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Summer holiday - the 1st trip to Tirol - updated 14.10
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=989
Author:  Laura V [ 25 Jul 2006, 17:27 ]
Post subject:  Summer holiday - the 1st trip to Tirol - updated 14.10
This is my interpretation of that first Bettany holiday to the Tyrol. Here's the first installment (apologies for any spelling or grammatical errors!)

“Tra-la-la-la-lah!” sang seven year old Joey Bettany as she skipped from room to room in the small Devonshire cottage where she lived.

“Joey Baba, will you please stop that!” protested her sister Madge who had been so rudely interrupted from her darning.

“Oh Madge, I can’t! I’m just so excited! How long until we go?” came the excited reply.

“Just another three days, Joey darling. You must be patient. Good things come to those who wait. And please stop skipping!”

Joey stopped and took a seat next to Madge. Though Madge had been irritated by Joey’s behaviour she took secret comfort in the way her sister was returning to her normal self after a winter of heavy colds.

“Madge, please tell me where we’re going again.”

Madge put down her needle and thread and looked down at Joey.

“Joey, you know where you are going…”

“But it sounds so much more exciting when you tell me Madge. Please?”

A small smile crept over Madge’s face. How could she be reserved when Joey was around!

“First of all we go to London, to visit great uncle William who is sorting out some business with Dick, and then next we head to Paris…”

“Chocolate éclairs!”

“Yes, chocolate éclairs, Joey! Now, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted,” she said good-humouredly. Joey blushed. “As I was saying, we spend a few days in Paris before heading to Switzerland. Then we make the final leg of our journey to Austria.”

Joey looked in admiration at her elder sister. After a short pause she said, “Austria….Switzerland…Paris. Madge, it sounds magical! And it’s just you and me and Dick…”

“You and I and Dick,” her sister pointed out.

“You and I and Dick,” repeated Joey, “and no grown-ups to boss us around!”

Madge chuckled. “Don’t you consider Dick and I to be grown-ups, Joey Baba?”

Joey paused for a moment, a frown on her face before replying, “Yes, yes I suppose you are!”
Author:  brie [ 25 Jul 2006, 17:31 ]
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thank you laura, i love joey in this! im looking forward to more
Author:  Chair [ 25 Jul 2006, 18:02 ]
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Thanks, Laura. It's great to see Joey so excited about the trip!
Author:  Jennie [ 25 Jul 2006, 18:06 ]
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Thanks, Laura, this sounds interesting.
Author:  Miriam [ 25 Jul 2006, 19:54 ]
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If Joey is seven, that makes Madge around nineteen, and she wouldn't e technically grown up until she is twenty one... but she is certainly of an age to consider herself grown up. Younger sisters never seem to see it though!

The characterrization looks spot on so far, and that's more important that spelling and grammer. Check them in Word first if you are really worried, but no one else will be.

Thank you.
Author:  JoS [ 25 Jul 2006, 21:12 ]
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Looks great Laura. More please!
Author:  aitchemelle [ 26 Jul 2006, 11:13 ]
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Lovely Laura thank you!
Author:  KathrynW [ 26 Jul 2006, 11:34 ]
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Thank you Laura, a really lovely start
Author:  leahbelle [ 26 Jul 2006, 11:54 ]
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Great, Laura. Looking forward to seeing more!
Author:  Laura V [ 26 Jul 2006, 14:04 ]
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The day finally arrived for Joey! After bidding goodbye to their guardian the three Bettanys, Dick, Madge and Joey set off for the station and the start of their long journey. Joey could hardly contain her excitement and if it had not been for Madge keeping her in line who knows what may have happened!

The journey to London would be a good few hours and they hoped to arrive in the late afternoon. There they would stay with their Great Uncle William Bettany. Madge looked upon this part of the holiday with a slight sadness for it was Great Uncle William who had arranged a post for Dick in the Indian Forestry Department. In the next few days she would learn how long there was left before her twin brother would set sail for the land of their birth. It could be many months before they would meet again and this holiday would be their last trip together before Dick took up his employment. Joey had been told of her brother’s immanent departure, but her youth had hindered her in fully understanding what the visit to Great Uncle William was really about.

