The Perils of Instant Obedience - Completed 25/08 p5
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The CBB -> St Clare's House
#1: The Perils of Instant Obedience - Completed 25/08 p5 Author: Katherine, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Tue Aug 08, 2006 6:15 pm
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This is an idea than came to me one day and I thought I'd see what I could do with it. Text in blue is EBD's. There is fairly substantial quoting in this drabble - hope that's allowed.
Constructive criticism welcome.


"Come! You are so very late!" cried Gisela Marani, Head Girl. "I had fear that we must await the next train and Papa says that it will be so hot in Innsbruck later on."

"Awfully sorry," returned Joey Bettany pennitently. "I think our clocks must be wrong because we thought we had oceans of time. Good moring, Fraulein Heffen." Joey settled herself into a seat and proceeded to debate the matter of the Head's birthday present, the purpose of their trip, with Gisela.

As the train pulled into Wachen the platform was crowded with summer visitors who piled into the train
"Germans most of them." said Bette "That woman in the tartan dress comes from Berlin - I heard her say."

"What a size she is!" commented Grizel as the lady in question lumbered into the car.
She glared at Joey whose gaze had been directed towards her.
"Englanderin!" she snorted in gutteral tones.

"Rather!" responded Miss Bettany. "And proud of it too!"

"Joey" be quiet!"said Gisela firmly.

Trained as she was to instant obedience Joey was silent. Gisela, feeling her position as Head Girl rather keenly, engaged the woman in conversation and thus they passed a pleasant, companionable journey to Spartz. So companionable, in fact, that Frau Berlin, as Joey christened her, invited them all to join her for Kaffee und Kuchen at the Alte Poste later that afternoon.

Last edited by Katherine on Fri Aug 25, 2006 12:49 pm; edited 10 times in total
#2:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Tue Aug 08, 2006 6:30 pm
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This looks good, Katherine Very Happy . Look forward to reading more.

Last edited by leahbelle on Tue Aug 08, 2006 7:49 pm; edited 1 time in total
#3:  Author: Lisa, Location: South Coast of England PostPosted: Tue Aug 08, 2006 6:59 pm
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Aha! So that's the twist! Yes, instant obedience in this situation is indeed perilous Laughing
A fun idea, thanks Katherine Very Happy
#4:  Author: Katherine, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 3:40 pm
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A little later the same term.


Joey worked steadily at her scales, her mind anywhere but on what she was doing. Suddenly she jumped up.

"The Tiernjoch!" gasped Joey. "That's where she's gone! Up the Tiernjoch. Oh she was looking at it last night! That's what she was thinking of! I must go and fetch her back!"

With Jo the impulsive, to think was to act. She dashed along to the cloakroom, tore madly into her mac, dashed into Simone and gasped, "Simone, Grizel's gone away up the Tiernjoch. I'm off to fetch her back. You must stay and tell Madge when she comes! Goodbye!"

The astonished Simone only just took in enough of this to realise that Jo was about to go haring up the mountain.

"No Joey. You know Madame would never permit such a thing. We must go and tell her and she will have the men, who know the mountain, search for her."

Joey could not argue with the logic in this. She and Simone raced round to Buchau to find Madge and tell her that she must put together a search party.

Meanwhile Grizel lay huddled on the narrowest of paths, desperately tring not to think of the precipice that went sheer down to the valley below. As the mist closed round her hunched-up frame she sobbed, bitter tears running down her face. She wrapped herself more tightly in her cloak, the sobs wracking her body. Somehow, she slipped and plunged down the cliff into the raging stream below which swept her into the Tiernsee.

Icy as the spring-fed lake waters are, her body was perfectly preserved. In fact, some years later a party of schoolgirls from St. Scholasitka's, out on a fishing trip, were to receive the shock of their lives.

Last edited by Katherine on Thu Aug 10, 2006 8:55 am; edited 1 time in total
#5:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 4:10 pm
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Loving these! Thanks Katherine.
#6:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 7:13 pm
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Perilous indeed! Thanks, Katherine.
#7:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 9:52 pm
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Ooooooh! Excellent!

What else will obedience lead to?

Thanks, Katherine Very Happy
#8:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Aug 10, 2006 9:20 am
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This is really excellent! Thanks Katherine Smile
#9:  Author: Katherine, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Thu Aug 10, 2006 3:48 pm
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You may wish to skip this post and read the updated one which follows.
Alternatively, you may wish to read this post and laugh at my foolishness.


