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Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Completed 26/12 p4 http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=5337

Author:	Secret Santa [ Mon Dec 01, 2008 8:35 pm ]
Post subject:	Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Completed 26/12 p4
The First Day Dear Dr Truelove, I was very touched to receive the delivery today. I am very fond of pears, so I am hoping the tree will do well in a tub for a while, as I’m in college accommodation here, of course. Is it self-fertile, do you know — I had a feeling that pears needed cross-pollination in order to fruit? In any case, I’m sure the blossom will be lovely, and there may be others nearby, as I’ve only been here since October it isn’t something I’ve noticed yet. The carrier was uncertain about the cage; he had expected something brightly coloured in it, I think! Anyway once it had been here a while a small brownish-grey bird with red legs emerged from the straw at the back. I shall have to keep it away from the scout’s cat, but it seems quite happy in the yard. As my room is on the ground floor I can easily keep an eye on it. It was very kind of you to think of me; I did not expect a gift from you. How is the weather in Switzerland — have you had much snow yet? Oxford seems to go in for rain rather than snow, though they say any snow we get here will be in the New Year, rather than December. It seems an age since I left School, though it is less than six months. My studies are going well, I think, and I’m finding my feet here. I’m glad I decided to stay on in my rooms during the vacation — it is too far to travel home for such a short vac, and I’m looking forward to carols in Christ Church. With my thanks and very best wishes, Mie

Author:	Alison H [ Mon Dec 01, 2008 10:21 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - to be continued
What a brilliant idea - I love that he's Dr Truelove !

Author:	claire [ Tue Dec 02, 2008 7:20 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - to be continued
Thanks for this - it's a lovely gift

Author:	KatS [ Tue Dec 02, 2008 11:30 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - to be continued
Sorry for being dense Who is Mie?

Author:	Secret Santa [ Tue Dec 02, 2008 11:38 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - to be continued
KatS wrote: Sorry for being dense Who is Mie? You will find out in due course, Kat In the meantime, if you hum the song over to yourself, you will realise why she has to have that nickname The Second Day Dear Dr Truelove, I am quite overwhelmed! I thought yesterday’s gift was quite out of the common, but to receive today yet another cage, this time with two pigeons cooing at each other . . . well, at least the carrier could see them — and hear them! — so he knew what he was bringing today. I don’t think he realised what it was he brought yesterday. He was talking about 'special rules for the carriage of livestock' when he delivered these. But not many other people are here this week, so they aren’t disturbing anyone. With renewed thanks and best wishes, Mie

Author:	Lesley [ Tue Dec 02, 2008 11:49 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - to be continued
Secret Santa wrote: I don’t think he realised what it was he brought yesterday. He was talking about 'special rules for the carriage of livestock' when he delivered these. I venture to guess he'll be complaining rather a lot by the end of the twelve days! Very clever Santa.

Author:	Alison H [ Wed Dec 03, 2008 8:48 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day Two now posted
Brilliant, Santa!

Author:	claire [ Wed Dec 03, 2008 11:37 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day Two now posted
I think I know who Mie is - and Santa didn't give me any extra clues - thanks again

Author:	Susan [ Thu Dec 04, 2008 1:30 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day Two now posted
Loving this Santa - reminds me of the comedy version that is sometimes played on the radio.

Author:	Cat C [ Thu Dec 04, 2008 12:12 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day Two now posted
Yep, definitely reminds me of the thing I've heard on the radio - don't know if that's the inspiration though?

Author:	JennieP [ Thu Dec 04, 2008 12:21 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day Two now posted
Does anyone know what the 12 Days of Christmas thing on the radio is actually called? I've heard it, but have never been able to find out what it is.

