The CBB :: View topic - Advent 2005!

Advent 2005!

#1: Advent 2005! Author: Carolyn, Pat & Rachel,

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 8:22 am

For those unfamiliar with Advent Drabbles, these are a collaborative effort; this year, the main installments have been written by Carolyn and Pat, and the additions in red were provided by "RTW" (Which is a shortened form of "Rachel The Witch"). Each day in the run up to Christmas, an installment will be posted in this thread. Do hope you enjoy!

Part One

Mrs McDermott rose slowly to her feet as the Dr (Woohoo! A Dr already! - RTW)entered the room, only to sink back into the chair as he waved her to remain seated. “No need to get up, I’m more than capable of pouring my own coffee,” he added as the invalid turned towards the table.
“I am sure you can Dr Jack,” replied Gwen McDermott, smiling as she watched the Doctor ladle three spoons of sugar into his coffee,(He'll get fat! - RTW) “Although surely you don’t really want that much sugar?”
“Ah well, I have to be more restrained at home and it just doesn’t taste the same.”
They paused in their conversation while they sipped their coffee, then Jack put down his cup and looked at the tiny woman opposite him.

“Tell me the worst,” she looked directly at him. Jack appreciated the bravery he saw and did not try to sugar the pill for her.(He couldn't if he wanted to - he already put all the sugar in his coffee - RTW)
“It is definite. The only hope is for you to spend at least the next year out here, at least six months of that as an in-patient, and with the new drug treatments that are now available we should be able to help you, and we hope and pray that it will not leave any long lasting lung damage.”
“I see,” Gwen said slowly. “I must say this is not unexpected. I take it you advise me not to return to England, even to sort out one or two matters that may need my personal attention.”(What can she possibly need to do that would require a female to sort it? - RTW)
“If you can avoid it I would much rather you stayed here now. We can start treatment straight away and the quicker we start the better the chances of avoiding long term damage.”
“There is a slight complication,” Gwen said as she took another sip of her coffee. (Oh dear - complications setting in! - RTW)
“Is there any way I can help? I have a lot of contacts in London and may be able to arrange something. Is it business or personal? Of course if it is the latter you may prefer to deal with someone else. I could ask my wife to visit if that would be of any use.”

Gwen repressed a shudder at the thought of telling the breezy and gossipy Joey Maynard anything remotely personal. (Joey's reputation goes before her. - RTW)
“That’s ok, it isn’t that personal. It is just my niece. You see my brother left me as her guardian. She has lived with me since she was six months old and is at school now. She knows I have come out to Switzerland, but presumes I have just come for the exhibition in Berne. She is at boarding school, but is only a weekly boarder normally. It is only occasionally that she stays any longer; there is not normally the need. I couldn’t leave her in England, as we have no other family. The summer term finishes in two weeks time.”
Jack thought rapidly. He knew that Mrs McDermott needed to start treatment as soon as possible and that once term had started there could be a place at the Chalet School for her niece, but what to do in the meantime?
(Ooh! Ooh! May I take a wild guess? - RTW)
“Once term begins I am sure that there would be a place at the Chalet School for your niece,” Jack began.
“Oh, that is the large school at the other end of the Platz isn’t it?” asked Gwen. (Bless, She noticed the school! - RTW)
“Yes, it has a lot of connections with the san, my sister-in-law began the school before the war, and ever since the san was first started the two have run in close conjunction and although both are now administered by separate boards of directors the close ties remain. Not only would your niece be able to see you regularly, but also she would receive a good education and the best of care. My own daughters have all been educated there, although it must be ten years since the eldest left.” (Jack must be ANCIENT by now! - RTW)
“That may help for next term, but I don’t know what to do in the meantime, I must fly back to be home for Bernie when she finishes school. It will be a month since I have seen her.” Gwen took a deep breath as she finished this sentence and started coughing, spasms rocking her already frail body. Jack pushed the bell for the nurse, and soon with some care she was calm once more.

This decided Jack. “Let me have the address of Bernie’s school and I will see what can be arranged. How old is she, 15, good, that is old enough to be sensible and help someone with closing your house. We will take good care of her and have her with you as soon as we can. Don’t try to talk now, the nurse will help you get changed and into bed and this afternoon if you are well enough you may write Bernie a letter. Don’t worry if you tire, that is normal and if the letter takes a few days to write that will still give us time to send it to England to be given to her by whoever we arrange to collect her from school. I might even send one of my eldest daughters as she is coming out here anyway to take up a position at the school. That might help in more than one way, Joey isn’t…(I can think of *so* many things Joey isn't Wink

- RTW) well anyway I will have a think about it and let you know what we can arrange. For the moment you concentrate on resting, and don’t worry about Bernie, she will be well looked after.”

Gwen let the nurse help her into the bathroom and Jack left deep in thought. After he had gone, she came back in, shaking her head. “Nice man. Shame about his wife!” (Patmac The Village Boy’s Tale, Part 4)

Last edited by Carolyn, Pat & Rachel on Mon Jan 02, 2006 4:30 pm; edited 27 times in total

#2: Author: tiffinata, Location: melbourne, australia

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 8:45 am

Ah one of the good things about christmas!!!

#3: Author: Joey, Location: Cambridge

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 8:46 am

Oo, I love the advent drabbles! Thank you.

#4: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 8:48 am

*giggles*

Thank you all three Very Happy

Looking forward to tomorrow's installment Laughing

Liz

#5: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 8:51 am

Hurrah for it is advent again!

Thank you all! Very Happy

#6: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 8:58 am

*Giggles, especially at Rachel's comments about Joey!*

Thanks all of you. I love this time of year!

#7: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 9:39 am

Excellent, *g* thank you! Very Happy

#8: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 9:47 am

Yay! Advent Drabble goodness! (But do we really need RTW in each red comment? I found it a touch distracting.)

#9: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 9:49 am

Wonderful, a long Advent drabble.

#10: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 10:10 am

Yay! It's advent again and the drabbles are back. Thank you all!

#11: Author: Kate, Location: Ireland

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 10:15 am

YAY FOR ADVENT!

Lovely Advent drabble and RTW's comments were hilarious. Very Happy

Though poor Joey!

#12: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 10:26 am

So this is what happens in Advent on the CBB! Very Happy

#13: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 10:37 am

Thanks, Carolyn, Pat and Rachel! That was great! I really enjoyed reading it and I look forward to the rest. How did Rachel the Witch get her name?

#14: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 10:57 am

Very funny! RTW comments were great! Very Happy

#15: Author: Elle,

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 11:56 am

Hurrah! Can't wait for tomorrow.

#16: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 11:57 am

Interesting start, thank you.

Curious about Joey....

#17: Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 12:07 pm

Thank you to all three! Very Happy

#18: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 12:10 pm

great beginning, thanks guys! Very Happy

#19: Author: Rachel, Location: West Coast of Scotland

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 12:21 pm

Chair wrote:

Thanks, Carolyn, Pat and Rachel! That was great! I really enjoyed reading it and I look forward to the rest. How did Rachel the Witch get her name?

The story of how I became a witch can be found in a drabble titled "The Chalet School and Tara", written by Lisa_T and located in the archives.

(Part one is HERE)

#20: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 12:38 pm

A great Advent and CBB tradition is underway again.

Thank you all for your hard work over the year.

#21: Author: Alex, Location: Cambs, UK

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 1:17 pm

Advent Drabblers wrote:

she watched the Doctor ladle three spoons of sugar into his coffee, (He'll get fat! - RTW)

And all his teeth will fall out....

#22: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 3:57 pm

*giggling*

Thank you very much - tis greatly appreciated

#23: Author: gaityr, Location: Singapore

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 5:49 pm

Thanks, all of you! I'm really looking forward to Christmas now, with a new post everyday! Mr. Green

#24: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 7:28 pm

Yay!!!!!

Can start to feel Christmassy now the Advent Drabbles have started

Love the comments from Rachel and the final line from Patmac Laughing

#25: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 8:23 pm

Wonder if Patmac appreciated it!

#26: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 8:29 pm

Yay!!! Advent drabbles are back!!!

#27: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 9:17 pm

*giggles*

Thank you Carolyn, Pat and Rachel! Very Happy

Hurrah for the Advent Drabbles! Laughing

#28: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 9:17 pm

LOL! and has Joey become the Sodger in disguise?

Love RTWs interjections Rolling Eyes

So in character!

