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Stacie - Part Two Updated July 23rd page 6
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Author:  Pat [ 29 Apr 2006, 21:42 ]
Post subject:  Stacie - Part Two Updated July 23rd page 6

I have reposted from Stacie receiving the invitation to the Reunion, and added a little more.

Stacie - Part One
Ally



When I received the invitation to spend Easter on the Platz with as many of the Tyrol people as Jo could get together I was a bit dubious. My time at school had not been the happiest days of my life, and although I was friendly with a good many folk, it was mostly a Christmas card friendship. However, I had nothing else in my diary, since I had got my Doctoral thesis off to the publishers, and felt I deserved a break. It would make a change from the humdrum life I led, and I knew that I was getting into a rut. So I sent my acceptance and began to plan what I would need to take. As I packed I smiled to myself, for I was pretty sure that I would surprise some of the people there. Having only myself to worry about, I had been delighted when clothing rationing came to an end, and had embraced the New Look with joy. Not for me the dowdy Oxford Don image! I had grown my hair, but refused to wear it in an ageing bun, preferring the elegance of a French Pleat. I had bought myself some smart slacks for walking in, as well as new walking boots, for I was pretty sure that there would be expeditions planned. I only hoped that my back would not let me down. I still had to be careful, for whenever I overdid things it was my back that took the brunt of it. I was flying out to Berne and taking the train to Interlaken, where I was promised that I would be met, probably by Jack. Even as I boarded the flight I still had some doubts as to the wisdom of the trip, but as I settled into my seat I almost heard a well-remembered voice telling me not to be an idiot. “Go and enjoy it darling!” I sank into my seat feeling a little shocked, but also more at ease about the venture.

I made my connection at Berne with time to spare, and Jack met me at Interlaken. It was the first time I had returned to the Alps since I left school, and I’d forgotten how wonderfully clear and fresh the air felt. It was invigorating and I felt ready for anything. The road up to the Platz was pretty hair-raising in it’s twists and turns, but the view from the car was stupendous. The snow-capped triple peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Monch towered over us as we climbed out of the valley, though lower down the snow had all melted. The weather was fine, and I felt more alive than I had done for years.


Joey was waiting at the door to welcome me – or so it seemed, by the speed with which it was opened. She pulled me up the path to the house, leaving Jack to bring in my case, and I had little time to take in the appearance of her home except to see that it was very big. I found out later that it had been a small hotel though it still retained the typical Swiss chalet appearance, with the ground floor built of stone and the upper floors of wood. The corner posts were painted with the typical decorations of the area, and the balconies were gay with flowers. Jo took me straight up to my room, which had a wonderful view over the alps. Below I could see a hedge dividing Freudesheim from the next door property, which looked substantial form the size of the gardens and the fact that I could see no sign of any building.
“Have a wash and so on, and come downstairs when you’re ready. The bathroom’s just next door. We’ll be in the salon at the back of the house, though I’m sure that they’ll be someone to show you the way if you’re lost. “ said Jo as she disappeared out of the door. I took off my coat and hat and laid them on my bed. Some fluffy white towels hung over a towel rail near the window and I picked up the smaller one and made my way to the bathroom. There was soap already there and before long I was feeling very much fresher and ready to meet the others. Jack had left my case for me while I was washing, and I changed into a skirt and jumper and re-did my hair. Then, unable to put it off any longer, I made my way downstairs.

I could hear voices as I reached the hall, and turned towards the back of the house. A door stood invitingly open and I headed in that direction. As I entered the salon I took in the fact that it was a large room with a cheerful fire burning in the hearth, but they were eclipsed by what seemed to be a sea of eyes staring at me. I moved forward slowly, wondering if I would recognise any of them, but Jo has seen me and jumped to her feet.
“Stacie! Come along in my dear. You know everyone here, though some of them may have changed a bit. Sit here and let me give you a cup of tea – I’m sure you’re dying a thirst.”
Felling a bit breathless from Jo’s energy I sank into a chair and looked around properly. I did know everyone there I realised. Grizel Cochrane looked older and tired and drawn, as if she had to make an effort to be sociable. I wondered what she felt about this house party of Jo’s as she looked to me as if she really needed some weeks of quiet rather than the sort of gadding about that Jo was likely to have organised. Evadne Lannis and Cornelia Flower were older versions of the girls I remembered, but just the same in many ways for all their maturity. Accepting the cup of tea offered by Jo, I began to think that I had done the right thing by coming out here. Time had blurred the differences I had encountered as a schoolgirl, and I knew that I could join the group on an equal footing, and even deepen existing friendships.

The week lived up to all expectations - including the sort of escapades for which the Chalet School had such a justly high reputation, the accident with the tablecloth being one of the farcical examples. I thought that we had had our quota of accidents when we so nearly fell onto the glacier, but worse was to come. I was one of the party that went with Len further up the mountain, intending to walk back. Corney, Evvy, Grizel, Frieda, Simone and Marie were also there, and we had a wonderful time exploring the alp and buying souvenirs. After lunch we set off to walk back down; I had been assured that the path was easy so that there would be no strain to my back. I was a little concerned as I had done more exercise in that week than I was accustomed to do in a month, and I was afraid that I would suffer for it. However it was holding out for the time being, and I set off with the others chattering gaily. It was a wonderful walk with new views opening up all the time. We passed a stream tumbling down the mountainside, but kept going as Len wanted us to get past a part of the route that was in the shade while the light was still good.

