This does look interesting! More soon please
Francie and Margot would have made good friends, it's a shame EBD never
thought of it - though with Emerence as well, all the staff would have
been grey in a week!
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| Francie of the Chalet School updated November 28, 2009 http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=6867 |
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| Author: | Mair Cail [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 7:06 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Francie of the Chalet School updated November 28, 2009 |
I've long wanted to see a story about Francie, and so I decided I would sit down and write a drabble myself. This story has been mulling around in my brain for some time. I hope you like it. Francie was thrilled. Miss Dene had arrived in the form room and asked Miss Edwards to bring Lower Third A to the Hall. Her first thought was, “No arithmetic.” She hadn’t done any prep the previous evening, choosing instead to play noughts and crosses with Margot Maynard. Margot and her sisters had arrived that term from Canada and Margot had been placed in Lower Third A, the form which Francie was in, while Margot’s two triplet sisters were in both divisions of Upper Third. Francie was drawn to Margot’s mischievous side, and was thrilled to find that Margot was her now her seat mate. Unfortunately, Margot had clicked almost from the first with Emerence Hope, a young criminal, who had been sent to the Chalet School by her father after almost setting the entire neighbourhood on fire when she, out of sheer boredom, had set fire to her family’s summer cottage at the bottom of their property. Francie wanted desperately to be Margot’s friend too, but at the bottom of her heart she knew that Margot had already chosen Emerence to be her one and only bestest friend. Miss Edwards upon hearing Miss Dene’s request put down the chalk she was using on the blackboard. Dusting her hands off she turned to the class and said, “Lower Third A, rise.” With one movement the entire class rose to their feet. “Now, then girls single file to Hall, and follow me.” Miss Edwards came to the front of the line and led the girls to the Hall. She showed them to where she wanted them to sit and then took her place on the raised platform at the front of the Hall with the rest of the staff. Miss Annersley stood on the dais, smiling down at the young faces raised up to her, and leaned forward. Her clear eyes, which had never needed glasses, scanned the lines of young girls in front of her. She raised her hands and brought them down in front of her shushing the sound of voices that had risen in excitement at her recent news. She leaned forward and smiled. “We wish that all of you here who are twelve or over will come with us, however, just for the present, we can’t take anyone younger than that.” The faces of the two Lower Thirds and the faces of several people in Upper Third showed utter dismay. “Although we hope that everyone else will come with us, we are going to carry on with the Chalet School in England. Miss Edwards will be the Head of this school, and anyone who is not coming with us to Switzerland will carry on with the other school in England. Now then, wouldn’t you like to know where you are going?” She smiled at them and waited quietly while a quick spurt of applause pealed out from the girls. “We are going to where the finishing branch of the school is now. It is the mountains above Welsen and it is called the Gornetz Platz." |
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| Author: | Abi [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 7:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School |
This looks interesting, Mair, can't wait to see more! |
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| Author: | PaulineS [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 7:22 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School |
Thanks welcome to a new drabble. |
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 7:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School |
This does look interesting! More soon please
Francie and Margot would have made good friends, it's a shame EBD never
thought of it - though with Emerence as well, all the staff would have
been grey in a week!
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| Author: | Emma A [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 7:28 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School |
Nice to see Francie's wanting to be friends with Margot from an earlier age than we see it after Emerence leaves. Thanks, Mair. |
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| Author: | aitchemelle [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 7:48 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School |
Yippee a new drabble! Excellent start! Thank you
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| Author: | Mrs Redboots [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 8:45 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School |
This looks interesting, thank you! |
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| Author: | Alison H [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 1:20 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School |
Always nice to see a new drabble .
