going well *sends some hugs*

 

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#194:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Fri May 13, 2005 11:05 pm

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Hope your father-in-law's condition isn't too serious, and that the work proves less onerous than predicted.

Thanks for leaving Grizel safe with the rector!

 

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#195:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 4:36 pm

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Hope things calm down for you soon Liz, and that your father-in-law is alright.
Thanks for leaving Grziel safe.

 

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#196:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under Posted: Sat May 14, 2005 7:02 pm

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Thank you Liz for leaving Grizel safe and cared for.

All the best for RL and your FIL.

 

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#197:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 2:08 pm

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Thanks Liz. Having RL issues myself at the moment and have just caught up with about 9 pages of this.

Thanks for getting Grizel a lttle holiday with the Fareham's. I hope is the nurse is nasty and mean to Irene. Also hope she is money grabbing and makes her take months to get better.

Or you could send her off on a year long cruise to recuperate.

 

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#198:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 1:13 pm

---

My father-in-law is home from hospital, although still recovering, and work is sort-of under control, so I have managed to write a little more.



Grizel spent a happy fortnight at the Rectory. She soon felt at home there, and the Rector and his sister found they enjoyed her company, her chatter brightened their mealtimes, her questions stretched their brains and there was nearly always something to make them laugh. Hermione started to teach her the basics of the piano, and the little girl took great joy in being able to pick out a simple tune with one finger.

At the end of the two weeks, they sent a note to her father offering to look after her for another week if Mrs Cochrane wasn’t fully recovered, an offer that was accepted with alacrity. In fact, it was over a month before Grizel returned home. Even then Mrs Cochrane suffered from blinding headaches and spent a good deal of her time resting, leaving Grizel’s supervision to Cookie and Ellen, receiving daily reports on her behaviour and admonishing them not to let her get away with anything or to play in the garden too much. Instructions which were listened to politely and then ignored.

As Mrs Cochrane recovered more, however, Grizel’s time in the garden became increasingly curtailed, and she was expected to spend longer hours in the schoolroom, going over her lessons for school, or playing quietly.

 

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#199:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 1:23 pm

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I'm glad that Grizel got a month's respite from Evil Irene, Liz.

 

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#200:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 1:27 pm

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Nice to see this back!
I hope Irene does not go back to her nasty ways to soon...

 

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#201:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 4:04 pm

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yay! more of Grizel!!!!

I'm glad she enjoyed the piano at least at the beginning - hope Irene doesn't stamp the fun out of that too quickly

 

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#202:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 4:43 pm

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Poor Grizel, all these things and time spent with other people makes the contrast greater!

Thank you Liz!

 

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#203:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 5:49 pm

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It's great to see this back Liz. But at Irene being nasty again.

 

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#204:  Author: Joyful, Location: Manchester Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 6:07 pm

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Hooray more drabble!

Nice to see Grizel enjoying herself, and actually enjoying playing the piano - a contrast to later on when we know she'll play because she has to

 

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#205:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 8:15 pm

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Hurray more Grizel-drabble!

Thank you Liz. Glad to hear things are (slightly) better...

 

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#206:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 8:49 pm

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Liz, couldn't you have given Irene a more serious injury? One that lasted until Grizel was say 18?

Actually this will at least give Grizel the idea that it is not all her fault, that she must have done something wrong, to make Irene such a cow - she's spent some weeks enjoying a normal childhood, and will be able to compare.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#207:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 8:24 am

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Sorry Lesley - but don't worry, that won't be the only time she suffers.


As her 11th birthday approached, Grizel started to get excited. This was the first birthday for a long time that she would spend with her Daddy. She knew he was very busy, and worked very hard, which was why she didn’t see much of him, but she was sure he would be able to spend her birthday with her.

“And what would you like to have for your birthday dinner?” asked Cookie a few days before the big day.

“Ooooooh! I don’t know Cookie,” answered Grizel, “You cook so many nice things.”

“Flatterer!” replied Cookie with a laugh. “Well, I shall see if I can think of something special for you.”

“Something that Daddy likes too.” said Grizel, with a little skip.

“Well, he might not be there, lovey,”

“Don’t be silly, Cookie, of course he’ll be here. It’s my birthday.”

Cookie looked at the bright, happy face and wished she could gently prepare Grizel the disappointment she felt sure would be coming, but couldn’t find the words. All she could do was hope that Grizel was right and she was wrong.

 

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#208:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 8:34 am

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Ooooh nooooo poor Grizel, thats just cruel and disgusting.

Thanks Liz, Im glad things are better so you can come back to this

 

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#209:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 9:06 am

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Poor Grizel. I get the feeling that Cookie will be right and Grizel will be bitterly disappointed.

 

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#210:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 9:28 am

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Poor Grizel! I still remember the birthday when my Daddy was in Luxemburg and so couldn't be at my birthday...

Thank you Liz!

 

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#211:  Author: Helen C, Location: Sheffield/Luton Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 11:50 am

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Yay this is back thanks Liz

 

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#212:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 12:25 pm

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Glad this is back - thanks Liz.

Poor little Grizel. She's going to be gutted.

 

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#213:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 12:30 pm

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Poor little Grizel,

 

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#214:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 3:02 pm

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Evil, evil man - don't know which of them I'd like to hurt more - Henry or Irene.

(So thinking about a drabble where they are both suitably punished...)

 

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#215:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 5:09 pm

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ohhhh poor poor little Grizel. At least she has Cookie to love her.

PLEASE do write that drabble Lesley!

 

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#216:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 10:23 pm

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Poor Grizel. I hope Cookie and Ellen can make it a special day for her.

Please write that drabble Lesley! *begging smiley*

 

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#217:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 10:43 pm

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“A birthday party?” Mrs Cochrane was horrified. Fill the house with a lot of noisy girls. “No you may not have a party. You make my head ache enough as it is! Now do go away and stop bothering me.”

Grizel left the room, crestfallen. Every other girl in her class had had a birthday party and invited all the others. What would they think when she didn’t. That she was too stuck up to invite them? That she was too selfish? Or would they realise that she must have done something wrong and was being punished again? She didn’t mean to make her stepmother’s head ache.

 

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#218:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 10:59 pm

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Nasty cow!

 

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#219:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 7:00 am

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(((Grizel)))

They could be Outside, Mrs Horrible Irene!

 

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#220:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 8:46 am

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(((Poor Grizel))). I hope Irene has a really bad headache for that.

 

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#221:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 9:20 am

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Nasty woman! Poor Grizel.

Thanks Liz!

