The CBB
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/

The Chalet School in Ireland (part 23 on page 17)
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=2009
Author:  dorian [ 04 Feb 2007, 21:03 ]
Post subject:  The Chalet School in Ireland (part 23 on page 17)
The stupid plot bunny won't leave me alone. I don't have time to be writing stories, but apparently I have to.

This is a "what-if"...what if, instead of the offer of Plas Howell, the CS was offered a home in Ireland? Other than that, I'm expecting this story to proceed as a normal CS story, hence my placing it here. If this is wrong, mods, please tell me and move it.

Constructive criticism is welcome, by which I mean, if you don't like something, I'd very much like to know why you don't like it.

Given that I'm getting married in about 6 weeks, posting may be sporadic, but I will try to keep the story going reasonably regularly.

Right, here we go.

The Chalet School in Ireland, Chapter One

"You're moving the school where?"

Madge Russell suppressed a giggle at the look on her sister's face. Joey couldn't have looked more shocked if she'd annouced she was moving the Chalet School to Timbuktu. "To Ireland," she repeated patiently.

"But...but why?"

"Well, we have to move it somewhere," Madge said reasonably. "That downed German aeroplane last term made it very clear that Guernsey is far too close to the war for safety. Jem wants me to leave as soon as possible, and I'm sure Jack's said the same to you. That being the case, we can't possibly ask other people to send their girls here." She sat back in her chair and sipped her coffee.

"Yes, I see that," Joey agreed. "Jack was quite forceful about me moving, in fact - and just when I'd got settled here, too. But why Ireland, of all places?"

Madge put her cup down. "Really, Joey, you sound as if we were planning to go to Outer Mongolia! Why Ireland? There are several reasons. First, Ireland is not hard to get to, and there has been no disruption of shipping in the Irish Sea - nor does it seem likely there will be. Second, Ireland is remaining neutral in this war -" She broke off, as Joey muttered something incomprehensible but probably derogatory.

"Whatever your personal opinion of Ireland's neutrality may be, Joey," she said sternly, "you can't deny that it makes Ireland a safe place to move the school to; there will be no danger of air raids there. And thirdly, and perhaps most importantly," she continued in a gentler tone, "we have had an offer of a home for the school there. You know it isn't easy to move a school, especially when we want to rent, rather than buy, premises. So Lord Talbot's offer has been positively providential for us."

Joey picked up her own coffee cup. "Lord Talbot? Who is he, and why is he offering the school a home?"

"I know you've heard Jem speak of Sir James Talbot," Madge began.

Joey frowned. "Wasn't he the doctor who sent us the Lintons?" she asked.

"Yes, that's right. He is some kind of cousin of the Talbots of Malahide, and is in regular contact with the current Baron - also a James Talbot, confusingly enough. It seems that Lord Talbot, who is getting on in years, wishes to live more quietly now, and since his heir has joined up, he is looking for a tenant for Malahide Castle. Sir James suggested us to him, and he seems more than happy with the idea."

"A castle? You're moving the school to a castle?" Joey's incredulous tone, this time, was tinged with delight, and her coffee cup was forgotten beside her.

Madge smiled. "Yes, Joey, a real castle. Parts of it date back to Norman times, I believe."

Joey remembered her coffee and picked her cup up again, sipping thoughtfully. "But how will we get there?" she asked after a while. "Where is Malahide, anyway? And what about you, and me? Will we be able to move there too? And what about Jem and the San?"

"Don't worry so much, Joey. I've had Juliet look into all of this for us. Malahide is only about 10 miles from Dublin, and it's on the railway line from Dublin to Belfast. The school will be able to take the train straight from the boat to Malahide, and the castle is apparently only about 10 minutes' walk from the station. Juliet says the castle will easily be able to accomodate the school, and even has room for it to grow. And she thinks we shouldn't have too much trouble finding houses in the village for you and me.

"As for the San," she added, "Jem is not sure yet; he'll need to visit himself, but he thinks the sea air - Malahide is on the coast - may be almost as good as the mountain air of Tyrol. And apparently Malahide is quite well-known for its therapeutic sea-baths." She laughed. "Jem seems quite eager to look into the possibilities, in fact."
Author:  MaryR [ 04 Feb 2007, 21:06 ]
Post subject: 
Ooh, I went to Malahide as a child! :lol:

Interesting premise, Dorian. Thank you.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 04 Feb 2007, 21:09 ]
Post subject: 
This is intriguing. Good luck with all your wedding plans. Can remember how crazy things can get around the time
Author:  Squirrel [ 04 Feb 2007, 21:20 ]
Post subject: 
Looks Good. I wonder if we shall get to see more of Juliet in this version.
Author:  JoS [ 04 Feb 2007, 21:26 ]
Post subject: 
Squirrel wrote:
Looks Good. I wonder if we shall get to see more of Juliet in this version.


I hope we'll see more of Juliet! Looks great, thanks Dorian.
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ 04 Feb 2007, 21:36 ]
Post subject: 
An interesting idea, Dorian - I'll look forward to seeing more of this.
Author:  Chair [ 04 Feb 2007, 22:28 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. I'm really enjoying this so far. I'm afraid I haven't heard of Malahide before but I look forward to finding out more about it. The only part of Ireland I really know is County Wicklow.
Author:  Alison H [ 04 Feb 2007, 22:55 ]
Post subject: 
Glad you gave in to the bunny :wink: :D !

Also hoping to see more of Juliet.
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ 04 Feb 2007, 23:38 ]
Post subject: 
Adding my hopes of seeing more of Juliet (and - dare I say it? - less of Joey) to the pile and also my thanks for giving into the bunny. This is an interesting idea.
Author:  Tara [ 05 Feb 2007, 00:42 ]
Post subject: 
Ooh, the CS in a castle beside the sea! What a gorgeous idea.

Looking forward to more.
Author:  Cath V-P [ 05 Feb 2007, 00:45 ]
Post subject: 
This sounds fun! I can't wait for more.
Good luck with the wedding preparations, Dorian.
Author:  Caty [ 05 Feb 2007, 01:10 ]
Post subject: 
:D Malahide Castle! How will they cope with an invasion of English schoolgirls? Will they play Manor House in hockey?
Author:  Dot [ 05 Feb 2007, 01:14 ]
Post subject: 
Ha!! This is going to be very interesting! I'm going to keep an eye on this drabble! Good luck with it Dorian!
Author:  LizB [ 05 Feb 2007, 09:57 ]
Post subject: 
Sounds like a lovely spot for the school, with lots of potential for excitements!

Thanks, Dorian :D
Author:  Ruth B [ 05 Feb 2007, 11:12 ]
Post subject: 
This looks lovely! Thanks Dorian. Hope we get to see Juliet and maybe Sir James? I was always rather fond of him for some reason.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ 05 Feb 2007, 12:19 ]
Post subject: 
This does look great - I imagine the school will fill with Irish girls rather than English/Welsh ones, though, as travel to and from the UK would have been impossible during the War. I am not sure how feasible travel via Belfast would have been, even. But presumably the "hangers on" like the Lucys and their family connections, all move to Ireland, too?

I am intrigued and looking forward to more.
Author:  Kat [ 05 Feb 2007, 12:26 ]
Post subject: 
Sounds perfect, Dorian!

May we have some more please? :D
Author:  Róisín [ 05 Feb 2007, 12:55 ]
Post subject: 
Ooh! This HAS perked up my Monday morning! *bookmarking this page* More please Dorian :D
Author:  Catherine [ 05 Feb 2007, 13:25 ]
Post subject: 
*echoes the pleas for more*

This is looks really good, Dorian. Hope the wedding preparations and wedding go well and that you find time to update this!
Author:  leahbelle [ 05 Feb 2007, 14:27 ]
Post subject: 
What a great new setting for the school. Looking forward to reading more about it.
Author:  Jennie [ 05 Feb 2007, 15:54 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. You now realise why we're all so keen to see our PB's go n holiday.
Author:  Fatima [ 05 Feb 2007, 15:57 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for beginning this Dorian. I can't wait to hear all about the castle - it will be a wonderful setting for the school. Good luck with your wedding!
Author:  Sarah_K [ 05 Feb 2007, 18:05 ]
Post subject: 
Starting a drabble when you're six weeks from your wedding is very brave! It's got off to a fantastic start though :D
Author:  Gerrie [ 05 Feb 2007, 20:29 ]
Post subject: 
Hi Dorian
The Chalet School goes to Malahide Castle - brilliant! Looking forward to more! (I feel a visit to Malahide Castle coming on....!)
Author:  dorian [ 05 Feb 2007, 23:50 ]
Post subject: 
Well! I wasn't expecting such a rush of enthusiasm! Thank you all.

I hadn't planned to use Juliet much, but since you all ask so nicely, I'll see if I can poke the plot bunny a bit.

For now, here's part two (with Juliet!)

Chapter Two

"Well, I think that was a productive day's work," Hilda Annersley said, pouring tea. She was seated in what would become her study in the Chalet School's new home, though at present it still more resembled an elegant lady's parlour.

"Certainly," Matron Lloyd agreed. "Now that I know which rooms are to be the dormitories, I can start getting them arranged." She accepted a cup of tea with a smile of thanks, and turned to Juliet O'Hara. "Juliet, you said you'd be able to help us with hiring men to do the heavy work?"

Juliet took her own tea-cup, and passed a plate of scones around. "Of course. I've lived in Malahide for a few years now, so I know who's reliable." She laughed. "The School is causing a lot of talk here, you know - you'll probably have plenty of people wanting to work for you, just out of curiosity! You should have heard Joe, who comes in to do the garden for me a couple of times a week: 'Shally School, what kind of an outlandish name for a school is that? Could they not call it after a saint like a decent school?'"

The others laughed at her imitation. "Did you explain it to him?" Nell Wilson enquired.

"Well, I tried, "Juliet said. "He did seem slightly mollified when I told him that the school has its different houses all named after saints."

"So, do we have anything else to decide today?" Madge Russell asked.

The others returned to business. "I don't think so," Nell replied. "We've decided what rooms are to be used for what purposes, and who's going to see to getting them in order. We've looked over the parts of the grounds where the hockey pitch and the extra tennis courts are to be, and decided which to use for what. Is there anything else?"

"Well, while we're all here," Hilda said, "and on a slightly different note, I admit - what about the question of Irish?"

The other four looked at her blankly. "What question of Irish?" Matron asked at last.

"I've received several letters from prospective parents," Hilda explained, "all enquiring as to whether we might accommodate their daughters - and all wanting to know if Irish is on our curriculum. With the distinct implication that if it is not, they will not be sending their girls to us."

"Oh!" Juliet's exclamation broke the silence. "Yes, I'd forgotten about that. Irish is a compulsory subject in all schools that receive State funding," she explained. "That, of course, doesn't apply to us...but a certain standard of Irish is also a requirement for admission to at least the National University of Ireland - I'm not sure about Trinity. Parents of daughters who hope to attend university would naturally want their girls to go to a school where Irish is taught."

The others looked at her and each other in consternation. "Do you mean that if we don't offer Irish, we won't get any Irish pupils?" Madge asked.

"That's about what it amounts to," Juliet agreed.

"But we can hardly require all our old girls to suddenly take up Irish," Nell objected. "Some of their parents might have strong objections, for a start. And in any case, they could hardly share lessons with girls who have, presumably, been learning Irish for some years already."

"Make it an extra," Matron suggested practically.

"No-o...no, I don't think that would work," Madge said slowly. "Why should parents pay extra for a language their girls would learn as a matter of course in any other school in this country? They wouldn't do it."

"What about making it an option?" Hilda said suddenly. "Let every girl take either Irish or, say, Latin?"

"Hm...that might work, actually," Madge agreed.

"Well," Nell said briskly, "I suppose we'd better advertise for an Irish mistress."

(PS - can anyone tell me how to edit the title of this topic, so I can change it to reflect new updates?)
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ 06 Feb 2007, 00:44 ]
Post subject: 
Lovely update and I really enjoyed seeing Juliet so thanks for working her in. And I think you have to go back to edit your first post in the thread to get it to show the updates in the title of the thread.
Author:  Róisín [ 06 Feb 2007, 00:53 ]
Post subject: 
This is the most gleeful drabble ever. May I be the new teacher please? :lol: Thank you Dorian, please keep it coming :D
Author:  Tara [ 06 Feb 2007, 01:10 ]
Post subject: 
The Irish question hadn't entered my head. How very interesting! Adding a major complication to a temporary move, but great fun. I always felt a bit aggrieved that they didn't take Welsh more seriously. I'm looking forward to meeting the Irish mistress.
Author:  Alison H [ 06 Feb 2007, 08:52 ]
Post subject: 
This is really interesting!

You can edit the title by going back and editing your first post.
Author:  LizB [ 06 Feb 2007, 09:50 ]
Post subject: 
Oooooh - learning Irish.

And no doubt having more Irish pupils will change the Catholic/Protestant balance for prayers etc.

Thanks, Dorian :D

*sends more bunny food*
Author:  Ruth B [ 06 Feb 2007, 10:29 ]
Post subject: 
Ooh, I never thought of that! But of course, it stands to reason. When they were in Tirol they learnt German.

Interested in the objection that they couldn't expect girls who had learnt Irish for years and those only just beginning to work together! It's what everyone had to do on French and German days!! Come to think of it, why not keep the trilingualness? They would have dropped German by now because of the war so they could have an Irish day instead. :wink:

Thanks Dorian.
Author:  Chair [ 06 Feb 2007, 13:51 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. It would be interesting to have an Irish day.
Author:  alicat [ 06 Feb 2007, 14:27 ]
Post subject: 
loving this and sending treats for plot bunnies

please please can we have some servants weho speak in broad brogue and cause confusion - we nearly committed a social error some years ago through mis-understanding a request to 'take off our feet'.....
Author:  JoS [ 06 Feb 2007, 18:24 ]
Post subject: 
Is Biddy still at school? If not, she could come back as Irish teacher instead of History teacher! With that brogue, she'd fit in perfectly. [Although on reflection, I doubt she knows Irish].
Author:  Sarah_K [ 06 Feb 2007, 20:03 ]
Post subject: 
A new language to learn, that should cheer Joey up ;)

Thanks dorian, it's really interesting to see the challenges moving to another country again brings!
Author:  DuncanD [ 07 Feb 2007, 14:01 ]
Post subject: 
About access to Ireland during the war - I think the boats all operated regularly, at least I know my aunt used to visit friends in Oxford . She also used to send butter and rashers (bacon to you Brits) to her English friends through the post, concelaed in a book with an oblong hole cut in all the pages!
Author:  leahbelle [ 07 Feb 2007, 14:24 ]
Post subject: 
This is really interesting. It's fascinating to see the problems they encounter in a new location.
Author:  Kate [ 07 Feb 2007, 14:35 ]
Post subject: 
alicat wrote:
please please can we have some servants weho speak in broad brogue and cause confusion - we nearly committed a social error some years ago through mis-understanding a request to 'take off our feet'.....


*giggles* I'm going to accost you at the Gather and talk brogue at you... ;)

Thanks Dorian, this is great!
Author:  Fatima [ 07 Feb 2007, 16:32 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Dorian. This is brilliant!
Author:  Jennie [ 07 Feb 2007, 18:16 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. This is wonderful.
Author:  Gerrie [ 07 Feb 2007, 18:30 ]
Post subject: 
For an awful moment I thought they were going to suggest an Irish day at the chalet school!! Thanks Dorian, this is great.
Author:  dorian [ 07 Feb 2007, 23:20 ]
Post subject: 
alicat, they're in the Dublin area, so the servants won't speak anything resembling Biddy's brogue (if that's what you were after). Also, I loathe "phonetically"-spelled accents, so will be trying to portray the Irish characters' speech through word order and vocabulary.

Glad you're all liking it... After a bit of bunny-poking, here's the next bit.

Chapter Three

"We're really in Ireland!" Beth Chester exclaimed as the train left Dunleary, giving such a wriggle that she almost upset her neighbour. "Oh, isn't it exciting!"

"Beth," Isabel Allan complained. "Must you wriggle like that?"

"I'm sorry, Isabel. But isn't it exciting?"

"I don't see that Ireland is so very exciting," another girl put in, "but going to school in a castle - that's exciting!"

"Oooh, yes!"

"Do you think it will be haunted?"

"Will it have towers and battlements?"

"Just think if we could find a secret passage!"

The exclamations flew thick and fast as the girls speculated about their new home. Janet Morris' scowl grew blacker as she listened to them. Horrid, hateful girls! How could they ignore her so? Wasn't that Beth supposed to be 'looking after' her? But she'd completely forgotten her charge! Janet conveniently ignored the fact that for the entire journey, she had snapped rudely in response to every remark addressed to her.

She sank down in her seat. How could Mummy have done this? She hadn't had any choice about leaving Edgecombe House, not when the school was closing - but why couldn't she have gone to another school in England? Most of her friends were going to Thornleigh Manor...she bit her lip, thinking of the fun they'd be having without her. She had begged, so hard, to be allowed to go there too, but Mummy had insisted on sending her to the wilds of Ireland. "You'll be safe from air-raids there, darling," she had said, "and the Chalet School has an excellent reputation. You'll soon settle down and make lots of new friends."

Not likely, Janet thought dismally. Not if all the girls were as unfriendly as these. And Ireland! Full of filthy peasants and rabid revolutionaries! Mummy would be sorry when she was blown up by a revolutionary bomb!

At this point in her self-pitying reflections, the compartment door slid open to reveal a pretty girl, two or three years Janet's senior, with light-brown hair in two long pigtails and an indefinably foreign air. "We will soon be arriving at Amiens Street Station," she said. "Please make sure that you all have all of your belongings and are ready to leave the train."

Janet opened her eyes a little at the bustle that instantly followed this announcement, as every girl in the compartment quickly got her case and other possessions down from the luggage racks, put on or fastened her coat, and looked about to be sure she hadn't forgotten anything.

"Janet?" Beth addressed her. "Have you got everything? Case? Umbrella? Hockey stick?" Janet mutely hauled these items down from the rack, with scant care for those below, and displayed them.

"Good-oh! Button your coat up, else someone'll be down on you for 'looking untidy', and then you're ready."

None too soon, either, for the train pulled into the station just then with a prolonged screeching of brakes, and Janet was once again startled, by the speed and efficiency with which the girls left the train and lined up on the platform - so startled, in fact, that Beth had to grab her sleeve and pull her into line beside her. And after a moment, they were marching off, down the platform, onto another platform, and onto another train.

---

This train didn't seem inclined to leave immediately, and while they waited, Beth amused herself by sounding out the Irish words on the station signs. "Stays-eye-on srayd Amiens"...that can't possibly be what it's supposed to sound like," she complained.

"Why bother?" Isabel asked. "Everything is in English as well - you don't need to worry about the Irish bits."

"I'm interested," Beth said with dignity. "I'd like to know what it's supposed to sound like. I wouldn't mind learning Irish, actually."

"Well, I suppose - oh! We're off!"

The girls looked eagerly out of the windows at first, but soon the train was running through a cutting which showed no sign of ending, and they went back to their chatter until the warning was given that soon they would be arriving in Malahide, and must be ready to alight.

---

Reluctantly, Janet looked around her as they lined up on the platform. The evening sun cast a reddish glow over a small station. On the other platform was an ordinary station building of yellow brick, with the usual signs for Ticket Office, Ladies Waiting Room, Left Luggage, and so forth. On this side was a wooden waiting room and little else. An iron footbridge with a road bridge beyond connected the two, but to her surprise, they were marched not across the bridge, but through a gate and up some steps to a road.