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| Author: | Mair Cail [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 6:24 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 16, 2009 |
Thanks for the encouragement. I hope you keep enjoying it. Upper Third A filed slowly back into their form room taking as much time as possible, and spinning out the final seconds of their arithmetic class. As they sat down and pulled out their books for the next class, Margot leaned over and whispered to Francie, “Are your mom and dad sending you to Switzerland.” Francie, for once, let some of her home life slip. “I guess so,” she replied. “They’ll want to do everything they can to suck up to me ‘cause my real mom died.” Margot looked startled. “She died?” she asked. “Yes, a little over three years ago. Mom got awful sick with the flu and then she got pneumonia and she was so weak and…” Francie trailed off. Margot gave her a look of sympathy and then whispered, “We’ll talk later,” as Miss Stephens came in to the form room. The form gave Miss Stephens a collective look of puzzlement, and she laughed at them. “Miss Slater has migraine and so I am filling in today for her.” The form silently heaved a sigh of relief. Miss Slater was so hard to please and trying to remain absolutely still and behave themselves after what they had just heard from Miss Annersley would have been like sitting on shards of glass. At least with Miss Stephens they could be just a wee bit noisy and although she would shhhh them, she wouldn’t give them order marks nor detention marks as surely as Miss Slater would. After a somewhat trying day at class, Francie was curled up in the common room with colored paper strips spread before her on a tray. The tray had raised sides that allowed for movement of the paper strips but prevented them from sliding off. She was practicing the art of Quilling or paper filigree as it is often called. These strips of paper are then rolled, shaped, and glued together to create decorative designs. The paper is wound around a quill to create a basic coiled shape. After that the paper is glued at the tip and the coil is shaped. The shaped coils are then arranged to form animals, flowers, leaves, and anything else you can image. Often the various ornamental patters are similar to ironwork. Francie found the art of Quilling soothing. She liked the feel of the paper strips in her fingers and the precise work that was required. She was quite the finicky youngster, although if you told the staff they would have hooted with laughter. As it was, most of her schoolwork bored her beyond her belief. If she had applied herself she would have been two forms ahead and been classmates with Len, Margot’s sister. However, there was nobody at home to praise her, nor make her feel special, or to take an interest in her. At first it was all duty to the two people she called step-dad and step-mom. When her mother had married again, Francie had felt lukewarm to her new step-dad. He worked constantly and had no time for an eight year old. Francie, to be perfectly honest, didn’t care. He spent most of his time away from home working and providing them with luxuries that up until that point had been unavailable for Francie and her mom. Then her mom got sick and died. Her step-dad immersed himself in work and shot Francie to boarding school lickety split, the fact that it was a very expensive boarding school meant nothing to Francie. She and her step-dad were just starting to get to know each other on school holidays when her step-dad married again. By the time the two adults had worked through the euphoria of their first two years of marriage and they realized what was happening, Francie feeling unloved had built a hard core of, “I don’t care”, around herself. |
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 7:15 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School |
Oh, poor Francie! I really hope that Margot can help her. Thankyou for the update. |
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| Author: | Nightwing [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 7:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School |
Poor Francie 
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| Author: | Abi [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 8:25 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School |
That's sad; poor Francie. Thanks Mair. |
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| Author: | aitchemelle [ Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:07 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 16, 2009 |
Poor Francie. What chance has she had? |
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| Author: | Mair Cail [ Tue Nov 17, 2009 6:36 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 16, 2009 |
