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Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb x 3 http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=7004

Author:	Advent Drabblers [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:44 am ]
Post subject:	Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb x 3
During. Everyone thought Miss Bubb looked stern when they first met her, but no one knew the reason why. Mabel Bubb had a secret. She wasn't strictly Miss Bubb. Oh, she had been once, and she could prove her identity, she had managed to get her National Identity card with her documents from childhood, but they weren't strictly correct any more. She hadn't really thought it would matter, not in a girl's school. No one from her past would be there, but on meeting the staff for the first time, she discovered not one but two faces she knew very well indeed. One would have been a bombshell, but both did not bear thinking of. Or rather it bore thinking of a lot because she had to make absolutely sure neither of them found out about the other. Mind you, considering the current identity of one that should not be too much of a strain for her. She dealt with the lower risk first. The one where she hadn't actually broken the law. She had no choice in that matter as there was a knock on her door late on her first night in school. She had been expecting it, although she was unsure which of the two she would enter in response to her curt, “Come.” “So, this is unexpected.” Tristram Denny looked around the study and failing to see any whiskey sat at last in the hard chair before the desk. It put him at an immediate disadvantage, but it was the only chair there was. Miss Bubb remained silent. Tristram shuffled on the unforgiving chair and wondered where to go next. This had to be dealt with, but how? “So, how have you been keeping?” he finally asked, rather lamely. Mabel stood and walked over to the window and looked out into the summer night before drawing the curtain. “You mean how did I take you disappearing on Christmas Eve without any warning, just a note saying you 'wanted an adventure'?” Her voice rippled with scorn. That hit a nerve but Mr Denny said nothing. He knew of old that arguing with Mabel got him nowhere. “Anyway, that is in the past, what is to happen now?” “I see you have somehow acquired a sister, having met your mother I know she is anything but. Am I to suppose that you are carrying on, in the school.” Again Mr Denny remain silent. He knew the moment would come. Miss Bubb paused and spoke again, more softly, “And I suppose you are making a good deal of money one way and another?” He heard the question, and the thought behind it and answered, “Enough, there is always a little extra to be made here and there.” “If I needed some, then you could obtain it, no questions asked?” “As long as you asked none either.” There was a pause. “I think we can consider that an agreement, as long as you can provide what I need. It shouldn't be too large a sum, but it may be regular. I am unsure yet exactly what my needs are.” “I am sure we can co-operate.” “The silence must be complete, your 'sister' mustn't know either.” “Don't worry, she won't. I wouldn't want her to know either.” Tristram left, wondering how he was going to make ends meet now, but very glad that his past was going to remain that way. Marrying Mabel was probably the worst decision he had made. Still at least he'd got away and with no messy divorce, disappearing was a good idea, just a shame they had to meet up like this. It was the following day before Mabel received her next visitor. This person had needed to think a little more. This time Mabel spoke first, “You are the last person I expected to see here Peter.” “Yes, well, needs must.” “You mean cowards must.” “Don't start, that's not the reason at all.” “Well it is a damn sight more attractive than all the other reasons I can think of for you wanting to be in a girls school instead of fighting the war.” “I see you are using your maiden name again.” Peter was curious. “I wanted a clean break.” “You never did like me did you.” “I didn't marry you for any romantic notions if that is what you mean.” “That was evident when you left.” “That is all past now. We need to deal with the present.” “You mean are we to suddenly declare to the world that we are man and wife.” Peter sneered. “Hardly, I can't see it going down very well for you and it may mean some awkward questions for me.” “Like how can you be a headmistress, prim and proper, all for academic achievement and all that goes with it if people know that not only did you marry me but you then walked out leaving me with our daughter to bring up.” “Amongst other things yes, and where is the child.” “Child, she is a teenager now, and here.” “Here, how did you manage that?” “Well I didn't raise her did I, don't have a maternal bone in my body, just like you. I have funded her education though, and no, she has no idea who I am.” Miss Bubb smiled, “That's just as well Peter. I can only imagine the embarrassment she would feel.” Peter had the good grace to blush. However he was not going to leave the matter hanging. “I think you have a good deal more to loose than I have. I can walk out of her tomorrow, make a phone call and be a hundred miles away, leaving you to deal with the fall out.” “There is no need for that.” Miss Bubb did not want any hasty decisions made. “I am sure we can come to some arrangement.” “I will need not only your secrecy, but no interference in my department, and then there is the little matter of my salary...” Peter paused and let this sink in. “I am sure that can be taken care of, privately of course. But you must understand I will not be blackmailed. This is a personal business arrangement.” Peter grinned. Then stood to leave. As he reached the door Miss Bubb called out, “Thank you for dropping in, I am sure we will have an excellent working relationship Miss Slater.”

Author:	JB [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:51 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb
Was thinking how cleverly this linked to the Tristan Denny drabble, when .... Peter ..... Miss Slater .... a daughter???

Author:	Liz K [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:51 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb
This will be an extremely interesting drabble.

