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Demons (updated P9, 03/02/09)
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=3468

Author:  LizzieC [ Mon Oct 15, 2007 11:56 am ]
Post subject:  Demons (updated P9, 03/02/09)

This is the first drabble I've ever written about the Chalet School and I've only written one other drabble ever - a M*A*S*H one about 10 years ago, so I hope that this is ok (and it's in the right place - mods, please move it if it'd be better in a different House)

It's a work in progress, but I'll try and keep updates fairly regular.


Len's pretty features were marred by a grimace as she pinched at her skin and twisted as hard as she could. She found that these early morning sessions and the ones late at night helped to get her through the day, and what a long day it would be, filled with the high expectations of everyone weighing down on her. She almost wished she had a forest of pine trees around her, protecting her from the avalanche, as they did the alpine settlements all around her school on the Platz.

No one had noticed. She was sure no one would notice. Why should they? Her bruises were confined to her upper thighs - no one would ever see, not in a good school, not with a mother as wedded to old fashions and traditions as hers.

Len sighed and reflected on the mess she was in as she pinched harder ad harder. Capable Len. Solid Len. Clever Len. Dependable Len. Head of the family due to an accident of birth. "They're all the same age, damn it. The others could take some responsibility too..." Bitter thoughts came spilling out as anger welled up inside her. She took some deep breaths and tried to push the anger back down. Another ten minutes and the rising bell would sound, throwing her into another day of having to be the best and with that she gasped almost as if she had been suffocating. Another day of being the best, top in the form, head girl, destined for Oxford, counsellor to Jack (who seemed incapable of standing on her own two feet) and the thoughts of after Oxford... What then? A marriage she had been pressured into. And babies. Lots of babies. And parental influence. More terrifying, domesticity of the worst kind, with no outlet for her intellect. Len felt sick as she thought of her marriage, the engagement weighing on her as a yoke.

With the rising bell came a new resolution. Somehow she had to escape.

Author:  Fatima [ Mon Oct 15, 2007 12:11 pm ]
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Oh poor Len. I really hope she manages to get out of this engagement if that's how she feels. Thanks Lizzie.

Author:  KathrynW [ Mon Oct 15, 2007 1:11 pm ]
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Thanks Lizzie, this looks like a very interesting beginning. Poor Len :(

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Oct 15, 2007 1:57 pm ]
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Glad you decided to go ahead and post this, Lizzie - looking forward to more. Poor Len.

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:27 pm ]
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Intrigued.

Thanks Lizzie.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Oct 16, 2007 5:03 pm ]
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Poor Len. I often think that once she left for Oxford she wouldn't return as she was under so much pressure and expectation from everyone.

Thanks Lizzie

Author:  LizzieC [ Tue Oct 16, 2007 8:34 pm ]
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Second part - just realised this is about twice the legnth of the previous part! Sorry if it's a bit long. Thanks for the comments on the first part, it's helped me to keep writing :)

Len could think of nothing much else all day. She sat in her study in her free periods ostensibly thinking about her French essay. In reality, her mind was on the best way to get away from it all. There was running away, but how and where to run were huge problems. The uniform of the school was recognised all over the local area, just as she was as the eldest daughter of Herr Doktor Maynard, not to mention her frustrating lack of money. She thought of her parents, always keen to keep her and the rest of the family on a tight leash financially, not that the Maynard family were really that wealthy - the sheer number of them made sure of that as well as a constant lack of actual physical presence of their parents - they were always "around" but never available, especially to the older ones. There was always someone who needed them more than her. She sometimes wondered if it was because they assumed she could cope or if it was because she had once done something to earn their wrath. Maybe, whispered a thought in her head, they just did not love her as much as they loved the others. It was a possibility she gave credence to as she had never been treated like the others, even like her own triplets. She had never been spoiled like Margot, or had her gifts understood and nurtured in the same way as Con.

Her thoughts lingered on her sisters for a few moments. Would they be upset if she ran away? She doubted it somehow. They were much too wrapped up in their lives and their plans. They hadn't even noticed when it had all begun. In some ways that wasn't their fault. They largely left their eldest alone anyway, she was the interferer, not they. Anyway, Len could hardly pinpoint where it had started. Sometime in the fifth, she thought. That was when the pressure of keeping up with girls so much older than she had started to really make itself known. How she had longer to be in a form with her peers, have something resembling a normal life. She had known it was not really possible. The reactions of her parents to Margot when she was in a form lower than the other two, but right for her age had made it clear that they would never allow her to do that as long as she could manage the work of the higher form. Despite seeming happy to take on the advanced duties demanded of her by her senior form she began to grow more inward, much more introspective, but she was "that age" and if anyone had noticed it they just attributed it to natural "teenage" (a term barely allowed by the school) moodiness. Throughout the fifth her thoughts had spiralled down and once she had reached the lower sixth she had started to pinch herself. At first, inexperienced, she pinched her arms, but people had noticed and she'd had to pretend she was just being very clumsy. To avert suspicion she had switched to her upper thighs where no one would look.

The bell for the end of period, and the start of the walk sounded and she jumped, startled out of her rather melancholy chain of thought. It was then her means of escape suddenly came to her.

The Auberge.

Author:  linda [ Tue Oct 16, 2007 9:00 pm ]
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Poor Len, It's always hard being the eldest, but she's always been expected to be too responsible. I hope someone finds out and helps her soon.

Author:  keren [ Tue Oct 16, 2007 9:01 pm ]
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oh my goodness

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Oct 16, 2007 10:00 pm ]
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Poor Len. Joey, who was always depicted as being very irresponsible when she was younger, didn't half put a lot on her :( .

Author:  clair [ Tue Oct 16, 2007 10:42 pm ]
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Poor Len, even doubting that Con and Margot would care about her. Had never really thought about the fact that Joey sees her more as a nursemaid than a daughter - or maybe that Len just needs less attention compared to naughtiness and dreaminess!

Author:  Fatima [ Wed Oct 17, 2007 5:47 am ]
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It's scarily easy to see how Len got to feeling like this.

Thanks Lizzie.

Author:  Lesley [ Wed Oct 17, 2007 6:47 am ]
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Very worrying to follow Len's train of thought - especially as it is so possible.

Thank you Lizzie.

Author:  coddle [ Wed Oct 17, 2007 9:41 am ]
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Poor Len!!

Am really enjoying this! More pleaassse !! :oops: :lol:

Author:  Ruth B [ Wed Oct 17, 2007 9:47 am ]
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Oh no. I hope she isn't thinking what I think she is.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Oct 17, 2007 10:03 am ]
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Lesley wrote:
Very worrying to follow Len's train of thought - especially as it is so possible.

Thank you Lizzie.


It is. Thanks Lizzie.

Keep those plot bunnies coming as I'm enjoying this if thats the right word

Author:  KathrynW [ Wed Oct 17, 2007 10:51 am ]
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Thanks Lizzie, this is very powerful.

Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Wed Oct 17, 2007 10:30 pm ]
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Ruth B wrote:
Oh no. I hope she isn't thinking what I think she is.


Agrees. ::wibbles:::

Author:  Miss Di [ Thu Oct 18, 2007 4:36 am ]
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Very moving Lizzie, I can just 'see' Len thinking like that.

Author:  Jennie [ Thu Oct 18, 2007 1:34 pm ]
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This is so worryingly plausible.

I've always seen Len as having a determined smile on her face.

Author:  JustJen [ Thu Oct 18, 2007 6:58 pm ]
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Poor Len. All that pressure on her and she's not even 18 yet.
Thanks Lizzie

Author:  LizzieC [ Fri Oct 19, 2007 11:39 pm ]
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Thanks again for all the kind comments. I struggled with this part - I hope it's clear enough who is thinking what. If not then let me know and I'll go back and rewrite it.

Enjoy (if that's the right word!)


Len packed away her work things quickly and hurried to the Splashery to get her outdoor things. In record time she was out of the door and walking away from the school at top speed. She was Head Girl and if anyone saw her on her own they would assume she was on an errand for a mistress, probably yet another package or note that needed to be hand delivered to St Mildred’s. Len hoped that she had been quick enough for her departure alone to go unnoticed as the school at large prepared for its walk, an assumption that was not entirely unreasonable, however one girl saw her go. The girl had been slow to gather up her belongings at the end of prep, in a dream about a new composition. It wasn't often that she was in a dream nowadays, having improved no end since the incident at Zermatt.

With wide eyes, Con watched her sister hurry away from the school and knew somehow and without a doubt that something was very wrong. She had been anxious about her eldest triplet for a long time. Con was usually very close to Len and despite appearing to be largely dreamy and drifting without purpose she was sharp eyed and noticed many things that seemed to escape the notice of almost everyone else. She had occasionally seen bruises on Len that couldn’t have just been caused by carelessness or clumsiness. She had seen the once confident girl begin to withdraw and isolate herself and had made a rather accurate assessment of what was going on, but had been unsure how to approach Len about what she saw as a personal problem. Len’s demeanour as she had hurried away from the school had given a great deal away to observant Con and without a second thought, in behaviour more akin to that of her days as a middle, she raced off to get her hat and follow Len wherever she was going.

She just hoped that she would not be too late.