Gradually we began to hear the sound of another stream getting louder and louder. Then we came round a corner and saw it. It ran from the cliff-side right across the path and tumbled over the edge of the path. The only way across was by stepping stones, and the stream was in flood and washing over some of them. No one noticed my reaction, for Corney was loudly proclaiming her inability to cross. I just stood there, and I felt stunned. Not since the time that I’d run away had I come across a river in flood, and it affected me in a way that I hadn’t anticipated. The memory of the dreadful time came flooding back and I found it impossible to move. The others crossed one by one, with Corney being helped across. It barely registered that they had all gone, all I could see was the wildly tossing water that I knew I had to cross. Then someone called to me, and I came back to the present.

Author:  Helen P [ 29 Apr 2006, 22:04 ]
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Thank you Pat, it is lovely to see more of this. :)

Author:  francesn [ 29 Apr 2006, 23:25 ]
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Thank you Pat.

Very realistic to see Stacie's panic over the water.

Author:  Susan [ 29 Apr 2006, 23:53 ]
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Thanks Pat.

Author:  Lesley [ 30 Apr 2006, 00:05 ]
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Poor Stacie - of course it was going to affect her.

Thanks Pat.

Author:  Cath V-P [ 30 Apr 2006, 04:21 ]
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Thanks Pat. Poor Stacie, that would be upsetting.

Author:  Kathy_S [ 30 Apr 2006, 04:46 ]
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Thank you, Pat! Yes, I can certainly see that reaction to the high water -- now that you point it out, it seems obvious. :shock:

Author:  JoW [ 30 Apr 2006, 08:57 ]
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Thank you pat. It is great to see things from Stacie's point of view. Crossing the flooded stream would have been an ordeal for her.

Author:  MaryR [ 30 Apr 2006, 09:53 ]
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Oh dear - poor Stacie. Why do things always come back to haunt us? :cry:

Thanks, Pat

Author:  RuthY [ 30 Apr 2006, 12:52 ]
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Oh dear poor Stacie.

Thanks Pat this is great.

Author:  LizB [ 30 Apr 2006, 15:22 ]
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Thanks, Pat.

Poor Stacie.

Author:  Pat [ 30 Apr 2006, 17:51 ]
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It was actually mentioned in Reunion - someone realised after Corney had made a fuss getting across! Stacie was left on the other side by herself.

Author:  Chair [ 01 May 2006, 12:08 ]
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Thanks, Pat. I feel sorry for Stacie, being left by herself to get across after everything that she's been through.

Author:  ibarhis [ 02 May 2006, 16:29 ]
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I've been looking forward to this. Thank you.

Author:  Pat [ 02 May 2006, 17:47 ]
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Thanks for the link Ally.



The roaring, tumbling water was still there in front of me, but I didn’t have to face it alone this time. I was helped across the stones, though I never did register which of the others had helped me. By the time I reached the other side I was shaking, but there wasn’t really time for a rest, so we pushed on, and gradually the fear left me and I began to enjoy the walk again. Unfortunately worse was to come on that walk, one that could have resulted in at least one if not two deaths. That it did not was a miracle. We were getting close to another small village when it happened. Len was chatting away to us when the stone on which she was standing shifted, tipped and fell down the face of the mountain taking Len with it.

Someone screamed I think, but Grizel kept her head and ran to the edge to see if she could see Len. What a relief it was to find that she’d landed in a tree just a little way below, and that there was a ledge just below it. Grizel wasted no time in sending someone for help, and then she let herself down onto the ledge, taking an improvised rope of linked belts with her. It took courage for Len to let go of the tree, but it had to be done, for it was already pulling away from the cliff, and if she hadn’t dropped into Grizel’s waiting arms she would have been thrown to her death when the tree finally gave way. As it was, Grizel’s back was badly bruised by a jutting piece of rock, and she only just managed to make her way to a wider part of the ledge before collapsing. Marie ran to the village to phone the San, and by the time she had returned we had some unexpected help. Two walkers found us, and the fact that both of them were doctors felt as though the party were under special protection from above. Neil Shepherd went down to Grizel and managed to get Len up to the path. The poor girl was in agony from her cramped legs, for Grizle had been lying on her all the time. I knew how painful that was, but could do little to help, for my back was protesting at the strain it had been put under, and all I could do was sit and rest it. When Jack Maynard arrived with a stretcher he took one look and sent me on ahead to the village Gasthaus with the others while he transferred Grizel to the stretcher. By the time we reached the Platz we were all utterly exhausted with strain and worry. Grizel was taken straight to the San, where she was diagnosed with a cracked vertebra; Len was sent straight to bed, and the rest of us weren’t far behind. That incident spelt the end of the reunion for all practical purposes, though some of the other guests remained in the vicinity for a while.

Author:  Lesley [ 02 May 2006, 18:31 ]
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Poor Stacie - I bet she, more than anyone, was able to empathise with Grizel.

Thanks Pat.

Author:  Chair [ 02 May 2006, 20:54 ]
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Thanks, Pat. That accident was scary - Len was very lucky to have survived.

Author:  ibarhis [ 02 May 2006, 20:59 ]
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Good to read this from Stacie's point of view!

Author:  leahbelle [ 03 May 2006, 09:01 ]
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Poor Stacie. I'd never thought before how scary this incident must have seemed to her.

Thanks, Pat.

Author:  francesn [ 03 May 2006, 14:38 ]
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I agree it's very interesting to see it from where Stacie's standing. Maybe she'll be able to help Grizel a little.