#29: Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 9:46 pm

Fantastic! Thanks the 3 of you. Love RTW's comments in red!

#30: Author: Rachel, Location: West Coast of Scotland

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 9:47 pm

patmac wrote:

Love RTWs interjections Rolling Eyes

So in character!

Personally I think I have been rather restrained.

So far . . . .

#31: Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 11:03 pm

for Advent drabbles are back Very Happy

Thanks, you three!

#32: Author: Lisa, Location: South Coast of England

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2005 11:08 pm

Hurrah! A great start guys thanks muchly Very Happy

I can't believe it's a year already since last advent - doesn't time fly as you get older (insert reminscing smiley)

#33: Author: Carolyn, Pat & Rachel,

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 8:19 am

Part Two

Margot Maynard stared out of the window of her room at Edinburgh University, seeing nothing. (Are her eyes shut? - RTW) She was lost in thought, thinking back over the years it had taken to qualify as a doctor, and her life during that time. Her trunk was packed, and she was waiting for the carrier to collect it. She remembered her first term, arriving at the University and finding her feet. (Presumably at the end of her legs? - RTW) She supposed that the priest who served the Gornetz Platz had passed the word, but within a couple of days a nun from the nearby convent had appeared, inviting her to attend mass there rather than the local Catholic Church. She had been eager to agree, attending services there more and more often. Then the Mother Superior had asked to see her. (Hopefully she had her eyes open. - RTW)
“If you are to take vows when you have finished at University, you should start your studies now,” she said. “And it would be a good idea to try to follow our routine as much as you can. I appreciate that your studies must take priority at the moment, but the discipline will be good for you.” (Pause for brief hysteria at the idea of Margot following discipline - RTW)
Margot had agreed, and soon found herself enmeshed in a round of study with no time to make friends with the other students. (Awwwww - RTW) When she wasn’t studying, she was at the convent. Her holidays back at home shone as the only time that she had to be herself, and she relished them. As the years went by, she began to find the life she was leading more and more stifling, forcing her to become a nun in all but deed, and she began to resent it. (And again: Awwwwww - RTW) The resentment grew until it had all come to a head just before her last Easter at Edinburgh. The Mother Superior had prevented Margot from finding a post in a hospital, (Boooooo, Hisssss, etc - RTW) declaring that it was past time she entered her noviciate. For Margot this was the last straw. She had thought that she had her Devil under control, and she was right. He was for all normal intents and purposes. However, Margot had had a trying few days, she was tired, and she had lost a patient that she had been treating. (Careless to say the least. - RTW) She snapped,(Painful - RTW) and told the bewildered nun just where she could put her noviciate. (Even more painful! - RTW) Not as bluntly as that, of course. She had retained a great deal of control, and she exercised it as much as she could. However, she made it abundantly clear that she had changed her mind, and she was certainly not going to become a nun.
The order “can just go and get lost for all I care.” (Cazx: Ailie and Sybil:a tale of sisterhood).
Mother Superior had left, very dignified, and promising to return when Margot should have recovered her temper. Margot prevented any such thing happening by informing the porters that she no longer wished the nun to visit. However, she was now left with a dilemma, for she had no job to go to, and there would be no more posts for new doctors until the following year. Thus she had no recourse but to return to the Gornetz Platz. Her problems had been eased by a call from Hilda Annersley, who had heard that Margot had decided against taking her vows, and would thus be free for at least the next few months, and probably the whole of the academic year. Hilda had appointed a junior science teacher the previous term, and now she had had a letter to say that the young woman had been in a motoring accident, broken both legs and her pelvis,(I suspect a conspiracy - RTW) and would be unable to begin her job for some time to come.
“You’ll help, won’t you Margot?” she asked. “You are well grounded in the sciences and perfectly able to take the Juniors.”
Margot stared at her old Head in shock.
“I’m a doctor, Miss Annersley,” she said at last. “Not a teacher!” Then she looked at her old Head, and realised that she could help, and that it would also give her something to do, and a degree of independence from her parents and she made up her mind. “Of course I can help. I can manage the Juniors for a while, and it will keep me occupied.”
“Thank you Margot. I knew that I could rely on you.” (Miss Annersley being sarcastic - love it! - RTW)

Last edited by Carolyn, Pat & Rachel on Sat Dec 03, 2005 11:07 am; edited 1 time in total

#34: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 8:38 am

Oh dear, poor Margot, she's all confused! Thanks for the update.

*Off to eat chocolate out of Advent calendar.*

#35: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 8:48 am

Excellent

Thanks Carolynpatrtw Very Happy

Liz

#36: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 8:55 am

This is fascinating stuff, thanks. I'm already eager for tomorrow's installment!

#37: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 12:01 pm

Excellent! Fantastic work from all parties!

Looking forward to tomorrow now Very Happy

#38: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 12:32 pm

Wonderful, I love Advent drabbles.

#39: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 12:37 pm

Great stuff - loved Margot turning the tables like that! (Talk about giving we Catholics a bad name! Laughing

)

Thank you, ladies - and witch.

#40: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 12:39 pm

Hilarious, thanks! Very Happy

#41: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 2:03 pm

This is great, I could never understand Margot's decision to be a nun so her outburst seems perfectly natural to me. Loving Advent drabbles! Very Happy

#42: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 3:15 pm

That was wonderful - thanks, you three!

Poor little Margot.

#43: Author: gaityr, Location: Singapore

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 5:14 pm

Fascinating - never could see Margot as a nun, so it's nice to see her temper flare here. It'll be fun to have her teaching the Juniors!

#44: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 6:05 pm

Wonderful! Thank you all! (I'm another who never quite bought the 'Margot-as-a-nun' theory!)

#45: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 7:20 pm

Thank you! What a luffly way to spend advent - checking up on this drabble! Very Happy

#46: Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 7:22 pm

Woooooo! Advent!!! Just started reading this! It is fab!!!! I will be checking up on this lots!!! Very Happy

It's nearly christmas!!! Very Happy

#47: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 7:49 pm

Quote:

she had had a letter to say that the young woman had been in a motoring accident, broken both legs and her pelvis,(I suspect a conspiracy - RTW)

PLEASE NOTE : Drabble warning.

Red wine and keyboards do not go well together Shocked

Thank you 'Triumvirate' You've made my day (apart from the waste of good red wine Rolling Eyes

)

#48: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 9:05 pm

I don't blame Margot - she wasn't allowed to experience life at all.

Thanks the three of you.

#49: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 9:15 pm

Thanks, Carolyn, Pat and Rachel. The comments were just right within the drabble and they made me laugh so much! I'm glad Margot made up her mind before it was too late.

#50: Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England

Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2005 10:05 pm

A teacher who is simultaneously a doctor – what a self-sufficient combination! Confused

#51: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 1:38 am

Thank you all. Poor Margot what a life.

#52: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 6:32 am

Excellent!! Thank you!

#53: Author: Carolyn, Pat & Rachel,

Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 11:05 am

Part Three

“Joey swept into the main school building very much on her dignity, determined to straighten out this whole mess as quickly and as painlessly as possible. “ (Ray: Mike) It was ridiculous for Margot to live in the school when her home was next door. (Course it is Joey - RTW) How could they be expected to talk some sense into her if they didn’t see her alone from one week to the next. As for coming out two weeks before school started, and with a new girl and still going to school, Joey had stood open mouthed (Attractive - RTW) when Jack had calmly dropped that onto her.(Shame it wasn't a heavy object from a great height - RTW) Joey had not had a problem with Margot giving up the family holiday to go and help this child pack up the house, that was after all a nun-like sacrifice to make, but to then take her to school did not accord with Joey’s view on life. Surely it would be good for this ‘Bernie’ to come to Freudesheim and learn to trust Joey so that she could help her to adjust and deal with any little problems.(Run Bernie! Run! RUN!- RTW) Joey knew that the pair would be arriving that morning and had come over to greet them and to sort out the mess. (RRRRUUUUUUNNNNNNNNNNNNNN - RTW)

