Thanks, Liz - good to see this back. Hmm, if Grizel's only "nearly twelve" then that's more than another two years of this for her...
But thank you!
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| Unwanted - updated 5 April (page 15) http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=395 |
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| Author: | LizB [ 20 May 2006, 14:29 ] |
| Post subject: | Unwanted - updated 5 April (page 15) |
I'm reposting this a bit at a time as there was so much of it waiting to be archived, I'm worried it might be a bit overwhelming all at once! part 1 part 2 part 3 part 4 “Oh, well done, Grizel.” Miss St Michael approved, as Grizel finished playing the short tune she had been given to learn after her last lesson. “That was very good. Now, let’s hear you play this one. Just the top line to start off with.” She placed another sheet of music on the stand and listened intently as her pupil carefully picked out the tune. As well as being eager to learn, Grizel had a good ear for music, considering she had only been learning for a few months she was making excellent progress, Miss St Michael thought as she listened. She would need to practise regularly of course, but with careful encouragement she had the potential to be a very good player. She would mention it to Mr Cochrane when she gave her monthly report on Grizel’s progress. ~~~ Henry read through the report written in Miss St Michael's small, neat handwriting and put it aside without a further thought. As long as Grizel was making progress and her teacher had no complaints that was all that mattered. The comments about her potential he dismissed as being the sort of thing a teacher would be expected to write to keep in her employer’s good books, and the report was soon buried under a pile of papers and forgotten. Grizel, meanwhile, was at the bottom of the garden, playing outside the house she and Tom had built, which was now rather dilapidated, but still stood. The end of the garden was as yet untouched by Sam’s ministrations, five years of overgrowth took time to conquer, especially when the work had to be done by one old man occasionally accompanied by his grandson. Grizel didn’t mind, she loved the wilderness far more than the neat and tidy beds near the house, but she knew her stepmother complained about the overgrowth and disapproved of her going there, although she hadn’t actually forbidden it. Grizel hoped that as long as she didn’t get too dirty or untidy, she would continue to be allowed to play there; Cookie and Ellen always gave her a quick check when she returned to the house, and kept a needle and thread for minor repairs, and spare hair ribbons hidden away in the pantry for emergencies. On this particular day she was not doing anything that would cause them to be needed. The ground was dry and she sat carefully on an old rug Tom had found, talking to Obadiah, who purred as she sang the tune she had learnt to him. “Miss St Michael says I’m going to learn another new tune next week,” she told him proudly, “and this one will have two flats in it. I’m so looking forward to it Obadiah. I love playing the piano.” Obadiah blinked wisely at her and rubbed his head against her hand as she hummed another tune. ~~~ Grizel was still humming as she returned to the house. “Oh, there you are, child,” she silenced immediately she heard Mrs Cochrane’s voice as she walked through the hallway. “Come here. I want to speak to you.” Grizel stopped, and obediently went into the sitting room to stand in front of her stepmother, glad that Mrs Accot had removed a couple of twigs from her hair as she went through the kitchen. “I have a note here from Miss Fareham,” began Mrs Cochrane, after her sharp eyes had inspected Grizel’s appearance, “it seems that he the new curate arrived yesterday and has a daughter your age. Miss Fareham writes to ask if you would like to go to tea tomorrow to get to know this …” she glanced at the paper in her hand, “Rosalie.” “Oh yes, I would like to …” began Grizel enthusiastically, but stopped at a glance from her stepmother. “I have told you before not to interrupt me, child. I do wish you would try to learn some manners.” She frowned. “I’m sorry,” said Grizel, recognising that an apology was being waited for. “Well I suppose the curate’s daughter can only be a good influence on you, so you may go.” Mrs Cochrane gave her permission with a sigh, then dismissed Grizel, who managed to remember to walk quietly up the stairs, and thus saved herself a reprimand and the rescinding of the treat. ~~~ Grizel loved visiting the Rectory, where Reverend and Miss Fareham always welcomed her with smiles, and hadn’t forgotten how she had enjoyed her stay with them while her stepmother was recovering from her fall the previous year. Over the next couple of days Grizel wondered to herself what the new girl would be like. She was brimming with curiosity as Ellen walked her up the Rectory path and let her ring the bell (an opportunity she was denied when with her stepmother). Once inside she followed Miss Fareham eagerly into the drawing room, only to discover she was the first to arrive. It was not long, however, before the doorbell rang again, and Miss Fareham, after going out into the hallway, ushered in the new girl. Grizel looked at her with interest and smiled hello. ~~~ Although both were initially shy, Rosalie more so than Grizel, the two were soon chattering away freely. Grizel told Rosalie all about school, having discovered that Rosalie would be attending the High along with her, and Rosalie told Grizel about the town in Yorkshire she had been living in before her father had been offered the curacy in Taverton. Rosalie didn’t notice that while Grizel chatted eagerly about school and games, she said very little in response to Rosalie’s questions about her home life, but Miss Fareham picked up on it, although she said nothing. By the time Ellen came to collect Grizel and take her home, the beginnings of a friendship had been formed. ~~~ Mrs Cochrane, when she met Rosalie, approved of her, and complimented Reverend Dene on his well-behaved, quiet daughter, and wished that Grizel was as docile and obedient. Rosalie was made welcome on her occasional visits to the Cochrane house, and thought Mrs Cochrane very kind, not knowing that any ‘misbehaviour’ on Grizel’s part would be dealt with after she had left. The contrast between the two girls made her sharper than ever. Grizel did not realise that the comparison between her behaviour and that of her more demure friend was responsible for the increase in criticism and reprimands that she received, but she did find that her stepmother seemed to be increasingly picky and ready to find fault. As a result she made a strenuous effort to be quieter and less boisterous, with some success, although, on occasion, her natural exuberance would break out. ~~~ Grizel woke early on Saturday morning to find the sun was shining. After waiting impatiently indoors until after she had eaten her breakfast, she escaped outside to the garden as soon as she could. Having run right round it twice, stopping occasionally too look at something new that was in flower, or to watch a bird, she still felt full of energy and, remembering a new skill she had learnt, raised her hands above her head then started cartwheeling across the lawn. She had nearly crossed the expanse of grass when her ankles were grasped mid air, and then once the momentum had stopped, released so she landed in a heap on the grass. Looking up, she saw the angry face of her stepmother, glaring coldy at her, and felt a quiver of apprehension. “Get up at once, go and make yourself tidy, then come and see me in the living room.” Grizel scrambled to her feet. “I’m sorry, I …” “I do not want to hear it. Go and do as you are told. I shall be waiting.” Grizel hurried off, slowing down as an order of “walk” was barked at her. It did not take her long to smooth down her clothes and tidy her plaits, and she was soon ready, in appearance at least, to face her punishment. She looked in the mirror one last time, “whatever she says, don’t cry, you know it’ll make her even crosser.” she muttered to herself and, holding her head high, she went down the stairs. ~~~ She was greeted with another cold glance as she entered the living room, pushing the door shut with a little more force than was needed in her nervousness, and gaining another black mark in the process. “I will not have you slamming doors in temper,” began Mrs Cochrane, “nor will I have you behaving in such a vulgar way as you were in the garden. As if you were some kind of circus freak or street entertainer. It is disgusting. I have no idea where you learnt such behaviour. Nor do I wish to know.” she continued as Grizel opened her mouth to answer. “Despite my efforts you seem to be incapable of learning how to behave properly. You continue to be disobedient, bad-mannered and disgrace yourself by your behaviour. Obviously I have been too lenient with you, but that ceases from now on. You will not be seeing your friends for the next two weeks.” “But what about my birthday party next Saturday?” asked Grizel. “Certainly not. If you cannot behave in such a way as deserves a party you will not have one. Be thankful that the invitations have not yet gone out, so you will be spared having to explain to your friends that it is because of your disgraceful behaviour that it will not be happening. Now I do not want to see or hear you again today so go up to the schoolroom and stay there.” Grizel knew better than to say anything, or even hesitate before obeying such a command, and went. ~~~ By mid afternoon Grizel was bored. By lunchtime she had finished her book and felt too fidgety to sit and read another. With Mrs Cochrane most definitely on the warpath, Ellen had not dared do more than give Grizel a friendly smile when she delivered and collected the lunch tray, and nobody else came near the schoolroom. Frustrated with the jigsaw puzzle she had got out after lunch, Grizel looked around for something else to do. Her gaze fell on the piano and her eyes lit up. A few minutes later she was sitting in front of it, carefully picking out the tune Miss St Michael had asked her to learn, forgetting her boredom in the challenge of getting the fingering and timing right. She was playing it through for the seventh time when a hand gripped her shoulder and pulled her, none-too-gently, away from the keys. “Did I, or did I not, tell you I did not want to hear you again today.” Mrs Cochrane slammed the piano lid shut as she spoke. “You did,” answered Grizel, not appreciating it was a rhetorical question, “but it wasn’t me you could hear, it was the piano.” “Don’t add to your disobedience by answering me back, child.” she paused for a moment, thinking how much simpler things would be if Grizel was a boy and could be given a good hiding. “As you cannot find a way to occupy yourself quietly, then you can stand here“ She propelled Grizel over the room to stand facing the wall between the two windows, “until dinner time, and think about how you ought to behave in future.” Without another word she turned and left the room. ~~~ Grizel stood where she had been put, staring at the wall, fighting against the tears that were trying to gather in her eyes. Gradually she subdued the urge to cry, tears would not help her. She kept her back ramrod straight and stared unblinkingly through the wall, her eyes focused on a point in the distance. Why was she being punished even more? She was supposed to practice the piano, it hadn’t been making a noise. Surely that couldn’t be wrong. The tears started to threaten again. She shrugged her shoulder as if to shake off the hand that had grasped it earlier. Nobody else got into trouble for things like she did. It was not fair. The beginnings of resentment helped push away the tears. She still had that simmering resentment when her stepmother returned later and told her to come away from the wall. As she was given another scolding for her behaviour she the cold words spoken to her to fed it, making it easier for her to stand expressionless as she was told that as well as not seeing her friends, she was to have no other treats for the next fortnight. After she went to bed that night, Grizel lay there for a long time, still dry-eyed, staring into the darkness, thinking angry thoughts, until sleep eventually claimed her. ~~~ She awoke later than usual the following morning with a headache. She was reprimanded for playing with her food at breakfast, but, fortunately for her Mrs Cochrane was in a hurry, so contented herself with telling Grizel to sit up straight and eat properly. Still surrounded with a cloud of disapproval, she was taken to church, where she sat still throughout the service, as she now did every week. When she was sure her father and stepmother were not looking, she dared to glance across to the choir, where Bert sat, and received her usual cheerful grin from him. When she visited the fishmongers in Cookie or Ellen’s company there was usually a chance for Grizel to stop for a friendly chat with Bert and his sister Mabel. She had been sternly repressed, however, when she had stopped after the service one week to talk to him, so this was the limit of their communication in church. Seeing his friendly face, helped Grizel to feel slightly better. She looked up at the pulpit as Reverend Fareham began his sermon and was reminded that here was another friend. Miss Fareham was another, and so were the Bettanys, although they weren’t in church that morning. But there was Robert, who walked out with Ellen, winking at her; in the front pew she could see Rosalie’s fair head, and looking round she saw other girls she knew from Sunday School or the High. By the time the service ended, the bleak loneliness she had felt when she woke had dispersed, although it threatened to return at the idea of another sunny afternoon spent sitting quietly in the schoolroom. ~~~ By the end of the afternoon, the misery had returned in full force. Through the open window she could hear the voices of other children floating from further down the street, where they were playing a rowdy game of tag. Why should they be able to play like that, while she was shut up indoors on her own? It wasn’t fair. She was sure they were playing there on purpose just so she would know she was missing out. The anger she had felt the previous day returned, this time aimed at the children who seemed to be taunting her by their playing. This time, instead of the anger keeping tears at bay, however, it led to them, and she stood and stared out of the window as they ran down her cheeks, dashing them impatiently away, her body shaking with silent sobs. She was unaware of the sound of someone coming up the stairs and in through the door, and jumped when she felt a touch on her arm. A moment later she was in a warm comforting embrace, with soft soothing sounds being made as Cookie gently stroked her hair and waited for the storm to pass. ~~~ “Why, Cookie? Why do I keep doing things wrong?” she asked eventually, raising her tear-stained face from the now-damp apron. The question put Cookie in a dilemma. While she firmly believed that Grizel had not done anything to deserve her punishment, it would not be right to undermine Mrs Cochrane’s authority, and she paused to think a moment before answering. “Your father and step-mother are the ones who make the rules for you lovey. You know she doesn’t like it when you rush around or are noisy or untidy, and that’s when she gets cross.” “But I don’t mean to make her cross, I just forget sometimes and I just can’t help running and making a noise. And Grannie never minded.” “I know it’s difficult for you Miss Grizel, but while you’re a child you have to keep the rules your father and step-mother give you. Different people like different things, and so their rules are not the same as your Grannie’s were.” “But when I’m grown up can I do what I like?” The thought cheered her up, after all she was nearly twelve, so it wouldn’t be long before she was properly grown up. “Of course you can, lovey. Now, how about you wash your face and hands while I go and fetch you something to eat.” ~~~ The talk with Cookie did help Grizel to remember a little more often that she needed to be quiet, or walk rather than run, although there were times when she slipped up. The thought of being grown up, like Miss Bettany, and being able to do what she wanted, gave her something to look forward to, and those who had been worried that she had been out of spirits lately were pleased to see the return to her usual cheerful, friendly self. There were days, however, when being grown up seemed to be an awfully long way away, and she despaired of being able to stay out of trouble. |
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| Author: | Jennie [ 20 May 2006, 14:42 ] |
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I'm so glad you're going back to this, Liz, it was one of my favourites. |
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| Author: | KathrynW [ 20 May 2006, 16:53 ] |
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Thanks Liz, it's good to see this again. Grizel is such an interesting character and it's wonderful (if that's really the right word) to see more of her. Thank you for re-posting! Kathryn |
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| Author: | BethC [ 20 May 2006, 17:04 ] |
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Thanks, Liz - good to see this back. Hmm, if Grizel's only "nearly twelve" then that's more than another two years of this for her...