 

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#222:  Author: keren as guest,  Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 9:23 am

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Maybe the bettany's will make her one

 

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#223:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 1:17 pm

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that woman is EVIL. how dare she deprive my precious Grizel of her birthday party?!

 

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#224:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 1:33 pm

---

The next day, a note came from Hermione Fareham to Mrs Cochrane.

I understand that it is Grizel’s birthday soon. I realise that you may still not be well enough after your fall to give her a party for her and her friends, and wondered if you would allow my brother and I to do so. We so enjoyed having her stay with us, and it would be a pleasure to help you out in this way. We thought perhaps the Saturday afternoon before her birthday might be suitable. Is that agreeable to you?

Mrs Cochrane reached the end of the note and gave a little shrug. She could hardly refuse the offer without causing talk, and it made little difference to her if the rector and his sister wanted to give the child a party. She was not to know that Madge having heard, via their cook, who had met Ellen in the greengrocers, that Grizel was not having a party had approached the rector and his sister, and tactfully brought the subject up, and this had led to their offer.

A note of acceptance was written and despatched.

 

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#225:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 1:37 pm

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Well, at least someone cares for Grizel.

 

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#226:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 1:42 pm

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Good for them all! Irene doesn't deserve to be let off the hook so easily though.

 

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#227:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:04 pm

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Glad there are some people out there looking out for Grizel! Nasty Irene should be shot!

Thanks Liz!

 

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#228:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:36 pm

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Nell wrote:

Nasty Irene should be shot!

Repeatedly. Having already have been tortured with the sound of small children having fun and perhaps using her to practice face painting on. And bursting balloons around her. Grr.

Thanks though Liz! We will see Irene get her just desserts eventually, won't we?

 

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#229:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:39 pm

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I'm so glad that Grizel gets her party! Catching up and still loving this drabble!!

 

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#230:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:49 pm

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Hurrah for Madge and Hermione

Booooo and hisssssssses for Irene

 

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#231:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 3:28 pm

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Laura wrote:

Nell wrote: Nasty Irene should be shot! Repeatedly. Having already have been tortured with the sound of small children having fun and perhaps using her to practice face painting on. And bursting balloons around her. Grr.

Wonderful idea Laura - she'd hate that maybe we could do similar things around her for a very long time first!

 

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#232:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 7:15 pm

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I'm glad others are looking out for Grizel, even if her own family aren't. I hope she has a lovely birthday and can forget about home for a bit.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#233:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 7:31 pm

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Thank you Liz! I marvel that anyone could be so horribly eeebil to a child! Poor Grizel! I am wibbling for her continuously!
Sorry Its taken so long to catch up and thank you!

Hannah

 

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#234:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 8:06 pm

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Laura wrote

Quote:

We will see Irene get her just desserts eventually, won't we?

I think one of the worst things about this, is that we know she won't really. So Henry dies first? He leaves her alone as it is. She goes into a home (I think...)? Other people still do the work for her. If this were not what happened to Grizel, but an alternate reality, we could hope she would be really punished.

Thank you Liz

Edited to say, I don't want it different - you are telling us what happened. I wish it had been different.

 

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#235:  Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 8:10 pm

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Lyanne wrote:

Laura wrote Quote: We will see Irene get her just desserts eventually, won't we? I think one of the worst things about this, is that we know she won't really. So Henry dies first? He leaves her alone as it is. She goes into a home (I think...)? Other people still do the work for her. If this were not what happened to Grizel, but an alternate reality, we could hope she would be really punished. Thank you Liz Edited to say, I don't want it different - you are telling us what happened. I wish it had been different.

Irene suffers a stroke - and presumably quite a bad one - because it's that which puts her in the home.

This is great, Liz. I'm very glad your RL's calmed down a little and that your f-i-l is doing better.

Ray *eager for more*

 

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#236:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 9:33 pm

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I'm glad she's getting her birthday party but quite sad that Irene really doesn't seem to care.

 

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#237:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 8:06 am

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It was two days before Grizel was told of the impending party and she nearly burst with excitement when she heard. She managed to control herself while in her stepmother’s presence, not wanting to cause another headache, but as soon as she was dismissed she ran to the kitchen. Nobody was there, so she continued out into the garden, where she jumped for joy as she told Obadiah her news.

It was only thanks to repeated reminders from Cookie and Ellen that she managed to contain herself over the intervening hours and didn’t disturb her stepmother or do anything that might cause the party to be rescinded. Eventually, the time came, Grizel dressed carefully in her best frock, brushed her hair and tied it with fresh ribbons and pulled on her party shoes. She was just ready when Madge and Joey came to call for her to escort her to the rectory. At first she walked along demurely, but as she saw Jo give little hops of excitement as she went and noticed that she was not reprimanded, Grizel followed suit. Madge just laughed at the pair of them as they skipped along ahead of her.

 

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#238:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 8:34 am

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I'm glad that Grizel can be free to be herself without having to worry about Irene's disapproval.

 

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#239:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 9:54 am

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LizB wrote:

At first she walked along demurely, but as she saw Jo give little hops of excitement as she went and noticed that she was not reprimanded, Grizel followed suit. Madge just laughed at the pair of them as they skipped along ahead of her.

Poor Grizel though - the fact that Irene has effected her so much she expects to be reprimanded for skipping! Glad she's got her party and hope its fun!

Thank you Liz.

 

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#240:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 12:24 pm

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Thank you Liz

Grizel gets a party! Yay! Luffly Madge and Hermione!

 

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#241:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2005 6:04 pm

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Oh well done Hermione!

Thanks Liz. *Very* happy Grizel gets a party!

Last edited by Josie on Mon Jun 13, 2005 8:46 am; edited 1 time in total

 

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#242:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 3:46 pm

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Pleased for Grizel - but it says it allthat she thinks it's wrong to skip!

 

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#243:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 4:32 pm

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Ray wrote

Quote:

Irene suffers a stroke - and presumably quite a bad one - because it's that which puts her in the home.

Thankyou Ray, I'd forgotten that (if I knew? Is it in HB rather than PB?).

 

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#244:  Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 5:21 pm

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It's mentioned in Reunion - and in the PB of Reunion (irrc). I don't *think* it's mentioned at the time cos I'm fairly sure it's between Carola and Reunion and Grizel doesn't show up in between times.

I'd give you the exact references, but my hands are covered in paint so someone else'll have to do that!

Ray *been painting the bathroom*

 

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#245:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 6:23 pm

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Thank you Liz!!!


I'm glad Grizel will have her party after all, but I hope Irene suffers an eternal migraine as punishment for being such an evil mare!!