I love the comment about doctors and protection from above, Pat! Definitely made me smile!

Author:  LizB [ 04 May 2006, 10:50 ]
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Thanks Pat - glad Jack took time to check Stacie's condition when he arrived.

Author:  RuthY [ 04 May 2006, 17:57 ]
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That was scary! Thanks Pat!

Author:  Pat [ 09 May 2006, 18:02 ]
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It was during this time that Jo made a suggestion that I really had to think about. She seemed to think that I was lonely in Oxford, and that the climate there didn’t suit me very well. I have no idea what put such thoughts into her mind, but whatever it was the outcome was an invitation to move out to the Platz permanently, bringing Bessie (my maid) with me. I would have part of Freudesheim for my own preserve, where I could be completely independent if I wished or equally join the Maynards in their side of the house. By this time I had little teaching. Most of the work I did could be done anywhere. Additionally my circle of friends had diminished, mostly due to moving to other parts of Britain. I still found it hard to make really good friends, and this meant that I had been receiving fewer invitations to social events, dinner parties and similar functions. I asked for time to consider, and consider I did. I had a circle of people on the Platz who cared for me – I had no idea why, since my time at school had not been so very happy. I didn’t think that they were sorry for me – I had no impression of that anyway. Although I liked Oxford, and didn’t feel that my health was affected by the climate, I knew that the clear fresh air of Switzerland, free of the dirt and smog of industrial England, was far healthier. On the other hand, I was settled in Oxford. I was close to good sources of material for my studies, and I would be leaving friends behind. It took a few days to make up my mind, but I decided in the end to take Jo up on her offer. As for Bessie, I would of course give her the choice. She had lived in the Oxford area all her life, and might very well not wish to move.

Author:  Ruth B [ 09 May 2006, 18:14 ]
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I like the last sentence. It probably hadn't even occurred to Jo that Bessie might not want to move!

Author:  Lesley [ 09 May 2006, 18:50 ]
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Hope she doesn't feel it's a mistake in later years.

Thanks Pat.

Author:  Chair [ 10 May 2006, 16:50 ]
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Thanks, Pat. I hope that things work out for Stacie when she moves to the Platz.

Author:  leahbelle [ 10 May 2006, 16:58 ]
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Just can't help thinking that Stacie deserves a break and for things to go well for her. I'd love to see her really, really happy. Thanks!

Author:  KathrynW [ 10 May 2006, 18:15 ]
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Thanks Pat - I really enjoyed seeing the events of Reunion from Stacie's point of view and I hope the move works out for her.

Thank you, I'm really enjoying this :D

Author:  Helen P [ 12 May 2006, 17:20 ]
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Thank you Pat - everyone else has beaten me to it with the comments I was going to make!! Lovely to see Reunion from another point of view - and I'm looking forward to seeing the move from Stacie's perspective too!

Author:  ibarhis [ 12 May 2006, 19:47 ]
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I always liked Stacie. I hope she is happy with the move.

Author:  Pat [ 16 May 2006, 17:52 ]
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When I returned to Oxford, I sat down with Bessie and discussed the plans. I wanted to know what she really thought, and had no intention of persuading her to come with me if she’d prefer to stay in England. I knew that it would be a very big change for her, and I was sure that did not speak any German. We discussed everything thoroughly, and I left her to talk to her family and make up her mind. I was in no hurry, for there was a lot to do before I could move. Sorting out what I wanted to take, and what could be left in the house. I would let it to someone, which would give me an additional income, so there would be no trouble over most of the furniture. Jo had said that the apartment I would use was already furnished, so I was spared the expense of moving my own, and the house could be let fully furnished. However, I wanted to take my favourite pictures and ornaments, all the little things that make a house a home.

I was delighted when Bessie said that she would come with me. She asked me to help her to learn some German before she went, and I agreed to try. Teaching my own subject was one thing, but teaching someone to speak another language was different. All I could do was use the same method that I had had to deal with – learning by hearing it spoken. Bessie learnt whole phrases off by heart to start with as we used the situations around us as a starting point. She added words as she went along, and by the time we set out for Switzerland she had a basic idea of the language, and could make herself understood. She was wildly excited about going abroad, for like many of her contemporaries she had never been abroad, and it was a huge adventure. Luckily she was a good traveller, and suffered no sea-sickness on the crossing, although it was a little rough. Once on French soil she was spell-bound by the differences, not only in the language, but the houses, customs, and food. The boxes had gone on ahead, and we only had overnight bags with us, plus the things we would need for the journey. Even so, by the time we climbed down from the train in Interlaken we were both very tired, and glad to see Jo waiting for us with a car. The mountains were a wonder to Bessie, who had seen pictures, but was still not prepared for the reality. She closed her eyes as we climbed up out of the valley, for the road ran along the edge of the cliff in some places, but the Platz delighted her, especially the wonderful view of the Jungfrau, with its permanent coating of snow. We were both ready for bed, but Jo took us to her side of the house, where we were given a hot meal, Bessie eating with Anna in the kitchen, though we usually ate together. When we did retire to our own side, we tumbled into bed and slept the clock around.

Author:  Róisín [ 16 May 2006, 17:55 ]
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Just started reading this and it is lovely Pat. Thank you and looking forward to more :D

Author:  Chair [ 16 May 2006, 17:58 ]
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Thanks, Pat. I'm glad that Bessie decided to go with her.