Author:  Fatima [ Sat Oct 20, 2007 3:46 am ]
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Con sounds like a potentially supportive friend here; I also hope she's not too late.

Thanks Lizzie.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Oct 20, 2007 5:43 am ]
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Fatima wrote:
Con sounds like a potentially supportive friend here; I also hope she's not too late.

Thanks Lizzie.


So do I. Thanks Lizzie

Author:  Alison H [ Sat Oct 20, 2007 7:57 am ]
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I really hope Con gets there in time and is able to help.

Author:  Lesley [ Sat Oct 20, 2007 8:20 am ]
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Yes, Con would be the one to notice problems.

Thanks Lizzie.

Author:  Jennie [ Sat Oct 20, 2007 1:54 pm ]
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Con might be able to talk her round, I just hope she can.

Author:  leahbelle [ Tue Oct 23, 2007 5:28 pm ]
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Poor Len. I hope that Con can help her.

Author:  brie [ Wed Oct 24, 2007 10:57 am ]
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Please let Con be able to help her.

Author:  bethany [ Wed Oct 24, 2007 11:53 am ]
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I am so glad that Con saw her leave, I really hope that she can help Len. Maybe just the fact that Con cared enough to break rules and follow her will help a little?

Author:  LizzieC [ Fri Nov 16, 2007 10:51 pm ]
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Here's the next part for you all :)

Len gasped for breath as she reached the Auberge. Her thoughts swirled round her head, too fast to get a grip of, the only one that stood out with absolute certainty was the rightness of what she was about to do. She was tired, oh so very tired and she wanted it over with. She clambered over the pretty wooden trellis fence that separated sightseers from the treacherous edge and hung on to it with one hand as she peered down into the chasm. As she saw the vast emptiness below her mind emptied of all thought and she became peaceful for the first time in, what was it? Days? Months? Years? Probably the latter she mused as she closed her eyes and prepared to step in to eternity.

Just as she began to let go of the fence and step out, a hand wrapped itself firmly round her wrist and she was jerked out of her calmness. As she turned round, somewhat furiously for being shaken out of the first quiet she had known in some time, she found herself facing Con. Her triplet looked pale and anxious but spoke gently.

“Len, how about you climb back over this fence and we can have a talk? You look like you could do with some good strong coffee – we’ll get some from the gasthaus over there.” Matching words to actions she helped Len over the fence, almost before the other girl knew what she was doing, and marched her over to some benches. As they reached them and before Con could order coffee the calm broke properly and Len pulled her knees up to her chin, curling up in to something like the foetal position, buried her head in her arms and dissolved into tears, the like of which Con was sure none of them had ever shed before, even as babies. Unsure of what to do and how to help Con pulled her sister close and held her as tightly as possible, so tightly that she was sure Len would not be able to breathe.

And slowly, almost imperceptibly, the storm of tears began to lessen.

Author:  Bee [ Sat Nov 17, 2007 3:42 am ]
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I just caught up with this - it's brilliant. Len's take on everything is so realistic, it's frightening. I'm so glad Con was there!

Author:  JustJen [ Sat Nov 17, 2007 3:57 am ]
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Thank goodness that Con was there to save her.

Author:  Fatima [ Sat Nov 17, 2007 4:03 am ]
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Con certainly couldn't be described as dreamy here. I'm so relieved that she was in time.

Thanks Lizzie.

Author:  Lesley [ Sat Nov 17, 2007 11:50 am ]
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Oh well done there, Con - her matter-of-fact manner was exactly what was needed there.


Thanks Lizzie.

Author:  linda [ Sat Nov 17, 2007 9:36 pm ]
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Thank goodness for Con. Her instinctive reaction to the situation has really thrown Len a life-line. Now she needs to find help to keep her afloat.

Thank you Lizzie

Author:  JackieP [ Sat Nov 17, 2007 9:38 pm ]
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Well done Con.

Thanks for this, it's very powerful.

JackieP

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Nov 18, 2007 10:54 am ]
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Thanks Lizzie, for having the courage to write this. It's awe inspiring

Author:  clair [ Sun Nov 18, 2007 12:55 pm ]
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Let's hope that Con can continue to help, or at least persuade Len to get help from somewhere.
This is so realistic, can feel Len's pain
Thanks Lizzie

Author:  Jennie [ Sun Nov 18, 2007 3:52 pm ]
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Con might be described as dreamy and tactless at times, but she always saw things as they were, so she's trhe best person to help Len now.

Author:  LizzieC [ Sun Nov 18, 2007 11:08 pm ]
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And another update - two in three days! I'm spoiling you all now ;)

By the time Len was quiet, with the exception of racking gasps for air every few seconds, it was getting dark and cold. Though the weather was warm during the day the temperature was still dropping at night and neither girl had anything on over her uniform dress. Len was not in any state to worry about such things, with her head on Con’s shoulder she just sat with her eyes unfocused, staring into space, feeling neither peace nor turmoil, just dead inside. Con, at her sister’s side, looked worse than when she had pulled Len back from the abyss. She was aware of the time that had passed, the worry that would have been caused by their sudden disappearance but also aware that she could not move Len on her own, not in the state her triplet sister was still in, and if she were honest, the state that she was now in. The relief at having reached Len in time had given way to shock, a reaction to the fact that she had so nearly been too late, her sister’s condition and the responsibility she felt for getting them both back to school safely. Unable to decide what to do she pulled Len even closer to her so they could share body warmth and waited.

Just as the last light from the sun faded and the air was beginning to get very cold indeed they heard their names being called by a familiar voice – their father! Len didn’t react at all. She felt dead inside and drained after the events of the day, but Con, still holding Len close, called out at the top of her lungs, a call that echoed off the hills of the Auberge, sounding at once beautiful and sinister. As the familiar silhouette of their father appeared in view Con felt relief flood through her, and felt tears begin to roll down her cheeks. She knew somehow, deep inside, that their father would make it all better.

The sight that confronted Jack Maynard as he rounded the corner and saw his daughters was pitiful, and in some ways worried him more than the news of their mysterious disappearance from school when it had been reported to him. His daughters had gone off around the Platz before on their own to be found not really the worse from their adventures. They knew the Platz and the people on it, and they in return knew the girls. He had, in fact, been mildly irritated to be pulled away from the San and an important case to help the school organise search parties to find his wayward daughters. He had muttered grimly about them no longer being silly children who just ran off and got lost and was sure they would return in their own time. His first sight of the girls changed all that. Con, white and in tears looked terrified, but it was Len who concerned him more. He had seen the look on her face on other people, often patients or relatives of patients at the San. People who felt they no longer had anything to live for. With a moment of sudden clarity he knew, without anyone saying anything, why his girls had come here.

With an inward prayer both for thanksgiving that they were both there and whole and for help to deal with what must come next he rushed forwards and enveloped them both in his comforting embrace.

Author:  Marmalady [ Sun Nov 18, 2007 11:20 pm ]
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teh reality of this is utterly frightening, A brilliant story.

Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Nov 19, 2007 12:17 am ]
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Glad Jack understands the look on Len's face and will be able to provide the help she needs.

Author:  linda [ Mon Nov 19, 2007 12:26 am ]
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Thank goodness Jack has now got them safely - and he recognises the state that Len is in. He is the right person to get her the help that she needs now.

Poor Con, she needs help too. She's been magnificent and saved her sister's life, but how is she going to cope now?

Thanks for this Lizzie, it's so frighteningly real.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Nov 19, 2007 9:33 am ]
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Thank goodness Jack recognised the look on Len's face and didn't explode.

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Nov 19, 2007 10:43 am ]
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Also pleased that Jack recognised Len's expression - hope he can help both his daughters.


Thanks Lizzie.

Author:  clair [ Mon Nov 19, 2007 10:47 am ]
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Con may well need more help than Len at first - Len seems to have gone beyond feeling for the moment and may soon resent Con for what she'll see as interference.
At least Jack has realised what's happened, hope he can help both girls - not sure Jo would be the best person right now though!

Author:  Jennie [ Mon Nov 19, 2007 2:16 pm ]
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They both need some rest and peace and quiet, and Jack needs to see that they get it without their mother butting in.

Author:  Fatima [ Mon Nov 19, 2007 3:22 pm ]
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I hope that Jack can help them both. And I really hope that Jo is sensitive and caring in this drabble.

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Nov 19, 2007 6:01 pm ]
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Con did really well there: hope Jack does too.

Author:  Helen P [ Tue Dec 04, 2007 3:17 pm ]
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Gosh, I've just found this and it is excellent. Completely plausible.

I hope Jack can help somehow, and I hope there is more of this soon! Thank you Lizzie. :)

Author:  Lottie [ Tue Dec 04, 2007 3:32 pm ]
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Helen P wrote:
Gosh, I've just found this and it is excellent. Completely plausible.

I hope Jack can help somehow, and I hope there is more of this soon! Thank you Lizzie. :)

*Echoes Helen*

This must be really hard to write. Thanks, Lizzie!

Author:  Carolyn P [ Tue Dec 04, 2007 9:53 pm ]
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This is excellent, thank you.

Author:  Sandra [ Wed Dec 19, 2007 12:05 am ]
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This is excellent. Will there be more? I hope that Joey isn't allowed to interfere as I think that she would be likely to make things worse, probably by being self pitying and managing to turn the situation around so that it is all about her.