But thank you! |
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| Author: | LizB [ 20 May 2006, 18:31 ] |
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Grizel woke with a sense of anticipation on the day her two weeks with no treats was up. She dressed herself hurriedly, then went downstairs quietly, careful not to make a noise. Breakfast was not yet ready, but Cookie and Ellen were both busy in the kitchen. “Good morning Miss Grizel,” Ellen welcomed her with a cheerful smile. “Good morning Ellen, Good morning Cookie,” Grizel returned the smile with a beaming one of her own. “Can I help with anything?” “Well, let’s see, you could carry these plates through to the dining room for me – be careful not to drop them – and then you can get the napkins out and put them on the table. Thank you.” Ellen handed her the plates and carrying some more herself led the way to the dining room, listening with a smile as Grizel talked about her plans for the day. Then they went back to the kitchen where an early slice of toast found its way into Grizel’s hand. Breakfast passed without incident and Grizel soon found herself free to go into the garden, and went there as quickly as she could without it being considered a run. ~~~ She headed down the garden to inspect the hut, delighted to find it still standing, and even more pleased to find Obadiah outside it, as if waiting for her. “Hello Obadiah, did you miss me?” she asked, bending to stroke him. “Sorry I haven’t been here to talk to you, I had to stay indoors for a long time because I was naughty. But I’m going to try to always be good now, so that it doesn’t happen again.” Obadiah arched his back against her hand and purred. “But it’s so hard to be quiet all the time, and sometimes I don’t realise that what I’m doing is wrong until it’s too late. Like when I practised the piano and made my step-mother cross.” “I wish you could come and hear me play the piano Obadiah, you would like it, I know.” she sighed, “but I think that it would be against the rules, don’t you?” Obadiah listened with a wise look as she continued to chatter to him, until the sound of whistling could be heard. “That will be Tom,” she told him, “let’s go and see him.” the cat followed her as she went to join Tom and Sam where they were they were attacking another section of overgrown hedge. ~~~ After a quick lunch, during which her stepmother informed her she would be out for the rest of the day, Grizel returned to the garden, where she persuaded Tom to teach her how to throw a cricket ball like he did. Warned by Sam they went down to the bottom of the garden, where there were no windows to be smashed, and by the end of the afternoon Tom was saying approvingly that she threw better than any other girl he knew. When Tom and Sam finally departed, Grizel returned to the house, where she happily chatted to Cookie and Ellen in the kitchen, enjoying the chance to sit with them and eat her dinner. She proudly opened the door to Robert when he came knocking to take Ellen for a walk, and then Cookie made her a cup of hot chocolate as a treat before she went to bed, tired and happy, to sleep soundly, dreaming of Obadiah and cricket balls. ~~~ The following day started just as peacefully, the morning soon passed as she chatted to the Tom and Sam, petting Obadiah whenever he came and demanded her attention. Lunchtime passed without incident and she spent the first part of the afternoon out in the garden again, before going up to the schoolroom to wait for Miss St Michael to arrive for her usual piano lesson. An hour passed and there was no knock at the door, no sound of her teacher’s cheerful voice chatting to Ellen as she came upstairs. Grizel suddenly realised she’d been playing through the pieces she’d practised for quite a while, and stopped abruptly, slid off the stool and went to the top of the stairs. Peering over the banister she could still not hear any sign of her teacher, and she slowly made her way down to the ground floor. “What are you doing down here, child. Why aren’t you having your piano lesson.” Mrs Cochrane demanded with Grizel appeared in the drawing room doorway. “But Miss St Michael hasn’t come.” Grizel explained. ”What do you mean she hasn’t come. Where is she?” “I don’t know.” Grizel was bewildered. “Well go back upstairs and wait for her.” Grizel obediently left, although she loitered at the top of the stairs, and heard her stepmother giving instructions to Ellen before sending her off with a note. ~~~ Grizel darted from her position at the top of the stairs to the schoolroom window and watched Ellen walk down the street. She stayed there watching for what seemed and interminably long time before the maid returned, but she did not dare risk her stepmother’s displeasure by going back downstairs, and while she was wondering what was going on she couldn’t concentrate on her book. When she heard the clock strike and realised Ellen had only been gone half an hour, she was surprised, it had seemed so much longer to her, but her impatience was soon rewarded with the sight of the maid hurrying back towards the house. She went cautiously to the top of the stairs again, hoping to find out what was going on, but Ellen’s voice was to soft to carry up to her, and she only heard Mrs Cochrane make an exclamation of annoyance and then the bang of the drawing room door. Still curious, Grizel went back to the schoolroom, knowing that unless she was expressly given permission otherwise, it was better to stay there, especially when her stepmother was in this mood. ~~~ It wasn’t until Ellen came up with her dinner tray that Grizel’s curiosity was satisfied. “Ellen what happened to Miss St Michael?” she asked eagerly. “Have you not heard, Miss Grizel? She was just about to come for your lesson when she tripped and fell downstairs.” “Poor Miss St Michael,” said Grizel. “Was she hurt?” “She broke her ankle and hurt her shoulder. She won’t be able to come to give you any lessons for a few weeks.” “Poor Miss St Michael.” Grizel repeated, full of sympathy. ~~~ Sympathy, however, was not the emotion filling Mrs Cochrane’s breast. “It is such an annoyance!” she complained to her husband as they ate their dinner. Henry looked up, surprised. “I’m sure she didn’t do it on purpose,” he pointed out mildly. “Oh, I daresay it was an accident, but it is most inconvenient all the same. I suppose I shall have to find another piano teacher now.” “Why not leave it for a few weeks,” Henry suggested. “It’s the school holidays after all and by the time the new term starts again, I’m sure Miss St Michael will be fully recovered. It won’t do any harm for Grizel to have a break from piano as well as her studies. “I suppose, I could do,” agreed his wife, dubiously. “But I shall have to find something else for her to do twice a week to keep her out of mischief.” “Oh, I’m sure you’ll think of something.” Henry answered confidently, before steering the conversation into other topics. ~~~ As it happened, there was no need to Mrs Cochrane to think of an alternative, as Henry himself provided one the following day. “I have to go to Venice on a business trip, and I thought you might like to accompany me – we shall be away for two or three weeks.” His wife was thrilled with the idea. “It would be nice to get away for a while.” “Grizel can stay here with Mrs Accot and Ellen.” “Oh, I don’t think she can do that. It would be most unsuitable.” Much as Mrs Cochrane would prefer to leave her stepdaughter behind, she was aware of the talk that would emerge if she left her with only the servants for weeks. “I’ll ask my mother then, I’m sure she can manage to have her for a few weeks.” “That would be a far better idea.” Mrs Cochrane did not like her mother-in-law, but nobody could complain that Grizel spent some of her holiday with her Grandmother while she accompanied Henry on his business trip. Mrs Cochrane senior was delighted at the idea of a visit from Grizel, and soon it was arranged that Grizel would spend a month with her. ~~~ “Fold it properly to pack it, child!” Mrs Cochrane, supervising Grizel’s packing, was getting impatient. “And stop dithering over it.” She snatched the dress out of Grizel’s hands and folded it herself. “Now put it in the case. … Neatly.” Grizel placed the dress as carefully as she could in the case, then turned to pick up the next one. A sigh from her stepmother had her hurrying and, once again, failing to fold it satisfactorily. As Mrs Cochrane got more and more impatient, Grizel’s fingers seemed to turn to thumbs, and she just could not get the folds of the skirt to go as they should. “You cannot just put things in the case just anyhow like that. And don’t think that if you don’t fold them properly I will do it for you. I haven’t got all day to stand around watching you do this. Now get a move on and concentrate on what you’re doing.” She gave Grizel a slight shake as she finished speaking, causing her to drop the dress that had just been carefully folded. “Pick that up at once! Honestly, child, can you not do anything without dropping things! You don’t deserve to have such a treat.” Grizel looked at her with worried eyes. She had been so excited about going to stay with Grannie for a while. She would be heartbroken if she was stopped now. She bent down and hurriedly picked the dress off the floor and desperately tried to fold it so it would meet with approval. ~~~ Further strictures on her packing followed, nothing seemed to be folded quite right, and Grizel got more and more nervous, scared she would lose her treat, and so made more and more mistakes. Finally Mrs Cochrane raised her voice to a shout. “I have had enough of this! If you cannot do this without playing around, then …” She was interrupted by Ellen’s voice from the doorway. “Excuse me ma’am, but Mrs Elliott is here to see you.” Mrs Cochrane headed towards the door. “Keep packing child, I shall expect to see it done, and done properly, when I return. Ellen stay here and watch her, I obviously cannot trust her on her own.” Ellen and Grizel waited in silence until they heard the sound of Mrs Cochrane greeting her guest then closing the drawing room door. Then Ellen gave Grizel and encouraging smile. “Well, Miss Grizel, let’s see what needs doing here.” She picked up a petticoat. “We’ll fold them together shall we? You take this one,” she handed it over and picked up another, “I’ll do this one; you just copy me.” Following her demonstrations, Grizel managed to have everything folded and in the case well before her stepmother returned. ~~~ “I’m going to Grannie’s today!” was the first thought to cross Grizel’s mind when she awoke the following morning. “I’m really going!” She resisted the urge to leap out of bed, instead climbing out quietly, as she had learned to do, and tiptoeing across to pull aside the curtains and look out of the window. It was as if the world knew what a special day it was. The sun was shining from a gloriously blue sky, the birds seemed to be singing “it’s today, it’s today, it’s today!” from the treetops, echoing the song inside her. She could hardly restrain her excitement, but managed to do so by reminding herself that if she disturbed her stepmother, there was still time for her to be punished and stopped from going. This thought kept her quiet throughout breakfast, and the following two hours, before eventually the time came and she was on her way. Grannie was waiting Grizel’s arrival just as eagerly. She had loved having Grizel live with her, but had not been fit enough to cope with a lively nine–ten-year old. Now Grizel was older, she would not need so much looking after, and a summer visit should not tax the old lady’s strength too much. She was therefore, watching from the window for Grizel’s arrival, with almost as much excitement as her granddaughter. ~~~ The cab pulled up outside, and Grizel scrambled out, followed more sedately by Ellen, who had been sent to chaperone her on her journey. The maid was rather concerned that the welcome Grizel received might not match up to her expectations, but was instantly reassured by the figure that appeared on the doorsteps as Grizel raced up the path, and caught her and gave her a warm embrace. By the time Ellen had carried the suitcase up the path, Grannie was exclaiming over how much Grizel had grown since she had last seen her, how her hair had got so long, how lovely it was to see her again. Feeling much relieved, Ellen handed over the case and said goodbye to Grizel. “She’s going to have a lovely summer there.” She reported to Mrs Accot when she returned. “Heavens knows she deserves to.” To which remark Cookie wholeheartedly agreed. ~~~ Ellen was right. Grizel had a wonderful time with her Grannie over the next six weeks. She blossomed under the loving attention, spent hours running around in the fresh air, played the piano to an appreciative audience, talked almost non-stop about school, her friends, Obadiah, piano lessons and anything else that came into her head, or listened to tales her Grannie had to tell, and spent the evenings playing games, before falling into bed to sleep soundly each night. It was only towards the end of the holiday, when she thought about returning home, that she became quieter and more subdued. It had taken her a week or so to get used to the freedom she had here with Grannie, and she knew that it would not continue once she was back under her stepmother’s eye. She began to dread the end of the holidays and the return ‘home’. |
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| Author: | KathrynW [ 20 May 2006, 18:39 ] |
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Thanks Liz, it's heartbreaking to see what her step-mother's treatment did to Grizel. Thank you, very moving. Kathryn |
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| Author: | Tara [ 21 May 2006, 00:04 ] |
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This is lovely, Liz. Poor Grizel, no wonder she grew up so complicated - what a dreadful way to treat a child. Doesn't her father have eyes in his head, either? |
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| Author: | LizB [ 21 May 2006, 12:05 ] |
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As she sat in the taxi after a tearful farewell to Grannie and promises to write lots of letters, the clouds gathered over her. Why couldn’t she have the fun she had at Grannies when she was at home? Why should she have to go back? Why couldn’t she stay with Grannie forever? The dread anticipation of going back was joined by resentment. By the time she got out of the taxi she was hardly recognisable as the girl who had spent the summer laughing. Her face was downcast and she walked up the path to the house with lagging footsteps. Ellen opened the front door. Grizel paused on the step. Once she was inside the holiday was truly over. She wanted to make the last few moments last as long as she possibly could. ~~~ “Come on in, Miss Grizel,” Ellen coaxed with a smile. “Your stepmother is out, but she said you were to have unpacked and put everything away by the time she got back. If we’re quick about it you’ll have time to come down to the kitchen and tell us all about your visit.” Grizel cheered up slightly at the news. “Will I really have time?” she asked, stepping into the hallway. “I should think so if we try. I’ll just go and ask Sam to carry your cases upstairs, then if you go and get started, I’ll come and help you when I’ve finished in the drawing room.” she disappeared to return a few minutes later with Tom. “Gramps is up a ladder cutting the top of the hedge, so he sent me. You’d better show me where to go, Grizel.” Grizel led the way upstairs, with Tom behind her carrying her cases. He had not been inside the house before and his eyes were round as he caught glimpses of the rooms. “Thank you” Grizel said with a smile as he deposited the cases. “That’s alright,” he said. “Come and see me and Gramps in the garden soon, won’t you.” “As soon as I can.” Grizel promised and, with a friendly grin, he left. ~~~ Grizel set to work unpacking with a will and by the time Ellen came to join her, most of it was out of the case and put tidily away. With Ellen’s help it did not take long to finish off, and then they both went down to the kitchen where Cookie produced a tray of freshly-made buns and a glass of milk. Grizel perched herself on her favourite spot at the end of the well-scrubbed kitchen table, her legs swinging as she enthused to Cookie and Ellen about her summer with Grannie. She was sitting there, a half-eaten bun in one hand, when they heard the sound of the front door opening. Grizel stiffened, then hurriedly slid down from the table. Ellen quickly whisked the bun out of her hand and slipped it into her apron pocket. Cookie hurriedly half-filled the glass Grizel had already emptied and thrust it