Old and Famous finished 4/11/06
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The CBB -> St Clare's House

#1: Old and Famous finished 4/11/06 Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 8:12 pm
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"Oh deary me! How all these things do happen at once!"

Joey had only just returned from her rest cure in the Tiernsee. THe boys were back at school (besides Charles who was recovering from appendicitis in Austria under his uncle's care).

There had been a deluge of papers and envelopes to go through. Jack had snorted in disgust at the bills and bank statements. Joey had manuscripts and publishers deals and proofs to read, in addition to her fan mail. Len, Con, Margot and Ruey were dealing with the latter.

"What's the matter Mamma?"

"A letter from my old school!"


Last edited by Phil on Sat Nov 04, 2006 10:43 pm; edited 15 times in total

#2:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 9:44 pm
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Thanks, Phil. This looks really great so far.

#3:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 10:18 pm
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Looking good!

#4:  Author: KatherineLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 5:52 pm
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Hmm, could it be her old old school?

#5:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 8:12 pm
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The triplets and Ruey looked blank.

"But Mrs May.. Aunt Joey, you spent your entire life at the Chalet School did you not?"

Joey laughed. "Oh no Ruey! The Chalet School started when I was twelve! I did go to another school from about the age of eight. Before that, I was at a Kindergarten and nursery which Auntie Madge took me to.

The triplets were intrigued. Surely Mamma couldn't have been at any other school? Mamma was the Chalet School!

"Was this in Taverton Mamma?" asked Margot

"Right first time my love!" Joey blew a kiss to her daughter.

"What does the letter say Mamma?" Con was curious.

"Please read it Mamma!" begged Len.

Joey cleared her throat and began,

"Dear Miss Bettany,

I hope this letter finds you and your family in good health.

We have fond memories of your time here and are pleased the Chalet School is flourishing. We hope you enjoyed your time there.

Recently the school governors had been discussing a guest speaker to be invited to our annual school speech day. Our Head Girl suggested a famous old girl and a vote was taken amongst the girls of the school, right down to the junior years.

I am pleased to say you came top in our poll, your books are a delight to all the girls in the school and we hold a complete set of first editions in the library.

We would be delighted if you would accept our invitation to speak at our next school speech day on October 22nd at 2pm. We shall of course, reimburse any travel expenses."

"Is that it Mamma?" asked Con.

"Oh just some blather about high Taverton High developed over the years since I left. New swimming pool and changing rooms, new stables etc. Do you know girls, I don't think I will bother!"

"Oh Mamma!" came a howl of disapproval from the triplets.

"But why Aunt Joey? They really want you!" this from Ruey.

Joey eyed her thoughtfully.

"I don't know why they asked! I was only at that school as a junior for three or four years and the time I was there, I was constantly in and out of hospital and bed because of my chest problems! I was rarely there! Besides, I am and always will be a Chalet School Girl!"

"Why not talk it through with Papa?" suggested the newly reformed, meek, obedient, sweet Margot.

"Mamma, Isn't it obvious that you are wanted because they love your books and your did go the school for four years even if you were sick most of the time!"

Con blurted out what she was thinking.

"Con you musn't speak without thinking, remember what Mary Lou told us last term!" this from Len, with a fearful glance over her shoulder to see if the omnipresent OOAO was not lurking in the shadows with a steely glare.

"And what about you worrying about us all the time!" snapped Con.

"Ah! What is this? Is this related to whatever your father and Auntie Hilda still won't tell me about? Something to do with all of you three?"

Joey was in "stern Mamma" mode now! Margot looked terrifed as those horrid memories resurfaced. Fortunately she had Ruey, who was neutral in all this to support her.

"Sorry Mamma!" from Len and Con.

"So I should hope! well, despite the problem of the small fry, it being Ruey's first term and you two squabbling, that settles it, I can't go if I can't trust you!"

Margot decided on a plea for mercy.

"Mamma, we will look after Ruey! Promise! And we all learnt a lesson last term which none of us will ever forget! And something can be worked out with the babies! Please discuss it with Papa at least!"

The plea worked.

"Margot my little angel pie, I don't know what horrid times you have had to go through, but you really are fighting the good fight! You are a good girl! I'll discuss it with Papa, but no promises! If he thinks it is a good idea, then I will go!"

"Oh Mamma!" and the previously non affectionate Margot gave her mother a big kiss.

"Here's Uncle Jack now!" The heavy sound of Jack Maynard's feet crucnching the gravel footpath were heard as the great doctor let himself into his home.

#6:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 8:44 pm
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Ooh is there a secret?
thanks Phil

#7:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 12:58 pm
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Thanks, Phil. I wonder why Joey isn't too keen to go? I'd have thought it would be the sort of chance she'd jump at.

#8:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 8:24 pm
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"It's just not relevant to me! Taverton High! I'm a Chalet School Girl Jack! I always will be! All I remember about those early years is being ill all the time and Madge worrying about me!"

"Didn't Dick worry about you?" asked Jack

"What? Oh yes, of course he did, but Taverton High, Jack!"

"Well think of the girls' feelings! The girls at Taverton High! Ones whose parents may not have the money to send them to even the British branch of the Chalet School! Aren't you being a bit selfish?"

"Oh, you man, Jack Maynard!"

"Well I'm glad you got my sex right!"

Jack laughed, so did Joey.

In her heart of hearts, Joey knew she could not let her fans down. However, she didn't like raking up past memories of Taverton High. She felt she would need support. Oh if only Grizel were not in New Zealand! How selfish of her to have settled on the other side of the world! It was of course, allright for other old chaletians to do this, but not Grizel for some reason. Mary (nee Burnett) was now married and living abroad, Rosalie would be busy at school and during half term!