Author:	Kacca [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:28 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb
Oh my goodness.

Author:	ammonite [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:31 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb
What?? So who is the daughter?

Author:	Alison H [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 1:00 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb

Author:	JB [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 1:21 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb
Is it around this time that Miss Slater has the "cycle accident" or has that already happened?

Author:	Elle [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 1:38 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb
Maybe her daughter is the one student she likes who is good at maths and whose name I cannot remember!!!

Author:	Millie [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 3:34 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb
Very intriguing!

Author:	snowmaiden [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 4:19 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb
Mind very much boggling! Thanks ADs, I have been reading and really enjoying all these drabbles so far, you guys have some serious imagination between you!

Author:	Susan [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 4:22 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb
Was also wondering if it linked to the Denny drabble. Brilliant twist at the end. Am now picturing Mr Denny as the 'Flash Harry' character in the original St Trinian films.

Author:	shazwales [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 4:27 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb
Thanks

Author:	ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 5:53 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb
Another with no idea as to the daughter! Thanks, I think; though what a cliff.

Author:	Abi [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 7:09 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb
Well, blimey, I was racking my brain to think who the second person would be, but would never have guessed Miss Slater!

Author:	shesings [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 7:22 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb
Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Author:	Advent Drabblers [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 9:17 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb
I think that I should point out that there are no cliffs involved in these drabbles. Each one is complete in itself. So this is a different tale about Mabel Bubb. Before Everyone who knew her said that it was the events of December 1918 that changed Mabel for ever. Changed her from a pretty, fun-loving girl to a stern woman old before her time, and with no vestige of a sense of humour. Not that anyone knew everything, of course, or she certainly would not have been able to take the post at the Chalet School so many years later. She had spent the War teaching Classics at a good girl's school during the week, and doing visiting duties at the local rehabilitation centre for wounded servicemen at the weekends. Her best friend from the school, Florence Mason, who taught Art, came with her and they supported each other through the often traumatic visits. It was unfortunate that when Lieutenant Grant arrived soon after the Armistice was signed, they both fell violently in love with him. As can be imagined, this put a bit of a strain on their friendship, though they tried valiantly not to let it show. Giles Grant had seen what was happening, and tried to be impartial, but that proved impossible. He found himself falling for Florence and trying to hide it from Mabel. They were putting up the Christmas decorations one Saturday in December when it came to a head. It had dawned on Mabel that she had lost the fight, and she was very unhappy. "You two are in love, aren't you?" she said as they hung baubles on the tree. "What do you mean?" asked Florence, trying to put off the moment of disclosure. "You know what I mean, Florence. You and Giles Grant of course." Seeing nothing for it, Florence admitted that they were becoming more than just friends, and at this confirmation Mabel went quite white, and then flushed bright red before returning to her normal colour. She was silent for the rest of the time they spent on the tree, and Florence hoped that nothing more would happen. In this she was to be disappointed. Mabel was making her plans. The following day, she struck. On their way home in the dark, just as they were passing a shed in the grounds of the home, she dropped behind Florence and hit her over the head with a small hammer, just enough to stun her. Then she dragged her into the shed and shut the door. Here she had stashed her equipment; a long roll of bandage, a bag of plaster-of-paris, and a bowl. Leaving her former friend unconscious on the ground, she mixed some plaster-of-paris, and dropped the bandage into it, making sure that it was well covered. Then she wound the bandage tightly round Florence's face, over her mouth and nose, and pressing it firmly down so that no air could penetrate. Then she slipped out of the shed and made her way home, where she burnt the gloves she had been wearing, and thoroughly washed the bowl she had used. When interviewed later by the police she maintained that Florence had stopped to get a stone out of her shoe, and had told her to go on without her. The following Saturday she went as usual to the Home, and found that Giles Grant's bed was empty. On enquiring where he was, she was informed that the shock of Florence's death had weakened him, and he had caught the flu that was devastating the country. To her horror he was one of the many unfortunate ones who died from the infection.

Author:	Nightwing [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 9:24 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb
She got her just desserts then, really! Loved 'Peter' Slater, too. Thanks, A.D.'s!

Author:	ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 9:35 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb x 2
What an awful thing to do! She did rather get her just desserts in a way but - ugh. Thankyou A.D.s!

Author:	Abi [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:48 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb x 2
Well, I suppose that would change you.