Author:  Becky [ Sat Dec 22, 2007 6:59 pm ]
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This is superb, thank you Lizzie.

Author:  LizzieC [ Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:16 pm ]
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Finally - another part! Sorry it's taken me so long :)

Jack took the decision to take the girls back to the San. He instinctively knew that the school was no place for either of them at that time. From the San he could contact the school and tell them to call off the search and Joey to tell her to stop worrying because the girls were safe with him. The difficult conversation about where they had been and why could wait until both girls were settled and he could speak to his wife in person. Jack knew that it was not a conversation that should be had over the telephone if it could possibly be avoided. While he made the calls, the girls were taken to individual private rooms where they were taken care of. A nurse helped Con from her clothes and into a nightdress and a warm bed. Matron Graves took the much more difficult task of Len who had to be got into nightclothes and bed, but by this point could do nothing to help herself. She had completely shut down and needed to be undressed and sponged down as her youngest siblings were. It was while she was standing passive being stripped down, washed and put into a nightdress that her bruises were found. The vivid colours coating Len’s thighs caused the usually composed Helen Graves to gasp in shock. Still Len stayed passive, making no movement or sound, staring unblinkingly at the ceiling when she was finally in bed.

It was over half an hour before Jack finally finished making his telephone calls. Hilda Annersley had asked few questions, thank goodness, but Joey had been rather difficult and he had been obliged to tell her more than he had originally intended and now on top of his two eldest daughters he had his highly strung wife to worry about. He had at least persuaded her to stay at home, pointing out that the small fry needed her to be close to them. As he made his way wearily from his office towards the rooms where his girls were safely in bed he was intercepted by Matron Graves who looked as solemn as he had ever seen her. She took him to one side and told him what she had found while undressing Len. As he listened Jack looked shocked and even grimmer. With a heavy heart he continued his journey to see his girls.

When he reached the entrance of Con’s room Jack took a minute to pray for wisdom before taking a deep breath, gripping the handle and entering the room.

Author:  Marmalady [ Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:34 pm ]
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I am very much looking forward to the next episode. Thank you for this.

Author:  Lesley [ Wed Jan 23, 2008 8:50 pm ]
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Poor Len - hope Jack can help her.


Thanks Lizzie.

Author:  linda [ Wed Jan 23, 2008 10:16 pm ]
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Poor Len, I hope that she can now get the help that she needs. At least now Helen Greaves has seen the bruising, Jack will realise that Len is in a very disturbed state.

I hope Con gets some help too. She has been magnificent and saved her sister's life, but she must be distressed too and will need help to come to terms with what she has experienced.

Thank you very much, Lizzie

Author:  Vick [ Wed Jan 23, 2008 10:32 pm ]
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This is very powerful. I hope Jack can at least listen to their stories without Joey appearing and trying to take over.

Thanks Lizzie

Author:  Alison H [ Wed Jan 23, 2008 10:49 pm ]
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Poor Jack. Given Joey's history of difficulty in dealing with traumatic situations, I hope she isn't going to make things worse.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Jan 23, 2008 11:33 pm ]
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Lizzie, this is written so well and is so realistic. Thank You for writing this.

Hope Jack finds the right words

Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 1:17 pm ]
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Thank you I am not suprised it took a long time to write and post.

Hope Jack cna deal with Joey and get appropriate help for Len.

Jack should be able to help Con and give her the support she needs to come to terms with the experience.

Author:  Fatima [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 5:04 pm ]
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Poor Jack, this isn't going to be easy for him.

Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 5:36 pm ]
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Thank you, Lizzie.

Author:  leahbelle [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 6:23 pm ]
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Thanks, Lizzie. This is a tricky situation for Jack.

Author:  LizzieC [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 8:16 pm ]
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My muse (I call it "bob") is being kind to me today, so I thought I would share :)

“Oh papa!” exclaimed Con, sitting bolt upright as Jack entered the room. “Oh papa, I have so wanted you, it was so horrible. I can’t stop thinking about it.” Jack strode quickly across the room, sat on the bed and enveloped his daughter in a bear hug. “Tell papa all about it Connie, and hopefully you shall be able to sleep” he murmured to her, in the comforting voice that he often used both as a father and as a doctor, it at once comforted Con and filled her with strength and she poured out the whole story – how she had watched Len, how she had become increasingly worried and how she had seen Len run away from the school and known deep inside what she was going to do. As she told the story Con had threatened to break down in tears, but she managed to avoid it until she finished telling all she knew. Then she began to cry uncontrollably. Still Jack held her tight and waited until the storm of tears lessened before he loosened his grip on her somewhat and began to talk to her in his low, calm, pleasant voice.

“You did so well Connie, you did so very well. You saved your sister and were there for her when she needed you most. I am so proud to call you my daughter. Now I want you to stop worrying, your part in this is over for now. You need to have a good meal and sleep. When I leave nurse is going to bring you in some nice hot supper and I want you to eat all of it. When you have finished I want you to lie down and try to sleep. Nurse will check on you every so often and if you can’t sleep then she will fetch something to help, but I am hoping that you don’t need it. It will be better for you if you don’t but I’m leaving it to you, it will be your choice. I will be back when I can, but I need you to be brave now, and do what I ask on your own, because I need to go see to Len.” As he spoke he wiped her eyes with his handkerchief and hugged her again. Con was looking decidedly more cheerful and nodded her assent. “My good, brave girl!” he said, and left the room looking decidedly more confident than he felt. He acknowledged the nurse carrying Con’s supper as he passed her in the corridor and all too soon arrived outside the room of his eldest girl. Jack knew that this would be much harder to deal with and was preparing himself to have to call in outside help.

He steeled himself inwardly and walked through the door.

Author:  roversgirl [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 9:24 pm ]
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thank you so much for another part so quickly. I can see why this is so hard to write. thanks so much :)

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 10:06 pm ]
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That was lovely of Jack for Con. I don't envy Jack having to talk to Len as I wouldn't even know where to begin

Author:  Lesley [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 10:10 pm ]
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That was good of Jack - hopefully Con will be better now. Although one thing does bug me - the insistence on Len being 'the eldest' - yes, technically Len is older - but only by 20 minutes! :roll: In many ways Con is far more mature.


Don't envy Jack's next task.

Thanks Lizzie

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 10:44 pm ]
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Jack handled a horrible situation well there ... don't envy him having to try to get through to Len, or explain events to Joey.

Author:  linda [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 11:40 pm ]
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Jack was so wise there. Getting Con to talk through the events of the day will help her to cope with her feelings.

I don't envy Jack's next task, but he is right, Len needs more help than he can give.

Thanks Lizzie

Author:  LizzieC [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 10:51 am ]
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It's a long one today. Thanks bob ;)

Nothing could have prepared Jack for the sight that greeted him as he walked through the door. He had not seen Len properly since the term had begun nearly three months before, and in the twilight he had first seen his girls in at the Auberge he had not taken in her appearance. Now as she lay motionless in her bed Jack was struck by her appearance. Her usually healthy, shining hair was dull and limp against the pillow, her face thinner, her eyes dull, almost lifeless. Jack inwardly cringed, aware inwardly that at least part of this was his fault, at the very least for not having been aware of his daughter’s deep unhappiness. In her turn, Len looked at her father coolly, unemotionally.

Jack gently seated himself on the edge of Len’s bed and took her hand in his. It was cold and he rubbed it to try and warm it up. For once Jack was unsure of what to do. There was one set of things he would do as a physician, and another he would do as a father, but as both he felt utterly incapable of doing either.

“Len, there are things that I have been told of today that I wish I had known about before, to help you, to fix them, to make it better. Please talk to me now, tell me what caused you to feel so awful that you had to go to the Auberge, to consider…” Jack’s voice died away as he considered the full awfulness of what his daughter had decided upon, especially within the confines of their faith. He tried again. “Please, tell me what is the matter and I will do whatever I can to help fix things. I love you, Len. You and your siblings mean the world and more to me. Please let me help you.”

Jack had continued to rub his daughters’ cold hand as he spoke to her, and was shocked when she pulled it from his hand and turned to face the wall. Jack accepted that there was nothing more that he could do for her that evening and left the room feeling utterly inadequate. Outside the door was a probationary nurse who Matron Graves had sent to stay with Len knowing that the doctor would not want her to be left alone, and Jack sent the young nurse in while he went to find and consult with whatever of his colleagues he could find still in the San at this hour. Eventually he tracked down Frank Peters and poured out the whole sorry story to him. Frank noted that Jack was almost as worn down as his daughters and left his colleague sitting in his office while Frank went to examine Len.

Frank decided at that moment to take control of the situation for the rest of the night, feeling that everyone concerned had had more than they could deal with for one day. He ordered an injection for Len so she would sleep, knowing that above all else it was what she needed. He ordered the probationer to spend the night “specialing” Len, sitting in her room in case she were to wake. He checked on Con, who after tossing and turning for a time had managed to sleep, and asked Matron Graves for another probationer to wait in Con’s room in case she were to wake in the night. He left a standing order for a sedative in case she were to wake and be unable to sleep again, and instructed another nurse to make up a bed in Dr Maynard’s office and ensure that there were supper waiting on his desk. Finally Frank ‘phoned Joey from Helen Graves’ office and told her that Jack would not be home that night and would instead sleep at the San. Joey had protested, but Frank had managed to placate her.