"Look Juliet, Frau Berlin's here!"

"Who?" asked Juliet, though with a complete lack of interest in her voice.

"The lady we met the day we went to buy my sister's birthday present." said Joey. "She's really Frau Shaffer. She's frightfully jolly.

"Oh, yes. I remember." All right Joey, I'll come." Juliet allowed Joey to take her out into the garden and by lunchtime a little of the colour had returned to her face.

Over the meal they chatted with Joey's old friend and discovered that she was catching the same train to Innsbruck as they were.

"We must share a compartment!" cried Joey, ever gregarious.

"Danke sehr, Fraulein Bettany." I should like that very much.

Juliet was silent as they sat on the train but Joey engaged Frau Berlin and Grizel in a game of Roadside Cribbage. Madge gazed over at her orphaned charge and reflected on all that had happened since they had arrived in Austria and the growing responsibility of her school.

As she mulled over the matter of expanding their living accommodation she became aware that the train was losing speed and even as she looked up to see where they were, it began to rock violently backwards and forward with a sickening motion. She had barely time to leap to her feet before, with a mighty crash, the carriage gave a final lurch and collapsed on its side.

It took Madge just a second or two gather her wits about her. Thankfully none of their party seemed to be anything worse than slightly stunned. Grizel being nearest to her, she took the girl's arm and helped her out of the open carriage window; the door was jammed. Grizel was quickly followed by her two school friends much to Madge's relief. Frau Berlin however was a more difficult matter with her considerable girth.

"Girls!" Madge leaded out of the window. "I will help Frau Shaffer up and you must all pull her through."

Feet-first their German friend was fed through the small opening, revealing in the process some rather risqué tartan underwear. The three schoolgirls clamped their hands around her ankles.

"One, two, three, heave!" commanded Juliet and with an almighty effort on their part they contrived to pull Frau Berlin to safety. After that Madge was an easy burden to pull though and the five travellers stood on the bank catching their breath. Suddenly there was a shout from the front of the train.

"Das Feuer!"

"Fire!" exclaimed Madge with a horrified look. She dashed over to the train but no one seemed to be trapped. It looked as though everyone had managed to escape.

"Right, we must find the main road and hope that a car drives by." Madge gathered the little group together and they started to make their way towards the high-road.

In the distance a blond-haired man sighed, a frustrated look on his face. It seemed as though no one needed rescuing. He wasn't going to be a hero today.

Last edited by Katherine on Fri Aug 11, 2006 3:26 pm; edited 1 time in total
#10:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Aug 10, 2006 3:53 pm
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Laughing Laughing
#11:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Aug 10, 2006 3:55 pm
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Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing

Poor Jem!

Quick question though: Isn't Grizel dead?
#12:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Aug 10, 2006 4:01 pm
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Oh dear, poor Jem!

This is great. Laughing
#13:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Thu Aug 10, 2006 4:09 pm
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Loving this!
#14:  Author: Katherine, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Thu Aug 10, 2006 4:13 pm
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Ruth B wrote:

Quick question though: Isn't Grizel dead?


Oh s***. Embarassed I forgot I had killed her off. Now the question is, do I have a quick rewrite or do I just argue that it makes things all the more authentic and EBDish?

I have decided that one should keep notes when writing. The other night I was stood in the kitchen asking myself 'Now what did I do with (character name)?' and I really couldn't remember how I had ended that particular scene, or if indeed I had got round to finishing it at all. And all in a 4000 word drabble! I have a lot more sympathy for poor old EBD - the abuse we give her!
#15:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Aug 10, 2006 4:23 pm
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I like the risqué tartan underwear! The mind boggles at that!
#16:  Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia PostPosted: Thu Aug 10, 2006 5:45 pm
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I am loving this alternate universe. Particularly the frustrated doctor with no one to rescue!!

Perhaps you could bring back Grizel a la Bobby Ewing ... or it could be another time line?

Laughing
#17:  Author: Katherine, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Fri Aug 11, 2006 3:25 pm
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Right, I have decided to keep Grizel killed off and not have her in the drabble following her death. Very glad EBD chose not to kill her off but in this universe it suits my purposes!
The following is the new version of what went before. Decided it was too confusing to edit the old one and then have a discussion about a dead character not being dead when in fact she never appears.


"Look Juliet, Frau Berlin's here!"

"Who?" asked Juliet, though with a complete lack of interest in her voice.

"The lady we met the day we went to buy my sister's birthday present." said Joey. "She's really Frau Shaffer. She's frightfully jolly.