Author:	abbeybufo [ Thu Dec 04, 2008 12:31 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day Two now posted
There have been several books that were skits - one by John Julius Norwich & one by Helen Oxenbury [at least, she did the pics, not sure if it was her words ] - maybe one of these was broadcast? Enjoying this, Santa

Author:	MaryR [ Thu Dec 04, 2008 5:10 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day Two now posted
The one on the radio, if it's the one I think you're thinking of, Cat, was sung by a very raucous Irishman who was most unhappy by the end. I wonder..... Thanks, Mie

Author:	KatS [ Thu Dec 04, 2008 9:43 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day Two now posted
Only just tumbled to the true love and me thing... Let alone who Mie actually is

Author:	Secret Santa [ Sat Dec 06, 2008 12:59 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day Two now posted
The Third Day Dear Dr Truelove, Well, the poor delivery man was rather put out today — apparently you need a special licence to import farm animals, which he says chickens count as, and as they’ve come from France . . . I had quite a job to calm him down, but I gave him a hefty tip, and that seemed to help. It was a very kind thought of yours, and I shall be pleased to have fresh eggs for breakfast, especially as the milkman didn’t call over the holiday, so although I had enough for today’s cornflakes, I think I shall only have enough for a cup of tea first thing tomorrow. The shops will be open after that, thank goodness. Did you spend Christmas on the wards? I know you told me you liked going in to see the children in the San at Christmastime, and I remember the carol-singing there. I am trying to get some research done over the vac, since I may as well get good use of my time — I’ll be able to get to the Bod tomorrow when it reopens — and it’s good to have some peace and quiet here with most of the others away. With thanks and good wishes, Mie

Author:	PaulineS [ Sat Dec 06, 2008 1:53 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day Three now posted
She is asking for the eight maids a milking!!!! Poor delivery man though, I wonder how he will cope with the items still to come?

Author:	Susan [ Sat Dec 06, 2008 6:20 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day Three now posted
Mmmm nice fresh eggs. Poor delivery man, there are some odd things still to arrive. Lovely story.

Author:	claire [ Sat Dec 06, 2008 8:29 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day Three now posted
I was trying to work out how to fit cows into the song Pauline Thanks Santa

Author:	Fiona Mc [ Sun Dec 07, 2008 7:43 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day Three now posted
Thanks Santa, this is fantastic

Author:	Sugar [ Mon Dec 08, 2008 1:23 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day Three now posted
Fantastic! I wonder if she'll go off her Dr when the lords arrive

Author:	Secret Santa [ Mon Dec 08, 2008 7:28 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day Three now posted
The Fourth Day Dear Dr Truelove, I’m not sure what you ordered, but what has arrived is yet another cage, with four rather noisy parakeets inside. The carrier required another large tip, and said he was going deaf from their racket. My fellow-student on the stair, who has come back from a few days in London, says she doesn’t think she’ll be able to sleep, what with the doves cooing and these squawking and calling all the time, so I may have to find another home for them. Thank you for thinking of me, anyway, Mie

Author:	abbeybufo [ Mon Dec 08, 2008 8:33 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 4 posted 8/12 p2
I went to a reading/concert last night called 'The Joy of Christmas' at Salisbury Playhouse - and one of the things they read was John Julius Norwich's version of this . . . and then we had to sing the original - everyone taking the line for the month of their birth - so January people had to sing '[and] a Partridge in a Pear Tree' 12 times, whereas December-ites only had to sing '12 Drummers Drumming' once

Author:	Lesley [ Mon Dec 08, 2008 10:41 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 4 posted 8/12 p2
At least she should be pleased with the next day's parcel! Thanks Santa.

Author:	Alison H [ Mon Dec 08, 2008 11:00 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 4 posted 8/12 p2
I'm wondering what she'll make of the five gold rings!

Author:	Secret Santa [ Wed Dec 10, 2008 8:07 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 4 posted 8/12 p2
The Fifth Day Dear Dr Truelove, What are you playing at? I could understand one ring — at least I could if you had spoken to me more definitely last summer, when we went sailing on the lake, and we — well, better not put that in writing, perhaps. Anyway, if you had proposed properly — I don’t really think ‘I take it we’re engaged’ is sufficient, even though you say that’s how you doctors normally arrange it these days — and if I had said yes, then a ring might be suitable, though I would have preferred us to choose it together. But five — unless I’m meant to pick from them? I’ve put them away in a box at the moment, while I think what to do. At least the delivery man was happy! Thank you, I think, Mie P.S. I’ve taken the parakeets to the zoo, where the staff assure me they’ll be happier; there’s a large aviary there where they can fly around; much better for them than being caged — M.

