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The New Gardening Master updated 25/01/10 (twice) - Complete
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=6938
Author:  cal562301 [ Sat Nov 28, 2009 10:39 pm ]
Post subject:  The New Gardening Master updated 25/01/10 (twice) - Complete
This is a crossover with one of my favourite characters from a much later TV series. Don't know exactly where this is going, as it's my first drabble attempt.

~+~

'What are we to do?' Hilda Annersley asked Bill anxiously. ' Miss Everett can't possibly keep up her gardening lessons with a broken leg and the new term starts tomorrow.

'Silly woman, tripping over that kerb during the blackout on her trip to London,' replied Bill impatiently. 'Anyone would think she'd never been to the city before.'

'Yes, but she would have been all right, if that truck hadn't come along and not seen her in the dark,' Hilda reminded her colleague. 'Anyhow, that doesn't solve our problem.'

At that moment, Rosalie Dene put her head round the door. 'Excuse me, but I have a man here who's a bit lost. He's looking for the Blaenau Ffestiniog Railway. But he may be able to help us with our problem.'

'He's well out of his way, then. But do show him in; he can't travel all that way today,' said Hilda.

'Sounds like he would benefit from a few of my Geography lessons', said Bill. 'He probably doesn't know how to read a map properly!'

'Hello, I'm Reg, and I seem to be a bit lost.' Hilda and Bill regarded him with interest. They saw a balding man in his 40s, a little anxious but with a certain air of authority about him, as if his job might involve dealing with the public in some way.

'Are you on holiday here​?' Hilda asked.

'Yes, I took a break from my regular job to explore the Welsh countryside. Railways are one of my hobbies. Another is gardening; I look after the garden where I work. Your secretary tells me you are in need of someone to help out with teaching your girls...'

'Could you help us for a couple of weeks? I don't know how long your holiday is, but it would give us time to work out something else.' Bill said eagerly.

'Well, I would need somewhere to stay, but …'

I'm sure Joey, Mrs Maynard, would put you up. We can't really have you here with all these girls.' Hilda said hastily. 'You're not from these parts, are you?'

'No I live and work in London. That's why I like to get away on my holidays to see the railways. Did I tell you about the fascinating trip I did to the Yorkshire Dales? Lots of lovely steam engines and ….' Reg droned on about his travels, as usual, apparently oblivious to the glazed look which quickly came over his hearers' faces.

*Edited once to correct typos and a second time to change 'Wales' to 'Welsh'*
Author:  Abi [ Sat Nov 28, 2009 10:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master
Well, I don't know the crossover, but this looks like fun!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 12:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master
Neither do, but am looking forward for more, especially if he drones on about trains like that with Hilda and Nell :P
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 2:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master
I don't know the crossover either, I don't think, but I can't wait for more!

Thankyou.
Author:  LauraMcC [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 2:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master
I also don't know the cross-over (and a google search of "Reg-gardener" has not been too helpful), but this looks interesting.

Thanks.
Author:  cal562301 [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 3:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master
Thanks for your encouragement. Here is the 2nd instalment, where we discover Reg's full name. Note (which may or may not help!): neither gardening nor railways are Reg's primary job. Perhaps I'm the only CBBer who likes this programme, but I doubt it.

I'm going to be extremely busy this week with a conference, but I will post further updates when I can.

~+~

'You're very welcome to stay, here, Reg,' Joey assured him, 'Especially since you're helping Hilda and Bill out in a tight spot. Besides, we're used to taking in waifs and strays.'

'I'm not a waif or a stray. I have a perfectly good home and job in London.' protested Reg.

'I know, I know, it's just a manner of speech. By the way, what did you say your surname was? Hilda only introduced you as Reg.'

'Hollis, ma'am. Reg Hollis at your service. I say, is Miss Wilson's first name really Bill? Seems a bit odd.'

'Oh no, it's just a nickname that's stuck. Her real name is Helena or Nell. I don't advise calling her Bill to her face!' Joey laughed. 'So, how did you come to be in this part of the world, if you're from London?'

'Oh, I'm on holiday. My other hobby apart from gardening is railways. I'm heading for the Blaenau Ffestiniog, but I got a bit lost. That's a fascinating railway, you know, in Snowdonia. I have a scale model at home in my spare room, which has all the correct details, right down to the signal boxes and the carriages they use....' Reg goes off into another of his monologues, which soon loses Joey's interest.

However, there is a lurking suspicion at the back of Joey's mind, that Reg may not be as ingenuous as he seems. There's something about him that just doesn't quite add up.

Later that night, Reg decides to go for a short walk before bed. Jack, who happens to be off-duty, offers to go with him, but he says he will go alone, especially since Jack must be tired after his long day at the San.