"Oh, yes. I remember." All right Joey, I'll come." Juliet allowed Joey to take her out into the garden and by lunchtime a little of the colour had returned to her face.

Over the meal they chatted with Joey's old friend and discovered that she was catching the same train to Innsbruck as they were.

"We must share a compartment!" cried Joey, ever gregarious.

"Danke sehr, Fraulein Bettany." I should like that very much.

Juliet was silent as they sat on the train but Joey engaged Frau Berlin in a game of Roadside Cribbage. Madge gazed over at her orphaned charge and reflected on all that had happened since they had arrived in Austria and the growing responsibility of her school.

As she mulled over the matter of expanding their living accommodation she became aware that the train was losing speed and even as she looked up to see where they were, it began to rock violently backwards and forward with a sickening motion. She had barely time to leap to her feet before, with a mighty crash, the carriage gave a final lurch and collapsed on its side.

It took Madge just a second or two gather her wits about her. Thankfully none of their party seemed to be anything worse than slightly stunned. Juliet being nearest to her she took the girl's arm and helped her out of the open carriage window; the door was jammed. Juliet was quickly followed by her school friend much to Madge's relief. Frau Berlin however was a more difficult matter with her considerable girth.

"Girls!" Madge leaded out of the window. "I will help Frau Shaffer up and you must all pull her through."

Feet-first their German friend was fed through the small opening, revealing in the process some rather risqué tartan underwear. The three schoolgirls clamped their hands around her ankles.

"One, two, three, heave!" commanded Juliet and with an almighty effort on their part they contrived to pull Frau Berlin to safety. After that Madge was an easy burden to pull though and the four travellers stood on the bank catching their breath. Suddenly there came a shout from the front of the train.

"Das Feuer!"

"Fire!" exclaimed Madge with a horrified look. She dashed over to the train but no one seemed to be trapped. It looked as though everyone had managed to escape.

"Right, we must find the main road and hope that a car drives by." Madge gathered her young charges together and they started to make their way towards the high-road.

In the distance a blond-haired man sighed, a frustrated look on his face. It seemed as though no one needed rescuing. He wasn't going to be a hero today.
#18:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Fri Aug 11, 2006 10:57 pm
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Love this idea, Katherine. Very Happy

Hope you have lots more 'obedience' incidents!

Sympathise with the difficulty of keeping the universe straight, and agree that we expect an awful lot of EBD, who didn't know she'd be keeping going for fifty years!!
#19:  Author: Pado, Location: Connecticut, USA PostPosted: Sat Aug 12, 2006 12:19 am
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This is wonderful - looking forward to more!
#20:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Aug 12, 2006 9:53 am
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*spluttering at the risque tartan underwear*

And poor Jem - I wonder how many emergencies he'll have to lurk around before he gets his chance to be heroic Laughing

Thanks, Katherine
#21:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Aug 12, 2006 7:37 pm
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Thanks, Katherine. These are really great!
#22:  Author: Katherine, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 12:24 pm
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The decree was made. There would be no Ice Carnival for the pupils of the Chalet School. Herr Braun's horror when he heard Madge's queries on the subject had quite settled that.

Miss Bettany issued her commands. It is true that she omitted to give any reason for them, but why would she? She expected instant obedience from all of her pupils. They may have felt the disappointment keenly but, as Joey was heard to remark to her own set of chums, "It is Madame's wish that we do not go."

And that, as they say, was that. The ice carnival went on until late into the night and there was much drinking and merry making. But the staff and pupils of the Chalet School saw none of this, least of all the attractive young doctor who almost skated over a young girl's hands.
#23:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 12:28 pm
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Thanks Katherine!

So logically then Jem might have got together with.. someone else? (I won't spoil it in case you're considering it) Smile
#24:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 12:33 pm
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What a calm and quiet place the school is Very Happy
#25:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 1:00 pm
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Poor Jem - are he and Madge destined never to meet?
#26:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 2:25 pm
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Thank goodness Joey was actually never given to instant obedience, except when she felt like it!
#27:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 3:21 pm
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Thanks, Katherine. I wonder if Jem will meet someone else.
#28:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 7:31 pm
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And Madge will stay a spinster for the rest of her life.
#29:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 8:08 pm
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This is such a boring Chalet School isn't it? Laughing

Pity about Grizel though!

Thanks Katherine
#30:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 10:26 pm
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I'd be quite pleased if Madge and Jem didn't meet. Feel so sorry for her when she has to go back from a week of Headmistressing to 'arrears of mending'! Mon dieu!