There, they turned to march along the road for a while. To their right, set back from the road in spacious gardens, were houses, mostly of late-Victorian vintage. Several girls exclaimed over the beauty of a thatched house just beside the station. On the other side of the road, trees behind a wall cut off any view.

After a few minutes' walk, they crossed the road to pass between wrought-iron gates in the wall. They walked through the trees for a little, before the path came out into parkland and they gained their first sight of the Chalet School's new home.

PS - can anyone tell me how to do accents on letters? Do I need to use HTML codes? I'm pretty sure I'm going to need them before long!

(Edited to give the station its correct-at-the-time name.)
Author:  Alison H [ 07 Feb 2007, 23:30 ]
Post subject: 
For an acute accent you press Alt Gr at the same time as the letter. Not sure about grave accents though - I'm sure someone told me but I've forgotten :oops: .

Janet sounds like trouble!
Author:  Chair [ 07 Feb 2007, 23:36 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. I look forward to finding out more about Janet.
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ 07 Feb 2007, 23:53 ]
Post subject: 
Janet sounds like the typical "problem at first and then a big problem and then a good and proper Chaletian" type. I like this and I especially like that Beth wants to learn Irish, I think the other girl might be in for a shock!
Author:  Kate [ 07 Feb 2007, 23:56 ]
Post subject: 
Alison H wrote:
For an acute accent you press Alt Gr at the same time as the letter. Not sure about grave accents though - I'm sure someone told me but I've forgotten :oops:


There aren't any grave accents in Irish, so that's okay. :) They also would have used old script in those days, wouldn't they? The seimhiú as the dot above the letter (as in "dotty irish" as I used to call it) and so on? I've no idea how you'd do that... I guess you'll have to modernise it. :lol:

Anyway, this is wonderful, Dorian!
Author:  Lyanne [ 08 Feb 2007, 00:35 ]
Post subject: 
If you use the Character Map, you can get lots of accents on letters. Click on Start, go to All Programs, go to Accesories, go to System Tools, & click on Charcter Map. I actually have it pinned to my Start menu for convenience!
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ 08 Feb 2007, 11:14 ]
Post subject: 
Alison H wrote:
For an acute accent you press Alt Gr at the same time as the letter. Not sure about grave accents though - I'm sure someone told me but I've forgotten :oops: .

Janet sounds like trouble!


And there's me been typing ALT+0233 for é all this time! Thank you.

This is being very good. I hadn't realised they were already insisting on Irish being taught in schools as far back as 1939; I had thought it was only after they became a Republic in 1948 (my late father-in-law referred to it as the "Free State" until his dying day!). Although given that our family name started being spelt differently after Ulster got Home Rule in 1922, I can't think why I thought that!

But you have caught the atmosphere of the Chalet School extraordinarily well.
Author:  Ruth B [ 08 Feb 2007, 11:37 ]
Post subject: 
Yay! A stroppy new girl
Author:  DuncanD [ 08 Feb 2007, 13:59 ]
Post subject: 
Anachronism note - Connolly Station was re-named in 1966 for the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising. During the Emergency it was still called Amiens Street Station. (In the 1960s my mother was still referring to Dun Laoghaire as Kingstown!)
Author:  leahbelle [ 08 Feb 2007, 14:50 ]
Post subject: 
It's lovely to see the girls so excited about their new location. I must say, Ireland sounds like a great place for the school!

Looking forward to reading more about the trouble Janet is bound to cause!
Author:  Gerrie [ 08 Feb 2007, 19:35 ]
Post subject: 
'This train didn't seem inclined to leave immediately' .....(I don't know how to put it in the box thing) - good to know not much has changed since The Emergency!!!

Thanks Dorian, really enjoying this.
Author:  JoS [ 08 Feb 2007, 19:42 ]
Post subject: 
Great - more! And a new girl too...
Author:  dorian [ 08 Feb 2007, 23:39 ]
Post subject: 
By the way, please don't count on updates coming as fast as they have been so far. While I do get caught up in a story once I start writing it, one never knows when the dreaded writers' block may strike, and there are other things that I will need to be doing in the next month or two...

Having said that, here's the next bit.
Chapter Four

Malahide Castle was a distinctly irregular building, built up much higher on one side than on the other and the tower on that side not only higher than its counterpart on the other, but also possessed of more and larger windows. The central portion boasted larger windows again, in un-matching styles, and a surprisingly small door. The entire building was rather randomly covered with ivy or some similar plant.

The girls stopped walking to stare, and gasps arose from several parts of the line. "Why - why, it's homey!" Janet exclaimed involuntarily.

"How can a castle be homey?" came a derisive response from further up the line.

But as Janet flushed, a mistress walking near enough to have heard came to her rescue. "Why shouldn't it look homey, Jacqueline? Malahide Castle has been home to the Talbot family for almost eight hundred years, after all. Now, girls," she went on briskly, "you'll have plenty of time to examine and explore your new home in the days to come. For now, I want my supper even if none of you do, so let's get on."

As they entered the castle, Janet looked interestedly at the door, which proved to be not only small, but very heavy and bound with iron. 'For defence,' she thought. 'Small and heavy, so it takes the attackers ages to break it down, and even when they do, you can defend it with only a few men.' But her historical ruminations were shattered as Beth grasped her sleeve again and drew her off with the rest of the girls of their age, and she belatedly realised they had been sent to the "Splashery" to divest themselves of their outdoor clothing and have a wash.

Shortly thereafter, Janet found herself standing next to Beth in what must be the castle's Great Hall. Portraits hung two and sometimes three high on the walls, the vaulted ceiling was supported by heavy black beams, and there was even a minstrels' gallery at one end. Janet looked around delightedly, until her attention was recalled.

At the top of the room, on a low dais, stood what must be the school's mistresses. They were mostly young and pleasant looking, Janet had to admit. An elegant brown-haired lady stood a little in front of the others, and it was her deep-pitched voice that had called Janet back from her history-dreaming.

"Welcome, everyone," the lady said. "Welcome - or welcome back! - to the Chalet School. We are very grateful to Lord Talbot for granting us the use of his home...and I'm sure many of you can't wait to explore!" This last with a smile at the younger girls. "However, exploration will have to wait for a little. I'm sure you are all tired and hungry after your long journey, so we will have supper immediately. After supper, the Juniors will go to bed. The Middles may have half an hour, and the Seniors an hour, before they go to bed. We will have a full Assembly tomorrow morning, and anything else I have to say can wait until then." She smiled again, and dismissed them to the dining room.

---

Janet woke to the clanging of a bell, and looked about her in bewilderment. This wasn't the dormitory at Edgecombe House! Where was the neat row of beds? The wash-stands at the end of the room? Where was anything, in fact? She was in a little curtain-walled cubicle...then she remembered. She was at the Chalet School. In Ireland. Where she knew no-one, and didn't want to, either. With a groan, she burrowed her head under the pillow.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 08 Feb 2007, 23:55 ]
Post subject: 
Love reading the update. Thanks
Author:  Róisín [ 09 Feb 2007, 00:57 ]
Post subject: 
Hurrah, thank you so much, two lovely updates for me to catch up on. :D
Author:  Cath V-P [ 09 Feb 2007, 04:30 ]
Post subject: 
So Janet is interested in history? And Malahide Castle clearly appeals to her.
Author:  Fatima [ 09 Feb 2007, 06:33 ]
Post subject: 
It appeals to me, too! I think it sounds the perfect place for naughty middles to have an awful lot of fun!

Thanks Dorian.
Author:  Alison H [ 09 Feb 2007, 08:43 ]
Post subject: 
I wish I'd gone to school in a castle!
Author:  leahbelle [ 09 Feb 2007, 14:16 ]
Post subject: 
Me too! School in a castle would have been very exciting!

Janet seems to know a lot about castles and history.

Thanks for the update!
Author:  MaryR [ 09 Feb 2007, 16:32 ]
Post subject: 
Poor girl's on information overload! :lol:

Thanks, Dorian.
Author:  Chair [ 09 Feb 2007, 18:07 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. It's interesting to see Janet's point of view.
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ 10 Feb 2007, 01:06 ]
Post subject: 
Yay! Janet is in a real strop. Interested to see how that gets dealt with. Thanks, Dorian
Author:  dorian [ 10 Feb 2007, 21:20 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, everyone, for the info about accents on letters. I'm going to need them for some of the girls' names as well as the Irish.

Here's another bit... (I know things are moving slowly, but I need to get things "set up" before I get into actual plot. With luck, the "set-up" will end soon.)
Chapter Five

However, whatever her other faults, Janet was not stupid, and she knew very well that no-one would allow her to stay in bed - 'and how embarrassing,' she thought, 'if that Beth comes in and finds me under the pillow like a sulky child!' It was with deep reluctance that she got up, but get up she did - and none too soon, for a moment later Beth's head appeared round her cubicle curtains.

"Oh good, you're up," she said. "I just came to tell you that I'm next for the bathroom and you're after me, so you'll need to hurry. Strip your bed while you're waiting, and be ready to run when I come back - there are two more people after you, and they won't love you if you dawdle!" With a laugh, she vanished again.

Left to herself, Janet sulkily but swiftly stripped her bed, and had just humped the mattress when Beth reappeared.

That set the tone for the day, and Janet frequently found herself feeling like "Alice" in the clutches of the Red Queen.

After breakfast (where she had to be reminded to "eat up", so enthralled was she by the wood-panelled dining room) came Prayers. "Are you RC or C of E?" Beth asked her as they left the dining room.

"C of E, of course," Janet replied, startled.

"This way, then," Beth said, pulling her into a line of girls filing into the Great Hall. "Of course we separate for Prayers," she added, seeing the new girl's baffled expression.

Janet followed Beth to a seat on a long form, her brain whirling. There were Roman Catholic girls at this school?

Quite a lot of them, it transpired when, after Prayers, a long line of girls came to join those already in the Hall.

The lady who had spoken to them last night (who, Janet had since learned, was the headmistress, Miss Annersley) came forward once everyone was settled. "Good morning, girls," she said, her deep, clear voice once again filling the Hall easily. "And welcome to our new Chalet School in Ireland. Now, you will all have a lot to get through today, so I shall keep my remarks brief.

"You will be having short lessons in all subjects today, so that prep can be set. Books will have to be collected, of course, and Matron will be wanting all of you for unpacking at various times. Please go at once when you are called for unpacking, and don't dawdle over it. Tomorrow morning you will have mending and Guides as usual, and in the afternoon - weather permitting! - you will all go for rambles to see something of our new home. We hope to have some shorter walks on Sunday, after church, and lessons will begin properly on Monday." She paused, and a small hand shot up. "Yes, Judy?"

"Please, Miss Annersley," a Junior asked, "where will we go to church?"

Miss Annersley smiled down at the small girl. "Roman Catholics will go to Mass in St. Sylvester's Church, which is next door to the station. The Church of England - and Church of Ireland - girls will attend Morning Service at St. Andrew's."

"Thank you, Miss Annersley."

Miss Annersley smiled again, and continued. "Now, on a slightly different note... As you all know, the School has always prided itself on its languages. Unfortunately, it seems we must give up our German for the moment; it has not yet been possible to find a German mistress. However, since we are in Ireland, we will be learning Irish instead." She paused again, as murmurs rose all over the Hall, and suppressed a smile as she remembered the final debate on the subject and Juliet's quashing remark that "parents who might object to their girls learning Irish probably wouldn't send their daughters to a school like the Chalet School anyway!"

Beside Janet, Beth bounced excitedly. "Irish! We're really going to learn Irish! Oh, wonderful!! Janet's frown grew blacker. Now she had to learn some horrible anti-British revolutionary language? Even German would be better! She had no time to brood about it, though, for after a moment, Miss Annersley held up her hand for silence, and had the School secretary call the roll, and shortly thereafter she found herself following Beth and several others to the Third Form room.

The form-room was a pretty one, in one of the towers, with a view over the parkland surrounding the castle, but Janet was left little time to admire it, as she was first deputed to help carry books from the stockroom, then hustled off to unpack her trunk, then subjected to a couple of short but intense lessons. Then came lunch, then more lessons. It wasn't until the Middles were congregated in their common room after tea that she felt she had time to catch her breath.

The Middles' common room was at the back of the castle, its window looking over the woodland that came quite close on this side. Janet took possession of the window seat and glowered out at the darkening woods. There was no getting out of it now. She was here. In Ireland. In the horrible country that had killed John. No chance of running away - eyebrows would surely be raised at a 13-year-old girl attempting to travel alone back to England. She'd be lucky if she even got to the boat. But how - how was she to endure it? Bad enough to be in Ireland - but to be at school with Irish girls? She'd noticed there were at least two in her form alone. And to have to learn their hateful language? Surely Mummy couldn't have known that, when she'd decided to send her here? Surely Mummy couldn't have forgotten John and what had happened to him? She would write, she decided. They had time for writing letters tomorrow - she would write to Mummy and tell her the truth about this awful place, and then Mummy would take her away.

"Hallo!" A voice broke in on her reflections. "You're a new girl, aren't you? What's your name? I'm Daisy Venables."

Janet turned from the window, to see a pretty girl of her own age with long fair plaits and a fresh, pink-and-white face, smiling at her in a friendly fashion. "Janet Morris," she muttered.

"You look awfully lonely, sitting there on your own," Daisy said, sitting at the other end of the window-seat. "Isn't anyone looking after you?"

"Beth Chester," Janet replied unwillingly. "But I like being on my own. I never wanted to come to this horrible country anyway."

"Do you think it's horrible? But why? I rather like it so far. Everyone is so friendly - and it's lovely to be beside the sea like this."

Janet hunched a shoulder crossly. "Oh, go away," she snapped. "If you like Ireland so much, go and talk to some of the Irish girls, and leave me in peace."
Author:  Alison H [ 10 Feb 2007, 21:38 ]
Post subject: 
Is Janet from any particular part of the UK (just wondering)? Hope she gets over her attitude problem soon!
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ 10 Feb 2007, 21:39 ]
Post subject: 
Oh, of course - Gwensi Howell wouldn't be there.....
Author:  dorian [ 10 Feb 2007, 23:03 ]
Post subject: 
Alison H wrote:
Is Janet from any particular part of the UK (just wondering)? Hope she gets over her attitude problem soon!


Janet is from somewhere in the Midlands, close enough to a major town that there's a definite air-raid fear. She was previously at school in a relatively remote part of Yorkshire.

It'll be a while before she "gets over her attitude problem", though. She has her reasons...

Mrs Redboots wrote:
Oh, of course - Gwensi Howell wouldn't be there


No, no Gwensi. She's stuck with having to leave Plas Howell because the Government wants to fill it full of code-crackers or something.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 10 Feb 2007, 23:31 ]
Post subject: 
This is fabulous. Wonder if Janet's brother had been sent over to Ireland to help quel any uprisings. I'm thinking he's too young for the 1916 Easter uprising but what about aroung the 1920's when the Republic of Ireland was formed? This is interesting. I do remember reading about a lot of anti-Irish sentiments over being neutral during the War's. I am assuming Janet's Mother will be aware of her daughter learning Irish already and won't get far in her protests? Thanks dorian. This is great
Author:  Sarah_K [ 11 Feb 2007, 00:01 ]
Post subject: 
Oh dear, looks like Janet's going to have just as rough a time of it as Gwensi did in the welsh Chalet School! Though it does at least sound like she has ome reason. I forsee squalls!

Thanks dorian.
Author:  Chair [ 11 Feb 2007, 00:23 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. I look forward to finding out what Janet's reasons are.
Author:  brie [ 11 Feb 2007, 00:57 ]
Post subject: 
thanks dorian
Author:  francesn [ 11 Feb 2007, 17:33 ]
Post subject: 
This is brilliant Dorian, I'm glad I found it! Looking forward to seeing how things shake down in the new Irish Chalet School
Author:  JoS [ 11 Feb 2007, 19:51 ]
Post subject: 
Hmm - the plot thickens.
Are we to have a new triumvirate if there's no Gwensi?
Author:  Tara [ 13 Feb 2007, 00:03 ]
Post subject: 
Janet has certainly got a good level of hate going for everything connected with the country. The CS should be just the place for her to learn the difference between people and politics. Very hard, though, if she's lost someone close to her.
Author:  little_sarah [ 13 Feb 2007, 12:36 ]
Post subject: 
This is great Dorian, thanks v much!
Hope all the wedding preparations go smoothly so we can have lots of regular updates :twisted:
Author:  leahbelle [ 13 Feb 2007, 14:32 ]
Post subject: 
I wonder what happened to John to make Janet hate Ireland so much?
Author:  dorian [ 14 Feb 2007, 00:34 ]
Post subject: 
(Fiona Mc, the War of Independence was in 1921; if John had been killed in that, Janet (who is only 13 or so) would never have known him. Be patient, and All Shall Be Revealed! (Not in this episode, though...))
Chapter Six

Anne Ormond watched surreptitiously as Daisy said quietly, "I'm sorry you feel like that," and walked away from Janet.

Anne, too, sat alone in the common room. Past experiences had made her wary, and though the girls at this new school seemed inclined to be friendly, she had met their overtures with a certain reserve. In fact, the girl she felt most drawn to so far was Janet Morris. Sensitive, and more perceptive than most thirteen-year-olds, Anne had seen what the other Third Formers had not: that under Janet's rudeness and sulks lay unhappiness and fear - feelings Anne herself understood. 'But I'm Irish,' she thought sadly. 'She wouldn't have me for a friend...and she might be like those others really, anyway -' But she knew, somehow, that Janet was not like the girls at her previous school. Still, so long as Janet's hatred of all things Irish continued, she could see no way to become friendly with the English girl. She gave up the problem for the moment, and returned her eyes to the book she was ostensibly reading, lest Janet should see her looking at her.

Janet, in fact, had noticed Anne. 'Stupid Irish girl,' she thought crossly, 'why must she keep staring at me!'

It was something of a relief to both new girls when the bell rang for their bedtime.

The next day was Saturday, and though Isabel Allan had managed to tear her skirt on the journey and Nicole de Saumarez was bewailing a mysteriously missing button, most girls had no mending to do, so they spent the hour allotted to that purpose in finishing prep, writing letters, and chatting quietly. Janet, having dashed carelessly through prep the previous evening, spent the time writing an impassioned letter to her mother, detailing the awfulness of being in Ireland and the horror of having to learn Irish, and begging to be allowed to go home as soon as possible. I won't mind air raids or rationing or anything, if I can just come home! Please, Mummy. Love, Janet, she finished up, just in time to address her envelope before the bell rang. She shoved the letter into her blazer pocket until she could get a stamp for it.

Guides came next, and then lunch. At the end of the meal, Miss Annersley rose. "Now, girls," she said, "the weather is fine, so after your rest we are all going for rambles. The Juniors will explore some of the Castle grounds. The Middles are going out along the coast as far as Low Rock, and the Seniors are going in the opposite direction, along the Broadmeadow Estuary. That is all. Grace!"

As they marched down to the gates, Janet found herself partnered once again with Beth Chester, with Anne directly in front of her with Isabel Allen. Miss Burnett, their form mistress, accompanied them, as did another mistress whom Janet had not previously encountered. A little way in front of Janet, "Must we croc all the way?" Daisy asked.

"No, Daisy," the mistress said with a smile. "Once we are through the village you may break ranks and walk in groups of not less than two or more than five."

"Are we going through the village?" another girl asked. "May we look at the shops?"

"On the way back, perhaps," Miss Burnett replied. "I don't want to take you out for a ramble and spend the entire afternoon in the village!"

Everyone laughed at this sally, and then they were out of the gates and marching along the road. The girls looked about them interestedly, and even Janet couldn't help being curious to see some more of her surroundings.