Author:	PaulineS [ Wed Dec 10, 2008 9:23 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 5 posted 10/12 p2
Pleased the parakeets have a new home, hope the other birds find a suitable home soon as well. I head the John Julian Norwich version and thought how well this complimented it.

Author:	claire [ Wed Dec 10, 2008 9:25 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 5 posted 10/12 p2
lovely thank you - a nce way to set me up for a night shift

Author:	Lesley [ Wed Dec 10, 2008 10:20 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 5 posted 10/12 p2
Now intrigued about the bit she wasn't able to mention in a letter - and love the proposal!!!!

Author:	Alison H [ Wed Dec 10, 2008 11:44 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 5 posted 10/12 p2
Loved the "I take it ..." bit!

Author:	Secret Santa [ Fri Dec 12, 2008 9:19 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 5 posted 10/12 p2
The Sixth Day Dear Dr Truelove, I know I said I was pleased with the hens’ eggs, but goose eggs are quite another matter — and in any case six are far too many, even if I cared for the taste of their eggs, which I do not. They are terrorising the scout’s cat, and messing in the quad, and I have been given notice to remove them forthwith. Please do not send me any more birds! Sincerely, Mie

Author:	Lesley [ Fri Dec 12, 2008 9:33 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 6 posted 12/12 p2
So she's not going to be too happy with the next day's offerings, is she?

Author:	PaulineS [ Fri Dec 12, 2008 8:16 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 6 posted 12/12 p2
On dear is she going tohave anywhere to live when the twelve days are complete!!!!!

Author:	Secret Santa [ Sun Dec 14, 2008 10:36 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 6 posted 12/12 p2
The Seventh Day Dear Dr Truelove, I suppose the swans have crossed in the post with my last request for no more birds! I am running out of cash for the tips the delivery man now expects. I do not have enough water for them to swim in here, so this morning I manage to move all seven on to the Isis — where I also shooed the geese yesterday afternoon — and they have begun to make friends with the other swans there. Now, please, NO MORE BIRDS!!! Regards, Mie

Author:	PaulineS [ Sun Dec 14, 2008 2:26 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 7 posted 14/12 p2
Pleased she sent the geese an the swan to the river asap. Thanks.

Author:	LauraMcC [ Sun Dec 14, 2008 2:29 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 7 posted 14/12 p2
At least Dr Truelove is not going to send any more birds, though I am wondering what Mie will do with all the milking maids.

Author:	Pat [ Sun Dec 14, 2008 4:55 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 7 posted 14/12 p2
LauraMcC wrote: At least Dr Truelove is not going to send any more birds, though I am wondering what Mie will do with all the milking maids. Not so much the maids, but what about the cows (~presumably) that they're milking?!!

Author:	Alison H [ Sun Dec 14, 2008 6:01 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 7 posted 14/12 p2
I must say that in all the years I've heard/sung this song this is the first time I've ever realised what a nightmare the recipient must have had with all those birds!!

Author:	Emma A [ Mon Dec 15, 2008 1:52 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 7 posted 14/12 p2
I suppose Dr Truelove thinks he's being romantic... This is excellent, Santa, and am looking forward to the remaining deliveries

Author:	MHE [ Mon Dec 15, 2008 9:12 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 7 posted 14/12 p2
Perusing the Radio 7 schedule today in work I discovered that 'And yet Another Partridge in a Pear Tree' with Penelope Keith was broadcast yesterday, however it is available on listen again. Looking forward to the rest of this.

Author:	Susan [ Tue Dec 16, 2008 12:12 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 7 posted 14/12 p2
At least the geese and swans found a good home. Looking forward to the next part.