No, obedience doesn't create much of a story, does it!
#31:  Author: Katherine, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 11:13 am
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It was the evening after the famous flood and the Chalet was finally clean and dry. This being the Chalet School, what else would they but go for a walk? The staff were ambling along discussing the growth of the school and the changes this would bring when a wild splash and several shrieks interrupted their conversation.

"Good heavens! What's that?" With one accord the staff thew its dignity to the winds and tore down the road to find Amy Stevens, the Robin and Simone Lecoutier scrambling out of the ditch at the side of the road. A pitiful sight they were; however, despite the Robin's delicacy, we are far more interested in the doings of our heroine, the younger Miss Bettany. Madge swiftly dispatched the younger girls off with Miss Maynard and addressed her sister who had somehow managed to get across the ditch, swollen by the recent rain and now four feet wide.

"Joey, come back onto the path! How on earth did you get there?"

"I can't!" she said agitatedly. "It was a fearful scrum to get here. I can't get back, 'cos it's too steep."

Miss Bettany measured the distance with her eye. "You'll have to jump," she said. "Come down as far as you can and then jump hard so that you clear the ditch. I'll catch you."

Joey descended the bank of the ditch as far as the water and, with an almighty effort, sprang across the ditch into her sister's arms. For a moment or two they wobbled precariously and it seemed as if they must both topple into the lake but Miss Bettany managed to pull them both upright in time to wave to the tall young doctor as he passed them on his evening promenade.
#32:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 11:21 am
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Poor Jem Laughing !
#33:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 11:23 am
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Thanks, Katherine. Really enjoying these!
#34:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 11:42 am
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At least he got a wave Laughing

Thanks, Katherine - this is fab!
#35:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 8:13 pm
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Poor old Jem. Foiled again. Laughing
#36:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 8:33 pm
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Thanks, Katherine. It's good that they got a chance to wave!
#37:  Author: alicat, Location: Wiltshire PostPosted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 7:51 am
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Ha-ha-ha Laughing Laughing Laughing

Perhaps Jem will have to resort to causing an accident.......
#38:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 9:44 am
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alicat wrote:
Perhaps Jem will have to resort to causing an accident.......


*giggles*
#39:  Author: Katherine, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 1:19 pm
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"What do you want?" asked the Princess.

A word with you, Highness. Can you come down?"

Not now,"declared Joey for the Princess. "The place is all locked up and we couldn't get out without some one hearing us. Perhaps if we were to climb down though, we wouldn't make too much noise. Let us go and get into our frocks."

Now suitably attired, the two schoolgirls clambered down to meet Ternikai.

"Princess, it is imperative that you come with me. You are in great danger." He produced from his pocket a sealed envelope. and handed it to Elisaveta.

She took it and broke the seal. Inside was a letter written on the King's private notepaper - Cosimo had a spy in the palace - and in the King's handwriting. It was very brief, and simply ran: "Elisaveta, - obey the bearer of this in all things. He has my fullest confidence. - Ridolpho R."

It was in her grandfather's peculiar script - Cosimo was gifted in the art of forgery - and she saw no reason to doubt it. "Joey!" she called .

"Joey was beside her and reading the letter before either of the men could prevent it. "Coo!" she said when she had finished it. "What have you to do?"

"I am to go into hiding at once," replied the Princess.

"Then you must go at once. It is the King's order and for the good of the Kingdom. Let's go back to the dormitory and get a few of your things. You'll need a toothbrush, a comb, and some handkerchiefs."

Possessions collected, Joey kissed her friend and then helped her through the window. Elisaveta dropped, and Cosimo cought her safely. Joey waited at the window until the little group was out of sight; then she returned to her bed and snuggled down under her plumeau until morning.
#40:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 1:45 pm
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This is brilliant, thanks Katherine.
#41:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 2:03 pm
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Laughing - but what about poor Elisaveta?
#42:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 3:07 pm
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These really put a new slant on the subject of obedience Razz I'm enjoying them hugely. thank you.
#43:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 3:54 pm
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Thanks, Katherine. I'm wondering what is going to Elisaveta if Joey doesn't go to her rescue.
#44:  Author: brie, Location: Glasgow PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 4:03 pm
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thanks katherine, im really enjoying these, more please!!
#45:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 4:57 pm
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Poor Elisaveta! Shocked

Thanks Katherine.
#46:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 9:08 pm
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meeeeep! *wibbling about Elisaveta*

Thanks, Katherine
#47:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 9:27 pm
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Oh dear. Elisaveta's not going to benefit from that particular piece of obedience.