Thanks, for the encouragement. Here's another chapter in the story, hope you enjoy it. “Bride, can I speak with you if you have a minute?” asked Elfie, looking slightly worried. “It’s about your cousin, Margot.” added Elfie. “Let’s find a quiet spot, not here though. How about the library?” asked Bride. The two girls made their way to the little room that was designated the Seniors Library. Bride bent down and lit the gas fireplace, “No reason why we shouldn’t be comfy.” She grinned at Elfie. Bride hooked her leg around a basket chair and drew it towards her. “Here Elf, you sit here and I’ll sit on the desk. That way it can be all official like.” She hopped up on the desk. “Oh, Bride, don’t be such a moke, as if it needed be official between two friends.” Bride, looking slightly ashamed, slid off the high librarian desk and pulled out the other basket chair and sat down in it. She tucked her feet underneath herself and said, “So, what’s up?” Elfie leaned towards her, “Ever since your cousin came home, she has been friends with Emerence, right?” Bride immediately stood up. “If this is about Margot’s friendship we might as well stop this right now. You know we can’t involve ourselves in the kids’ friendships…” Elfie broke in, “No, no, you are taking me the wrong way.” She replied hastily. “But, have you noticed lately that the twosome is becoming a rather twisted threesome.” “Threesome?” “Yes, since Emerence is not in Margot’s form room, Margot seems to have taken up with Francie. But there are problems there, because I don’t for one think that Emerence is going to be happy about this at all.” “Francie? Are you kidding me?” Bride looked flabbergasted. “Auntie Jo will have kittens. The three most mischievous girls plotting and planning together, we’ll never have a moment’s peace.” “I don’t think it will go that far.” Elfie broke in. “Why, what do you mean? Queried Bride. “I think Emerence wants Margot all to herself. And, that she will go to any lengths to keep it that way. In that case, watch out for fireworks. Why, just this past week Emerence has been in trouble more often than not. She’s been rude to the staff and cheeky to us prefects, and don’t forget the fight she had with Francie in the splashery yesterday. Although," she added, "in all fairness to Francie, I think Emerence was the one at fault.” “”Hmmm,” Bride murmured. “I’ll have to keep my eye on Emerence, we can’t let her cause any problems, the little brat.” She added grimly. “I am also worried about what Auntie Jo will have to say. The last thing she needs right now is to be subjected to more concerns about Margot.” Bride was aware of the Head’s edict regarding Margot not going with the rest of the school to Switzerland if her marks were poor at terms end. However, she couldn’t impart this information even to Elfie, her closest friend. Bride looked worried. Of all things to happen this term, what with the all the turmoil of having to pack up and move to Switzerland. Elfie stood up, and reaching down twisted the knob to the gas fireplace turning it off. “Well, now that you know, we can keep a sharp eye on Emerence and her doings.” Elfie added. “We better make tracks it’s almost time for our session with the Head.” she said looking down at her watch. “And, I still have to get my books from the locker.” |
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| Author: | aitchemelle [ Tue Nov 17, 2009 6:39 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 16, 2009 |
Thank you Mair Cail. Another excellent update. I'd never really thought about how Emerence might feel! 
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Nov 17, 2009 6:51 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 17, 2009 |
Oh dear, this is all very messy! I just really hope that this sticks to canon and it settles down in the end. Thankyou
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| Author: | Abi [ Tue Nov 17, 2009 11:38 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 17, 2009 |
Thanks for more of this Mair .
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| Author: | Fiona Mc [ Tue Nov 17, 2009 11:57 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 17, 2009 |
Just found this and am really enjoying it. Thanks Mair |
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| Author: | charli [ Wed Nov 18, 2009 1:44 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 17, 2009 |
Also just found this and having fun reading it. Francie has always been one of my favourite characters so I'm so glad you are writing about her. Thanks. (Looking forward to more  )
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| Author: | Mair Cail [ Wed Nov 25, 2009 7:21 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 25, 2009 |
Another update. Glad you are all enjoying it so far. Bride approached the front office where Miss Dene was sitting busily typing letters to prospective parents. As she came into sight, Miss Dene looked up and smiled at her. “Well, Bride, what brings you down to my end of the building?” she asked. Bride replied, “I’ve got permission to go and have tea with Auntie Jo this afternoon, but I can’t find any of the staff to report to.” “They are in a staff meeting regarding the end of term arrangements”. Miss Dene said by way of explanation. “So off you go and tell your Auntie Jo that I will be over Sunday week for tea myself.