Author:	Secret Santa [ Tue Dec 16, 2008 9:08 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 7 posted 14/12 p2
The Eighth Day Dear Dr Truelove, I admit that I did say I was short of milk, but the shops are open here now, and I really don’t care for milk straight from the cow. The milkmaids are very pleasant, but all they seem to want to do is milk the cows — it’s not as if they were entertaining or anything, I mean, I’m not snobbish, but they have no conversation at all! And there’s nowhere here for them or the cows to stay; I contacted the zoo again, but they say they don’t take farm animals. Eventually, after I’d spoken to the milkman — who is in any case calling regularly now, please note! — I managed to contact a farmer who came along to the coll. with a lorry to collect the cows. I don’t know what the milkmaids will do, but I’ve told them that’s their problem; there’s no room here! By the way, it was a different delivery man today. He said the other chap was off sick with his nerves. Yours sincerely, Mie

Author:	PaulineS [ Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:19 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 8 posted 16/12 p3
Thank you for update. Not suprised Mie thought milk was excessive!!!

Author:	claire [ Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:35 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 8 posted 16/12 p3
fantastic - thanks santa

Author:	Lesley [ Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:51 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 8 posted 16/12 p3
Love the fate of the last delivery man!

Author:	Alison H [ Tue Dec 16, 2008 11:20 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 8 posted 16/12 p3
at the poor delivery man being off sick with his nerves!

Author:	jilianb [ Wed Dec 17, 2008 8:42 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 8 posted 16/12 p3
This is brilliant Santa, thank you. Feel sorry for the poor delivery man.

Author:	Emma A [ Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:50 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 8 posted 16/12 p3
Poor Mie must be getting terribly embarrassed having to explain all these odd gifts to the college authorities. And feeling sorry for the delivery man, too (both of them!). Thanks, Claire's Santa.

Author:	Cat C [ Wed Dec 17, 2008 2:22 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 8 posted 16/12 p3
I wonder if the ladies arriving tomorrow will be better at conversation?

Author:	Susan [ Wed Dec 17, 2008 10:47 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 8 posted 16/12 p3
LOL! She must have got rid of them too quickly for the milk to go off. Poor delivery man.

Author:	Lyanne [ Thu Dec 18, 2008 12:22 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 7 posted 14/12 p2
Alison H wrote: :lol: I must say that in all the years I've heard/sung this song this is the first time I've ever realised what a nightmare the recipient must have had with all those birds!! I read the Thirteen days of Christmas when I was younger (and had to search to find out what it was called), in it the heroine gets all the stuff each day, so by now would have 8 maids a milking, 14 swans a swimming, 18 geese a laying, 20 gold rings, 20 french hens, 18 calling birds, 14 turtledoves and 8 partridges in pear trees!

Author:	JackieP [ Thu Dec 18, 2008 11:48 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 8 posted 16/12 p3
Thank you very much, Santa - have sent you a PM re this. JackieP

Author:	Secret Santa [ Thu Dec 18, 2008 12:30 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 8 posted 16/12 p3
The Ninth Day Dear Dr Truelove, OK, I was joking, right, when I said about the milkmaids not being entertaining. I mean, yes, it was quite fun to have the Headington Ladies’ Morris side and their spare ‘half-team’ of dancers arrive this morning — but they haven’t stopped dancing ALL DAY! It’s midnight now, and they’re just packing up. What are you trying to do? Wear me down? Thank goodness it isn’t term time, and that my companion on the stair quite likes folk music. I appreciate, at least I hope this is the case, that you are trying to send me treats, but things are getting a bit beyond a joke now, don’t you think? I mean, I’m very glad you haven’t sent any more birds or animals, but nine ladies morris dancing? I don’t think so! It really isn’t my sort of music. Sincerely, Mie

Author:	Emma A [ Thu Dec 18, 2008 12:34 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 9 posted 18/12 p3
Lovely - and novel! They must be very energetic ladies to keep dancing till almost midnight. Now wondering how Dr Truelove is managing to send all these gifts. Does he have a bottomless purse, or is he blackmailing the morris women to dance all day? Looking forward to the remaining gifts, Santa - thank you.