Thanks Katherine.
#48:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 9:11 am
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This is really good, I love it Smile
#49:  Author: Katherine, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 9:37 am
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The bell clanged and Joey sat straight up in bed, the events of the previous night coming back to her. She completed her morning ablutions, stripped her bed and set of to find her sister. She found her in the study, going though some form lists.

"What is it, Joey baba?"

"It's Elisaveta. The Ternikai man came last night and took her into hiding. The King says she is in great danger."

"What?" Miss Bettany's eyes were full of alarm. "But we have heard nothing from His Majesty. We must wire him at once."

By the end of Fruhstuck it was clear that no order had come from the King and whoever his granddaughter was with, it was no one he had sent for her. The local men, or such as could be spared from their posts on the mountains where they must always be in case of an unpredicted storm trapping the members of an expedition in a conveniently-placed mountain hut, were sent after the little lady of Belsoronia and her captors. But, wrote the author with a shocking disregard for early twentieth-century syntactical conventions, it was all to no avail. No trace of Elisaveta could be found, and madman as he was, Cosimo took his revenge on the young Princess, his wrath increasing as the King, ever loyal to his country, refused to accede to his crazed relative’s demands.
#50:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 9:38 am
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Oh dear!
#51:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 9:43 am
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Poor Elisaveta. I'm frightened to think what might become of her.
#52:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 11:11 am
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Poor veta!

But on the other hand:

Quote:
But, wrote the author with a shocking disregard for early twentieth-century syntactical conventions, it was all to no avail.


Laughing Laughing
#53:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 11:18 am
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meeeep!
#54:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 3:06 pm
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Poor Elisaveta. I always liked her!
#55:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 6:44 pm
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So that's Grizel and Elisaveta disposed of, and Madge remaining unmarried. Laughing

Thanks Katherine.
#56:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 7:57 pm
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These are fab thanks Katherine Very Happy
#57:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 11:08 pm
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Wonderful! Makes one appreciate Joey ... Wink
#58:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Aug 20, 2006 8:16 pm
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Thanks, Katherine. I'm wibbling about Elisaveta.
#59:  Author: Katherine, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 12:39 pm
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“Girls, have you seen the Robin?”
The prefects looked up as Miss Maynard came into their room, this question on her lips.
“But no, Madame,” said Vanna. I have not seen her all day.
“Nor I” added Rosalie. “When did anyone last see her?”
[. . .]
The Seniors dropped their work, and at once Gertrud began an organised search party, and sent them over to Le Petit Chalet, forming another with which she hunted though the chalet until there was not a hole nor a corner which they had not investigated. It was in vain, The Robin had vanished.
“It’s a strange as it was the day you and Eigen rescued Rufus, Joey” said Simone, referring to one of Jo’s exploits of two years before; “We couldn’t find you then and we can’t find the Robin now.”
At the reminder, Jo had rushed out of the room.
[. . .]
“Rufus can track her!” cried his owner. St Bernards are always able to do things in the snow! Hang on to him, someone, while Gertrud and I get our coats and tammies!”
Rufus quickly picked up the scent. He pulled the girls along to a corner of the playing fields where they found the Robin, safe and sound after all.
“Blumchen!” Joey rushed over to be with her. “We thought we had lost you!”
“But my Zoe, I am sorry. I did not know you would think me lost. I just wished to be alone and think for it would have been the birthday of my dear maman today. You know I would not break bounds.”
“Oh my Robin! cried Joey who held her even more tightly. Come sit with me and we will remember her.
Her arm wrapped tightly around the little girl, she bore her off for tender reminiscences.
#60:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 1:00 pm
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Awww that's sweet, thanks Katherine.
#61:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 1:02 pm
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Phew - I was expecting her to've been carried off to the salt caves!
#62:  Author: Katherine, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 1:27 pm
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Alison H wrote:
Phew - I was expecting her to've been carried off to the salt caves!

Can't kill them all off or there'll be no school left to write about!
#63:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 3:16 pm
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Thanks, Katherine! Best not kill them off just yet, eh?!
#64:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 4:27 pm
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Thanks, Katherine. I'm glad that Robin was safe and sound.
#65:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 4:46 pm
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Also noted that the Head Girl was Gertrude! Poor Grizel.

