Thank you Ann: that was so sad. I'm sure Dick and Mollie only wanted what was best for the children, and it wouldn't have been an unusual decision at the time. It must have been so hard for all of them
.
| The CBB http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/ | |
| For The Good Of The Children - complete http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=5847 |
|
| Author: | Ann [ 19 Mar 2009, 23:33 ] |
| Post subject: | For The Good Of The Children - complete |
I wanted to write a story which showed Dick and Mollie's decision in a positive light... “Well, old man, what’s the verdict?” Dick Bettany’s manner may have been breezy, but his eyes betrayed the very real worry behind the question and Jem hastened to reassure his brother-in-law. “I’ve examined all three of them and they are doing well. The twins are sturdy young things and Baby is making excellent progress. I rather think that the bad-tempered listlessness of the past few days is simply down to the hot weather and the excitement of the trip from India.” He glanced across the salon at Madge. “However, the heat is pulling them down rather more than it ought …” “Jem!” an anxious Mollie cut in. “What are you saying? Is there something wrong?” The doctor shook his head. “Not as such. But I’m inclined to think that India doesn’t suit them.” “Doesn’t suit them?” said Mollie, puzzled. “But Jem, they were born there!” “People don’t always thrive in their native climates,” Jem reminded her. “After all, think how many English patients there are in continental sanatoria because the British weather is so damp.” “What does it mean, in practical terms?” asked Dick. Jem looked grave. “Ideally, I think it would best for the children if they spent some time in a dryer, fresher environment.” There was a pause as the Bettanys digested this information. Then Dick looked up, his boyish face creased by a deep frown. “We’re not in a position to drop everything and up sticks, you know.” “I’m aware of that.” Again Jem exchanged a look with his wife. “A good many white people living overseas do send their children away…” He was cut off by a wail from Mollie. “I will not send my children away! I won’t let someone else bring up my babies and so I’m telling you!” Madge took a hand at this point. “Mollie, Jem is offering you his professional advice as a doctor,” she said gently. “It is an option, but the decision lies with you two. Do let him finish what he has to say.” “But the children aren’t ill! Madge, you and Dick grew up there and it hasn’t affected your health. And ‘twas the English climate that made Joey so delicate!” Madge reached over and took her sister-in-law’s hand. “That is true,” she said quietly, “but Mollie, Dick and I lost our parents out in India. It was so sudden. We were left virtually alone in the world, with only our baby sister, a guardian we barely knew and a few relatives who were strangers to us.” Dick nodded gravely. “Madge is right, Moll. It was a rather awful time and we were only kids. “ “If the babies are parted from us, they’ll be losing their parents at an even younger age,” Mollie returned evenly. “Oh sure, I’m not saying ‘tis the same thing at all, but it will be difficult for them to get used to us not being there.” “It mightn’t be so bad if they went to people they already know,” said Jem, choosing his words carefully. “You’re right about the English climate, Mollie, I wouldn’t recommend it for your three at present. Ireland’s not so different; I’m not proposing that your people should take charge of the children. But how about leaving Baby and the twins here with us? The Tyrol is a much healthier part of the world. Of course, you’ve only just met Joey, but if you’d seen the frail little mortal she was a couple of years ago, you’d understand just how much of a difference the Alpine climate has made to her health.” Madge took a turn at this point. “Think, Mollie! Your babies would be in the care of a doctor at all times. We have plenty of space here and there’s Rosa to help; Joey too when she returns from Belsornia. And we are family.” “They’d still be without their mother,” said Mollie miserably. “Oh Madge, Bridget is so small! Could you imagine being separated from David?” “I love David as only a mother could,” Madge said simply, “but if I were to keep him with me when it might put him at risk, it would be a selfish act. Jem and I do understand how you both feel, honestly. We only want the best for all of you.” “You don’t need to decide right away,” Jem reminded her. “After all, you’re staying at the Tiernsee until October anyway.” Mollie shook her head. “I’ve made my decision. Dick?” “I’m no doctor. I respect Jem’s opinion,” said Dick slowly. “But you did say that all three kiddies are doing well at the moment. I want to get to know my son and daughters as they grow up; that’s the fun of being a parent. We didn’t decide to have children so we could ship them off halfway around the world. I understand that you have their best interests at heart, but it’s no go, I’m afraid.” ............................................................................................... That summer passed more quickly than any of the Bettany or Russell families would have wished. October saw Dick and Mollie depart, taking all three of their children with them. The journey was long and so it wasn’t until they were back in India and Dick had reported his return to his bosses at the forestry that they heard the latest news in their little Anglo-Indian community. The younger daughter of their great friends, the Parsons, had been taken ill suddenly and had slipped away shortly before Christmas. It had fallen to Dick to break the sad news to Mollie and as he said heavily: “A chap might think it was some sort of sign.” They fell silent for a time; each knew what the other was thinking and there was no need for words. Eventually it was Mollie who broke the silence. “I’ll cable Madge tomorrow. We’ll need to find an escort.” |
|
| Author: | Alison H [ 20 Mar 2009, 00:05 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: For The Good Of The Children - complete |
Thank you Ann: that was so sad. I'm sure Dick and Mollie only wanted what was best for the children, and it wouldn't have been an unusual decision at the time. It must have been so hard for all of them .