Madge! Why not Madge! And if she could not be spared, then, Dick would help! Joey went straight to her writing desk. Three letters were despatched: one to her brother, one to her sister and a letter of acceptance to Taverton High School.

The curious triplets and Ruey begged Joey for a full report on Taverton.

"It would be nice if we could come with you Aunt Joey!" murmured Ruey.

Joey laughed at this. "I don't think Auntie Hilda will thank me for whisking you off to the mother country! Now off to school!"

Regretfully the triplets and Ruey left, their minds full of speculation about what Mamma's visit to her old school would bring! They knew everything there was to know about the Chalet School and its foundation, but pre-Chalet School was "wrop in mistry" to quote Mamma.

The Maynard boys were overjoyed to have a surprise visit from Mamma at their weekend exeat! They had not expected this! They proudly showed her off to their masters and friends and Joey felt she must have shaken a hundred hands that day! The following day, Joey was in Taverton at last!

#9:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 8:26 pm
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Looking forward to seeing how Joey gets on.

#10:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 9:44 pm
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Looking forward to seeing Jo in Taverton
Thanks Phil

#11:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 11:10 pm
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I've never thought of wht happened to Jo pre-twelve! A very interesting idea, Phil, I look forward to seeing what happens.

#12:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Sun Aug 20, 2006 5:39 pm
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Alighting from the train, Joey saw that Taverton had not changed much. She checked into her hotel. The butcher's was still there, so was the baker. She remembered as a child annoying Madge by repeating the same old question, "The Butcher, the Baker, Where's the candle stick maker Madge?"

She went outside for a quick walk. The Church was still there, the Trevanion's house close by. A walk further up the lane brought her to Grizel's old home. Mrs Cochrane had now been rendered invalid by a stroke and needed round the clock care. She turned right, then left, up a small hill and another left and walked down a short gravel drive to her old home.

Joey Maynard stared at the lifeless windows. She looked up to where her old room was. She remembered being sentenced to bad, suffering from cold after cold. Madge would tuck her in ever so tightly, whilst Dick would build up the fire with extra coals and logs. The bronchitis kettle would be lit. All she could do was read and read and read. Perhaps she should mention that in her speech? Mind you, if every girl thought that to be a great writer, you had to be sick all the time, there was bound to be one silly little creature who would do just that and make herself ill!

Her thoughts were interrupted by a boy of about twelve running out of the door chased by a girl aged ten.

"Harry, you pig! Give me back my new Josephine M Bettany!"

Harry, the naughty boy was holding a brand new JMB over the pond in the front lawn.

"Right! I'm telling Dad and you will get such a hiding you won't sit down for a week!"

"Oh go on then! Sneak! Tell tale!"

The boy stormed back towards his sister, and threw the book on the ground at her. He then ran off in the direction of Joey, whom he could not see. His sister gleefully called after him,

"Running away now are you? Cowardly pig! I'll tell Dad you're a coward too and you called me names!"

Harry slumped at the base of the tree and put his hands to his eyes, trying to stop himself from crying. He did not hear Joey approach.

With a note of severity in her voice, Joey said,

"Why did you steal your sister's book? And threaten to drop it in the pond? You shouldn't treat books like that!"

Harry looked up, startled. He groaned. Now this woman had seen everything and would doubtless drag him to Dad for a thrashing! She may even watch! Oh life was too awful to live! He wept.

"I am waiting for an answer! You're not really a coward are you?"

The word stung Harry "the pig". With a look of defiance, he said, "I only wanted to read it! Honestly! Ellen keeps taking my comics, so I thought I would read some of her books! She's always going on about her favouite author. She gets nasty if she sees me with one of those books! She says I'm a boy and I'm weird if I want to read girls books, but I like them them. Besides, I said she always takes and reads everything of mine! I bet if Josephine M Bettany were here, she wouldn't mind boys reading her books!"

Joey was astonished! She fished into her capacious bag for her latest title, with a beautiful dustjacket. She opened the dustjacket on the inside to reveal a photograph of the great author, she held it up beside her face. The severity gone from her voice.

"Harry, does this look familiar?"

Realisation dawned on his face! He was speaking to Josephine M Bettany!

Just then a brutal voice cut across the drive,

"Henry Carter! Come here boy! Come here at once!"

Fear turned to Harry's eyes.

"It's Dad! He's going to belt me! I kow he is! Oh I wish Mum would come back! Why did she leave? Why?"

Harry turned to Joey. "Dad hates boys. It's in our family, Dad's father hated him and grandfather's father hated him and Dad hates me. He loves Ellen though. She's a girl."

Joey was appalled. She knew her own husband could be explosive towards the children, but he loved them all, including the boys, including Margot and Mike after the stunts they had pulled during the Summer!

This boy was genuinely terrified of his father. Judging by the boy's expression, Harry would have been happy to be hanged rather than face his father. This had to be seen to at once!

"Don't you worry! You leave your father to me!" she said grimly.

#13:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Aug 20, 2006 6:48 pm
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What a wonderful opportunity to butt in again!

Thanks Phil.

#14:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Aug 20, 2006 7:34 pm
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Thanks, Phil. I'm glad that Joey decided to go back. I wonder what she will say to Henry's father.

#15:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Sun Aug 20, 2006 8:33 pm
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Good old Joey. In the thick of things as always!

#16:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Aug 20, 2006 8:37 pm
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Good for Joey. Laughing

#17:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Sun Aug 20, 2006 8:56 pm
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Good for Jo!

#18:  Author: Laura VLocation: Czech Republic PostPosted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 4:29 pm
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I like it a lot! Very Happy

#19:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 5:37 pm
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Joey was furious! That this outrage against a child was being committed, because he was the wrong sex at birth! And that it should be taking place in the old Bettany family home, a home that had only known love. Nothing else!