Thanks Katherine.
#66:  Author: Ally, Location: John Bettany's Cabin! PostPosted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 8:30 pm
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This is very clever Katherine! Thank you Very Happy
#67:  Author: Phil, Location: London UK PostPosted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 8:55 pm
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This is excellent! Thanks Katherine!
#68:  Author: Katherine, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 11:00 am
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It was five o’clock in the afternoon – or seventeen by continental time and Joey Bettany was up in her dormitory with the rest of her clan, changing for the evening. Jo always maintained that the first skating was the best, and she was arguing this out with Frieda Mensch, who refused to see it, when her eyes were suddenly caught by some dark figures on the lake near the old tree that overhung it, not fat from St. Scholastika’s. “I say!” she exclaimed. “See that!”
[. . .]
“It must be the Saints,” said Mary at last. “But didn’t anyone warn them?”
[. . .]
She was interrupted by the banging of the door. Joey had flown, just as she was in her dressing-gown, her hair standing all dishevelled, and only one stocking on, straight to the study to find Miss Bettany.
[. . .]
Ten minutes later, Jo came tearing back and, casting aside her dressing-gown, was scrambling into the rest of her clothes at a rate that seemed likely to end in disaster for them. “Wires down!” she panted, as she struggled into a frock – any frock!

“Madge, Mademoiselle and Maynie are off to Le Petit Chalet . . . some of the kids are out in spots an’ it looks like measles. I need to get over there now!” Now fully dressed, if not neat and trig as a Chalet School girl should be, she dashed out of the dormitory leaving the others to fall to their knees and pray for the lives of their schoolgirl friends.

“Oh Mademoiselle, thank goodness I’ve found you”! Joey came crashing into the dormitory, her relief at finding an adult all too apparent.

“My Joey,” cried Mademoiselle. “Whatever is the matter?”

“It’s the Saints!” cried Joey they are out on the lake – skating – and by the dripping rock where the springs are! They’ll go through the ice. Everyone knows not to skate there! And with this she crumpled onto the bed where she lay, still, grey and to all appearances dead!

Mademoiselle was shocked but there was no time to see to Jo while the other girls were out on the ice. She hurried out of the dormitory, as fast as could be expected for a middle aged woman, in search of her headmistress.

Madge and Mademoiselle Le Pattre mad their way round the lake, the fear growing in their hearts all the while. But they were not halfway round when a chorus of screams told them that what they had dreaded had come to pass. There was nothing they could do except continue round the lake watching as Maureen thrashed around in the water, the cries of her schoolfriends becoming all the wilder.

It was as Madge and Mademoiselle drew near that their saviours appeared. Two men carrying a rope came flying over the ice, stopping as they reached the danger spot with commensurate ease, and while one lay down and wriggled onwards, the other coiled the rope lightly and flung it so that the noosed end went well over Maureen’s head and shoulders. Within seconds, or so it seemed, she was back on the bank and then, to Madge’s infinite relief, was Gottfried Mensch, come down from the Sonnalpe to attend a sick child in the Gasthaus in Seespitz, picking up the girl and bearing her off to St Scholastika’s.
#69:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 11:27 am
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Glad Maureen didn't drown!
#70:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 12:20 pm
    —
But what about Jo?
#71:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 2:31 pm
    —
Thanks, Katherine. I'm glad that Maureen was saved.
#72:  Author: joyclark,  PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 2:31 pm
    —
Does this mean Madge and Jem meet at last?
#73:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 3:27 pm
    —
nikkie wrote:
But what about Jo?


Will she get Measles and die anyway?
#74:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 3:27 pm
    —
Glad Maureen's ok - I was convinced she'd drown without Joey there!
#75:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 10:04 pm
    —
But there's no casualty to take back to the Chalet, so no meeting for Madge and Jem (thank goodness Twisted Evil ).
#76:  Author: Katherine, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 12:15 pm
    —
Nearly there. I get to be properly mean soon. Twisted Evil


The following week was an anxious one for the staff and pupils of the Chalet School, as they waited for news of their friend across the lake, but it was nothing compared to what they were enduring at St Scholastika’s. Still, matters could have been worse; Maureen was very ill [. . .] but she had always been a sturdy healthy girl. She had plenty of vitality on which to fall back. She suffered badly, but so far, her heart was standing the strain better than they had expected. If she went on as she was doing, they had great hopes of her.

Finally, after seven days, there came good news. Miss Browne arrived downstairs for breakfast with a little colour in her cheeks and a lightness in her step that told the school that something had happened.