Author:	Alison H [ Thu Dec 18, 2008 1:11 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 9 posted 18/12 p3
Like all good potential SLOCs (SLsOC?), he doubtless has a "private income" .

Author:	PaulineS [ Thu Dec 18, 2008 1:14 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 9 posted 18/12 p3
Nine Morris dancing ladies!!!! Wonder what the college scouts think about them dancing, I wonder where they danced, on the quad would not be allowed I expect.

Author:	Jennie [ Thu Dec 18, 2008 2:16 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 9 posted 18/12 p3
Good job she doesn't live in Ankh-Morpork. The Patrician has Morris Dancers executed. He isn't all bad, though. He bans all street-theatre, as well.

Author:	Cat C [ Thu Dec 18, 2008 2:45 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 9 posted 18/12 p3
Hmmmm, now in what order will the pipers, drummers and Lords appear? Must say I never pictured a Morris team in the context of ladies dancing

Author:	abbeybufo [ Thu Dec 18, 2008 2:54 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 9 posted 18/12 p3
Jennie wrote: Good job she doesn't live in Ankh-Morpork. The Patrician has Morris Dancers executed. He isn't all bad, though. He bans all street-theatre, as well. But on the Discworld there's the other Morris

Author:	Secret Santa [ Thu Dec 18, 2008 9:15 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 9 posted 18/12 p3
Cat C wrote: Hmmmm, now in what order will the pipers, drummers and Lords appear? Well, you'll have to wait to find that out, but I will tell you that the 10th Day will be posted on 20th Dec; the Eleventh on 22nd; the Twelfth on Christmas Eve [24th]; and an Epilogue on Boxing Day [26th] Ho Ho Ho

Author:	Secret Santa [ Sat Dec 20, 2008 1:03 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 9 posted 18/12 p3
The Tenth Day Dear Dr Truelove, The Duke of Armishire arrived today, saying he was an old school pal of yours and you’d asked him to look in, so here he was, and he’d brought some friends along too. The Dukes of Bakerfield and Carnbach were very charming, the Earls of Erisay, Meadowfield and Medbury were elderly but very pleasant, Viscounts Garnton, Horston and Thoreston were a bit stuffy, but OK when I got them on to talking about horses and dogs, and the Marquis of King’s Caple is an absolute sweetie. Apparently they all leapt at the chance of looking over a ladies’ college. They’ve asked me to go and visit the House of Lords next week in exchange, so I’m really looking forward to that! Thank you for arranging for them to visit me, Mie P.S. I enclose a rather odd letter that arrived today — seems to be an official claim for aggravated damages due to loss of earnings from stress-related illness? I can only think it’s about the original delivery chap, so I reckon you should be the one to deal with it. M.

Author:	Nightwing [ Sat Dec 20, 2008 2:01 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 10 posted 20/12 p3
I'm glad she enjoyed her ten leaping lords after the headaches involved in all the other presents - I'm really enjoying this, Santa!

Author:	Lesley [ Sat Dec 20, 2008 8:04 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 10 posted 20/12 p3
Also pleased she liked the Lords - love the letter claiming damages too! Thanks Santa.

Author:	Alison H [ Sat Dec 20, 2008 9:44 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 10 posted 20/12 p3
Now that was more like it - at least the poor delivery man didn't have to bring the lords !

Author:	Susan [ Sat Dec 20, 2008 11:55 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 10 posted 20/12 p3
Morris Ladies must have been exhausted with all that dancing. Hope it wasn't in her room as that would have been awkward. The Leaping Lords sounded fun glad she had a gift she actually enjoyed.

Author:	Emma A [ Sun Dec 21, 2008 6:29 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 10 posted 20/12 p3
Rather hoping that the Marquis (an absolute sweetie) might be more to Mie's taste than Dr Truelove... Thank-you.