Mr Carter was amazed to see this tall, elegant lady with a face like thunder approach him.

"Your son!" she choked. "Your son!"

"Madam, if my son has done anything wrong, please accept my apologies, I shall see to it that he is well whipped and makes good any damage he has caused..."

Joey grabbed the cane from Mr Carter's hand and broke it in two.

"Brute!" she screamed. "Monster! Coward! You utter fiend! I should like to see you come up against a real man and explain your behaviour to your son! Why, you wouldn't last ten seconds against my husband! I have a good mind to call the police!"

Meanwhile Harry Carter had recovered his composure and nervously approached the scene.

Mr Carter was worried this scolding fury may carry out her threat. His wife had threatened him with the police before, that was before he had chased her out of his home. He calmed down.

"Madam, I must apologise. I must have misunderstood what my daughter said about her brother. He will not be punished. Please leave this to me."

Any hopes he had of Joey butting out were not to be realised.

"Not until I've seen this boy to his bedroom and got him to lie down. He is still frightened of you."

Strangely enough Mr Carter obliged. "Front bedroom, turn left at the top of the stairs!"

"Oh! My old room! Yes, Mr Carter, I used to live here! Before I went abroad to live. When I was still Jo Bettany!"

Mr Carter was shocked. He had just brought down upon his head the wrath of his daughter's favourite author! Oh how he hoped Ellen had not heard!

Ellen had. She had been gleefully watching the proceedings in anticipation of her brother's punishment, and was shocked to discover he had an ally in Josephine M Bettany! Not only that, but he was sleeping in her old room. She remembered when they first moved in how she quarrelled with Harry and demanded the larger room, not the small poky, front room. Well, now she wanted that room! Harry could have the larger one! She was Josephine M Bettany's biggest fan and she was to be awarded the new Bettany Prize for Junior literature at Taverton High on Friday! Now that horrid smelly boy was in the way! Never mind! She would see that Dad punished him later! The sad truth was she was missing her mother too and was taking it out on her older brother by setting him and Dad at war with each other. Not that Dad liked boys much. He didn't need much encouragement to thrash Harry.

"Why you are a lucky boy! Not many people can lay claim to have slept in the same room as a contemporary popular authoress! You must have a special plaque put on the door, "Josephine M Bettany slept here" I might even send you an autographed picture!"

She laughed in her golden, carefree way. Harry began to relax. "I really do like your books Mrs...er..."

"Oh, please call me Joey!"

"I won't be rude will I?"

"Well, you can call me Aunt Joey! I have plenty of brevet nieces and nephews!" she laughed again.

Harry still looked nervous.

"Mrs Maynard, if you prefer!"

"I knew a Maynard once, sturdy young chap about a year younger than me. We were in a school rugger tournament. Went to a Catholic Boys' school, said his parents lived in Switzerland. Oh what was him name? Good chap he was and an excellent prop! Stephen! That's his name! Stephen John Maynard! Had a shock of yellow hair!"

"But that's my son! My eldest boy!"

Joey proceeded to give Harry a run down of her family history, whilst Ellen listened enviously at the door. At length, Harry thought of his sister.

"Ill tell Ellen I'm sorry I pinched her book, but it really is a fantastic read! She's a big fan of yours too."

Outside Ellen felt a twinge of regret. Did Harry really care for her? She was so used to hearing her beloved Daddy's opinion that he was a naughty boy who was in constant need of a damn good hiding. Maybe Daddy was wrong? She slunk away as she heard Joey say, "Mercy! I must get to the train station! I'm meeting my brother and sister in half an hour!"

"Oh there's a short cut at the back of..."

"I know!" said Joey running out of the house. She had used the shortcut before, to lie in wait for Dick on his return home, so she could throw snowballs or mud pies at him, much to Madge's dismay!

Ellen had mixed feelings. Just for a moment her brother appeared to care for her and was willing to apologise for taking her book. Then jealousy resurfaced. He, the pig, had Josephine M Bettany's old room! She should have it! He, the pig, had no right to read any JMB books, because he was a dirty smelly, horrid boy, She, not the pig should be friends with Josephine M Bettany! She was getting the new literature prize after all! She would find a way to punish the nasty boy; and Dad would make him wish he had never been born!

Joey left the house with a few words to Mr Carter about how she would look in to see Harry again, and she hoped for Mr Carter's sake, the boy would not show any signs of a beating!

#20:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 6:01 pm
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Wonder if Joey with fathom out Ellen's thoughts - and how she will deal with it?

Thanks Phil.

#21:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 8:37 pm
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Thanks Phil

#22:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Sat Aug 26, 2006 3:29 pm
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Joey had left Dick and Madge to unpack at the hotel and went to Taverton High to meet the Head and be given a run down of what to do on Speech Day.

The smell of a school never changes! Thought Joey. Even her beloved Chalet School, her sons' schools, her nephews' schools all "smellt" the same. She paused by the sports honours boards and felt a glow of pride to see Grizel Cochrane's name there! Out side she could see the playing fields and remembered the whole school watching a cricket match where Grizel had led the junior team to victory! Before Grizel left for New Zealand, she would occasionally have business in Taverton. She would often tell Joey how she used gaze longingly at the school sports field!

Joey found she knew the route to the school secretary's office like clockwork! The paintwork was still the same, there was a new science block being built. Joey's thoughts were interrupted by a gorgon.

"Name?"

"Er, Bettany... Josephine Bettany, class 2A, Miss Millen."

"You trying to be funny? Miss Millen retired two years ago!"

Joey was brought back to the current day with a jolt. "I mean, I am Joey Maynard, come to see the Head about Speech Day."