Author:  KathrynW [ 16 May 2006, 18:08 ]
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Thank you Pat, it definitely seems like they made the right choice.

Kathryn

Author:  Lesley [ 16 May 2006, 19:55 ]
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Pleased Stacie has Bessie there.

Thanks Pat.

Author:  ibarhis [ 16 May 2006, 20:00 ]
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I love the contrast between Stacie/Bessie and Jo/Anna.... I wonder who Bessie will choose to eat with going forward?

Author:  RuthY [ 16 May 2006, 20:09 ]
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Thanks Pat.

Glad Bessie decided to go too.

Very interesting to see the difference between the relationship between Stcie and Bessie compared to that between Jo and Anna

Author:  Dawn [ 16 May 2006, 20:39 ]
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That was a fabulous update Pat - fascinating to see Bessie never having been out of the UK and how excited she is.

Nowadays foreign travel is just so taken for granted and it's a real reminder that that has only happened comparatively recently for the majority of people

Author:  Helen P [ 16 May 2006, 21:41 ]
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Thank you Pat, I really enjoyed that, particularly seeing Bessie's reaction to everything.

Author:  Sugar [ 16 May 2006, 22:55 ]
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lovely Pat, loved seeing Stacie's perspective and how Betty felt about things- sometimes Jo would never consider.

Author:  Kathy_S [ 17 May 2006, 00:09 ]
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Thanks, Pat!

Nice to see Stacie so careful of Bessie.
I hope eating with Anna was her choice! Good way to get acquainted, perhaps....

Author:  Cath V-P [ 17 May 2006, 00:46 ]
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Thanks Pat, that was fascinating.

Author:  leahbelle [ 18 May 2006, 15:52 ]
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Lovely to see how concerned Stacie was about Bessie being happy. What a difference between the way Stacie and Bessie are together and the way Joey treats Anna!

Author:  Pat [ 01 Jun 2006, 21:46 ]
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We both gradually settled in. Bessie became good friends with Anna, and through her acquired a circle of friends. I began my work again, preparing another book, and life settled down comfortably. It was nice to have friends around me, and to be able to be private too. I began to go down into Interlaken for concerts and recitals, and began to get to know other people there during the intervals. I refused to allow myself to become too buried in my work. I knew from experience that not only did my health suffer, but so did my writing if I didn’t keep up a good social life too.

Miss Annersley – who insisted that I should use her Christian name – was invited to tour a number of schools on a fact-finding mission, and left Nancy Wilmot in charge. I was only marginally aware of this until Kathie Ferrars, a very good young mistress who was not an ex-Chalet girl, was struck down with appendicitis. Then Jo suggested that I should help out with the teaching.
“You taught during the war Stacie, and in a boy’s school at that. You can’t have forgotten how in the meantime. It would really help out a tremendous lot.”
“Stop grovelling Jo. Of course I’ll help. It will give me a nice change, and I enjoyed teaching. I wonder what the Middles will try to test me?” I grinned to show that I wasn’t worried, and in truth I had no worries. I had dealt with the boys well enough, and I was a lot older now.

Author:  Helen P [ 01 Jun 2006, 21:55 ]
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Thank you Pat, lovely to see more of this.

I like the reference to Stacie teaching in a boys' school during the war :D Two drabbles collide....

Author:  Pat [ 01 Jun 2006, 21:59 ]
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This one was a school in Truro Helen. It appears earlier int he drabble! :wink:

Author:  Lesley [ 01 Jun 2006, 22:09 ]
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Good to see Stacie so confident.

Thanks Pat.

Author:  Róisín [ 01 Jun 2006, 22:10 ]
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Thanks Pat. It's nice to hear about Bessie and Anna getting on. I always thought she would be a bit lonely - glad she is not :D

Author:  Chair [ 01 Jun 2006, 22:11 ]
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Thanks, Pat. I'm glad that Stacie is happy to teach for a while at the CS.

Author:  Helen P [ 01 Jun 2006, 22:11 ]
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Pat wrote:
This one was a school in Truro Helen. It appears earlier int he drabble! :wink:


Ooops :oops: sorry - earlier in the drabble was quite a long time ago though *ducks and runs away* :wink:

Author:  Josie [ 01 Jun 2006, 22:33 ]
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Thanks Pat. Have really enjoyed catching up with this again.

Author:  LizB [ 02 Jun 2006, 00:51 ]
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Nice to see Stacie confident and happy to teach again :D

Thanks, Pat

Author:  leahbelle [ 05 Jun 2006, 19:51 ]
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Good to see Stacie going back to the CS to teach. Thanks for the update!

Author:  Rosy-Jess [ 05 Jun 2006, 21:19 ]
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Oooh. Updates. Hurrah. This is lovely Pat. You paint a very realistic Stacie.