A short distance from the house, a car pulls up alongside Reg and he gets in. 'Hi Tony,' he greets the driver. 'Well, I've made a good start. I've got a temporary job in the school and so we can proceed with our plans.'
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 3:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master
I do know him! Aha, I knew I did! Only just in my time, but still... :D

Thanks for the update! Now I'm very intrigued.
Author:  Abi [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 8:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master
I still don't, but that may be something to do with the fact that I have no TV. :lol:
Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 10:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master
Thank you for the update. Wondering what he needs to proceed with at the school.
Author:  tiffinata [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 11:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master
I wondered if it was him! Who's been doing what then?
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Nov 29, 2009 11:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master
Abi wrote:
I still don't, but that may be something to do with the fact that I have no TV. :lol:


His interest in Miss Wilson's nickname is a clue :lol: .

I'd never thought of him: I'd been trying to think of an Alan Titchmarsh type person from a gardening programme but couldn't think of one called Reg!
Author:  Liz K [ Tue Dec 01, 2009 3:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master
If it is who I think it is, then I've met Tony! :mrgreen:
Author:  cal562301 [ Tue Dec 01, 2009 11:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master - Updated 1/12/09
Well done all those who spotted the crossover. Yes, it's the Bill. I couldn't resist the play on Miss Wilson's nickname!

This is in part a tribute to two of my favourite characters, Reg and Tony, who have sadly both been written out of the series in the last couple of years. I thought they made a great double act!

I prefer the old-style Bill to the new post-watershed version.

I'm also madly jealous of Liz, who has met Tony! :mrgreen:

~+~



The next day, Reg arrived in time for Miss Annersley to introduce him after prayers. Reg had passed a good night at Plas Gwyn and breakfasted handsomely on freshly baked bread and home made jam. He admired the triplets to Joey's content, but she was unsure about his invitation to let them see his model railway when they were a little older.

'This is Mr Hollis,' Miss Annersley announced. 'As you know, Miss Everett broke her leg whilst on holiday in London, and Mr Hollis, who is an experienced gardener and happens to be on holiday in this area, has kindly agreed to help us out with gardening lessons, until we can find a replacement. '

'Wonder what tricks we can get up to with him,' Betty Wynne Davies muttered under her breath to Elizabeth Arnett. 'Miss Everett was no fun on that score, far too quick off the mark. But there must be possibilities with this man. He's only a tourist, after all.' At which point she subsided having met with a fierce glare from Miss Burnett.

'Thank you for your welcome,' said Reg. 'I am looking forward to getting to know you and to helping you all. I'm sure we'll get on splendidly. Last summer, I went on holiday to Scotland and I saw lots of heather and other interesting plants on my trip on the Highland Railways. The coaches were totally different design to the English ones, you know, and so interesting...'

'Thank you, Mr Hollis,' interrupted Miss Annersley hastily. 'We're very grateful for your help and I'm sure the girls are looking forward to your lessons. Time to go to your forms, now, girls.'

The girls filed out in orderly fashion to their form rooms to begin the day.
'So,' said Reg, 'when is my first lesson?'

'After break with the 4th,' answered Miss Annersley. 'Be warned. In terms of troublemakers, they're our worst form. The middles always are; it's their age.'

Oh, after dealing with tearaways on the Larkmead Estate, I don't think I'll have much trouble with a few girls,' laughed Reg.

'Tearaways, Larkmead Estate? I don't understand', said Hilda.

'Oh,' said Reg hastily, 'that's the name of a youth club I help out with in my spare time. Larkmead is the name of the area.' He was not yet ready to reveal his true identity, even to Miss Annersley, no matter how astute and understanding he perceived her to be.

'Larksmead is a pretty name. Is it in the suburbs. You must be very busy what with your gardening, your interest in railways and helping at a youth club all in your spare time in addition to your job.'

'Oh the youth club and the gardening are kind of included in my duties. But the railways are my real hobby.'

'I must go, as I have a class in 5 minutes,' said Hilda hastily, sensing that Reg was about to embark on yet another of his railway stories. 'Why don't you go to the staffroom and get to know the staff who aren't teaching this period?'
Author:  Liz K [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 12:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master - Updated 1/12/09
cal562301 wrote:
Well done all those who spotted the crossover. Yes, it's the Bill. I couldn't resist the play on Miss Wilson's nickname!

This is in part a tribute to two of my favourite characters, Reg and Tony, who have sadly both been written out of the series in the last couple of years. I thought they made a great double act!

I prefer the old-style Bill to the new post-watershed version.