"Oh you're the one who writes those books!"

"Yes. Do you like them?"

"H'm! You could write more about how important it is for girls to behave themselves and not give the school secretary a ragging!"

"Depends on the school secretary!" hissed Joey.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Nothing complimentary. Is the Head in?"

"She'll be here in five minutes. Sit down over there!"

"Oh my only Aunt! Why not smack my leg and tell me to stand in the corner?" thought Joey sarcastically.

"Here she is Miss Wilson!"

Joey nearly jumped out of her skin! What in the name of Great Caeser's bathmat was Nell doing here?

She turned to see a very Un-Nell like person arrive. This lady was short, plump and had a shock of red hair. She had a broad impish grin that was very deceptive to wrongdoers.

"Mrs Maynard! At last! Such a pleasure to see you, please come to my office and we shall discuss speech day!"

Once seated in the warm office, Miss Wilson made a fresh pot of tea.

"I'm afraid our secretary, Miss Tench does not mke a good cuppa."

Joey could well believe that! If Miss Tench had her way, all the Taverton schoolgirls would be made to do slave labour, scrubbing floors and peeling potatoes and working in factories from dawn to dusk! However, Joey warmed to Miss Wilson immediately.

Miss Wilson was clear and succinct in the plans for speech day, her organisation belied her rather scatterbrained personality. She wound up with the new Bettany prize for Junior Literature, to be awarded to Ellen Carter. She noticed Joey frown.

"Do you know the Carters? Joey?"

"I saw the father threaten to beat his son black and blue! I shall be frank Miss Wilson, at school I was always the champion"butter in". Only with good reason though! I had to be responsible wheter I liked it or not! People looked up to me, so it is almost a work ethic with me to butt in. Where is their mother? What is happening to that boy and girl? I can tell by her looks she hates her brother and is only happy when she sees he is flogged, something I wouldn't put past that brute of a man!"

Miss Wilson sighed.

"Joey, this is in the strictest confidence. Ellen wasn't always like that! She has started to become a bully since her mother left about three months ago. Rumour has it she is in London consulting lawyers on child custody. At present the law is biased against women, but I can honestly say of the women of Taverton I know, there isn't a single person who doesn't want to take those poor children in or at the very least stop that monster from tanning his son! She pays no attention to her subjects now, except English composition. She was a clear winner in the new Bettany prize competition. We hope that by giving her this prize, she may turn over a new leaf! By then, hopefully her mother will return!"

Joey's mind was working furiously! She had to get Ellen alone and speak to her!

#23:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Aug 26, 2006 3:36 pm
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Thanks, Phil. I hope that Joey will be able to help the Carters. I loved the way that she responded to the secretary's questions!

#24:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Aug 26, 2006 5:23 pm
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Definitrely want to see more of Joey against that secretary! Laughing Glad this Miss Wilson is also an extremely good Head.

Thanks Phil.

#25:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Sat Aug 26, 2006 5:36 pm
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Hope Jo can help the Carters. I'm sure she can!

#26:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Sat Aug 26, 2006 7:49 pm
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The boy was fleeing for life, like a fox being chased by hounds, his Father was after him screaming threats and his terrible sister was there to witness his punishment. Harry had refused to swap rooms with Ellen. That refusal had brought cruel retribution on his head and he fled in terror. He reached the street, and the next thing he knew, he hit something hard and metal and was flying through the air. The last things he heard were a car horn and a woman scream.

"I've called an ambulance Madge. Is he still breathing?"

"Yes, oh thank goodness for that Dick! Thank goodness!"

"Why did he run like that? Why? What was he so frightened of?"

"I never saw him in time! Honest! Is he going to be allright?" asked the driver.

Mr Carter ran onto the scene, belt in hand, Ellen gleefully trailing. They got more than they bargained for. An angry looking woman pointed to him and said to Dick Bettany,

"That's the boy's father! With a belt in his hand as usual! That's why the poor lad was running! If the boy dies, that man is a murderer! I don't know what you are smiling at Miss!"

The woman's attention was now upon Ellen. She saw her apparently lifeless brother and suddenly felt sick. Oh no! Was Harry dead?

Dick Bettany had calmed the driver of the car down and strode over to Mr Carter.

"May I ask why you were chasing your son sir, with that weapon? Were you going to use it on him? Why?"

A crowd of angry women surged round Mr Carter.

"He's been belting seven bells out of that boy even more now his wife's left him!

"That poor lad has been beaten black and blue!"

"Give him a taste of his own medicine! Or we will!"

Mr Carter turned the pale white of a bullying coward. "He...wouldn't do as his sister asked! She only wanted to swap bedrooms and he refused...so I..didn't want to disappoint Ellen and..."

Mr Carter tried to beat a retreat, but Dick Bettany grabbed him.

"I should give you a good hiding for terrorising your child! Luckily for you my father brought me up to be a gentleman! Physical violence is never the answer. Ever. You will keep for the police!"

The wails of a police and an ambulance siren were heard in the street.

"Please! Not the police! If my employers ever hear about this! I beg you, not the police! They don't even know my wife has left! I'll lose my job and my house! I'll lose the children!"

"You deserve to lose everything you've got!" said Dick Bettany in disgust.

As two burly constables approached, Dick grimly informed them of what he witnessed and that he wished to lay charges against Mr Carter. Meanwhile, Ellen wept beside Madge, who was helping the unconscious Harry into the ambulance.

"Please! Will he be allright? I've been so nasty to him! I've been worse to him since Mummy left! I don't want him to die! He can be great fun sometimes!"

"The doctors will take good care of him, my dear.Now have you any one you can stay with? a Granny? An Aunt? I'm afraid the police want to ask your Daddy some questions."