Author:	claire [ Mon Dec 22, 2008 2:26 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 10 posted 20/12 p3
lovely - thanks

Author:	Secret Santa [ Mon Dec 22, 2008 7:41 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 10 posted 20/12 p3
The Eleventh Day Dear Dr Truelove, I’m sorry — bagpipes do not count as music — not for me, anyway. Maybe something with a bit more rhythm would appeal, but I find the drones altogether too much, and I’ve never been one for men in skirts. Most fortunately, the Duke of Armishire turned up again in his Austin Healey, and took me out to lunch at a place in Bray — you probably haven’t heard of it over in Switzerland even though it’s run by a couple of Frenchmen, but it’s getting quite a name here — called ‘The Waterside.’ As the eleven-strong pipe band was still marching round the quad when we got back, he invited me to Brown’s for dinner as well. We found we had a lot in common; naturally he’s familiar with all the places the School used to go to on outings, and its various locations in Armishire and thereabouts, all of which I’ve been hearing tales about for years. Apparently he knows Ernest Howells, who let the School have Plas Howell for so long, though he’s a lot younger, of course. I gathered that the eighth Duke, his father, was at school with Revd. Howells, so he looks on him rather as an uncle — I think he’d probably have been asked to be his godfather if the ducal family hadn’t been long-term recusants. It was interesting to compare our travels too — he’s been to India and New Zealand, as well as various places in Europe, though never Switzerland, and in my gap year I went to India and then spent several months with my cousins in Australia. Maybe that’s why I feel older than most of the other Freshers here. Although about half of them had a year of VSO or similar, most are still under twenty. It was good to have some really adult conversation; I’m used to being with people older than myself. We had a lovely evening, and I’m now sitting in my room in the blessed quiet; the pipers have gone at last, it being a minute to twelve. Mie

Author:	PaulineS [ Mon Dec 22, 2008 9:26 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 11 posted 22/12 p4
O dear!!!!!!! Quote: bagpipes do not count as music — not for me, anyway. Maybe something with a bit more rhythm would appeal, She is asking the drummers here!!! Glad the Duke of Armishire turned up and gave her a lovely day. Dr Truelove has blown his chances wih her I guess, but she has found someone she likes.

Author:	Lesley [ Mon Dec 22, 2008 10:37 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 11 posted 22/12 p4
I have, finally, got a sneaking suspicion as to the identity of Mie!!! Pleased she enjoyed her date, even if she didn't enjoy the caterwauling...I mean pipes.

Author:	Alison H [ Mon Dec 22, 2008 11:35 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 11 posted 22/12 p4
I'm hazarding a guess at who Mie could be as well. And I like the sound of the Duke of Armishire ... aristocratic, well-travelled and Catholic, and obviously keen on Mie - can Dr Truelove compete ?

Author:	Kathy_S [ Tue Dec 23, 2008 1:34 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 11 posted 22/12 p4
What? It doesn't get much more rhythmic (or musical!) than a good reel or jig on the pipes. (Or a march, for that matter, though I'm not quite as passionate about marches.) Hmm, if "Mie" doesn't want her doctor after this .... (Thank you, Santa.)

Author:	Cath V-P [ Tue Dec 23, 2008 11:35 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 11 posted 22/12 p4
Yes, well, bagpipes! I'm glad she had such a lovely day after all that - and I loved the various lords' names - very clever.

Author:	Lottie [ Wed Dec 24, 2008 3:18 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 11 posted 22/12 p4
If Mie doesn't want the pipers, she can send them to me. I love listening to the bagpipes. Thanks, Claire's Santa. This is brilliant.

