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Hilda's Revenge (Part II) P30 24/07/08 Completed!
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=6447
Author:  Celia [ 01 Jun 2008, 18:52 ]
Post subject:  Hilda's Revenge (Part II) P30 24/07/08 Completed!
Hilda is so astute, I am again amazed by her powers of observation.

Looking forward to the twins' story when you return :lol:

Thank you Mary
Author:  Liane [ 01 Jun 2008, 23:49 ]
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Just read all of this in one sitting and WOW. I love the way you potray them both and how much fun they have together. Thank you.
Author:  Cath V-P [ 18 Jun 2008, 13:31 ]
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Oh but this is so clever! And so is Hilda to spot all that - I'm afraid I would have sat there quite happily and never thought to question anything. but Hilda is so observant and thoughtful.....

Thank you Mary - is that a bunny I see hopping towards you? :D
Author:  Tara [ 19 Jun 2008, 00:05 ]
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Quote:
Lull Miss Annersley’s suspicious nature to sleep? ... It doesn’t even take a short nap.
:D :D

I am left gasping and wondering, yet again, where on earth it all comes from. Your powers of invention never cease to amaze me, Mary!
Author:  MaryR [ 19 Jun 2008, 11:36 ]
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Thanks, Liane. :D

Identity Hunt wrote:
Aaagh !Left bereft without the bedtime story Hilda is asking for !

Well, here it is, Sian, but I'm a tad dubious, as it changes the atmosphere of this drabble completely. Blame Hilda - she was the one who asked them for it, and she's also the one who gave it me. :shock: Now there's a conundrum. :lol:

....Hilda sat down and smiled teasingly at him, her twinkling eyes luminous in the gentle candle-light. “But my thirst for knowledge hasn’t been slaked yet. I’ve kept my end of the bargain, unveiled one mystery, but that’s not the end of it all, is it? You’ve had your fun and now you must pay with a bedtime story. A tale about how this house came into being as your headquarters would do for a start….”

At her words, a mask dropped over Peter’s features and he considered her impassively for long, constrained moments. Then, as though to evade her soft eyes, eyes which he knew saw more than most, he looked down and sat turning his glass round in tanned, slender fingers. Nell watched Hilda and saw the moment when her friend realised she had made a most unexpected and distressing faux pas. Hilda made to speak, then caught herself and stayed silent.

“TB, Hilda,” Jake interjected quietly. “TB was the start of it, but not the real reason for it…..”

Hilda’s face became tense with guilt. She reached out and laid a hand on one of Peter’s restless ones. He raised his eyes and she quailed at the haunting melancholy there. Her hand tightened.

“Peter, I’m so, so sorry!” she whispered. “That was unforgiveable of me. Only – you seemed so proud of your house and its raison d’être that its tale seemed a fitting end to such a lovely, lovely afternoon and evening. Please, forget I spoke.”

Nell longed to reach out and soothe Hilda. It was so rare, with that sensitive perception of hers, that she caused unhappiness to others. Nell knew how hard she would find it to forgive herself for upsetting this kindly man.

Hilda’s voice grew wistful. “I knew you’d been a patient in the San and met Ian there – but now, when I see the sadness in your eyes and hear what Jake has just said, I know there’s a lot more to it than that. It was an unwarranted intrusion on my part and I’ve thrown all your wonderful generosity back in your face by my thoughtlessness.”

Nell felt tears prick her eyes at the distress in the lovely voice. How much Hilda cared! But Peter had also heard her distress, despite his own, and he now smiled at her with vast affection. He patted her hand, and raised his glass in salute, its contents glowing a rich ruby in the flickering candle-light.

“It wasn’t an unwarranted intrusion, Hilda,” he murmured. “It was a kindly command, and you’ve a right to make such a demand after the trick we played here tonight. Your detective work and your lack of pique over our deception deserve some reward, after all. And besides,” he added as he looked across at Nell and then back to Hilda, “I feel I’ve known you both for a long while already, through Ian. He trusts and respects you both, and, after our hours together this afternoon, I can understand why. I would trust you both with my life, so why not with my life-story?”

Hilda squeezed his hand, then sat back in her cane chair, all beautiful, compassionate attention, and allowed the bright music to fill the silence until he was ready. He drank from the glass, set it back on the table and stared down at the lake, its waves now glinting silver in the brightness of the moon.

“Jake is right. It all began with my TB.” His deep voice was a quiet murmur. “But we need to go back further or you won’t understand the real reason. Jake and I were lucky boys. We had the happiest of childhoods, the most loving and understanding parents. Not only that, we were brought up in some luxury, as our father owned a factory manufacturing medical instruments. He hoped one day to have a sign up saying Sinclair and Son but, alas, neither of us was inclined to follow in his footsteps. I had always wanted to be a teacher and Jake here loved cooking and wanted only to be a chef. Our father never held it against us, helped us in any way he could. I went away to university…”

“And I joined one of the big restaurants in London, washing up!” joked Jake. “To his credit, Father never so much as blinked, though he was hugely relieved when I progressed to chopping onions,” and he grinned so endearingly that both women laughed. It was hard to resist the man’s genuine charm, cheeky though it was.

Peter swallowed. “But then, our parents died…” He paused, looked at Jake, who took up the tale.

“They were killed in a car accident, the very day after Peter came down from Cambridge with his degree,” stated Jake baldly. Hilda gasped in horror, then her tender gaze dwelt in sympathy on Nell, whose own parents had died when she was very much the same age as these two men had been.

Jake added, “And being the conscientious, caring person he was, Peter felt so guilty that he gave up his career without a second thought and took over the company. He wouldn’t let me do the same, though – just made me stay in London, cooking.”

Peter was a man after Hilda’s own heart, reflected Nell, and saw the gentle understanding in the lovely eyes watching him, understanding that had shone there for Nell just a few seconds ago.

Nell spoke softly. “I should imagine that was a very hard thing you did – to have to grieve for your parents and for the loss of your chosen career, while at the same time taking over a company you knew nothing about and keep everything going for the employees….”

Peter eyed her keenly. “You went through a similar loss.” She nodded, but didn’t elaborate, so he added, wryly, “Yes, it was hard, especially as I was a real greenhorn,” and he exchanged grimaces with Jake. “Jake offered his help but by then he was making some headway in his career whereas I hadn’t even set foot in a classroom, so I refused his help and studied hard with the men who had run the company with Father and discovered in the end that I actually enjoyed the business. When the war came, advances were made so quickly in medicine, in surgery, that we were busier than ever. It seemed obscene to me to make money out of war.”

“He donated lots of money to help injured servicemen and the wives and children of those killed fighting.” Peter held up his hand but Jake insisted. “And he almost emptied the company coffers to help the Jews who found their way over to England, both before the war and afterwards.”

“We still made more money than I knew what to do with,” said Peter bitterly. “It meant I was considered far too important to the war effort to join up, but Jake enlisted in the Navy and ended up cooking all over the world.”

“Wonderful experience to have when I finally opened my own restaurant,” said Jake, “but I was pleased Peter was out of it, as he’d married in the early Thirties and had two children.”

Both Hilda and Nell heard the compassion in Jake’s voice and their eyes turned to Peter, to see that haunted look on his features once more. They were getting to the heart of it. He picked up his glass with a trembling hand and took a sip. Mozart was still flinging his brightness carelessly into the still air and Hilda suddenly glanced at Jake, indicated the switch with a slight movement of her head. He nodded, stood and silenced the music. Gradually, the gentle swish of the waves and the rustling of tiny animals in the trees and grass took its place, quieter companions for sorrowing hearts…..
Author:  MHE [ 19 Jun 2008, 12:10 ]
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Oh Mary it's beautifully written - catching the atmosphere just right.

Thank you
Author:  Celia [ 19 Jun 2008, 12:43 ]
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Oh Mary, Even though the 'bedtime tale' seems to be one tinged with sadness and self sacrifice ,Hilda's love and compassion holds everyone
together so gently that I'm sure the glorious mad-cap day will still end
positively.

Thank you :)
Author:  PaulineS [ 19 Jun 2008, 12:44 ]
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Thank you Mary. It is serious section to what has been a light hearted drabble. I am sure Hilda meant us to have it.