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bride mopped her eyes with her hanky, “Auntie Jo,” she choked, “Your neighbors in Canada must have thought you were loopy!” Jo had been regaling her niece with some of her more outrageous escapades in Canada. She grinned at Bride, “Now, remember, you must keep this to yourself. I really don’t want anyone else to know.” “Yes, I will.” Bride promised her Aunt. “It’s no wonder Margot has such a time with her devil, she takes after you.” “What, I was never nearly as bad as my Margot when I was younger. Especially once your Auntie Madge started the school.” Jo cried in self defence. “Hmmmm,” murmured Bride as she eyed her aunt wondering how far she could push this teasing. Deciding to give it up as a lost cause because no one ever got the better of Auntie Jo she pushed on to the real reason for the tea party. “Auntie Jo, please don’t take offence to what I say.” Bride dropped her eyes to her lap and twisted her hanky in her hands. “Why, Bride, when have I ever taken offence to anything you might say? I mean I pride myself on being as honest and open as any of you girls at school, and if I do say so myself I will always be a Chalet school girl. So go ahead.” Jo smiled at her niece encouraging her to speak. Bride took a deep breath, and stared at the ceiling for a few moments before beginning. “Auntie Jo, Margot is getting friendly with another girl in her form.” She started. “No, no, please let me finish.” She waved her hands at her Aunt. “The other girl is Francie Wilford, and this isn't what I am concerned about because I think that Margot could do Francie a lot of good. What I am concerned about is Emerence’s reaction to the situation. She’s being an awfully silly little girl and her jealousy is causing us prefects conniption fits.” Bride wound down her explanation and looked sideways at her Aunt gauging her reaction. Jo leaned forward and patted Bride’s arm. “Don’t worry chicken, I am not upset.” She smiled at her niece. “So, Emerence is causing problems is she?” “Yes, she is.” Bride declared emphatically. “She started a fight with Francie in the Splasheries and she has been rude and sullen with the prefects. I think that she is jealous of Margot having any friends other than her.” Jo, smiled to herself, Emerence reminded her of another girl who in her schooldays was also a jealous little soul and therefore brought a great deal of trouble on herself. She leaned forward and said, “I don’t think I ever told you about what a pain in the neck Simone was when we were at school did I?” Bride, looking startled replied, “Auntie Simone was like Emerence?” Jo laughingly said, “No, not that way. She was a law abiding little girl, but, oh my, she was so jealous of me and my other friends. She caused a lot of problems until she learned that the only way she could stay my friend was to share me.” “I guess that is what Emerence is going to have to do too.” Bride nodded. “Yes, don’t forget, Bride, Emerence is an only child. Plus, she’s a spoilt little monkey used to getting her own way in everything. She has never had to share or think of anyone else but herself.” Jo explained. “You know you really can’t interfere with Margot’s friendships, but you can take care of Miss Emerence before she gets herself in to really hot water.” Jo thought to herself for a minute and then said, “Here this is what I think you should do.” She leaned forward and began to explain her plan to Bride. |
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Nov 25, 2009 8:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 25, 2009 |
Hope that Joey's got this one right! Thanks for the update. |
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| Author: | Abi [ Wed Nov 25, 2009 9:38 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 25, 2009 |
Thanks for the update - that was a lovely scene between Bride and Joey. It's nice to see them just being Aunt and niece. |
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| Author: | aitchemelle [ Thu Nov 26, 2009 11:16 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 25, 2009 |
Thank you for the lovely update! |
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| Author: | mohini [ Fri Nov 27, 2009 8:22 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 25, 2009 |
Thank you for the update. How typical of Joey to tell about Simone's jealousy! Joey is like Mrs Marple. She finds parallel cases many times. |
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| Author: | Mair Cail [ Sat Nov 28, 2009 9:12 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 28, 2009 |
Mohini you were right! Jo was a little off mark with this one! Now, on with the story. Bride, on her way back to school after a gorgeous afternoon spent with her Auntie Jo, was feeling confused and anxious. She found her way into the Orchards that were next to the School grounds and settled herself down by a big apple tree. She began to separate her thoughts one by one. “I wish Peggy were here, and I could run this all by her,” she mused to herself. She drew up here legs and rested her chin on the top of her knees. She was aware that the punishment Auntie Jo had advised would normally work with any of the other girls, but this time Margot was the unknown quantity. Yes, the prefects should step in and punish Emerence for her rude behaviour to staff and the prefects, however, Margot would be up in arms over Emerence’s punishment and then sparks would fly. Bride sighed to herself, and proceeded to think really deeply. First, Margot was to be kept happy and contented this term. That was paramount in the final plan. Auntie Jo really didn’t see the big picture which was if Margot lost her cool this term there was no way that Margot would