 

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#246:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 2:20 pm

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The party lived up to all Grizel’s expectations. Miss Fareham had invited all Grizel’s class from school, plus those in her Sunday School class, and most of them were present. The furniture in the large drawing room had been pushed back to allow for games such blind man’s buff, ladders, and port and starboard, which soon had them all tousled and breathless.

There were presents from her friends: books, a skipping rope, an Indiarubber ball, a doll (although Grizel had little time for dolls), sweets, even a gramophone record, which Grizel opened eagerly, her eyes glowing as she thanked the givers.

Then there was tea – and such a tea it was. Cold chicken and salad and fresh bread and cream cakes and fruit loaf and the most magnificent birthday cake anybody had ever seen. After tea they played some quieter games, although hunt the thimble gradually degenerated as the thimble was hidden in more and more ingenious places.

Eventually, reluctantly, the girls departed as their parents came to collect them, and finally, clutching a large piece of cake, with the promise that the rest of her cake would be delivered with her presents during the week, a delighted Grizel was taken home.

 

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#247:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 2:28 pm

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Yay! For a lovely birthday party!

thank you Liz

 

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#248:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 8:57 pm

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So pleased for Grizel.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#249:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2005 3:02 am

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So glad to see Grizel having a truly lovely day!

I hope she gets to bubble over to Cookie & Ellen, with no one interfering.

 

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#250:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2005 5:17 pm

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I'm so glad that Grizel had a lovely birthday party.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#251:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2005 11:29 pm

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So glad she had a nice time and got some lovely presents - maybe they'll help her realise that people do like her and it isn't her fault that evil ***** doesn't

 

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#252:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 2:39 pm

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awwwww

*bounces happily*

surely not even Irene can ruin what's been such a lovely afternoon for Grizel

 

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#253:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 5:21 pm

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Grizel arrived home still thrilling with excitement and happiness. Before long, she was seated on her favourite perch on the kitchen table telling Cookie and Ellen all about it. She swung her legs happily as she chatted, and Cookie smiled at her enthusiasm.

“I’m glad you had such a good time, lovey.” she said when she could get a word in edgewise “Now, you’d better get down from there before the missus comes and catches you. Time you were upstairs and getting ready for your bed anyway. Come along, off you go now, you can tell me the rest of it tomorrow.” She chased Grizel out of the kitchen, just in time as it happened, for a moment later Mrs Cochrane came looking for her and could be told that Grizel had already gone upstairs.

The following day was Sunday, and Grizel went to church and Sunday School, spending the spare time in between writing her thank you letters.

Monday morning she was back at school, for the last week of term, and as both her birthday and the holidays approached she became more and more excited. It was a struggle to keep quiet and behave decorously at home, but the thought that she might spoil her birthday if she misbehaved kept her out of trouble.

 

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#254:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 6:30 pm

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Im glad shes happy right now, but oh the dissapointment to come *sobs*

*hugs Grizel muchly*

Thanks Liz

 

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#255:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 7:04 pm

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Poor little girl

*Pokes Irene with extra-long super-pointy stick*

 

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#256:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 7:52 pm

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I'm glad Grizel's enjoyed herself, but like the others I can see major disappointments coming. Poor Grizel.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#257:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 8:29 pm

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Thanks Liz, I'm glad she had a nice birthday party

 

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#258:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2005 8:31 pm

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I can see all the disappointments to come - not just this year, but all the birthdays and Christmases to come.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#259:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 8:57 am

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Thanks Liz. Also gald she had a nice birthday, and that Cookie and Ellen got her upstairs in time so that her stepmother couldn't spoil her day.

 

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#260:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2005 9:06 am

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Thank you Liz!

 

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#261:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 2:45 pm

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*patents an automated poking machine*

*sets the frequency to 1 ppm (poke per minute)*

*uses it on Irene*

((Grizel))

please let her have some treats in the holidays, Liz

 

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#262:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 5:29 pm

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Finally, the big day dawned. Grizel was up bright and early, and dressed herself excitedly. She had to go to school of course, but most of the day would be taken up with the end-of-term concert being put on by the older girls, so even at school her birthday would be a fête-day.

She was down in the kitchen, chatting to Cookie and Ellen long before her father and stepmother awoke, and when they came down to breakfast she danced into the dining room to join them. A look from her stepmother quelled her slightly and she sat down more sedately and applied herself to the bacon and eggs that appeared in front of her.

“Daddy,” she said, addressing her father’s newspaper, “Daddy, Cookie says she will make us a special dinner today for my birthday. Daddy, you will be here for it won’t you.”

“What’s that?” asked Henry coming out from behind his paper. “Dinner this evening?”

“Yes Daddy, for my birthday you know.”

“I’m sorry Grizel I won’t be here for that. Your stepmother and I are going out for dinner this evening.”

“But Daddy, it’s my birthday.” she protested, her face falling.

“Yes and you’re a big girl now, too old to be wanting us to make a fuss over it aren’t you. When you get home from school we will have gone out, but your presents will be waiting for you in the schoolroom. Mrs Acott and Ellen will see to your dinner and look after you this evening. Now, if you’ve finished your breakfast you’d better hurry and get ready for school.”

“Yes Daddy.” she answered as he disappeared behind the paper again, and she slipped forlornly off the chair and went upstairs.

 

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#263:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 7:55 pm

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Poor Grizel. Mr Cochrane doesn't deserve to be called Grizel's father after being so unfeeling and uncaring. I'm sure that Cookie and Ellen will try to make it a happy day for Grizel, but it's not the same.

Thanks Liz

 

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#264:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 8:13 pm

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He is an absolute tosser. However, at least she has Cookie and Ellen to look after her.

 

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#265:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 8:51 pm

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Laura wrote:

He is an absolute tosser.

Absolutely agree! Has he even said Happy Birthday to her?

Thank god, yet again, for Cookie and Ellen.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#266:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 9:03 pm

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He is a monster! If it was a work commitment or something then it would be slightly understandable, but the way he tells her she's too old to want a fuss made of her... words fail me

*Seizes Fran's poking deviceTM ... and hits Mr Cochrane over the head with it until he lies still, grey, etc*

(((Grizel)))

Thanks Liz!

 

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#267:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 9:27 pm

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Honestly, too old for a fuss at 11.

 

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#268:  Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 9:42 pm

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Mind you, it's probably just as well that evil Mrs C. won't be there...

 

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#269:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 9:50 pm

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What's the betting that Irene was the one to organise the evening out? Still, Grizel will have a better time with Cookie and Ellen than she would do with her father and steppie.