into the girl’s hand. “Drink that up and then you must go upstairs.” She said for Mrs Cochrane’s benefit as the kitchen door opened. Grizel nodded and raised the glass to her lips, and the scene that met her stepmother’s eyes was above reproach. ~~~ Mrs Cochrane acknowledged Grizel’s return with a quick glance and a slight frown, before beginning a discussion with Mrs Accot about the menu for the following week. It wasn’t until Grizel had finished her milk and stood up to leave the kitchen that she spoke to her. “Goodness child, that frock is indecent. You cannot go around dressed like that. What will people think! Go and change at once.” “They’re all short.” Grizel informed her, “I’ve grown. Grannie measured me.” “What all of them?” Mrs Cochrane asked with irritation. Surely she was not going to have to get a whole new wardrobe for the child. Couldn’t Henry’s mother have sorted that out over the summer? “Ellen, go with her and see if any of her dresses can be let down.” “Yes Ma’am.” Ellen nodded to Grizel and ushered her from the room before anything further could be said. ~~~ “The child doesn’t stop growing, she doesn’t stop talking, she doesn’t keep still, she doesn’t stop making a nuisance of herself. I am at my wits end trying to deal with her. Henry, don’t you think it would be a good idea for her to go to boarding school.” “I don’t know, my dear. I’m not very keen on the idea of her going away from home. The school in Taverton is very good, and she’s still only a child.” “She’s twelve years old. I was at boarding school well before then. It would do her good to have some discipline.” There was a slight stress on the final word. “She stays here.” Henry said. “I won’t have it said that Grizel came back from my mothers and was immediately shipped off to boarding school. She may have run a little wild at my mother’s over the summer, so you might have to rein her in more tightly for a while, but I am sure that you are quite capable of giving her all the discipline she needs.” “If that is what you want.” she replied stiffly, seeing it would be useless to argue the point right now. “It is. Now, you must excuse me, my dear, I have some letters that I must attend to.” ~~~ Was she really twelve already? Henry sat in the quiet of his office, for once the paperwork failing to hold his attention. Where had the years gone? It seemed hardly any time since she had been a little thing toddling all over the place, making Victoria laugh at the droll things she said. The hall clock struck two, recalling him to the time and the present. He clamped down on the memories. The past must stay in the past. But he got up from the desk, and moved quietly through the darkened house, going softly up the stairs, past the first floor without a sound and up to the second floor. Grizel didn’t stir as he entered her bedroom. He stood there for a long time, looking down at her as she slept. She looked so much like Victoria, his heart ached. Seeing her sleeping he could just about bear it. Listening to her chatter, sounding like Victoria, laughing like Victoria was more than he could stand. But when she was asleep, and nobody could see him, he could allow himself the torture of looking at her, and remembering. No, he might not be able to endure spending time with her when the memories she provoked gave him so much pain, but he could not send her away. Victoria would not have wanted Grizel to go to boarding school and be brought up by strangers. That was why when his mother was no longer able to bring her up he had married Irene. It was what Victoria would have wanted. He stood there, gazing at his sleeping daughter, lost in memories of her mother, for a long time. ~~~ By the time anyone awoke in the morning Henry had gone, leaving a note explaining business had taken him to London for the rest of the week. He knew it was taking the easy way out, to avoid seeing the reminder of what he had lost. But after he had been overwhelmed with those memories he had felt the need to get away from the constant reminder of Victoria, and the contrast between his laughing loving wife and his second matrimonial choice. Mrs Cochrane was rather irked that he had disappeared for several days, and consequently was more impatient than usual. Cookie and Ellen did the utmost to screen Grizel from scoldings, but they could not always avert them and by the end of the second day, Grizel was once more confined to the schoolroom for an indefinite period of time. It was with relief that both Grizel and her stepmother realised that the following week was the beginning of term. ~~~ Grizel burst excitedly into the kitchen when she came home from the first day back at school. “I’m in the hock…” she fell silent as a cold glare from her stepmother landed on her. “Can you not enter a room properly.” She demanded as Grizel stood frozen inside the doorway. “I’m sorry. I was excited and I forgot.” “Kindly remember in future.” Grizel nodded, and was relieved when nothing further was said. She walked decorously across the room to the table, where Ellen was just putting out her usual glass of milk and sat down. By the time she had drunk it all, her stepmother had finished giving Mrs Accot instructions regarding the visitor expected in a few days time, which Grizel’s entrance had interrupted, and had left, her mind too occupied with organising things to remember, for once, her stepdaughter’s bad behaviour. “You must be more careful, Miss Grizel, love.” Cookie admonished, refilling the glass and laying a slice of currant cake in front of her. “You’ll only get into trouble if you go running around the house like that.” “Thank you, Cookie. I know, and I’m sorry.” “It’s not me you need to be sorry to, lovey. Now eat that up and tell us what you were so excited about.” ~~~ “The hockey team? Well done, lovey.” she said when Grizel had finished telling her. “You’ll have to let us know about all your matches and how many goals you score.” “Oh, Cookie, it won’t be that many goals, some of the other girls are so much better than I am.” “Well, they wouldn’t have picked you if they didn’t think you were good at it, now would they,” pointed out Cookie logically. “Now, you’d better be getting upstairs before your stepmother comes back and finds you still here.” Grizel saw the wisdom of that and made her way up to the schoolroom, where, to all appearance she sat reading, but her mind was far away on the hockey pitch. ~~~ She was still dreaming about hockey when she went down for dinner, her father having decreed that she was now old enough to sit at the table with them for the meal, but she was soon snapped out of it by a sharp comment from her stepmother. Unfortunately, Mr Cochrane chose the mealtime to inform his wife that the expected visitor had to be postponed. Annoyed that all her planning had been wasted, Mrs Cochrane was in a waspish mood and, by the end of the meal, Grizel felt that she was being snapped at simply for breathing. She was glad to make a rapid escape when Ellen brought in the coffee pot. It was only when she got back up to the schoolroom that she realised she hadn’t told her father about the hockey team. Turning round, she headed back down the stairs. ~~~ Grizel reached the bottom stair just as her father came out of the dining room, a frown on his face. “Daddy?” He looked round. “Grizel, what are you doing there?” “I came back down to tell you something.” “Well, you’d better tell me then.” He said, wondering if she was going to confess to some mishap at school. “Come into the study.” Grizel followed him into the room and stood in front of the desk. “Well, what is it then?” he asked, seating himself behind the desk. “I wanted to let you know I’ve been picked for the hockey team.” He looked up in surprise. He hadn’t realised she played hockey, although thinking about it he vaguely remembered his wife complaining about a stick left in the hallway. “The hockey team, eh?” he said. “Well that sounds good.” “Will you come and watch me play, Daddy?” “Well, we’ll have to see when your matches are, won’t we. You run off upstairs now, I’ve got lots of work to do.” Grizel obediently went upstairs, not running, as she had learnt better than to do that, and returned to her dreams, this time seeing her father cheering her on from the side of the pitch. ~~~ Unfortunately, when the day of the match came and Grizel reminded her father about it over breakfast, Mr Cochrane told that he had a business meeting and would not be able to come to watch. “For goodness sake, child, don’t sulk.” Mrs Cochrane exclaimed, when Grizel’s face showed her disappointment. Grizel opened her mouth to respond, then closed it again, and glumly pushed the food round her plate until she caught her stepmother’s eye on her and hurriedly started eating to avoid a scolding for playing with her food. As soon as she could leave the table. She was cheered up by Ellen’s encouraging chatter as she walked her to school, and her call of ‘good luck’ as she went in the gate, but as she was changing for the game later and heard the other girls chattering about their parents who had come to watch she sank into gloom again. There was nobody to see her play. ~~~ “Pre-game nerves?” the team captain, Marjorie, asked Grizel kindly misunderstanding her expression. “Don’t worry Grizel, just forget about the crowds watching and play your best.” “There’s nobody here to watch me.” Grizel said quietly. Marjorie sat down on the bench next to her. “There’s nobody here to watch me either.” “But you’re the captain.” Grizel looked at her in surprise. Marjorie smiled at her. “My father is an invalid and is too unwell at the moment for my mother to leave him and come.” “But don’t you mind that they’re not there to watch you?” “I shall tell them all about it later instead.” Marjorie told her. “It would be topping if they could come of course, but while I’m out there, all I think about is the game.” She gave Grizel a friendly pat on the back and got up. “Don’t worry about your parents not being here. Just concentrate on the ball and don’t lift your stick too high.” She moved on to give another new team member a pep talk, leaving a slightly happier girl sitting on the bench. ~~~ Grizel went out determined to concentrate on the game. She took her place on the pitch. Her earlier disappointment had not given her the time to feel nervous and she played her best, remembering what Marjorie had said, and earned herself a commendation at the end of the game. “Well played Grizel. We’ll definitely have you play for us again.” Marjorie told her as they finished changing. Grizel smiled up at her, delighted with the praise. “Now make sure you tell them all about it when you get home.” She added, as she picked up her stick and left. Grizel’s brief euphoria left her. Marjorie might be going home to tell her parents all about it, but Grizel wasn’t sure that she would get the chance to tell her father. The only time she saw him in the evenings was over dinner, and her conversation was definitely discouraged at the table. |
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| Author: | KathrynW [ 21 May 2006, 12:50 ] |
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Thanks Liz, it's very interesting to see an insight into Grizel's father's feelings. You make him such a sympathetic character. Poor Grizel, it's horrible when nobody comes to watch you. I was always the one that the games teacher had to take home because no one would ever come to watch my netball matches at junior school... Kathryn |
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| Author: | Kat [ 21 May 2006, 13:51 ] |
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Marjorie sounds like a lovely girl  Pity Grizel coudn't learn more about captaincey from her
I hope she gets the chance to tell her father about the match *sets fire to Mrs C for being so mean* Thanks Liz! |
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| Author: | Lyanne [ 21 May 2006, 19:07 ] |
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But she won't be able to do what she wants when she grows up either. |
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| Author: | Tara [ 22 May 2006, 00:00 ] |
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You've made Grizel's father so understandable - but if he married again only to get a mother for her, why ever didn't he choose someone who liked children??? Poor girl, I feel so sorry for her. |
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| Author: | keren [ 22 May 2006, 10:42 ] |
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I was waiting for this to reappear |
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 22 May 2006, 12:22 ] |
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Great to see this back and can't wait to read more. It's definitely one of my favourites! |
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| Author: | Róisín [ 22 May 2006, 13:21 ] |
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Brilliant! Thank you Liz! So glad to see this back 
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| Author: | Caroline58 [ 22 May 2006, 17:54 ] |
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Thank you so much for this - it was what originally got me thoroughly hooked into the CBB! Caroline |
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| Author: | LizB [ 23 May 2006, 11:14 ] |
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Mr Cochrane wasn’t even in for dinner for Grizel to tell him about the match. Mrs Cochrane watched her coldly as she ate her meal, picking up on the slightest sign of Grizel’s manners not being up to scratch, and denying her dessert after she’d reprimanded her twice for her fork scraping on the plate. Grizel went slowly up to the schoolroom. Ellen, coming up with her supper later, tried to comfort her. “Maybe next time the master’ll be able to come and see you play.” She said. Grizel nodded hopefully, but in the back of her mind was the thought that perhaps he would always be too busy to come and watch her play. She knew that Mrs Cochrane would not come to watch a match, and Ellen didn’t suggest it. “Probably wouldn’t want her to anyway, the old tartar.” She said when she was talking to Mrs Accot back in the kitchen, and didn’t get any disagreement. “Poor little girl.” Cookie sighed. “For all that space is tight and money is scarce, any one of my sister’s lot is more’n twice as happy as that child up there with not just a bed, but a whole room, to herself.” |
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| Author: | Chair [ 23 May 2006, 11:21 ] |
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Thanks, Liz. I'm sorry that Grizel is not shown more love. |
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| Author: | Nell [ 23 May 2006, 12:43 ] |
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Poor little Grizel. Thank you Liz. |
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| Author: | KathrynW [ 23 May 2006, 13:48 ] |
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I feel so sorry for Grizel here. Thanks Liz Kathryn |
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| Author: | Alison H [ 23 May 2006, 13:51 ] |
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Cookie is so right. |
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| Author: | Josie [ 23 May 2006, 15:43 ] |
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Glad to see this back. Thanks Liz. *adds to the poor Grizels* |
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| Author: | Carolyn P [ 23 May 2006, 22:09 ] |
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Heartbreaking. Has everything but the care and love she really needs. |
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| Author: | Tara [ 24 May 2006, 00:20 ] |
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Absolutely agree. |
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| Author: | Gem [ 24 May 2006, 21:24 ] |
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Oh, poor Grizel Can't wait until she gets to the CS - it can't be long now, can it? *looks hopeful*
Thank you Liz *hugs* |
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| Author: | Kathy_S [ 24 May 2006, 22:58 ] |
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I know we've logged tons of pejoratives for the unspeakable Henry & Irene, but seeing it all reposted together really emphasizes their despicability quotient. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...... Poor Grizel. Just imagine if there were no Cookie & Ellen! |
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| Author: | LizB [ 25 May 2006, 13:41 ] |