((MARY)) ((Peter and Jake))

:halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo:
Author:  PaulineS [ 19 Jun 2008, 12:45 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you Mary. It is serious section to what has been a light hearted drabble. I am sure Hilda meant us to have it.

((MARY)) ((Peter and Jake))

:halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo:
Sorry for the duplicate. Can a mod remove this one
Author:  di [ 19 Jun 2008, 18:02 ]
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Lovely, Mary, but, oh so sad.
Thank you.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 19 Jun 2008, 18:52 ]
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Oh Mary. The grief that is always hidden under the surface, wrapped in laughter that few people can manage to navigate their way through. Hilda may have inadvertently blundered but I'm sure Peter will be all the better for sharing his story to people who understand
Author:  Identity Hunt [ 19 Jun 2008, 19:26 ]
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Hilda may have initially felt she had caused pain, but Ive noticed that **everyone** who talks to her always seems to end up feeling so much better, no matter what their worry or burden or problem.......

I have my box of tissues prepared for the next installment, but am confident that our dynamic duo will be able to provide sympathetic listening ears...........

I'm definitely printing this story out :lol:
Author:  Lesley [ 19 Jun 2008, 21:05 ]
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Awwww, totally unintentional from Hilda - but perhaps, as previously mentioned, Peter will be helped by telling of his grief.


Thanks Mary.
Author:  linda [ 19 Jun 2008, 23:54 ]
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Oh Mary, how beautiful and yet how poignant. Pathos mixed with the comedy.

Poor Hilda, I really felt for her when she realised just what she had asked Peter and Jake to share with her and Nell. But, as others have said, perhaps telling their story will help them.

Quote:
“but I was pleased Peter was out of it, as he’d married in the early Thirties and had two children.”


One worry though! This is the first mention of a wife and children. Where are they now? Are they part of the pain?

Thank you for yet another emotional post, Mary.
Author:  Tara [ 20 Jun 2008, 00:28 ]
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There was no way Hilda could have known what a tender nerve she had touched, of course - it was a perfectly innocent and harmless request. She and Nell have already made such a deep impression on the twins that they seem more than ready to share their story with people they obviously already regard as true friends. I did feel sorry for Peter, feeling compelled to give up his own hopes and dreams, although he seems to have reaped some reward in terms of satisfaction with his career. But there is clearly more sorrow to come ...

Thank you, Mary.
Author:  Luisa [ 20 Jun 2008, 11:03 ]
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Thank you for a lovely update.
Looking forward with trepidation to the next installment
Author:  Cath V-P [ 20 Jun 2008, 13:44 ]
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I see what you mean, Mary, about the shift in mood, from the glorious mischief that characterised the first part of the day to this quieter, sadder time in the evening. But so often life does exactly that, doesn''t it? And Peter knows that his story will be in safe hands, as it were, with both Hilda and Nell as his listeners.

Looking forward to more.....
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ 22 Jun 2008, 00:53 ]
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Beautiful, poignant - and certainly a shift in mood from the rest of this tale. But since Hilda decrees a more serious section here, then that is what we have received - and I am another looking forward to the rest of the brothers' story.

Thanks, Mary.
Author:  MaryR [ 22 Jun 2008, 14:50 ]
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....Mozart was still flinging his brightness carelessly into the still air and Hilda suddenly glanced at Jake, indicated the switch with a slight movement of her head. He nodded, stood and silenced the music. Gradually, the gentle swish of the waves and the rustling of tiny animals in the trees and grass took its place, quieter companions for sorrowing hearts…..

Peter turned his eyes on Hilda. “After the war, Jake told me he was emigrating to the States. He wanted to open a restaurant there, figured there would be more opportunity.”

“I was right,” admitted Jake quietly. “I’ve done well, even though I say it myself. We both did well. Life was good.”

“And then it was discovered I had TB,” whispered Peter. “Because I had money, I could afford the best, so I ended up here, under Jack Maynard’s care. And wonderful care it was. This was 1951 and I don’t think either the San or the school had been here long, at that point. Everyone was hopeful about my condition and Julia flew out from time to time to keep me company. Our daughter Madeleine was at university, our son Matthew about to finish school. I was ill, yes, but life could have been worse…”

He stopped, bowed his head, unable to continue. The two women turned to Jake, whose eyes were dark pools of sadness. He spoke slowly, painfully. “Life did get worse. Julia developed leukaemia.”

Nell swore out loud. Hilda covered her mouth in horror, even as an unreasoning and atavistic shudder ran down her spine.

“It was so damned quick,” Peter whispered, finding his voice again. “In four months she was gone. They wouldn’t allow me home to visit – told me not only was I too ill, but I would be a danger to those around me. So she suffered alone, without her husband, the one person who should have been there to hold her, encourage her. And we had always been so close. Truly two hearts beating as one.”

“I couldn’t get home at that time as I had only just opened my restaurant, had no money to spare to fly all the way home from the States,” added Jake bitterly. “The one time Peter really needed his twin brother….”

Peter cleared his throat, took another swallow of wine, spoke through a tight throat. “My son never forgave me. He adored Julia and refused to understand why I couldn’t get home to be with her. He’s hardly spoken to me since. Madeleine…..” His eyes now damp, he turned to Hilda. “Madeleine is like you, Hilda. She’s gentle, compassionate, all-seeing and so determined. She made sure Julia and I had constant phone contact, difficult as it was, and she sent photographs so I wouldn’t frighten myself with nightmare thoughts of what the illness was doing to Julia. Apart from her losing so much weight, she was still my Julia. Maddy looked after her to the very end, never left her. I don’t know, even now, how she found the strength…”

Nell’s voice was quiet. “If she’s like Hilda, she would never have let you see what it cost her. She would have kept it all hidden away, paid the price out of her love for you and never counted the cost."

Without warning, a tear rolled down Hilda’s cheek. The simple but absolute love that rang in Nell’s voice only served to heighten the tragedy of Peter’s loss. She rubbed the tear away but, to her shame, more followed. She felt her hand taken.

“She’s right, Hilda.” Peter’s deep voice was very gentle. “I know, because I’ve learned a great deal about you both tonight. I’ve also seen how much the pair of you care for each other, know each other through and through – as I knew Julia, and cared for her. I hope one day you and Madeleine will meet, just as I hope she grows ever more like you in grace and generosity as she matures. You and Nell are both women in a million. I think I commented earlier how lucky your pupils are – and your friends.”

Hilda held his gaze, thought of the love she herself had lost so many years ago now, and smiled at him uncertainly, knowing there was more. His hand still on hers, he added baldly, “She died – and I fell into a chasm so deep, so black, that no light penetrated. I saw no point in living. I’d left my wife to die all alone, left my children to cope with it all alone, and now my son hated me. What was the point in anything, especially when my whole future had disappeared?”

His voice had sunk to a whisper. Hilda’s voice was also a whisper as she stated, “That was when Ian Stuart stepped in.”

Peter nodded. “If ever you need a hand to hold yours in the dark, Ian’s your man. He refused to let me sink under the weight of it all, refused to allow me to give in to the TB and die, which was all I really wanted, just so I could be with Julia. He prayed, talked, bullied, cajoled - he never let up. He sat with me all night some nights. At one point I yelled at the poor man to get out of my life, to stop pestering me. But he hung on in there and slowly, slowly, the tide turned, swept me back onto the shore again. Maddy helped. She flew over as often as she could and browbeat me back into caring about something. I owe her and Ian my life, such as it is.”

He lifted his head, met Jake’s eyes. “Poor Jake was beside himself that he couldn’t come over – but I’d probably have kicked him in the shins for daring to tell me I had to live for Julia’s sake, which is what he said every time he phoned.”

Jake grimaced. “He put the phone down on me a few times. But my nephew Matthew hasn’t spoken to me, either, since then. Blames us both for our absence. If only I’d stayed in England... things might have been so different.”

“Might-have-beens are useless, Jake,” said Peter huskily. “We have to deal with life the way it is handed to us, make our choices with what we know at the time. Maddy, Julia and I understood you couldn’t make it, even if my son didn’t. Perhaps one day he’ll grow up enough to see….”