 

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#270:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 10:04 pm

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Wish I was allowed to swear on this board.

 

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#271:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2005 10:33 pm

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*sets poking device to 20 ppm*

*fixes it after Mia's outburst*

*waits for shrieks of pain*

Liz you are evil...*huggles Grizel protectively*

 

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#272:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 12:53 am

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I have just read this drabble the whole way through. It has really helped me to understand why Grizel is the way she is in the books and I really feel for her in this drabble. At least she got her party.

Happy Birthday Grizel!

It's a pity Grizel couldn't have gone out for a meal with the two people she has to live with - they're not fit to be called her parents. I suppose people didn't take younger people living in their house out to dinner back then.

Also, how is Irene pronounced? Is it I - rene or I - ren - e?

 

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#273:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 1:35 pm

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francesn wrote:

*sets poking device to 20 ppm* *fixes it after Mia's outburst* *waits for shrieks of pain* Liz you are evil...*huggles Grizel protectively*

Is that me you're poking or Irene, Fran? I must admit I rather hate myself at the moment!

Chair wrote:

Also, how is Irene pronounced? Is it I - rene or I - ren - e?

I go for two syllables.


By the time she had arrived at school, she had recovered some of her spirits – after all, it was her birthday and everybody was being so nice to her. One of her friends had brought in some flowers she’d picked from her garden, another one lent her a new pencil for the day. The concert in the afternoon was very enjoyable, and all-in-all it was a happy girl who went home at the end of the day.

Once she arrived home, however, she remembered that Daddy was not going to be there for her birthday that evening. It was slowly and sadly she climbed the stairs to the schoolroom. The promised pile of presents was on the table, but somehow that didn’t matter. Cookie and Ellen were in the kitchen, waiting for her to go and see them, and she would, but right now, all that filled her mind was the fact that Daddy wasn’t there for her birthday.

Ignoring the pile of presents, she went into her bedroom, flung herself down on the bed and burst into tears.

 

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#274:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 1:57 pm

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Well I was poking Irene, but after that last post I'm severly tempted to use it on you.

*luffs Liz really, even if she is being rather mean to Grizel*

 

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#275:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 2:39 pm

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I remember when I was in Junior School, having a birthday was a big deal. There was this rather quiet girl in my class and these two other girls in my class always used to argue over who was going to sit next to the quiet girl. I sat on the same table and nobody argued over who sat next to me! They arranged it so they alternated days except when it was their own birthday they got to sit next to the quiet girl. Sorry if this isn't very relevant!

 

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#276:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 6:08 pm

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Poor, poor Grizel. It isn't even just thoughtlessness this time, the horrid man is going out with his wife on his daughter's birthday- that's deliberate cruelness in my book *scowls at him*

Thanks Liz, we know it's really EBD's fault not yours.

 

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#277:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 9:16 pm

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Evil, unthinking little ****, how dare he have the audacity to call himself a man, let alone a father!

Thanks Liz.

 

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#278:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 9:35 pm

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Oh, the poor little love.

 

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#279:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 12:21 am

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Poor Grizel - hope Cookie and Ellen can make it up to her a little - does she get anything from her Grannie?

 

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#280:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 9:44 am

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francesn wrote:

*fixes it after Mia's outburst*

Hope it wasn't too broken!

(((Grizel)))

 

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#281:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 1:30 pm

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It was here that Ellen found her a little later, the occasional sob still shaking the small body, and sitting down on the edge of the bed, she gathered the little girl into her arms.

“Come on, lovey, don’t cry so.” she soothed.

“I wanted my Daddy to be here,” the words were muffled against Ellen’s shoulder, but the heartbreak could be heard clearly.

“I know you did.” Ellen’s thoughts on the matter were not suitable for the ears of a young girl, so she kept them to herself, and gently rocked Grizel until she gave a final sniff and looked up. “Now then, Miss Grizel, I know it’s not as good as having your Daddy here, but how would you like to come down to the kitchen. Mrs Acott had got a lovely dinner cooking for you, and we thought you could eat it down there with us for company. Would you like that?” She was answered with a subdued nod. “You run on down then, and I’ll bring your presents down in a minute so we can watch you open them – that will be a treat for us too it will.”

Feeling slightly comforted, Grizel ran down to the kitchen, where she was welcomed by a warm hug from Cookie and then sat on a chair, draped with an old curtain to make it look like a throne at the table. Ellen arrived a few minutes later with her arms full of presents and laid them out in front of her, ready for her to open.

With encouragement from Cookie and Ellen she opened each present, and eventually they were stacked up on the table in front of her. There were several new books, a jigsaw puzzle, a chess set and a doll, which Grizel did not pay much attention to as she had never been very interested in dolls, and didn't even register that it was beautifully made with the very latest style in clothes.

“That must have cost a pretty penny,” murmured Cookie to Ellen, looking at the doll and thinking it was a crying shame that Mr Cochrane didn’t know his daughter well enough to realise that she wouldn’t be wanting a new doll, and in fact had hardly played with the one he had given her for Christmas, not to mention that he thought spending all this money would make up for the fact that he had taken his wife out for dinner (wedding anniversary or no), instead of being home for Grizel’s birthday.

 

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#282:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 2:19 pm

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Sets poking stick to high level penetration, and uses it on Henry and Irene.

Thank goodness for Cookie and Ellen.

 

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#283:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 3:05 pm

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Poor little Grizel

What would she do without Cookie and Ellen? I dread to think.

How awful too that it is the wedding anniversary on Grizel's birthday - the same thing will happen next year and so on...

 

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#284:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 7:06 pm

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I think, with Mr Cochrane, what makes it worse is that he does this without thinking.

 

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#285:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 10:23 am

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Thank you Liz. They really are awful parents!

 

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#286:  Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 11:57 am

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They aren't parents. They are two grown-up people, not particularly nice or thoughtful, who happen to live in the same house as a child - to the child's misfortune.

Thank you, Liz.

 

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#287:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 12:26 pm

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Agrees with Lesley - his lack of thought is almost worse than Irene's behaviour in some ways.

thanks liz

 

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#288:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 4:52 pm

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The one consolation is that she'll have a better time with Cookie and Ellen.

 

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#289:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 5:30 pm

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I had forgotten that the wedding anniversary was the same day as Grizel's birthday. It still is no excuse for not being with Grizel on her birthday.

 

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#290:  Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 6:52 pm

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Liz, this has been breaking my heart the whole way through. You write so powerfully!
*picks up Grizel and gives her a big hug*
There's always a home for you here, honey, even if it is only virtual

 

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#291:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2005 5:05 pm

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So, one year of Irene down. Too many more to go.