As Frank went back into his own office he saw Jack deep in thought and looking 10 years older as he went over the events of the evening in his head, from his initial irritation with what he appeared to be his daughters irresponsibility, to his shock at finding them as he had at the Auberge, to Con’s tearful interview, his mind dwelling most on his abortive interview with Len. Frank put his hand on his colleagues shoulder and told him with authority that he was not going home that evening, before steering him to Jack’s own office where he forced him to make a good meal and lie down. With that, Frank left Jack to sleep, knowing that he would need all his reserves to face what was to come the next day, when Jack would have to begin patching his shattered daughter and strained family back together.

Author:  Ruth B [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 11:10 am ]
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Jack was so lovely there.

Author:  roversgirl [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 11:14 am ]
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i agree, thanks very much :)

Author:  Mona [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 11:36 am ]
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Jack's concern and pain is so vivid. Thank you!

Author:  abbeybufo [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 12:22 pm ]
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Well done Frank! A good night's sleep will help everyone. [Pity he couldn't whizz down and slip Joey a 'little something', too, so she gets some sleep :wink: ]

Author:  clair [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 1:16 pm ]
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Really liking Jack in this - and his clear sightedness where Joey is concerned.
Hope that someone's able to help Len, impressed with Jacks dealing of Con though.
Thanks Lizzie - so well written, it must be so hard to write

Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 2:58 pm ]
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Poor Len. To feel the weight of responsiblty and lacking of support, two years of being Head girl is too long, especially as she is expected to be as responsible during the holidays.

Were was Matey not to pick up Len's poor appearance.

Hope Frank can get through to Len and that Jack and Joey can find a way to help all their children feel wanted and supported.

Thank you

Author:  Vick [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 3:24 pm ]
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Hope Jack has a good night's sleep & feels able to cope with what tomorrow brings.

Thanks Lizzie

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 3:29 pm ]
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Since Con was the only person to 'pick up' on the signs that all was not well with her sister, it's more than possible that had Len retained the ability to behave apparently normally to deceive everyone else, even Matey, until that final walk to the Auberge.

I'm glad that Frank Peters was able to be so proactive and take control of the whole situation, at least for overnight. I hope he'll be able to get through to Len tomorrow, too.

I just hope Joey doesn't take it into her head to find someone to stay with her youngsters, and turn up at the San demanding explanations.

Author:  Fatima [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 4:33 pm ]
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Jack was everything I had hoped he'd be there. And Frank was brilliant, stepping in so capably.

Thanks Lizzie.

Author:  Alison H [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 4:52 pm ]
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Frank was great there.

Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 5:26 pm ]
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Jack and Frank were both great - and how sensible to have someone stay with Con, you know what she's like about sleepwalking and just the sort of thing that could set her off again.

Thanks. This must be so painful to write.

Author:  Lesley [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 8:09 pm ]
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I think both Jack and Frank were wise there - it shouldn't really be a member of family that treats Len - especially as she may want to say a number of hurtful things.


Thanks Lizzie.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 8:02 am ]
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Thanks Lizzie, Frank did a wonderful job there caring for everyone, including Jack who was at the end of his tether. Can sympathise a little with Joey. I wouldn't like to be in her position is Len was my daughter, but can understand why Len needs a break. Sometimes the hardest thing is to step back and let go.

BTW Lesley re: your comment on Len being the eldest trust me growing up with siblings who are twins, that is always something that is important to the kids themselves as to who is the eldest

Author:  Lesley [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 11:20 am ]
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Fiona Mc wrote:
BTW Lesley re: your comment on Len being the eldest trust me growing up with siblings who are twins, that is always something that is important to the kids themselves as to who is the eldest


Is that something that comes as they get older? Only I don't see it in my niece and nephew aged nearly five.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 2:34 pm ]
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Lesley wrote:
Fiona Mc wrote:
BTW Lesley re: your comment on Len being the eldest trust me growing up with siblings who are twins, that is always something that is important to the kids themselves as to who is the eldest


Is that something that comes as they get older? Only I don't see it in my niece and nephew aged nearly five.


It probably is. I know it annoyed my sister at times when everyone assumed her twin brother was older when she was by all of 5-10mins. I do know there was a bit of teasing about it too cos my brother always said he was being a gentleman and let my sister out first and my sister jokes that he kicked her out! :lol:

Author:  LizzieC [ Sun Mar 30, 2008 2:05 am ]
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I've really struggled writing this update and it didn't really flow, which is why it may not read easily. I would have abandoned the drabble but it wasn't really fair on anyone to leave it where it was. Hopefully the next parts will come more easily. Hopefully they should also come in a more timely manner.

Jack woke the next morning having slept poorly, but feeling somewhat refreshed, and better able to cope with the consequences of the events of the previous day. As he washed and dressed using the supplies he kept at the San for the occasions that difficult cases kept him overnight he thought over what he had to do and tried to arrange the tasks in to some sort of order. To have some order to the pattern of his day was to have some sort of control, and he felt he needed it now more than ever. His thoughts drifted to Frank Peters, who he realised had done a sterling job the night before. He must make time after everything was sorted to arrange for some sort of promotion or pay rise for Frank. Jack felt a little ashamed that he had been working with Frank for all these years and yet had very little idea of just how good and compassionate a doctor he was.

By the time Jack had finished dressing he had formed something of a list in his mind. First he would find out how his daughters had passed the night from nursing staff. Then he would enlist Frank Peters to go with him to see Hilda Annersley with him, and then to tell Joey of what exactly had happened. He knew that by rights Joey should know first, but he also was acutely aware of how much care his wife would need after she had been informed, and so the school would have to be told first.

He found Frank in Helen Graves’ office discussing how the girls had spent the night. Because of the sedative, Len had slept peacefully and woken not long before. Her calm detachment had yet to break and Frank owned to being seriously concerned about her. Con had slept fitfully until midnight when she had attempted to sleepwalk, at which point the observing nurse had put her back to bed and given the dose that Frank had left for her in case of need. Frank told Jack that Con was still asleep when last he had checked on her, still looking white and strained. All three concurred that she should be left for as long as possible as the preceding day had probably been more stressful for her than for anyone involved. Jack looked somewhat embarrassed as he thanked Helen and Frank for their help so far, before excusing himself to go speak to the school and Joey.

As he got in his car he was surprised to see Frank hurrying towards him. Jack’s first thoughts were about the girls, but before he could ask what was wrong, Frank spoke. “I thought you could use some company. I know what you’re going to do will be hard and you looked like you could use a friend.” As they drove together to the school at the other end of the platz, Jack reflected that he had never been more grateful for the presence of another doctor when having to deliver bad news.

He supposed the difference was that this time it was about his own family.

Author:  keren [ Sun Mar 30, 2008 8:12 am ]
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Thanks for going on with this.
i am happy to see so many interesting drabbles get updated

Author:  Lesley [ Sun Mar 30, 2008 9:05 am ]
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Thanks Lizzie - sometimes you can reach parts in a story that take a long time to write - hopefully this will pass.

Glad Jack has someone with him.

Author:  Alison H [ Sun Mar 30, 2008 9:16 am ]
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Thanks for writing more of this. Glad that Frank is there to support Jack.

Author:  roversgirl [ Sun Mar 30, 2008 10:40 am ]
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Thanks for writing more of this :) That worked really well.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Sun Mar 30, 2008 11:02 am ]
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Thanks LizzieC - that must have been a hard one to write

Author:  clair [ Sun Mar 30, 2008 11:42 am ]
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Thanks for more of this, can understand how difficult it must be to write. Looking forward (if that's really the right way of putting it!) to more whenever you're ready

Author:  Sandra [ Sun Mar 30, 2008 6:46 pm ]
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Thanks for going on with this, it is very powerful. It must be incredibly hard to write and I know that I certainly couldn't do it.

Author:  Travellers Joy [ Mon Mar 31, 2008 9:58 am ]
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Thanks, Lizzie.

Author:  Sarah J [ Mon Mar 31, 2008 1:31 pm ]
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Thanks for continuing with this Lizzie.

Author:  leahbelle [ Mon Mar 31, 2008 5:23 pm ]
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Really glad to see more of this, Lizzie. I think it reads just fine, though I can appreciate how hard it must have been to write.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Apr 04, 2008 12:12 pm ]
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It's sometimes hard to know what you want to say and to somehow translate that so everyone else can understand what you want to say in the best possible way. Thanks for keeping on, this is extraordinary and I'm glad you're writing more of it.

Author:  Vick [ Sun Apr 06, 2008 9:29 pm ]
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Thanks for writing more Lizzie.

Author:  crystaltips [ Fri Apr 25, 2008 11:47 pm ]
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This is scary - good, very good - but scary.
I hope Joey can cope with this - Jack has enough on his plate, even with Frank Peters help (he's a star) without having to cope with a colapsing Jo.

It would be nice to have a little more, Lizzie, please.

Author:  LizzieC [ Sun Apr 27, 2008 1:33 pm ]
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My muse suddenly turned up this morning, so I present you all with another part.