He stared into the distance sadly, and the others respected his mood and remained silent. He gave a deep sigh and then turned to Hilda. “You asked about the house and the foundation. Julia was the inspiration. I knew I could never go back to life as it was, so I cut my ties to England. I wrote to Matthew, asking if he wanted the business and when he said No, I sold it, lock, stock and barrel – for an indecent amount of money. Matthew did say he would like the family home, so I settled a similar sum of money on Maddy, then stashed the rest away and considered my options. The idea of helping others with it came to me one sleepless night. I thought of all Julia did for those less fortunate than ourselves, and so, when I was released from the San, my homework was done and I set out on a completely new path. By chance, I found this beautiful house was for sale, and the foundation was begun, almost despite myself. I have never, for one moment, regretted that midnight decision.”

He smiled for the first time, a smile to break one’s heart. “I feel Julia all around. Strange, when you consider she was never here. But I know she approves – and that makes me happy.”
Author:  ibarhis [ 22 Jun 2008, 14:55 ]
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Goodness... what an astonishing piece of writing.... Thank you
Author:  abbeybufo [ 22 Jun 2008, 15:06 ]
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Mary, I have come back from Liverpool to two wonderful posts - the latter just amazingly, heart-rendingly, absolutely beautiful

Thank you.

May we, perhaps in a new drabble, hear the rest of Peter's family story some time - whether/when he and Matthew might be reconciled, Madeleine get to meet Hilda . . . please??
Author:  Lesley [ 22 Jun 2008, 15:07 ]
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Oh my.

*Takes deep breath*

Thanks Mary - now I know why the query a while back. :)
Author:  di [ 22 Jun 2008, 16:43 ]
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Wow! Words fail me; I felt Peter's pain and sadness, losing the love of his life whilst battling unwillingly for his own. Well done, Ian for hanging on in there until Peter was ready to live again.
Thank you Mary.
Author:  dackel [ 22 Jun 2008, 16:44 ]
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Poor man - there are tears in my eyes!

That was wonderful, Mary, and very touching. Thank you.
Author:  linda [ 22 Jun 2008, 17:46 ]
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Mary, I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face. Poor Peter, what terrible losses he has suffered, losing not only his wife, but also his son.

Quote:
Peter nodded. “If ever you need a hand to hold yours in the dark, Ian’s your man. He refused to let me sink under the weight of it all, refused to allow me to give in to the TB and die, which was all I really wanted, just so I could be with Julia. He prayed, talked, bullied, cajoled - he never let up. He sat with me all night some nights. At one point I yelled at the poor man to get out of my life, to stop pestering me. But he hung on in there and slowly, slowly, the tide turned, swept me back onto the shore again. Maddy helped. She flew over as often as she could and browbeat me back into caring about something. I owe her and Ian my life, such as it is.”


What prophetic words, Ian is obviously carved from the same block as his sister. What he did for Peter is very much the same as MA has done for Hilda in ND.

Thank you Mary for such an amazingly beautiful, heart-rending story.
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ 22 Jun 2008, 18:45 ]
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Oh my. Mary, I read this once, then had to go away and do something else before coming back to re-read it and post a comment. I couldn't see the keyboard or the screen otherwise!

What a very sad story Peter's is and how helpless he was to alter its course because of his own illness - 'losing' his son in that way must have hurt at least as much as losing Julia did. But then to pick himself up and establish this Foundation is so positive and it's clear that he and Jake - with Madeleine's active support - are doing something for others which is very valuable.

Thank heaven for Ian Stuart's intervention and insistence that Peter 'could' go on alone and triumph above his tragedies. As Linda noted, Ian is clearly a chip from the same block as his sister - definitely shades of MA's treatment of Hilda in New Dreams. I loved the description of Madeleine as being so similar to Hilda herself, and I also love the way both Peter and Jake clearly appreciate the depths of the relationship between Hilda and Nell. It's been evident all the way through this, and Peter's comment about it in this piece just reinforces the situation.

I'd second Abbeybufo's hints about another drabble about Peter and his family, with or without a reconciliation with Matthew - pretty please!!! It would be especially lovely to meet Madeleine, given her father's characterization of her here.

Wonderful as always, Mary - thank you.
Author:  Luisa [ 22 Jun 2008, 20:25 ]
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How terrible for Peter - but how true to life. Such a relatively short tale, and yet it has left everyone so far wanting more. I'm no exception. How do you make us care for people so quickly, even the ones we haven't met? An amazing gift - thank you!
Author:  Kathy_S [ 22 Jun 2008, 23:03 ]
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How very sad. :(

But to have come through the grief and pain, and continued to grow -- and for Peter to feel Julia in what he is doing for others -- that is a true accomplishment.

Thank you, Mary.
Author:  MHE [ 22 Jun 2008, 23:04 ]
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Oh Mary, how sad. Like Elder I too had to read it again with a break in between before posting a comment!

You know what I think of your writing and this only reinforces that opinion.

Thank you.
Author:  Cath V-P [ 24 Jun 2008, 14:45 ]
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Goodness, how - how amazing! This was so beautifully understated and so true to life - Peter grappling with the dreadful blows of his own and his wife's illness, knowing that he couldn't go to herm and then losing her so quickly. And his children: Madeleine, like Hilda " gentle, compassionate, all-seeing and so determined.", and Matthew willfully not seeing that his father couldn't come. I rather suspect that inside, like any child, he was certain that his father could put things right, and that father's illness became a kind of betrayal. Very sad, and very young too.....

Beautiful writing, Mary...and I too would like to see another drabble if it's possible.
Author:  Chris S [ 24 Jun 2008, 15:10 ]
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Thank you Mary, that was really moving.
Author:  Celia [ 24 Jun 2008, 15:50 ]
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As you said, a sad story, but beautifully retold. Thank you for such a
moving piece of writing.

I 'm not the only one asking for more about the twins now :twisted: :lol:
told you !!!
Author:  Identity Hunt [ 24 Jun 2008, 17:41 ]
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Mary,
this is utterly heart-breaking...... :cry:

I think this family could easily occupy a drabble of their very own, with occasional visits from Hilda and Nell .....(hint, hint!)
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 24 Jun 2008, 21:25 ]
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Oh Mary, that is so heart breaking
Author:  shazwales [ 25 Jun 2008, 03:28 ]
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Mary this is so sad,so poignant and so beautifully written.

Thank-you
Author:  MaryR [ 26 Jun 2008, 13:55 ]
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Thank you so much for all the kindly comments - they were very much appreciated. :D You ask for more of the Sinclairs, but as they're not CS characters I'm not sure how .much interest there would be in their own drabble - but they might pop up in ND! :wink:

(Mods, I know I'm over the page count, but there are only three posts left, so I hope it's okay to continue)

Luisa wrote:
How do you make us care for people so quickly, even the ones we haven't met? An amazing gift - thank you!

Maybe Hilda has something to do with that, Luisa! I take no credit whatsoever. : :roll:

.....He smiled for the first time, a smile to break one’s heart. “I feel Julia all around. Strange, when you consider she was never here. But I know she approves – and that makes me happy.”

After the unfolding of such a harrowing and tragic tale, there seemed nothing to say that would not sound crass and heartless, so they all wrapped themselves in their own thoughts and silently sipped their wine, watching the moon riding higher in the sky. Each heart there had its own poignant sorrows, sorrows that beauty, when combined with the fall of darkness, always somehow seems to heighten.

Eventually, Jake shook himself and offered coffee. Nell and Hilda drank it gratefully, and Peter, perhaps sensing that they were unwilling to intrude on his grief, put them at their ease by describing how he had set up the foundation and how it now functioned. Jake, in an effort to leaven the atmosphere even more, offered a quick and light-hearted resumé of his life in Chicago. They sensed him as a man who worked long and hard, but liked to play hard as well, and had no intention of ever settling down. Quite how the twins could be so very different was a puzzle to Hilda and Nell, but the two men seemed very accepting of each other’s character and way of life. Their love for each other was vast and deep as any ocean.