"Oh there's no one! Just home! I think there's a phone number for Mummy somewhere."

"Where's home?"

Madge was astonished to hear her old family address! She and Dick identified themselves at the police station and with an officer, took Ellen home and went to look for the all important telephone number. It was found soon enough. Madge and Dick looked around in wonder at their old home. it felt odd to be in such familiar surroundings and yet with such different decor and furniture. They pointed out old rooms to each other and discussed their memories, arousing Ellen's curiosity. When Dick mentioned he was a Bettany, she was amazed! How many of them were there? Dick was despatched to collect Joey from the hotel. The constable had informed Mrs Carter of her son's accident and the woman was getting the first train home! Madge offered to wait.

Dick arrived with a reproachful looking Joey. Ellen could feel the disappointment in Joey's eyes and she started to cry. Joey put her arms about her and took her to her room to have that all important talk.

#27:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Sat Aug 26, 2006 7:53 pm
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I hope the family can sort things out. They definitely have issues to address. Thanks, Phil.

#28:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Aug 26, 2006 8:00 pm
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Poor little lad - thank goodness the Bettany family were there.

Thanks Phil

#29:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Aug 26, 2006 8:44 pm
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Thanks, Phil. I also hope that the family can sort things out.

#30:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 2:06 pm
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"Ellen. Why are you so unhappy?" asked Joey.

The tearful girl cried. "Because Mummy left! She left because Daddy was beating Harry! She didn't take me or Harry with her! Then Daddy got all upset because Mummy had left and he only seems happy when he is cross with Harry, so I started to get Harry into trouble. It made me stop being sad about Mummy!"

Joey was horrifed. "Ellen, you must know that your brother is a human being and still a child! He musn't be treated like that! I know girls and boys go through a stage of not liking the opposite sex, but you should have grown out of it by now! Are you really so cruel? He may seem like a big boy to you, but from my view, he is still a baby! I have never seen a child more terrified than poor Harry!

Ellen nodded. "I don't want him to die! Please don't let him die!"

Joey knew Harry was in hospital, but even Dick and Madge were not sure how badly he was injured. She moved on to school.

"You've been having trouble at school too? Haven't you? Oh yes! I had to go there today to see Miss Wilson about speech day!"

"I didn't mean to bully the other girls! I didn't mean to say what I did to Alice Brookes!"

"What did you say to Alice Brookes?"

"She's got a new baby brother and I said boys weren't much good for anything."

"Ellen! What has happened to you? Miss Wilson said you used to be such a good girl! Do you really think you deserve this new prize?"

Ellen shook her head. "I do love writing though! I just want Mummy back, and I don't really like Daddy, but he makes such a fuss of me, he buys me presents and calls me Princess and I don't like it when he hits Harry."

Joey was relieved at the last sentence.

"Ellen. Some people are good, some are ind, some can be foolish but mean well, and sadly there are nasty people in the world. Some of whom are not cut out to be parents. I'm afraid your father..."

"...Is one of them!"

A tearful, slender, anxious looking woman walked into the room.

"Mummy!" squealed Ellen.

"Oh Mummy! I'm so glad you're back! I've been turning into a nasty person and I've been cruel to Harry! Please tell him I'm sorry! I do love him, I don't want him to die! I would rather have Harry than Daddy! Mrs Maynard and Lady Russell and Mr Bettany have been so kind to me!"

Ellen sobbed into her mother's arms.

Joey was relieved. Ellen's anger was broken and Mrs Carter had returned at the right moment. She left mother and daughter and returned to her brother and sister to be told that Harry had regained consciousness and was suffering a broken leg and bruising. They were joined by a young lawyer Joey's family knew very well, a Mr John Lucy, brother to Julie, Betsy and Kitten. He had come prepared with a cast iron case from his superiors for Mrs Carter to divorce her husband and take custody of the children!

#31:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 3:59 pm
    —
Thank goodness Mrs. Carter came home just then.

Thanks Phil.

#32:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 4:10 pm
    —
Thanks, Phil. I'm glad that Mrs Carter has turned up.

#33:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 6:45 pm
    —
Glad Mrs Carter arrived!

#34:  Author: ElleLocation: Peterborough PostPosted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 8:23 pm
    —
Phew!

#35:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:56 am
    —
Wendy Carter swept downstairs, to find the Bettanys.

"Thank you so much for your help. Thank you." Ellen is sleeping now. SHe never used to be so nasty. I so wanted to take the children with me when I left, but that awful man threatened to charge me with kidnapping."

"Well you are free of him now." was Dick's response.

Wendy Carter nodded. It had been a tiring day for her. She had rushed to the hospital, relieved to find her son alive. Tomorrow, Dick would go with her and young John Lucy to the police station to lay charges against Mr Carter and petition for a divorce. Dick Bettany would also complain to the man's employers at the Corah Mine. THis was still their house and the Carters were only tenants. He would also offer Mrs Carter and her children a post as housekeeper at the Quadrant, with accommodation included. He had not told Madge and Joey yet, but was sure they would be delighted.

Joey was speaking now.

"Perhaps Ellen could help me find my time capsule!"

Everyone in the room sat bolt upright.

"Time capsule, Joey?" queried Madge.

"Yes! Just before I left, I took some goodies and planted a time capsule!"

This was news to Dick and Madge.

#36:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 1:15 pm
    —
I think Jo's time capsule will be fascinating! And how good of Dick to think of offering Wendy that job.
Thanks Phil.

#37:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 2:41 pm
    —
Thanks, Phil. What's in the time capsule, I wonder.

#38:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 4:24 pm
    —
Looking forward to seeing what's in the time capsule!