Jack looked apprehensively at the school’s main entrance as he drove up the drive, and was grateful when Frank suggested using the private entrance to the Head's Annexe, which would afford them some privacy. As Jack knew only too well, the girls and many members of staff would want to know the particulars of what had happened the day before, perhaps under the impression it was worthy of joining school legend, like so many other disappearances. He knew he was not yet ready to tell that story to a wide audience. He was acutely aware that it would be hard enough to explain what had happened to the select few who needed to know and anyway, he told himself, it was not his story to share. The decision of what would become known would rest with his daughters alone.

He pulled the car up just next to the entrance of the Head’s private quarters and let himself in. Frank had elected to stay in the car, partly to give Jack an excuse not to stay too long, and partly because he had mostly come to help with Joey. He felt the school was something that Jack could, and should, manage alone.

Rosalie Dene looked up as she heard her office door open. She was not surprised to see Jack as she had been made aware by the head that he would be appearing at some point during the day to explain the mysterious disappearance of Len and Con the previous day. She was surprised though, at how old and tired Jack seemed to be. He appeared to have aged ten years since she had last seen him. Nevertheless she greeted him pleasantly. "Hello Jack. I expect you’re after Hilda. She’s teaching at the moment, but you can wait in her study until she has finished. I’ll get one of the maids to bring you coffee…"

"No, thank you Rosalie, Peters is in the car, and I need to see Joey next, so this visit will have to be brief. Could you please send for Hilda to see me now?" Jack sounded calm enough, but there was something in the tone of his voice that made Roaslie realise there was something badly wrong, and as a result she agreed to do what she could to expadite matters, sending Jack into the study and ringing the bell for a maid. While she waited, she scribbled a note to explain what it was se had seen in Jack that had convinced her that this matter needed her urgent attention.

The maid arrived quickly and Rosalie bade her to hurry in fetching Miss Annersley, pressing the note into her hand. She was acutely aware that she did not want to drag things out for the poor man in the Head's study.

Author:  clair [ Sun Apr 27, 2008 3:22 pm ]
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Thanks for more of this Lizzie, it must be so hard to write but is so well done. Really feeling for Jack at the moment - and good that Rosalie senses how important it is

Author:  Lesley [ Sun Apr 27, 2008 3:42 pm ]
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Glad Rosalie realised the seriousness of the situation.


Thanks Lizzie

Author:  abbeybufo [ Sun Apr 27, 2008 4:27 pm ]
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Very sensible of Rosalie - no wonder Jack is looking so aged with worry

Thanks Lizzie

Author:  Alison H [ Sun Apr 27, 2008 7:02 pm ]
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Hilda is probably the best person to turn to at the moment.

Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Apr 27, 2008 8:47 pm ]
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Thanks for the update. Hope Hilda can help,

Author:  LizzieC [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 10:42 am ]
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My muse attacked me last night with another part. Hope you like :)

Hilda Annersley tried to conceal her annoyance at being interrupted in the middle of teaching as she entered her study. Rosalie's note had told her there was some urgency or she would never have left the class, but due to its hurried nature she was not really aware of just what a state her guest was in until she saw Jack. Then the annoyance melted away, replaced immediately by concern.

Jack looked up when he heard the noise of the Head's entrance. "Hilda..."

"Jack, you look dreadful! What on earth happened yesterday?" Hilda's voice was full of sympathy and concern.

Jack grimaced. He was unsure how best to put the facts forward. "Len is in a bad place at the moment Hilda. She went to the Auberge yesterday. Con saw her go, and somehow knew she wasn't doing so well and went after her. Len..." Jack's voice cracked and he took a moment to compose himself before continuing. "Len was going to walk off the edge. Thankfully Con got to her just in time and managed to stop her. I found them there, both completely exhausted in their own ways."

Hilda could not stop the shock from showing on her face as Jack spoke. Whatever she had expected to hear him say, it was not this. She was at a loss for words, unable to think of anything appropriate. Thankfully for the moment she did not have to, as Jack, who found that now he had started he needed to finish, continued.

"I took both girls back to the San. Con is rather traumatised, but she managed to talk and to cry, and passed a peaceful enough night. Len though... she hasn't spoken since we bought her back, barely moved, not eaten, didn't sleep until we drugged her. Matron Graves undressed her. Hilda, she was covered in bruises, self inflicted Helen thought, and so thin..."

Jack paused for a moment as he saw Hilda struggling to take it all in.

"Peters examined her, tried to talk to her," Jack began again. "He thinks that she is having some sort of breakdown." He put his head in his hands at this point. "I can't believe we didn't notice anything was wrong." His voice cracked again. An uncomfortable silence filled the study as Jack fought to regain his composure and Hilda tried to make sense of what she had just heard.

Finally, with great effort, Hilda stood and headed to her small cupboard where her own private coffee things were kept. She made them each a cup of strong, sweet coffee and saw to it that Jack drank his. While they drank, Hilda decided on the measures she would take, and talked them over with Jack. A meeting to inform the senior staff, asking Matron Lloyd to check Len's room for any evidence to the latter's state of mind before the Auberge, an assembly to tell the school that Len was ill and to ask the girls to pray, but not revealing the illness to the girls or the Junior staff. Jack nodded his assent to the measures, adding that anything that Matron could find that might help them reach Len would be very welcome. Then, much more like himself thanks to the moments he had alone while Hilda was making the coffee, and the hot sweet drink, he thanked her and left to attend to the immeasurably more difficult task of informing his wife.

Leaving Hilda to call possibly the most testing senior staff meeting she had ever been part of.

Author:  Helen P [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 11:32 am ]
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Thank you Lizzie. Are we going to be able to eavesdrop on the staff meeting? Please? :)

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 11:52 am ]
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That sounds sensible - Len doesn't need everyone knowing her business but people need to be given a reason for her absence.

Author:  Emma A [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 1:23 pm ]
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This is so good - and horrifyingly plausible, given the weight of expectation Len was expected to shoulder. Hope they can get through to her.

Author:  Jennie [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 1:58 pm ]
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Really, the pressure on Len was unrelenting.

She was expected to be a little mother to her siblings from an early age, expected to be a leader and ultra-responsible in school, and in the later books, the pressure of her relationship with Reg. And then they wonder why she wants to to throw herself off a cliff!

Author:  Clare [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 5:02 pm ]
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Lizzie this is so amazing. I've been getting so emotional reading this from the start. I'm not surprised Len ended up in such a dark place. I only hope they can do something for her.

Author:  Celia [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 5:19 pm ]
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Thanks Lizzie, the story is really interesting,and I hope you will be able
to continue it. Poor Len, how she must have been hurting. :cry:

Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 6:03 pm ]
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This is so realist and so scary. Thanks for the updates.

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 6:40 pm ]
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I should imagine a number of those questions will be going toward Matey in particular - as to why nothing was noted re Len becoming so thin? She's supposed to be keeping an eye on the girls' health. after all.


Thanks Lizzie.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 8:17 pm ]
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The senior staff meeting and the 'conversation' between Jack and Joey will both be difficult I think.

Thanks Lizzie, for tackling such a subject so sensitively

Author:  Miriam [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 8:36 pm ]
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What about Margot? What will she be told - or how will she react to not being told? She needs to be involved at some point.

Author:  clair [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 10:28 pm ]
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Lizzie, this is so sensitively written - must be so hard as well.

Poor Len, feeling all that responsibilty would be bad enough but to also feel that no-one will understand - or will want to understand - would be enough to depress anyone.

Hope they're able to help her soon

Author:  Ruth B [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 11:01 pm ]
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You can practically hear Hilda's world shattering around her...

Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Tue Apr 29, 2008 4:35 pm ]
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Ruth B wrote:
You can practically hear Hilda's world shattering around her...

To say nothing of Jack's and Joey's!

Thank you, Lizzie. **Sends lots and lots of bunny food**.

Author:  LizzieC [ Tue Apr 29, 2008 9:10 pm ]
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I wasn't going to write the staff meeting, but as at least one of you asked for it, I've written it. Unfortunately it's the longest part I've written of this (on paper in my handwriting just under two sides of A4 - Picture here), so I'll post it in two parts, one now and one when I finish typing it up (not for a little while yet!)

Thank you to those who replied on my Joey's Trunk thread - I've decided Ruth Derwent gets to be UVI form mistress for the purposes of this drabble.

Edited because I have lots of typos :oops:


Having decided to act, Hilda took action as soon as Jack departed her study. She called Rosalie through, telling her she would need her notebook. No sooner was Rosalie through the door than Hilda began to reel out instructions.

"I want to see Miss Wilmot, Miss Wilson, Matron Lloyd, Ruth Derwent and yourself in here as soon as possible. Rearrange the timetable if you must to make sure that forms needing supervision are covered, but I need them in here as soon as you can arrange it. I also need you to arrange for coffee and biscuits to be brought here before the meeting starts, enough for everyone who will be here. See to it please Rosalie, as quickly as possible."

Luck was on Hilda's side. Nell Wilson was over from St Mildred's for day's visiting science teaching and so on hand immediately, and many of the other members of staff she wanted had free periods, leaving Rosalie with a minimum of time table shuffling to do. Within half an hour of Jack's departure all members of staff Hilda had requested were seated in her study and demanding to know what on earth had led to the impromptu meeting.