Author:	Secret Santa [ Wed Dec 24, 2008 9:23 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 11 posted 22/12 p4
The Twelfth Day Dear Dr Truelove, Rhythm does NOT mean a dozen blokes with snare drums incessantly drumming. I really don't know why you have been sending me all these things. It isn't as if we were ever properly engaged or anything; just because we had a bit of a fumble in a boat last August . . . In any case, I have today accepted a proposal of marriage from Freddy Armishire — yes, I know I've only known him for two days, but we've discovered so many mutual interests, and enjoy each other's company so much, I really can't imagine life without him now — despite the fact he's not a doctor. We're both extremely grateful to you for suggesting that he visit me. I'm looking forward to living in Armishire, near where the School was based when it first came to England, and not far from the Welsh branch. Freddy says there is a Home Farm on the Duchy Estate, so unless you want them back, I'm taking the three chickens with me, and Freddy will arrange for one of his estate stockmen to fetch the cows — I don't know where the milkmaids went, but I haven't seen them since the cows were collected, so I'm not going to worry about them now. I can let you have the zoo's address if you want to reclaim the parakeets, but the geese and swans are now indistinguishable from the others on the river, I'm afraid, so I couldn't return those, even if you wanted me to. Both pigeons seem to have disappeared, too; I have my suspicions of the scout's cat, since I was out all day yesterday. I take it you hired the Headington Ladies and the Pipers on a daily rate? Certainly that's what Freddy understood were the terms the Drummers had been booked under, when he spoke to them this morning, so he gave them another day's pay to go away. If that is so, you certainly wouldn't be expecting them to be returned to you. The pear tree will have a special place in the castle orchard, and I'm going to cook the partridge for Freddy's supper soon — the scout was very happy to do the necessary, though of course I'll need to learn what to do myself for next shooting season — anyway, it's currently being hung in the cool of the yard, too high up for the cat to reach, so should be just right in a day or two. I'm enclosing the box of rings, as naturally I'll have no use for any of them now — Freddy and I are going to Asprey's to choose my engagement ring before I have my promised visit to the House of Lords. I'm coming back to Somerville after the vac., of course, and want to finish my degree. We sha'n't actually get married for a few years yet, but it's good to have a settled future. I don't think I've forgotten anything, so I'll sign myself for the last time by the rather stupid nickname you gave me last summer, Mie

Author:	Lesley [ Wed Dec 24, 2008 9:30 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 12 posted 24/12 p4
Poor Doctor Truelove - but he deserved it really! Pleased Mie has found her partner even though (Shock! Horror!) he's not a doctor. Still being a Duchess should make up for it! Thanks Santa.

Author:	Alison H [ Wed Dec 24, 2008 10:00 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 12 posted 24/12 p4
Thanks Santa!

Author:	claire [ Wed Dec 24, 2008 3:30 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 12 posted 24/12 p4
nice twist - thanks

Author:	Susan [ Wed Dec 24, 2008 4:58 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 12 posted 24/12 p4
Thank you Santa, lovely story.

Author:	Carolyn P [ Wed Dec 24, 2008 10:00 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 12 posted 24/12 p4
That was great fun.

Author:	Secret Santa [ Fri Dec 26, 2008 10:44 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Day 12 posted 24/12 p4
Epilogue From The Times Monday 9th January 1973 Forthcoming Marriages The engagement is announced between Alfred Humphrey Clarence Michaelchurch, ninth Duke of Armishire, and Marya Cecilia Maynard, fifth daughter and ninth child of John and Josephine Maynard of the Görnetz Platz, Switzerland. THE END

Author:	Alison H [ Fri Dec 26, 2008 11:31 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Completed 26/12 p4
Love it !

Author:	Lesley [ Fri Dec 26, 2008 12:26 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Completed 26/12 p4
Good for Cecil - pleased she got a Duke. Thanks Santa.

Author:	Fatima [ Fri Dec 26, 2008 1:54 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Completed 26/12 p4
Thanks for a great story Santa.

Author:	PaulineS [ Fri Dec 26, 2008 10:39 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Completed 26/12 p4
Thanks for an eventful series of letters. Loved the letters.

Author:	Elbee [ Sat Dec 27, 2008 6:57 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Twelve Days - for Claire from Santa - Completed 26/12 p4
Very cleverly done, thank you very much, Santa.

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