#39:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 7:49 pm
    —
Thanks Phil - that was good of Dick

#40:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 9:18 pm
    —
Thanks, Phil. I'm looking forward to seeing what is in the time capsule.

#41:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 10:51 pm
    —
Ellen had seen her brother in hospital. She was shocked at how white he looked. He eyed her with fear. Pure fear. Ellen had cried thinking she had lost her brother for good, but a few kind words from her mother and from Joey healed any worries the siblings had.

Joey and Ellen went for a walk in the school grounds.

"Where is your time capsule Mrs Maynard?"

"A good question my child. I buried it when Grizel's class were building that pond."

"The biology pond? The one with all the tadpoles and frogs? Over here!"

Ellen looked into the still and stagnant water. Joey was more interested in the signatures of those who had built the pond. She knew who GC, MB and RD were!

They were interrupted by a gorgon.

"Ere! What are you doing 'ere! It's after school hours! You can't stay 'ere! You should be 'ome, now push orf!"

Joey eyed Miss Tench coolly.

"Miss Tench, kindly remember I am not a pupil of this school anymore and I am no longer twelve."

"Although some people act like they are two!" hissed Joey under her breath. Ellen gigled.

"What you laughing at girl?" growled Miss Tench.

"Sorry Miss Tench!" Ellen burst into laughter as she saw the face Joey was pulling behind the gorgon's back. The gorgon swung on Joey.

"I know what you were doing! I've got eyes in the back of my head!"

"Try using them in the front, they work better!" Joey said cheekily.

"Now look I wasn't born yesterday!"

"More's the pity!"

"I'm warning you Mrs Maynard! You need me on your side to deal with these girls, or else they will walk all over you!"

Joey could contain herself no longer. She burst into hysterics of laughter, clutching at the giggling Ellen for support.

The gorgon stomped off, vowing to "get even" with Mrs Maynard!

#42:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 1:57 pm
    —
Thanks, Phil. I love the fact that Joey knows the people who built the pond.

#43:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 2:35 pm
    —
Thanks, Phil. I wonder if Miss Tench will "get even" with Joey!

#44:  Author: ElleLocation: Peterborough PostPosted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 8:08 pm
    —
Phil wrote:
She knew who GC, MB and RD were!




Hmmm... Grizel Cochrane, Mary Burnett and Rosalie Dene?

#45:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 10:33 pm
    —
The gorgon angrily raided the dusty files of her cabinets. She could dig up dirt on any girl who had ever set foot on Taverton High! She was not going to let that Mrs Maynard win this battle! Not if her name was Edith Tench! (Known to the staff as ET and the girls as something quite different).

In an incredibly dusty marked "Josephine Mary Bettany" was something of interest! The gorgon's eyes glinted!

References to Joey's illness and school absences were plenty, but when Joey was in good health, she had been rather naughty. Quite how the gorgon was going to use this information was another matter. A quick word to the local paper? A trail of gossip around the parents? The gorgon laughed and gargled her cold grey tea.

Oh yes!

Lines here, kept in at break there, litter duty after school! Hm! What fun! The gorgon had Joey where she wanted her!

Sorry for the lack of updates. The PBs have deserted me of late. I'm going on holiday until 3rd October. Do I need to notify Mods of a leave of absence from the CBB?

#46:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 11:44 pm
    —
Thanks, Phil. I wonder what Miss Tench is going to do to Joey.

#47:  Author: AliceLocation: London, England PostPosted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 8:40 am
    —
Just read all of this, thanks Phil. Hope you're having a good holiday.

#48:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 5:49 pm
    —
"Of course, I would be one of the first people to invite Mrs Maynard back! I really would! But I am worried for the morals of the girls! You see Mrs Maynard wasn't always a good little girl! If it ever got out about her antics! The mustard in the school custard, not paying attention in some lessons, setting off a firecracker during an arithmetic lesson, dear me!"

The "Stench" had caught some unfortunate mothers in the school office and had brought up the subject of Joey. She waxed lyrical to her hostages, knowing full well their daughters outside could hear.

Mrs Torrance, who just wanted to get Jemima to her dentists' appointment on time, bolted for the door. This was the cue for the other captive mothers. One had to go to the ladies and the other was going to the theatre that night with her husband and needed to get home to prepare. In all honesty they held the odious school secretary in the same regard as their daughters.

Miss Tench did not notice their going. Nor did she notice Jemima Torrance talking animatedly to Ellen.

#49:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 7:20 pm
    —
Goodness, Joey was quite the little terror, eh?!

#50:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 8:13 pm
    —
Thanks, Phil. It's great hearing about Joey when she was younger!

#51:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 10:26 am
    —
Secretly in the dead of night, the Stench came back to her domain. She opened the school office, and sat at her desk. She eyed the school trophy cabinet. All those trophies were hers! She polished them, she looked after them! Why should they be awarded to those cheeky young madams?

It was not that Edith Tench had been slighted or had a run of bad luck when she was at school. In fact, she had won nearly every trophy there was, sporting academic and musical. This had caused some concern amongst the school authorities and as a result, Edith had gained competition as rules were changed to make the award of prizes more fair.

The Stench dreamed that she not Mrs Maynard, but she was handing out the prizes on speech day. Oh what would she say? "The prize for mathematics ladies and gentlemen, was awarded to Jemima Torrance, but because she cheeked me in the corridor last year, it has been revoked, therefore by default the prize goes to me!" Miss Tench could picture the fountains of tears and sobbing as each girl was publicly denied her prize! Miss Tench felt a warm glow inside her. Then a noise was heard outside. The sound of digging!

Joey, Ellen and Jemima were hard at work digging for Joey's timecapsule. SUddenly Jemima found a square metal box.