Their way took them back as they had come the previous evening, then on past the station and into the village itself. There was indeed a church just beyond the station, as Miss Annersley had told them; a tall, elegant, late-Victorian affair with a spire. They passed a crossroads that seemed to be the centre of the village, a cinema, and a Carnegie Free Library solidly built of red brick. Then the road curved to one side of a large hotel and they were walking beside the sea.

"Girls!" Miss Burnett called. "You may break ranks now. Remember what I said - no-one is to go off on her own, and no huge clumps of people either, please."

"May we go onto the beach, Miss Burnett?"

"Not yet, Jacqueline. When we get to Low Rock you may go down onto the beach, but for now you must stay on the road."

Staying on the road was no great hardship; the sand-dunes ran down to its edge, and spilled sand over it. The dunes were high enough to cut off their view of the sea at first, but unusual and unfamiliar flowers bloomed in them, and one or two girls who were keen on botany were heard to beg permission to take samples home. This, however, was refused. "There are some quite rare flowers growing hereabouts," their other escort mistress told them. "Ask your botany mistress; maybe she'll bring you here for a field trip sometime, and she'll know what you can pick and what you should leave."

"All right, Miss Sullivan," the girls chorused obediently. Perhaps only Janet and Anne noticed the slight expression of surprise on the mistress' face, and for their separate reasons, neither was inclined to remark on it.

The two, as it happened, were walking together, mainly because neither had any other friends and they were not allowed to walk alone. But they were not speaking to one another. Janet, indeed, had hardly noticed that she was walking alongside one of the despised Irish girls; for the first time since she had been told she was going to school in Ireland she was enjoying herself, revelling in the bright day, the sea breeze and the brisk exercise. Anne, who had grown up on the coast, was well used to long walks in the sea air, but she, too, was enjoying herself. A school walk that didn't involve a prim crocodile was novelty enough, and the silence between her and Janet was not (at the moment, at least) unfriendly.

In due course the dunes lowered, and lowered again, and then dropped away altogether, and the girls found themselves somewhat above a tiny bay with dunes on one side and a rocky shore beginning on the other. Steps dropped down from the road to give access to the beach. "This is Low Rock," Miss Sullivan informed them. "Down you go, now, onto the beach. No paddling, though!"

The girls laughed, and raced eagerly down the steps to explore the beach. Anne and Janet followed more slowly. Both were now suddenly feeling their isolation once more. As the others scattered to look for crabs, or shells, or seaweed, or interesting stones, or just to race about playing Tag or letting off steam, both found themselves painfully aware that they had nothing much to do, here. Neither had any interest in collecting the things found on the seashore - Janet because she was completely unfamiliar with the shore, having always lived inland; and Anne because she had got bored with collecting souvenirs from the beach by the time she was ten. Nor did either move to join in with the games some of the others were starting to play - Anne was too uncertain of her reception, and Janet too determined not to join in with anything here.

They found themselves simply walking along the beach together. But the silence between them was no longer comfortable.
Author:  Kate [ 14 Feb 2007, 00:45 ]
Post subject: 
This is so EBD, it's wonderful. :) Thanks Dorian!
Author:  dorian [ 14 Feb 2007, 00:51 ]
Post subject: 
Kate wrote:
This is so EBD, it's wonderful. :) Thanks Dorian!

Thank you. I've been trying to keep it EBD in both style and tone, so it's great to know you think I'm achieving that.
Author:  Tara [ 14 Feb 2007, 01:07 ]
Post subject: 
Intrigued by both Janet and Anne - not to mention Miss Sullivan.

And how very fine to be at school by the sea. *yearns*.
Author:  Alice [ 14 Feb 2007, 02:16 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you Dorian, I am enjoying this. Although the style does seem very EBD, it also reminds me of Charlotte Sometimes for some reason!
Author:  brie [ 14 Feb 2007, 11:40 ]
Post subject: 
thaks dorian- it is indeed very EBD
Author:  leahbelle [ 14 Feb 2007, 14:21 ]
Post subject: 
This is fantastic, Dorian. I agree that its something EBD could have written and that's part of why I'm enjoying it so much.
Author:  MaryR [ 14 Feb 2007, 15:29 ]
Post subject: 
Now why was Miss Sullivan so surprised by the girls' response - and what is going to happen with Janet and Anne?

Thanks, Dorian
Author:  JoS [ 14 Feb 2007, 20:13 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Dorian - looking forward to more!

Anne should let herself go - I still love collecting stones, shells etc even though I have lived at the coast almost all my life. Am a regular beachbum...
Author:  Lisa [ 14 Feb 2007, 22:08 ]
Post subject: 
I am so gripped by this! Not only am I thoroughly enjoying the story and characterisation, I feel that I'm learning a lot too! Really looking forward to following this story (as time permits!)
Author:  Aquabird [ 14 Feb 2007, 22:50 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Dorian, this is great, and very EBD.
Author:  Alison H [ 14 Feb 2007, 23:31 ]
Post subject: 
I'm intrigued by Janet. Just had a thought, but it's probably wrong :roll: .
Author:  Cath V-P [ 15 Feb 2007, 02:08 ]
Post subject: 
I wonder if Janet and Anne will find something to say to one another?
Author:  Kathy_S [ 15 Feb 2007, 02:34 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you, Dorian. I've just read through from the beginning. You've made the choice of Ireland sound even more logical than the actual evacuation site, and it sounds as though the new characters will fit right into the CS universe. :)
Author:  dorian [ 16 Feb 2007, 00:25 ]
Post subject: 
A relatively short update tonight. I need to think about what the next scene should be...

Chapter Seven
"Why must you keep walking with me?" Janet snarled at last. "I don't want you – I don't want company! You needn't think I'm going to be your friend just because we're both new."

"I know you won't be my friend," Anne said quietly. "I'm Irish; of course you don't like me." Though she strove to keep her voice calm, a certain wistfulness crept in.

Somehow, Anne's matter-of-fact acceptance of Janet's prejudice made that young lady feel rather uncomfortable. She squashed the feeling firmly. She didn't like Ireland or the Irish. She wouldn't feel sympathy for this Irish girl. She wouldn't be interested in her. "Then why don't you go away?" she asked crossly.

"If the n – mistresses see someone on her own, they'll…they won't like it."

Janet was perceptive enough to see Anne's discomfort. "You're not scared of the mistresses, are you?" she asked incredulously.

Anne was silent for a few steps. Then she assumed an air of brightness. "You're not my friend, remember?" she said. "I don't have to answer your questions. We should turn," she added after a moment. "We're getting a bit far from the others."

They were, indeed, just at the rocks and some way from where most of the other girls were. They turned and walked back along the beach in silence, but Janet's brain was working furiously. Anne was scared of the mistresses, she was sure of it. But why? And earlier, she'd started to say something and changed it to 'mistresses' – what had been her original word? And why did Anne choose to stay in the company of someone she knew disliked her and didn't want her company? 'Stupid Irish girl,' she thought, but somehow, she couldn't feel the anger now.

---

As they approached the village once more, sundry girls reminded Miss Burnett of her half-promise that they might look at the shops. Laughing, the mistress looked at her watch. "Well, just briefly, then," she said. "We have a little time before we must be back."

Laughing and chattering, the girls looked in windows and pointed out shops to one another. Remembering her letter, Janet approached Miss Burnett. "Please, Miss Burnett," she said politely, "may I buy some stamps?"

"Yes, of course." Miss Burnett raised her voice a little. "Girls! Most of you won't have had the chance to buy stamps for your home letters; if you wish to do so now, you may."

Quite half of the party followed Janet into the little shop-cum-post-office to buy stamps.
Author:  Lyanne [ 16 Feb 2007, 02:40 ]
Post subject: 
Anne's been to a convent school? But not perhaps as a Catholic? She appears so have been isolated (& unhappy) at her old school.
Author:  Fatima [ 16 Feb 2007, 04:58 ]
Post subject: 
This is super, just the sort of new girls CS books have. I can't wait for the mysteries surrounding them to be solved!

Thanks Dorian.
Author:  Alison H [ 16 Feb 2007, 07:24 ]
Post subject: 
This is wonderfully EBDish :D .
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 16 Feb 2007, 09:43 ]
Post subject: 
Lyanne wrote:
Anne's been to a convent school? But not perhaps as a Catholic? She appears so have been isolated (& unhappy) at her old school.

I was thinking the same, because her name isn't particularly Irish or Catholic.
Am really enjoying this and looking forward to more
Author:  Ruth B [ 16 Feb 2007, 10:39 ]
Post subject: 
I was guessing the n stood for nuns too.
Author:  brie [ 16 Feb 2007, 11:09 ]
Post subject: 
thankd dorian

this is awfully good
Author:  MaryR [ 16 Feb 2007, 12:13 ]
Post subject: 
Fiona Mc wrote:
Lyanne wrote:
Anne's been to a convent school? But not perhaps as a Catholic? She appears so have been isolated (& unhappy) at her old school.

I was thinking the same, because her name isn't particularly Irish or Catholic.

My name wasn't either, Fiona, but I was, indeed still am, a Catholic. And in those long-ago days, convents could often be very strict and unhappy places. Even in the late fifties and early sixties, the nuns at my school were fiendish - but then a different order took over and we thought we had died and gone to Heaven. Funny how they could be so different and indeed, in a few cases, inhumane.

Thanks, Dorian.
Author:  JoS [ 16 Feb 2007, 17:40 ]
Post subject: 
MaryR wrote:
And in those long-ago days, convents could often be very strict and unhappy places. Even in the late fifties and early sixties, the nuns at my school were fiendish - but then a different order took over and we thought we had died and gone to Heaven. Funny how they could be so different and indeed, in a few cases, inhumane.


I went to a convent in the 70's and early 80's. Even then some of the nuns were frightening, particularly the Mother Superior, and my awful class teacher [Sister Andrew - will never forget her] in standard 4. I also remember being terribly scared of the old senile nuns who sat in the chapel, supposedly praying. But then again, some of the nuns were darlings.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 18 Feb 2007, 03:14 ]
Post subject: 
MaryR wrote:
Fiona Mc wrote:
Lyanne wrote:
Anne's been to a convent school? But not perhaps as a Catholic? She appears so have been isolated (& unhappy) at her old school.

I was thinking the same, because her name isn't particularly Irish or Catholic.

My name wasn't either, Fiona, but I was, indeed still am, a Catholic./quote]

Having lived in Nth Ireland for quite a few months names seem to be defined by religion and Anne seems to be seen as a Protestant name. I never really believed it until my cousins could tell who was Catholic or Protestant almost purely on name alone. It was spooky because they were right every single time and even names that cross the divide such as Francis, Protestants seem to shorten it to Frank and Catholics to Fra, so still tends to be a give away.
Author:  Kathy_S [ 18 Feb 2007, 03:31 ]
Post subject: 
How strange! Both Anne and Frank are common in Catholic families here.

More, please, Dorian.
Author:  white_hart [ 18 Feb 2007, 11:36 ]
Post subject: 
Just caught up with this, and am really enjoying it - more soon, please!

I've actually been to Malahide a couple of times; I used to work for a company which had a branch in Santry, and the director lived in Malahide so we usually ended up staying there when we went over. Was the hotel that the girls went past on their ramble the Grand Hotel? If so, I've stayed there!
Author:  Chair [ 18 Feb 2007, 13:52 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. I look forward to finding out more about Anne.
Author:  Squirrel [ 18 Feb 2007, 14:12 ]
Post subject: 
It was lovely to see the way that Anne's character is being thrown in - and how just socialising (however unwillingly) with her brings Janet to a slightly greater understanding.

Lots of questions still arising - soon we will be looking for some answers, or at least to begin approaching some!

Looking good, thanks Dorian.
Author:  dorian [ 20 Feb 2007, 01:29 ]
Post subject: 
(white_hart, yes, that was the Grand Hotel they passed on their walk.)

Chapter Eight
"Middles!" Violet Allison said in a tone of deep disgust as she entered the Prefects' Room.

The other prefects looked up in some surprise. Vi was usually a quiet girl, not given to starting conversations.

"What have they done now?" Polly Heriot enquired. "And which Middles? The Third Formers seem a well-enough behaved crowd this term. Even that sulky girl, Janet whatshername, doesn't actually misbehave."

"No, the Third Formers are all right," Vi replied. "It's the Fourths."

"Don't tell me," Robin put in. "It's Betty Wynne-Davies and Elizabeth Arnett again, isn't it?"

"Those two really are little horrors," Lorenz Maïco said. "What have they done this time?"

"They decided that they needed to 'fit in' with the locals," Vi replied grimly. "Their method of achieving this aim was apparently to spend the day talking in the most appalling imitation of Biddy O'Ryan's brogue you've ever heard – I believe Biddy was quite annoyed –" she added as an aside. "That wouldn't have been so bad…if Miss Annersley hadn't been entertaining a prospective parent this afternoon. Goodness only knows what the lady must have thought when she came out of the castle to encounter Betty and Elizabeth shouting 'Oh, begob an' begorrah, 'tis a fine soft day annyway, thank God!'"

The others roared with laughter, picturing the scene.

"You can laugh," Vi said bitterly. "I was the one who came around the corner just in time to hear this. I've never been so embarrassed in my life; it must have looked as if I was in charge of them and letting them get away with this!"

"But surely Miss Annersley wouldn't have blamed you?" Robin queried. "You weren't on duty with them, and she must have known that."

"No, I wasn't," Vi agreed. "And she did know, and didn't say anything to me. But you know very well we're expected to keep the younger ones in order if necessary, even when we're not on duty – and if I had known what they were up to, I would have put a stop to it! But I didn't know. Mind you," she added, "I don't think those two will try that little trick again; I believe Miss Annersley gave them a severe lecture on good manners."

"Well, maybe that'll squash them for a while," Polly said easily.

"Betty? And Elizabeth? Until tomorrow, maybe," Lorenz said.

"Speaking of young Janet," Robin changed the subject slightly, "does anyone know what is wrong with that child? I'd thought it was just homesickness, but we've been back for a week and she doesn't seem to be getting over it. She'll have Matey on to her soon if she doesn't look out."

"She doesn't like Ireland," Lorenz said. "I have heard her, once or twice – she hates all things Irish and doesn't want to be here."

"Are you sure?" Polly asked. "Because the one person she does seem to have any time for, that I've seen anyway, is one of the Irish girls in her form – that very quiet, scared-looking child; Anne, I think her name is."

Lorenz shrugged. "She hates Ireland and the Irish – I have heard her say it."

"But Polly's right," Vi said, forgetting the evil deeds of Betty and Elizabeth for the moment. "I've seen it too. Janet is less rude to Anne than to anyone else. And Anne seems more comfortable with Janet than with any of the others."

"Mmm." Robin looked thoughtful. "I did notice, one day last week at tea – Anne managed to upset her teacup, and she looked absolutely terrified…I honestly think she thought I was going to give her 'six of the best'; she was babbling apologies and – well, almost cringing. And before I could say anything, Janet said to me, in that belligerent way she has, 'It was an accident. You saw that, didn't you?' Of course I had seen it; I just asked Anne to be more careful and sent her off to get cloths to mop up the spill. But…well, it's interesting. We should keep an eye on those two, I think."
Author:  Alison H [ 20 Feb 2007, 08:45 ]
Post subject: 
I really like Robin when she's this age.

Thanks Dorian :D .
Author:  Ruth B [ 20 Feb 2007, 10:34 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Anne, sounds like there is a very troubling past there.
Author:  Lisa [ 20 Feb 2007, 11:41 ]
Post subject: 
I like the way you are drawing the relationship between Anne and Janet. Thanks! :)
Author:  Chair [ 20 Feb 2007, 12:52 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. It was good to see the prefects' view.
Author:  leahbelle [ 20 Feb 2007, 14:12 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. Anne and Janet are really becoming alive for me.
Author:  Fatima [ 20 Feb 2007, 16:10 ]
Post subject: 
I'm really interested to see what will happen to Anne and Janet, too. It's interesting the way they seem to be striking up some sort of friendship. Thanks Dorian.
Author:  JoS [ 20 Feb 2007, 20:46 ]
Post subject: 
An unintentional friendship it seems. Great to see more of Polly, Robin and company.
Author:  brie [ 20 Feb 2007, 22:18 ]
Post subject: 
thanks dorian, nice to see the prees
Author:  Cath V-P [ 20 Feb 2007, 23:53 ]
Post subject: 
Fascinating dorian.

Good to see the prefects aware of potential undercurrents like this.
Author:  dorian [ 21 Feb 2007, 00:26 ]
Post subject: 
(Thanks, everyone, for your comments. I want to do traditional CS things with this story, like Middles mischief and the half-term excursion, but right now Janet and Anne seem to be taking over...)
Chapter Nine
Anne rose in a bad mood. This was unusual for her; though she might often be unhappy, she was rarely cross. But this Monday morning, nothing seemed right. Her bed would not strip properly; she was late for the bathroom and earned the scowls of Isabel, who came after her; her tie refused to knot neatly; she somehow broke her comb while trying to deal with her hair (which was also recalcitrant); and her shoelace snapped. By the time the Third Form went down to breakfast she was wearing a scowl to rival one of Janet's.

It didn't help that the day involved several of her least favourite subjects: French Dictée; Latin; English; and History filled the morning. And after lunch came Irish and Art. By the time the Middles had their free time before prep, she was ready to fight with a feather – and she still had prep to get through. She slunk into a corner, as usual, and gave herself up to hating her lessons.

She was roused from her reverie by the voices of some of her own form.

"What is wrong with that Janet?" Nancy Canton demanded. "She always has a face like a wet weekend, but she's even worse today."

"Oh, who cares?" Isabel retorted. "Just 'cos she looks like her pet canary died, and – and we all murdered it – she's just a nasty, sulky girl who won't even try to fit in. Forget about her, do."

"I've been trying to be nice to her," Beth Chester said plaintively. "But it's very hard when all she ever does is snarl or ignore me."

"She isn't happy," Daisy said quietly. But no-one took much notice of her.

"She was rotten to Anne the other day," Isabel said. "Really rude. And just because she couldn't be bothered to step around her."

This mention of her own name galvanised Anne. She jumped up and glared at the other girls. "I think you're all horrible!" she exclaimed. "How dare you all snipe at Janet behind her back like this? I thought the girls at my last school were bad, but you're worse! At least at Manor House they were mean to a person's face – you're all a horrible lot of cowards who wait till someone isn't there, and then – then back-bite! And they told me this was a good school, with nice girls!" She laughed bitterly. "You're nothing but a lot of nasty, mean-minded little wagons without the courage to say anything to a person's face!"

As the rest of the Third Form stared at Anne, she burst into tears and rushed out of the room – almost bowling over Janet, who had been about to enter.

Janet hesitated, her prejudice warring with her essential good-nature. Good nature won – Anne was obviously seriously upset, and she couldn't be left to run off on her own and maybe go somewhere out of bounds and get into trouble. She turned away from the common room and went after the Irish girl.

Janet caught up with Anne in the Splasheries, just as the other girl was about to dash outside, heedless of the fact that it was raining and she hadn't even put on a coat, let alone her outdoor shoes. "Anne –" she said, grasping her arm. "Anne, you can't go out in that rain – you'll get soaked!"

"What do you care?" Anne sobbed, pulling her arm away. "Leave me alone!"

"No," Janet said firmly, grabbing her again. "I may not like you, but I'm not going to put up with anyone bullying anyone, and you look like…like someone's been upsetting you," she finished lamely.