Hilda had watched Joey march across the lawn towards the school from her study. She knew that there would be a battle about this, but stood firm (Not drunkenly falling over for once, that's a relief - RTW) when she recalled the gratitude in Margot’s voice when she made the tentative offer of rooms in the school.
“I’ll be so glad Auntie Hilda. Papa has been a brick (Ideal heavy object... - RTW) about the whole affair, but mother still seems to think that she can get me to change my mind and enter the order if I would talk to her sensibly about it. I couldn’t take that every night” (Every other night? - RTW)
“From what you said in your letters I was not surprised when you made that decision and there is still so much you can do with your life. Joey will see that eventually,” (Cos her eyes work and are open! - RTW) Hilda remained calm although knowing Joey as well as she did she was not as hopeful as she sounded.
“I do hope you’re right. I think Bernie would be better for coming straight to school as well,” Margot continued.
“How is the poor child?”
“She is a lovely kid, (Baaaaaa - RTW) very straightforward, and obviously used to boarding school even if she has never been a full boarder for long. She is rather stunned by the speed of events though, she never even realised her aunt was ill, much less with TB. (You'd think the hacking cough would have given her a clue...- RTW) She had a few sleepless nights at first, but I sat down with some of my medical journals and showed her some of the advances that have been made and talked about the treatments papa favours and she is more hopeful now. Her aunt does have a very good chance these days. I think she would much prefer the quiet pace of an empty school to the smothering at Freudesheim, she doesn’t seem to be one for blabbing her feelings, but I think some peace and quiet will be much better.”
Hilda had smiled to herself when she heard these earnest comments down the telephone. Margot had changed a great deal from the wilful and sometimes troublesome teenager that had almost been expelled on more than one occasion. (It's a ploy Hilda! Don't be suckered in! - RTW)

She had left the study and went to meet Joey in the entrance hall, taking the battle to the enemy.
“Have you come to welcome Margot and Bernie. That was a nice thought but I’m afraid they will not be here for a few hours yet. Rosalie and Claire are meeting them in Interlaken and they will have Kaffee before driving up. Matey has already been planning how she can best use them both, (Ooooooerrrrrr! - RTW) although as you know we won’t be really busy until next week. I rather think that Nell wants to chat with Margot about updating the labs here and wants to pick her brain (Painful AND messy - RTW) about what is in current use in the universities as well.”

Joey left shortly (Which was quite a feat since she is so tall - RTW) after, still with no definite time when she could see her erring daughter, as she termed Margot, and not quite sure what had happened. (Go back to the top of this thread woman and DO keep up! - RTW) Thus Margot and Bernie were greeted by their headmistress and given a true welcome to the Chalet School. (Huzzah! - RTW)

#54: Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline

Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 11:19 am

Liking the way this is progressing. Oh and this:

Carolyn, Pat & Rachel wrote:

(Go back to the top of this thread woman and DO keep up! - RTW)

Classic!

thanks guys!

#55: Author: CatherineS, Location: Smalltown, West of Scotland

Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 11:29 am

A great way to start the day (What advert came to mind there? - so much info. has fallen out of my sieve-like brain, recently, and that piece is clinging on with only a fingernail). I love this (complete with comments)!

Catherine

#56: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 11:30 am

Thanks, Carolyn, Pat and Rachel. I hadn't quite worked out that the drabbles were linked - I thought they were all separate. Embarassed

#57: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 11:33 am

Brilliant!! Laughing

Loved this:

Quote:

Nell....wants to pick her brain (Painful AND messy - RTW)

But, not if it's done properly! Very Happy

#58: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 12:01 pm

Fabulous!

Can't wait to see what happens with Joey and Margot next Wink

#59: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 12:57 pm

Thanks for the update. Hope Margot manages to keep Bernie out of Joey's clutches!

#60: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 2:28 pm

Wonderful! I'd love to see Joey's face when Margot stands her ground Laughing

#61: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 3:23 pm

Thanks guys - looking forward to the Margot and Jo clash, that should be great fun - for us maybe not for Margot.

#62: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 3:29 pm

Echoes Susan. I'm really looking forward to seeing Margot wipe the floor with Joey.

Hilda defeated her nicely, didn't she?

A thought, if Margot's already a doctor, who is she going to marry as all good CS girls should? I mean, when she's finished dunking girls into lily-ponds, lakes, streams, etc, she'll be able to offer the necessary medical care with no need for one from the San.

#63: Author: Liane, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 5:41 pm

Thanks you three, this is fantastic!

#64: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 6:12 pm

*giggles*

Lucky escape for Bernie there!

#65: Author: Chalet_school_lover, Location: Gloucester

Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 8:10 pm

This is great! I love all the comments inbetween as well, they just round it off nicely!! Thank you everyone who worked on this during the year it pays off! Very Happy

Christmas on the CBB looks great so far!! Very Happy

#66: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 11:06 pm

Wonderful - this looks as though it could be a very interesting time for the School!

Thank you (especially RTW for her comments which have kept me in stiches)

#67: Author: Carolyn, Pat & Rachel,

Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 1:03 pm

Part 4

“It was dark when they finally arrived on the Platz” (Eilidh: A reluctant CS girl), and Bernie at least was very tired. The outside lights were on,(Glad to hear that since it is DARK - RTW) shining a welcome to them both, and Bernie was able to see that she was entering a typical Swiss chalet, with stone built lower walls, the upper stories being wood with the inevitable balconies surrounding them. As they entered the main doors into a large entrance hall they were met by someone who had clearly been keeping a lookout for them.
“Welcome to the school, both of you,” she said, and then turning to Bernie, she continued. “You must be Bernie Mitchell. I am Miss Annersley, my dear.” (She's a deer? Very Christmassy! - RTW)
Bernie saw a tall woman with greying hair, old to her eyes. She knew that this must be the Head, (body, legs, arms - RTW) and added years onto her actual age, for in her experience Head’s all had one foot in the grave. Her thoughts were interrupted by a startled exclamation from Margot. (A noise somewhere between a squeak and a hippo sneezing I believe - RTW)
“Why Miss Annersley, you’ve had your hair cut! It does suit you.”
“Thank you Margot. I felt that my previous style was somewhat ageing.” (She IS old! - RTW) Miss Annersley’s eyes were twinkling, and Bernie hastily revised her initial impression of age. “Why don’t you show Bernie to the Splashery so that she can freshen up. Abendessen will be ready when you are. I’m sure you are both more than ready for it.” (So quit talking already and let the poor kid have a meal - RTW)
By the time they entered the Speisesaal Bernie was beginning to get over her nerves; (It was a struggle, but with the assistance of an ice-axe and crampons, she dealt with it safely - RTW) after all she was used to boarding, and surely this couldn’t be very different to her other school, even though it was abroad. After all, it was an English school, (English? In Switzerland, affiliated to an English branch in Wales... - RTW) even though they spoke foreign languages so much. She found only two places laid at one of the tables, (Not one place at two tables, sensible. - RTW) with a simple meal of cold turkey salad, followed by a delicious dessert of fresh fruit salad and cream. Both Bernie and Margot tucked into it as if they hadn’t eaten for a month, though Margot was worried by the complete absence of her mother from any of the arrival proceedings. (Can't she be grateful for small mercies? - RTW) Once Bernie had been settled she was determined to find out why that was!
As they were finishing the meal the door opened and the Head appeared, followed by a slim, wiry lady, who looked as though she felt out of place in ordinary clothes, though Bernie was hard put to understand why she should feel that.
“I thought you would be finishing about now,” said Miss Annersley. “Bernie, this is our Matron, and she will show you where you are to sleep. Your case is already there, and I expect that you are more than ready for your bed.”
Bernie nodded, for in truth she could hardly keep her eyes open. As the door closed behind the pair, Margot turned to the Head.
“Where’s Mamma?” she asked. “I felt sure she would be here waiting for us, and I was dreading it.”
“I got rid of her for the time being, Margot dear,” said the Head. (Huzzah! - RTW) “Let me show you to your room, and we can talk on the way. I thought you would be too tired to cope with her after travelling across Europe. And something else whilst we are walking Margot. The staff call me by my Christian name. I know from past experience that it is difficult for Old Girls to do this at first,” (Presumably young girls have no such problem - RTW) she laughed at Margot’s horror-struck face, “but believe me it gets easier after a time.”

#68: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 1:24 pm

Wonderful, thanks. Now if Hilda could just make Jo's absence permanent..........

(Not that I'm hinting, of course)

#69: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 1:25 pm

Hehehe. Yay, more! Laughing

Thanks!

#70: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 1:31 pm

Thanks, Carolyn, Pat and Rachel. I am guessing it will be easier for Margot to call Miss Annersley 'Hilda' as she is already used to calling her 'Auntie Hilda'.