Author:	Advent Drabblers [ Wed Dec 09, 2009 12:37 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb x 2
Joey Maynard walked into the San and along to the adult female medical ward; she smiled in acknowledgment at the many smiles and greetings from others but did not stop – her business was too urgent for any delay. At the Nurses' Station she paused to speak with the Sister and was about to move on when a voice from behind stopped her, “Joey, I'm pleased you could come.” Joey turned, “Hello Helen, I came as soon as I could, has been any change?” “Only for the worst, I fear,” Helen Graves, the Matron of the San, gave a quick smile, “in fact I believe she would already have gone but she wanted to speak with you one last time.” Joey nodded, “I stopped by her cottage on the way here, he belongings are all being cleared and placed into storage – I explained to the landlord about her health. I also picked up her post.” “I walk over with you,” Helen said, linking her arm through Joey's. The two women walked over to the single room over to one side of the ward and Helen slowly opened the door; inside was one bed with a figure lying back on the pillows. A doctor was stood beside the bed and, as he straightened, Joey realised it was Jack, she walked over, “Hello Jack, any change?” Jack shook his head regretfully, “Just a matter of time, I'm afraid,” he said quietly, “I suppose I can't persuade you not to do this?” “You can't,” Joey said firmly, “I do little enough to help here, this is one thing I can do.” Jack nodding, knowing his wife would not be forced away from this, something she saw as her duty, “I'll be home by six at the latest tonight,” he said, “and I've already asked Anna to arrange for the older children to stay with Eugen and Biddy – you're going to need tonight to recover.” “It's going to be that quick, then?” Joey asked. Jack nodded then, after a final glance round he left; Helen Graves followed him out. Joey took a deep breath then walked across to the bed, taking a white, cold hand into her own she spoke softly but clearly, “Here I am, Miss Bubb.” The woman slowly opened her eyes, “Mrs Maynard,” she breathed faintly, “thank you so much for coming.” “You're very welcome, Miss Bubb,” Joey said quickly, “now, what can I do to help you? Are you in pain?” “No, no pain, the doctors and nurses are very good, a little lonely but that has now eased.” “My pleasure, I managed to pick up your post, would you like to read it?” “Oh read it for me, please – I do so hope that my friend Avril will have written.” Joey swiftly opened the letters she held in her hand, there were letters from old friends, from business partners then, in the second to last letter she opened, a letter from the illusive Avril, Mabel, I know we quarrelled but it seems ridiculous for that quarrel to stop our friendship. I am sorry for all the things I said and I know you are sorry for all the things you said. I hope to be well enough to visit you in Switzerland in a couple of weeks and look forward to us renewing our long friendship. Yours with love Avril Mabel Bubb's smile widened, “I am so pleased,” she whispered, “I have lost too many friends in my lifetime, I didn't want to lose her. Mrs Maynard, would you please contact her after..” “Of course,” Joey interrupted. “Were there any other letters?” “One more,” Joey said, opening the thick brown envelope as she spoke, a wad of papers fell out and Joey smoothed them out to read the words printed upon them, SUMMONS Miss Mabel Bubb is required to present herself to Winchester Crown Court by the eighteenth of this month on charges of embezzlement. That she did defraud her bank, Barclays, of the sum of one hundred pounds on 9th March 195- “What does it say?” Joey looked over in shock, “Oh, er, nothing,” she said quickly, “it's an advertisement, no more.” Later that evening, much later, Joey arrived back at Freudesheim to be greeted by her husband, “She's gone then?” “Yes, the ending was peaceful, I think,” Joey sighed, “she finally heard from her friend, I promised I would write.” “Of course,” Jack went out to the kitchen and returned with a tray of food, “here, sit down and eat this, Anna left it warming for you.” “I will, just got to do something first,” Joey replied, she removed a brown envelope from her bag and walked across to where the fire was burning brightly, it took only seconds for the papers to have burnt away to ashes.

Author:	shazwales [ Wed Dec 09, 2009 8:22 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb x 3
Thank you that was sad but lovely.

Author:	Nightwing [ Wed Dec 09, 2009 8:25 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb x 3
How lovely of Jo - and how sad

Author:	JB [ Wed Dec 09, 2009 9:42 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb x 3
But, but ..... all those loose ends. Who was her daughter? Or is that going to come up in another drabble? Horrible way to kill someone.

Author:	Carolyn P [ Wed Dec 09, 2009 10:22 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb x 3
JB wrote: But, but ..... all those loose ends. Who was her daughter? Or is that going to come up in another drabble? Horrible way to kill someone. It may or may not come up later in another drabble. The stories are all independent, only because we are writing 24 consecutively the sometimes links occur to us and we add them in. Looking at the characters we have agreed to cover I think there is only one person who fits agewise as her daughter, and that person isn't a possibility. However, there is no saying that we won't make revelations about characters other than those we are officially writing about each day! Add to that we don't actually know what each other has written, so we have to make sure we don't make it so that whatever someone else has written was impossible!

Author:	ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Dec 09, 2009 5:15 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb x 3
Please do at least drop some hints for us! I, for one, am most intrigued! What a sad ending; it really brings home what the doctors at the San. must have to see. Thankyou.

Author:	Susan [ Sun Dec 13, 2009 5:29 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb x 3
Very chillling but entertaining at the same time.

Author:	Kathy_S [ Mon Dec 21, 2009 4:25 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Advent 8 Miss Mabel Bubb x 3
Intrigue (Tristan and "Peter"?!), evil and pathos. Clearly Miss Bubb is an inspiration to drabblers everywhere. Thank you, ADs. will not read any more of these now will go back to grading like a good girl will not read any more of these now...

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