|
|
| Author: | Elbee [ 20 Mar 2009, 09:55 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: For The Good Of The Children - complete |
Such a difficult decision. Thank you, Ann. |
|
| Author: | Liss [ 20 Mar 2009, 11:25 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: For The Good Of The Children - complete |
I really liked this - it seems so easy, in the books, for Dick and Mollie to leave their children with the Russells, so it's lovely to see them both adamant that their children won't grow up without them, and then realising that they will have to. Beautifully done. 
|
|
| Author: | JS [ 20 Mar 2009, 14:13 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: For The Good Of The Children - complete |
Very moving - it does seem to put it in context. Thanks. |
|
| Author: | snowmaiden [ 20 Mar 2009, 16:12 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: For The Good Of The Children - complete |
Aw, poor Dick and Mollie. Lovely drabble, thanks Ann. |
|
| Author: | Abi [ 20 Mar 2009, 20:08 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: For The Good Of The Children - complete |
Poor Dick and Mollie - it must have been a horrible decision for them to have to make. And of course they only did when they saw it was absolutely necessary. Thanks Ann. |
|
| Author: | MaryR [ 21 Mar 2009, 21:24 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: For The Good Of The Children - complete |
Whenever I read about Dick and Mollie in the books I find them very loving towards their children and also great friends with them and, and this drabble says exactly how I suspect they would have felt at leaving them behind. Thank you so much for having the idea of writing it, Anne. |
|
| Author: | Fiona Mc [ 22 Mar 2009, 13:02 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: For The Good Of The Children - complete |
Thanks, it was very sympathetic. I still don't think I could have done it but can understand why they did |
|
| Author: | Catherine [ 23 Mar 2009, 14:32 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: For The Good Of The Children - complete |
Good to be able to see Dick and Mollie's perspective on it. Thanks Ann. Nice to see you back! 
|
|
| Author: | Chris S [ 23 Mar 2009, 16:15 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: For The Good Of The Children - complete |
An interesting story, but I always thought that Mollie and Dick were wrong. If Dick could not get out of his contract and had to stay in India, I think Mollie should have moved with the children. Surely a Mother's first loyalty is to their child, not their husband. |
|
| Author: | Miss Di [ 24 Mar 2009, 03:26 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: For The Good Of The Children - complete |
Chris S wrote: An interesting story, but I always thought that Mollie and Dick were wrong. If Dick could not get out of his contract and had to stay in India, I think Mollie should have moved with the children. Surely a Mother's first loyalty is to their child, not their husband. I don't think that would have been the attitude at the time when Dick and Mollie had to make this decision. There are so many books which are only possible because Mother has to go with Father on a cruise to restore his health/to take up a posting on a South Sea island/etc because he can't manage alone that it must have been the norm. And it was the norm to send children of British parents working in India back to England to boarding school at a very young age. thanks Ann, you've done a beautiful job showing a very hard choice. |
|
| Author: | Rosalin [ 24 Mar 2009, 12:45 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: For The Good Of The Children - complete |
I've always been more comfortable with Dick and Mollie's actions than some people, it was lovely to see a drable portraying them as I think of them - loving their children but doing something hard for the children's sake. Thank-you Ann |
|
| Author: | Mia [ 27 Mar 2009, 18:55 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: For The Good Of The Children - complete |
I do like stories about the Bettanys... thanks Ann. |
|
| All times are UTC [ DST ] | |
| Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group http://www.phpbb.com/ | |