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Grizel told her father about the next two matches, and reminded him of them at breakfast on the day, but both times he had a meeting and was unable to come. The next time he was away on business on the day of the match, and after that she gave up hoping he would come, contenting herself instead with coming back and telling Cookie and Ellen about the game and enjoying their praise and delight when she had scored a goal. During one game, she had been surprised to hear a cry of ‘Go Grizel’ from the side of the pitch, and looking up she had seen Jo and Madge there watching. Madge noticed the lack of attendance from the Cochranes, and made a note to find out when the future matches were and make sure that they went to as many of them as Joey’s health would allow. |
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| Author: | Alison H [ 25 May 2006, 13:53 ] |
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Oh, that's so lovely of Madge! |
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| Author: | Jennie [ 25 May 2006, 13:55 ] |
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Someone cares about her, but I hope Irene doesn't find out, or she'll be nastier than ever to Grizel. |
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| Author: | Richenda [ 25 May 2006, 14:19 ] |
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Grizel's rapidly turning into one of my favourite characters, so I love this drabble. Don't want her to be sad for 2 more years though
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| Author: | Lesley [ 25 May 2006, 14:45 ] |
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Perhaps Irene will turn up because she doesn't want to look bad in front of the neighbours. Thanks Liz. *Pokes* Mr Cochrane. |
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| Author: | Nell [ 25 May 2006, 15:19 ] |
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yay for a lovely Madge. Thank you Liz. |
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| Author: | francesn [ 25 May 2006, 17:19 ] |
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Aww I'm glad Madge was there. Thanks Liz- lovely to see this back |
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| Author: | Chair [ 25 May 2006, 17:27 ] |
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Thanks, Liz. I'm glad that Madge and Joey were able to cheer Grizel on at the match. |
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| Author: | Tara [ 25 May 2006, 23:44 ] |
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Good for Madge and Joey. |
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| Author: | Róisín [ 26 May 2006, 12:22 ] |
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Yay! Go go go Grizel! She must have been thrilled to hear someone shouting for her *claps* |
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| Author: | KathrynW [ 26 May 2006, 15:20 ] |
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Thanks Liz! I'm so glad for Grizel that Madge and Joey turned up, how lovely of them
Kathryn |
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 26 May 2006, 15:31 ] |
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Good for Madge. Must have been a lovely surprise for Grizel. |
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| Author: | little_sarah [ 26 May 2006, 18:12 ] |
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Phew! I've just read the whole thing (feeling slightly headachy now...) I really love the way you make Grizel's story feel so real, I feel incredibly sorry for the poor chick. I'm glad she's got some people who care for her and make her feel loved. *Pokes her horrible parents* |
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| Author: | Helen P [ 29 May 2006, 17:22 ] |
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Lovely Madge and Joey for going to the match
Thank you Liz, looking forward to the next instalment of this! |
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| Author: | LizB [ 01 Jun 2006, 13:45 ] |
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“Your father has a very important visitor coming to stay for a few days from Tuesday.” Mrs Cochrane told Grizel one morning. “You are to stay out of the way in the schoolroom and not make a noise around the house, while he is here. Is that clear?” “Yes.” Grizel replied. “When you come in from school each day you are to go straight up there with no nonsense. Cookie and Ellen will be busy in the kitchen and you are not to go bothering them.” “But I won’t be coming home from school every day.” Grizel answered. “Half-term begins on Wednesday.” Mrs Cochrane sighed in irritation. There was a visitor to impress, and the child would be hanging around the house, no doubt making a noise despite all warnings, or turning up to meals with her hair in a mess. Well, she would just have to do her best to make sure the girl stayed out of the way as much as possible. “Well you are to stay in the schoolroom out of the way.” She snapped, and left the room. |
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| Author: | Alison H [ 01 Jun 2006, 13:55 ] |
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Irene really is so horrible. |
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| Author: | Róisín [ 01 Jun 2006, 14:16 ] |
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Why? Wouldn't the garden be just as easily out of the way? Or visiting Joey's house or something? Why that horrible lonely bare schoolroom. /rant. BAH. But thank you Liz for a lovely new update.
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| Author: | KathrynW [ 01 Jun 2006, 15:37 ] |
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Thanks Liz, poor, poor Grizel. Kathryn |
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| Author: | Lesley [ 01 Jun 2006, 15:58 ] |
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Nasty cow, hope the visitor is someone that actually loves children and is not favourably impressed with the way Grizel is treated. Thanks Liz. 
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| Author: | francesn [ 01 Jun 2006, 16:18 ] |
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Awful awful woman. Thanks for updating Liz |
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| Author: | Chair [ 01 Jun 2006, 18:33 ] |
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Thanks, Liz. I'm sorry that Irene is making Grizel stay out of the way. |
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| Author: | Tara [ 02 Jun 2006, 00:07 ] |
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She is such a foul woman. 
Hope Grizel doesn't do anything to give her a chance to be even nastier. May we hope that the visitor will be pleasant and sympathetic? |
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| Author: | Josie [ 02 Jun 2006, 11:17 ] |
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Irene is awful. May she be whipped with 10,000 kippers and forced to carry the smell forever! Hope the visitor is someone nice who can see straight through her.
Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | Tara [ 02 Jun 2006, 22:58 ] |
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Josie wrote: May she be whipped with 10,000 kippers and forced to carry the smell forever!
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| Author: | Kathy_S [ 03 Jun 2006, 12:50 ] |
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*thinks someone should invite Grizel for half term* Surely evil Irene would agree, given her current preoccupation? |
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| Author: | MaryR [ 03 Jun 2006, 19:51 ] |
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Thanks, Liz. |
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| Author: | LizB [ 05 Jun 2006, 11:13 ] |
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On Tuesday morning, she halted Grizel as she was leaving the breakfast table, and, after criticising her hair and telling her to do it again before going to school, reminded her that she was to be on her best behaviour, no singing, none of that awful whistling and no other noise while her Father’s visitor was in the house. “And you are not to go and play outside and get yourself dirty and untidy, and you are not to go and make a nuisance of yourself to Mrs Accot and Ellen.” She finished up. “You have plenty to occupy yourself quietly in the schoolroom, and I do not want to have to come and supervise you to make sure you do so.” Grizel had no wish to be supervised by her stepmother either, so she nodded in agreement, and escaped to firmly (if temporarily) confine her curls into two plaits. |
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| Author: | KathrynW [ 05 Jun 2006, 11:25 ] |
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Poor Grizel, it must be awful for her to always be told not what to do and never allowed to just be a child. Thanks Liz, I'm really enjoying this. Kathryn |
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| Author: | Jennie [ 05 Jun 2006, 12:16 ] |
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Thanks, Liz. I think there's no punishment too severe for Evil Irene. |
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| Author: | MaryR [ 05 Jun 2006, 13:20 ] |
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Is she allowed to breathe? Thanks, Liz. |
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| Author: | francesn [ 05 Jun 2006, 17:06 ] |
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Poor Grizel. I hope Madge and Joey invite her round to play a lot in the half-term, then she'll be able to have a little fun at least. Thank you Liz |
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| Author: | Mia [ 05 Jun 2006, 17:09 ] |
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Thanks Liz *pokes Irene lots* |
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| Author: | Lesley [ 05 Jun 2006, 18:30 ] |
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I don't think she's left anything for her to do, has she? Nasty piece of s***. Hmmmm, she ended up in a nursing home didn't she....?
Thanks Liz.
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 05 Jun 2006, 19:49 ] |
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Horrible, horrible Irene! |
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| Author: | Rosy-Jess [ 05 Jun 2006, 21:23 ] |
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LizB wrote: Grizel had no wish to be supervised by her stepmother either, so she nodded in agreement, and escaped to firmly (if temporarily) confine her curls into two plaits.
Evidently the woman has never tried to plait properly curly hair, given that it is nigh-on-impossible to get it to look neat! Thankyou Liz. |
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| Author: | Tara [ 06 Jun 2006, 01:05 ] |
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Nasty woman
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| Author: | Nell [ 06 Jun 2006, 09:57 ] |
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Poor Grizel,hope she gets to have some fun. Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | Josie [ 07 Jun 2006, 10:34 ] |
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Eurgh, she's horrid. Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | LizB [ 07 Jun 2006, 12:05 ] |
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In the excitement that always pervaded the school when half-term arrived, Grizel completely forgot that the important visitor was expected that day, and that she was supposed to go up to the schoolroom and sit quietly until dinner. After several damp days, it had been sunny and dry, and the moment she got in from school and had drunk her milk, she rushed out into the garden. As always she made sure she was well away from the house before she started running, feeling slightly better as she burnt off her excess energy. After a while she went and found a cricket ball and practised her throws, running after the ball to pick it up and throw it back the other way. She threw as if she were bowling, setting herself a target as the wicket, then tiring of that, decided to try some fielding throws. The first couple didn’t go very far. Trying to remember what she had been taught in games lessons she concentrated and threw again. She watched delightedly as the ball flew threw the air and over the hedge, only to be brought up short by a cry of “Ouch!” |
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| Author: | Josie [ 07 Jun 2006, 12:11 ] |
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Please don't say she's hit Irene! Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | Ruth B [ 07 Jun 2006, 12:25 ] |
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I think it's more likely to be the important visitor
*Wibbles* |
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| Author: | Alison H [ 07 Jun 2006, 12:27 ] |
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Oops! Maybe he's a major cricket fan and won't mind, and will offer to play cricket with her rather than have tea and cucumber sandwiches with Irene? *Hopes!* |
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| Author: | Nell [ 07 Jun 2006, 12:37 ] |
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I do hope so Alison...cos otherwise she could be in serious trouble! Thank you Liz! |
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| Author: | Helen P [ 07 Jun 2006, 13:22 ] |
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Oh dear... I hope the important visitor (if that is who Grizel has hit) is a nice important visitor... 
Thank you Liz. |
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| Author: | Róisín [ 07 Jun 2006, 13:23 ] |
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Ack! Who has she hit? |
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| Author: | Amanda M [ 07 Jun 2006, 13:52 ] |
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I also hope that if the ball's hit the visitor that he's a nice visitor. Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 07 Jun 2006, 14:26 ] |
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Let's hope the visitor is more understanding than Irene! |
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| Author: | Lesley [ 07 Jun 2006, 14:35 ] |
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You just know this is all going to go pear-shaped, don't you? 
Poor little girl. Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | KathrynW [ 07 Jun 2006, 14:49 ] |
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So easily done but poor Grizel... Thanks Liz! Kathryn |
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| Author: | Tara [ 07 Jun 2006, 23:43 ] |
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Oh dear! Even if the visitor is nice, Irene will spit feathers. Thanks, Liz. |
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| Author: | Rosy-Jess [ 08 Jun 2006, 08:57 ] |
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*hides behind her fingers* Oh no! |
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| Author: | Jennie [ 08 Jun 2006, 09:07 ] |
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Irene will grit her teeth, be nice and gracious in front of the visitor, then make Grizel pay dearly afterwards. |
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| Author: | Carolyn P [ 08 Jun 2006, 14:11 ] |
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Argh.....Liz come back and tell us more. |
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| Author: | LizB [ 09 Jun 2006, 12:09 ] |
| Post subject: | |
At the sound, Grizel suddenly remembered that she was not supposed to be outside at all, and knew she would be in real trouble now. Realising there was nowhere to go to hide, she started to walk slowly towards the hedge. Before she got there, a figure came around the end of it, holding the ball. “Is this yours?” Grizel nodded mutely. “I guess you must be Henry’s daughter.” Grizel nodded mutely again. “Here, catch.” He said and threw the ball back at her. Caught unawares Grizel was too slow and missed the ball. A laugh followed her as she ran to pick it up. “Better try it again. Send it back here.” Grizel threw it back, and the man caught it deftly and returned it. Again and again, sending her running to catch it, but calling an approving “well done!” or “good show!” each time she did. Eventually he stopped. “It’s beginning to get dark, so we’d better be getting inside. Your father will be wondering what’s happened to us.” Grizel didn’t tell him that she was beginning to think her father never wondered about her, but accompanied him willingly back to the house. |
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| Author: | Josie [ 09 Jun 2006, 12:14 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Awww, lovely visitor! But who is it? Thanks liz.