“School, I cannot tell you how happy I am to be able to tell you that to tell you all that Maureen’s fever has broken at last. She is not strong and must be kept quiet for some time yet, but the worst of the danger has passed. Dr. Russell has real hopes that, with the right treatment, she will make a full recovery.

At once it was as though the light shone that little bit brighter through the windows and Miss Browne had to rap smartly on the table and ask if they didn’t want to bring an avalanche down upon themselves, such a noise they made. However, none of that seemed to matter that morning and hearts were light as Miss Andersen led her class round the lake to deliver the happy news to the girls at Briesau.
#77:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 12:17 pm
    —
Looking forward to the "properly mean" bit!
#78:  Author: Caty, Location: New Zealand PostPosted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 12:27 pm
    —
I just caught up on this. Really enjoying it. I look forward to the next installment.
#79:  Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner PostPosted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 1:44 pm
    —
So Madge and Jem haven't yet met, but he has met Miss Browne! Rolling Eyes
#80:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 6:46 pm
    —
Lottie wrote:
So Madge and Jem haven't yet met, but he has met Miss Browne! Rolling Eyes

Shocked Very Happy
#81:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 6:51 pm
    —
I thought Maureen was going to die soon - so then joey didn't need to dash out onto the ice, after all? Laughing

Thanks Katherine.
#82:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 7:34 pm
    —
Thanks, Katherine. I wonder if Dr Jem will start a romance with one of the St Scholastika staff.
#83:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 8:44 pm
    —
Just read all of these Katherine - they're fab!
#84:  Author: Aquabird, Location: North Lanarkshire, Scotland PostPosted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 8:51 pm
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Brilliant, Katherine! Laughing Laughing
#85:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 10:17 pm
    —
Thanks, Katherine. Very Happy
#86:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 9:06 am
    —
Chair wrote:
Thanks, Katherine. I wonder if Dr Jem will start a romance with one of the St Scholastika staff.


I wondered if the spring in Miss Browne's step was about something more than Maureen's recovery! Wink
#87:  Author: Katherine, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 2:08 pm
    —
“Did any of you hear anything about Miss Browne last term?” asked Madge.

“Miss Browne? Miss Browne of St Scholastika’s, you mean?” asked Miss Wilson. “Not a thing - except some of the girls were leaving at Easter, and she had none so far to take their places. I expect that’s alright though, there are several new people up there at the San, I believe.

Miss Bettany prepared to drop her bombshell. “Miss Browne has offered the school to Mademoiselle and me, and we have accepted her offer.

The Staff sat in stunned silence on hearing this news. Characteristically, Miss Wilson was the first to recover.

"You have accepted? Then that means-"

“It means in the first place, that we are enlarged this term by over forty girls,” said Miss Annersley.

Miss Wilson was the first to ask the question that was on all their lips. “Madame, you have not told us why she is to give up the school. She has only been out here a few years and they seem to be thriving.

“Miss Browne is giving up the school because she is to be married.”

The resulting silence was broken by a serious if exclamations.

“Married! But she must be verging on her sixties, if she’s not already there.”

“Well that’s one thing I never expected!”

“Whomever to?"

"Whom around here would she marry?"

Madge Bettany looked out at the crowd before her. “Quiet, all of you!” she laughed. “If you’ll only calm down, I’ll tell you – and fill you in on the new arrangements for the school.”

Thus subdued, the staff sat agog.

“Miss Browne is to marry Dr Russell -.”

Here she stopped, cut off by the resulting incredulous babble.

“Dr Russell?”

“From the San?

“But he must be half her age!”

Several of the staff had been rather taken with the handsome young doctor. However, as the health of most of their pupils was so good, they rarely saw him, much to their regret.

Finally, however, the talk died down and Madge Bettany was able to move on the slightly less interesting matter of the new sleeping arrangements. Less interesting, that is as they concerned the girls of the Chalet School rather than those of Miss Browne of St Scholastika’s.


Congratulations to the people who rumbled me. Far as I know, Mia was the first, a fair way back.
Thanks for all the nice comments, I'm having great fun with this.

Last edited by Katherine on Thu Aug 24, 2006 5:09 pm; edited 1 time in total
#88:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 2:11 pm
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Laughing Having great fun reading it too!
#89:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 2:24 pm
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How scandalous of Jem to marry Miss Browne!

Thanks Katherine.
#90:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 2:36 pm
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Thanks, Katherine. I hope that Miss Browne and Dr Jem will be happy together.
#91:  Author: Katherine, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 3:19 pm
    —
Chair wrote:
Thanks, Katherine. I hope that Miss Browne and Dr Jem will be happy together.