Finally, and very reluctantly, Hilda told the two men that it was time to leave. “We do have to work tomorrow, I’m afraid, but neither of us will soon forget these last happy hours in your company.” Her voice was rich with her gratitude as she spoke. “We owe you both a very great debt - especially you, Peter, for allowing us to ride in your beautiful car and to dine here in such splendour. And we must add to that debt the fun of your dual deception and then the willingness to share your pain with us. It’s been an exceptional few hours, a time out of time, if you can understand me.”

“You owe neither of us any debt at all, Hilda,” smiled Peter, the haunted look now dispersed from his eyes. “Originally, it was simply something I was doing to repay Ian, but I haven’t enjoyed a day so much for a long, long time. It reminded me of evenings spent with Julia and our friends – times of good food, good company, good conversation and lots of good fun. A writer called Sylvia Townsend Warner expressed so well how I now feel. Don’t think I am unhappy and alone…..I am in a new country and she’s the compass I travel by.”

He smiled, a smile of great tenderness. “Everything I do, I do for Julia, so yes, she is most definitely my compass, as she is Maddy’s.” He held up his hand. “No, Hilda, you didn’t intrude. Talking about it with such compassionate and understanding new friends has resurrected happier memories, ones I had tucked away and forgotten. I will sleep easier tonight, I promise you. So, if any debt there is, it is mine.”

Silenced by such generosity, they could only comply as he rose to his feet, took Hilda’s hand and helped her to her feet, then walked her round the table to Nell, whom he also helped to stand. An arm lying lightly on each woman’s shoulder, he led them down to the water’s edge where they stood and looked and listened. The moon laid a silver path across the lake right to their feet. The stars were now so many brilliantly-faceted diamonds studding the black velvet of the night sky. At either end of the lake the lights of Thun and Interlaken were brightly-coloured jewels festooning the lower slopes of the dark mountains, with single jewels scattered here and there all the way to the peaks.

It was a night of heart-stopping beauty and Hilda and Nell felt their throats constrict at this extra gift offered to them by Peter. Softly, gently, Hilda offered them another gift, the words of Longfellow’s Hymn to the Night, and her richly melodious voice embellished the beauty before them and deepened the peace:

I heard the trailing garments of the Night
Sweep through her marble halls,
I saw her sable skirts all fringed with light
From the celestial walls!

I felt her presence, by its spell of might,
Stoop o'er me from above;
The calm, majestic presence of the Night,
As of the one I love.

I heard the sounds of sorrow and delight,
The manifold, soft chimes,
That fill the haunted chambers of the Night,
Like some old poet's rhymes…

O holy Night! from thee I learn to bear
What man has borne before!
Thou layest thy finger on the lips of Care,
And they complain no more.

Peter sighed in the utmost delight. “I’ve thought all evening that I’ve never heard such a lovely, velvety voice as yours before, Hilda. It speaks to me as a cello does, with its mellow, deep-throated tones. That was just ….exquisite. Thank you.”

He shook himself, much as a seal does when leaving the water, and added tentatively, “As I said earlier, I hope you feel as Jake and I do, that this evening has been the beginning of a very, very special friendship. I’m loath to lose you both, now I’ve found you. As they say in Spain, my house is your house, both of you, now and always.”

As one, they turned to face him. “I know I speak for Nell as well as myself, Peter,” replied Hilda gently, “when I say that the feeling is mutual. We don’t have so many close friends that we can afford to let slip the rare fellowship that has sprung up between us tonight. Nor do we have a house as beautiful as this to offer you, but from now on, you and Jake, you’re sealed of our tribe.” She laughed at his puzzled frown. “I’ll explain another time, Peter – just believe me when I say you won’t lose us. You belong to us now.”

Held in thrall by the note of beautiful truth in the dulcet tones, Peter could only show in his smile the deep affection that already held sway in his heart. Nell and Hilda, with one accord, each tucked an arm through one of his and turned him back up the slope to the house. When they reached Jake, still standing by the table, Nell tucked her other arm through his and pulled him round to continue up to the house with them.

“You as well, Jake, my lad,” she murmured. “You might be gone, back to your American lair, but you won’t be forgotten. You keep in touch, mind!”

There was a note of severity in her voice and they all chuckled softly at his irreverent “Yes, ma’am.”

*sealed of our tribe* is from Jane of Lantern Hill by LM Montgomery
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ 26 Jun 2008, 14:09 ]
Post subject: 
What a beautifully serene ending to a never to be forgotten evening - a wonderfully evocative reflection on the suffering of the past, the beauty of the present and the promise of future friendship for them all. Even the scenery around them, bathed in moonlight, co-operates with its serene beauty - the Longfellow poem was so fitting, and of course, even more striking in Hilda's recitation. I am so glad that retelling his story has given Peter such comfort. I am sure that none of the four will ever forget this time spent together, and I'm sure that this is a friendship which will only strengthen and deepen.

Thank you, Mary for allowing us to be witnesses to this most poignant episode.
Author:  abbeybufo [ 26 Jun 2008, 16:30 ]
Post subject: 
Lovely Mary, thank you - echoes Elder :D
Author:  MHE [ 26 Jun 2008, 16:36 ]
Post subject: 
Elder has said it all.

Thank you Mary.
Author:  leahbelle [ 26 Jun 2008, 16:58 ]
Post subject: 
I can only join with the others in echoing Elder.

Thank you, Mary.
Author:  Celia [ 26 Jun 2008, 18:35 ]
Post subject: 
Such a lovely,serene, ending to an unforgettable evening. Echo all Elder
said.

Thank you Mary
Author:  linda [ 26 Jun 2008, 19:59 ]
Post subject: 
What a beautiful serene moment shared by the twins, Hilda and Nell, and, I hope, the start of a lasting friendship for all four of them.

Quote:
Don’t think I am unhappy and alone…..I am in a new country and she’s the compass I travel by.”


Mary, I do think that this is a wonderfully optimistic quote which would not be out of place in ND.

I too would like to know more of the Sinclair twins.

Thank you so much for another emotionally charged post.
Author:  dackel [ 26 Jun 2008, 20:11 ]
Post subject: 
That was beautiful, Mary, thank you.

I loved the Longfellow poem - I think I must read some more of his poems!
Author:  Lesley [ 26 Jun 2008, 20:14 ]
Post subject: 
That was lovely - and a wonderful way to end the evening - i bet neither Hilda nor Nell expected that they would be adding friends before the end of the evening.


Thanks Mary.
Author:  Luisa [ 26 Jun 2008, 23:18 ]
Post subject: 
A beautiful end to the day for all of them. But please, not the end of what we see of this friendship!
Author:  di [ 27 Jun 2008, 09:53 ]
Post subject: 
What a super way for the 4 to end their evening. The twins will be excellent friends for Hilda and Nell, so accepting and appreciative of the way the pair welcomed them into the tight circle of friendship.
Thank you Mary, I hope we see more of them.
Author:  Kathy_S [ 27 Jun 2008, 15:30 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you, Mary.
Sounds like the beginning of an enduring friendship. :)
Author:  Cath V-P [ 29 Jun 2008, 12:33 ]
Post subject: 
Hilda and Nell have the gift of creating family, don't they? And even though they have only known Peter and Jake for less than a day, they have forged bonds of friendship that will sustain them in the future.
And your description of the evening is wonderful Mary - that silent companionship between them and their appreciation of the glory of the night that finds its expression in the Longfellow poem, which was new to me, but says it all so beautifully.

Thank you.
Author:  MaryR [ 29 Jun 2008, 15:11 ]
Post subject: 
.....“You as well, Jake, my lad,” she murmured. “You might be gone, back to your American lair, but you won’t be forgotten. You keep in touch, mind!”

There was a note of severity in her voice and they all chuckled softly at his irreverent “Yes, ma’am.”

Once through the door into the elegant entrance hall, however, Peter stopped. He surveyed their faces, almost as though trying to read their inmost thoughts and then nodded to himself. Hilda wondered sadly if he was hearing some beloved interior voice.

“There’s something I’d like to show you before you go,” he said, emotion quivering in his deep voice. “Although I hope you’ll return soon, so I can show you everything.”

He ushered them across the hall and through a door beside one of the glass cabinets. He switched on a single light – and they saw how it illuminated a huge portrait on the wall opposite a large, workmanlike desk. Nell and Hilda were drawn to the picture like moths to a flame. Their eyes drank it in, and they were moved beyond words.