Anne dashed away her tears and stared at Janet. "You – you – what in the name of God would you know? Don't you be bothering me with your kindness and your help, Janet Morris! I'm not some down-trodden peasant to be grateful for a few words from the Lady of the Manor. Go and practice your condescension somewhere else!"
Author:  Alison H [ 21 Feb 2007, 00:41 ]
Post subject: 
These 2 are really interesting.
Author:  Chair [ 21 Feb 2007, 00:45 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. It was interesting to see Anne's reaction.
Author:  Mollio [ 21 Feb 2007, 01:15 ]
Post subject: 
:D Dorian, This is brilliant!
Have just caught up with it tonight and I'm sorry I've started it!! (If I had waited until much later it would be nearly finished, and I wouldn't have to wait inpatiently for the next installment).

Lean ar aghaidh go tapaigh! Maith thú!

(Carry on quickly! Good on you!) :D
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 21 Feb 2007, 08:10 ]
Post subject: 
If you're trying to rouse my curiosity. Consider it at fever pitch
Author:  MaryR [ 21 Feb 2007, 13:30 ]
Post subject: 
Anne has a wonderful way with words. :lol:

Thanks, Dorian
Author:  leahbelle [ 21 Feb 2007, 13:54 ]
Post subject: 
Loving catching up with this. Thanks, Dorian.
Author:  brie [ 21 Feb 2007, 16:58 ]
Post subject: 
loving this!!
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ 21 Feb 2007, 19:10 ]
Post subject: 
This is just so good, so very EBD! Thank you so much, and please may we have lots more, very quickly!
Author:  Cath V-P [ 21 Feb 2007, 23:34 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Anne - and poor Janet, to be snapped at like that. Interesting that Daisy had the maturity to distinguish between bad temper and unhappiness like that.
Author:  Fatima [ 22 Feb 2007, 15:13 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Anne. I shudder to think what her previous school must have been like.
Author:  francesn [ 23 Feb 2007, 00:36 ]
Post subject: 
I just want to step into the drabble and hug Anne. She was quite right to speak up to the others - they were being horrible sniping about Janet behind her back. I wonder whether she's been bullied in the past.

Thanks dorian
Author:  dorian [ 24 Feb 2007, 00:24 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you, everyone, for your comments.

Chapter Ten
Janet spluttered incoherently for a moment. "I wouldn't call you a peasant," she snapped at last. "Peasants have more manners than you do! I'm very sorry to have injured your pride," she added with heavy sarcasm. "Don't worry, it won't happen again. Do feel free to go out in the rain and catch pneumonia, if that's what you want. I won't stop you." She turned to stalk away - only to trip over a coat she'd knocked from its peg in her rush to catch up with Anne. Her dignified exit turned into a very undignified - and painful - sprawl on the floor.

By the door, Anne hesitated, irresolute. The first rush of emotion over, she now had no great wish to go out into the rain. But how to leave the Splashery with dignity? And Janet might have hurt herself in her fall...

Before she could decide what to do, the door opened and Matron walked in. "What are you girls doing here at this hour?" she demanded in surprise. "You ought to be in your common room."

Anne could think of nothing to say, and Janet was blinking back tears of pain as she tried to get up.

Matron eyed them both, noting the tear-stains on Anne's face and Janet's obvious pain. "Bed for both of you," she said decisively, moving to help Janet. "Whatever you've been up to, it can wait."

Briskly, she herded the two girls upstairs to the San, helping Janet who had bruised her knees quite badly. She saw both of them into beds, anointed Janet's injuries with arnica, gave them hot milk, and tucked them gently in. "Now, get a little sleep, both of you," she adjured them. "You'll feel better then."

Left to themselves, the two girls rolled over in their beds to turn their backs to one another.

---

"And now," Matron said, "I should like to know what you two were doing in the Splashery at a time when you should have been in your common room." After giving the two time for a nap, she had returned and checked Janet's bruises before bidding them both get up.

They looked at her mutely.

"Girls! I asked you a question. Have the courtesy to answer it, please."

Involuntarily, Janet and Anne looked at each other, then looked away again.

"It's not Janet's fault," Anne whispered at last. "I…I was…I was upset, and not – not really thinking where I was going. Janet came after me to…" She trailed off, not really sure why Janet had come after her or what she should say. She risked a glance at Matron. That lady looked very grim. Anne gripped her hands tightly together, wondering what would happen now.

Janet scowled at Matron. "It's as Anne says," she said. "She was upset. I went after her. And then you came in."

And try as Matron might, not one word more could she get out of either girl.

Eventually, she gave up, and sent them off to dinner. "Don't worry about your prep," she added. "I'll tell your mistresses you were with me."

---

Robin and Daisy walked sedately down towards the castle gates. Both were once again day-girls, for Joey had obtained a house in Malahide village, and declared she couldn't do without her wards. Primula danced ahead of them.

"Robin," Daisy said suddenly.

"Yes?"

"I need your advice. Only…well, it's awkward…I don't want to tell tales."

Robin glanced at Daisy. "Oh?"

"You see…well…it's about two girls in my form. They aren't, either of them, special friends of mine, but I'm worried…If I tell you, will you promise not to tell anyone? Not even Auntie Joey?"

"Unless they're stealing, or spying, or something," Robin said with a laugh, "I promise."

"Oh no, it's nothing like that! It's just that they're not happy, either of them, and I don't know what to do."

"Hie, Primula!" Robin called. "Wait a minute – you mustn't go running out onto the road like that!" She turned back to Daisy. "We can't really talk while we have Primula with us. Come to my room this evening, and tell me all about it."
Author:  JoS [ 24 Feb 2007, 00:30 ]
Post subject: 
Typical Matey. And I knew Jo wouldn't be able to resist moving to Ireland. Looking forward to more.
Author:  dorian [ 24 Feb 2007, 00:35 ]
Post subject: 
Heheh. I have plans for Jo... :-)
Author:  Mollio [ 24 Feb 2007, 00:37 ]
Post subject: 
I hope she comes up against every peasant in the land! :D
Loving this. Thanks, Dorian.
Author:  Cath V-P [ 24 Feb 2007, 00:49 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you dorian, I'm really enjoying this!
Author:  Fatima [ 24 Feb 2007, 04:06 ]
Post subject: 
dorian wrote:
Heheh. I have plans for Jo... :-)


Now I'm really all agog! Thanks Dorian.
Author:  Alison H [ 24 Feb 2007, 09:14 ]
Post subject: 
:lol: Can't wait to find out what's in store for Joey.
Author:  Elbee [ 24 Feb 2007, 09:40 ]
Post subject: 
I'm enjoying this a lot Dorian - it is very intriguing!
Author:  Chair [ 24 Feb 2007, 12:36 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. I hope that Janet and Anne will be able to sort things out in the San.
Author:  leahbelle [ 24 Feb 2007, 17:47 ]
Post subject: 
Looking forward to reading about what's in store for Jo!
Author:  Lisa [ 24 Feb 2007, 19:37 ]
Post subject: 
This drabble just keeps getting better and better (and it was fab to start with!) Thanks dorian!

*also agog to find out what you have in store for Jo*
Author:  jacey [ 24 Feb 2007, 21:19 ]
Post subject: 
This is so true to the CS of EBD.
I'm really enjoying it Dorian. Enjoying the Irish point of view. And the added pleasure of reading it on a day when Ireland (whisper) walloped England in the rugby!
Author:  Ronara [ 25 Feb 2007, 00:45 ]
Post subject: 
jacey wrote:
This is so true to the CS of EBD.
I'm really enjoying it Dorian. Enjoying the Irish point of view. And the added pleasure of reading it on a day when Ireland (whisper) walloped England in the rugby!


Ah the rugby was a joy to watch this evening :D

But back to the topic - this story is really quite good. I'm interested in finding out what you intend to do with Joey, but more so in finding out about Janet's brother and what happened to him (and also what happened to Anne).
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 25 Feb 2007, 02:38 ]
Post subject: 
Really enjoying this
Author:  brie [ 25 Feb 2007, 12:07 ]
Post subject: 
thanks dorian
Author:  dorian [ 25 Feb 2007, 20:00 ]
Post subject: 
Give Janet and Anne time! They've been at the school for less than two weeks!

Chapter Eleven
It didn't take the three girls long to reach Joey's new home. "Liscara" was one of several pretty Victorian villas on Church Road, close to St. Andrew's Church which the Protestant girls attended on Sundays.

Joey was waiting at the front door as they came up the short drive. "Hurry in, do," she cried as they approached. "It's going to rain again any minute!" They hurried, and just as Joey closed the door, the rain began. "Run and take your things off, " Joey urged them, "and then come and tell me about your day."

"Liscara" was a smaller house than Joey was used to, having only five bedrooms and two sitting-rooms (besides the breakfast parlour), but as she had said, "we don't really need all that much room; Jack is so rarely here that he doesn't really need a dressing room, and the triplets aren't really old enough to need separate day- and night-nurseries, so we can manage quite well for now".

Daisy, Primula and Robin hurried to take off their coats and change their shoes, and soon joined Joey in the big drawing-room at the front of the house. There, tea was laid and Joey was pouring out. They had tea and discussed their various doings of the day.

"And I've had a letter from Jack," Joey said joyously. "He thinks he'll have leave soon, and will be able to come and see us." The three girls applauded this news delightedly.

---

That evening, Daisy tapped at Robin's door. Robin welcomed her into the pretty bedroom overlooking the back garden. "Come and sit down," she said. "Now, what is your problem?"

Daisy settled into a wicker chair near the window. "We-ell…it's about these two girls in my form," she said hesitantly.

"Let me guess," Robin said, curling into another chair, "Janet Morris and Anne Ormond?"

Daisy stared. "But how did you know?"

"I've noticed them myself," Robin said. "But tell me what you've seen, first."

"Well, they're not either of them happy," Daisy said. "Janet has some kind of personal grudge against Ireland, I think – but if she could just get past that, I think she's probably really a very jolly girl, only she's so caught up in hating Ireland and everything to do with it…

"And then there's Anne. She looks so scared all the time – as if she expects to be treated badly by everyone, even though we're all nice to her. And then, the other day, some of the girls were talking about Janet in the common room, and Anne just flew out at them and said we were all horrible for talking about Janet behind her back…

"And yet Janet stands up for Anne, even though Anne's Irish, and Anne seems…well, less scared, when she's around Janet, even though Janet isn't ever nice to her…

"It just seems like both of them are really unhappy, but I don't know why or what to do about it!"

Robin considered Daisy's words thoughtfully. "I think," she said at last, "that Anne's last school must not have been a very nice one. If, perhaps, she was bullied at her last school, she might still be…wary…of you, in case you might be nice now and…not nice, later."

"But she even looks at the mistresses as if…well, she seems to think if she doesn't get her prep absolutely perfect she'll be in all kinds of trouble, for instance. She was looking really upset at the end of prep one day last week, and I asked her if she was all right, and she said something like she was fine, she just hoped her work was neat enough. And she has the nicest handwriting of anyone in our form."

'Oh, help!' Robin thought. 'I don't really understand this – how can I explain it to Daisy?' She sent up a swift prayer for help. "Daisy…not all schools are like the Chalet School. It sometimes happens that mistresses can be unfair – and in some schools, they may not notice or care about it. I don't fully understand it myself, but I've heard this from other girls. Anne may be used to having the mistresses pick up on every tiny thing.

"Give her time. Go on being nice to her, and help her when you can, without trying to…well, smother her with niceness. It will take her a while to get used to the Chalet School."

"I'll try," Daisy said dubiously. "But it's very hard to be nice to someone who…well, who treats you with polite indifference. And what about Janet?"

"Well, Janet must have some reason for hating Ireland so much, but if she and Anne are striking up some kind of friendship, that can only help both of them. Give Janet time too, and don't comment on her friendship with Anne. And don't talk about either of them behind their backs, either – that really isn't very nice."

"Well, I wasn't," Daisy said indignantly. "It was the others, but they didn't take any notice when I tried to say something."

Robin smiled. "I didn't think you would," she said. "But if you can persuade the rest of your form to just be nice to the two of them, and not gossip about them, it might help."
Author:  Chair [ 25 Feb 2007, 20:37 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. I liked Robin's advice.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 25 Feb 2007, 21:26 ]
Post subject: 
So do I
Author:  Alison H [ 25 Feb 2007, 21:28 ]
Post subject: 
Fancy Joey having to manage with only 5 bedrooms and 2 sitting rooms :shock: :lol: :lol: !

I've always thought Robin was a brilliant prefect.
Author:  Cath V-P [ 26 Feb 2007, 02:29 ]
Post subject: 
Robin really gave some very wise advice there.
Author:  Kathy_S [ 26 Feb 2007, 06:10 ]
Post subject: 
Good job, Robin -- and Daisy, being concerned enough to bring it up. Thank you, Dorian. Hope they're able to help!


Quote:
Fancy Joey having to manage with only 5 bedrooms and 2 sitting rooms
I don't see five bedrooms as that unreasonable. (1)Jo & Jack (2) Anna (3) triplets (4) Daisy & Primula (5) Robin.... Yes, I know plenty of people make do with less, without boarding schools or home help, but personal experience with five sibs in one bedroom made me value rather than scorn personal space.
Author:  Lexi [ 26 Feb 2007, 11:47 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Dorian, I'm really enjoying this.


Jo's quite restrained in her demands, didn't Marie want six bedrooms and three sitting rooms when she was planning her move to Guernsey?
Author:  Ruth B [ 26 Feb 2007, 11:52 ]
Post subject: 
Kathy_S wrote:
Good job, Robin -- and Daisy, being concerned enough to bring it up. Thank you, Dorian. Hope they're able to help!


Quote:
Fancy Joey having to manage with only 5 bedrooms and 2 sitting rooms
I don't see five bedrooms as that unreasonable. (1)Jo & Jack (2) Anna (3) triplets (4) Daisy & Primula (5) Robin.... Yes, I know plenty of people make do with less, without boarding schools or home help, but personal experience with five sibs in one bedroom made me value rather than scorn personal space.


I can see your point absolutely Kathy, but my reaction was "only 5 bedrooms and two sitting rooms, my heart bleeds" :lol: (speaking as someone trying to get used to living in a two-up-two-down.)
Author:  alicat [ 26 Feb 2007, 12:01 ]
Post subject: 
Oh but when joey says her house has five bedrooms she doesn't count Anna in that, surely servants quarters were always in the attic or basement.....I am just waiting for joey to meet people who think having triplets is peculiar and also those who are gently patronising or even rather scornful of the fact that she is an RC convert......and of course she's not even an English foreigner now, having lived so long in germany......being able to speak lots of languages probably makes her a spy.....(please please)
Author:  Kathy_S [ 26 Feb 2007, 15:12 ]
Post subject: 
But if it were that kind of drabble, it wouldn't be in St. Agnes! St. Agnes is supposed to be EBD-land, where people appreciate EBD's heroines, and don't go further than sympathetic teasing. Of course there may be misunderstanding, but it all works out in the end.
Author:  Tara [ 27 Feb 2007, 00:07 ]
Post subject: 
This is really interesting - thank you, dorian. Janet and Anne are a fascinating pair, and Robin and Daisy are lovely.
Author:  leahbelle [ 27 Feb 2007, 11:17 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. Robin is very wise.
Author:  dorian [ 28 Feb 2007, 01:24 ]
Post subject: 
The "only five bedrooms and two sitting rooms" was a deliberate, tongue-in-cheek, poke at Joey (inspired by Marie's remark in Exile). And yes, Anna's in the attic. Joey's story is going to have to wait a little, though...
Chapter Twelve
Term continued reasonably quietly after this; Daisy had persuaded the rest of the Third Form to refrain from talking about people behind their backs – much aided by Anne's earlier remarks, which had made several people rather ashamed of themselves. Even Nancy, an outspoken and thoughtless young lady at the best of times, agreed – though perhaps the prospect of the first matches of the term was taking more of her attention than Daisy realised.

Indeed, matches were occupying the thoughts of most of the girls. For the first time since the School's inception, it was in a position to have regular matches, in almost any game anyone cared to mention, against other schools, and excitement was running high. The hockey First XI had been soundly beaten by Alexandra College; the Second XI had beaten The High School by just one goal. Now, some three weeks after Anne's outburst in the common room, the Third XI was to play Manor House School, and with two of their number on the team, the Third Form was all agog, and talked of nothing but hockey.

"Here, Anne!" Nancy said in the common room the day before the match. "You used to go to Manor House, didn't you? What are their Third XI like?"

Anne coloured up. She should have expected such a question, she knew, but she hadn't thought of it, and now what was she to say? "They…um…they play very aggressively…I'm told," she stammered at last. "I don't really know – I'm no hockey player – you know that."

There was some sympathetic laughter; it had become evident in games lessons that Anne was, indeed, no good at all at hockey, or netball, though she did try.

The talk moved on to random speculation, and Anne was forgotten again. Janet took the opportunity to change her seat and sit by Anne. "Anne," she said, quite gently, "is there something you're not saying about the Manor House team? I know you wouldn't want to be disloyal to your old school, but…well, what you said just now…it sounds as if you know more about the team than you were saying. And I wouldn't bother you about it, even though I'm on the team, but, well, you looked…worried."

Anne looked at Janet thoughtfully. "Disloyal?" she said at last, in an oddly detached tone. "Well, if a person is to be loyal to something, surely that thing ought also to be loyal to her? I don't wish to appear to be disloyal to my old school, or to look as if I'm telling tales; that would do me no good. But the fact of the matter is, the Manor House Third XI is composed mostly of bullies who think nothing of fouling other players and then claiming they were fouled.

"I don't suppose you believe me," she went on, still in that indifferent manner, "but it's true. Look out for people whacking you with their stick and claiming it was the ball, or falling over and saying you tripped them, or aiming the ball at your lower leg and then claiming a penalty for kicking."

"But – but surely the referees…" Janet stuttered.

Anne smiled, twistedly. "Yes, the referees. Don't think these girls are stupid, Janet. They aren't. They make sure they aren't seen – or if they are, it's by their own school's referees. You're going into a nasty, vicious, cheating match, where one of the referees will not believe that her girls could be anything but honourable. After all," she added bitterly, "they're good convent school girls, aren't they?"

Before Janet could think what to say, the bell for the Middles' bedtime rang. "Well…thank you for warning me," Janet managed, as they headed for their dormitories.
Author:  Alison H [ 28 Feb 2007, 08:42 ]
Post subject: 
Ah - Anne evidently had a bad time at her last school, then.
Author:  Ruth B [ 28 Feb 2007, 12:00 ]
Post subject: 
(((Anne)))
Author:  leahbelle [ 28 Feb 2007, 14:24 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Anne.
Author:  Fatima [ 28 Feb 2007, 15:15 ]
Post subject: 
This could be an interesting match then!

Poor Anne; I hope she soon comes to realise that the Chalet girls are nicer than her previous classmates.
Author:  Chair [ 28 Feb 2007, 18:07 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. I hope that the CS staff will be better at spotting what happens during the match.
Author:  JoS [ 28 Feb 2007, 20:18 ]
Post subject: 
The Manor House School sounds too terrible. I remember playing hockey matches against teams like these. Poor Anne. I hope she realises soon that life at the CS is very different and far superior.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 28 Feb 2007, 21:45 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Anne
Author:  Cath V-P [ 28 Feb 2007, 23:55 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Anne - hopefully she will realise that the CS does not accept this sort of behaviour - and wouldn't it be nice to witness the downfall of that particular Third XI?! :D
Author:  Tara [ 01 Mar 2007, 00:48 ]
Post subject: 
Chair wrote:
I hope that the CS staff will be better at spotting what happens during the match.
I'm with Chair here - I don't think a lot will get past them. Am strongly hoping the CS wins!
Author:  francesn [ 02 Mar 2007, 20:22 ]
Post subject: 
I'm sure it won't get past the CS mistresses! I have every faith in whoever was Games mistress at that point....