 

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#292:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2005 5:39 pm

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((((Grizle))))

it's something....but it doesn't quite make up for the absence of her father. and see how she really doesn't care that Irne isn't around?

i HATE that woman

 

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#293:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2005 7:22 pm

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(((Poor Grizel))). In some ways her father completely disregarding her is worse than if she was actually being hit. She must feel like she's got no-one left who loves her, other than Cookie or Ellen.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#294:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 1:19 am

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After all the beautifully (shop) wrapped presents had been opened, Grizel turned her attention to the smaller, more insignificant-looking ones that had been hidden behind them.

Despite the lack of ribbons and bows, these had obviously been selected with love and thought and she was delighted with each one. From Grannie had come some chocolates and What Katy Did.

From Ellen there was a new skipping rope and some handkerchiefs, which had been hastily bought after she had heard Mrs Cochrane scolding Grizel about losing one of hers.

Lastly, from Cookie was some home-made fudge, and a set of jacks, which Grizel opened with an exclamation of delight. She had enthused to Cookie and Ellen only the previous week about the game, which she had learnt from her friends at school.

After dinner, which Grizel ate with a hearty appetite, Cookie and Ellen played card games with Grizel, then sent her off to bed. Cookie came upstairs a short while later, and kissed a sleepy, but happier, 11-year old goodnight.

 

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#295:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 7:43 am

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So pleased she had a good day after all - but poor Grizel - she has another three years of this.

Thanks Liz, you've managed to make Grizel such a sympathetic character, something EBD never did - expecting her to just rise above her upbringing - reading this you can see why she couldn't do that.

 

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#296:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 9:37 am

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Thank you Liz. Por Grizel I'm glad Cookie and Ellen are there to make life bearable!

 

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#297:  Author: Lucy, Location: Leeds Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 9:38 am

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So glad Grizel has Cookie and Ellen - just not sure how she'd cope otherwise.

Feel so sorry for her - this drabble has really changed the way I think about her as I re-read the early books.

Wish that once she finally went to school she would be away from Irene and her Father's influence, yet even then they manage to stop her doing the career she wants.

((((((((((((((((Grizel)))))))))))))))))

 

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#298:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 11:09 am

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I'm glad that Grizel managed to have a good birthday after all.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#299:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 11:12 am

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Thanks Liz, I also forgot the wedding anniversary was the same day as Grizel's birthday. Like Amanda, I'm glad she could enjoy her birthday after all - poor little love.

 

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#300:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 1:32 pm

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It's nice to show that Grannie, Ellen and Cookie went to such trouble to choose presents that they put such thought and care into choosing.

 

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#301:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 3:23 pm

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Hurrah for Cookie and Ellen for giving Grizel a birthday, grrrrrrrrr poke rants and rah at her father and Irene

 

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#302:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 12:54 pm

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Thanks heaven for Cookie and Ellen. At least someone showed her some affection on her birthday.

 

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#303:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 7:27 pm

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Thanks Liz.

Glad she had a good day after all, the poor little girl.

Thank God Madge started the school when she did - can you imagine how Grizel may have turned out otherwise?

 

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#304:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 3:04 pm

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Poor little Grizel!
Thank goodness for Cookie, Ellen, and the Rector and his sister.

 

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#305:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 5:42 pm

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The last day of term raced by. Grizel came home from school, full of excitement for the long holiday stretching out in front of her. At breaktime her friends had been talking about where they were going for their holidays – some were going abroad to France or Italy. Others were visiting relatives. Miss Bettany and Jo, she knew, were going to stay with their aunts for a few weeks. Grizel had had to tell her friends she didn’t know where she was going, so when she arrived home she asked the question.

“No, we are not going away on holiday. Your father is much to busy to waste time going away.” Had Grizel been older, she might have heard the hint of bitterness behind the words. “We will stay here for the summer, and I hope you will behave yourself. It is time you grew out of your hoydenish ways. Now do stop bothering me child. You may go and play in the garden until teatime as long as you keep yourself clean and tidy.”

Grizel said a quick thank you and hurried off to play before her stepmother could change her mind and send her up to the schoolroom.

On thinking about it, she decided she didn’t really mind staying in Taverton. Cookie and Ellen wouldn’t have been able to come away with them, nor would Obadiah. As she had been listening to Robinson Crusoe being read to the class at school, she decided she would build herself a hut in the bottom corner of the garden that would be her hideaway. Mindful of the instructions to keep clean and tidy she did no more that first afternoon than survey the bottom corner of the garden to decide on the best place and, after some solemn discussion with Obadiah, she had settled on the exact spot by the time Ellen came to call her in for tea

 

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#306:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 5:48 pm

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Thanks Liz.

 

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#307:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 8:10 pm

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Thanks, Liz.

 

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#308:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 9:05 pm

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aww thanks Liz

poor Grizel, and poor Irene - I expect she would like a nice holiday to France or Italy.....not that she deserves one

 

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#309:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 9:31 pm

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It's nice to see this story back after a little break and I'm glad Grizel has something new to keep her mind on.

 

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#310:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 11:22 pm

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Poor Grizel - though in a way it's probably better that she doesn't go on holiday. She wouldn't have had the support of Ellie or Cookie and would probably have had a miserable time.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#311:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 4:42 pm

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Agree, Grizel would have had the company only of those two adults masquerading as parents - also it would have meant something nice for Irene.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#312:  Author: Miriam, Location: Jerusalem, Israel Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 8:18 pm

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Somehow, I get the impression that Irene may not be too enthusiastic about a hut being built at the bottom of her garden... even though the only time she seems to enter it (the garden, not the hut) is when she is looking for Grizel.

 

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#313:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 8:31 pm

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Glad Irene is unhappy, she doesn't deserve not to be!

Poor Grizel, those long holidays stretching before her - I know she is excited now, but how soon before she starts wanting to go back to school to escape Evil Irene?

 

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#314:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 10:16 am

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Thanks Liz. Agree that it might be better for Grizel not to go away - but I can see the holiday being a battle of wills and think it will seem very long to grizel.

 

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#315:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2005 9:31 pm

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I've just caught up on goodness-knows-how-much of this as I slowly ease myself back into reading drabbles again!

Thankyou Liz, I do hope Grizel gets her hut.

 

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#316:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 11:08 am

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The following morning she hurried out after breakfast to begin her work. There were lots of branches lying around, but it wasn’t as easy as she had expected it to be, and she was soon hot and dishevelled.