Author:  Pat [ 08 Jun 2006, 21:50 ]
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Jack had put his foot down and stopped my round of lectures, saying that I was becoming too tired by the constant travelling. I gave in rather than cause trouble, but felt he was fussing too much. The result of his dictat was that I was thoroughly bored, and I hoped that the teaching would help pass the time. Al was well at first, and I think that my doctorate had awed the monkeys that were the current bunch of middles into behaving. However, it was only a question of time before they tried to make me rise, and inevitably it was an idea of Jocelyn Marvell’s that they used. She had come to school with a reputation for mischief and had proceeded to live up to it from the first. The trick they tired on me was simple enough; the used cobblers wax to prevent the desk drawer opening. Unfortunately I failed to realise what was happening at first, and spent a few minutes tugging futilely on the handle. It was only when I heard a smothered giggle that I caught on, and then I could have kicked myself. However, I quickly rallied and blandly told them that as they had prevented me from opening the drawer they would have to forfeit there marks until Gaudenz was able to free it. They would thus lose not only the marks from my lesson but all the others for the day. Some of them looked rather blue at that, but I knew that I had to deal with this firmly or there would be more trouble. I was seriously annoyed at the time – with them and with myself – but later saw the funny side of it. Jo assured me that this was enough punishment, and suggested dismissing the whole thing as beneath me. Strangely enough I had no more trouble with that crowd for the rest of the time I was teaching.

Author:  KathrynW [ 08 Jun 2006, 22:01 ]
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Thanks Pat, I love seeing things from Stacie's point of view. Thank you!

Kathryn

Author:  Lesley [ 08 Jun 2006, 22:39 ]
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Have just read that episode - thanks Pat.

Author:  Helen P [ 09 Jun 2006, 10:03 ]
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Excellent, it is good to see this incident from Stacie's perspective. :D

Thank you Pat.

Author:  LizB [ 09 Jun 2006, 12:04 ]
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Well done Stacie :D

Author:  Chair [ 09 Jun 2006, 12:21 ]
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Thanks, Pat. I'm glad that she was able to think of a suitable punishment for them.

Author:  leahbelle [ 09 Jun 2006, 12:51 ]
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NIce to see this incident from Stacie's point of view. Good for her to be back teaching, too. There's nothing worse than being bored because someone has said you're not strong enough, or you have to be careful not to over-exert yourself!

Author:  Jennie [ 09 Jun 2006, 12:52 ]
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Thanks, Pat. I'm always glad to see some more of this.

Author:  Pat [ 11 Jun 2006, 21:23 ]
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I was scheduled to be in Vienna just before Easter to give a paper on Aeschylus. The presentation went well, with plenty of questions from a well-informed audience, and I’m afraid we over-ran the time. However, I escaped at last, and made my way to the dining room. I was hungry, and carried a loaded tray to a remote table, hoping that most people wouldn’t see me. I needed to unwind, and I had found that I could best do that alone. I was halfway through my meal, with my head buried in a book, when I became that someone was standing across the table from me.
“Excuse me, do you mind if I join you?” said a fair-haired man of about my own age. He was tall, and reasonably good looking, dressed casually in an open necked shirt and jacket. I vaguely remembered that he had asked an interesting question at the end of my paper, but he hadn’t really registered.
“I don’t mind,” I said politely, and slipped my bookmark into my book with an inward sigh.
“May I introduce myself? My name is Simon Masters, and I come from the north of England, though at present I’m living in Geneva. May I say how much I enjoyed your paper today?”

Author:  Lyanne [ 11 Jun 2006, 21:59 ]
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Ooh, romance I think!

Author:  leahbelle [ 11 Jun 2006, 22:04 ]
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It would be so nice for Stacie if Simon turned out to be someone she could love and be loved by. She must be very lonely.

Author:  Chair [ 11 Jun 2006, 22:06 ]
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Thanks, Pat. I look forward to seeing more of Simon.

Author:  KathrynW [ 11 Jun 2006, 22:36 ]
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I think I approve of him a lot, thanks Pat :D

Kathryn

Author:  Lesley [ 11 Jun 2006, 23:00 ]
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Hmmm, sounds good.

Thanks Pat.

Author:  Helen P [ 11 Jun 2006, 23:11 ]
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I used to know someone called Simon Masters! :lol: :lol:

Thank you Pat, this looks promising for Stacie! :D

Author:  LizB [ 12 Jun 2006, 00:20 ]
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Even if it's not romance, it'd be lovely for Stacie to have a friend with similar interests :D

Thanks, Pat.

Author:  Jennie [ 12 Jun 2006, 20:02 ]
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For Stacie, it's the company that's needed, not necessarily a romance, and he seems to like her brains.

Author:  Pat [ 12 Jun 2006, 21:10 ]
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“I could feel myself flushing a little, but managed to stay composed and thank him for his contribution to the discussion. We chatted a little about the talk, and then the conversation drifted on to other things. I found that he wasn’t a Classicist by profession, but an Historian with an interest in the subject, and I found that we had a lot more than that in common. We both enjoyed the same sort of music and books, though we also had areas that the other hadn’t explored, and it was nearly one in the morning before I realised it. We had removed to the bar long before then, as the seats were more comfortable, and I was reluctant to say goodnight. However, I was tired, and I knew that I needed to get some rest before the next day’s sessions, so I finally made my apologies and made my way upstairs. As I got ready for bed I realised that this was the first time I had made such an instant friend since my university days, and then, with a shock, that that friend had been Matt. I sat down on the bed with a thump. I had never forgotten Matt of course. In fact I had missed him from the day he had died to the present, and he was never very far from my thoughts. On the other hand, I was no longer grieving his loss in the same way. It was something I had grown used to, and was a small ache in my heart. But I had equally never expected to make such an instant friendship again, as experience had shown me that that sort of thing only happened once in a lifetime if you were lucky. I pulled myself together and finished getting ready for bed, telling myself firmly not to be so foolish. But I slept better that night than I had done for years, and deep sleep with no dreams that I could remember, and I woke refreshed the next day with a light heart.