***

Madge and Joey passed a delightful two days in London, the first by themselves in the local park and the second with Dick who took them to see the famous sights. Joey stared in wonder at the London buses.

“They’re so big and bright! Why aren’t our buses like that, Madge?”

The Bettanys made sure that they bought postcards to send back to their friends in Devonshire, and Joey insisted that she should buy some additional ones to start a postcard collection.

Finally, on the morning of the third day they set off on the second leg of their journey which would end in Paris the next day. The train was busy and Dick and Madge were annoyed to find that their compartment had been doubled booked! After a lengthy conversation with the train attendant Dick declared that nothing could be done and they would have to make the best of the situation.

“I hope we don’t have to share with a boring old man,” declared Joey.

Madge was horrified.

“Joey! Don’t let me hear you talk like that again!” she scolded.

From behind her she heard a stifled laugh and she found herself trying to hide a smile. Both she and Dick knew Joey’s sentiments towards their Guardian! On reaching their compartment Madge knocked on the door. She heard a reply and opened it.

“Excuse me, Madame, but would you mind if we join you in this compartment. There’s been an awful mix-up and the train company seems to have double booked us!” explained Madge truthfully.

The occupant of the compartment looked up smiling. She was a small woman in her forties with greying curly hair, deep brown eyes and was quite obviously French.

“Why of course ma petite! It has all been explained to me by one of the attendants. Please sit down,” she said gesturing towards the empty seats.
The Bettanys settled down and Dick started the introductions.

“I am Richard Bettany, Madame, and these are my sisters Margaret and Josephine.”

The French woman nodded approvingly before replying, “And I am Madamoiselle Lepattre, but please call me Therese. Tell me, where do you all go?”

“We’re all going to Paris before journeying to Austria,” replied Dick.

“Paris! But that is where I am from! I am returning there to visit my cousins. Would you like me to tell you about my city?” Therese asked pleasantly.

The three Bettanys nodded and with that they settled down to stories of the magical city.
Author:  brie [ 26 Jul 2006, 14:07 ]
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Ahh the introduction of mademoiselle lapattre!!! thanks laura.
Author:  Fatima [ 26 Jul 2006, 14:22 ]
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Ah, so that's how they met! Thanks, Laura.
Author:  Chair [ 26 Jul 2006, 21:09 ]
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Thanks, Laura. It's great to see their 1st meeting with Therese.
Author:  leahbelle [ 26 Jul 2006, 21:10 ]
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Lovely. I always wondered how they met.
Author:  LizB [ 29 Jul 2006, 13:49 ]
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Lovely :D

looking forward to their journey and holiday - thanks Laura
Author:  Laura V [ 04 Aug 2006, 15:31 ]
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“Well, I can safely say that I’ve never eaten anything more delicious in my life!” declared Madge.

“I couldn’t agree more!” said Dick

“And I!” put in Joey.

It was Monday lunchtime and this would be their second full day in Innsbruck. They had arrived late on Saturday and on Sunday had attended Mass and walked around the beautiful town. They had spent three wonderful days in Paris, taking in as many sights as possible that had been recommended to them by Mlle Lepattre. The three Bettanys found her to be a charming woman who they discovered was head of languages at a large girls boarding school in Kent. Joey had particularly taken a liking to the little woman with her tales of French history. On this thought Joey raised her voice.

“I say Madge, Dick, please could we go to a bookshop today?”

Madge put down her napkin before replying.
“Why, of course. That is a very good idea. We shall have to find out where there is one though, I’m still not too familiar with the shops her yet.”

Dick called the waitress over and they discovered that there was a bookshop at the end of the street. After paying the bill the three headed out of the restaurant. The bookshop was easily found and they went in.

“Was there anything in particular that you’re looking for, Joey Baba?” whispered Madge.

“Yes! I want to find a book about Napoleon. Mlle Lepattre says he’s a true French hero and I want to know more about him,” replied Joey in the same volume but with a more excited tone to her voice.

Madge was slightly surprised by Joey’s choice but let it pass. She queried the shop attendant and they were led over to the far corner of the dark shop.

“’Zist hier, Fraulein,” pointed out the attendant before leaving the customers to browse at their own will. After a few minutes Joey gave out a tiny squeal.