“If only you could help me instead of just watching, Obadiah.” she said, as she stopped to catch her breath and stroke the cat. Obadiah merely looked at her and purred. After spending a few minutes petting him, she went back to her building.

She worked determindly at it for most of the morning, then, just as everything fell down for the second time, she heard someone coming.

She was suddenly aware that there was a new rip across the skirt of her dress, and smears of green and brown liberally adorning it. Although she had put on her oldest clothes before coming outside, she realised guiltily that they were a lot worse now than they had been when she started.

She looked desperately around and scurried behind the largest tree, hoping she wouldn’t be found. The footsteps came a little closer, then stopped. Grizel held her breath and made herself as small as possible.

She heard the person sigh and start to move away, and slowly let her breath out. As if sharing her relief, Obadiah rubbed around Grizel’s ankles, she didn't dare bend to stroke him yet, but then he mewed loudly.

The footsteps turned and came back.

 

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#317:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 11:16 am

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Noooo! Hope its Cookie or Ellen and not nasty Irene...

Thank you Liz. Well I remember the days of making dens and hide-outs. Thankfully my parents let me do so in shorts and t-shirts and didn't mind a little dirt!

 

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#318:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 11:35 am

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Eeep!! I hope its not Irene or that Obadiah is a sensible cat and creats a diversion!

Thanks Liz

 

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#319:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 2:12 pm

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Oh dear I also hope it's somebody nice like Cookie or Ellie, but I have a horrid feeling that it's going to be Irene.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#320:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 2:53 pm

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It always is Irene, why can't the woman go away?

 

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#321:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 3:07 pm

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Knowing Grizel's luck it will be Irene - did the woman have a dreadful childhood herself that she wants to wreck Grizel's?

 

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#322:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 10:14 pm

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*please let it be cookie or Ellen, please let it be cookie or Ellen, please let it be cookie or Ellen, please let it be cookie or Ellen,please let it be cookie or Ellen*

If I say it often enough, will it come true?

thanks Liz

 

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#323:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 10:16 pm

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I hope it isn't Grizel's stepmother as well. I am rereading 'The School at the Chalet' and as I read the book, this drabble keeps spreading to mind every time Grizel's home life is mentioned!

 

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#324:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 10:17 pm

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Oh please don't let it be Irene, Liz....

 

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#325:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2005 4:56 pm

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*hides behind the sofa, and crosses fingers*

 

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#326:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 10:11 am

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“Where are you hiding?” asked an unknown voice. It wasn’t until that moment that Grizel realised how much she had been afraid of it being her stepmother.

She stepped cautiously out of her hiding place to see a boy a little older than herself with an untidy shock of ginger hair and a generously freckled face. “Who are you?” she asked.

“I’m Tom. Who are you?”

“I’m Grizel, and this is Obadiah.”

“What are you doing?”

“I was building a hut, but it fell down.”

“Can I help build it?”

“If you want to.”

The two of them set to work, Obadiah watching, and occasionally coming closer to inspect the construction, Tom nattering nineteen-to-the-dozen as he explained that Old Sam was his Gramps and he’d come to help him in the garden now it was the school holidays. “But he told me I was getting in the way, so to come and do something else for a bit.” As he spoke he produced a ball of string from his pocket and tied some of the branches together. “There you go, that should hold it up a bit more. I say, it’ll be your dinnertime soon, you’d better go and get tidy, or you'll be getting in trouble.”

“Will you be here this afternoon?”

“Should think so, if not I’ll be back another day.”

Grizel made her way back to the house, pleased to have made a new friend.

 

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#327:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 11:20 am

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I'm glad that it wasn't Irene, and that Grizel's made a new friend. I'm pretty sure that Irene would disapprove of the friendship if she found out.

 

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#328:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 11:38 am

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Yay! A new friend for Grizel - though I agree Irene will probably disagree if she finds out...

Thank you Liz!

 

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#329:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 12:39 pm

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Of course she'll disapprove. He's the gardener's grandson, isn't he? She's a snob of the first water, so he's bound to be considered unsuitable.

 

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#330:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 12:44 pm

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I hope Grizel will be able to be friends with Tom regardless of Irene's snobbery. He sounds lovely

Thanks Liz

 

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#331:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 12:52 pm

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Oh, so gald that Grizel's made a new friend, and that it wasn't Irene coming down the path. Sad that it's beginning to dawn on her how scared she is of her stepmother though.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#332:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 2:26 pm

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poor little girl - can't she just have a normal life for one day? just one dasy get messy, play with the gardeners grandson, make a noise without worrying about that evil evil woman.

you could always send Irene away on holiday..........somewhere she can't take Grizel. And make sure that Grizels's father can't go due to some unexpected work commitment that ensures he'll be home by 6pm every night.....

 

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#333:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 2:30 pm

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I'm glad that Grizel has a new friend. Tom will keep her company and stop her from feeling lonely.

 

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#334:  Author: Joyful, Location: Manchester Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 2:39 pm

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ooh, a friend to help! that's nice for Grizel!
Thanks Liz

 

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#335:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 9:49 pm

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Feel so sorry for Grizel - she has another 3 years of this. Glad she's made a new friend - don't hold out much hope of her keeping him once Irene finds out.

 

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#336:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 10:29 pm

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I shouldn't think he'll want to hang around long once he's met Irene, anyway.

I hope Grizel will enjoy her new friend while she can!

 

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#337:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 1:25 pm

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“Oh Miss Grizel, what a sight you are!” exclaimed Cookie, as she entered the kitchen. “Quick, upstairs with you, your stepmother’s stepped out, but she’ll be back for dinner any minute. You go and change your clothes and wash your face and wait in the schoolroom. Ellen’ll be bringing your food up in a bit and she can bring your clothes back down here. I’ll sort them out for you.”

“Thanks Cookie,” Grizel gave the woman a hug, then dashed upstairs. By the time Mrs Cochrane returned, she was sitting demurely at the table in the schoolroom, clean and tidy, as though she had been there all morning.

 

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#338:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 2:08 pm

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Yay for Cookie! Thank you Liz!

 

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#339:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 2:13 pm

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I'm glad Irene didn't see Grizel. I wonder when Grizel starts to learn the piano?

 

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#340:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 2:52 pm

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One problem avoided, yay for Cookie. I bet the piano lessons came to stop Grizel having a friend.

 

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#341:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 3:36 pm

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I'm glad that Grizel's got Cookie to look after her. I wonder if Irene started Grizel with piano lessonsto keep her "occupied" during the holidays.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#342:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 3:44 pm

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Thanks Liz. Glad to see Grizel having a nice day.