Thanks dorian
Author:  dorian [ 04 Mar 2007, 20:35 ]
Post subject: 
This update is for Caty, who wanted to see the Chalet School play Manor House at hockey...
Chapter Thirteen
As the Third XI took their places on the hockey pitch, Janet looked at the Manor House team thoughtfully, remembering Anne's remarks. The girls were mostly larger than she was, but not larger than the majority of the Chalet School team which, aside from Janet herself and Nancy Canton, was composed of Fourth Form girls.

Janet had thought long and hard, when she should have been sleeping, about the wisdom of passing on Anne's words to the rest of the team. Eventually she had decided to leave it – Anne might be prejudiced, after all; it was obvious she hadn't liked her time at Manor House. But she would keep her eyes open during this match, and if necessary, she might talk to the others at half-time.

The match began, and almost immediately, Janet found herself on the ground, bowled over by a Manor House girl running straight at – and past – her. Miss Nalder evidently hadn't noticed, so Janet picked herself up and returned to the game, keeping a careful eye on her opponents.

She soon found it was easy enough to avoid most of their manoeuvres, now that she was alert for them, and after about the fifth time she neatly dodged an apparently carelessly aimed ball or stick, the other team began to leave her alone, evidently realising they were wasting their time with her.

Most of the rest of the Chalet School team were not so lucky, and by half time Mary Shaw was out of the game altogether with a nasty knock to her ankle, sundry other girls were nursing bumps and bruises, and Manor House were two-nil up.

"This is ridiculous," Biddy O'Ryan complained. "Sure, it looks like they're attacking us deliberately!"

"They are," Janet said, making up her mind. "I didn't want to say anything before, because I wasn't sure…but, well, I've been told that this team usually plays foul, and so far, it looks like that's true."

"But – but – that's…you don't do that," another Fourth Former spluttered indignantly.

"We don't," Janet said. "This lot obviously do. Look," she went on, "a lot of their tactics are very easy to avoid if you look out for them. Keep an eye out for things like sticks, or the ball – or them! – coming towards your ankles, and dodge. I've been doing that, once I realised, and they've mostly given up on me. We can win this match if we're not all being hit or knocked over all the time. I don't think they're actually very good players; they seem to rely on…on dirty tactics. We're not going to let that kind of a team beat us, are we?"

Meanwhile, Anne stood near the other Third Formers watching the match. A group of Manor House girls, who had come to cheer on their team, were not far off. As the girls chatted during half-time, an unpleasantly familiar voice remarked, "Oh look, so that's where the peasant went to. Can't be a very good school, can it, if it lets that kind of riff-raff in."

Anne flushed. She'd been afraid of this kind of thing happening, but she hadn't been able to see any way out of going to watch the match…and she did want to see the Chalet School trounce Manor House – not that that seemed likely to happen so far.

"They're certainly not much good at hockey," someone responded. "You'd think a fancy-pants English school would put up a better showing than this."

"What, when it's filling its ranks with peasants? And I hear they have a lot of foreigners, too – I don't suppose they've ever even seen a hockey pitch before now."

Before Anne could decide what to do, she found herself surrounded by Beth, Daisy and Isabel. "Come on, Anne," Daisy said clearly. "Let's find somewhere else to stand. The air just here is…" she paused to sniff thoughtfully… "a little rancid."

As they walked away, Anne could distinctly hear splutters of outrage from her ex-schoolmates. She found herself smiling, and responding quite happily to the others' chatter.

The second half began and, warned by Janet, the Chalet School team as a whole began to evade most of their opponents' cheating manoeuvres. It was hard work to concentrate on the game and on avoiding fouls, but soon they had levelled the score, at a cost of only one person knocked over and an unpleasant bang to Nancy's knuckles.

Nancy played determinedly on, however, and the Manor House team were beginning to look decidedly blue, as their normal tactics were being so thoroughly side-stepped. One of their forwards became reckless, and charged at Janet with her stick held high – only to hear the whistle blow. "Sticks!" Miss Nalder called…just as the girl, ignoring the whistle, brought her stick down on Janet's wrist.

There was an immediate outcry. And much as the girl claimed she hadn't heard the whistle and her games mistress backed her up, she was sent off. Janet insisted that she was fine to play on, and the match continued.

The Manor House girls were more subdued now, but the Chalet School girls were tiring. Everyone was longing to hear the final whistle – but the Chalet School girls were determined that it would come after they had managed another goal.

Janet dashed down the pitch. Her wrist hurt, but she ignored it. 'I can get Matey to look at it after the match – that's not so long now,' she thought. Biddy passed to her, and she neatly dodged her opponent and kept going…but here was another opponent…she dodged again, and passed to Elizabeth Arnett, who was blessedly unmarked. 'Only a few more minutes,' she reminded herself as the ball came back to her. She passed again, back to Biddy, but Biddy missed her chance and now they were rushing the other way.

But Jennifer Bishop hooked the ball neatly out from under a Manor House girl, and now they were heading again for the Manor House goal. Janet found that she, Biddy and Elizabeth were passing back and forth as if inspired, swerving around the Manor House girls automatically while the rest of the Chalet School forward line obtruded themselves in their opponents' way.

And then the goal was there, in front of Janet. It was a longish shot, but she wouldn't get a better one, and she couldn't get a clear pass to anyone. She gritted her teeth and smote the ball.

On the sidelines, Anne, Beth, Daisy and Isabel were all jumping up and down excitedly. "Go it, Janet!" "Go for it!" "Come on, Janet!" They screamed encouragement at the tops of their voices.

The Manor House goalkeeper dived desperately. The ball went past her. The whistle blew for the end of the match. The Chalet School had won, three goals to two.
Author:  Alison H [ 04 Mar 2007, 21:21 ]
Post subject: 
Oh, that was brilliantly Malory Towers-esque (except that it was usually lacrosse with them!)! Thanks Dorian: I really enjoyed that!
Author:  JoS [ 04 Mar 2007, 21:38 ]
Post subject: 
Jolly hockey sticks! Well done the CS. Thanks Dorian.
And maybe now the CS girls might be more sympathetic of and understanding towards Anne.
Author:  Chair [ 04 Mar 2007, 23:25 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. I'm glad that Janet won the match for the CS!
Author:  Cath V-P [ 04 Mar 2007, 23:33 ]
Post subject: 
Most excellent!! I can see the frustration of the Manor team in the second half - and that last goal was a pleasure.

And I loved Daisy's comment about the air....
Author:  Ruth B [ 05 Mar 2007, 12:49 ]
Post subject: 
Hooray! And good for Daisy standing up for Anne.
Author:  francesn [ 05 Mar 2007, 13:58 ]
Post subject: 
Hurrah! Well done the Chalet!

Thank you dorian - it really felt like I was there watching the match.
Author:  leahbelle [ 05 Mar 2007, 14:34 ]
Post subject: 
Good for the CS! Thanks, Dorian, I really enjoyed that match.
Author:  Fatima [ 05 Mar 2007, 17:27 ]
Post subject: 
Hooray! I'm so glad the Chaletians won! That was a brilliant match, thanks Dorian.
Author:  keren [ 05 Mar 2007, 17:36 ]
Post subject: 
Alison H wrote:
Oh, that was brilliantly Malory Towers-esque (except that it was usually lacrosse with them!)! Thanks Dorian: I really enjoyed that!


And make it St.Claire's ish by having Janet have a broken wrist of course.

Great story..


You had your light hidden under a bushel!
Author:  dorian [ 06 Mar 2007, 00:17 ]
Post subject: 
I admit that the hockey match was heavily inspired by Enid Blyton's lacrosse matches!. Glad you all enjoyed it.

Now Janet and Anne have decided to leave me alone for a little, so here's an interlude...

Chapter Fourteen
Joey smiled across the table at her husband. "This was a wonderful idea of yours, Jack," she said happily, sipping her wine.

Jack smiled back. "Glad you think so, dear. What do you say – shall we do it every time I get leave?"

"Oh, that would be nice," Joey agreed.

They were seated in a tiny restaurant on Nassau Street in Dublin's city centre, enjoying a night out just for the two of them while Robin looked after the family. They had had a delicious meal, and were now lingering over their wine before ordering coffee; neither was keen to end the evening.

"Aber ja, ich hab' selbst den Plan geseh'n!"

Joey's attention was suddenly caught by the German being spoken at a nearby table. It seemed so long since she'd heard the language – other than from Anna, of course. And this was not the soft language of the Tyrol, but the harsher tones of Berlin. Shamelessly, she eavesdropped.

"Das kann net sein," insisted a second voice.

"Doch," retorted the first, but then the voices were lowered and Joey could only make out occasional words and phrases. "Fall Grün," she distinctly heard, and "Irland", and "Generalleutnant Kaupitsch soll es unternehmen".

Jack smiled, watching his wife's absorption. He spoke German poorly himself, and was unfamiliar with dialects other than Tyrolean. He could only tell that the two men at the nearby table were speaking German – what they were saying was beyond him. But he knew how Joey loved her languages, and guessed how much she'd missed hearing other languages than English.

The men left the restaurant before Jack and Joey had finished their wine, and Jack looked quizzically at his wife. "Well?" he asked. "What were they saying?"

To his surprise, Joey demurred. "I don't think I should say," she said quietly. "Not here. Let's finish up and go, shall we?"

Rather puzzled, Jack agreed, insisting only that they have their coffee before going, for Joey was looking a little excited. She calmed down a little over coffee and domestic chat, however, and he felt happier about her as they left the restaurant. "Well?" he asked again as they were driving back to Malahide.

Joey looked at him thoughtfully. "I'm not sure – I couldn't hear all that much – but I think they were talking about a plan to invade Ireland!"

"Are you certain, Jo?"

"No…no, I'm not certain," she admitted. "I couldn't hear enough to be certain. But it's what it sounded like. Oh, Jack!" she cried suddenly. "Not the Nazis here, too! I couldn't bear it if we had to flee again!"

"Hush, now," Jack reassured her. "It's very likely all pie-in-the-sky, as Evadne would say. And even if it isn't – well, you've heard…whatever you've heard. Tomorrow, we had better get in touch with the authorities here, and let them know. It may well be that they know all about it already, but if not, your information will be very valuable.

"Now, don't you worry about it any more tonight, love. Tomorrow I'll find out who you should talk to about it – and Ireland won't be invaded if anything you can do will prevent it!"

Joey relaxed. "You're right, Jack, of course," she said. "We'll tell the authorities and they'll be able to deal with it. Those men weren't talking as if it was going to happen immediately, anyway. Ooh!" she exclaimed. "Wouldn't it be exciting if I stopped an invasion single-handedly!"

Jack laughed. "You sound like a penny-dreadful," he said.

---

Joe Cassidy looked at the couple as they entered his office. The woman might almost have been Irish, with her black hair and pale skin, though her eyes were much darker than most Irish people's. The man was the tall, fair, self-assured type. 'Rugger, probably,' Joe thought. 'And no doubt they've got a complete mare's nest to tell me.' He suppressed a sigh. It was his job to listen to people who thought they'd come across something suspicious. Most of what he heard was gossip and spite.

He wasn't sighing when Joey finished her tale. The word was out in the Department that the Germans might be planning something of this sort. "Would you recognise either of these men again, Mrs. Maynard?" he asked.

"The first one, maybe," Joey said. "I looked, when I heard the German, because it was so unexpected. But after that I didn't want them to know I was listening, so I didn't look at them until they left, and then I only saw their backs."

"Hm. Your information is very interesting," Joe said slowly. "Thank you for bringing it to us." Inwardly, he was jumping up and down with excitement, but he allowed no hint of this to show. "Would you be available, should we need to contact you again about this matter?"

"Certainly," Joey replied. "You have my address. We're not on the telephone yet, unfortunately, but I hope that will be rectified soon. Do let me know if there's anything else I can do to help."
Author:  Alison H [ 06 Mar 2007, 01:10 ]
Post subject: 
:shock: Don't know what to make of that!
Author:  Mollio [ 06 Mar 2007, 02:16 ]
Post subject: 
Curiouser and couriouser...
Author:  Elbee [ 06 Mar 2007, 09:34 ]
Post subject: 
Spies! Very exciting!
Author:  Chair [ 06 Mar 2007, 09:48 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. I wonder what will happen next.
Author:  leahbelle [ 06 Mar 2007, 14:16 ]
Post subject: 
How exciting!
Author:  MaryR [ 06 Mar 2007, 14:30 ]
Post subject: 
Trust Joey to be involved. :lol:
Author:  Ruth B [ 06 Mar 2007, 15:06 ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
"Wouldn't it be exciting if I stopped an invasion single-handedly!"


:roll: :roll:

So Joey!
Author:  Fatima [ 06 Mar 2007, 16:47 ]
Post subject: 
Yes, that's typically Jo - going out for a quiet meal and ending up embroiled with spies!

Thanks Dorian.
Author:  Kathy_S [ 06 Mar 2007, 19:14 ]
Post subject: 
sehr interessant. :D

[verrry interesting]
Author:  francesn [ 06 Mar 2007, 19:36 ]
Post subject: 
That is so Joey! How does she always manage to land herself in trouble?!

Thanks dorian
Author:  JoS [ 06 Mar 2007, 19:57 ]
Post subject: 
Great - a big of intrigue - and trust Joey to be right on the spot!
Author:  Gerrie [ 06 Mar 2007, 20:43 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Dorian
Just caught up on all this. Great stuff - Dublin was the centre of espionage during the war! Thank goodness for Joey!!!
Author:  Cath V-P [ 07 Mar 2007, 01:45 ]
Post subject: 
That was fun!
Author:  dorian [ 07 Mar 2007, 23:58 ]
Post subject: 
Just a short update tonight, while I think about what happens next with Janet and Anne.

I should probably mention that the idea for the last chapter and this came from my mother...
Chapter Fifteen
"Come on, Joey," Juliet said.

Joey turned an unwontedly nervous face to her old school-friend. "I've never done anything like this before, Juliet," she said.

"You'll be fine," Juliet reassured her. "All you have to do is mingle and make interested noises – and keep your eyes and ears open! If you can give the impression that you're not opposed to the Nazi regime, so much the better –"

Joey groaned loudly. "How can I ever do that, Juliet?" she demanded. "You know what they did to us – what they're doing to our friends –"

"Yes, I know," Juliet said gently. "But this is our job – our way of fighting them. We go to these cocktail parties, these dinners, these soireés, and we watch and we listen and if we can subtly draw people out to say things they shouldn't, we do that too. And then we pass on what we learn, and make everyone here – and in England too – that little bit safer."

"I know that – I understand that!" Joey cried. "I just don't think I can do it – I hate the Nazis so much; I can't possibly hide it!"

"Come, Joey," Juliet said in her best Head Girl voice. "Don't be so spineless. You were always quite good in the theatricals we got up. Play a part – you're perfectly capable of it if you'll just make up your mind to it."

Her bracing words had their effect, and Joey lost her unhappy look. "When you put it that way…yes. I'll be the elegant wife of Dr. Maynard who was so sorry to have to leave the Reich and is so interested to hear all the news…"

"That's it," Juliet encouraged her. "Now we really must go, otherwise we'll go beyond 'fashionably late' into plain rudeness."

Joey giggled. "En avant, then, ma chère!"
Author:  Cath V-P [ 08 Mar 2007, 00:35 ]
Post subject: 
Oh, intriguing! I love the idea of Joey as "the elegant wife of Dr Maynard"!
Author:  keren [ 08 Mar 2007, 10:20 ]
Post subject: 
....and Juliet the Spy,


really clever.
Author:  leahbelle [ 08 Mar 2007, 14:25 ]
Post subject: 
Brilliant :D . thanks, Dorian.
Author:  Chair [ 08 Mar 2007, 18:53 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. I look forward to seeing them at the party.
Author:  francesn [ 08 Mar 2007, 19:51 ]
Post subject: 
Oooh Juliet the SPY! I really hope Joey can pull something off.

Thanks dorian
Author:  JoS [ 08 Mar 2007, 20:27 ]
Post subject: 
Can just see Juliet and Joey as spies! Well done to your Mother, Dorian, for hitting on this particular sub-plot.
Author:  Miranda [ 10 Mar 2007, 04:20 ]
Post subject: 
Joey is so much fun when she plays at being Mrs Dr Maynard! But I hope she can restrain herself sufficiently throughout the evening...

Thanks dorian :)
Author:  brie [ 10 Mar 2007, 16:45 ]
Post subject: 
thanks dorian.

i just caught up on loads of this and its great
Author:  Sarah_K [ 10 Mar 2007, 17:21 ]
Post subject: 
Oh how brilliant, and well done Juliet for coming up with a way to make Joey do as she needs to! I always liked Juliet, she got rather ignored by EBD later on but with the CS in Ireland I hope we'll see lots of her :D
Author:  dorian [ 12 Mar 2007, 00:20 ]
Post subject: 
Posting will probably be very sporadic for the next few weeks, as my wedding looms ever closer. Here's something to keep you going, anyway...

Chapter Sixteen
"And now," Miss Annersley said, "as you all know, half-term will be upon us soon. Some of you will be going home or visiting friends – for the rest, we have various excursions organised. Full lists will go up on the boards today, but I can tell you something of what we have planned now."

Everyone in Hall sat up and gave their Headmistress her fullest attention. Even those who would not be staying at the School wanted to know what they would be missing.

Miss Annersley smiled, seeing the excited faces. "On Friday evening," she said, "the prefects will be entertaining you. On Saturday we will have all-day excursions – the Juniors are going to Dublin Zoo, the Middles will spend the day on Lambay Island, and the Seniors are going to Glendalough. Sunday will be a quiet day, and on Monday…well, you'll have to wait and see."

As she paused, quick clapping broke out, and she gave them their heads for a moment before raising her hand for silence.

"I'm glad to see you're all pleased with this programme," she said, "but I must remind you, as usual, that any girl who is badly behaved will not be allowed to take part in the half-term fun."

---

The girls had to contain themselves until Break, but as soon as they had had their milk and biscuits, Daisy and Beth grabbed Anne and Janet and foregathered in a corner of their common room, the weather being too wet for them to go out.

"Lambay Island!" Beth exclaimed. "That's that one you can see from the walk to Low Rock, isn't it?"

Anne nodded. "It's owned by the Baring family, I believe," she said. "You know, the bankers. There's supposed to be a wonderful medieval castle there."

"Will you be coming, Anne?" Daisy asked. "Or are you going home?"

"No, I'm not going home," Anne replied. "What about any of you?"

"I'm not," Janet said. "Mummy thinks it's too far just for half-term."

Anne and Daisy both noted the sulky tone in her voice, but took no notice. Janet had seemed much happier since the hockey match. 'But we aren't out of the woods yet,' Daisy thought.

"I'm not going home either," Beth said cheerfully. "We've had to move from Guernsey, of course, and Mummy says things are still all at sixes and sevens in the new place. I suppose you're going home, Daisy? Since you live in the village now?"

"Not really," Daisy replied. "Auntie Jo is quite busy at the moment, so I'm staying at school except for the Sunday. But she said I could invite some friends that day – would you three like to come?"

"I'd love to!" Beth exclaimed.

Daisy looked at the other two. "And you two? I'd really like to have you both."

Anne flushed. "If you really think…" she murmured rather confusedly.

"She wouldn't ask us if she didn't want us," Janet pointed out.

"Janet's right," Daisy agreed. "Do come, both of you."

"Well, all right. Thank you," Anne said.

"Thanks," Janet added.