“She’s beautiful, Peter,” murmured Nell in wonderment, aware that beside her Hilda was incapable of speech.

The slender woman in the portrait was in her early forties, and had the shy grace of a ballerina, her delicate head held elegantly on a swan-like neck. Her dark hair was drawn back from her sensitive face, a face that was so akin to Hilda’s that it sent shivers through Nell. Here were Hilda’s sharply-delineated cheekbones, her winged eyebrows, her vulnerable lips, the shallow cleft in her firm chin. Only the eyes were different. Julia’s were dark and dreamy as she smiled out at the world. And that smile lit up her whole face, giving her a most appealing charm and beauty.

Nell felt the figure beside her tremble convulsively and became very concerned. What was troubling her so much?

“No wonder life stopped for you, Peter,” whispered Hilda huskily, unable to take her eyes off the portrait. “Is Madeleine like her mother?”

“In looks, almost as much as Jake and I are alike,” he replied, but there was a tender smile in his eyes. “She’s not dreamy like her mother, though – doesn’t have her imagination. Action is my daughter’s watchword. But they were co-conspirators against the men in their lives, and so loving and giving. I’ll never lose Julia while I have my daughter.”

“He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present, than the living man. (St Exupéry)” The lovely voice was very soft, and held a distinct wobble in it, but it continued, “Or the living woman, your Julia – and you seem to have learned how to cherish her memory, with Madeleine’s help, instead of hiding from the pain of it. You’re both very strong and courageous.”

Nell had heard the wobble and now saw Hilda’s eyes were damp, so gently turned her away from the picture. Hilda drew a deep breath, found a smile. “I look forward to meeting your daughter, Peter. She sounds beautiful both inside and out.”

He came over and took her arm, perhaps sensing the tears and knowing they were for him. “She is, as you and Nell are – but then I’m biased. And she will love meeting you, I promise….”

Still talking, he led her back out into the entrance hall, leaving Jake to switch off the light. The latter paused in the doorway of the room with Nell, watching the other two now walking outside through the open front door.

“They make a lovely couple, don’t they?” he said slowly in a low voice.

Disconcerted, Nell gazed at him open-mouthed, before turning to look blankly after the others as they disappeared from view. Her eyes swivelled back to him and he took an instinctive step back at the sudden ferocity revealed there.

“Stop match-making, Jake,” she warned. “Your brother’s still grieving, and I suspect he always will. He still loves his Julia. He may have found a new purpose in life, but it is lived for, and through, her. As for Hilda, let’s just say she’s walked that same sharp, stony path, has made her peace with it and is content. I won’t have her hurt. They will never be more than friends, so please - don’t interfere. Understood?”

He nodded, speechlessly. She was like a tiger in her protective fierceness. They were brave women, these two, he thought, and they weren’t afraid to tell it as they saw it. Nell saw his sudden nervousness and laughed out loud. If he had thought Hilda severe earlier, then what must he now think of Hilda’s friend?

She hooked her hand through his arm, guided him out as she added jocularly, “Now you and I, Jake – we could make quite a team!”

Suddenly terrified at what might lie beneath her words, he slowly turned his head, only to sigh with obvious relief when he met her wide, knowing grin. She chuckled, and whispered mockingly in his ear, “Your turn to be had, I'm afraid!”

“Touché, my friend,” he said wryly, and led her out to join the others by the elegant car, its cream colour rendering it almost luminous in the bright, silver moonlight....
Author:  Lesley [ 29 Jun 2008, 16:27 ]
Post subject: 
Go for it, Nell - bite him first so he's warned then tease him! :lol: Protective, isn't she?


Lovely Mary, thank you.
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ 29 Jun 2008, 16:38 ]
Post subject: 
That was indeed lovely - no wonder that the feeling he is still doing everything in partnership with his Julia, even though she is no longer living, as well as with his daughter, remains the focus of Peter's inspiration. And I love the repartee between Nell and Jake, too - as always, showing Nell so protective of Hilda.


Are we going to see a totally unexpected twist to end this tale, Mary? Just wondering .....!!!

Thanks, Mary.
Author:  di [ 29 Jun 2008, 18:03 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you, Mary. nice to see the picture of Julia and how uncanny that she has a look of Hilda about her. I hope Jake doesn't interfere. Nell will never forgive him.
Author:  Celia [ 29 Jun 2008, 19:59 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you Mary for giving us the portrait of Julia so that we can
imagine what she and Madeleine look like. Peter too possibly saw the
likeness to Hilda. I'm sure the friendship between these four will be
long and deep.
Author:  PaulineS [ 29 Jun 2008, 21:33 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you Mary I have come back to three beautiful posts.
:halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo:
Author:  MHE [ 29 Jun 2008, 23:17 ]
Post subject: 
Lovely Mary, thank you.
Author:  Identity Hunt [ 30 Jun 2008, 10:04 ]
Post subject: 
Mary,
now the chaos that is my life has calmed down a little, what a pleasure it has been this morning to catch up with this !

I am heaving a deep sigh of contentment at this delightful interlude :)
Author:  Cath V-P [ 30 Jun 2008, 13:45 ]
Post subject: 
Oh, no wonder Nell shivered when she saw that portrait - to see a resemblance like that would be most disquieting. And then Jake's disturbing remark as well. But Julia is a daily presence in Peter's life, both in the person of their daughter, and in the way in which she is there for her, in his memories and in that portrait. And I wonder if Hilda has been given a glimpse of a relationship that endures beyond death simply because of the power and beauty of the relationship to survive even the rigours of grief - as will be the case between her and Nell?

Thank you Mary.
Author:  linda [ 01 Jul 2008, 20:13 ]
Post subject: 
What a beautiful description of the portrait of Julia, who is still so strong a presence in Peter's life, and how strangely disconcerting the resemblance between Julia and Hilda.

Quote:
“They make a lovely couple, don’t they?” he said slowly in a low voice.

Disconcerted, Nell gazed at him open-mouthed, before turning to look blankly after the others as they disappeared from view. Her eyes swivelled back to him and he took an instinctive step back at the sudden ferocity revealed there.


I loved Nell's almost jealous reaction to Jake's comments about Peter and Hilda. Even though she is enthralled by the picture of Julia, and marks every similarity to Hilda, she is very protective and certainly warns Jake off.

Thank you, Mary for another sensitive post, taking Peter's story yet one stage deeper.
Author:  MaryR [ 06 Jul 2008, 17:40 ]
Post subject: 
Elder in Ontario wrote:
Are we going to see a totally unexpected twist to end this tale, Mary? Just wondering .....!!!

Moi? :lol: As if I would, Elder! :twisted:

I'm afraid this is not an update, and many thanks to you all for appreciating the portrait of Julia, but I have to confess to being rather silly, :roll: I am horribly reluctant to post the last two pieces, as it means I will have to say farewell to them here where they are so happy together, and return to ND and no Nell. :cry:

They're not real people, did I hear you say? But they are to me :oops: :oops: - so you may have to wait until I can bring myself to cut the umbilical cord. :bawling:
Author:  Lesley [ 06 Jul 2008, 18:02 ]
Post subject: 
Of course they are real people, Mary - where did you get the strange idea they are not? :?
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ 06 Jul 2008, 23:36 ]
Post subject: 
They are as real to us as they are to you, Mary, :lol: :lol: so we will wait patiently for you to be ready to surrender this present incarnation of them over to us!! As for an unexpected twist - I'll just wait and see!!!!
Author:  Identity Hunt [ 07 Jul 2008, 09:17 ]
Post subject: 
Of course they are real !
I can both see them and hear them :D
Author:  PaulineS [ 07 Jul 2008, 11:47 ]
Post subject: 
((((Mary)))))

Keep the final posts until you are ready, or the next Nell and Hilda drabble comes to life.

:halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo:
Author:  leahbelle [ 07 Jul 2008, 17:10 ]
Post subject: 
They are real people to me, too. You have a real talent for making you characters seem alive!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 07 Jul 2008, 21:37 ]
Post subject: 
:lol: :lol: Must admit I thought the same thing as Jake at first and I loved Nell's comments :lol:
Author:  Luisa [ 07 Jul 2008, 23:48 ]
Post subject: 
Doing a very bad impersonation of Patience on a monument here.
Hope a new drabble suggests itself so we can have the last bit of this!
Author:  MHE [ 11 Jul 2008, 13:44 ]
Post subject: 
Lesley wrote
Quote:
Of course they are real people, Mary - where did you get the strange idea they are not? Confused


You finish this when you're ready Mary - we will just have to be patient :wink:
Author:  Tara [ 14 Jul 2008, 00:43 ]
Post subject: 
Well, at least it has given me a chance to catch up!
I am intrigued by the resemblance between Hilda and the picture. Are we going to know why??? As for Jake's remarks - down, boy, she's spoken for. Glad Nell put him in his place so firmly - and then terrified him :D . But, as Cath said, Hilda and Nell do create family around them and attract friendship like magnets. Lovely picture of them all, and I do understand why you don't want to let them go, Mary. Nor do we. But there's loads more of their life together you could write about ... not hinting or anything ...
Author:  MaryR [ 15 Jul 2008, 15:15 ]
Post subject: 
I guess I can't really hold on to them any longer! :cry: Next to last post! Thank you for all the kind words...


....She hooked her hand through his arm and added jocularly, “Now you and I, Jake – we could make quite a team!”

Suddenly terrified at what might lie beneath her words, he slowly turned his head, only to sigh with obvious relief when he met her wide, knowing grin. She chuckled, and whispered mockingly in his ear, “Your turn to be had, my dear!”

“Touché, my friend,” he said wryly, and led her out to join the others by the elegant car, its cream colour rendering it almost luminous in the bright, silver moonlight.

They were all four reluctant to part company; all reluctant to say adieu to the magical hours they had spent together; reluctant to return to the real and the mundane.

“Cheer up, folks, do!” Nell cried, ever the prosaic and practical one. “We have our memories, and we’ve already agreed we’ll meet again, or at least three of us will.”

Hilda sighed. “She’s right, as always. Sometimes I hate her, you know, for dragging me, kicking and screaming, back into the bright lights of reality from whatever imaginary world I’m delving into.” They all laughed before she added simply, “Thank you both, from our hearts.”

She and Nell had expected both the men to return them to school, and Jake himself half-turned to the door of the car in expectation of sitting in the front passenger seat. But something in Peter’s eyes caught his attention and made him turn back. Jake realised that Peter wanted these last few moments alone with his guests, didn’t even want his twin brother intruding. Jake would be de trop – and Jake couldn’t blame him. Peter was the one who had revealed himself tonight, and he was the one who would have to sustain the relationship. Peter had already established a spiritual connection to the two women that Jake knew he himself lacked, and probably always would.

He made a determined effort to speak brightly. “Well, ladies, I’ll let Peter drive you home while I do my Cinderella act and get all the dishes done, and pack away the view for another time. That’s if you feel safe driving your precious car up and down those treacherous mountain roads in the dark, all on your own, brother dear. Suppose something goes wrong….”

“Oh, I’m well versed in most things mechanical on this beauty, for all my burying my head in my books,” laughed Peter. “I’ve had them all for a good while, don’t forget, and often take them for a spin on the hairiest of roads. Besides, I enjoy the peace of driving on my own, especially at night – it leaves me time and space to think.”

Jake nodded and stepped forward, arms outstretched to Hilda, who braced herself. But Peter unceremoniously hauled him back.

“Whoa there, Jake,” he warned acidly. “We want none of your American free and easy ways here, thank you very much. You don’t take those sorts of liberties with two such gracious ladies as Hilda and Nell, not after just one meeting. Shaking hands is more than enough, believe me.”

Looking somewhat abashed, Jake held out his hand to Hilda, who took it firmly and then leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. “Maybe you are free and easy, Jake, but you’ve been wonderful tonight,” she whispered. “You did everything I asked and deserve some reward. Promise me you’ll never change.”

Nell and Peter exchanged grins as they saw Jake actually blush at Hilda’s words and action. She never fails, thought Nell with glee. She just steps right in and soothes any hurt feelings, and they fall like ninepins before her.

Nell herself moved over to Jake. “Who am I to argue with the boss?” she asked with a chuckle, and also leaned forward to kiss his cheek, much to his secret gratification. “She’s right, though – it’s been the loveliest and most original of birthdays and I shan’t soon forget it. I just have to think of a way to make you pay! ”

“Oh, I’ve no doubt you’ll succeed, and I shall be constantly looking over my shoulder,” said Jake wryly. “I have a funny feeling even Chicago isn’t far enough away to keep me safe!”

She shook her head, a roguish smile in her eyes. “Not on your Nelly!”

Jake merely winked broadly and leaned forward to return her kiss with gentle restraint, unaware of Hilda eyeing them both in some suspicion. “Well, how about you both come again before I leave and we promise to treat you properly? No more secrets! We might even offer you that gourmet meal you secretly yearned for, Nell, with truffles and goodness knows what else.”

“You treated us delightfully,” Nell told him firmly. “I enjoyed every single moment and couldn’t have asked for better. This whole day has been full of the most marvellous tricks and treats and I shan’t soon forget my shock on seeing those fish and chip parcels.”

They all chuckled and then Peter cleared his throat. “Maybe I could offer an added inducement, Nell. I’ll let you actually drive my Silver Wraith. How does that sound?”

Nell stared at him in wide-eyed awe while Hilda groaned loudly and covered her eyes. Nell spun round with a fiendish smile on her face and Jake laughed out loud, making Hilda just groan the louder and shake her head.

She looked up and glared at Peter. “One can go off even the nicest people, Peter Sinclair! I’ll have you know that someone allowed her to do just that in France last year and I still have the grey hairs to prove it. Trust me, you have no idea what you are letting yourself in for! You might want to think about taking out extra insurance!”

Peter turned to study Nell. “Do you really think it’s necessary?”

“Indubitably!” Hilda replied, eyes twinkling merrily.

“Well! Who needs enemies with friends around like you?” asked Nell in outrage. “You’re such a scaredy cat I’m surprised you didn’t find that carousel too fast and dangerous! If you remember, Monsieur Diderot thoroughly approved of my driving.”

“Was that why he wore the safety helmet?”

“Her driving’s that bad?” asked Peter, sounding anxious even while his eyes danced.

“Oh, worse!” Hilda assured him, face impassive.

Nell fumed, steam almost visibly seeping from her ears. “Hilda Annersley, I will never forgive you! We wore the helmets on the motor cycle, dear, not the car, if you cast your mind back. No, on second thoughts, please don’t do any such thing! We can’t leave a nasty mess for the boys to clean up!” Hilda choked. “You’ve done it again, though. Peter’s fallen for it, hook, line and sinker!”

Hilda’s mellow laughter filled the air and she moved to take Nell’s arm, her voice warm with her affection. “No, he hasn’t, ma mie. He’s merely egging me on. You’re the one who fell for it. Of course you drive well - too well for my liking, I admit – but I think it’s a splendid idea. I shall sit here by the lake, which Jake will have rolled out again, and enjoy the view in peace and quiet while you risk life and limb. And Jake’s and Peter’s lives and limbs as well!”

“I’m game!” said Jake stoutly. “I love going fast, Nell, especially on narrow, twisty roads - the narrower and twistier the better.”

Peter frowned. “Not in my cars you don’t! I can see a sane head will be needed.”

“Well, it will have to be your head, I’m afraid, Peter,” said Hilda, trying hard to restrain her amusement, “because I’m even less inclined to get in your Silver Wraith after Jake’s words.”

“Jake, you’re on!” said Nell quickly. “I’m free next weekend.”

“Helena Margaret Wilson, where are your manners?” asked Hilda in scandalised tones.

“Gone in search of your faint-heartedness!” Nell flashed back.

Peter began to chuckle. “You two are two too many for me, I’m afraid. I can’t keep up, so I’ll just give up! Nell, it will be my pleasure to let you drive my Silver Wraith next weekend. I’ll even provide the helmets. And it will be Jake’s pleasure to cook dinner for you afterwards. What about you, Hilda?”