There's a thought. I could write about the misery of their marriage and Jem's subsequent affair with . . . well let me see . . .

Last edited by Katherine on Thu Aug 24, 2006 4:28 pm; edited 1 time in total
#92:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 3:22 pm
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Hehe so funny!

Thanks Katherine, I really am enjoying this
#93:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 4:06 pm
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I can't quite see Dr Jem and Miss Browne hitting it off, but it's such a funny match!
#94:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 5:48 pm
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Oh, of course!!! And I've just realised - Hilda's not Head - because Madge is still there.

Loving this Katherine. Laughing
#95:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 6:06 pm
    —
Mr. Green Thank you, Katherine

Maybe Jem & Miss Browne are just the beginning of an "older woman" trend. Hilda could still be promoted if Madge goes for Jack, leaving Joey to wait for Reg.... Cool
#96:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 6:13 pm
    —
Lesley wrote:
Oh, of course!!! And I've just realised - Hilda's not Head - because Madge is still there.


Only noticed after reading Lesley's post!

headesk
#97:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 8:26 pm
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Thanks Katherine I do like these Very Happy
#98:  Author: Katherine, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 12:48 pm
    —
Later that evening Madge sat alone in her own room, two letters in her hand.

The first letter was from her brother Dick, out in India. It was full of news of his own family; tales of his youngest, Jackie’s, first attempts to walk and their hopes for the new baby that was due any minute now. Madge sighed. It wasn’t that she wasn’t happy for her brother; she delighted in his evident happiness and the children seemed to be thriving. It was just that with every new arrival in India, she felt more keenly her own situation. The school was, of course, her pride and joy. Even the unfortunate deaths of a couple of pupils seemed not to have harmed its reputation overly. However, she [i/]had[i] hoped she wouldn’t be teaching here for the rest of her life. But, with each year that passed, that was starting to seem more and more likely. Unless . . . maybe she should reconsider.

She turned to the second letter, which bore a Yorkshire postmark. Picking up the small silver paper knife, a present from Joey at her last birthday, she slit open the letter and took out the three pages contained in the envelope. Reading its contents decided her. There was only one thing for it. She picked up her fountain pen, took a fresh sheet of paper from the pile in her bureau and began.











































Dear Mr Kettlewell,

Last edited by Katherine on Tue Oct 03, 2006 4:45 pm; edited 1 time in total
#99:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 12:52 pm
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Shocked Oh my goodness!
#100:  Author: Elle, Location: Peterborough PostPosted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 12:59 pm
    —
Shocked Shocked Shocked


Fantastic!
#101:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 1:30 pm
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Laughing
#102:  Author: Caty, Location: New Zealand PostPosted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 1:50 pm
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Brilliant Laughing
#103:  Author: joyclark,  PostPosted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 3:09 pm
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LOL - wonderful ending! Thanks.
#104:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 3:12 pm
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*rofl*
#105:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 3:29 pm
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Thanks, Katherine. I had no idea who she was going to send the letter to until I read the last line!
#106:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 3:30 pm
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Superb Laughing
#107:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 6:18 pm
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Lucky James Kettlewell! Laughing

Many thanks Katherine.
#108:  Author: Aquabird, Location: North Lanarkshire, Scotland PostPosted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 6:40 pm
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Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing
Brilliant ending, Katherine!
#109:  Author: Ally, Location: John Bettany's Cabin! PostPosted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 7:03 pm
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Fabulous ending thanks Katherine! Very Happy
#110:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 9:09 pm
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Love it!
I didn't expect that ending at all Very Happy , I do think there is room for a spin off though Wink
Thanks Katherine
#111:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 9:16 pm
    —
nikkie wrote:
Love it!
I didn't expect that ending at all Very Happy , I do think there is room for a spin off though Wink
Thanks Katherine


or several spin offs Laughing

thankyou Katherine
#112:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 10:31 pm
    —
Brilliant! Laughing

Thanks, Katherine.
#113:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 9:35 am
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Wonderful ending - thanks Katherine.
#114:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 11:44 am
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Brilliant Laughing

Thanks, Katherine
#115:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 1:10 pm
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Brilliant Very Happy !
#116:  Author: pim, Location: Londinium PostPosted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 8:29 am
    —
*giggling*

Thanks, Katherine Very Happy
The CBB -> St Clare's House


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