Author:  Lesley [ 12 Jun 2006, 22:29 ]
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Awwww, so is the fact that she was reminded of Matt an omen that this new man could be special? I hope so, for Stacie's sake.

Thanks Pat.

Author:  KathrynW [ 12 Jun 2006, 23:24 ]
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He does sound wonderful even if he's not a classicist :wink:

Thanks Pat :D

Kathryn

Author:  Sugar [ 12 Jun 2006, 23:25 ]
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Fantastic. I hope the new man turns into someone special for her.

Author:  Chair [ 12 Jun 2006, 23:29 ]
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Thanks, Pat. I'm glad that they are getting on so well.

Author:  Nell [ 13 Jun 2006, 10:13 ]
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Its great when you make friends like that - I hope he and Stacie stay in touch even if nothing else happens.

Thank you Pat.

Author:  LizB [ 13 Jun 2006, 12:05 ]
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Wot Nell said

*being lazy* :wink:

Author:  Pat [ 13 Jun 2006, 17:41 ]
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The rest of the conference rushed by, and I realised that I did not want to lose touch with Simon. The more I came to know him, the more I wanted to know. He seemed to feel the same way, and we agreed to write. Just leaving on the train left a gap, something that hadn’t happened for a very long time. Part of me accepted that he was special, but commonsense reared its head and argued that I was far too old for anything but friendship. The fact that Grizel had found love when she had least expected to was dismissed without thought. I think we both posted out first letter the following day, judging by the speed that mine arrived in. We corresponded regularly after that – letters crossing each other in the post most days. There was nothing other than commonplaces in either letter; just keeping each other up to date with our lives. But as the days and then the weeks went by I accepted more and more that Simon was more than just another friend, though there was no hint of anything more in our letters. One day, coming back from a walk, I popped into Jo’s part of the house for a chat. We never stood on ceremony, so I didn’t knock, but went straight into the house. I nearly retreated immediately, as I could here her talking to someone, though I couldn’t hear the words. Then the reply came, and I recognised the voice.

Author:  KathrynW [ 13 Jun 2006, 18:09 ]
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Who was it?!

It's lovely to see Stacie and Simon's relationship blossoming.

I'm intruigued as to what happens next :D

Thanks Pat!

Author:  Chair [ 13 Jun 2006, 19:27 ]
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Thanks, Pat. I am also wondering whom Jo is talking to.

Author:  Lesley [ 13 Jun 2006, 20:03 ]
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Is it Simon?

Thanks Pat - glad that Stacie's found a friend - hope Jo's doesn't scare him off by being too exhuberent.

Author:  LizB [ 14 Jun 2006, 13:13 ]
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*agog with curiosity*

Thanks, Pat

Author:  Nell [ 15 Jun 2006, 10:41 ]
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*echoes Lesley*

Author:  Pat [ 23 Jun 2006, 15:44 ]
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It was Simon. But what he was doing here on the Platz I did not know. When I went into the room he was facing me, and his whole face lit up as he jumped to his feet.
“Stacie! It’s great to see you again. Sorry I didn’t let you know I was coming, but it was all very last minute.”
By this time he had reached me, and to my great surprise and delight he gave me an enormous hug, which I returned with interest. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Jo almost goggling with surprise at the proceedings, and I grinned to myself. It was always a bonus to give Jo a shock, and I believed that this had scored handsomely. Simon kept an arm around me and steered me to the settee, as if he had already taken Jo’s measure and was out to improve on the shock she had already received. At least, that was what I told myself, though I hoped that some of this was for me too. Jo insisted on serving us all with English tea, and so it was some time before we could escape to my own side of the house. When we finally reached my lounge, Simon collapsed into as chair with a sigh.
“Whew! Is she always like that Stacie? I know you tried to tell me, but you have to experience someone like that before you really believe what you’re told!”
“Oh yes! That was typical Jo. You did really well to give so little away; she’s usually a past-master at worming information out of people. She’s a good friend for all that, and really wants only the best for her friends. What on earth are you doing here anyway? You never did give a sensible answer to that question.”
“No I know I didn’t. I wanted a bit of privacy for that.” He stopped, and I waited for him to continue, as he seemed to be trying to work out what he was going to say. Finally he looked at me with a fair amount of diffidence, and continued. “I don’t really know the best way to say this Stacie, so I’m going to risk just coming out with it. I’ve been avoiding mentioning this in my letters too, so forgive me if it’s a bit of a shock. I missed you more than I expected to, given the short time we’d known each other, and our letters only made things worse. I wanted to talk to you, be with you even if we weren’t talking; I wanted to find out if I still wanted to be with you all the time when I saw you again. I fought against it, but I’ve had to give in. I’m sorry if You just wanted us to be friends, but now I’ve seen you again, I know it isn’t just that for me. I want more than just friendship.”
He stopped talking and looked away as if he was afraid of my answer.

Author:  Helen P [ 23 Jun 2006, 16:25 ]
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Ooooooooooooh!!!!! :D :D :D

How romantic! I wonder what Stacie will say? :)

Thank you Pat.

Author:  Chair [ 23 Jun 2006, 17:01 ]
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Thanks, Pat. I wonder what Stacie's answer is going to be.

Author:  KathrynW [ 23 Jun 2006, 18:23 ]
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That was so lovely of him! I can't wait to see Stacie's reaction. Thanks Pat :D

Kathryn

Author:  Lesley [ 23 Jun 2006, 18:40 ]
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Absolutely love that Jo was unable to worm any useful info out of him! :lol: And what a gesture - go for it Stacie!