Nell got in first. “Oh, she’s on duty,” she said with an airy shrug.

“The only duty I’ll be doing next weekend will be keeping an eye on you!” replied Hilda firmly. “I’d hate Peter to think we don’t set our girls a good example.”

“I don’t!” Nell chuckled. “You’re always telling me off about it! But then, like dear Oscar, I’m an electric eel in a pond full of flatfish.”
Author:  Lesley [ 15 Jul 2008, 15:35 ]
Post subject: 
Oh lovely - and that such closeness and comaraderie after just one evening?

Thanks Mary.
Author:  shazwales [ 15 Jul 2008, 17:40 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you Mary.
Just when i'm expecting this to end,it gets better and better. :)
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ 15 Jul 2008, 17:50 ]
Post subject: 
Oh my, this really is the stuff which memories are made of, isn't it - the wonderful verbal sparring between the four of them left me feeling I was watching the tennis at Wimbledon, and giggling madly too! But there is such warmth underlying the words that we know this relationship will only strengthen over the years, even if Jake's part in it *is* from a distance. I'm sure Nell *will* have a wonderful drive next weekend, too. It truly is quite amazing that it all springs from one short evening's acquaintance, but I love it!!!

Thanks, Mary - I'll be sorry to see this end, but at this point am wondering just what you have up your sleeve for this last post! One thing I'm quite certain of, though, is that we will once again be willing onlookers, present in spirit through your descriptive powers.
Author:  Celia [ 15 Jul 2008, 19:28 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you Mary. They are so happy and content in each other's
company that we know they are going to be long term friends even after so short a time together.

I guess we shall enjoy the last part, but will be sad not to travel on
with Hilda and Nell whilst they continue to show us the depth ,strength ,
and fun of their relationship.
Author:  abbeybufo [ 15 Jul 2008, 20:00 ]
Post subject: 
Lovely Mary - I can see why you don't want to part from them . . .
Author:  Kathy_S [ 15 Jul 2008, 20:29 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you, Mary!

Don't you think you could keep this one going for another 5,280 posts?
Author:  dackel [ 15 Jul 2008, 20:37 ]
Post subject: 
This is wonderful, Mary - I love the banter! :lol:

I'll be really sad when you've posted the last section!
Author:  linda [ 15 Jul 2008, 22:30 ]
Post subject: 
What wonderful banter between the four of them. This is certainly the beginning of a wonderful friendship and I do envy Nell the promise to drive the Silver Wraith on those mountain roads. Is there a spare seat? :lol: :lol:

Oh dear, only one more post to go and then, when will we hear from Peter and Jake again? :wink: :wink: :wink:

Thank you, Mary for this wonderful interlude.
Author:  MHE [ 15 Jul 2008, 22:49 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you Mary - another lovely post. I've giggled my way through it. It will be sad to see the day and this drabble end.
Author:  Tara [ 16 Jul 2008, 00:08 ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
if you cast your mind back. No, on second thoughts, please don’t do any such thing! We can’t leave a nasty mess for the boys to clean up!
Mary! :D :D :D . Love Jake packing away the view ...
This was the usual lovely mixture of deep feeling and glorious banter. They don't miss a trick, do they. So very enjoyable, Mary, and we'll all be so sad to part with them.

Thank you.
Author:  di [ 16 Jul 2008, 06:53 ]
Post subject: 
The banter was great fun to end the evening on. Love the thought of Hilda sitting sedately with her crash helmet on whilst Nell was driving Monsieur Diderot's lovely car. :lol: :lol:
Thank you, Mary.
Author:  Identity Hunt [ 16 Jul 2008, 08:08 ]
Post subject: 
Priceless ! Utterly priceless !!!
Author:  Luisa [ 16 Jul 2008, 13:13 ]
Post subject: 
I've just scandalised the outer office by giggling madly.
"Where are your manners" indeed?
May we go on the drive next weekend? Please?
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 16 Jul 2008, 13:58 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Mary, that was a wonderful end to a fabulous day for the four of them. I love the easy teasing and friendship between them all
Author:  MaryR [ 24 Jul 2008, 18:57 ]
Post subject: 
Kathy_S wrote:
Don't you think you could keep this one going for another 5,280 posts?

I would love to, Kathy, but alas, I think you might become rather bored if I did! Surely ND is enough of a saga for you! :lol:

Thanks to all of you for all the kind and encouraging comments which have kept me writing this and discovering just where my characters wanted to take me. Every chapter was as much of a surprise to me as it was to you. :D But now, sadly, we must take our leave of them all, so I hope you enjoy these last few moments.


.....Peter began to chuckle. “You two are two too many for me, I’m afraid. I can’t keep up, so I’ll give up! Nell, it will be my pleasure to let you drive my Silver Wraith next weekend. I’ll even provide the helmets. And it will be Jake’s pleasure to cook dinner for you afterwards. What about you, Hilda?”

Nell got in first. “Oh, she’s on duty,” she said with an airy shrug.

“The only duty I’ll be doing next weekend will be keeping an eye on you!” replied Hilda firmly. “I’d hate Peter to think we don’t set our girls a good example.”

“I don’t!” Nell chuckled. “You’re always telling me off about it! But then, like dear Oscar, I’m an electric eel in a pond full of flatfish.”

Her face was such a comical mixture of wicked mischief and delighted anticipation that, after a moment’s stunned silence, laughter overtook them all, and they had to lean on the car for support. Hilda thought how lovely it was to be able to relax and be oneself with other people besides Nell, to tease and be teased unmercifully, to lay aside for a few hours the stiff and starchy schoolma’am persona. She had had no idea, when she arranged this day for Nell, just how magical and life-affirming it would turn out to be, despite Peter’s grief. What remarkable men they both were!

She didn’t see Peter’s thoughtful eyes watching her. He knew her sensitive nature had been distressed by his story. She had also been strangely disturbed by the portrait of Julia. He was sorry for that distress, but he couldn’t help feeling that his sadness had somehow cemented their friendship. He suspected that, in many ways, Hilda was akin to himself, in that her perception and keen responsiveness opened her up very intensely to the joys and sorrows of life, in a way not experienced by those like Nell and Jake, whose cheerful, matter-of-fact natures didn’t quite plumb the same depths or reach the same heights.

Now, however, he smiled with relief, for he could see her tears had dried and the joshing had cheered her. She was ready to leave. He nodded imperceptibly at his brother. With a final hand clasp for the two women, Jake sprang to the car door and opened it with a grand flourish. He arranged a rug over their laps and handed them their hats, after first making sure they wouldn’t prefer the roof up. But it was such a warm and beautiful night that it would have been a crime not to enjoy it to the full.

The car made its way slowly back through the trees, Hilda and Nell waving to Jake until he disappeared from view. Once at the gate, instead of turning right towards Interlaken, Peter turned the other way, so they would end up having made a complete circuit of the lake that day. Eventually they reached Thun, and drove silently through the beautiful streets, passing splendid leafy parks and the fairy-tale Schlossberg castle. Its turrets were silhouetted sharply against the silvery moon at one point, causing Hilda and Nell to gasp at its unearthly beauty. The black waters of the lake glistened where the moonlight touched them; the black sky glittered with its myriads of stars. Never had a night been so sublime! Never had a day possessed such a perfect ending!

“Did you arrange all this as well, lovely girl?” whispered Nell. Hilda turned with a smile and shook her head, her eyes gleaming as they caught the moonlight. “Hilda, I must…”

“No, you mustn’t,” came a murmur so quiet it scarcely disturbed the air. “No thanks, please, Nell, dear one. If you’re happy, then so am I. No more needs to be said. Except - enjoy this last and most unexpected gift, such a beautiful one.”

As they turned off the lake road, leaving behind the bright lights, and began the darker climb up to the Platz, Nell’s heart was melting with her love for Hilda and all she had done for her this day, from the tricks and ploys of the morning to this afternoon’s gift of this elegant car and the evening’s offering of the lovely house and its surprising occupants. Such a dear and generous woman! How could one ever do enough to repay her? Nell shook her head. One couldn’t – and one shouldn’t even try. As long as she was loved by Nell, then Hilda was content. Giving, for Hilda, was its own reward.