“Look Madge! Here! It says Napoleon on it! I do hope there’s pictures in it,” she said whilst opening the book. Joey studied the pages for a few seconds, her face gave out a puzzled look.

“Madge, I don’t understand,” she said, holding the book out to her sister.

Madge cast a quick glance at the words before sighing.

“I’m sorry Joey, but it’s all in German. You’d never understand it.”
Author:  leahbelle [ 04 Aug 2006, 16:00 ]
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And that's where Joey got her Napoleon interest from! Thanks, Laura V.
Author:  Fatima [ 04 Aug 2006, 16:53 ]
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It's nice to see more of this, thanks Laura.
Author:  JoS [ 06 Aug 2006, 21:52 ]
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Her interest in languages and Napoleon it seems - thanks Laura.
Author:  Chair [ 07 Aug 2006, 23:12 ]
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Thanks, Laura. It's great to see when Joey 1st started becoming so interested in Napoleon.
Author:  Laura V [ 15 Aug 2006, 15:24 ]
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“Oh, why can’t we see it?” whined Joey, straining to look round a rather large woman sat beside her.

Shhh. Please Joey, sit still, you’ll see it in good time,” replied Madge.

It was Friday and the three were on small train that ran through the Tirolean valleys. Their destination was the Tiernsee, a large lake near the town of Spartz, and was proclaimed by the manager of their hotel in Innsbruck to be “the loveliest of all of Austria’s lakes.” The train was beginning to slow down as it reached it’s terminus and it was at this point that Joey was starting to get restless. Dick, Madge and Joey had been sat facing away from their destination for the whole journey and so could see nothing of what lay in front of them. Eventually, after what felt like hours but was in reality little more than a couple of minutes, the train came to a stand still. Dick climbed down first to instruct the luggage porters whilst Madge helped Joey who insisted on carrying her new book with her.

“Oh, we still can’t see!” Joey proclaimed.

Almost instantly she broke hands with Madge and ran down the small platform towards the end of the train.

“Joey! Josephine!” cried a shocked Madge who signalled to Dick to chase after the young girl.

Madge apologised to the porters and moved quickly to where Dick and Joey were stood. To her surprise absolute silence reigned between them.

“Josephine Mary! How…” Madge began before she was stopped in the middle of her tirade.

She followed Dick and Joey’s gaze. What she saw took her breath away. Before them was a large lake of the bluest blue that anyone could imagine. Around the distant shores lay small villages and hamlets. The lake itself was surrounded by mountains both terrifying and beautiful, upon which Madge could see sheep and forests. In the immediate foreground a small white steamer beckoned to them.

“It’s like a fairytale,” whispered Joey without disturbing her gaze.
It certainly was.
Author:  leahbelle [ 15 Aug 2006, 18:31 ]
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NO wonder they loved it so much that they went back!
Author:  Chair [ 15 Aug 2006, 22:12 ]
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Thanks, Laura. It's really lovely to see their 1st reaction.
Author:  Alison H [ 15 Aug 2006, 22:20 ]
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It must've really made an impression on them for Madge to've wanted to go back and live there. Thanks Laura :D .
Author:  Kathy [ 24 Aug 2006, 23:04 ]
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how bizarre - I started writing a story on this theme last year, and though I never got beyond the first chapter, I'd planned to work in Joey getting her Napoleonic interest and flair for languages, meeting Madamoiselle Lepattre and so on!

Great minds naturally think alike!
Author:  Laura V [ 25 Aug 2006, 15:49 ]
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Quote:
how bizarre - I started writing a story on this theme last year, and though I never got beyond the first chapter, I'd planned to work in Joey getting her Napoleonic interest and flair for languages, meeting Madamoiselle Lepattre and so on!

Great minds naturally think alike!


:lol: Hi Kathy!!!
I often wondered if this had ever been done before, now I know! More to come soon, promise!
Author:  Laura V [ 03 Sep 2006, 19:20 ]
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It had reached the end of August and almost the end of the holidays for the Bettany trio. It was Monday and Friday would see them depart for home. All three had grown quite attached to the Tiernsee, but due to her age Joey was the one who expressed her feelings the most.