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| Author: | Jane [ 09 Jun 2006, 12:20 ] |
| Post subject: | Unwanted |
Isn't it Mr Lannis? Wasn't he 'a business associate of Mr Cochrane's' when he sent Evadne? The 'I guess' is a bit of a giveaway. |
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| Author: | Alison H [ 09 Jun 2006, 12:20 ] |
| Post subject: | |
That was lovely. |
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| Author: | MaryR [ 09 Jun 2006, 12:50 ] |
| Post subject: | |
I just hope Grizel doesn't suffer even more at the hands of Irene because a visitor was nice to her.... Thanks, Liz. |
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 09 Jun 2006, 12:53 ] |
| Post subject: | |
What a nice visitor. Hope Irene doesn't find out that he played with Grizel, though. |
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| Author: | Jennie [ 09 Jun 2006, 12:57 ] |
| Post subject: | |
She will, and she'll be horrible about it. |
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| Author: | Helen P [ 09 Jun 2006, 13:05 ] |
| Post subject: | |
What a lovely man! I am hoping very hard that somehow Irene won't know about this... but I guess I am probably hoping in vain! Thank you Liz. |
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| Author: | Lesley [ 09 Jun 2006, 14:01 ] |
| Post subject: | |
I feel so sorry for Grizel too - she's just had a glimpse at how a real father acts. 
Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | Nell [ 09 Jun 2006, 14:27 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Yay it was the visitor and he was nice! Thank you Liz. |
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| Author: | KathrynW [ 09 Jun 2006, 14:41 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Aw he was lovely to Grizel, thanks Liz
Kathryn |
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| Author: | Ally [ 09 Jun 2006, 16:22 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Yay for someone being lovely to Grizel, but Im sure Irene won't see it the same *woes* Thanks Liz |
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| Author: | francesn [ 09 Jun 2006, 16:26 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Oh he is nice! I was very worried when I read your first post - and still am a little bit. Please come back and tell us Irene isn't cross, Liz. |
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| Author: | Kathy_S [ 09 Jun 2006, 21:11 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Yay for the guest!
Thank you, Liz. |
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| Author: | Chair [ 10 Jun 2006, 11:26 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Thanks, Liz. I'm glad the visitor is a nice visitor but I am worrying about how Irene will react now. |
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| Author: | LizB [ 12 Jun 2006, 08:40 ] |
| Post subject: | |
They were just in the hallway and he was taking off his coat, when Mrs Cochrane appeared. “I hope you feel better for the fresh air.” she said, not realising that Grizel was there for the moment. “My head has cleared wonderfully, thank you.” He answered with a smile as he turned round. The movement brought Grizel into her stepmother’s line of sight and she frowned. “What are you doing here?” the presence of the visitor kept her tone moderate, although the look she shot at Grizel was not so temperate. “I must apologise if she’s been bothering you.” She turned politely to the visitor. “No, not at all.” He replied jovially. “She reminds me of my Evvy, although I guess she’s a couple of years older. I’ll bet she’s full of beans and never still for a moment, like Evvy as well.” Well done, Jane
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| Author: | Alison H [ 12 Jun 2006, 08:54 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Ah, I forgot that the Cochranes knew Evvy's dad! Thanks Liz .
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| Author: | KathrynW [ 12 Jun 2006, 09:40 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Gosh that was a good guess Jane, I would never have got it for a moment! Thanks Liz
Kathryn |
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 12 Jun 2006, 11:43 ] |
| Post subject: | |
*likes Mr Lannis a lot!* |
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| Author: | Mia [ 12 Jun 2006, 11:51 ] |
| Post subject: | |
He's lovely - what a contrast to the Cochranes, grrr Thanks Liz
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| Author: | Jennie [ 12 Jun 2006, 13:17 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Three cheers for Evvy's dad. |
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| Author: | Vikki [ 12 Jun 2006, 15:13 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Awwwww!!! *pats Mr Lannis for being lovely!!!* 
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| Author: | Hannah-Lou [ 12 Jun 2006, 15:36 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Bother! Have reached the end! I have just read this right through from the beginning, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Please write more! (Also enjoyed the pokey-stick emoticon, but little things please me.) P.S. This is my first post! On any board! Ever! Hope it works. Hello, everyone!
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| Author: | Caroline58 [ 12 Jun 2006, 17:03 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Hello Hannah-Lou and welcome - I love this one too! (I feel very grand saying hello to someone, as I'm new(ish) myself...) Caroline(58) |
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| Author: | Chair [ 12 Jun 2006, 19:22 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Thanks, Liz. Well done to Jane as well. I would never have guessed it either. Welcome to the board, Hannah! I'm Clare and I'm from Rochester in Kent in England. |
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| Author: | Lesley [ 12 Jun 2006, 20:18 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Thanks Liz - bet Irene finds some way to punish Grizel. 
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| Author: | Hannah-Lou [ 13 Jun 2006, 09:44 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Thanks for the welcome, Caroline and Clare. Hello! LizB - I have just been and re-read Chapter 2 of School at, and I want to say how impressed I am by how well what you've written goes with what's in the book. I know that's the general idea, but I'm still really impressed by how well you've done it. Poor Grizel
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| Author: | Josie [ 13 Jun 2006, 10:03 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Lovely Mr. Lannis! Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | Tara [ 14 Jun 2006, 00:07 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Lovely Mr Lannis, indeed, but this isn't going to go down well with Irene. Thanks, Liz. |
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| Author: | LizB [ 14 Jun 2006, 13:26 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Arthur Lannis appears courtesy of, and with many thanks to, Josie
Mrs Cochrane did not know what to say. Obviously this man saw nothing wrong with Grizel running wild outside, getting her hair in the untidy state it was currently. She knew he was an important business contact of her husband and she was eager not to offend him, so she put some sort of smile on her lips and nodded slightly. Arthur Lannis had not become a successful businessman without learning how to read people. He continued to observe throughout the evening meal, and Mrs Cochrane would have been horrified to realise how much he concluded about life in the Cochrane household. |
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| Author: | MaryR [ 14 Jun 2006, 14:04 ] |
| Post subject: | |
But will he do anything to help Grizel? Thanks, Liz. |
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| Author: | Helen P [ 14 Jun 2006, 14:30 ] |
| Post subject: | |
LizB wrote: Mrs Cochrane did not know what to say. Obviously this man saw nothing wrong with Grizel running wild outside, getting her hair in the untidy state it was currently.
And of course there is nothing wrong with it!!!! I am with Mary in wondering if Arthur will try to help - or whether it will be seen as interference and will just make it worse
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| Author: | Ruth B [ 14 Jun 2006, 14:56 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Of course there is nothing wrong with it - it's called being a child!! |
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| Author: | KathrynW [ 14 Jun 2006, 15:23 ] |
| Post subject: | |
It's nice that he seems to be on Grizel's side. Maybe he'll say something to her father? Thanks Liz! Kathryn |
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| Author: | Lesley [ 14 Jun 2006, 19:20 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Glad Arthur Lannis is there - hope he can help. Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 14 Jun 2006, 19:33 ] |
| Post subject: | |
I wonder if he will try to help although, even if he does, he couldn't have been very successful since we know how unhappy Grizel was when she went to the CS. Thanks for this! |
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| Author: | Nell [ 15 Jun 2006, 10:32 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Poor Grizel - Arthur should kidnap her and take her away with him! |
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| Author: | Jennie [ 15 Jun 2006, 11:00 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Or phone the NSPCC. |
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| Author: | Josie [ 15 Jun 2006, 14:07 ] |
| Post subject: | |
*waves at Arthur* (Have missed him since I killed him off!  )
Here's hoping he manages to help in some way. Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | Ruth B [ 15 Jun 2006, 14:27 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Josie wrote: *waves at Arthur* (Have missed him since I killed him off!
)For which you have no one to blame but yourself!
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| Author: | Josie [ 15 Jun 2006, 14:28 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Ruth B wrote: Josie wrote: *waves at Arthur* (Have missed him since I killed him off! )For which you have no one to blame but yourself! I know! *hangs head in shame*
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| Author: | Chair [ 15 Jun 2006, 23:23 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Thanks, Liz. It was interesting that he was able to see things through just the meal. |
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| Author: | Tara [ 15 Jun 2006, 23:26 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Agree with Chair - but will he be able to do anything???
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| Author: | LizB [ 16 Jun 2006, 15:35 ] |
| Post subject: | |
“That’s a cute daughter you’ve got there.” He said to his host when they sat in the drawing room after Grizel had gone to bed. “I’ll bet you miss her when you’re away.” “Well …” Mr Cochrane hesitated, feeling a guiltily that perhaps he should miss Grizel when he wasn’t at home, but he tended to forget the entire household until he came back to it. “I sure miss my Evvy when I travel. If I’d realised Grizel was near her age I’d have brought her with me. The two of them would have had a whale of a time.” Sitting quietly in her chair, while the men talked, Mrs Cochrane felt thankful that he hadn’t brought his daughter. From his enthusiastic talk about her she sounded worse than Grizel, and one noisy child running riot around the place was more than enough. As it was, Mr Lannis was suggesting that she and Grizel accompany them tomorrow. “You and she can look round some of the shops while we do our business – I never yet met a woman who didn’t like to look round shops and I’m sure you and Grizel are no different – and then we can all lunch together. If we finish all our business before lunch then maybe we can take Grizel to the zoo in the afternoon. I’m sure she’d love that.” He smiled at them congenially and neither of them could find a reason to protest. Henry nodded in agreement and so it was arranged. |
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| Author: | KathrynW [ 16 Jun 2006, 16:05 ] |
| Post subject: | |
He's being so lovely but I really hope Mrs Cochrane won't make Grizel suffer for it... Thanks Liz
Kathryn |
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| Author: | RroseSelavy [ 16 Jun 2006, 16:05 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Do you think they're actually starting to get embarrassed about their treatment of Grizel? Can't help feeling that on some level Irene is, and is going to take it out on the poor girl. If only one of the caring adults around could have taken her aisde for a quiet conversation and let her know that it wasn't her fault and wasn't going to last for ever she might not have been hardened by it. But people didn't do that in those days I guess - not many do it even now. Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 16 Jun 2006, 16:37 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Thanks, Liz. Grizel deserves a nice day out, but I hope Irene doesn't make it miserable for her, or refuse to let her go. |
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| Author: | Lesley [ 16 Jun 2006, 16:46 ] |
| Post subject: | |
I hope that the Cochranes are suitably ashamed and embarrassed - unfortunately it's not going to chnage things in the long run - even the fact that Grizel will have a positive male role model won't really help - she'll be forever comparing Mr Lannis to her own uncaring, unfeeling father.
Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | Chair [ 16 Jun 2006, 20:58 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Thanks, Liz. I wish that Arthur had brought Evvy with him. |
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| Author: | Kathy_S [ 16 Jun 2006, 23:10 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Oh, good, the zoo!
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| Author: | Tara [ 17 Jun 2006, 00:17 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Her father feels guilty because he should miss her? Poor child. I doubt if she'll have a very good time with Irene glowering and resenting every second. Perhaps she'll manage to enjoy the zoo, at least - tho' I should think she'd feel an affinity with the caged animals! Quote: I never yet met a woman who didn’t like to look round shops Pleased to meet you, Mr L! It's my idea of hell, unless it's a bookshop or a stationers.
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| Author: | Alice [ 17 Jun 2006, 09:27 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Just caught up with lots of this. I hope Mr Lannis can help Grizel a bit. Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | Jennie [ 17 Jun 2006, 12:26 ] |
| Post subject: | |
If only I didn't get the feeling that Irene will take it out on Grizel afterwards. |
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| Author: | Nell [ 19 Jun 2006, 10:18 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Yay for Arthur but really it just emphasises the difference between Grizel's childhood and everyone elses. Thank you Liz. |
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| Author: | LizB [ 25 Jun 2006, 10:32 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Grizel arrived for breakfast the following morning to find that the visitor was the only other person in the room for the moment. She was delighted when he told her the plans for the day. Even the thought of the morning spent going round shops with her stepmother (a hated experience) could not dampen her elation at the idea of going to the zoo. She was plying Mr Lannis with questions about what animals she might see there when her father entered the room. She stopped her eager questions to say “good morning, father” in formal tones that couldn’t quite hide her excitement, and he nodded and said “good morning” to them both before he sat down. “Some bad news, I’m afraid,” he said to Mr Lannis as Ellen came in with the coffee pot, “Irene has one of her bad heads, and so she and Grizel won’t be able to come out with us today.” |
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| Author: | Alison H [ 25 Jun 2006, 10:52 ] |
| Post subject: | |
I hope Arthur suggests that the 3 of them go to the zoo without Irene and forget the shops! |
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| Author: | Ruth B [ 25 Jun 2006, 11:01 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Grrr, bet she doesn't and just wants to get out of taking Grizel out! |
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| Author: | Chair [ 25 Jun 2006, 11:23 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Thanks, Liz. I hope that Arthur will be able to take Grizel to the zoo anyway. |
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| Author: | KathrynW [ 25 Jun 2006, 13:36 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Oh no It was so lovely seeing such a happy and excited Grizel!