#71: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 1:33 pm

RTW's comments are fantastic!!!

#72: Author: gaityr, Location: Singapore

Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 3:49 pm

@ how blithely Hilda said she'd gotten rid of Joey for the moment.

And poor Margot - time to start calling all her aunties by their Christian names! The look of horror was justified - and priceless.

Thanks! Smile

#73: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 4:01 pm

*g* at RTW's comments.

Enjoying this, thank you! Laughing

#74: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 4:01 pm

Joey isn't there interfering? Matey's out of uniform? V odd! Thanks for the update!

#75: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 5:52 pm

*snicker*

I'm enjoying ths a lot! Thanks all of you!

#76: Author: tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 7:22 pm

This is great.

RTW, I love your comments. Am looking forward to more!! Very Happy

#77: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 11:52 pm

Oh, most excellent...!

#78: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 4:10 am

Lovely! thank you.

#79: Author: Carolyn, Pat & Rachel,

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 8:31 am

Part Five

It was the following day before Margot had to give in and visit Freudesheim, the inevitable could not be put off any longer (It could, honestly Margot! Turn back now! - RTW) and Miss Annersley advised her to go over for morning coffee saying, “I can say with all honesty that we need you back here for lunch as the stationary order will arrive this morning and it will be all hands to the deck this afternoon. I am about to ring your mother on another matter shall I tell her you will be over about 11.00?”
“Yes Auntie Hilda,” Margot found herself automatically agreeing with the Head, a long and sometimes bitter, experience proving to her that in the end the Head was always right. (Experience or years of brainwashing? - RTW)

“Margot, at last, I thought you would never get here, now put your jacket away and come and join me in the salon where we can have a chat, I’ve sent the younger ones out for a walk so we can be undisturbed, you should see them at lunch time.”
Familiar as she was with her mother’s ways Margot was flustered by this greeting. She knew that Miss Annersley had told her mother she would be there at 11.00, and it was currently 10.59, and she had defiantly heard the Head say that she needed Margot back at school for lunch. (After all, it isn't easy to have lunch when the main course is wandering the Platz. - RTW)
‘Please God, don’t let mamma be off on one again’, she sent up a silent prayer before joining her mother in the salon.

Two hours later Margot was trying to extricate herself from the conversation, if that was what her mother’s monologue could be called. She hadn’t actually listened to the droning voice for quite a long time, (I think two hours IS a long time - RTW) which when these events were all done with she did admit was probably a mistake, but then no one listened to that voice for too long these days. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. (So is sidesight, much overlooked, and highly necessary - RTW) She made to rise from her seat at her mother’s side, but was held back by a steely grip. Joey had been resting her hands on Margot’s as she spoke and now her grasp held the girl down in her seat. Her mother’s voice drilled into her now, “You will be assimilated,” it told her in a faint mechanical voice” (The Chalet School and the Enterprise, Lisa T)

There was a sudden flurry of activity and noise as the rest of the family burst in through the French windows, (Surely they could have opened the window and saved all that messy bursting? - RTW) Bruno jumping up at his mistress and both Phil and Cecil hugging Margot.

Margot took the opportunity to disentangle herself from her mother and in amidst the general family greetings reminded the family that Miss Annersley had requested her presence for lunch.
“And as the most junior member of staff I can’t possibly be late!” (Bet she could if she tried. - RTW) With forced laughter she dashed out of the window and over the lawn, leaving her jacket behind. She tried to forget that frightening moment, but something about it chilled her to the bone. (Any particular bone? The tibia is rather nice at this time of year - RTW) She would have been more chilled if she had seen the slow smile that spread across Joey’s face when she found the jacket hanging in the cloakroom.

#80: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 8:51 am

*Giggles.* Run, Margot!!

#81: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 10:28 am

Thanks, Carolyn, Pat and Rachel. I'm glad Hilda gave Margot an excuse to get back to school.

#82: Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 10:36 am

*giggles*

RTW - inspired.

Run Margot, run!

#83: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 11:07 am

Very fast! Very Happy

#84: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 11:11 am

I think Hilda may be rather skilled at extricating people frm Joey's clutches Wink

Thanks!

#85: Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 12:06 pm

This is great! Thank you all three!

#86: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 12:33 pm

Run, Margot, run, get as far away as you can.

#87: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 12:48 pm

I don't think the school is far enough - Try Katmandu or Darkest Peru, Margot!

thanks for the daily giggle!

#88: Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 1:22 pm

*giggles*

Note to self: Try not to read Advent drabble at work as mentions of Borg may result in coke being sprayed over monitor.

Thanks Ladies, it's wonderful.

JackieJ

#89: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 1:53 pm

*giggles*

Thank you x3

Liz

#90: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 2:50 pm

Wonderful! Thank you all!

#91: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 4:05 pm

*g* Brilliant! Thanks! Very Happy

#92: Author: gaityr, Location: Singapore

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 4:15 pm

Run away from scary Joey!!!
Laughing

Love the incorporation of the 'assimilated' line. Wink

#93: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 4:23 pm

LOL!!!!

Fantastic all three of you!!!

#94: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 7:58 pm

Loving this - but wondering what on earth Joey is about to do with Margot's jacket.... Shocked

#95: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 8:04 pm

*laughing wildly*

I loved that line about the Borg. Run, Margot, Run and never go back!

#96: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2005 8:49 pm

The Amazon basin, deep in the Rainforest might be far enough, Margot.

#97: Author: Carolyn, Pat & Rachel,

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 8:15 am

Part Six

Meanwhile Bernie (Oooh, had forgotten about her! - RTW) had been exploring the grounds of the school, having been told to make the most of the glorious weather. She discovered that the school was a good deal larger than she had expected from her brief view the night before, as it took in several buildings. (Is that like taking in washing? - RTW) Apart from the main one, which contained most of the form rooms, there were two smaller chalets linked by covered passages. (Which I bet they aint allowed to use! - RTW) Another passage brought the gym, art room and science labs into the complex. Attached to the gym was the covered swimming pool, and Bernie looked forward to using that, for she was a keen swimmer. Two small Chapels lay at a little distance from the school complex, one being clearly Catholic and the other presumably Protestant. (She's smart, give her that - RTW) To one side the playing fields stretched away on some level ground, and the main complex was surrounded by attractive gardens that looked cool and inviting under the bright sun.

Bernie was walking through a pretty rock garden (Hopefully with her ice-axe and crampons - rock climbing is a dangerous pursuit and shouldn't be attempted lightly or without the correct safety gear! - RTW) towards an archway through a hedge when she heard voices ahead of her. They sounded odd, a little high-pitched and almost squeaky. She was intrigued by the odd quality and crept forward to investigate. Peeping through the hedge she saw a colony of rabbits in the middle of the lawn ahead of her. (Bunnies! - RTW) Not ordinary rabbits either. (Un-ordinary bunnies! - RTW) These were larger than any rabbit she had ever seen, and were a motley crew of varying colours, none of which she would normally have connected with rabbits. Most of them were plain, being pastel blue, pink, sunshiny yellow, dark purple, even black. But there were one or two that had some sort of pattern on their fur. One had fur the deep purpley blue of a thunder-storm, with what could only be described as lightning flashes patterned across it. Another had a coat of green fur with white flower shapes. Bernie’s jaw dropped in astonishment at the sight, and her amazement was made all the greater when she realised that the voices were coming from the rabbits. (Posessed bunnies! - RTW)

“There’s no one here! (Obviously blind - RTW) I said there wouldn’t be! (Self righteous git - RTW) It’s too soon for anyone to be back yet.” Said one of the rabbits, evidently continuing a conversation.
“What are we going to do then? We must have humans to latch onto or we’ll be overwhelmed by our wonderful ideas. If we can’t pass them onto humans to write we’ll be done for!” (And the flaw here is...? - RTW)
“We didn’t escape from that Spa place for nothing. I say we scatter and see what we can find,” (Scatter themselves into little tiddly pieces all over the place - very messy - RTW) said a dark coloured rabbit, larger than the others, that looked to Bernie’s eyes rather fierce. “There must be other people living up here that can take us in at least until the school comes back.”
“I hope so,” said a pretty little rabbit, whose coat was much the same colour as the school uniform. “You know I need someone who loves to study, and they are few and far between anyway. That’s why I’m still so tiny. (Bite sized in fact - RTW) Besides, I’m fed up with writing out those lines they gave us in that place. ‘I am a plot bunny and am here to learn my trade, I do not want to end my days on the bbq.’ (The Saga of the evil plot bunny, NortyNellie & Allie) ”
The group began to break up, moving off in all directions, so Bernie crouched down under the hedge, hoping that she wouldn’t be seen. She didn’t like the look of those bunnies at all. (I wouldn't want to meet posessed bunnies that plan on scattering themselves either. Unless I had a toasting fork handy perhaps? - RTW)

#98: Author: Liane, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 8:41 am

Inspired! Very funny, thank you

#99: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 9:02 am

fantabulous ROFL

Thank you advent trio Very Happy

Liz

#100: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 9:05 am

Thanks all of you! Laughing

#101: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 10:29 am

*Giggles*
Great stuff guys!