"Oh Mrs Maynard! Is this it?"

Trembling with excitement, Joey and Ellen looked at Jemima's find.

"Yes, why yes, I do declare it is!" breathed Joey Maynard.

In her mind she was twelve year old Joey Bettany again. She could remember the day she buried that box, she smell of earth, the feeling of excitement! She had avoided a game of cricket with Grizel on that day especially so she could do this!

Just then a sharp, leering voice cut through the air.

"What do you think you're doing? Clear off before I call the police! Wait! What's in that box? If it's school property, give it here!"

Joey and the two girls fled, but Jemima had dropped the box!

With a snigger, the Stench bent down, her bones creaking to get her talons on the treasure!

#52:  Author: arky72Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 1:22 pm
    —
I'm dying to know what's in the box!

#53:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 3:26 pm
    —
Thanks, Phil. I would really love to know what is in the box.

*Clare wonders if Phil has got into the future somehow as today is the 29th, not the 31st*. Laughing

#54:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 3:45 pm
    —
Thanks for the update, Phil!

#55:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 5:15 pm
    —
Yes, I'm fascinated by the thought of what might be in the box! Nice to see more of this, thanks Phil.

#56:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 11:42 pm
    —
Oh deary me! Thanks for pointing out my time travelling abilities Clare! Today is of course the 29th! Embarassed I was thinking of the 31st because I have a children's librarians' meeting on that day! Rolling Eyes

The Stench took the box back to her office. She prised the box open with a crowbar. A musty smell emanated from the box. A school exercise book, called "Joey's Diary", a list of games fixtures, some photographs, a few girls' trinkets and a very valuable diamond ring!. The Stench was puzzled. Was Mrs Maynard looking for this? Was she a thief? Perhaps if she took the diamond ring to the police, maybe Mrs Maynard would be pulled in for questioning!

A worried Joey was questioning the unhappy Jemima as to the location of the time capsule.

"I'm sorry Mrs Maynard!" Jemima was close to tears.

"Well, it's no use crying over spilt milk. Maybe if we look first thing tomorrow we shall find it!" Joey could not keep the disappointment out of her voice.

#57:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 11:35 am
    —
Thanks, Phil. It definitely cheered me up yesterday! I hope that Joey and Jemima can rescue the box.

#58:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 5:51 pm
    —
A diamond ring! Fancy Jo burying that!

Thanks Phil.

#59:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Wed Nov 01, 2006 7:44 pm
    —
Miss Tench decided it would be as well to use the diamond ring as a bargaining tool. To try and keep Mrs Maynard behaving in a manner suitable to a young schoolgirl of Taverton High. What she didn't know was that Joey Maynard was as irrepressible as a cork in water!

Speech day arrived and despite a thorough early morning search by Jemima, Ellen and some more friends, no time capsule was found. With a forlorn feeling, Joey made her way to Miss Wilson's office.

"May I help you Mrs Maynard?" a gloating and triumphant Miss Tench stood in the doorway of the school office.

"I came to see Miss Wilson. She said to come straight to her study for speech day." Joey replied coldly.

"Oh I see! She's just doing a quick staff meeting. Do come in there's something I want to show you!"

Joey was absolutely floored by what she saw on the school secretary's desk. Her time capsule! Her treasured time capsule! And it had already been broken into! All the contents Joey had lovingly packed so that she would have the excitement of opening them again in the future! A school diary, an old school tie, some favourite trinkets, badges, her old timetable. What she thought of school dinners! This was a disaster!

Joey felt tears pricking her eyes, but she held back. She would not lose control in front of this spiteful woman! Suddenly Miss Tench held out something shiny.

"There was also this in the trunk! How did it get there?"

Joey was speechless!

#60:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Wed Nov 01, 2006 8:38 pm
    —
"Mother...Mother's diamond ring...I...I...I it can't be!"

Joey made a move to retrieve it, but Miss Tench was too quick for her.

"Ah! One moment! How do I know you are telling the truth? That this isn't some dark secret?"

Joey stared at the woman in disbelief. She was utterly off her rocker!

"You are a very sad, spiteful lonely old woman." Joey uttered eventually.

"Give me back my property this instant or..."

"Or I don't give the speech!"

"Well, I don't care, It will upset all your precious fans though!"

"This is utterly criminal!" spat Joey.

"It is. And I will not tolerate such behaviour in this establishment. Miss Tench, you will leave Taverton High within the next half hour. You will receive your pay up until the end of this half term, in other words until the end of today; and don't think you can come to me for a reference!"

Miss Wilson had witnessed this altercation and finally had the excuse she needed to dismiss her secretary.

"HOW DARE YOU TREAT ME LIKE THIS! YOU, THE ILLEGITIMATE DAUGHTER OF A CANADIAN SOLDIER FROM THE GREAT WAR!"

"Out!" said Miss Wilson. In this mood she reminded Joey of her namesake far away on the Gornetz Platz.

"I shall tell people about you! I shall go to the papers!"

"Miss Tench, everybody knows about my unfortunate circumstances, my vicar and the education board know too! So does my neighbour, the editor of the Taverton Observer! You would be wasting your time!"

With a final shriek, the "Stench" through down the ring and left Taverton, never to return.

Miss Wilson picked up the ring and moved to comfort the shaking Joey.

"Sit down Joey. It's all over. I'll make you some tea. Some proper tea. Come to my office, we won't be disturbed!"

Joey was resilient. She pulled herself together. She had faced off worse people than Edith Tench before! She gathered up the time capsule and stared at the ring which Miss Wilson had handed to her.

Sitting in Miss Wilson's office, she opened up her thoughts as she sipped the tea. She never took her eyes off that ring!