---

Friday of half term dawned, and no-one had forfeited her treat by bad behaviour. Almost all of the Irish girls were going home for the long weekend, and had invited several of the others to stay with them. Only seven of the Juniors were left, fifteen Middles, and thirteen Seniors. The castle seemed oddly empty – but those left behind had little time to dwell on it, as invitations went round to "A Grand Halloween Ball – Costume Essential".

"But I don't have any costume," Anne wailed. "What am I to do?"

"We have to make them, or improvise them, from what we have," Daisy explained. "If you want to be a ghost, Matey'll probably let you have a sheet, for instance. And we can use some of the things from the acting cupboard, if everyone else hasn't got there first."

"I've always rather fancied being a hero," Janet said thoughtfully.

"Well, that's quite easy," Daisy said. "Use your gym knickers for breeches, wear a blouse outside them with a belt over the top, and make a sword out of cardboard. We might find a cloak in the acting cupboard."

"We could –" Anne stopped suddenly and blushed.

"What?" Janet asked.

Anne shook her head. "You wouldn't want to – forget it."

"No, what?" Janet insisted.

"Well…I just thought…there's this legend about Diarmuid and Gráinne," Anne said. "Gráinne's this princess who has to marry someone she doesn't want to, so she runs off with Diarmuid instead. I thought we might go as Diarmuid and Gráinne – but it's an Irish legend, so of course you wouldn't want to. I'm sorry…"

"That sounds great!" Daisy exclaimed. "What happens to them in the end – do they get to marry?"

Anne shook her head. "Eventually Gráinne's father and her intended husband catch up with them, and Diarmuid dies and Gráinne kills herself." She grinned suddenly. "Most of the Irish legends seem to end up with everyone dying."

"I wouldn't mind, actually," Janet said thoughtfully. "It might be fun if we could have…sort of…the whole story – could you be the father, for instance, Daisy?"

"Ooh, yes," Daisy agreed. "And we'll get Beth or someone to be the intended husband, and we could do a tiny acting out of it – that would be fun! Come on – let's go and find Beth!"
Author:  francesn [ 12 Mar 2007, 00:23 ]
Post subject: 
Awww what a lovely idea! I'm so glad Anne and Janet are becoming firm friends with Beth and Daisy.

Thanks dorian, and best of luck with the wedding preparations! I look forward to more of this whenever you can find the time.
Author:  Chair [ 12 Mar 2007, 00:36 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. The plans sound really great!
Author:  Alison H [ 12 Mar 2007, 08:45 ]
Post subject: 
Glad they're getting on well, and hope the wedding plans are going well too!

I've never actually met anyone called Gráinne, and I think it's such a lovely name ... which is totally irrelevant :roll: !
Author:  Squirrel [ 12 Mar 2007, 08:46 ]
Post subject: 
I'm enjoying reading this - though it does seem strange that Gwensi isn't here! I do like Janet and Anne joining Daisy and Beth though. Are we going to have a quartet rather than a triumverate this time then???

It sounds like they are going to have a good time over half term anyway. Thanks Dorian.

(And we will try to wait patiently for you to be able to post again. I hope the plans all go well.)
Author:  keren [ 12 Mar 2007, 10:22 ]
Post subject: 
nice bit about joey being busy
Author:  Miranda [ 12 Mar 2007, 10:50 ]
Post subject: 
I'm really pleased that Janet and Anne are starting to become more settled, and that Daisy and Beth are having such a good effect on them.

I liked the Diarmuid and Gráinne summary (it's not a story I'm familiar with), and especially Anne:

Quote:
She grinned suddenly. "Most of the Irish legends seem to end up with everyone dying."


Will we get to learn any more about the story? :)
Author:  JoS [ 12 Mar 2007, 13:29 ]
Post subject: 
Hope the wedding plans go well Dorian. Looking forward to more, even if instalments are sporadic.
Author:  Fatima [ 12 Mar 2007, 15:23 ]
Post subject: 
Yes, I'd also been feeling that it was odd not to have Gwensi there with Beth and Daisy.

Best wishes with the wedding plans, Dorian. I hope everything goes well.
Author:  leahbelle [ 13 Mar 2007, 15:50 ]
Post subject: 
I'm glad Janet and Anne seem to be settling in.

Best of luck with the wedding plans, dorian!
Author:  jacey [ 13 Mar 2007, 18:20 ]
Post subject: 
Hope the wedding plans are full of calmness Dorian. And if they aren't, updating this should be a nice bit of light relief :lol:
Really enjoying it, keep it coming (when time permits of course, though I hope the SLOC realises that this will have to be a priority after the Great Day!)
Author:  brie [ 14 Mar 2007, 16:48 ]
Post subject: 
good luck with the wedding plans

and im loving this dorian, thanks
Author:  dorian [ 04 Apr 2007, 21:51 ]
Post subject: 
Just to let you all know I'm back, and (after an 11-year engagement!) safely married. Thank you all for your good wishes; we had a wonderful day and a lovely honeymoon in Malta.

Unfortunately, the plot bunny seems to have stayed in Malta (idiot plot bunny), but I will resume the story as soon as I can haul the silly beast home. I hope it won't be too long...
Author:  JoS [ 04 Apr 2007, 21:55 ]
Post subject: 
Congrats on your marriage Dorian and I hope you had a fantastic honeymoon in Malta. Welcome back - I trust the plot bunny will hitch a ride home with the Easter Bunny and that we'll see more of the CS in Ireland sooner rather than later!
Author:  francesn [ 04 Apr 2007, 21:59 ]
Post subject: 
Congratulations! I hope you enjoyed your honeymoon as much as your plot bunny seems to have!!
Author:  Alison H [ 04 Apr 2007, 22:17 ]
Post subject: 
Congratulations and welcome back!
Author:  Mollio [ 05 Apr 2007, 00:54 ]
Post subject: 
Congratulations and welcome home!
:D You'll be celebrating 25 years before you know it!
Author:  Cath V-P [ 05 Apr 2007, 01:57 ]
Post subject: 
Congratulations dorian

Perhaps you need to present the bunny with a tempting array of treats? Malteasers perhaps?
Author:  Fatima [ 05 Apr 2007, 05:30 ]
Post subject: 
Congratulations Dorian! :D I'm so glad it all went well.
Author:  Elbee [ 05 Apr 2007, 09:09 ]
Post subject: 
Congratulations and looking forward to some more story when your bunnies return!
Author:  little_sarah [ 05 Apr 2007, 09:46 ]
Post subject: 
Congratulations! Hope you had a wonderful honeymoon.
Author:  Smile :) [ 05 Apr 2007, 17:01 ]
Post subject: 
Read all of this from the beginning, its great!

Congrats or your wedding hope you can drag that bunny back soon!
Author:  Dawn [ 05 Apr 2007, 17:23 ]
Post subject: 
Congratulations on your wedding and honeymoon
Author:  lizziearrnet [ 05 Apr 2007, 18:13 ]
Post subject: 
Congrats on the wedding!!!!

Just to say I really enjoyed reading this!

More Please.... :D
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ 05 Apr 2007, 18:18 ]
Post subject: 
Congratulations, and welcome back.

And I just hope you weren't as stressed as my poor daughter is - her wedding is a fortnight on Saturday.
Author:  Sarah_K [ 05 Apr 2007, 18:37 ]
Post subject: 
Congratulations :D

I'm not sure you can blame the plotbunny for wanting to stay in Malta... I can quite see the attraction! Maybe the sunny patch we seem to be havin will tempt it back ;)
Author:  Vikki [ 05 Apr 2007, 21:56 ]
Post subject: 
Congrats on the Wedding Dorian!
Author:  dorian [ 10 Apr 2007, 21:57 ]
Post subject: 
(Thank you all for your good wishes. And Mrs Redboots, the stress was worst in the last week or so, but once the day came, all was relaxed and happy. I hope your daughter finds that too.

The plot bunny is home, though I'm not sure for how long, but here's what I've managed to pry out of him.)
Chapter Seventeen
Joey sighed. "I do hate not being able to have the girls at home for half-term," she said.

"It's unfortunate," Juliet agreed. "But it really can't be helped. Being at this do tonight will really help to 'set' you on the social scene – missing it would be disastrous; you'd have months of work to get to the same position. And you simply have to follow up tonight with tomorrow's cocktail party."

"I know," Joey replied irritably as she checked her hair one last time and adjusted the hang of her skirt. "I just wish it wasn't this weekend." She swung her evening coat over her shoulders. "Well, let's go."

---

The soirée in the Spanish embassy was already under way when Joey and Juliet arrived, and Juliet nodded to herself. Very nice timing – they weren't so early as to look hopelessly gauche, nor so late as to upstage those who were entitled to be late. Just nicely in the "fashionably late but polite" bracket.

They owed this invitation to a junior diplomat in the German embassy, who had been enchanted by Frau Doktor Maynard at a couple of previous functions, and was terribly sympathetic to that lady's professed loneliness in a new city. She would soon make new friends, he had assured her, and – dared he whisper it? – more congenial ones. Such a pity that the Herr Doktor must be away at the moment, but never fear, he would see that the so-charming Frau Doktor was taken care of. Such beauty and charm must surely not moulder away in a seaside village.

Joey had been torn between disgust and hilarity after that particular function, but she had played her part faultlessly during it, and tonight's invitation was the result. Now, if she could just continue as she had been doing…

---

Joey made small talk with a fraction of her attention, and mentally blessed Jem and Madge for her time on the Sonnalpe with them. Who would have thought that being polite to visiting doctors while listening for domestic disasters would have come in so useful in this setting? Nearby, one of the German embassy staff was having a most indiscreet conversation with his Italian counterpart, and Joey smiled and nodded at the young Spanish diplomat she had been introduced to while memorising everything she could of the other conversation.

Just as the young Spaniard began to run out of conversation, Juliet breezed over. "Joey, darling, I do so hate to interrupt, but Frau Dettingen so wants to meet you…" And Joey, left in awe, once again, of her old friend's timing, made her excuses and went to be introduced to assorted diplomatic wives and to learn what she could from their gossip.

---

"Thank you. Yes, this is very valuable. Goodbye, now." Pat O'Hanrahan put the phone down and smiled. He'd been dubious at first, but Joe Cassidy had been right about this Mrs Maynard. She spoke several European languages, had the poise to enter diplomatic circles without a ripple, and had a perfectly phenomenal ability to seem to pay attention to one thing while actually memorising another… Maybe he should recruit more people from English boarding schools!
Author:  Sarah_K [ 10 Apr 2007, 22:08 ]
Post subject: 
Well done Pat O'Hanrahan! We've been saying that for years ;)

Thank you Dorian, I'm glad Joey's being able to put those skills to such good use even if she isn't enjoyign having to do it.

I'm still in awe of you writing a drabble over your wedding! Puts the rest of us to chame :wink:
Author:  JoS [ 10 Apr 2007, 22:20 ]
Post subject: 
So pleased to see this back again - thanks Dorian.
Author:  Lisa_T [ 10 Apr 2007, 22:51 ]
Post subject: 
*splutters* As an Irish ex-pupil of an English boarding school, I love the idea of being an expert multi tasker. Only I'm not.

I'm really enjoying this story, and since you're (for me) a new author, it's even better.

Re Anne Ormond: I do know that Ormond is an Irish title (Old English rather than Anglo-Irish, I think)... although why a connection of that sort would cause her to be despised in an Irish convent school I can't think. Unless the school is run by an English or continental order along the lines La Sagesse or Kate O'Brien's Sainte Famille...

Ingore me. I'm just mumbling...
Author:  Alison H [ 10 Apr 2007, 23:18 ]
Post subject: 
Lisa_T wrote:

Re Anne Ormond: I do know that Ormond is an Irish title (Old English rather than Anglo-Irish, I think)


It's an "Anglo-Norman" earldom. IIRC the family name was Butler (and presumably still is!) and the Butler Earls of Ormond were rivals of the Fitzgerald Earls of Desmond and Kildare.

Sorry for waffling and being irrelevant :oops: :lol: .

Thanks for the update, Dorian :D .
Author:  aitchemelle [ 10 Apr 2007, 23:48 ]
Post subject: 
Read the whole lot! Thank you Dorian! Really enjoying it and looking forward to more! :)
Author:  Shander [ 11 Apr 2007, 00:59 ]
Post subject: 
I just found this and read the whole thing from start to finish.
It's wonderful and I'm looking forward to more!
I hope the plot bunny continues to behave.
Author:  Cath V-P [ 11 Apr 2007, 02:00 ]
Post subject: 
I loved Joey's wonderful aplomb - and the training she received at the Sonnalpe!

Thanks Dorian.
Author:  Miranda [ 11 Apr 2007, 03:28 ]
Post subject: 
Juliet is certainly very knowledgeable and talented in this whole affair, and Joey is playing her part brilliantly. I had to laugh at the poor German junior embassy staff member :lol: :lol:

Glad your wedding went well Dorian - good luck extracting more from Mr Plot Bunny!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 11 Apr 2007, 09:37 ]
Post subject: 
Really glad to see this back and congratulations on your wedding.
Author:  Fatima [ 11 Apr 2007, 10:59 ]
Post subject: 
I'm glad Jo is doing well - shame she had to miss half term, though!

Thanks Dorian.
Author:  leahbelle [ 11 Apr 2007, 11:56 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the update, dorian.
Author:  Elle [ 11 Apr 2007, 16:54 ]
Post subject: 
I have just found this and read it all the way through. It is excellent, thank you.

Congratulations on the wedding.
Author:  Lisa_T [ 11 Apr 2007, 21:57 ]
Post subject: 
Alison H wrote:
Lisa_T wrote:

Re Anne Ormond: I do know that Ormond is an Irish title (Old English rather than Anglo-Irish, I think)


It's an "Anglo-Norman" earldom. IIRC the family name was Butler (and presumably still is!) and the Butler Earls of Ormond were rivals of the Fitzgerald Earls of Desmond and Kildare.

.


Anglo-Norman in the 16th century maybe- but I'm an eighteenth century historian and by then they usually talk about 'Old English' if I remember rightly. Plus there's a connection somewhere with the Boleyns- or am I inventing that bit? And certainly by my period the Fitzgeralds are more Anglo-Irish than anything else!
*sometimes hates Emily, Duchess of Leinster*
*mumbles again*
Author:  Alison H [ 11 Apr 2007, 22:07 ]
Post subject: 
There was indeed a connection with the Boleyns :D - Anne Boleyn's grandmother (or maybe it was her great-grandmother) was from the Ormond family, and they were going to marry Anne off to Piers Butler, the heir to the earldom, until Henry took a fancy to her :lol: .

*Apologises to Dorian for being irrelevant :oops: !*
Author:  Mollio [ 12 Apr 2007, 00:18 ]
Post subject: 
Welcome back, Dorian. Glad the plot bunny is back from Malta. Hope he found nothing there to make hime want to return any time soon.
Author:  francesn [ 12 Apr 2007, 10:30 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the update Dorian - Joey's marvellous in this and I love Pat's view of her! I'm surprised how handy developing the ability to eavesdrop is, although I'm not sure it's a habit the staff at the Chalet encouraged.
Author:  brie [ 12 Apr 2007, 17:01 ]
Post subject: 
thanks for the updtates dorian
Author:  meerium [ 13 Apr 2007, 14:34 ]
Post subject: 
just had a good read at this, Dorian, and am really enjoying it! By the by, I'm sure you know already, but in case you didn't and it might serve useful dramatic purpose :wink:, Belfast was targetted quite substantially during the Blitz. My Gran was a VAD and I vaguely remember stories about her having to drag the dead and injured to the Shankill Road swimming baths during raids, cause they couldn't get to a hospital immediately.
Author:  Lisa_T [ 13 Apr 2007, 20:08 ]
Post subject: 
Lucky they didn't have the wave machine then, wasn't it? :roll: I second Meerium. My grandmother had to be evacuated to Castlewellan, and my great grandfather was in the TA. At least, I think he was...
Author:  Kathy_S [ 14 Apr 2007, 17:50 ]
Post subject: 
(a somewhat belated) Congratulations!

Fascinating role for Joey.... :D

Any more news on Janet and Anne?
Author:  meerium [ 16 Apr 2007, 11:40 ]
Post subject: 
Lisa_T wrote:
Lucky they didn't have the wave machine then, wasn't it?


The mental images this has conjured are rather what I'd imagine the filmed sequence of HBP in the cave with the Inferi would look like. Eurgh!!! :?
Author:  Chair [ 16 Apr 2007, 20:22 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. Congratulations on your wedding! It was interesting to see Joey at the party.
Author:  Jennie [ 16 Apr 2007, 21:13 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. Congratulations on the wedding.
Author:  LauraM [ 17 Apr 2007, 09:16 ]
Post subject: 
This is the first CS drabble I've read and I think it's fantastic!! Keep the chapters coming...

PS Congrats on the wedding :D
Author:  Róisín [ 03 May 2007, 13:32 ]
Post subject: 
This has been my lunchtime drabble all week and today was the last of it :cry: I really really enjoy the Anne/Janet interplay - you are doing it very well and I hope the bunny returns. Please post lots more, thank you :D
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ 06 May 2007, 17:01 ]
Post subject: 
Just caught up on all of this. Hope the bunny brings more soon because I really want to know whats next. And a pretty late congrats on the wedding!
Author:  dorian [ 06 May 2007, 23:20 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks to a conversation this afternoon, the plot bunny returned. For this chapter, my thanks are due to my husband, who grew up in Skerries and suggested the events described.

Chapter Eighteen
Saturday of half-term dawned cold, damp and windy, but the weather failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the girls left at school as they wrapped up warmly and marched to the station. There, they separated, the Juniors and Seniors lining up on the south-bound platform to get a train into Dublin, where the Juniors would catch a tram to the Phoenix Park and the Zoo, while the Seniors would get a motor-coach to Glendalough. The Middles, meanwhile, crossed the bridge to the north-bound platform, for the boat to Lambay Island went from Rush, a fishing village some miles north of Malahide.

The fifteen members of the Third and Fourth Forms were almost dancing with excitement, and Miss Burnett and Miss Sullivan were hard put to keep them under control. However, a threat to take them all back to the school had the desired effect. Now that she had their attention, Miss Burnett proceeded to drop a bombshell.

“Girls!” she said. “I am sorry, but we cannot go to Lambay Island today. The weather is too bad for us to risk the boat trip.”

Murmurs broke out immediately, but she quelled them with a raised hand. “Don’t worry,” she reassured them, “you will still have your excursion. We are going to Skerries instead. This morning, we will visit Ardgillan Castle, and in the afternoon we will walk over to Shenick Island.

“Now, here comes the train, so please be ready to board it immediately.”

Discussion of this change in plans had to cease until they were all in the train, and it almost immediately began to run over a long bridge or causeway.

“It’s the sea!” cried Isabel excitedly. “We’re crossing the sea in a train!”

“Not quite,” Miss Sullivan replied. “This is the mouth of the Broadmeadow Estuary - the sea is really only on your right. On your left is the estuary.”

Discussion of this phenomenon occupied the Third Formers quite thoroughly until they reached Donabate, on the far side of the estuary, but after that they returned to the question of their excursion.

“How can we walk to an island?” Beth demanded.

Anne grinned at her. “Wait and see,” she said provokingly.

“Oh, Anne,” Daisy complained. “That’s not fair! If you know, you should tell us - you wouldn’t want us to all expire of curiosity, would you?”

Anne smiled. “I’ve never been to Shenick myself,” she replied. “So I don’t know anything for sure. And I don’t think curiosity will kill you in a few hours.”

Ardgillan Castle turned out to be fascinating, and the girls thrilled to the housekeeper’s tales of old battles. But everyone was dying to find out how she could walk to an island, and no-one was sorry when lunch was over and they were walking down to the North Strand.