Hilda quietened the group and began with an apology. "I'm sorry you all have to hear this news from me, and all together, but time is of the essence." She turned to face her close friend and former co-Head. "Nell, I'm especially sorry that you hear what I have to say like this as it is about your God Daughter."

Whatever jollity had been in the room before Hilda started to talk vanished as her grave tone and carefully measured words registered with the assembled members of staff. The Head noted she had everyone's complete attention and continued, "Jack Maynard came to see me earlier this morning with news of Len and Con, who you all know went missing for some time yesterday. As you all know, they were found by Jack at the Auberge and taken back to the San for the night. The news that Jack brought this morning concerned the reason the girls had gone there in the first place. Len had apparently gone there with the intention of ending her life. Con followed and managed to stop her. Len is apparently in the middle of some sort of breakdown, she is very thin, and has what are suspected to be self inflicted bruises all over her."

Hilda paused and looked round her colleagues, all of whom looked shocked. Nell's face had taken on a rather ashen colour. No one spoke.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Tue Apr 29, 2008 9:15 pm ]
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LizzieC wrote:
Hilda paused and looked round her colleagues, all of whom looked shocked. Nell's face had taken on a rather ashen colour. No one spoke.


That's rather how I feel having read it - you've caught the atmosphere so well it's sending shivers down my spine :shock:

Thanks LizzieC

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Tue Apr 29, 2008 9:49 pm ]
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Reading that sent chills down my spine, too. Will wait patiently until you have chance to type up the rest.

Thanks, Lizzie C

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Apr 29, 2008 10:33 pm ]
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Must be particularly hard for Nell.

Author:  LizzieC [ Tue Apr 29, 2008 11:13 pm ]
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Part II of tonight's update

"I know this comes as rather a shock. Jack and I discussed what steps to take with regard to the school. You, the senior staff, were to be told what happened yesterday and hopefully you can use your knowledge to deflect any awkward questions from other members of staff and the school at large, who are only to be told that Len is ill. Of course, we will ask the pupils to pray for her recovery from illness. Con is obviously strained, but I expect she will return to us within the next week or two. When she does, we will need to keep a very close eye on her, and of course Margot, who by the way, does not know the news yet. I expect she will be sent for when Joey has been told."

Hilda looked keenly around the gathered staff. One or two were beginning to come out of the shock of the announcement, notably Matron Lloyd. Nell still looked dreadful.

"Gwyneth, Jack would like you to look in Len's room and see if you can find anything that might give us some insight or clue as to what led her to take the steps she did yesterday."

Matron nodded. "If you have no objection, I shall go and begin right away. Someone will fill me in later on what else is discussed." On which note she rose to leave the study

"Wait."

A new voice sounded, and everyone turned to face its owner, Nell Wilson. Matron looked askance at the interruption. Nell's face, previously white, was now flushed with colour. Those nearest her could see she was trembling. Hilda recognised it as a sign that her friend was trying to remain in control of her temper.

Nell spoke again. "How did you let her get in to such a state? You are Head Matron. You have a famed eagle eye, and yet Len Maynard was clearly suffering, losing weight, hurting herself, considering..." She struggled to articulate the word. "Suicide."

Matron bristled. "If you have a complaint about the way I do my job then I respectfully ask that you talk to me privately. As for Helena's health, that is largely for her House Matron to see to. I had noticed only a few problems with her appetite and when I saw them I questioned her about them. She claimed the heat was putting her off her food and I took her word for it. She is eighteen."

Hilda took the opportunity of a brief pause to try and defuse the situation. "Nell is just upset Gwyneth. No one really thinks you are responsible for what happened. No one else noticed anything was wrong either. Please go and see to Len’s room, it is the best way we can help at the moment." As she spoke Hilda escorted Matron Lloyd out of the study, so denying Nell any further chance to lash out at that particular target. Matron left only slightly mollified, and it is a matter of record that any girls who crossed her for the rest of that day found that Matey had a sharper than usual tongue.

The staff meeting broke up shortly afterwards, Hilda having delegated a number of tasks to those members of staff who remained, all of which involved laying down plans to doubly ensure the girls welfare, particularly their mental health and making sure that no other girl ended up as desperate as Len.

Just as she was finishing up a telephone call interrupted proceedings. It was from Freudesheim asking for Margot to be sent home, and as a result the conclusion to the meeting was somewhat hurried. She asked Ruth Derwent, the triplets' form mistress to send Margot to the study, while privately rueing the fact that she would not have time just yet for the one to one talk it looked like Nell badly needed she reasoned that at this time Margot’s needs must come first, so instead she arranged to meet Nell for a long walk later in the day.

Then Hilda Annersley settled at her desk awaiting Margot's arrival, working as she waited on some of the never ending correspondence that was her lot as Headmistress, while over at Freudesheim, Jack was trying to comfort a very distressed Joey.

Author:  roversgirl [ Wed Apr 30, 2008 5:34 am ]
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Thanks for the updates - Hope Matey and Nell don't have a serious row.

Author:  Lesley [ Wed Apr 30, 2008 6:32 am ]
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Hilda needs to split herself into a number of pieces, doesn't she? Poor Nell. :cry:


Thanks Lizzie.

Author:  clair [ Wed Apr 30, 2008 8:28 am ]
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Wonder how much of that was Nell's anger at herself for not noticing anything?

Poor Hilda having to deal with it all - and how will Margot react?

Thanks Lizzie

Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Apr 30, 2008 11:35 am ]
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Nell and Matey will both be blaming themselves for not seeing. Nell as someone not there every day can defuse her anger by blaming others, but it does not help.


Poor Margot finding out that her sister is that ill. Because Len is ill, even if it is start was mental rather than physical. The not eating will also have made her physically ill.

Thanks for the sensative updates

Author:  Emma A [ Wed Apr 30, 2008 12:40 pm ]
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Beautiful updates, Lizzie. Feeling sorry for everyone in this drabble. Hope they can all pull together to give Len and Con some love and reassurance. Thank-you.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Wed Apr 30, 2008 5:11 pm ]
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Superb update Lizzie - now wondering how Margot will feel - and indeed what she's been thinking all day when neither Len nor Con have been around - more difficulties ahead, perhaps?

Author:  leahbelle [ Wed Apr 30, 2008 5:18 pm ]
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I think Nell is probably partly blaming herself for not noticing what was happening to Len.

Thanks for the updates.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun May 04, 2008 1:19 pm ]
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LizzieC, this is amazing. Thank you for writing such a difficult subject so sensitively and well.

Author:  linda [ Sun May 04, 2008 8:34 pm ]
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This is so scarily plausible!

I'm not surprised that the staff have not noticed if Len had been so careful not to let anyone see. After all, her parents had no idea.

Thanks for this LizzieC. It must be emotionally draining to write.

Author:  JellySheep [ Tue May 13, 2008 3:09 pm ]
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This is really good - hopefully not too exhausting

Author:  Helen P [ Sat May 17, 2008 9:25 pm ]
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I think I was one of the people who requested the staff meeting scene, and then I didn't check the CBB for about three weeks :oops:

Anyway, it is very well written and sent shivers down my spine as well! I can totally believe Nell lashing out at Matron - probably fuelled by guilt because she is Len's godmother and she didn't notice either...

Thank you Lizzie and I am looking forward to more. :)

Author:  Vick [ Mon Jun 30, 2008 8:57 pm ]
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Thanks for the updates Lizzie. It must be very hard to write.

Will be interested to see Margot's reaction.

Author:  clair [ Sun Jul 13, 2008 5:00 pm ]
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Know this must be incredibly hard to write Lizzie - just wanted to say we're ready for updates whenever you are

Author:  snowmaiden [ Wed Jul 16, 2008 4:52 pm ]
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Just read this all in a one-r as it is really compulsive, and it is brilliantly written - well done Lizzie, it must have been so hard to write but you have done it perfectly.

Author:  LizzieC [ Fri Jul 18, 2008 7:12 pm ]
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Sorry it's taken me so long to update again. Thank you for all your kind comments. It takes me so long to update that I'm not sure I deserve them!

Anna, who had noticed the doctors letting themselves in to Freudesheim and observed the serious looks on their faces, listened at the door to the Salon. It wasn't often she did so, well aware of how her mistress viewed such things, but from time to time she felt it was the best way to serve Joey. It was how she was so good at "anticipating" what her mistress would bid her do next, and judging by the expressions of the doctors, and the telephone calls of the previous night that had left Joey restless and obviously concerned, more so than was usual after the escapades of the triplets, Anna would be needed soon. In fact, she already had a generous measure of milk heating on the stove.

It was difficult to hear much for some time. Anna identified the voices of the doctors, speaking in low tones, telling their story in relays. She picked out words here and there, but it gave her little idea as to what exactly had been happening, but she was alarmed when the measured tones of the doctors were suddenly interrupted by a heart rending cry, the words of which were incomprehensible though the meaning clear, which was followed immediately by the unmistakable sound of a storm of tears. Anna admitted to herself that she was quite alarmed. The last time she remembered hearing sobs like that from Joey was in the dark days after the awful admiralty telegram.