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 25 Jun 2006, 13:43 ] |
| Post subject: | |
I bet Irene developed that headache on purpose. |
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| Author: | MaryR [ 25 Jun 2006, 15:46 ] |
| Post subject: | |
But why can't Grizel go? She doesn't have the headache!!
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| Author: | Lottie [ 25 Jun 2006, 15:49 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Poor Grizel - nothing ever seems to go her way! |
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| Author: | Liane [ 25 Jun 2006, 17:55 ] |
| Post subject: | |
What a mysterious headache! Evil, evil woman. |
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| Author: | Lesley [ 25 Jun 2006, 18:03 ] |
| Post subject: | |
That nasty, evil woman. What? You think that headache is genuine? No way!! Bet Mr Lannis suggests Grizel come anyway - after all, he's a proper father - unlike Mr Cochrane who will probably be shocked at having to spend time with his daughter.
Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | Tara [ 25 Jun 2006, 23:24 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Irene is such a b****. I do hope Mr Lannis insists on making the treat possible for Grizel somehow. She could stay around the office and read until they're ready, perhaps?
Thanks, Liz. |
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| Author: | Rosy-Jess [ 26 Jun 2006, 09:08 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Poor Grizel. I too hope that she is allowed to go without Irene. |
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| Author: | Nell [ 26 Jun 2006, 10:52 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Gah! poor grizel, please let her go anyway! |
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| Author: | LizB [ 28 Jun 2006, 13:24 ] |
| Post subject: | |
If Mr Lannis doubted the reality of the headache he did not for a moment let it show on his face. “That’s a shame.” He said. “I was quite looking forward to the zoo myself.” He was aware of Grizel’s face opposite him, full of disappointment and noticed how, she opened her mouth to say something, but, as she had done several times during dinner the previous evening, then closed it and looked down at her plate without saying a word. “I know,” he said cheerfully, “How’s about you, Ellen is it? Well Henry, how about Ellen bringing Grizel on the bus to meet us for lunch and then we can still have the afternoon as planned? That would leave the house nice and peaceful for Irene.” Henry looked a bit doubtful. “Well, I’m not sure …” Then he caught a pleading look from his daughter, and surrendered. “I suppose I don’t see why not. Ellen you can bring Miss Grizel along for lunch can’t you.” “Yes, of course sir.” Ellen agreed immediately, flashing a smile at Grizel as Henry turned back to face Mr Lannis. “That’s all settled then.” said that gentleman cheerfully. “As Evvy would say, we’ll have a stonkingly good time.” |
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| Author: | Ruth B [ 28 Jun 2006, 13:25 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Yay for Mr Lannis! I like him even more than I did already. |
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| Author: | Eilidh [ 28 Jun 2006, 13:27 ] |
| Post subject: | |
She'll have more fun with Ellen than with Irene anyway. Yay for Mr Lannis! |
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| Author: | KathrynW [ 28 Jun 2006, 13:52 ] |
| Post subject: | |
That's a *much* better idea! I also liked the way he actually remembered Ellen's name...what a nice man! Thanks Liz! |
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| Author: | Lesley [ 28 Jun 2006, 14:07 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Very well done! And said in a way that Irene cannot object to - after all it means she has a nice quiet house so she can recover from her 'headache' Previously I have wondered if Irene should be pitied, if she did things purely because she didn't know how to treat a child - not any more, she's a nasty, vindictive and evil piece of work. I hope, when she's in that nursing home, she gets bed sores!!!! Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | Mia [ 28 Jun 2006, 14:09 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Thanks Liz - hurray for Mr Lannis! I so hope Irene isn't mean to Grizel because of it though...
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| Author: | Helen P [ 28 Jun 2006, 14:36 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Lovely Mr Lannis! I bet Irene is unimpressed. Thanks Liz!
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| Author: | Nell [ 28 Jun 2006, 14:47 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Yay, lovely Mr Lannis! Thank you Liz. |
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 28 Jun 2006, 14:51 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Glad Grizel is to get her treat after all. She'll have a much nicer day out with Ellen than miserable old Irene, anyway! |
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| Author: | Chair [ 28 Jun 2006, 15:32 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Thanks, Liz. I'm glad that Grizel can still go to the zoo. |
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| Author: | Rosy-Jess [ 28 Jun 2006, 17:40 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Hurrah for Mr Lannis frankly. Thankyou Liz! |
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| Author: | Vikki [ 28 Jun 2006, 22:03 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Yay! Thanks Liz!! Mr Lannis is LOVELY! |
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| Author: | Tara [ 28 Jun 2006, 23:43 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Agrees fervently with all the above. Thanks, Liz. |
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| Author: | Liane [ 29 Jun 2006, 07:09 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Yay! That afternoon at the zoo will be so much nicer now! Three cheers for Mr Lannis! Really loud ones to aggrivate the 'headache' |
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| Author: | Lottie [ 29 Jun 2006, 09:35 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Lesley wrote: Very well done! And said in a way that Irene cannot object to - after all it means she has a nice quiet house so she can recover from her 'headache'
Yes, I think Mr. Lannis has seen quite a lot of what is going on in the house. Thank goodness Madge rescues Grizel in the end - poor child. |
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| Author: | Jennie [ 29 Jun 2006, 11:32 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Organises a pneumatic drill to dig up the road outside Irene's bedroom. |
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| Author: | Josie [ 03 Jul 2006, 01:45 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Definitely three cheers for Mr. Lannis. Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | aitchemelle [ 20 Sep 2006, 11:30 ] |
| Post subject: | |
I have finally caught up with this drabble! *preens* Its only taken a year! YAY for Arthur *hugs Arthur* for injecting some hope into Grizel's sad existence. How many years till the CS now? |
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| Author: | LizB [ 26 Sep 2006, 16:56 ] |
| Post subject: | |
He was right. They had a wonderful day out. With some subtle encouragement from Arthur Lannis, Henry paid more attention to his daughter than she could ever remember. The pleasure of seeing the animals inside the zoo paled beside that of having her father with her for several hours, of having him listen to her chatter, and join in her laughter at the baboons. Once they had finished looking around the zoo they went for tea in a café nearby, and her father continued to pay her attention and seemed to be really interested in what she had to say, Arthur kept himself in the background, only making the occasional comment, noticing how Grizel glowed under her father’s attention. Then on the journey home he told stories about Evvy, making them both laugh, as Grizel leaned against her father’s arm. It was late when they arrived home and Grizel was dispatched straight to bed. She said a cheerful goodnight and went upstairs. Tired out from the day she hurriedly changed and had a quick wash then got into bed. “It was a lovely day,” she thought to herself as she pulled the covers up, “if only father could always be like that.” And she fell asleep to dream that he was. |
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| Author: | Liane [ 26 Sep 2006, 18:37 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Yay, it's back! Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | Lesley [ 26 Sep 2006, 18:37 ] |
| Post subject: | |
So pleased it all went well - so pleased Grizel has a happy memory - have a feeling that she will be made to pay for it though by Irene.
Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | Josie [ 26 Sep 2006, 21:51 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Awww. *loves Arthur* Glad Grizel had a great day with her father for once. Thanks Liz. Good to see this back. (*dusts self down after fainting with shock* )
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| Author: | aitchemelle [ 26 Sep 2006, 21:53 ] |
| Post subject: | |
YAYAYAYAYAYAY See bumping drabbles WORKS!! 
Thank you Luscious Lizard
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| Author: | Helen P [ 26 Sep 2006, 22:22 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Oooh, how lovely to see this back again! I am so glad that Grizel has this memory to treasure - I wish her father could be like that all the time too.
Thank you Liz |
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| Author: | Ruth B [ 26 Sep 2006, 22:56 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Well, quite frankly, hurrah! Wish Mr Cocharane could always be like that. |
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| Author: | Kathy_S [ 27 Sep 2006, 04:24 ] |
| Post subject: | |
A day to remember.
That Mr. Flower is a Good Influence! |
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| Author: | Nell [ 27 Sep 2006, 09:36 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Yay for Arthur and Henry being a real Dad and for this being back
Thank you liz! |
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| Author: | RroseSelavy [ 27 Sep 2006, 11:00 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Hurray! It's back! And good for Arthur - let's hope Henry has learned a little from the day at the zoo. |
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| Author: | MaryR [ 28 Sep 2006, 20:56 ] |
| Post subject: | |
But how poignant that last sentence is - as one knows it won't last and she will be hurt again.
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 29 Sep 2006, 16:24 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Great to see this back! I'm glad Grizel had such a happy day. |
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| Author: | Mia [ 29 Sep 2006, 16:48 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Oooh thanks Liz, just see this!
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| Author: | BethC [ 30 Sep 2006, 11:51 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Thanks, Liz!
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| Author: | Gem [ 04 Oct 2006, 18:04 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Just caught up on all of this - thank you Liz! So glad that Grizel had such a lovely day with her father. I'm hoping that it might make things better, but I can't help remembering when Grizel brings the Guide things to the CS because her father's realised how little he means to her
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| Author: | LizB [ 09 Oct 2006, 21:19 ] |
| Post subject: | |
The following day it seemed as if maybe her father would always be like that. He chucked her under the chin when she came down for breakfast and, instead of retiring behind his newspaper as usual, chatted to her as she ate. Mrs Cochrane entered the room to find her husband and guest laughing uproariously over something she had said. She said nothing, but noted that the child was becoming rather forward and that she would have to do something to check it. There was no point doing anything while Mr Lannis was here. As an American he obviously saw nothing wrong with such unbecoming behaviour, no doubt his daughter would grow up to be a complete hussy, but she knew her duty, distasteful though it was, and Grizel must be learn that such behaviour was not acceptable in this house. So Grizel had a few more halcyon days with her father, who, discreetly encouraged by Mr Lannis, paid her more attention during that time than he had over the past seven years. |
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| Author: | Jennie [ 09 Oct 2006, 21:26 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Oooh, I just hate Irene. |
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| Author: | MaryR [ 09 Oct 2006, 21:52 ] |
| Post subject: | |
The trouble is, by giving her such unusual attention, her father is setting her up for the most awful crash when he then withdraws it.
Thank you, Liz |
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| Author: | Lesley [ 09 Oct 2006, 22:43 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Evil, evil woman. And Grizel's father doesn't deserve the title. Thanks for update Liz |
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| Author: | Alison H [ 09 Oct 2006, 22:56 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Glad Grizel's having such a good time, but get the horrible feeling that she'll suffer for it once Arthur's gone .
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| Author: | Kathy_S [ 10 Oct 2006, 02:42 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Such a nice interlude, but -- How long until the CS? *thinks unprintable thoughts about Irene* |
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| Author: | Helen P [ 10 Oct 2006, 08:03 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Thank you Liz. I am another one thinking unprintable thoughts about Irene - and also about what it is going to do to Grizel once Arthur has gone home and life returns to 'normal'
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| Author: | Nell [ 10 Oct 2006, 09:33 ] |
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Thank you Liz. Poor Grizel... |
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| Author: | Chelsea [ 10 Oct 2006, 16:56 ] |
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The poor wee bairn... |
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| Author: | Chair [ 10 Oct 2006, 17:37 ] |
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Thanks, Liz. I am sorry that it is not going to last. |
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 10 Oct 2006, 18:03 ] |
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Henry is just going to make matters worse because he wil soon be back to his normal behaviour when Mr Lannis departs. Poor wee Grizel. |
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| Author: | francesn [ 10 Oct 2006, 22:59 ] |
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Irene's such a witch! Thank you, Liz |
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| Author: | Josie [ 10 Oct 2006, 23:33 ] |
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| at Irene. Horrid lady.
Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | Lyanne [ 18 Oct 2006, 23:12 ] |
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To be fair to Irene, it was an era when 'American' was not something 'nice' (for which read Irene's type of person) people aspired to be. In one of Dorothy Edwards' Naughty Little Sister stories, Bad Harry is sent a coat by an American relative, and it really isn't considered the thing to wear. (I think it's Bad Harry and the Shouting Coat.) and if Grizel did behave badly, I suspect Henry would blame Irene - after all, isn't that why he married her? But I still hope she has lots of headaches when Grizel's back at school. |
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| Author: | KathrynW [ 28 Oct 2006, 15:34 ] |
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Just caught up with this - feel so sorry for Grizel, knowing that things are going to get worse before they get better. Thanks Liz |
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| Author: | LizB [ 29 Oct 2006, 13:29 ] |
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Sorry for the slowness of posting RL seems to be getting in the way a bit at the moment The idea that her dream might be coming true was rudely shattered on the day after Mr Lannis’s departure. It was the last day of half-term, and Grizel woke early, determined to make the most of it. She received her first disappointment when she arrived for breakfast to find only her stepmother at the table. “Where’s father?” Grizel asked as she sat in her place. “He has gone to London on business for a few days.” Mrs Cochrane replied. “When will he be back?” Grizel asked. She received no answer, so repeated her question. “If you cannot sit at the meal table without constantly talking then you will not sit at the table at all.” “But I only asked …” “That is enough. I do not need excuses. I expect obedience.” Grizel ate her breakfast mutely and then stood up to leave the table. “I did not say you could be excused.” “But, if I’m not to talk I can’t ask to be excused.” “Don’t be so insolent, child. Sit down.” Grizel sat abruptly. “May I be excused, please?” There was a long pause, but she did not dare repeat the question. Finally Mrs Cochrane turned to look at her. “You may now be excused. And you may go up to the schoolroom and spend the morning reflecting upon the importance of good table manners.” |
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| Author: | KathrynW [ 29 Oct 2006, 13:33 ] |
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She's so nasty. Poor Grizel. Thanks for the update Liz, hope RL calms down soon *hugs* |
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| Author: | Lesley [ 29 Oct 2006, 13:34 ] |
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| Evil piece of S***T
Sorry, but Irene deserves it - the child has done nothing wrong. Thanks Liz, you know just what will anger us! |
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| Author: | Gem [ 29 Oct 2006, 15:01 ] |
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GRARGH what an evil cow! *stomps on her* Thank you Liz *hugs* |
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| Author: | Chair [ 29 Oct 2006, 15:03 ] |
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Thanks, Liz. Grizel definitely does have good table manners. Irene does not have good table manners! |
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| Author: | Helen P [ 29 Oct 2006, 15:37 ] |
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Irene is such a git! Thank you Liz.
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 29 Oct 2006, 15:46 ] |
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I hate Irene! It would be nice to see her get her comeuppance! |
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| Author: | Alison H [ 29 Oct 2006, 18:10 ] |
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Poor Grizel .
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| Author: | Josie [ 29 Oct 2006, 23:33 ] |
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&^*(^*(%%&%(*&!!!!!
Thanks Liz! |
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| Author: | MaryR [ 30 Oct 2006, 13:26 ] |
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Damned if she does and damned if she doesn't. Poor Grizel.
Thanks, Liz |
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| Author: | Nell [ 30 Oct 2006, 13:29 ] |
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Nasty woman. Thank you Liz! |
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| Author: | Jennie [ 30 Oct 2006, 15:09 ] |
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I hope all her teeth fall out! |
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| Author: | LizB [ 31 Oct 2006, 14:47 ] |
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If only her father had been there, then it would have all been alright, she was certain. Her stepmother would not have been cross with her like that if he had been there. Her father had not minded her talking at the table, when they had a visitor and visitors called for best manners so it can’t have been wrong. So why was her stepmother being so cross about it. Could she be wrong? Or was she just being horrid? Nobody else seemed to mind talking at meals. At the Rectory, or the Bettanys’ or the Denes’ there was always lots of conversation. The Bettanys were different of course because Miss Bettany was Jo’s sister and not her mother – but at the Denes’ it was quite often rowdy with lots of laughter and several conversations going on at once. She never saw Mrs Dene given looks that boded ill to the children, although she occasionally spoke some calming words. And Reverend Dene was often the rowdiest one around the table, inducing fits of giggles in them all. At the rectory it was far calmer, but conversation still flowed around the table. “Why can’t we be like other families?” she asked the empty room, but there was no answer. “Why did my mother have to die?” She slipped off into a daydream where her mother was still alive, her father never had to go away on business trips and they spent all their time talking at the meal table, playing together in the garden and going on trips to the zoo. The sound of her stepmother’s footsteps approaching brought her out of her reverie. |
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| Author: | Helen P [ 31 Oct 2006, 15:38 ] |
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Poor Grizel. She is really starting to realise now how different things are in her house to the houses of her friends.
Thank you Liz. |
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| Author: | Liane [ 31 Oct 2006, 20:07 ] |
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I feel so sorry for her the poor thing. Thanks Liz |
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| Author: | Pat [ 31 Oct 2006, 20:30 ] |
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Now what is that woman going to do?! |
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| Author: | Chelsea [ 31 Oct 2006, 20:52 ] |
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The poor wee bairn. Couldn't the Bettany's start the CS early? Like tomorrow?? |
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| Author: | KathrynW [ 31 Oct 2006, 20:56 ] |
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Poor Grizel. Thanks Liz, this is heartbreaking. |
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 01 Nov 2006, 14:21 ] |
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Grizel always irritated me in the CS books, even though I felt sorry for her, but now I understand where she was coming from. She never had a chance, poor child, til Madge came along. |
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| Author: | Gem [ 01 Nov 2006, 18:37 ] |
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The poor love
Thanks Liz x |
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| Author: | Josie [ 02 Nov 2006, 00:47 ] |
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Oh, poor Grizel. Rescue her, Madge. Please! Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | Kathy_S [ 02 Nov 2006, 06:10 ] |
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I keep thinking Irene can't get worse. And then she does. Amazing that poor Grizel still has faith in her father. |
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| Author: | francesn [ 09 Nov 2006, 21:35 ] |
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Poor poor little girl
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| Author: | LizB [ 14 Nov 2006, 18:50 ] |
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Grizel got to her feet as Mrs Cochrane entered the room. “I’m sorry,” she apologised, “I did not mean to be insolent.” “Well I cannot let behaviour like that pass unpunished. You will not have any lunch today, and I shall tell Mrs Accot to provide you with a plain dinner this evening. You may spend the day in here and, if you are not suitably penitent, you will spend all day Saturday here as well.” She locked the cupboard that held Grizel’s belongings. “I hope that we will have no repetition of this morning’s disgraceful behaviour. If we do, I shall punish you far more severely.” She turned and left the room. Grizel waited until the door was shut and the key turned, then pulled her most horrible face at it. |
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| Author: | Loryat [ 14 Nov 2006, 19:01 ] |
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Poor Grizel! I was just reading School at this morning and was struck by the way Madge says that the Cochrane's will be 'glad to get rid of poor little Grizel'. She's so aware of what's going on. Think EBD was a lot more hard hitting with her 'bad parents' in earlier books than she becomes later on - though I suppose Mrs Grantley is an exception. |
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 14 Nov 2006, 19:05 ] |
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That nasty woman! I dislike her more and more with each post! |
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| Author: | Josie [ 14 Nov 2006, 19:13 ] |
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Bet Cookie doesn't give her a plain dinner! Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | Lesley [ 14 Nov 2006, 19:32 ] |
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Glad that Grizel's not just accepting it now - she's realised that it's not her that's at fault. Evil woman. Can't we contact Social Services?Report her for child abuse? |
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| Author: | KathrynW [ 14 Nov 2006, 20:18 ] |
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Poor Grizel, she doesn't deserve any of this. Thanks Liz |
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| Author: | MaryR [ 14 Nov 2006, 22:38 ] |
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Loved the horrible face.
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| Author: | Helen P [ 14 Nov 2006, 22:47 ] |
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I am pulling my most horrible face at Irene too! Thank you Liz. |
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| Author: | Tara [ 15 Nov 2006, 00:10 ] |
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Irene is so foul. Living with Madge and Joey must have seemed like Paradise to Grizel. Wibbling about what Irene willl do next - don't like her eyeing G's belongings in that predatory way! |
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| Author: | Imogen [ 15 Nov 2006, 14:03 ] |
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I never really liked Grizel but this is so sad, Irene was so cruel, poor Grizel, thank you for helping me to understand her Liz. |
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| Author: | Gem [ 18 Nov 2006, 17:54 ] |
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This is all the more poignant having read Juliet recently and seen Grizel's reaction to Joey, Juliet, Madge and Robin spending so much time together. I know a lot of it is due to the way that she is, but rather wish they'd included her more After all, in a lot of ways she has a lot less than either Juliet or Robin
Thank you Liz
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| Author: | Lesley [ 18 Nov 2006, 18:49 ] |
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That's very true - Robin, at that time, had a loving father as well as being loved by Madge, Joey and everyone else. Grizel's mother had died when she was about the same age as Robin, but she had a completely indifferent father and nasty step-mother who hated Grizel and wanted rid of her. Juliet got far more sympathy and love. |
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| Author: | Kathy_S [ 19 Nov 2006, 18:52 ] |
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*hopes Abusive Irene's behavior makes her a pariah* (I know she already is, here, but -- among her society friends, as well) C'mon, Madge! Get Grizel out of here! |
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| Author: | LizB [ 24 Nov 2006, 14:33 ] |
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That minor act of defiance did little to relieve her feelings, however, and she followed it up with a few well-aimed kicks at the table leg, although they did not do much more to help. Some mutterings about ‘the beastly pig’ followed, then she lapsed into silence, wandering aimlessly around the room in restless frustration. Her mind worked furiously as she went, increasing her conviction that if her father had been there it would have all been different and it was all her stepmother’s fault that things went wrong. “Why did Daddy have to marry her?” she asked out loud. “Why couldn’t he have just come to live with me and Grannie at her house? We’d all have been happy then – without her!” another kick at the table. “Why did she have to come and spoil things? I don’t think Daddy really likes her, that’s why he’s always going away. If she wasn’t here he would stay here with me all the time. I know he would! Everything’s all her fault! She's a beastly pig! I loathe her! She’s like a wicked stepmother in a fairy tale! If only fairy godmothers were real and I had one who could magic things and make her go away, so it’s just me and Daddy without her, and then everything would be perfect.” At that point the key turned in the lock and the closest thing she had to a fairy godmother opened the door and came in. |
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| Author: | Alison H [ 24 Nov 2006, 14:50 ] |
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Madge? *Hopes.* |
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| Author: | Dawn [ 24 Nov 2006, 15:12 ] |
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Cookie???? |
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| Author: | MaryR [ 24 Nov 2006, 16:53 ] |
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How Grizel has changed under the influence of her step-mother! She was such a happy go lucky child before.
Cookie, I would guess! |
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| Author: | Jennie [ 24 Nov 2006, 16:53 ] |
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Poor Grizel. Hateful Irene. |
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 24 Nov 2006, 17:20 ] |
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It's shocking to see the change in Grizel since she went to live with Irene and Henry and, yet, there are still some vestiges of the old Grizel beneath the surface as seen when Mr Lannis was around. Poor Grizel. |
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| Author: | Helen P [ 24 Nov 2006, 17:24 ] |
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I am assuming it is Cookie as well. Thank you Liz
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| Author: | Lesley [ 25 Nov 2006, 23:02 ] |
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It must be Cookie - surely Madge would never have been allowed to know that Irene locked her step-daughter in her room? Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | LizB [ 27 Nov 2006, 14:34 ] |
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“Well, lovey, what have you been up to this time?” Cookie asked as she put the glass of milk for Grizel’s elevenses on the table. “I’ve not done anything, she’s just a horrid, mean beast!” Grizel’s voice rose. “Hush, she’ll hear you if you’re not careful.” Cookie answered. “I don’t care.” “No, but Miss Grizel, love, she’ll only punish you more for it. And me and Ellen, we don’t like to see you shut up here all day. We miss you coming to chat to us in the kitchen.” “She doesn’t like me doing that either.” Grizel pointed out, a sullen look on her face. Cookie sighed. Obviously she wasn’t going to be able to coax Grizel out of this mood in the few minutes she dared spend in here. “We like it though, and there’s more chance of it if you’re not shut up in here.” She paused, but Grizel remained silent. “I must be getting back down there, Miss Grizel, but try not to get into more trouble, won’t you? She says you’re not to have any lunch, but Ellen or I’ll be up with another drink for you then.” Seeing there was still no response, she briefly squeezed the girl’s shoulder, then, aware that if she stayed any longer it would be noticed, hurried back down to the kitchen, where she vented her own feelings on the innocent dough. |
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| Author: | Helen P [ 27 Nov 2006, 14:40 ] |
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Poor Grizel. Lovely Cookie. Thank you Liz. |
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| Author: | MaryR [ 27 Nov 2006, 14:42 ] |
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Grizel is changing before our eyes.
Cookie could have got a smile out of her at one time. |
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| Author: | Lesley [ 27 Nov 2006, 19:10 ] |
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So sad.
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 28 Nov 2006, 11:25 ] |
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No wonder Grizel was in such a turmoil when she eventually arrived at the CS .