#102: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 10:31 am

Oh dear, possessed plot bunnies on the loose...

#103: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 10:45 am

Thank you, you three!

Norty plot bunnies! Can't think what Bernie would make of that.

#104: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 10:53 am

Oh, brilliant! Yay for bunnies! Wink

#105: Author: kirby, Location: London, UK

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 1:46 pm

This is hysterical ROFL

Thankyou, thankyou, and thankyou Very Happy

#106: Author: flitterwit, Location: london

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 2:28 pm

Very very funny! great! the advent gets odder and odder. wild flights of fantasy/imagination with RTW's sarcky comments to bring you down to solid ground. evil and nefarious plot bunnies - v. dangerous. who will protect bernie? or will she save the day?

#107: Author: gaityr, Location: Singapore

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 2:41 pm

If all the plot bunnies are on the loose, can I have one, please?? Laughing

That was great - thank you! Smile

#108: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 5:26 pm

Oh oh oh!!!!

*moans quietly and slides off chair, helpless with laughter*

#109: Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 10:07 pm

Thank you!

#110: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 11:31 pm

Thanks, Carolyn, Pat and Rachel. The bunnies certainly surprised Bernie!

#111: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 1:04 am

Glad Margot escaped from Jo or whatever has taken over Jo. What is going to happen to the jacket?

OOH dear poor Bernie one plot bunny is bad enought - loads of possessed ones must be horrible. Wondered when the comunable madness would ensue.

#112: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 1:41 am

Many thanks, adventers!

Merry festive season! *g*

#113: Author: Carolyn, Pat & Rachel,

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 8:14 am

Part Seven

“Bernie” a voice broke across her thoughts as she stood transfixed, watching the bunnies. (So cute - RTW)
“Bernie, we must get inside and wash for lunch, The staff here put every penny on punctuality and politeness, oh and cleanliness, and godliness. Come on now and leave the bunnies alone,(You don't know WHERE they've been!- RTW) ” saying this Margot took Bernie by the shoulder and guided her back into the school.
“Ha, and I almost had her,”(Double entendre alert! - RTW) complained one bunny, “another moment and I could have been whispering (sweet nothings - RTW) into her ear.”
“Never mind now, come and help us package up Rampant, he’s got a new owner in Scotland, name of Ms The Witch,” shouted another,(Hmmmmmmmpppphhhhh! - RTW) “Apparently he has some very interesting tales to tell, pity they all feature this Orlando character.”(Swoon - RTW)
“I wonder,” began a third bunny, “if this Miss Summers person who re-homed Rampant could help the rest of us find owners on the party plan.”

Meanwhile, back in real life, (No! Let's go back to Orlando! - RTW) Bernie and Margot had joined the staff for lunch, and then after a short rest Margot helped with the Stationary while Miss Annersley took Bernie to the San to visit her aunt. (Forgot about her too - RTW) This was the normal course of events for the next two weeks. The staff had decided that as Mrs MacDermott was well enough for a short visit each day Bernie should go, as she would not be able to visit that often once term started. Margot was often the one to walk her across to the san, and the two were, despite the difference in their ages, and the fact that Margot was about to become staff, becoming good friends. Margot in fact was becoming slightly un-nerved by the fact that Joey seemed to have let the matter of where she was living drop, to say nothing of the matter of the convent.

This was under discussion in the staffroom the night before term started. Joey had only been seen in short visits, and her behaviour during them had been erratic to say the least.
“Joey has been a little odd recently,” (Only recently? - RTW) commented Nancy over coffee that night.
“Odd, that is rather an understatement. “In fact, I think she could be mentally unstable” (The CS and Lisa Francesn) She was wearing weird clothes this morning and talking very, very fast in almost a metallic voice. She even tried to poke me with something. I made tracks very fast I can tell you,” said Kathie.
“Poke you? Are you ok? Do you need to see matey?”
“Matey, give me some credit, I didn’t let Jo within arms reach. I haven’t done ever since I discovered how vice like her grip is and spent two days listening to how she dyed her hair green when Stephen was born,” Kathie shuddered at the memory.
“I think we need to keep an eye on Joey Maynard. There is something fishy going on there.”(It's the tail and fins that give it away - RTW)
And so they agreed.

#114: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 8:17 am

Wonderful! I now have a image of a robotic Joey terrorising the staff!

#115: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 8:49 am

Giggling at the idea of Joey holding people in a vice-like grip whilst she bores them with her CS legends!

#116: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 11:02 am

Carolyn, Pat & Rachel wrote:

Meanwhile, back in real life, (No! Let's go back to Orlando! - RTW)

Sounds like a good plan!

Thanks everyone! Am loving this to bits Laughing

#117: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 12:30 pm

Wonderful! Thank you all and for giving us an excuse not to finish the PB Spa!

#118: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 1:07 pm

Excellent

Thank you

Liz

#119: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 2:40 pm

Thanks, Carolyn, Pat and Rachel. I wonder what Joey is planning.

#120: Author: guest,

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 4:12 pm

the plot thickens! inaccuracy alert Shocked

inaccuracy alarm: it wasn't Joey's hair which was dyed green!

great, excellent, wonderful, brilliant!!

#121: Author: gaityr, Location: Singapore

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 4:32 pm

I'm loving this image of Joey as a robot capturing Kathie in her vice-like grip. "You - will - listen - to - my - story!"
Hee. Thanks!!

#122: Author: janetbrown23, Location: Colchester moving to Mid Wales as soon as I can

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 4:38 pm

Chalet girls who have heard of Rampant Rabbits and dear Anne, I'm shocked I really am. what would Matron have said.

Jan

#123: Author: flitterwit, Location: london

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 4:47 pm

I think Kathie has no choice! Shocked

every person has a right to have their story told - even madcap, controlling Englishwomen like Jo (refering to her afternoon tea parties and obsession with turning all girls into good CS girl who sit up straight and eat properly) Laughing

the great, nice and brilliant thing about the CBB is all the multitude twisted versions to every plot ever to be found in the CS... odd how the imagination knows no bounds (blame it on the plot bunnies or scape-bunnies Laughing

)

very good, adventers

#124: Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 6:53 pm

You know, I look forward to coming home and reading these so much. Thankyou Ladies!

#125: Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 8:51 pm

Thank you again - these are brilliant!

#126: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2005 11:02 pm

Brilliant - thank you all.

#127: Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 12:35 am

Thanks the 3 of you...I just read the last weeks ... great!

#128: Author: Carolyn, Pat & Rachel,

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 8:30 am

Part Eight

The following morning saw the official start of term,(Woohoo, hang out the banner and strike up the song! - RTW) and Bernie woke up to some anticipation. She had been sleeping in the dormy where she had been placed, but all alone until now. She knew that this was the big day and was expecting changes. The first one was putting her new uniform on. Until now she had remained in the holiday shirts and shorts and summer dresses that had been left out of storage for her,(I do hope she had a change of underwear - RTW) but today she carefully pulled on the uniform dress, straightened her pleats, pinned the St Therese broach for her house into place and picked up the matching hair ribbons ready to tie them into her plaits.
“Are you ready? Breakfast will be in ten minutes?” Margot appeared at her side as she looked in the mirror.
“Just finishing my plaits. I always seem to be rushing to one meal or another here.” Bernie grinned at Margot as she said this.
“Wait till tomorrow when you have to take your turn in the bathers and fit in around the general scrum. (Ooops! I read that as "scum"! - RTW)Once we are really going there is time for nothing in the morning. Still at least you have got Matey’s way with beds by now.”
“I should have, she stood over me for three days while I did it. (Wow, given Matey's size, this Bernie must be as small as, as, well, as small as Vikki! - RTW)I still can’t see that it matters which way the opening in the pillowcase lies though.”
Margot stared at the girl for a moment, and Bernie held her gaze, both refusing to give in to the laughter. Then Margot cracked.(Right down the middle and all her brains and guts fell out - RTW)
“You had me there, I know she is a holy terror but for a moment I really believed you.”
“I know! I always could look serious when the need arose,” and Bernie giggled again.
Margot was tempted, and then heaving a sigh replied, “You know I shouldn’t be laughing like this. As of today I am officially a staff member. It isn’t done to be making fun of another member of staff. Oh, it is going to be harder than I thought.”
With this Margot gave a rueful smile at Bernie and left he to finish and go to breakfast alone.