Nell considered the back of Peter’s head as they drove on, all silent with their own thoughts. Was she wrong? Could this grieving man and Hilda find something in each other that would draw them together? She turned her head slightly so she could see Hilda, who was gazing out dreamily at the passing scenery, her mind elsewhere, her face quiet and relaxed. Nell thought back to something Hilda had said only recently, to reassure Nell when the latter had asked her why she had never considered moving elsewhere to work, after so long at the school; why she had never felt any desire for another chance at marriage. Hilda’s voice had never been lovelier as she sought to explain her heart.

“I’m too satisfied and at peace with what we have between us, Nell, ever to want to go chasing after rainbows. I’ve already found my pot of gold. She’s sitting right in front of me. What more could there possibly be?”

Nell trembled. Never had she dreamed of friendship so deep, so wide, so all-embracing, so blessed by God. It had crept up on them slowly, imperceptibly, and only revealed its full glory when it was in danger of being lost forever, after the accident. But, each year, it grew mysteriously ever wider and deeper, as they exposed hitherto unsuspected areas of themselves, and each year they felt God binding them closer and closer.

She turned her head away and looked outward once more, reading in her mind the inscription Hilda had written in the book about deserts she had presented to Nell earlier. An inscription that encapsulated so neatly and lovingly how intertwined their spirits now were.

Dearest Nell,
Words aren’t really necessary, are they, ma mie? You know my heart, as I know yours. My life belongs with you, now and for always. So, the only right and proper way to wish you the happiest of birthdays is to repeat the words Ruth spoke to Naomi so long, long ago:

‘Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live.
Your people shall be my people, and your God shall be my God.
When you die, I will die and there will I be buried.
Thus and more may the Lord do to me, if anything but death parts me from you.’

To prove her words, Hilda had produced her own special brand of magic yet again that day, simply to make sure that Nell knew how much she was loved – even promising to go into the desert with her.

Love of the rarest kind, dear girl! My cup truly runneth over.

Nell smiled tremulously in the dark, tears pricking the backs of her eyes at Hilda’s sheer goodness and inner beauty. She stretched out her hand and let it rest on the seat between them. An instant later she felt it clasped gently by the hand of her best beloved. They didn’t need to turn and look at each other – the touch was enough.

They each gazed out of their own side of the car in quiet contentment, tender smiles on their lips, peace in their hearts. God was in His heaven and all was right with their little world....
Author:  clair [ 24 Jul 2008, 19:30 ]
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Mary thank you - that was lovely and a perfect end to an awful day! Thank you for reminding me just how special true friendship can be
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ 24 Jul 2008, 19:39 ]
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And the earth shall be filled with the glories of God
As the waters cover the sea.

These words sprang to my mind as I read that beautiful description of the moonlit drive around the lake, but I also think it sums up the relationship and deep emotional bonds between these two to a T. It is indeed a truly glorious relationship.

I just love the way you have drawn all the threads together in this final piece - the day is indeed ending, but in the same way the sparring between the two of them will continue, so will the memories remain with them forever. The very real depth of their feelings for each other is shown so clearly in Hilda's message in that book - need I say more?

All's right with the world, indeed - and so it is, although the very joyfulness of this day together makes Hilda's sense of loss in New Dreams so much more poignant.

Mary, you have a God given gift for allowing us, as always, to truly be a part of it all through the power of your words. Thank you so much for this. May you at some point be inspired to tell us more about a new relationship between Hilda and Peter, one of which Nell will thoroughly approve.
Author:  abbeybufo [ 24 Jul 2008, 19:48 ]
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That was a most beautiful and fitting ending for the day, Mary - thank you, and as Elder says, it makes ND even more poignant.

And as to your own remarks at the head of the piece - No! ND is not enough for me, at any rate my dear :lol: I love it, of course, but I keep the hope that Hilda may one day tell you about another episode in her and Nell's shared life, so that we might once more see them while they were happily together.
Author:  MHE [ 24 Jul 2008, 20:10 ]
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A beautiful ending - I will certainly keep my eye out for them all in September.

Thank you Mary for letting us share Nell's birthday and all that entailed.
Author:  dackel [ 24 Jul 2008, 20:47 ]
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A beautiful ending to a wonderful day and a lovely story.

Hilda and Nell are so close here - it makes the depths of Hilda's grief in ND even more clear.

Thanks, Mary.
Author:  Lesley [ 24 Jul 2008, 20:58 ]
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Awwww, perfect ending....thank you Mary - will just sit here and bask in the love for a while....
Author:  Elbee [ 24 Jul 2008, 22:39 ]
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Thank you Mary, that was so moving. The friendship and love between them is perfect.

I hope you will be able to give us more Hilda and Nell stories sometime.
Author:  Celia [ 24 Jul 2008, 22:59 ]
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Such a beautiful ending,with them in perfect accord,and able to look forward to spending more time with Peter and Jake,more chances to
relax Hilda's school marm persona and enjoy their company as well as
Nell's .

Thank you for sharing their fun and laughter,and their fantastic
friendship with us Mary. More of their life together would be lovely if
Hilda or Nell chooses to enlighten you :lol:
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 24 Jul 2008, 23:06 ]
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For me what makes it so touching an even more beautiful is Nell dies not long later. Am so very glad you showed us Nell's perspective of their friendship.

Thanks Mary
Author:  Tara [ 25 Jul 2008, 00:19 ]
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Mary, you'll understand why I find it hard to respond to this tonight and why the thought of Hilda and Nell losing this depth of love and oneness is almost unbearably poignant. Except that love is never really lost, of course, and that life-illuminating sharing of souls has some sort of eternal value.

Thank you so much for this, it's been truly lovely to see them together.
Author:  di [ 25 Jul 2008, 08:45 ]
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I can but echo the words of those before me and add - spectacular! The love Hilda and Nell have for each other shines out so much.
Thank you, Mary, for allowing me to share a glimpse of something so perfect. You are truly blessed with your gift of writing. :)
Author:  Identity Hunt [ 26 Jul 2008, 18:24 ]
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Nooooooooo !


It was a wonderful ending, but I don't **want** it to end ! :oops:
Author:  Cath V-P [ 27 Jul 2008, 14:52 ]
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Oh, lovely, lovely, lovely! Such a gentle and happy ending, reaffirming all that they are to one another and will be in the future. And how delightful that they have found two new friends as part of Nell's special day - a day that was defined by mischief, laughter, and so very much love.
Thank you Mary, this has been marvellous!
Author:  Lisa_T [ 27 Jul 2008, 23:56 ]
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*satisfied sigh* Ah, Mary, that was sublime. I have to confess I really, really, want to see more Nell/Jake banter, and is there any significance in Julia's uncanny resemblance to Hilda - or is the resemblance one of character rather than feature? H'mmm.

*carefully prods plot bunnies out of hutch and sends them in Mary's direction*

Thank you.
Author:  linda [ 28 Jul 2008, 00:16 ]
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Quote:
They each gazed out of their own side of the car in quiet contentment, tender smiles on their lips, peace in their hearts. God was in His heaven and all was right with their little world....


What a lovely ending to a beautiful, emotive interlude in the lives of Nell and Hilda. It is all the more poignant because we know that Hilda will soon lose her soulmate but she will be left with so many beautiful memories of a wonderful day which exceeded even her expectations.

I do hope we hear more of Hilda and Nell's friendship with the Sinclair twins before too long. Pretty please, Mary!!

Thank you for a wonderful story, Mary
Author:  leahbelle [ 28 Jul 2008, 14:12 ]
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This has been a wonderful story, Mary. Thank you for a fitting ending!
Author:  Sarah [ 28 Jul 2008, 14:20 ]
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Thank you mary - that was a lovely ending!
Author:  Luisa [ 29 Jul 2008, 23:11 ]
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Or perhaps not an end - just a pause, however lengthy?
What a shame my cats only catch the normal kind of bunny...
Author:  Fi [ 01 Aug 2008, 10:53 ]
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Thank you Mary for this story, you are a very talented writer. I have both laughed and cried and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. What a bittersweet ending though, they are so happy but we know what will happen next to shatter their lives.
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