“Now, girls,” said Miss Sullivan. “We are going to follow the tide out to Shenick. Then we will have about half an hour to explore the island, before the tide turns and we have to return ahead of it. So you must all be ready to return as soon as Miss Burnett blows her whistle; I’m sure no-one wants to be stranded there!”

It was quite thrilling to walk across the sand to the island, only one step behind the retreating tide, and it was as well that everyone was wearing Wellingtons, for in their eagerness most of the girls were more or less paddling. Once there, Miss Sullivan told them the story of the “seaweed war” of the late 19th century, before they were turned loose to run about the island and investigate the Martello Tower.

Janet, Anne, Daisy and Beth headed immediately for the Martello Tower, where Janet proved herself extremely knowledgeable about the history of such structures. “But how do you know all this?” asked Beth. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Martello Towers before, but you seem to know everything about them.”

Janet shrugged. “My brother was interested in military history. I suppose I just picked things up from him.”

“I didn’t know you had a brother!” Daisy exclaimed.

Janet’s face closed. “He’s dead. The Irish killed him.”

The other three looked at her, unsure of what to say. Then Anne exclaimed thankfully, “There’s Miss Burnett’s whistle blowing! We’d better go!” They all dashed back to the beach, to find most of the girls already walking back to the mainland in charge of Miss Sullivan, and Miss Burnett looking extremely annoyed. “Where have you girls been?” she demanded. “Didn’t you hear Miss Sullivan telling you to come back as soon as you heard the whistle? Come along at once!”

They set off rapidly, but it soon became apparent that the tide had beaten them this time. Miss Sullivan and the other girls were already wading, but the sea was now too high for the four laggards and Miss Burnett to cross.
Author:  Lexi [ 07 May 2007, 00:31 ]
Post subject: 
Oh no! More soon please Dorian, you can't leave them there!

Interesting to find out more about Janet as well.

Thanks :D
Author:  Mollio [ 07 May 2007, 00:34 ]
Post subject: 
Great, Dorian! I'm learning more about my capital city through this drabble than I ever learned in school!
More quickly, please.
(Keep hubby on your side - he's good!). :shock: :D
Author:  Cath V-P [ 07 May 2007, 01:02 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you dorian, this is fascinating.
I wonderf how Anne will handle Janet's revelation?
Author:  white_hart [ 07 May 2007, 07:25 ]
Post subject: 
Yay! An update!

My husband's family are from Skerries, and we spent the last night of our honeymoon there - it's a lovely place!
Author:  aitchemelle [ 07 May 2007, 09:26 ]
Post subject: 
YAY an update! This bit reminds me slightly of Trebizon and the mulberry tides which meant they could run to their island, but couldn't get back.. I think I am waffling on. Thank you Dorian! :)
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 07 May 2007, 09:52 ]
Post subject: 
aitchemelle wrote:
YAY an update! This bit reminds me slightly of Trebizon and the mulberry tides which meant they could run to their island, but couldn't get back.. I think I am waffling on. Thank you Dorian! :)


It does a bit and it wouldn't be true CS style is someone wasn't left behind! :lol: Thanks Dorian
Author:  Chair [ 07 May 2007, 10:03 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. I hope they will be able to get back safely.
Author:  brie [ 07 May 2007, 10:21 ]
Post subject: 
Very EBD thanks Dorian
Author:  Sarah_K [ 07 May 2007, 12:36 ]
Post subject: 
Eep! Bery EBD as the others say but I can't think of a worse pair to be trapped together after that revelation!

Thanks dorian.
Author:  DuncanD [ 07 May 2007, 13:28 ]
Post subject: 
My cousin Ian and I got cut off by the tide in Skerries when we were 5. The sea around the sandbank we were on was too deep for us to wade across (or we thought it was). I don't recall actually being frightened, except of what my mother would say when I got back to our holiday house, soaked - however, my older cousin (aged about 9) carried me to safety. Can't remember how Ian got back, but he also survived the experience!
Author:  Fatima [ 07 May 2007, 15:03 ]
Post subject: 
Well that certainly explains Janet's attitude. I wonder how Anne will take it all, though.
Author:  Jennie [ 07 May 2007, 15:46 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian, this is great. I'm sending PB treats, and lots of them.
Author:  francesn [ 07 May 2007, 16:26 ]
Post subject: 
This is fabulous Dorian, I'm really enjoying it! I hope there won't be any trouble between Anne and Janet following that conversation.
Author:  Smile :) [ 07 May 2007, 16:35 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Dorian, you can't just leave them stuck there though you will have to explain. I think it requires another post :lol:
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ 07 May 2007, 17:46 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you, Dorian! I hope they don't get quite as wet as Titty, Roger and Bridget did in "Secret Water" (actually not very secret at all, I've been there often!).
Author:  JoS [ 07 May 2007, 19:45 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Dorian - how wonderful to have another instalment. Can't wait for the next!
Author:  Elle [ 07 May 2007, 21:57 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Dorian.



Can we have some more soon please? :D :D
Author:  Alison H [ 07 May 2007, 22:06 ]
Post subject: 
Interesting to find out more about Janet's history.
Author:  Kathy_S [ 08 May 2007, 03:36 ]
Post subject: 
What an opportunity for those two!
Of course, it could go either way....

More, please?
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ 08 May 2007, 12:42 ]
Post subject: 
How very CS. Time for some more now?
Author:  dorian [ 08 May 2007, 23:06 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you for your comments. I'd forgotten about the Trebizon episode, but I suppose this one is a bit similar...

Chapter Nineteen
"Well!" Miss Burnett exclaimed crossly. "This is a fine mess! We'll have to stay here until tomorrow, thanks to you silly children. Why couldn't you have come when I whistled?"

The girls looked rather silly.

"Well, I suppose there's no help for it. We'd better see if we can find shelter somewhere. Miss Sullivan may be able to send a boat over for us, but I'm not going to count on it."

"We could shelter in the Martello Tower," Beth suggested. "It's not locked or anything. I think the local farmers must use it for storage."

They headed back over to the tower on her suggestion, and found that while the ground floor was cluttered with assorted implements and a good deal of mud, the first floor was fairly clear and would afford them a good shelter for the night. Unfortunately, there was nothing available to cushion the hard floor, for most of the island was given over to growing cabbages, parsnips, and other such vegetables.

When Miss Burnett sent them to seek possible bedding, Daisy grabbed Janet. "You'll come with me, won't you," she said, "and Anne and Beth can look at the other end of the island."

Janet went with Daisy with a feeling of foreboding. She didn't think Daisy's claiming her so was a coincidence, and she was not wrong. As soon as the two were well away from the others, Daisy stopped and turned to her.

"Look here, Janet," she said bluntly. "Are you going to blame Anne about whatever happened to your brother? Because we'll all have to pull together tonight, now that we're stuck, and I'm not going to have you upsetting Anne and maybe making her ill."

"Of course I don't blame Anne," Janet exclaimed. "It wasn't her fault!"

"But you've been hating Ireland and the Irish ever since you came here," Daisy pointed out, "and it obviously has something to do with your brother. What happened to him?"

"None of your business," Janet said rudely. "Leave me alone!"

---

By six o'clock it was evident that no boat was going to come to rescue them, and Miss Burnett and her four charges began to settle themselves in the Martello Tower.

"I'm afraid we'll all be rather stiff and sore tomorrow," Miss Burnett said, "but it can't be helped. Now, what has anyone got in the way of eats? I have a bag of apples - anyone else?"

"I have chocolate," Beth said eagerly, "and some raisins."

"I have chocolate too," Daisy added, "and some bread that I couldn't eat at lunch, but I thought we might want it later. It's a bit squashed, though."

"I have bread too," Anne contributed, "and a quarter of bullseyes."

"I have some chocolate, but that's all," Janet added.

"Right, then," Miss Burnett said briskly. "There's a fresh water spring just outside - if we can find something to make a fire of and some kind of container, we can all have a hot drink. Anne and Janet, see what you can find in the way of firewood, and Beth and Daisy, you can search around for a pot or something. No-one is to go too far from here; it's dark now and I don't want any of you getting lost and falling into the sea."

The girls went silently to their tasks, though Janet looked sulky, Anne apprehensive, and Daisy worried.

---

"Aarghwh!" Janet gave vent to an indescribable sound, half-frustrated and half-frightened.

Anne immediately abandoned the small pile of gorse and other shrub branches she had been amassing, and went to her. "What's up, Janet?" she asked.

"Oh - it doesn't work!" Janet exclaimed. "I can't make sense out of it! We're in Ireland, and we're lost, and we're all going to be killed! Except you're Irish and you're not going to kill anyone, so...but..." She burst into tears.

"Oh, Janet." Anne put her arm around the English girl. "We're going to have an uncomfortable time until the tide turns, but no-one's going to be killed."

"We are!" Janet wailed. "My brother came to Ireland and he was killed. Ireland kills people! And Mummy thought this was a safe place to send me!" She sobbed harder, frightening Anne with the force of her emotions. But, though she longed to take the problem to Miss Burnett, she had a feeling that this was something only she could solve. She steeled herself.

"Janet. Janet!" she repeated.

Her sharp tone cut through to Janet. "Wh-what?"

Anne wavered, seeing how the tears still poured down Janet's face. Couldn't Miss Burnett deal with it? No, she decided. She would have to try, herself. "Janet," she said gently, "what happened to your brother?"

"H-he was at Cambridge," Janet said. "And he went to stay with friends during the vacs. A-and he went to Ireland. And he never came back!" And she began to sob again.

Anne suppressed her immediate reaction, which was to comfort Janet. That, she knew, would not help yet. "So what happened to him?" she asked, as matter-of-factly as she could.

"I...I don't know exactly. But Aunt Eliza said Ireland is a hotbed of revolutionaries and he should never have gone there and Ireland killed him! And now it's going to kill us!"

"Oh, Janet!" Anne exclaimed. "Use your brain, do! If anyone wanted to kill the school, they'd have done it by now! Anyway, they'd go after political targets, not us."

"B-but they killed John!"

"Well," Anne said thoughtfully, "you don't know exactly what happened to him. It might have been an ordinary accident. But really, no-one's likely to kill us, anyway. Now come on. We need to get our firewood - such as it is! - back to the tower. If you really want to fall apart, you can do it when we're back in Malahide."
Author:  Kathy_S [ 09 May 2007, 03:03 ]
Post subject: 
Poor, confused Janet! It sounds as though she doesn't even know that John met with foul play, not that that would be grounds for treating Anne badly. *pokes Aunt Eliza*

Thank you, Dorian.
Author:  brie [ 09 May 2007, 10:39 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Dorian
Author:  Jennie [ 09 May 2007, 14:02 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. Perhaps her brother fell into the Bog of Allen and they couldn't get him out.
Author:  Fatima [ 09 May 2007, 16:18 ]
Post subject: 
Dorian wrote:
"Of course I don't blame Anne," Janet exclaimed. "It wasn't her fault!"

Phew!

Thanks Dorian.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ 09 May 2007, 16:24 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. Poor Janet - I wonder if she has been feeling scared all term, do you suppose?
Author:  Chair [ 09 May 2007, 17:01 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. It's good that Janet doesn't blame Anne. I'm glad that Anne was there to comfort Janet.
Author:  Sarah_K [ 09 May 2007, 18:04 ]
Post subject: 
Poor confused Janet *pokes all the adults involved* that sounds like a horribly vague thing to tell to a child about the death of a beloved brother. Anne seems to have been very sensible when faced with a rather shaken Janet, hopefully this will cement their friendship.

Thank you dorian.
Author:  JoS [ 09 May 2007, 19:49 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Dorian. Am hoping that Anne and Janet will solve their relationship problem on the island...
Author:  aitchemelle [ 09 May 2007, 20:31 ]
Post subject: 
JoS wrote:
Thanks Dorian. Am hoping that Anne and Janet will solve their relationship problem on the island...
Me too!
Author:  francesn [ 09 May 2007, 20:34 ]
Post subject: 
dorian wrote:
If you really want to fall apart, you can do it when we're back in Malahide."


Love it!

Also agree with everyone else that the whole situation surrounding Janet's brother's death was very very badly handled. *hugs Janet*

Thank you, dorian!
Author:  Smile :) [ 09 May 2007, 21:15 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Janet seems all confused about what happened, she's got her self in a right state, hasn't she?

Thank you Dorian.
Author:  Cath V-P [ 10 May 2007, 01:26 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Janet, so scared and confused! And how dreadful that she's been left in ignorance like this.
Author:  dorian [ 10 May 2007, 22:29 ]
Post subject: 
Short update tonight, while I work out just how they're going to get home!

Chapter Twenty
Miss Burnett was more anxious than she had let her charges know. If her calculations were right, the tide would turn again about 3am. But could she get the girls safely back to the mainland in the dark? The moon was almost at the full, but if the overcast they'd had all day continued, that wouldn't help. And if she could get them back to Skerries, what would they do then? There would hardly be a train to Malahide at that hour.

At least Miss Sullivan would be able to let the School authorities know what had happened...

Before she could think beyond that, her four charges returned. Beth and Daisy had found an ancient saucepan and a couple of tin mugs, which they had taken to the beach to scrub clean with sand. Besides that, they had picked up some scrubby bits of bushes and gorse on the way back from the beach. With Anne and Janet's gleanings, they had enough fuel, if carefully rationed, to keep a small fire going at least until the tide turned. Miss Burnett turned her attention to immediate concerns.

"Excellent, girls," she congratulated them. "Now, if we light our fire here, beside this - well, I suppose it was once a window! - the smoke shouldn't trouble us too much. Anne, please go and fill this pot from the spring - the rest of you, please give me your chocolate."

The girls obeyed quickly while Miss Burnett got the fire going, and soon the pot of water was steaming promisingly.

"Could we toast the bread?" Daisy asked while they waited for the water to boil.

"And the apples!" Beth added.

"You may try to toast some of each," Miss Burnett said, "but you must leave some, in case the toasting doesn't work."

The two promptly found sticks and began to attempt toasting, while Miss Burnett, seeing the water beginning to boil, carefully broke the chocolate into it. "We'll have to share the mugs," she said cheerfully as she dipped the first into the pot, "but I don't suppose you'll mind that."

They didn't! The bread was a bit singed around the edges, and the attempt to toast the apples had to be given up, but everyone was happy to have the meal, however peculiar it might be.

"Now, I think you had all better lie down and try to sleep a little," Miss Burnet said when they had finished up with Beth's raisins.

"Miss Burnett!" Janet blurted out. "Will we be here all night?"

Even in the firelight, Janet's face was pale and fearful. Miss Burnett kept her manner calm and soothing as she replied, "That must depend upon the weather, Janet. If we have any kind of a moon, we will be able to get back to the mainland tonight. Now, say your prayers and go to sleep."
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ 10 May 2007, 22:41 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Dorian.

Is the Miss Burnett here Mary? Because I keep thinking it's Peggy and getting confused due to the timeline.
Author:  Alison H [ 10 May 2007, 23:13 ]
Post subject: 
I was assuming that Miss Burnett was Mary?

Loving this very Chalet-ish excursion-going-wrong adventure :D .
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 10 May 2007, 23:52 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Janet, she really is scared
Author:  JoS [ 11 May 2007, 08:16 ]
Post subject: 
So true to EBD - thanks Dorian!
Author:  Fatima [ 11 May 2007, 12:56 ]
Post subject: 
I'm not sure I'd like to lead them back to the mainland at three in the morning, especially with Janet so nervy. This is brilliant, thanks Dorian.
Author:  brie [ 11 May 2007, 15:20 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Dorian! This is great!
Author:  Chair [ 11 May 2007, 16:59 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. I hope that Dorian will be reassured.
Author:  DuncanD [ 11 May 2007, 17:17 ]
Post subject: 
3am ... just the time for a U-boat full of German spies to run aground on a sandbank!
Author:  francesn [ 11 May 2007, 18:28 ]
Post subject: 
That was just what I was thinking, DuncanD!

This is brilliant, dorian - thank you so much!
Author:  dorian [ 13 May 2007, 22:39 ]
Post subject: 
Yes, Miss Burnett is Mary. Sorry, no German U-boats (which would be pretty lost to be running aground in Skerries!)

Chapter Twenty-One
None of the castaways thought they would be able to sleep, but they all dropped off quickly enough, worn out with the exercise, sea air, and excitement. Even Miss Burnett managed a couple of hours' real sleep as well as some uneasy dozing. She woke properly to find their fire almost out and moonlight streaming through the broken window. Checking her watch, she discovered it was half past two.

Quietly, she got up and made her way out of the Martello Tower to assess their situation. The moon's light was quite bright, though the odd cloud occasionally scudded across it. She went down to the beach. Though the moonlight was far from even overcast daylight, the sand was clearly distinguishable from the sea, and the tide did look as if it might be beginning to turn. Making up her mind, she returned to the tower and woke the four girls.

"Girls," she said. "The moon is bright, and the tide seems to be turning. How do you all feel about crossing back to the mainland now? If anyone is at all nervous about the idea, please don't be afraid to say so. I would rather stay here until the afternoon than try to cross now if anyone isn't confident that she can do it."

The girls looked at each other. Janet bit her lip. Anne moved closer to her and squeezed her hand. "I'll help you," she whispered. "We'll be all right."

Janet squeezed back. "Thanks," she muttered. "I'm willing to try," she said more loudly. The others assented also, so Miss Burnett led them down to the beach. There was nothing that their small fire could harm, so she left it to burn out alone.

"Miss Burnett," Anne said suddenly as they waited to start. "I still have a quarter of bullseyes. Couldn't we have those now?"

"A good idea," Miss Burnett returned. "Thank you, Anne."

All of them felt better with the large, pepperminty lumps to suck on as they took their first tentative steps out behind the tide.

In after years, Miss Burnett asserted that her first white hairs came during that trip across to Skerries. She and the girls held hands as they crossed, and the moonlight was quite bright enough to distinguish their footing. But clouds occasionally crossed the moon, leaving them afraid to move in the darkness, and the constant, nagging worry as to what they would do when they reached Skerries took its toll on the young mistress.

As it happened, she need not have worried. When they reached the mainland and returned to the station, there turned out to be a milk train due at five o'clock. They could easily get that back to Malahide, the station-master assured them - if they didn't mind sitting on the mail sacks in the guard's van, for it didn't normally carry passengers. By then, Miss Burnett would have been happy to perch on the milk tanks, and assented with enthusiasm to the mail sacks in the guard's van.
Author:  francesn [ 13 May 2007, 22:50 ]
Post subject: 
Glad they're back across to the mainland safely. Well done, Mary, on holding them all together and Janet for sticking by Anne.

Disappointed with the lack of U-boats though (freely admitting her grasp of geography is dire and U-boats may well be miles off course!).

Thanks Dorian
Author:  Tara [ 13 May 2007, 23:08 ]
Post subject: 
Have just discovered I've missed several chunks of this! Enjoyed the adventure, though my sympathies are with Mary. Surely this will bring Janet and Anne closer together?
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 14 May 2007, 04:07 ]
Post subject: 
Tara wrote:
Enjoyed the adventure, though my sympathies are with Mary. Surely this will bring Janet and Anne closer together?


I hope it does too :D
Author:  Lisa [ 14 May 2007, 15:08 ]
Post subject: 
Great adventure :D
*thinks Miss Burnett very forgiving and patient*

Looking forward to what happens next!
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ 14 May 2007, 15:15 ]
Post subject: 
Fiona Mc wrote:
Tara wrote:
Enjoyed the adventure, though my sympathies are with Mary. Surely this will bring Janet and Anne closer together?