The door suddenly opened, interrupting Anna's thoughts. It was Frank Peters. Through the gap she saw her mistress with her head in her hands sobbing, with Dr Maynard seated next to her holding her tight, looking somewhat weary. Frank closed the door before Anna got much more than a glimpse. He shepherded her across the hall to the study, where he explained briefly what Joey had just been told. Anna nodded, "Poor child. I had feared that she was going to try something like this one day, but what could I do? It was not my place to tell Frau Doktor Maynard how to raise her children. Will you require hot milk for her?" she said, glancing across at the Salon, where the sound of Joey's sobs were gradually lessening.

"Later perhaps." Frank replied. "For now, coffee please. Then, when Jo is calmer, we can call the school and have Margot sent over. She has yet to be told."

Anna nodded again. "She will be worried." With which she left to arrange for a large pot of milky coffee and some biscuits, all the time muttering about Len and the burdens which had been put upon her.

Author:  clair [ Fri Jul 18, 2008 8:11 pm ]
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Thanks for the update Lizzie, Anna being so calm and seeming to expect this is really chilling.
You certainly deserve all the praise for writing this, it must be draining. When the updates come they are very welcome but maybe the time between also helps to increase the awareness of Len's pain.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Fri Jul 18, 2008 8:18 pm ]
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Thanks for this update, Lizzie - I, too, find it interesting that Anna suspected that Len might do something like this - but she was always very close to all the children, and particularly the triplets.

Author:  Lesley [ Fri Jul 18, 2008 8:25 pm ]
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Very interesting comment from Anna. Poor Joey - this will hit her very hard.


Thanks LizzieC

Author:  Sandra [ Fri Jul 18, 2008 9:43 pm ]
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Thanks for the post, it must be so hard to write. I'm worried by Anna's reaction - why did she expect what she did?

Author:  Alison H [ Fri Jul 18, 2008 10:47 pm ]
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Thanks for the update. Interesting that Anna seems to know Len better than either Jack or Joey do - although maybe not surprising.

Author:  LizzieC [ Sat Jul 19, 2008 11:02 am ]
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My muse was being kind, so here is another part :)

By the time that Margot was summoned to the head's study by Miss Derwent, and from there sent home, it was gone break-time and well on the way to Mittagessen, and she had been bereft of news about her triplet sisters for the better part of a whole day. She had tried to carry on as normal, trying as hard as she could not to be a spineless jellyfish but by the time the bell for bed came for the seniors on the previous night she had worked herself up in to quite a state and Matron had given her hot milk and a patent dose of her own concoction to ensure she got a decent night's sleep. Margot had, of course, been told by the head on the evening of the previous day that her sisters had got themselves embroiled in an adventure (behaving, Miss Annersley had added, in a very babyish way for two girls long past eighteen and who were supposed to be setting an example), but the brief interview had left her with more worry than before. They were triplets, and that still counted for something, however old they were and however far apart they were beginning to grow, and yet Len and Con had gone off on an adventure without her, and instead of bring them back to school, Papa had taken them to the San. However had she tried (and she tried very hard) Margot could not work it out, and instead was left with a feeling of unease that settled instead in the pit of her stomach. Something wasn't right.

When the morning came and still there was no real news of her sisters the feeling that something was not right intensified itself in to a feeling that actually something was dreadfully wrong, and that sense followed her around all morning, to the extent that she she achieved nothing in that morning's lessons, taking few notes and incapable of committing anything to memory.

On entering the head's study, Margot had only just remembered to dip in to her regulation curtsy, but as soon as it was done she inundated her brevet-aunt with a torrent of words, demanding to know where her sisters were and what had happened. Hilda tried to keep her tone light as she reassured Margot that her sisters were safe at the San, but that her parents wanted her home. On her dismissal from the study Margot fairly flew over to Freudesheim, where the reception committee of her parents and Frank Peters awaited.

The sight that greeted her in the Salon of Freudesheim did not calm her fears at all. Her mother had a tear-stained face, and was clearly struggling to hold it together. Her father was pale but calm, seated next to her mother, supporting her physically and mentally. Frank Peters stood near the door and was first to greet her, while as he did so steered her into a chair drawn close to where to father sat. When Margot thought about it much later, the whole scene in the Freudesheim Salon resembled one of those tragic book tableaux which were so a part of Saturday evenings at the Chalet School. Unable to contain the question any more, Margot found herself speaking in a voice rather unlike her own.

"Please Dr Peters. What has happened to my sisters?"

Author:  Clare [ Sat Jul 19, 2008 11:35 am ]
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Oh my.. Powerful stuff Lizzie, thank you.

Thought Anna's comment was ominous, and worrying already about the impact of this news on Margot.

Author:  Alison H [ Sat Jul 19, 2008 2:10 pm ]
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Hope that they have the sense not to try to keep the truth from Margot, and hope that she's able to cope with it.

Thanks Lizzie.

Author:  Jenefer [ Sat Jul 19, 2008 5:12 pm ]
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Thanks Lizzie this is good

Author:  Lesley [ Sat Jul 19, 2008 5:46 pm ]
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Quote:
(behaving, Miss Annersley had added, in a very babyish way for two girls long past eighteen and who were supposed to be setting an example)


I suppose this was said before Miss Annersley actually knew what was going on? Even so it seems to be an extremely unfeeling and ridiculous thing to say when the head didn't actually know what had happened and when margot is worried enough without having a lecture. :roll:


Thanks Lizzie

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Jul 20, 2008 6:41 am ]
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Thanks Lizzie. I'm glad to see more of this.

Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Sun Jul 20, 2008 3:00 pm ]
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Thanks, Lizzie. I don't think I like Miss Annersley in this, she is behaving all too much like a real-life headmistress would have done.

I should add that I don't mean contemporary head teachers - I am sure that any reading this are most wise and empathic. But in the 1960s, things were very different, and her reaction strikes me as all too plausible!

Author:  clair [ Sun Jul 20, 2008 6:34 pm ]
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Thanks Lizzie, hope that Margot can cope and is able to help Con at least by being there for her

Author:  Tara [ Mon Jul 21, 2008 12:42 am ]
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Just read all of this, and feel so sorry for everyone involved. Mainly poor Len, of course, feeling so trapped and crushed, but Con (so wise and brave as she was) and Margot as well, not to mention Jack. Even if some of this is Jo's fault, she's paying dearly, and the school staff will feel so responsible and guilty. Hope Hilda manages to have that session with Nell before she explodes - and agree that it's her own guilt at not noticing fuelling her anger.

Very powerful, Lizzie - thank you.

Author:  Vick [ Mon Jul 21, 2008 3:46 pm ]
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Hope they don't hide anything from Margot.

Thanks Lizzie.

Author:  jilianb [ Mon Jul 21, 2008 7:59 pm ]
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Thanks Lizzie. I've just read this for the first time and want to say how powerful and moving it is.

Author:  Celia [ Tue Jul 22, 2008 11:21 am ]
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Thanks Lizzie, Even knowing the awfulness of the truth has to be
better for Margot than her terrible apprehension. I'm also sorry for
Anna who has seen trouble coming but but has been powerless to
intervene. :(

Author:  Abi [ Tue Jul 22, 2008 9:58 pm ]
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Just read all of this in one go Lizzie - poor Len, it's so horribly possible. I really hope everyone gets through it. Poor Margot must feel so left out, I hope they're totally honest with her.

Author:  JellySheep [ Wed Jul 23, 2008 5:01 pm ]
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Thanks for the updates, and am on tenterhooks to find out what happens next...

Author:  clair [ Fri Aug 22, 2008 11:30 am ]
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Just re-read this from the beginning and it seems even more powerful second time round

Would love more of this when you're ready Lizzie

Author:  LizzieC [ Mon Oct 20, 2008 9:34 pm ]
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Sorry for such a long break. Here's part 15 :)

Margot ran heedlessly out of Freudesheim with no real plan of where she was going. She was angry and upset and anxious and confused. She needed to think things out away from anyone that she may lash out at and hurt in her present state. She ended up at the Auberge, not really sure how she ended up there, drawn perhaps by the link with her sisters. She was surprised to see that life was continuing as it always did with no sign of the drama that had played out the day before. A few tourists were trying the echoes, others walking along in small groups discussing all manner of things amongst themselves. It did not seem right somehow. She had received shattering news that had shaken her to her very core but life was continuing as normal for everyone else. She wanted to scream at them, to demand to know why they were no different, why the whole world was not changed. After a brief inward struggle she suppressed the urge.

She had not been sitting long when Jack arrived at the Auberge for the second time in 24 hours. He noted Margot was clearly lost in thought and made the decision to leave her to it for the time being, reasoning she needed time and space to come to terms with what she had been told. Meanwhile he waited near the car, out of her immediate field of vision. He thought back to what had been a short but painful interview. Margot had been upset and angry. Understandably so, really. He knew from his own experiences with his twin, Mollie, just how special the bond between multiple birth siblings was. He had seen Mollie only once since her emigration, but the exchanged letters frequently and despite all the time that had passed since she had married they had fallen easily in to old habits when she had made the journey for the reunion of Chalet School's 'foundation stones'.