Thanks . |
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| Author: | Gem [ 28 Nov 2006, 14:43 ] |
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*stomps* Horrid, horrid, horrid woman! How old is Grizel now? And thinking about it, I wonder how much Joey and Gertrude (as Grizel's closest friends at the CS) actually knew about Irene? |
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| Author: | KathrynW [ 28 Nov 2006, 18:09 ] |
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Thanks Liz |
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| Author: | Josie [ 01 Dec 2006, 00:08 ] |
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Oh, Cookie's just lovely. Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | LizB [ 01 Dec 2006, 15:02 ] |
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Alone once more, Grizel hunched her shoulders, and moved to stare miserably out of the window. Somehow, Cookie’s kindness made her feel worse; it was such a contrast to the encounter with her stepmother. A wave of remorse that she hadn’t responded to Cookie flooded over her, followed by worry. Would Cookie be cross with her now? Maybe she wouldn’t talk to her when she came up again. She panicked at the thought. What if Cookie didn’t like her now? She suddenly realised how lonely her life would be without Cookie and Ellen. “If only they’ll still like me, I’ll never not be nice to them again.” She vowed. As it was, she needn’t have worried about it. Lunchtime came and Cookie appeared with another glass of milk. The moment she had put it down on the table, Grizel flung her arms around her. “I’m sorry,” her voice was muffled by the apron. “What on earth for?” Cookie asked, bemused. “For not being nice to you earlier.” “Don’t worry about that, lovey, you were upset.” Cookie stroked the head that was still buried against her. “You’re not cross with me for it?” “Not at all. Now come on, I must be getting back downstairs or I’ll have someone getting cross with me. You drink up your milk and I’ll come back for the glass in a bit.” “Thank you, Cookie.” Grizel tightened her arms briefly and then released Cookie, her eyes suspiciously bright and her mind greatly relieved. |
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| Author: | Lottie [ 01 Dec 2006, 15:11 ] |
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Poor, poor Grizel. Thank goodness for Cookie and Ellen. Thanks, Liz. |
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| Author: | KathrynW [ 01 Dec 2006, 18:15 ] |
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That was so sad
Thanks Liz |
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| Author: | MaryR [ 01 Dec 2006, 21:59 ] |
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How tragic that this child realises the only ones who really love her are Cookie and Ellen.
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| Author: | Lesley [ 01 Dec 2006, 23:31 ] |
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Poor little girl.
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| Author: | Kathy_S [ 02 Dec 2006, 06:59 ] |
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Poor Grizel! Cookie's response was just right.
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| Author: | Helen P [ 02 Dec 2006, 11:12 ] |
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Grizel is making me want to weep, and to hug her so, so tightly and never let go. Thank you Liz. |
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| Author: | wheelchairprincess [ 02 Dec 2006, 15:27 ] |
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Poor Grizel but Cookie and Ellen are so lovely to her. (((Grizel))) (((Cookie))) (((Ellen))). This explains a lot. Thank You, Liz |
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 02 Dec 2006, 18:56 ] |
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Cookie would have made a much better mother than Irene. |
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| Author: | Jennie [ 02 Dec 2006, 21:15 ] |
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I just wish the doctor would say something about Grizel suffering from malnutrition! I still blame Henry for the whole damn mess. He ought to intervene. |
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| Author: | Imogen [ 03 Dec 2006, 02:29 ] |
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Liz I didn't like Grizel before but you've converted me, poor Grizel
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| Author: | Josie [ 04 Dec 2006, 00:15 ] |
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*loves Cookie even more* At the risk of sounding like a stuck record, poor Grizel.
Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | Gem [ 06 Dec 2006, 14:43 ] |
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*breathes fire at Irene* Thank goodness for Cookie and Ellen - they're so lovely! Thank you Liz
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| Author: | LizB [ 28 Mar 2007, 08:55 ] |
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The afternoon passed even more slowly for Grizel than the morning had. With nothing to do her mind could only run over the events of that morning, over and over again, interspersed with memories of other injustices. It was just as well that her stepmother stayed away, as otherwise, in her current mood Grizel would no doubt have been insolent to her and ended up with further punishment. As it was, she saw nobody until dinner time. At the sound of the key in the lock Grizel had stiffened, but relaxed when she saw it was Ellen who came in with the loaded tray. “Here you are.” Ellen said cheerfully as she put the tray down. “Cook says she hopes this will fill a gap.” Grizel looked at the tray. “But I thought I was to have a plain dinner” she said in surprise. “Cook says it is a plain dinner.” Ellen answered. “There’s no lobster patties, or any fancy food like that. Just good plain English food. So sit yourself down and eat it up.” Grizel needed no more encouragement. She knew as well as Mrs Accot and Ellen that the term ‘plain dinner’ meant a boiled egg and toast, not steak and kidney pie with dumplings, carrots and lashings of gravy, followed by apple crumble with custard, and the meal did more than merely fill her stomach. |
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| Author: | Alison H [ 28 Mar 2007, 09:00 ] |
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Good to see this back! |
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 28 Mar 2007, 10:11 ] |
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*echoes Alison* Thanks, Liz .
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| Author: | Fiona Mc [ 28 Mar 2007, 11:12 ] |
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"echos Alison and leahbelle" Glad Grizel has Cookie and Ellen |
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| Author: | Mia [ 28 Mar 2007, 11:33 ] |
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Aww lovely Cookie & Ellen Thanks Liz, am pleased to see this back too
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| Author: | Lexi [ 28 Mar 2007, 12:25 ] |
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I've only just found this! Irene is a horrible horrible woman and I really want her to get her comeuppance very soon
It's lovely that someone cares for Grizel. And how yummy did that meal sound?
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| Author: | Jennie [ 28 Mar 2007, 13:17 ] |
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Wonderful Cookie! I really want everyone in Taverton to start ostracising Irene. |
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| Author: | francesn [ 28 Mar 2007, 17:23 ] |
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Hurrah for Cookie. I do so love her logic. Lovely to see this back, Liz. Thank you. |
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| Author: | Helen P [ 28 Mar 2007, 18:20 ] |
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Fantastic! Thank you Liz, it is lovely to see some more of this! I want Cookie to come and live in my house
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| Author: | Lesley [ 28 Mar 2007, 18:43 ] |
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Cookie is so lovely - and is risking her job doing that. I really hope that Irene starts to experience some form of 'payback' from the people of the village - they knew that it was happening, didn't they? I seem to remember a bit about either Rosalie or Mary's Mum obviously knowing in School. Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | Tara [ 28 Mar 2007, 23:51 ] |
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I want that meal! I'm sure that the love it showed did Grizel even more good than the food itself. Good to have this back. |
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| Author: | Dawn [ 29 Mar 2007, 12:22 ] |
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Lovely to see this back Liz - and I love Cookie's definition of a plain dinner |
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| Author: | LizB [ 30 Mar 2007, 08:32 ] |
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Mrs Cochrane came to see her shortly after the tray had been removed and sent her to bed early. Grizel had calmed down sufficiently to not make any comment when her stepmother gave her another scolding for her behaviour that morning, and stood there, her head hanging as if in submission, although, had it been seen, the look in her eye would have given her away. Grizel went quietly to bed, but once there was unable to sleep. Her body, restless after a day of confinement, and her mind, active after a day of boredom, kept her wide awake for several hours. Finally, she dropped off to sleep having come up with a plan that would solve all her problems. She would run away. |
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| Author: | Alison H [ 30 Mar 2007, 08:56 ] |
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Oh dear .
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 30 Mar 2007, 16:17 ] |
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Uh oh! That doesn't sound like a good plan at all .
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| Author: | francesn [ 30 Mar 2007, 17:50 ] |
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No Grizel. That's a bad plan. Where would you go?! Although I do see her point, and totally sympathise, and probably would have come up with exactly the same plan in her situation. |
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| Author: | Lesley [ 30 Mar 2007, 19:13 ] |
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Poor little girl.
Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | Tara [ 31 Mar 2007, 00:02 ] |
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No wonder she can't sleep, with both her body and her mind wide awake. And the plans you concoct in the middle of the night are not always the best! |
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| Author: | Kathy_S [ 31 Mar 2007, 04:23 ] |
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Poor Grizel! What're the chances she'll end up in more trouble than before? Thank goodness for Cookie & Ellen. |
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| Author: | Josie [ 01 Apr 2007, 09:38 ] |
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Thanks Liz |
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| Author: | Carolyn P [ 01 Apr 2007, 22:14 ] |
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Poor Kid.
Good to see more of this Liz. |
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| Author: | LizB [ 02 Apr 2007, 13:06 ] |
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Grizel’s teachers were surprised to find her inattentive the following day. Usually she was a keen pupil and worked hard, but even in hockey practice it was obvious her thoughts were elsewhere. It took her a couple more days to make her plans. She would wait until the end of next week, and save up what food she could in that time. Cookie always allowed her to help herself to apples, so if she took two a day then that would give her plenty. Some of the other food she would have to wait until later in the week for, of course, but she knew she could coax an extra biscuit or three out of Cookie. She had some money left from Christmas for if she needed to buy anything and she would pack up some clothes too. Nobody would really miss her. Well, maybe Cookie and Ellen would, but her father and stepmother would be glad she was gone. Over the next week she carefully hoarded what she could and finalised her plans. She would get up early on Saturday, before anyone else and creep out of the house. By the time anyone realised she was gone, she would be well on her way and they would never find her. It would all be perfect. |
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| Author: | Ruth B [ 02 Apr 2007, 13:10 ] |
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Oh dear, this doesn't sound good. |
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| Author: | Jennie [ 02 Apr 2007, 13:55 ] |
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Oh, poor Grizel. |
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| Author: | Alison H [ 02 Apr 2007, 14:03 ] |
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Poor Grizel .
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 02 Apr 2007, 16:47 ] |
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Why do I get the feeling this isn't one of Grizel's brighter ideas? Irene is going to be very cross at the all hassle she's going to cause. |
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| Author: | Lesley [ 02 Apr 2007, 19:43 ] |
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Poor Grizel.
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| Author: | Pat [ 02 Apr 2007, 19:46 ] |
| Post subject: | |
Oh dear! She still ran away from the CS too didn't she? |
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| Author: | Tara [ 02 Apr 2007, 23:26 ] |
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Sad that she really believes no one will miss her. |
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| Author: | Jennie [ 03 Apr 2007, 16:06 ] |
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I cannot help feeling that Irene would prefer it if Grizel had an accident on the moors and fell into a bog and died. Then she could do the full hypocrite bit, and cry in church, but she will not react well to Grizel's running away, and her vengeance will be terrible. |
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| Author: | LizB [ 05 Apr 2007, 08:14 ] |
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Fortunately for her plans, her quiet, subdued behaviour that week did not raise any suspicions in her stepmother. Cookie commented on her increased appetite and predicted to Ellen that Grizel was in for a growth spurt. “And even if she’s not,” she continued, “I’m not going to deny her a few extra treats when she wants them, the poor child. Goodness knows I’d give her a whole lot more than a few biscuits if I could.” The carefully hidden hoard of food was not discovered, and Grizel woke on Friday morning with a feeling of anticipation. Today was the last day she would ever spend here. Tomorrow by this time she would be far away. |
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| Author: | Alison H [ 05 Apr 2007, 08:55 ] |
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Oh poor Grizel. |
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| Author: | Tan [ 05 Apr 2007, 09:48 ] |
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The poor girl. I can only imagine how badly this will end for her. |
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| Author: | francesn [ 05 Apr 2007, 11:57 ] |
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Eeeek! I'm torn between wanting this to be AU so she can run away and not be discovered, and wanting someone to stop her cos this can't end well... Thanks Liz |
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 05 Apr 2007, 13:56 ] |
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Oh, dear! This doesn't bode well. |
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| Author: | Kathy_S [ 05 Apr 2007, 18:05 ] |
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Where, exactly, does she plan to run? And how long will the apples hold out? |
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| Author: | Lesley [ 05 Apr 2007, 19:09 ] |
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Perhaps Madge and Joey will diascover her before she gets into trouble? *Hopes* Thanks Liz. |
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| Author: | Tara [ 05 Apr 2007, 23:51 ] |
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Agrees with Lesley. |
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| Author: | Loryat [ 17 Apr 2007, 18:15 ] |
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Poor Grizel! She seems to make a habit of running away with a pocketful of apples. |
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| Author: | LauraM [ 23 Apr 2007, 19:58 ] |
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Just read the whole thing. Poor Grizel, Irene is and evil evil lady!! |
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| Author: | Lottie [ 25 Apr 2007, 10:24 ] |
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I've just discovered that this is back again! Thanks, Liz.
Now I'm wibbling about what's going to happen when Grizel runs away. |
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| Author: | Josie [ 28 Apr 2007, 20:54 ] |
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Why do I have a horrible feeling that this is not going to end well, especially with Irene!! *hopes she's found by somebody lovely, like Madge or Mr & Mrs Dene* |
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| Author: | Sunflower [ 21 Aug 2007, 13:33 ] |
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wow, what a thought provoking drabble. I never thought of all this when i was reading the books....so sad
what happens next? |
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| Author: | Jennie [ 21 Aug 2007, 16:42 ] |
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We'd all like to know that, Sunflower. It might be time to start a chant. |
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| Author: | leahbelle [ 22 Aug 2007, 16:57 ] |
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*joins the chant* |
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| Author: | Billie [ 29 Sep 2007, 16:00 ] |
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I've just discovered this story and want to know more! Silly Grizel, but the poor girl doesn't see any other way out. Mrs Cochrane is nasty! And her husband is useless. Hoorah for Madge rescuing Grizel, but boo that that is still a couple of years off, and she doesn't know it yet. |
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| Author: | roversgirl [ 04 Nov 2007, 21:07 ] |
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jsut found this drabble and have been really impressed by it. it has made me really sympathetic towards poor grizel. looking forward to more
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