"Oh Madge, I do love this place!" she declared as she skipped next to her sister. They were walking up the relatively easy climb of the Mondscheinspitze which sat behind the village of Briesau where they had been staying. Madge carried the picnic basket, Dick had the ground sheet and Joey carried her Napoleon book.

Madge smiled down at her younger sister. Never had she thought that Joey would thrive so much in the conditions of the Tirol!

******

There was one thing that had been in the back of Madge's mind for the whole holiday and that was the thought of Dick's departure for India. She glanced over at Joey, who was soundly asleep, before sitting down next to her brother. After a few moments Madge plucked up the courage to ask Dick the inevitable question.

"Dick? When is it that you have to leave for India?" she asked meekly, for it was not a topic that the two liked to discuss.

Dick looked at his sister. "Oh, kid. I know this isn't the nicest thing to tell you but, well, I leave Taverton on the 5th."

"The fifth?" Madge was horrified. "Oh, but that's only two days after we're due back!"

"I know, but....I'm sorry Madge," he put his arm around his sister. How guilty he felt, yet nothing could be done about it.

Madge took out her handkerchief and dabbed her eyes.

"At least we've had a holiday to remember. A special one with just the tree of us," Dick said bravely.

"I can't believe that you're leaving so soon...."

"Leaving? Dick, why are you leaving? Where are you going?" came a voice from behind.

The two spun round to find that Joey was stood behind them. Her face showed both hurt and anger.

"You said you'd always tell me everything, Dick. Why are you leaving?"

Dick walked over to Joey, casting a glance over at Madge. Had she not told her what was to happen?

"Joey, kid, I have to go to India," he said kindly.

"India?" Joey's bottom lip began to quiver.
Author:  Fatima [ 03 Sep 2006, 19:23 ]
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Seeing how Jo lost her parents and, to a certain degree Dick as well, it's not difficult to see why she wanted a huge family around her when she had the chance.
Thanks Laura, I really enjoyed that, even though it was so sad.
Author:  Chair [ 03 Sep 2006, 19:34 ]
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Thanks, Laura. I'm sorry that Joey is upset over India.
Author:  leahbelle [ 03 Sep 2006, 21:26 ]
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Poor Joey. I feel sorry for her here, knowing how much she'll miss Dick.
Author:  LizB [ 03 Sep 2006, 22:12 ]
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Poor Jo, what a shock for her!

Thanks, Laura
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ 18 Sep 2006, 21:48 ]
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I *love* Joey in this and I love how you've included introductions to so many parts of the series (if that makes sense!).
Author:  aitchemelle [ 20 Sep 2006, 10:28 ]
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Thank you Laura. Lovely story so far - you've drawn in all the links so realistically (sp?)
Author:  Laura V [ 20 Sep 2006, 19:05 ]
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:oops: thank you!
I will get round to writing some more soon but am so busy with work at the moment I've hardly got time to sit down!
Author:  Laura V [ 24 Sep 2006, 14:48 ]
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I've finally managed to get some free time!! Here is the next installment!

Madge opened the door and Dick followed, carrying a sleeping Joey.

"I think it would be best not to wake her, Dick," Madge whispered tiredly.

Dick nodded and placed his small sister on the bed whilst Madge slowly pulled the curtains shut. He watched his twin uneasily for he could see that she was still saddened by his imminent voyage to India. How guilty he felt at leaving the two people who looked up to him the most behind in England!

"Madge?" he called softly.

Madge turned around and looked at him wistfully.

"Madge dear, I think you should get some rest too."

"I've never seen Joey so upset," she replied quietly to herself.

"Madge?"

"Yes. Yes, I'll get some rest Dick."

"Jolly good. Take as long as you need."

And with that Dick left the room.

*********

Madge woke up to find herself alone in the bedroom. She heard the clock downstairs chime.

"A quarter past five! My goodness, I must have slept at least five hours!" she exclaimed.

She felt a sudden wave of pain in her head.

"Oomph. Joey? Joey baba? Are you about?" she called gingerly to the empty room. She noted that Joey's hat had gone from the table where Dick had put it after the three had returned earlier.

"She must have gone with Dick. Oh, how my head hurts," with which she found her eyes closing.