"I don't believe it! It's a miracle!"

"Do you want to tell me?" smiled Miss Wilson.

Joey told her the story of the time capsule. A spontaneous idea she had during a dull maths lesson.

"But I never intended to put that ring in there! I remember I lost it! I was playing with it in the garden! I always loved it! It was my great grandmother's and it was always meant for the first born daughter, in my case that's Madge. Anyway, Madge let me play with it. I used to pretend I would be married with it! Well, I must have been playing with it when I was packing the time capsule and somehow, it must have just fallen in there!

I remember I hunted high and low for it! I was in such a panic as I knew Madge would be heartbroken if I lost that ring! Dick found me in tears up a tree! He helped me to look! He even said to try the time capsule, but I refused, thinking it was silly! Anyway, Madge called me in to tea and Dick helped me explain what had happened. Oh Madge was heartbroken! I know she didn't want me to see it, but I did! She was both upset and cross! I didn't mean to hurt her! I felt so bad, I cried myself to sleep! Dick was worried I might fall ill and told Madge, so Madge forgave me.

"And now you've got it back! Madge and Dick are coming to this speech day aren't they?"

Joey nodded.

"Oh Miss Wilson, do you think I could make a small extra presentation?"

Miss Wilson nodded and gave Joey her most infectious grin!

"

#61:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 2:18 pm
    —
Thanks fo the updates, Phil!

#62:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 5:49 am
    —
Yes, Miss Wilson seems very much like her namesake!

#63:  Author: PhilLocation: London UK PostPosted: Sat Nov 04, 2006 10:43 pm
    —
"...And finallyy, ladies and gentlemen and girls, before we move onto Mrs Maynard, I have an announcement to make which does not appear in your end of term letter: Miss Edith Tench has left Taverton High and we are eagerly looking for a new school secretary, with approprritate references, of course!"

There was abael of excitementacross the audience as this news was received! The Stench had gone! The next thing, Mrs Maynard was on her feet and talking about being a writer. Although many of her school stories were based upon incidents at the Chalet School, Joey was careful to concentrate upon Taverton High. She kept the story of the time capsule to the end of her speech.

"Now, I have to make a special presentation. I found something in the time capsule which I thought I had lost for good. I must ask my sister, Lady Russell to come to the stage and tell you what it is!"

Curiosity swept through the room. What was Mrs Maynard up to? As Madge rose from her seat she asked her brother,

"Dick, do you know anything about this?"

"No, but it's just like Joey!"

Madge was full of curiosity herself until she saw the diamond ring sparkling in Joey's proferred hand.

"Bless my soul, Joey! Great grandmamma's diamond ring!"

With Madge still thunderstruck, Joey turned back to the audience.

"The ring must have got trapped in the time capsule. I had been playing without. It's afamily heirloom. Madge was so heartbroken when I lost it. I've always promised I would find it and finally I have!

Speechless, a dazed Madge hugged her sister and returned to her seat. Dick pocketed the ring for safe keeping.

"And now, Miss Wilson tells me you lucky girls may ahve a time capsule for yourselves; but for the love of Mike, do not put your mother's jewellery in there!"

There was laughter at this joke, but some little girls looked rather crestfallen at Joey's last remark.

Speech day was a tremendous success. Joey shook hands until her wrists ached. Madge and Dick spoke to more people than they remembered and Miss Wilson promised Joey she would come to visit Freuedesheim. Joey was glad she had returned to Taverton. What had she done? A brutal father was quite rightly in jail and a girl was no longer a bully. Both brother and sister then had their mother return, and the family now had a job with Dick Bettany; and a thoroughly evil school secretary had been dismissed. Finally a family heirloom had been returned to Madge in a time capsule!

As Joey was boarding her flight back to Switzerland she said to Madge,

"I know Sybil will be careful with that ring. She takes good care of her property. She's your first born girl Madge; Daisy has all the jewellery from her Granny Russell, Sybs should have something from the Bettany side!"

It was a grateful Sybil who wrote a long thank you letter to her Aunt for finding the family heirloom.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Such a pity it couldn't have gone to you Mamma, then Len could have it and we could all get a chance to see it!"

Joey eyed Margot with a look.

"Sybil is coming out to the GornetzPlatz very soon and she has every right to that ring. It is stipulated in Great Grandmamma's will that it goes to the first born daughter of the family. My grandma was the only girl, my mother was the only girl, and Antie Madge is older than I, as Sybil is Auntie Madge's eldest girl, she gets the ring! If Sybil has no daughters, it goes to Josette, then Ailie, then I and then Len."

Margot started to shiver, "I didn't mean to sound selfish! I'm sorry! Truly I am!"

"I know sugar pie." Joey tempered justice with mercy. "Let's go and ask Auntie Hilda if we can make a time capsule for the Chalet School."

"Oh yes! let's!" Margot's eyes lit up.

#64:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 12:11 am
    —
Glad Joey and the others managed so many changes for the better when they re-visited their old home.


Thanks Phil.

#65:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 12:13 am
    —
Thanks, Phil. I'm glad that they found the ring and that it has been passed on to Sybil.

#66: Old and famous Author: Fiona McLocation: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 12:39 pm
    —
This has been great. Have loved the updates

#67:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 4:14 pm
    —
Thanks for this, Phil. That was a fitting ending Very Happy .

#68:  Author: AliceLocation: London, England PostPosted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 9:25 pm
    —
Just read lots of this, thanks Phil. Wonder what the CS girls would put inbtheir time capsule.

#69:  Author: ElleLocation: Peterborough PostPosted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 10:28 pm
    —
Alice wrote:
Wonder what the CS girls would put inbtheir time capsule.



So do I! Fancy answering that question for us Phil?



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