Thanks Pat.

Author:  leahbelle [ 23 Jun 2006, 19:22 ]
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Lucky Stacie. Simon sounds like a great guy. I hope she feels the same way!

Author:  LizB [ 23 Jun 2006, 21:50 ]
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Awwwwww! How luffly :D

Thanks, Pat

Author:  Nell [ 26 Jun 2006, 10:49 ]
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LizB wrote:
Awwwwww! How luffly :D

Thanks, Pat


Exactely! Thanks Pat.

Author:  Pat [ 26 Jun 2006, 13:06 ]
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For a moment I just stared at him, and then his face changed as if he thought that he’d spoken out of turn, and I couldn’t allow that.
“I feel exactly the same way,” I said, before he could say anything else. “I’m sorry I hesitated, but it was the surprise of hearing you say exactly what I’ve been thinking that took my breath away a bit. Almost from the first day we met I’ve been reminded of the way I felt about Matt, but I’ve been trying to tell myself not to be so silly, as I was too old for anything like that now. But I’ve been fooling myself. I want more than just friendship too.”
I stopped there, feeling shy, and kicking myself for it. I was a mature woman, and there was no reason for feeling shy. Suddenly I found myself pulled to my feet and into Simon’s arms, and events after that should remain unwritten I think, apart from our decision to marry as soon as possible. Neither of us had family to consult so that we could please ourselves, though we did want as many of our friends as possible to be with us.

Simon had booked into one of the local Pensions for a few days, and we spent the time exploring the area and avoiding Jo. For the time being we wanted to keep our secret to ourselves, something precious that only we knew, and once Jo knew our secret it would be a secret no longer. One day, when we had walked further than normal, my back started playing up again, much to my disgust. Simon realised that there was something the matter and asked what it was.
“My back aches a bit,” I said, playing it down. “It’s always been a bit suspect since an accident I had as a child.” And I told him about the dreadful year when I was bed-bound so much of the time.
“But didn’t you get exercises to strengthen the muscles?” he asked.
“No. I have always been told to rest whenever my back started aching.”
“But surely once you were able to get up again it was different!”
He was clearly shocked, as was I when I realised that rest might not have been the best treatment.
“Do you mean that if I had done exercises years ago I wouldn’t be having problems now? How do you know?”
“I don’t know for sure – I’m not a doctor. But I do know that there are specialists who can tell you for sure. I would think that anything that strengthened the muscles would be good, but you’d need to see someone who knows to advise you. I’ll look into it if you like. I have friends in that sort of field.”

Author:  Dawn [ 26 Jun 2006, 13:10 ]
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Another fab update Pat - and who's going to be in trouble for not getting Stacie to do exercises :wink:

Author:  KathrynW [ 26 Jun 2006, 13:13 ]
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Thanks Pat, maybe there are some exercises that Stacie can do now to help her back. It's lovely to see her so happy.

Author:  leahbelle [ 26 Jun 2006, 13:45 ]
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Great to see Stacie with some happiness in her life again. Good decision to keep their news from Jo for the moment!

Author:  Lesley [ 26 Jun 2006, 19:19 ]
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Yes back problems now are treated more with physiotherapy and exercise - but in the 1930's the treatment was correct - as far as they knew.

Interesting though - what Jack will say about someone questioning his authority - he should have kept up-to-date.

Thanks Pat.

Author:  Rosy-Jess [ 26 Jun 2006, 19:22 ]
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Aw. How considerate of him. He sounds lovely. Thankyou Pat!

Author:  Sarah_L [ 26 Jun 2006, 19:24 ]
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In What Katy Did, she spends about four years in her room after hurting her back. Though that was set quite a few years before any CS books.

Author:  Chair [ 26 Jun 2006, 19:40 ]
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Thanks, Pat. I hope that the exercises will be able to help her after all this time.

Author:  Pat [ 26 Jun 2006, 19:42 ]
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Lesley wrote:
Yes back problems now are treated more with physiotherapy and exercise - but in the 1930's the treatment was correct - as far as they knew.

Interesting though - what Jack will say about someone questioning his authority - he should have kept up-to-date.

Thanks Pat.


What gets me is that Pilates and the Alexander technique were known then, and they concentrate on strengthening the core muscles.

Author:  LizB [ 26 Jun 2006, 21:24 ]
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Thanks Pat

Author:  MaryR [ 26 Jun 2006, 21:32 ]
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How nice for Stacie to find love again.

Thanks, Pat.

Author:  Lesley [ 26 Jun 2006, 22:28 ]
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The problem is those techniques were looked on as not conventional medicine and therefore couldn't possibly be right - some reactionary medical people today still have the same ideas - though far less now.

Author:  Ruth B [ 26 Jun 2006, 23:15 ]
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The rest cure isn't that unheard of even now: I hurt my back 10 years ago and was sent to bed on diazepam for a month. Needless to say, I then had to spend a couple of months reclaiming my muscles from the land of spaghetti-dom. Even now I have trouble if I overdo it (although, my definition of "overdo" is rather different to Jack and Jem's!)