The day passed in a daze for Bernie, the school coaches arrived just before mid day, with late ones pulling up after Kaffee und Kuchen. Local girls were arriving at all times of the day and Bernie was introduced to first one person and then another. She had spent a long summer day sweating over exam papers (She should have used a pen - RTW) and her form had already been assigned, so once everyone had arrived she was with the right girls from the start. It took all day, but finally everyone seemed settled and the bell rang for evening prayers.(Would have been a bit daft summoning them to morning prayers - RTW)
‘It only seems a moment since I was getting up this morning’ thought Bernie as she joined the long lines of girls in the hall. The reverent atmosphere calmed her as it did the majority of the girls and she listened to the sincere voices of the girls as she with them joined in the ‘Lighten our darkness,’ with which they finished each day.

Miss Annersley waited afterwards as the Catholic girls and staff quietly filed in, and then rose to address the school with a few words of welcome. She opened her mouth to speak; “However, before she could do much more than stare open-mouthed, the door near the dais opened, and in.....” (New Dreams Mary R).

#129: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 8:49 am

I bet Margot wasn't the only one who made fun of Matey and her weird obsession with the correct way of making beds ... and her fixation with drawer inspections (did she really find it so interesting going through other people's socks and underwear Rolling Eyes

?). Thanks all 3 of you.

#130: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 10:06 am

Ohhh a cliff! Very Happy

#131: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 10:37 am

*sets up nets at the base of the cliff*

#132: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 11:47 am

Thank you ladies. Very Happy

#133: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 12:29 pm

And I thought I didn't *do* cliffs. Shocked

*wanders away to refresh mind about how to do them*

Wonderful, you folk, or should I say *side-splitting*? Laughing

Thanks.

#134: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 12:37 pm

Thanks, the three of you. This is great.

#135: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 1:30 pm

Hmmm I wonder who this is.

*checks for parachute*

You may now proceed...

#136: Author: gaityr, Location: Singapore

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 3:58 pm

*waits patiently for the next plot bunny to fall off the cliff*

Thanks in the meantime! Smile

#137: Author: Rosy, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 6:10 pm

*pats the plot bunny*

Let us off the cliff *coaxes*

#138: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 7:56 pm

Thanks, Carolyn, Pat and Rachel. I wonder what is going to happen next.

#139: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 8:44 pm

Thank you guys!!!
Although Rachel deserves a poke...... Wink

#140: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 9:55 pm

Thank you all. An early visit by Jo?

#141: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 11:05 pm

Am very glad I know there'll be an update tomorrow so we won't have to wait for ages to find out Very Happy

Thanks

Liz

#142: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 11:50 pm

Thank you all three - very entertaining -especially RTW!

#143: Author: Carolyn, Pat & Rachel,

Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 8:21 am

Part 9

…walked Joey Maynard. (Do we want a "huzzah!" or a "boo! hiss!" at this point? - RTW) The girls, who had been quiet before, became absolutely still and silent in shock. They all knew Jo of course, but they had never seen her like this. She had a fixed and rather dreadful smile on her face, which was otherwise totally expressionless. Her clothes were odd in the extreme,(Odder than a lime green hand knitted twinset? - RTW) for they seemed to be made of some sort of metallic fibre. It had been woven into a tunic, rather like a very finely-meshed chain-mail over-shirt, which hung to her knees. The belt looked like brushed steel, and had a dull sheen. Jo herself moved smoothly, like a well-oiled machine. (That actually sounds far more tasteful than some of the things she's worn in the past. - RTW) She was up on the dais before anyone could recover from the shock and came to a halt beside Miss Annersley.
“Good evening girls,” she said, as if she was the Head and not the shocked woman beside her. “I would like to welcome you all back for another year.” She got no further for two of the Mistresses had risen to their feet and come to her side. Miss Annersley gave them a quiet nod (Query: could a nod be noisy? - RTW) and they clasped their hands firmly around Jo’s arms.
“Please join me in my Study” (Dilemma for the Deputy Head, Lesley) I shall be along shortly,” she said quietly.

Before Jo knew what was happening, she had been almost lifted from her feet and taken out of the Hall. Miss Annersley smiled down at the horrified rows of girls staring up at her and managed to smile at them.
"Welcome back girls,” she said. "I am sorry for that little disturbance. As you see, Mrs Maynard hasn’t been very well lately. I am assured that she will be back to normal before very long,(Awwww, can't we keep her like this? - RTW) so there is no need to worry. I suggest that those of you who care to do so might include her in your prayers.
Now on to more ordinary matters. There are a number of new girls this term, as is usually the case at this time of year. (Tis usual at EVERY time of the year in this place - RTW) Welcome to the Chalet School; I hope you will all be very happy here. To those of you who are old hands, welcome back. I hope you have all come determined to put in a good term’s work. Miss Dene will now read out the class lists so that you all know where you have to go tomorrow, and then the Juniors will go to bed straight away. Middles will have half an hour longer, and the Seniors an hour.” Rosalie Dene came forward, still feeling a little shaken (but not stirred - RTW) by the earlier events, but determined to show nothing of this to the school. To Miss Annersley, wanting to go and see to Jo, the list seemed to take three times as long to read as normal, but finally it was done and the girls dismissed to bed or common room.
Freed at last she almost ran along the corridor to the Annexe where her study was, hoping that Jo had come to her senses. She found her worst fears realised. Jo was standing stiffly in the middle of the room, with the two mistresses holding her firmly by the arms. It was clear that there had been a scuffle, for all three were breathing heavily, and the mistresses clothing was rumpled.
“What did you think you were doing Jo?” asked Miss Annersley. (There's always that difference between what one thinks one is doing and what one is actually doing - RTW)
“I was only doing what was necessary,” replied Jo, in that metallic voice that they had all come to dread hearing. “You know that Hilda, so why ask.”

#144: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 9:00 am

Carolyn, Pat & Rachel wrote:

Part 9

(There's always that difference between what one thinks one is doing and what one is actually doing - RTW)

Always

#145: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 9:39 am

Thanks, Carolyn, Pat and Rachel. You are definitely spoiling us with this lovely Advent Drabble! I'm sorry that Joey is not well.

#146: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 11:04 am

*giggles* Wonderful. Thank you all three!

#147: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 11:48 am

Just caught up with two days and it's still sidesplitting. A lot of RTWs remarks are just what I think when I've read several of the books on the trot!

Great stuff and we've still got ?15 episodes to go. Razz

#148: Author: guest,

Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 12:39 pm

Quote:

Mistresses had risen to their feet and come to her side. Miss Annersley gave them a quiet nod (Query: could a nod be noisy? - RTW) and they clasped their hands firmly around Jo’s arms.
“Please join me in my Study” (Dilemma for the Deputy Head, Lesley) I shall be along shortly,” she said quietly.

Oh, my! Is this an evil attempt at cover-up??? How clever. The plot becomes more and more intriguing. Whatever happens next? Please do enlighten us.

#149: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 3:57 pm

Great stuff!

#150: Author: gaityr, Location: Singapore

Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 4:56 pm

Priceless - Jo gliding like a well-oiled machine? Look out, Miss Annersley, she's here to take over the world!! Laughing

Thanks, guys!

#151: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 7:34 pm

Wonderful and outrageously funny, and as for the *red* bits.... Laughing

#152: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 8:04 pm

She's a Borg, isn't she? Laughing

#153: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 8:28 pm

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear!!!

This gets better and better! Very Happy

#154: Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire

Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 10:50 pm

Lesley wrote:

Quote:

She's a Borg, isn't she?

My first thought was 'she's a dalek!' Laughing

Thank you all!