*******

Three knocks sounded on the door before it opened slowly, revealing Dick to be the visitor. Madge sat up slowly and rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

"Feeling better?" Dick asked with a caring smile.

"Much better, thank you. What time is it, Dick?"

"Why it's half past six. I've come to see if either of you would like to come for some dinner."

Madge's eyes opened wide.

"But...but I thought Joey was with you," she stammered.

"With me? No. Whatever made you think that?" Dick responded, aware that his sister was starting to panic.

"Her hat's gone. I just presumed she was with you, Dick. My goodness! Wherever can she be?".......
Author:  LizB [ 24 Sep 2006, 15:11 ]
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meeeep!

She's only little. I hope she's ok.

Thanks, Laura
Author:  Elisabeth [ 03 Oct 2006, 09:38 ]
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Oh no! Here I am, happily reading a new drabble, and then you deposit me on the edge of a cliff!
Author:  Dawn [ 03 Oct 2006, 15:37 ]
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Elisabeth wrote:
Oh no! Here I am, happily reading a new drabble, and then you deposit me on the edge of a cliff!


and I flew right over the edge :roll:
Author:  Chair [ 03 Oct 2006, 18:25 ]
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Thanks, Laura. I hope that Joey will be ok.
Author:  Josie [ 05 Oct 2006, 01:48 ]
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Thanks, Laura. Just found this. Like the first meeting with Mlle. :)
Author:  Phil [ 07 Oct 2006, 14:02 ]
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This is good stuff Laura! Thanks! I've just come back from Washington and have loads of CBB stuff to catch up on, this is the first thing I've read!
Author:  Laura V [ 14 Oct 2006, 14:27 ]
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"Don't worry, we'll find her," Dick tried to sound reassuring yet there was more than an ounce of anxiety in his voice.

"I'm coming with you," Madge said pulling back the bed clothes.

"No you don't old thing! You need to be here in case Joey returns before I find her," said Dick forcefully.

Obediently Madge sat back down.

"Now, I'll go and get help. Don't worry, we'll be back in no time," with which Dick left the room, leaving the helpless Madge sitting on the edge of the bed.

*******

"Yes mein Herr, I shall go this way. You and Hans shall take the other road, ja?"

Hans and Friedrich Pfeifen had been rounded up by their mother, at whose pension the Bettanys were staying, as they had an thorough knowledge of the district.

"She may have been gone for up to two hours," Dick pointed out desperately.

"Please do not worry. She is only young, nicht wahr? And she does not know the area. She will not be far."

Dick and Hans set off on the road towards Seespitz. By now the sky was getting heavy with clouds that showed a thunderstorm was due. Through the woods they trudged, calling her name "Joey!", but they could not find her. On reaching Seespitz they talked to some of the locals. No, they had not seen the little girl with black hair that the young man was looking for, but if they did find her they would immediately take her back to Wald Villa. Soon Dick felt Hans tug at his sleeve.

"We must go back now for it will thunder soon, mein Herr," he said gesturing to the dark clouds high above.

Dick sighed. "Yes, I suppose we must. Besides she may have returned to the villa." But Dick's voice did not sound convincing.

Quickly the two hurried back along the lake path, reaching Briesau just as a loud crash of thunder sounded. They raced with all their might to the light coming from the open door.

"Dick!" came a distant cry.

Dick spun around just as the heavens opened.

"Dick!" this time the voice was nearer.

He could vaguely make out the shape of two figures, one tall one small, hurtling towards him. Finally he was able to see who it was.

"Joey!" he cried racing out into the rain.

Sweeping up the small child he ran into the warmth of the chalet.
Author:  Chair [ 14 Oct 2006, 20:10 ]
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Thanks, Laura. I'm glad that they have found Joey. I wonder whom the other figure is.
Author:  leahbelle [ 15 Oct 2006, 15:07 ]
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Very glad that they have found Joey.
Author:  Elisabeth [ 16 Oct 2006, 19:28 ]
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Aw bless! at the "sweeping up the small child" bit. V cute.
Author:  LizB [ 17 Oct 2006, 13:27 ]
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I'm glad they found her.

Thanks, Laura :D
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