 

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#343:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 6:44 pm

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Cookie.

 

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#344:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 7:39 pm

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Cookie is such a star!

 

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#345:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 9:25 pm

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(((Cookie)))

 

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#346:  Author: Lucy, Location: Leeds Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:06 pm

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Just caught up on this - so glad for Grizel that she's got Cookie and Ellen - they are total stars for looking out for her all the time.

Hope Grizel doesn't even mention Tom to Irene and they can have at least a few days before Irene discovers what they are up to - just know she won't approve

 

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#347:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 5:19 pm

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With thanks to Patmac for the horticultural advice


Tom was there when Grizel returned to the garden, and she found that during her absence he had done a lot more work on the hut, and all that was now needed were the finishing touches. Grizel was delighted with the result of their handiwork and danced delightedly around it, while Tom watched her in amusement.

When she had calmed down a little, they sat down outside the hut and Tom told Grizel the names of some of the plants growing around.

“Most of ’em are weeds of course, and will have to go when Gramps gets to this bit of the garden. But that won’t be for a while yet,” he added, as he saw Grizel’s look of disappointment, “there’s plenty for him to be doing elsewhere. Matter of fact, I ought to go and help him again.”

“Can I come and help too?” asked Grizel eagerly. She liked old Sam, who was always willing to listen to her chatter, or to explain to her what he was doing, and so the two of them went off to find him.

Tom was given some digging to do by his grandfather, and mindful of the need for Grizel not to get too messy, Sam gave her the task of deadheading the pansies, which kept her happily occupied until she was called indoors.

“You be careful with that little girl.” Sam warned his grandson after she had gone. “Don’t be getting up to any of your monkey tricks and getting her into trouble.”

“No Gramps.” Tom grinned cheerfully.

“I mean it young scallywag. It don’t take much to get her a scolding, so just you watch out!”

 

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#348:  Author: Rosea, Location: Edinburgh Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 5:23 pm

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Awww - Sam and Tom are lovely, its nice that they are around for Grizel.

 

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#349:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 5:27 pm

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I love the grandfather's concern for Grizel - and his knowledge of Irene! They are lovely, and I'm glad Grizel has a friend, even if it is only temporary.

 

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#350:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 8:48 pm

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Very pertinent that even the gardner knows of Grizel's treatment.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#351:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2005 8:55 pm

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What a lovely friendship Tom and Grizel had. I wonder why Grizel never tried to find him after her stepmother died?

 

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#352:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 8:15 am

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Maybe she does find him later - you'll have to wait and see

Liz

 

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#353:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 11:05 am

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Oh bless Tom and Sam. So nice to Grizel so happy, and lovely that they're looking out for her.

Thanks Liz

 

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#354:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 12:37 pm

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Surely even Irene can't object to Grizel deadheading the pansies, it is a useful occupation.

 

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#355:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 12:47 pm

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Jennie wrote:

Surely even Irene can't object to Grizel deadheading the pansies, it is a useful occupation.

Huh, wouldn't put anything past Evil Irene

Thanks Liz

 

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#356:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 12:55 pm

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I think you're right. After all, it does offer opportunities for getting dirty.

 

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#357:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 11:30 pm

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Just caught up on this - thank you Liz!

((((((((((((Grizel))))))))))))

 

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#358:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 8:57 am

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“What took you so long child? Where have you been?”

“In the garden.”

“Again? You have a perfectly good schoolroom with books and toys upstairs, there’s no need for you to spend the whole day outside. Well, you needn’t from now on, because I have decided on your holiday task.” Mrs Cochrane held out a book. “You may read a chapter of it every day and then write two pages about it for me. Take it then child.”

Grizel took the book and looked at it. It was a thick book with the title “Etiquette for Ladies”.

“You obviously need to study this book,” commented Mrs Cochrane acidly, “as you cannot say a simple ‘thank you’ when I have gone to the trouble of finding you an improving occupation. From tomorrow you may start your task. You may not go out into the garden until you have done so. And I hope, as you read the book and think about it and write about it, to see a corresponding improvement in your behaviour. I am still waiting for you to thank me.”

“Thank you.” Grizel said, although she didn’t feel at all grateful for the task. “May I go now … please?”

“Yes you may. Please take the book and put it safely upstairs first. And if you must go outside again, please make sure you remain clean and tidy – you have a dead leaf on your skirt. No, don’t brush it off in here.”

Grizel picked the leaf up from the carpet and hurried from the room, taking the book upstairs and depositing it on the schoolroom table before escaping back to the garden until tea time.

 

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#359:  Author: Tahnee, Location: New Zealand Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 9:40 am

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oh, the poor wee girl, I want to bring her home with me. What a nasty woman evil Irene is!!

 

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#360:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 10:08 am

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Clearly Irene hasn't read it as I'm sure the book would have useful advice on gracious behaviour, even to one's step-children.

 

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#361:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 10:36 am

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(((Grizel))) How can she stop her going into the garden - IN THE SUMMER!

Grr!

 

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#362:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 1:05 pm

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Irene is so horrible to Grizel. I wish someone would give her some lessons in how to be nice to people!

 

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#363:  Author: Lucy, Location: Leeds Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 2:12 pm

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Words fail me about that woman (and thats probably just as well!)

No wonder Grizel never wanted to go home - I'm surprised she could even be civil to Irene as she grew older and more aware of the treatment she had recieved.

Thanks for the update Liz

 

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#364:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 2:20 pm

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I've said it before, I'll say it again -that woman is an evil miserable c*w who has no idea how to treat children at all

Etiquette for Ladies indeed!

 

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#365:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 5:48 pm

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Wot Fran said!

Thanks Liz

 

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#366:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 5:49 pm

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to Irene!

I'm glad Grizel took the opportunity to escape back to the garden until teatime - and at least Irene hasn't forbidden the garden altogether.... yet

Thankyou Liz

 

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#367:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 10:28 pm

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I've come to the conclusion that Irene is just a sadistic b*tch.

 

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#368:  Author: Changnoi, Location: New Mexico, USA Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2005 11:56 pm

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Just read this, start to finish (so far).

This is very lovely work; I can see exactly the 'hard' and 'rebellious' parts of Grizel's personality being carved on to her. I can see also why she would jump to do things spontaneously...if she's never allowed to do anything at all, in the future, she won't be able to distinguish between people unreasonably forbidding her to do things and people giving sensible rules (don't climb the Tiernjoch).

Chang

 

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#369:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 5:00 pm

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Thank you Liz! Irene!