Despite his own experiences with his twin, he had not thought about Margot the previous night and he inwardly kicked himself for it, adding it to a list in his head of ways he had failed miserably as a father for his eldest girls, a list that would in future make him more observant and available for his younger children. How could he have been so stupid and insensitive? No wonder Margot had been so angry. He understood her struggle with her temper intimately. It was the same battle he fought constantly. He thought uncomfortably of the incident with Mike and the bird's nest. He had redoubled his efforts after that. It was not acceptable that a grown man should have so little control that his young son should be kept away from him. Jack reflected that of his eldest daughters Margot was perhaps the one to take after him the most. He just wished she had gained some of his more desirable qualities.

As Jack reflected on his own character and his failings as a parent, Margot was wrestling with her own inner demons.

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Oct 20, 2008 9:47 pm ]
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Poor Margot - and about time Jack.


Thanks Lizzie.

Author:  Nightwing [ Mon Oct 20, 2008 10:02 pm ]
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I just read this whole story through, and am really enjoying it - er, if 'enjoy' is the right word. I hope that everyone comes to realise that Len's depression is no one's fault, and that it can be easy to overlook the symptoms for it - even in this day and age, when we have a much better understanding of what depression is, it can be easy to miss the signs.

I hope someone is able to get through to Len soon.

Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Oct 20, 2008 10:30 pm ]
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Thanks for the update.

Hopefully Jack's increased knowledge of himself will enable him to help Margot. Margot anger at not being told will not be helped by her knowledge that she was unaware of Len's problems even though Con had seen enough to worry her.

Edited to correct the phrasing

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Oct 20, 2008 10:31 pm ]
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Poor Margot - and a difficult time for Jack too.

Author:  Emma A [ Tue Oct 21, 2008 9:03 am ]
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PaulineS wrote:
Hopefully Jack's increased knowledge of himself will enable him to help Margot. Margot is anger at not being told will not be helped by her knowledge that she was unaware of Len's problems even though Con had seen enough to worry her.

Yes, I think that's a good chunk of why Margot is so angry - that she didn't notice how terrible Len was feeling.

Thanks for the update, Lizzie - and good for Jack that he has started thinking about how he can be a better parent.

Author:  Sarah [ Tue Oct 21, 2008 11:41 am ]
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Poor Margot.... :(

Glad Jack is re-thinking his parening style!

Author:  Vick [ Tue Oct 21, 2008 11:04 pm ]
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Thanks for the update Lizzie. hope Margot can sort herself out so she can be there for Len.

Author:  cruelladevil [ Wed Oct 22, 2008 11:54 am ]
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I have just read this drabble the entire way through, and it's incredibly powerful. I admire how Jack is handling the situation; he is living up to his mantle as a SLOC! Thank you for bringing a new perspective to the board. I hope Margot does end up inheriting more of Jack's qualities and can be there for her sisters.

Author:  JellySheep [ Fri Oct 24, 2008 11:24 am ]
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Good to see this back, and when more comes, it will be very welcome!
I agree with Nightwing (nice name) that it's hard to describe how one feels about reading this kind of thing: 'enjoy' does indeed seem a bit odd, but there is something satisfying in reading a story which really gets to the heart of addressing a difficult issue, that acknowledges that these problems do exist.

Author:  Cat C [ Fri Oct 24, 2008 3:53 pm ]
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I just found this - and wow, it's making compulsive reading. So sad for everyone involved...

Author:  leahbelle [ Fri Oct 24, 2008 4:08 pm ]
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Glad to see this back. Thanks - it certainly is compulsive.

Author:  James [ Sun Oct 26, 2008 2:23 am ]
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Have been away from drabble reading for far too long, and have just read this straight through - it's stunning, Lizzie! I hesitate to say I 'enjoyed' it, given the subject matter, but it's really powerful writing and scarily believable.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Nov 03, 2008 5:00 pm ]
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Thanks Lizzie, am really glad to see more of this

Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Dec 05, 2008 11:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Demons (updated P9, 20/10/08)

Thankyou for writing this. I went through a similar experience myself a little while ago. For nearly a year and a half no-one noticed what was going on, other than my best friend, who I am eternally grateful to for all her help. However, I found that it was far easier to cope with if I was left to myself - I tried counselling but it really didn't help. I've managed to overcome my difficulties by myself and that makes me feel far stronger than otherwise. I hope the characters can see that for Len - clearly she doesn't want to talk about it, so it may be best to leave her alone until she does. I can see how the school could easily overlook something like this, particularly when it is so large! Also, Len's parents being who they are, I would expect Hilda Annersley to feel far less responsibility for them than other students, so she may pay less attention to them.

Thankyou for such a powerful and moving story.

Author:  hac61 [ Tue Jan 20, 2009 5:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Demons (updated P9, 20/10/08)

Just discovered this. Brilliant writing - I could so understand Len's pressure.

But please, could we know how things turn out?


hac

Author:  LizzieC [ Tue Feb 03, 2009 2:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Demons (updated P9, 03/02/09)

I'm sorry this is crawling along so slowly. I haven't forgotten about it, but it's very difficult to write and because I didn't plan it out in advance it keeps making unexpected turns and I really have no clear idea how it will all end. Not that I'm convinced that even if I had planned it out the characters would listen :roll: :banghead: :hammer: . Anyway, here's the next part (part 17 I believe?). Thank you for being so patient with me.

It was quite some time before Margot calmed down enough to think about anything rationally. For a long time she had whirls of angry thoughts against a great many people in her head, swirling round and round. Her parents for keeping it to themselves for so long, and because she was sure they were the cause of it, putting all that responsibility on to Len. Her school. More responsibility for Len, no indication that anything might have been wrong with her until Margot was sent home. Anger against several other people, all for increasingly tenuous reasons. It was only as Margot calmed down that she realised that a good deal of that anger was really at herself.

She was starting to feel rather ashamed of herself. She had been happy to be the naughty one. Little pressure there, low expectations. A free pass to break out every once in a while, but really she could, and should, have taken some of the load from Len's shoulders. She could have noticed something was wrong with Len but had not taken the time.

Her thoughts continued in a similar way for a long time. None of the thoughts were pleasant, but they wrought within her a deeper realisation and change than had resulted from any previous event. Margot had no idea how long she sat wrestling with herself, and even less of an idea how long her father had been patiently waiting some distance away for her to be ready, but when she was finally calm enough to notice him, she was glad of his presence. She looked over to him and gave a small smile and a nod. She was ready to talk, and then, perhaps, to leave the Auberge and see her sisters.

---

Meanwhile, back at Freudesheim, Joey slept.

After the shock of the initial revelation, the stormy interview with Margot and the latter's headlong flight from the house she was all in, and starting to become hysterical. Frank knew he must act to calm her down and help her sleep so as to be better able to cope and to help Jack make the decisions that Frank was sure would have to be made sooner or later. He had taken Anna up on the hot milk she had been preparing for Jo, and, once she had finished it all, had Anna put her to bed, before giving her a dose that would finish the calming effect of the milk and help her sleep, ready for whatever awaited her and Jack the next day.

Author:  Emma A [ Tue Feb 03, 2009 2:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Demons (updated P9, 03/02/09)

I'm glad you're carrying on with this, Lizzie. Margot's reactions are so believable, and I'm glad that Jack was there for her. I was hoping better from Joey, but I guess it was all too much for her.

Thank-you.

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Feb 03, 2009 3:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Demons (updated P9, 03/02/09)

Joey's hysterics and Frank's reaction being to dose her were sadly to be expected: glad that Jack's managing to stay strong.

Author:  Cat C [ Tue Feb 03, 2009 6:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Demons (updated P9, 03/02/09)

Good to see this back. I'm looking forward to how it develops as various people react.

Thank you.

Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Feb 03, 2009 10:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Demons (updated P9, 03/02/09)

It is intersting that both Jack and Margot are challenged to think about their own actions. Hope Joey and Hilda are able to do the same.

Thank you for the update and the insights shown.

Author:  hac61 [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 1:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Demons (updated P9, 03/02/09)

Thank you for the update. I see parallels with my own life in this.


hac

Author:  JellySheep [ Wed Feb 04, 2009 2:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Demons (updated P9, 03/02/09)

It was a nice surprise to see an update on this. Whenever you're ready, I'll be eager to find out how it develops. Hope it isn't too draining.

Author:  shazwales [ Thu Feb 05, 2009 1:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Demons (updated P9, 03/02/09)

Thanks Lizzie only just found this,it's nice to see Len as a person on her own.please can we have some more :?: :?: :?:

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Feb 05, 2009 3:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Demons (updated P9, 03/02/09)

Thanks Lizzie. Poor Jack has had so much to cope with that I can completely understand why he didn't tell Margot the night before. Glad she was able to sort through her feelings and that Jack was wise enough to give her the time to while remaining there. Frank Peters has been a tower of support through this

Author:  Cath V-P [ Tue Feb 10, 2009 12:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Demons (updated P9, 03/02/09)

Margot has begun a difficult journey of her own here, and has the courage to see where she needs to change. Jo's reaction is understandable, but rather regrettable.

Author:  ghoti [ Thu Nov 04, 2010 9:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Demons (updated P9, 03/02/09)

I've just found this. Thankyou for writing it' it can't have been easy. Poor Len! I hope she gets the support - and the break - she needs and deserves. On a happier note, I always liked Frank, and he really shines here.

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