Author:  Pat [ 28 Jun 2006, 17:40 ]
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It didn’t seem possible that I could do anything to improve the weakness of my back, but I was prepared to try anything within reason. We left it then, waiting for Simon to contact his friends for advice. The days went by too fast and when Simon had to return to his work I was reluctant to see him go. The Platz seemed more isolated when he had gone, and very far away from him, but I knew that it would not be forever. I contacted the Anglican priest who served the school and San about the wedding, trying to find a date that would suit both us and him. Armed with a couple of alternatives, I wrote to Simon, suggesting a date little more than a month away. On his enthusiastic endorsement, I went into Interlaken and selected a pretty set of stationery. I knew that my peace would be at an end as soon as the invitations went out. I had decided not to wear a traditional white dress, but a pretty outfit that I could wear again; I felt too old to be a traditional bride. I found just what I was looking for the next day in Berne, and came back to the Platz loaded down with parcels to be greeted by an excited Joey, who had received her invitation that morning, after I had left.

Author:  KathrynW [ 28 Jun 2006, 18:07 ]
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That was very sneaky of Stacie but I'm glad she is so excited about the wedding.

Thank you Pat!

Author:  leahbelle [ 28 Jun 2006, 18:15 ]
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So lovely to see Stacie so excited and enthusiastic. How old would she have been at this point?

Author:  Pat [ 28 Jun 2006, 18:16 ]
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Mid to late 30s I think.

Author:  leahbelle [ 28 Jun 2006, 18:19 ]
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Thanks, Pat, that was about what I thought.

Author:  Helen P [ 28 Jun 2006, 18:27 ]
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Thank you Pat, that was lovely - I am now wondering just what Joey is going to say! :D

Author:  Chair [ 28 Jun 2006, 18:47 ]
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Thanks, Pat. I am looking forward to seeing what Joey says.

Author:  LizB [ 28 Jun 2006, 19:20 ]
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Stacie kept her secret well - and I'm sure Jo is going to be thrilled for her :D

Thanks, Pat

Author:  Lesley [ 28 Jun 2006, 19:21 ]
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Oh lovely - so pleased for her.

Thanks Pat.

Author:  francesn [ 28 Jun 2006, 23:37 ]
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I'm so happy for her! She definitely deserves some happiness and I hope everyone will be pleased for her.

Thanks Pat

Author:  Jennie [ 29 Jun 2006, 11:38 ]
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I'm so thrilled that Stacie is going to be happy at last. Please don't let Jo interfere in the wedding arrangements.

Author:  Pat [ 23 Jul 2006, 19:16 ]
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“When did this happen?” she exclaimed. “You’ve been a bit of a dark horse over this, haven’t you?”
“I have rather,” I said. “I really didn’t want anyone to make a fuss, or tease me. It’s time enough now that things are settled.”
“Was that a dig at me?” she demanded with a grin. “Well, maybe it was justified! I hope you’ll be as happy as I have been with Jack, Stacie my dear.”

The days went past remarkably rapidly, and it seemed to be no time at all before I was walking up the aisle on Jack’s arm to meet Simon at the altar. It was only convention that made me ask anyone to ‘give me away’, for I had been my own mistress for so long that I thought it ridiculous. I would have preferred to have done without this, but I realised that it would cause more scandal than it was worth, so I made the best of things. Jo and Jack were fully aware of my feelings, and understood too, which was a great relief. It was a simple service, with a full church which made the singing go well. Both Simon and I made our vows in voices that reached to the back of the building - or so we were told later - and then I was walking back down the aisle on Simon’s arm, and with a wonderfully warm feeling in my heart that showed in the wide smile on my face. I could feel Matt there too, giving me his blessing and then fading away into the past. I would always remember him and the love that we had for each other, but my life was with Simon, and my feelings for him were as strong.

The reception was held in the school Spiesesaal, though I had booked outside caterers. I would not let Karen and her staff be volunteered for extra work, and had had a talk with Karen to make sure she understood. I wanted her as a guest, along with the other school staff, not slaving away in the kitchen. Then it was time to go, and Jack drove us to the little station that served the Platz to catch the mountain train down to Interlaken. We had decided to go to Venice for our honeymoon, as it was a place neither of us had been before, though we were spending our first night together in a hotel in Interlaken.

Author:  Lesley [ 23 Jul 2006, 20:13 ]
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How lovely of Stacie - the bit about Karen I mean - so glad the wedding has gone off so well.

Thanks Pat.

Author:  Chair [ 23 Jul 2006, 21:43 ]
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Thanks, Pat. I'm glad the wedding went well.

Author:  KathrynW [ 23 Jul 2006, 22:16 ]
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Thank you Pat, it sounds like the perfect wedding day for Stacie :D

Author:  Nell [ 24 Jul 2006, 10:43 ]
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Thank you Pat - sounds like a lovely day!

Author:  Helen P [ 24 Jul 2006, 11:51 ]
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How lovely! Thank you Pat. :D

Author:  Jennie [ 24 Jul 2006, 15:35 ]
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Hurrah, Stacie's happily married.

Author:  Cryst [ 25 Jul 2006, 23:12 ]
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Just caught up with Stacie - this is lovely. Hope there's more. Thank you.

Author:  leahbelle [ 26 Jul 2006, 12:01 ]
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Thanks, Pat. Glad Stacie had a great wedding.

Author:  LizB [ 29 Jul 2006, 13:42 ]
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Hurrah!

*throws confetti*

Author:  Liz K [ 21 Apr 2007, 20:11 ]
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Dawn wrote:
Another fab update Pat - and who's going to be in trouble for not getting Stacie to do exercises :wink:


Jem, I should think. He was the one who insisted on complete bed rest in the first place.

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