I hope it does too :D


I hope so as well. And am wondering what sort of reception awaits them back at the school.
Author:  Chair [ 14 May 2007, 17:14 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. I'm glad they got back to the mainland safely.
Author:  brie [ 14 May 2007, 18:25 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Dorian
Author:  Smile :) [ 14 May 2007, 18:59 ]
Post subject: 
Glad they got back safely. Thank you Dorian.
Author:  Mollio [ 15 May 2007, 00:11 ]
Post subject: 
Well done, Dorian!
Author:  Fatima [ 15 May 2007, 09:52 ]
Post subject: 
I'm glad they got back safely. Thanks Dorian.
Author:  Kate [ 15 May 2007, 11:13 ]
Post subject: 
Just got caught up with this - thanks Dorian! :)
Author:  leahbelle [ 15 May 2007, 17:20 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian!
Author:  Rob [ 16 May 2007, 22:08 ]
Post subject: 
Just found this and read it all the way through - thanks Dorian - its great!

It all seems very EBD, although it seems strange to have Daisy and Beth without Gwensi ... I wonder if she is rattling around at Plas Howell on her own in this continuity? :D

P.S. (Very) belated Congrats on the wedding Dorian!
Author:  dorian [ 20 May 2007, 21:46 ]
Post subject: 
Chapter Twenty-Two
By six o'clock on Sunday morning, Miss Burnett and her four charges were trailing wearily up the drive to Malahide Castle. The young mistress had been able to telephone from Skerries before the train came in, and alert the School authorities to their arrival – which, indeed, had been half-expected after Miss Sullivan's explanations. So once they were inside, Matron was there to whisk all of them off to hot baths and warm beds in the San, with strict instructions to all not to attempt to get up until she had seen them. Even Miss Burnett submitted gratefully to Matey's commands, and all five slept long and deeply that morning.

They were permitted to get up at lunch-time, but Matron insisted that they spend the day quietly in the San. “But Matron,” Daisy exclaimed, “we were supposed to go home today – to Auntie Jo! She's expecting us!”

“Well, I'm sorry,” Matron returned inflexibly, “but you must stay where you are for today. You are all still tired, and must not have any excitement. I don't want any of you ill.” Knowing Daisy's attachment to Jo, she relented slightly. “If you are all doing well tomorrow, you can go to Jo then, instead. But you must stay quiet today.”

Daisy sighed, but submitted. It was no use arguing with Matey!

Matron had, in fact, already telephoned Jo and apprised her of the situation. Jo had been concerned at first, but once assured that neither Daisy nor any of the others had taken any harm, she had acquiesed cheerfully enough. “Right-oh,” she said, “keep them quiet today and send them round to me tomorrow. They can come after lunch, and I'll keep them all afternoon. Whatever Hilda and Nell may have planned for the day, it won't hurt them to miss it, and from what you say, I doubt they'd be up to it anyway. They'll be better off with me and the babies. And Robin will be here too.”

“She'll certainly put a damper on any of your madder ideas,” Matron agreed, and rang off laughing.

So the four spent the afternoon in the cosy sitting-room that was available to those San patients who were well enough to be out of bed, but could not yet join the rest of the school. There, Miss Annersley visited them.

“Well, you have been rather silly little girls, haven't you,” she informed them.

“We're sorry!” Daisy exclaimed. “We were so interested in the Martello Tower – Janet knows loads about it – and – well...” she ran down.

“It was my fault, really,” Janet said. “I was talking so much about the Tower – it was so interesting – I'd never seen a real one before – and so we didn't hear the whistle at first.”

“Oh no,” Anne said quickly. “It wasn't just you – any of us could have heard the whistle. We...we just – didn't.”

“That's true,” Beth agreed.

“Quite,” Miss Annersley said quellingly. “I'm sure you had a very uncomfortable time on the island, and it is no more than you deserve. Tomorrow, you must all apologise to Miss Burnett and Miss Sullivan for disobeying them and causing them no small degree of anxiety. Apart from those apologies, you will not mention your little 'adventure'” - the four writhed under her sarcastic inflection - “to anyone. The sooner such idiocy is forgotten, the better.”

She left four very subdued girls behind her as she left. “Will...will we be let go to see your Auntie Jo tomorrow?” Anne ventured to Daisy at last.

“Oh, probably,” Daisy reassured her. “Unless Auntie Jo can't have us for some reason. But once we've done the apologies, this is done. Paid for and forgotten about. They don't keep on punishing you, here. That wouldn't be fair, and they're never unfair here.”

Anne didn't look convinced, but was persuaded to forget her troubles in a round of paper games proposed by Beth, and after they'd done “Consequences”, “Book Reviews” and “Drawing Book Titles” for a couple of hours, she looked much happier.

---

The next day saw the four setting off for Joey Maynard's home immediately after lunch, while the rest of the school took the train into Dublin to visit some of the city's main sights. The apologies had been got over with in the morning, and while neither mistress had spared the girls, they all felt much better about the affair now.

“Daisy,” Janet said suddenly as they walked sedately down the drive. “Is your Auntie Jo Irish?”

Daisy stopped dead in surprise. “Irish? No! Why?”

“Well, she lives here,” Janet pointed out. “I thought maybe your people sent you to school here because you'd be near your aunt.”

Daisy laughed. “Not a bit of it,” she said. “Auntie Jo is 'my people' – her and Uncle Jack, and Auntie Madge and Uncle Jem. But they all came to Ireland because the School did.”

Janet frowned. “I don't understand.”

“Well, you see,” Daisy explained, “Auntie Madge started the School – that was when it was in Tirol – in Austria, you know. And then she married Uncle Jem, who was running the big Sanatorium on the Sonnalpe. But then we all had to leave – the School and the San both – when the Anschluss happened.” She shuddered briefly, remembering those frightening days. “Anyway, we all ended up on Guernsey, but that turned out to be too close to the Continent once war was declared, so we moved to Ireland.

“Auntie Madge wanted to be near the School – it's hers, after all! - and Auntie Jo wanted to be near Auntie Madge, 'specially 'cause Uncle Jack is in the Army now, so they're here. I think Uncle Jem is scouting around for somewhere round here to move the San to.”

“My people moved here because the School did, too,” Beth put in. “We're from Guernsey, you know, but we had to evacuate, so it was as easy to follow the School as anything else.”

There, they had to leave the conversation, for they had reached Joey's home and that lady was standing in the doorway. “Come in – come in, all of you,” she cried.
Author:  brie [ 20 May 2007, 22:08 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Dorian.

I think Ann and Jannet are finally starting to settle in a bit :)
Author:  Jennie [ 21 May 2007, 13:34 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. That was the Abbess to a T.
Author:  Chair [ 21 May 2007, 19:44 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. I am not surprised that Dorian would wonder why Joey moved with the School!

ETA: I've just realised that I meant to say 'Janet' instead of 'Dorian'. :oops:
Author:  Smile :) [ 21 May 2007, 21:24 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you Dorian :D
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ 21 May 2007, 21:27 ]
Post subject: 
All of your characters are very realistic and true to life. I am impressed. Thank you!
Author:  meerium [ 08 Jun 2007, 14:10 ]
Post subject: 
Any chance of any more, Dorian? Pretty please? *looks pleadingly hopeful*
Author:  Mollio [ 09 Jun 2007, 00:57 ]
Post subject: 
I second that, Dorian. *on bended knees* :D :D :D :D
Author:  Jennie [ 10 Jun 2007, 13:57 ]
Post subject: 
Thirded!
Author:  Róisín [ 12 Jun 2007, 13:29 ]
Post subject: 
Have JUST caught up. Very good! Glad to see they got away safely. More please Dorian! :D
Author:  Smile :) [ 12 Jun 2007, 17:58 ]
Post subject: 
*Adding to the pleas for more*
Author:  Róisín [ 21 Jun 2007, 20:38 ]
Post subject: 
*chant chant*
Author:  Jennie [ 22 Jun 2007, 12:12 ]
Post subject: 
Adding some more to the chant.
Author:  dorian [ 09 Jul 2007, 22:01 ]
Post subject: 
Sorry, folks. The plot bunny's been being excessively unco-operative, and lurking just out of reach. However, the recent Irish Gather (with trip to Malahide Castle), has enabled me to finally grab the little sod, and here's the next part. (The ghost stories are as true as ghost stories ever are, though slightly embellished by me.)
Chapter Twenty-Three
“I'm bored,” Daisy announced, flinging herself down into a chair in the Middles' common room.

It was two weeks after half-term, and the rain had come down unrelentingly for the past week. Games were off, rambles were off – in fact, the only form of outdoor exercise available to the school was quick dashes up and down the drive. Everyone was getting bored and fractious.

“We're all bored,” Isabel retorted. “What's the point of talking about it? Think of something to do!”

“Well,” Beth said thoughtfully, “you know how the Castle is haunted?”

“It is?”

“Who told you that?”

“Oh, come on – ghosts don't exist!”

Exclamations and questions flew thick and fast, until Daisy finally shouted at the others. “Be quiet! Do you want to get us supervised because we can't be trusted not to kick up a row?”

The noise subsided, and Daisy turned to Beth. “Go on, then,” she said.

“I was talking to Mary when we were in San,” Beth explained. “She's worked here since she was fourteen, and she was telling me the stories about the Castle. Anyway, she says there are two ghosts here. There's the White Lady, who comes down out of her portrait and walks about the castle, weeping and wringing her hands, if a disaster is about to befall the Talbot family. But if you see her and try to talk to her, she vanishes. But she reappears somewhere else in the Castle. And she walks and weeps for seven nights, and if the disaster hasn't been averted by then, it's too late!”

The girls shivered pleasurably at this tale.

“Which is her portrait?” Isabel asked.

“It isn't here,” Beth replied. “Lord Talbot took it with him to his town house when he went there. But she hasn't been seen for nearly a century, Mary said. And I suppose if she was going to walk again, she'd do it in the town house, where her portrait is – and Lord Talbot is.

“But I was thinking more of the other ghost,” she went on. “The other one is Puck. He's supposed to be a very small man, who's some kind of watchman or caretaker. You know that little door in the Hall, under the minstrel's gallery?”

Everyone nodded; the child-sized door had attracted everyone's attention.

“Well, that's Puck's door,” Beth explained. “Apparently it leads to his tower, and he keeps it terribly neat and clean, and also goes out sometimes to clean other parts of the castle. And they leave milk for him before the door, and it's always drunk. Mary said if they didn't leave the milk, he might get angry and sour the milk or make the hens stop laying. She said he looks after the family and the castle, but only so long as they look after him.”

“Well, that's all very interesting,” Isabel said, “but how does it help us?”

“Don't you see?” Beth said. “Wouldn't it be fun to go and see what's behind Puck's door?”

“It's probably locked,” Isabel objected.

“But it might not be,” Daisy said. “And even if it is, the Hall is panelled – there's bound to be secret passages or something that we might find. Come on – let's go and look!”
Author:  Jennie [ 09 Jul 2007, 22:04 ]
Post subject: 
Famous last words!

Thanks, Dorian.
Author:  Alison H [ 09 Jul 2007, 22:43 ]
Post subject: 
Nice to see this back :D .
Author:  Elbee [ 09 Jul 2007, 22:48 ]
Post subject: 
Very pleased to read more of this, thanks Dorian.
Author:  Sarah_K [ 09 Jul 2007, 23:03 ]
Post subject: 
Oh dear... that sounds awfully ominous! I'm not sure ghost stories or anything similar have ever lead to good things in the CS world! :lol:

Thank you Dorian, I hope the plot bunnies continue to behave!
Author:  Cath V-P [ 10 Jul 2007, 01:29 ]
Post subject: 
An update - excellent!
Hmm, they may wish they'd never had that idea.
Author:  Fatima [ 10 Jul 2007, 06:23 ]
Post subject: 
I wonder what they're going to find behind the little door! It's great to hear that the bunnies have been captured, Dorian, as I've been missing this.
Author:  meerium [ 10 Jul 2007, 10:01 ]
Post subject: 
Hurrah! The visit brought the bunny back! Excellent stuff, Dorian - and it's so nice to be able to visualise Puck's Door etc now.

I have my photos transferred to my computer, and once I find my memory stick I shall get them online and everyone can at least see Malahide Castle from the outside, and Low Rocks.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ 10 Jul 2007, 18:08 ]
Post subject: 
Good to see this back! Thank you, Dorian.
Author:  Rob [ 10 Jul 2007, 20:07 ]
Post subject: 
Ooh thanks Dorian!

Still seems weird there being no Gwensi!
Author:  meerium [ 17 Jul 2007, 16:12 ]
Post subject: 
Just to encourage the bunnies a little more, and for those who haven't been to Malahide, you can see photos of the beach, the Castle and Low Rocks that were taken at the Irish Gather on my Flickr account, here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10354743@N ... 869143709/
Author:  Mollio [ 02 Aug 2007, 01:26 ]
Post subject: 
Dorian, it's August now! Couldn't we have another little bit? PLEASE?
Author:  PaulineS [ 02 Aug 2007, 10:28 ]
Post subject: 
Joins the call for more Please, please.
Author:  Róisín [ 10 Sep 2007, 15:10 ]
Post subject: 
Just caught up with this again - what is going to happen with the ghosts?! Please some more Dorian :D
Author:  Chair [ 10 Sep 2007, 15:58 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dorian. I wonder what or whom they will find behind the door.
Author:  DuncanD [ 15 Nov 2007, 14:16 ]
Post subject: 
I got tired waiting for an update to this, so I asked Dorian if I could do a bit, and she said I could. I found it harder than I expected! Anyway, here goes ...
Chapter 24

“Come on – let’s go and look!” said Daisy.

The middles looked at eachother. Several of them were playing Monopoly at the big table in the middle of the room.

“Shall we go?” said Nancy Canton, whose only property was the Waterworks

“No – I want to see how this comes out!” replied Mary Shaw, a competitive young person who was planning to build a hotel on Piccadilly on her next turn.

“I’m too comfortable by the fire,” added Melanie Kerdec, “it’ll be cold in the hall!”

In the end, the exploring party consisted only of Beth, Daisy, Isabel and Janet.

The four of them crept up the stairs to the great hall, trying not to make any noise, and surprised at how may of the treads creaked. They didn’t normally creak that much! Beth turned the door-handle carefully and the door swung open. In the twilight of a rainy November afternoon the hall looked dim and mysterious, and quite capable of harbouring any number of ghosts.

“Should we put the light on?” asked Daisy

“Better not,” replied Janet, “someone might see it.”

“What will we do if someone finds us here?” asked Isabel.

“I know,” said Janet, “we can say we came to see if the Library was open, and then we got interested in the pictures and things. It’s not quite a lie – I am interested, specially in the fireplaces - there are sort of sculptured pictures at the back of them – there’s a sailing ship in one. I wonder why they put it there? You wouldn’t really see it when the fire was lit.”

She switched on a couple of lights, and walked quietly to the library door. The library was a small room off the Hall, with floor-to-ceiling bookcases around three of the walls; the fourth wall was was covered with beautiful wallpaper with elizabethan-looking flowers on a gold background and had a mullioned window overlooking the park. At the moment, however, it was firmly locked.

The girls turned their attention to Puck’s small door, though Janet took a good look at the bas-relief in the back of one of the fierplaces as they passed. The door was a little over 3 feet high and set into a pointed archway. There was a small round wooden handle and a huge keyhole. Daisy reached out, feeling slightly nervous in spite of herself. She didn’t believe in ghosts, but –

Taking a deep breath, she turned the handle and pulled. Nothing happened. Then she turned it the other way. Then she tried pushing the door. It obstinately refused to move.

“Here, let me try,” said Beth, starting to push Daisy aside.

“I’m stronger than you,” began Janet

“There’s a key,” remarked Isabel, “why don’t you try that?”

“Where? Where?”

“There – look! Hanging up in the corner!” And, sure enough, there was a key hanging unobtrusively below a little triangular wooden shelf set in the corner.

The key seemed very small beside the large keyhole; but in fact, now they came to examine it, it was the decorative iron surround that was so big, and the keyhole itself was quite small. Janet reached up and took the key from its nail, passing it to Daisy. Daisy fitted it in the lock; it turned easily and the door swung open.
Author:  Elbee [ 15 Nov 2007, 14:29 ]
Post subject: 
Ooooh, exciting! Many thanks DuncanD and Dorian, I've been looking forward to more of this :D .
Author:  Alison H [ 15 Nov 2007, 19:19 ]
Post subject: 
Nice to see this back.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ 16 Nov 2007, 12:18 ]
Post subject: 
Very nice to see this back!
Author:  DuncanD [ 16 Nov 2007, 18:02 ]
Post subject: 
Another small bit ...

At first they could see nothing in the dim light. Then gradually they could make out the contents of the cupboard – for cupboard it was. Shelves containing tins of polish. A basket of dusters. A vacuum cleaner. Jars of screws and nails. A hammer and a screwdriver. A bunch of keys.

“Well!” said Isabel, “You wanted to know what was behind Puck’s door!”

“There isn’t even a saucer for his milk! What a swizz!” cried Daisy in disgust.

“Well, you wouldn’t expect a saucer,” pointed out Janet, “he may be small, but he’s a person, not a cat!”

“If they do put out milk and it is gone in the morning, he probably is a cat,” said Isabel. “I wouldn’t mind meeting him – I like cats.”

The girls were silent for a few moments. Janet was the first to speak.

“So – what now?” she said “Do we start prodding the panelling?”

“What about the other door?” asked Isabel.

At the opposite side of the hall below th musicians’ gallery was another door, of normal size, with a similar round wooden handle and elaborate keyhole.

“Yes,” said Daisy, “it must lead somewhere. I’ll just close up this cupboard and hang up the key.”

As she did so, the others hurried over to the other door and tried the handle. Another disappointment! This door, too, remained immoveable.

“Wait!” cried Daisy, “It’s probably locked too – let me try the key!”

And, sure enough, the same key fitted this lock too and the door opened.

Not only did it open, but the door led to a spiral staircase.

“Which way? Up or down?” asked Isabel

“Down, of course,” said Daisy, “I’m sure this leads to an underground passage or at least to a cellar – or even a dungeon!”

“We must be in the tower that’s on the right as you go into the castle,” said Janet. “It looks very old and there are only these tiny windows,” and, indeed, it was difficult to see their footing with the small amount of light coming in. However, the stairs were neither broken nor uneven, so they managed to get down to a small landing-place. The spiral stairs continued downwards, but there was onother door here.

Beth, who was leading, opened the door cautiously. The evening was drawing in now, and the room she was looking into seemed to be a large one. In the dusk at the far end of the room, she could see a white shape floating at about waist height. She and let out a muffled scream, which was echoed by another muffled scream from within the room.

“Who’s that?” cried a voice

“Only us,” was the somewhat unhelpful reply. Then the electric light was switched on and revealed the diningroom, with Mary, the maid, carrying a tray of cutlery.

“Jesus, Mary and Joseph! Oh, it’s you, Miss Beth! You did give me a fright! I thought you were Puck for a minute!”

“I’m sorry, Mary. I thought you were a ghost too – all I could see was your white apron!”

“And who have you got with you – Miss Janet, Miss Daisy – and who’s this? And what are you all doing?”

“This is Isabel Allen – Isabel, this is Mary. And we were exploring. We wanted to see what was behind Puck’s door.”

Mary laughed. “Did you, indeed? I’d say you got a quare gunk, as they say in the North!”
Author:  Miss Di [ 19 Nov 2007, 05:53 ]
Post subject: 
Having just found this, a big thanks to Dorian and also to DuncanD for continuing.
Author:  Róisín [ 27 Nov 2007, 12:41 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you for updating Daphne! I really like where you took them - please can you do some more now? :D
All times are UTC [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/