be going to Switzerland. It was common knowledge to anyone in the family circle of Maynard’s, Russell’s, and Bettany's that once Margot got into trouble any attention to schoolwork was lost. Bride, concerned about Margot not going to Switzerland with the school next term was anxious not to do anything to upset Margot, and Emerence in trouble with the prefects would definitely cause a shift in Margot’s attention to schoolwork. A sudden thought crept into Bride’s mind that Auntie Jo in describing Emerence’s behaviour was also describing her own daughter Margot. Margot, never a favourite with any of the extended family, was certainly a spoilt little monkey. However, in all fairness to Margot, Bride thought that Auntie Jo, being the ever anxious and protective Mama, had made all the children give in to Margot. It was no wonder that Margot took advantage of her situation and became the brat that she was. Bride, uncomfortable with the criticism of her beloved Auntie Jo, shied away from carrying on with this train of thought. She knew that she would have to make up her mind, right now, before going back to the School as to what she should do about Emerence. Suddenly, the light bulb went on, and she grinned to herself. “Oh, perfect” she laughed out loud. She had remembered that this would be the last term for having pets in the school. Aimee Sinclair, the Pets Prefect, had been sent for by her father as her mother had been involved in a nasty accident. Aimee wouldn’t be coming back this term, and only joining up with Welsen the following year. Bride, knowing this, had decided in an instant that she would give the Pets job to Francie, Emerence, and Margot. All of the prefects were much too busy to take on the Pets position, and basically all that was needed was to make sure that the pets were in their kennels, and safe and happy. Of course, any major decisions would be passed over to the Prefects. Bride was certain that if all three of them were put on to the job that Emerence would get over her jealousy, and Margot would be averted from losing her right to go to Switzerland. Standing up, she dusted herself off, twisting and turning to check her uniform and make sure that it was all a uniform should be. She felt like a ton weight had fallen off her shoulders. She knew now that, hopefully, everything would work out with Emerence and Francie. Setting off through the Orchard she decided that she would call a Prefect’s meeting for the next evening and unfold her plans to the others. |
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| Author: | Kathy_S [ Sat Nov 28, 2009 9:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 28, 2009 |
Sounds like a plan.
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Nov 28, 2009 9:50 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 28, 2009 |
Sounds good to me! |
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| Author: | Abi [ Sat Nov 28, 2009 10:10 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 28, 2009 |
Well done Bride for thinking things through herself and not just going with whatever she's told! Let's hope the plan works.
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| Author: | Fiona Mc [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 12:21 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 28, 2009 |
This is good, thanks, am really enjoying this |
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| Author: | Emma A [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 3:51 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 28, 2009 |
Gosh, I understand that Joey would be keen on making sure that Margot went to Switzerland, but really!  Good for Bride! |
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| Author: | aitchemelle [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 6:44 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 28, 2009 |
Thank you! I'm not as confident as Bride, that her scheme will work out. You can't always put people together and just hope they work things out! |
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| Author: | mohini [ Tue Dec 01, 2009 6:39 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 28, 2009 |
I hope the plan works. |
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| Author: | shazwales [ Sat Dec 26, 2009 11:38 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 28, 2009 |
Just found this and really enjoyed what i've read so far. Any chance of an update in the new year please? |
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| Author: | ivohenry [ Wed Apr 07, 2010 5:34 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 28, 2009 |
Please may we have some more - would love to hear how the three of them get on with the pets!! |
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| Author: | Chair [ Tue Jun 22, 2010 11:51 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Francie of the Chalet School updated November 28, 2009 |
I have just read this from the beginning and I am really enjoying it. I hope that you will update this drabble soon. I hope that Francie, Margot and Emerence will work together well. I was glad to see this drabble as I have recently reread Ruey and I wished that there would be a drabble about Francie. |
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