 

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#370:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 1:18 pm

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What an evil b**ch.

ETA: once the servants know how badly Grizel is being treated, there's no stopping it getting round the whole town.

 

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#371:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 10:59 am

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*bumps drabble*

hehehehehehehheh Liz see you MUST update now!!

 

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#372:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 12:29 pm

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*sigh* oh alright then!


Grizel looked at the page she had just read in despair. The previous day’s two pages had just about been approved by her stepmother, but she had been told today’s must show she had thought about what she had read more. Other mornings over the last three weeks she had had to re-write an essay because it was not neat enough (five days) re-write it because it didn’t make sense (three days) and most of the others had been met with a disapproving sniff. But today she really didn’t know what to write. She looked at the book again and sighed. Cookie had helped her one day by explaining why tea should be made and poured a certain way, but Grizel wasn’t sure she’d be able to explain why she should curtsey differently to a bishop than to a prince.

She chewed the end of her pen for a while and then wrote ‘Curtseys show how much you think someone like a prince is important. Some people shuld be more important than other people becuase they are more important and so the curtsey should be different. The king or queen should have the most curtseys becuase he is the most important.’ Another session of pen-chewing followed but did not bring forth any further inspiration.

Grizel flung the pen down and glared at the book, deciding that she hated it.

 

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#373:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 1:33 pm

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D'uh! I read that thinking but Liz has already posted this...and then remembered I'd beta'd it a while ago!

Still good Lizard! Thank you. Poor little Grizel and evil Irene! Love her reasoning though I'm not sure Irene will be convinced.

 

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#374:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 2:11 pm

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Thank you Lizzle!

Even better the second time!

 

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#375:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 2:14 pm

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Thanks Liz. Poor Grizel having to do such dreary work in the holidays

 

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#376:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 2:51 pm

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Thanks Liz.

 

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#377:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 3:26 pm

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I'm feeling really mad at Irene - making Grizel write stupid essays so she can learn about things during the holidays.

 

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#378:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 6:41 pm

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Nasty woman - what on Earth is the point of making the child do that - other than to satisfy youir warped need for vengeance upon an innocent?

 

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#379:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 8:46 pm

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And Grizel needs to know about differnt types of curtseys why exactly?

SHE IS A CHILD AND SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO BE ONE!

 

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#380:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:22 pm

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Frances N wrote

Quote:

And Grizel needs to know about differnt types of curtseys why exactly?

But every girl should know why there are different curtsies for a prince & a bishop! This is just stupid make work from Irene (err, in case you hadn't noticed) - if she wanted to improve Grizel's etiquette she'd make her practice her different curtsies tea making & pouring etc.

 

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#381:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 1:28 pm

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A while later she picked up the pen and wrote a bit more. “This book was written when there was only a queen and no king. Now we have a king and a queen. The king’s name is King George. When he dies Prince Edward will be the next king.” Even with her writing as big as she could get away with it was going to take her a long time to fill two pages at this rate. Then an inspiration struck her and she scribbled a few more lines to fill the first page before drawing a picture of somebody curtseying on the second.

Clutching her work she ran downstairs and, as Mrs Cochrane was out on a morning visit, she left the paper on the hall table before hurrying out into the garden.

Obadiah was her only companion this morning, but he was quite happy to spend the time with her in the little hut, which was still standing (thanks to Tom returning and strengthening it without her knowing), where she petted him and told him all about the horrible book. “But I’m sure she’ll like the picture, because books with pictures are always much better than books without and Miss Turner says I draw very nicely.”

 

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#382:  Author: Katie, Location: A Yorkshire lass in London Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 1:30 pm

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Oh dear, somehow I don't think the picture's going to cut it with Irene. Poor Grizel.

 

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#383:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 1:50 pm

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I'm glad Tom was able to help her with the hut.

 

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#384:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 2:27 pm

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I just want to kill Irene.

 

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#385:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 2:56 pm

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*Hands Jennie some kind of killing implement*

 

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#386:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 2:57 pm

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*pokes Irene*

 

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#387:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 5:01 pm

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Would you like one of my patented poking sticks, Hannah?

 

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#388:  Author: Amanda M, Location: Wakefield Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 12:59 pm

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I'm glad to see this back. I don't think Irene's going to be pleased with the picture though . Poor Grizel.

Thanks Liz.

 

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#389:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 8:57 pm

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Evil cow - don't think the picture is going to cut it.

((((Grizel))))

 

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#390:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 9:36 am

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Agreeing that Irene will not be impressed by the picture. Nasty woman.

(((grizel))) Thanks Liz.

 

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#391:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 11:45 am

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thanks Liz

 

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#392:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 1:50 pm

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Unfortunately Grizel’s confidence was misplaced. Her stepmother did not appreciate the drawing and condemned Grizel to an afternoon in the schoolroom rewriting and adding to her work. By the time she had produced something considered acceptable she was told it was too late to go back outside.

“You have nobody to blame but yourself, so you can stop looking so sulky about it.” Mrs Cochrane said, seeing the disappointment on Grizel’s face. “If you had written this properly this morning, instead of playing around drawing pictures then you would have had time to go outside. As it is, you may go back upstairs and find something quiet to do until Ellen brings you your supper and then you can go to bed early. If you can’t sleep you may spend the time reflecting on the value of doing a job well in the first place.”

Grizel hurried from the room, slowing down as a call of “Walk child, there is no need to run around like a hooligan!” followed her.

 

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#393:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 2:11 pm

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Grrrr! Irene with a sharpened flagpole!

Liz can't you hurry up and get her to the CS life was better there....

 

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#394:  Author: Mia, Location: London Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 2:19 pm

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Liz, can she go and see the Bettanys for a bit? Please??

but thanks for the update!

 

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#395:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 2:23 pm

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Irene is so horrible to Grizel. She is not fit to be in charge of a young girl.

 

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#396:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 2:50 pm

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Please let something nice happen Liz

*hugs Grizel*

 

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#397:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 5:58 pm

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Please Liz! sort out that horrid woman!!

 

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#398:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 6:29 pm

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Ally wrote:

Please let something nice happen Liz

Or I'm perfectly content with something nasty, provided it happens to Irene!

Pretty please, Liz?

 

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#399:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 6:51 pm

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Irene does not seem to have reformed in my absence. Amazing she's still kicking after all the poking.

 

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#400:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 7:34 pm

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Have totally run out of descriptions bad enough for that woman - surprised Grizel didn't return to the family home and murder the woman.

 

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The CBB -> St Agnes's House

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