#155: Author: Carolyn, Pat & Rachel,

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 10:05 am

Part 10

Bernie had been stunned at what had happened on the dais, as had all the other girls. She listened to the form lists with half an ear,(That's a rare talent! - RTW) only really noticing which form she had been placed in. She could see that the mistresses were equally shocked, but they quickly managed to resume their ‘public face’ and many of the girls noticed nothing.(That's cos they are Good CS Girls - RTW) Margot had gone white (Looks awful with her hair - RTW) when she recognised her mother, and had still not managed to regain her composure when Prayers finished. She hesitated when she left the Hall, uncertain whether or not to go the study, but then decided that she really did not want to see her mother in the state she had been in and headed for the staff room instead, knowing that she could be easily found if needed.

Bernie followed the rest of her form back to the common room. She had been put in the charge of someone called Mary. Mary would be her sheepdog,(Woof! Woof! Follow me! - RTW) helping her to find her feet (end of her legs most likely - RTW)during the first few days of term, and now she stood with her back to the door and announced in a loud voice.
“I say you lot, hush a minute will you. This is Bernie who has just started here. Make her welcome all of you.”
Poor Bernie went bright red but smiled round at the chorus of welcomes that she received. All the girls seemed very willing to be friends, which relieved her mind, as that had not always been the case at her previous school. (Probably cos it wasn't the all invasive, sorry, inclusive CS - RTW) By the time they all went to bed that night she felt that she might enjoy her time at the Chalet School.
Meanwhile Margot had tried to settle down to reading in the staff room, aware of the sympathetic looks she was receiving from the other members of staff. (Don't they know it's rude to stare? - RTW) It was impossible to concentrate, not knowing what was happening in the study, or what was wrong with her mother. Then there was a quiet tap at the door, and when Mlle Berne opened it her father came into the room and beckoned to her. Thankfully she put aside her book and joined him in the corridor.
“What is wrong with Mamma?” she asked. “She was so strange tonight” (Why do they all think Joey is any different to normal?!? - RTW)
“We do not know, petite,” replied her old mistress. She has been different lately, and it has been getting worse until she is as you have seen her tonight.”
“Do you foresee squalls then?” (Sharlie Andrews, Pim)
“I am very much afraid of it. It is why Hilda was so keen for you and Bernie to come straight here. You must be very strong cherie, and I think very brave, for who knows what the future will bring.” (I could get my crystal ball out if it'll help..... - RTW)

#156: Author: flitterwit, Location: london

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 10:25 am

Brilliant!

Noooo, not in any circumstances bring out your crystal ball, RTW, who knows what might creep out of it - it might even be a stalker! The Sarcky comments are brilliant enough.

Quote:

(Why do they all think Joey is any different to normal?!? - RTW)

LOL

I think Joey has surpassed herself this time. Would you want her any different? Or else who would you gang up on and bash?? hammer

#157: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 11:32 am

RTW, being brilliant as usual...
Love the comments. Hmm - is Joey trying to Assimilate someone? Very Happy

#158: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 11:51 am

So very funny! Thank you all Very Happy

#159: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 12:14 pm

#160: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 1:04 pm

Wonderful, where will this end?

#161: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 3:23 pm

Thanks, Carolyn, Pat and Rachel. I'm glad everyone is being friendly to Bernie and that Jack is there to support Margot.

#162: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 4:43 pm

I can't wait to see and hear more of this stranger than normal Joey!

#163: Author: gaityr, Location: Singapore

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 5:43 pm

Poor brave Margot with her hopelessly... um, strange mother. Wink

Thanks!

#164: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 7:53 pm

Jennie wrote:

Wonderful, where will this end?

Could be absolutely anywhere, Jennie, and I certainly wouldn't like to hazard any guesses! Laughing

Thank you, girls - wicked, as usual.

#165: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2005 8:42 pm

This is a brilliant mix of the funny and downright hilarious!

Thank you all!

#166: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 1:16 am

Fabulous, just the sort of cheering reading needed after a hectic week.

#167: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 4:54 pm

Lovely! Thanks all three of you!

#168: Author: Carolyn, Pat & Rachel,

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 5:10 pm

Part 11

The future was to bring things that Margot had never dreamed of, not even in her most drug induced nightmares, (And I bet there were LOTS of them - RTW) and given her mother’s way of disposing of Jack’s ‘doses’, Margot had had a few of those. (See? Told you there would have been a lot - RTW) However for the first few weeks of term it really seemed as if things were beginning to settle down. Miss Annersley had managed to postpone the new girls ‘tea’ party, as in fact she had been doing successfully for the past five years, ever since she discovered a red leather corset and suspenders (The intrigues and infidelities of Jack Maynard…Anonybunny) Bernie had settled well, although as Hilda paused and thought one morning there was something odd about the girl.(There's something odd about most of the characters we've met so far - RTW)

Bernie had settled well into the school. She had done her entrance exams and was discovered to be in the same form as the majority of girl her age,(Sounds about usual for a new girl at the CS - RTW) in the top quarter of the class,(And again - RTW) but not outstanding in any way.(And once more - RTW) She quickly made friends with the ‘in-crowd’, but this did not upset anyone.(Except ALL the people not in the "in-crowd" but who had been desperately trying to get there for their entire school careers to date - RTW) She had no chips on her shoulders about her family, her friends or anything else. She had been to a good school before and so was used to the routine and to working with other girls. She had been a weekly boarder and so coming to boarding school caused her no problems. She had been able to visit her aunt, and according to the doctors Mrs McDermott was progressing well and with the new treatments now available they were fully confident of success and Bernie trusted their opinion wholeheartedly due in the main to Margot’s support. In fact she was a perfect, readymade Chalet School girl. (Is that the sound of a pig flying past? - RTW)

This was what was worrying Miss Annersley.(Why can't the woman just sit back and shut up? - RTW) It was just not normal for a new girl to walk straight in and have no problems. She thought back, Cornelia, Eustacia, Elisaveta, Carola, Annis, Barbara, Rosamund, Joan, Ted, Richenda, Juliet, Emmerance, Thelka, Ruey, Katherine, and lots more, it was an established pattern and this new girl just did not fit it.(Shame - RTW) Miss Annersley did not know what to make of it, and neither did the staff. Matey had examined her on three separate occasions, had done spot checks of her locker and cubey and asked questioned both her dorm prefect and table prefect as to her sleeping and eating habits. Nothing was out of the norm for a chalet girl, but with just less than half a term in school and no major trauma how could she be? (Cue the "Eastenders" style theme music! - RTW)

#169: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 5:14 pm

*giggles*

This is just getting better and better!

#170: Author: gaityr, Location: Singapore

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 5:19 pm

Poor Miss Annersley, whatever will she do with such a happy, normal, well-adjusted girl?? Heaven forbid... Laughing

Thanks!

#171: Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 8:23 pm

Best part so far! Laughing

#172: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 8:29 pm

gaityr wrote:

Poor Miss Annersley, whatever will she do with such a happy, normal, well-adjusted girl?? Heaven forbid... Laughing

Heaven fore-fend! Is the drabble about to peter out?

*Thinks carefully of authors, thereof*

No! Never!

ROFL

#173: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 9:41 pm

Presumably the calm before the storm.... Laughing

Thanks, everyone.

#174: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 9:56 pm

Thanks, Carolyn, Pat and Rachel. I wonder if anything will go wrong.

#175: Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 10:15 pm

*Rubs hands in glee and waits for the squalls* Very Happy

Thank you all!

#176: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 11:22 pm

You all seem to be expecting something to happen! Shocked

#177: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 11:30 pm

And why would we not? Very Happy

#178: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2005 11:47 pm

Pat wrote:

You all seem to be expecting something to happen! Shocked

Of course we because

a) we know you three

and b) there is still half of advent left so there is a lot more drabble to go

#179: Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 12:26 am

Ouch I ache from laughing! Thanks 3 ..Wonderful as ever.

#180: Author: Carolyn, Pat & Rachel,

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 8:30 am

Part 12

So unusual was it that it even became a topic of conversation in the staff room, (Are their lives really that boring? - RTW)and that was how Margot came to know of it. She said nothing, just grinned to herself,(I've been trying that, but in a room full of people, howexactly is it done? - RTW) and at the first opportunity broached the subject with Bernie herself. The chance came on one of the morning walks so beloved of the school authorities, determined to take every opportunity to get the girls out of doors whilst the weather lasted. Margot drew Bernie to one side and gave her a smile.(I do hope Bernie remembered her manners and sent a thankyou note later - RTW)
“You’re something of a mystery in the staff room, Bernie,” she said.
“How come? I haven’t got into trouble or anything have I?”
“Not at all - and that’s the mystery. Or part of it anyway!”
Bernie looked totally mystified, and Margot decided to put her out of her misery. “Not only have you not been in trouble, young lady, you have settled into school so effortlessly that it’s a complete novelty. It’s just not done for a new girl to do such things, let me tell you!” (Warning! Staff and pupil fraternising far too well - RTW)
Bernie began to giggle, then to laugh so hard that she had to stop walking.
“Is that the only problem?” she asked. “Well all I can say is that the secret lies in not being caught!”
“Just what does that mean, young lady?” demanded Margot.
“I’m sorry, I can’t tell you. You’re a mistress after all, and you may think you had to do something about it. Just take my word for it that I’m no plaster saint, please Miss Maynard.”
Try as she might Margot could get no more out of Bernie, and in the end she had to leave it alone.(*nods* Just like I always tell my son; leave it alone or it'll drop off and I'll feed it to the cat - RTW)

Meanwhile at Freudesheim things were going from bad to worse. (Excellent! - RTW) The metallic robotic stage had passed, and outwardly Jo was quite normal, though those who knew her best could see that there had been a fundamental change. She had been busy writing the Christmas Play, serene in the knowledge that the school always performed one of her plays, and conveniently forgetting the fact that the first ones had been written by her sister. To her great joy, she discovered that her ideas were flowing. (Jo returns to the Oberland …..Jennie_.) This year’s play would be the best yet, of that Jo was convinced. (Every year it's the best yet - surely that means the first ones must have been **** - RTW)

#181: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 9:21 am

RTW is a comic genius!
I am loving this, part of me doesn't want Christmas to arrive cause that'll mean the end of this!

#182: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 11:29 am

Quote:

(*nods* Just like I always tell my son; leave it alone or it'll drop off and I'll feed it to the cat - RTW)

Splutter, murgle, grumph!!!
I am SO glad I was alone when I read that!!!!

I can't wait for the next bit!

#183: Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 12:34 pm

Fantastic!! - again! Laughing

Thank you all - and I wonder what Bernie has been up to that she has not been caught for?! Shocked

#184: Author: Rachel, Location: West Coast of Scotland

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 1:13 pm

Vikki wrote:

Quote:

(*nods* Just like I always tell my son; leave it alone or it'll drop off and I'll feed it to the cat - RTW)

Splutter, murgle, grumph!!!
I am SO glad I was alone when I read that!!!!!

Just wait til you have a son ....... disgusting little critters really.

#185: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 1:47 pm

Vikki wrote:

Quote:

(*nods* Just like I always tell my son; leave it alone or it'll drop off and I'll feed it to the cat - RTW)

Splutter, murgle, grumph!!!
I am SO glad I was alone when I read that!!!!

I SO wish I had been alone! I almost suffocated in my efforts to suppress my giggles!

Thank you Very Happy

Liz

#186: Author: gaityr, Location: Singapore

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 4:20 pm

So funny - the mysteriously evil Bernie, and the sadly deluded Jo! Thanks guys!!

#187: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 5:28 pm

Just what is Bernie getting up to that she can keep it so secret? Shocked

Thank you, all.

#188: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:46 pm

I'm very intrigued by Bernie's "extra-curricular activities"

Thank you!

#189: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 7:00 pm

Thanks, Carolyn, Pat and Rachel. I look forward to finding out what Bernie is doing that the mistresses don't know about.

#190: Author: Guest,

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 11:31 pm

Excellent

- CBBers as ever keeping up with everything that's going on - How do you do it? Do you not have other things to get on with??? Not only keeping up but also giving it a strange little CS twist which is lovely and much appreciated Very Happy

Glad to see comments still in the gutter.

Quote:

what is Bernie getting up to

I would have thought that was obvious - she's investigating the CS, finding out answers to questions eg Just what is Miss Annersely (that stately Head of an English boarding school with voice ever gentle and low and eyes that have never yet needed glasses) doing with a red leather corset?? Hilarious. Shocked

#191: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 2:01 am

Excellent! Maybe what Bernie is doing is...exactly nothing and winding everyone up! Very Happy

#192: Author: Carolyn, Pat & Rachel,

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 8:17 am

Part 13

Miss Annersley received the package for the play when they returned from their half term trips.(It's half term already?!? - RTW) She was in a bit of a state as there had been no unexpected bad weather, no fires, no near death situations, no lost or badly behaved middles, nothing that would introduce the staff to the eligible doctors that were the main attraction to the jobs. (How come I've never seen a job perk like that in the ads in the job centre? - RTW) Being in a bit of a state she only glanced at the first few pages before sending for the staff and handing out the copies of the manuscript, asking for a reading before the entire school that afternoon.
“Hilda, ma cherie, have you read this through?” asked Mddle, looking a little puzzled as she read her opening lines carefully. (I don't believe she's really French - RTW)
“Of course I have, it will be fine, only Joey’s usual repetitive nonsense, but I am sure the girls will make something of it.”
It is a pity she had lost her glasses in her fluster and not bothered to read it properly. It is also a pity she did not admit as much to the staff, instead of insisting that they read and performed it as Mrs Maynard had written as they always did in order to secure the rather sizable donation to the staff bar that Jack made each Christmas. (Just how many bottles of Bailey's do they get through in a year I wonder - RTW)

It is also a pity that Hilda came down with one of her headaches that afternoon. (I have the ultimate cure for headaches - amputation from the neck up - RTW) Not wearing her glasses always brought that on, but she was still refusing to face up to the fact that for the past 32 years she had eyes that most definitely did need glasses. Still in this instance she sent instruction that the staff were to read the play, cast the girls (I'm thinking fishing style casting - RTW) and get on with producing it and under no circumstances disturb her again.

That done she retired to her boudoir (Black satin sheets, pink lacy negligee, candles and soft music - RTW) for the rest of the day. Having a long hot bubble bath was the first part of her ten-step plan to relaxation, and by the time she had finished sipping the Champagne and peeled the face pack off she felt a lot better.
“That will do now, I feel I could sleep,” she said to her personal masseuse, who dropped Hilda’s feet with relief (eeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwww Hilda Feet! - RTW)and rose from the footstool, eager to get to the sink and scrub her hands with disinfectant. Miss Annersley watched her go on her way, smiling with fondness as she contemplated just how right she had been when she said “I'm sure Georgia must have a nice side somewhere”(LizB A Tale of Terror)

#193: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 9:09 am

*giggles*

*wondering just what the Christmas play is like*

Thank you ladies Very Happy

Liz

#194: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent, England

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 11:12 am

Thanks, Carolyn, Pat and Rachel. I wonder what the Christmas play is really about.

#195: Author: MaryR, Location: Sale Cheshire

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 1:22 pm

How dare you do that to my heroine, you wicked creatures?? Laughing

Wonderful, indeed side-splitting, and am sitting here wondering what on earth she has let loose on the school.... Shocked

#196: Author: gaityr, Location: Singapore

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 3:58 pm

Carolyn, Pat & Rachel wrote:

Not wearing her glasses always brought that on, but she was still refusing to face up to the fact that for the past 32 years she had eyes that most definitely did need glasses.

Poor blind Miss Annersley - and goodness, her boudoir and her personal masseuse!? This is clearly where all the profits the CS makes goes... Wink

Thanks!

#197: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 4:06 pm

Wonderful, thanks.

#198: FLITTERWIT Author: guest,

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 4:12 pm

Fear not!! Miss Annersely - like all English ladies, has a pair of glasses connected to a chain perched atop her mousy blond hair. She tells people that they are just reading glasses so she does have grey-green eyes that have never yet needed glasses - depends on how you twist it. There is no excerpt in the CS of Miss Annersely gazing into the distance with unseeing eyes.

Bernie's probably not up to anything. It's just a group of voyeuristic staff members with nothing better to do than watching innocent pupils with magnifying glasses and getting some kind of thrill out of it. Excellent drabble. Well written. Loving RTW's sarcky comment. Sarcasm does achieve something - CBBers enjoy it.

#199: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 7:25 pm

Loving this guys!

Especially Hilda's glasses. (although the boudoir description is a tad disturbing.....)

#200: Author: Liane, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2005 7:27 pm