I'm also madly jealous of Liz, who has met Tony! :mrgreen:


My first job in the Civil Service was with the Ministry of Defence Police at their HQ in Essex; they had a families day every year and one year he came along and people could have their photo taken with him, either sitting on a police motorbike or sitting on the bonnet of a police car ("Sierra One"). He saw me eyeing up the the motor bike and said to me "I think you'll be more comfortable on Sierra One, Madam" and I loved the way he said it. £2 was charged per photo which went to charity.
Author:  leahbelle [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 1:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master
What a clever cross-over! Thoroughly enjoying it. Thanks!
Author:  shazwales [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 3:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master
Thanks,this is very interesting, looking forward to his first lesson. :D
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 4:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master
I miss Tony!!

Thanks for the update :D I'm prepared to bet that he won't be fooled easily!
Author:  sealpuppy [ Wed Dec 02, 2009 11:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master
Oh what fun - and I miss Tony as well, he's so large and reassuring. Sadly I can't take to Reg's current persona, or at least not one of his hobbies, as my SLOC is a member of the Blaenau-Festiniog railway society and though he doesn't drone, mode railways hold no magic for me. At one time we had a 12' model railway running through our bedroom. :shock:
I do hope Reg drones at Joey all the time though.
Author:  cal562301 [ Fri Dec 04, 2009 5:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 4/12/09
My conference is finally over, so I can get back to more important things like continuing this drabble! :D

Apologies to sealpuppy for the railways aspect of Reg's persona, but it was definitely one of his hobbies in the Bill - I double checked my memory of him on their website before using it.

Thanks again for all your positive comments and encouragement. This is just a quick update. Hope to have Reg's first lesson ready over the weekend!

~+~

Reg wandered along to the staff room, where he found a discussion in full flow about the Middles.

'That Betty Wynne Davies was born to be hanged,' declared Con Stewart. 'I've been teaching them about the Romans in Britain and in her test paper she told me that Hadrian's Wall was built to stop whisky being imported to England. She also thinks that Roman roads were built straight so that the chariots wouldn't tip over when they went round corners! Has the girl never heard of the chariot races they used to hold in Rome?'

Rightly judging this to be a rhetorical question, since Con Stewart had already taught the Middles about Roman chariot races, Mlle interposed: 'And her French! She's still totally unable to make verbs or adjectives agree with nouns in number or gender!'

Reg feels he has been silent for long enough at this point. 'I never learnt French at school, but I've learnt the Latin names of most plants for my garden. And I once had a very interesting trip on the Orient Express. Fascinating journey you know.....' He's off on another of his monologues, in which the staff quickly lose interest, although Reg doesn't seem to notice.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Dec 05, 2009 10:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master
Bless him! I just hope that there isn't a train crash while he's there...

Thankyou!
Author:  shazwales [ Sat Dec 05, 2009 1:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master
Thank you really enjoying this :D
Author:  janetbrown23 [ Sat Dec 05, 2009 9:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master
I was married to a steam railway bore 30 years ago, this rings a lot of bells that I thought I had forgotten. Could Reg be the victim pretty please?
Author:  cal562301 [ Sat Dec 05, 2009 10:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 5/12
Thanks for all your encouragement. Sorry Janet, but the plot bunny is quite fond of Reg! (I think he must have a secret passion for railways.)

By the way, I wasn't sure how authentic Mlle's comments on Betty's French would sound in the last post, but I remember from my own school days that agreement in case number and gender was one of the things my teachers were very strong on. So I thought they must have gone on about it at CS too, although it's never mentioned! :lol:

Here is Reg's first lesson with the fourth.

~+~



After break, it is time for the 4th's first gardening lesson with Mr Hollis. Reg met them at their bed. 'Is everyone here?', he asked.

'Betty is late. She's on her way.' replied Elizabeth.

At that moment, Betty appeared. Instead of the usual practical overalls that the girls wore for gardening, she wore her evening frock. Thus she hoped to waste half the lesson by being sent to change. However, Reg appeared to notice nothing unusual. Instead, he set the girls to work. He gave Betty the dirtiest job, weeding on her hands and knees. Since she could hardly insist on returning to the house to change, Betty quaked inwardly at what Matey would say when she saw the state of her evening frock.

Suddenly Elizabeth spoke up. 'Look what I've found,' she said. 'It looks like a bone.'

'Maybe Rufus buried it here,' said Myfanwy.

'I don't think so,' said Reg. 'It doesn't look like the sort of bone a dog would bury.'

'Perhaps we should dig around. See if we can find any more bones,' suggested Myfanwy.

'Be careful girls,' warned Reg. 'You don't want to undo all your good work in the garden. Disturbing the soil too much will destroy your vegetables.'

Carefully, the girls turned over the soil and came up with a collection of bones.

'Faith, who was fond of jigsaw puzzles, had been trying to piece them together. 'Gosh,' she exclaimed. 'Look at that. They seem to be the bones from a hand.'
Author:  shazwales [ Sun Dec 06, 2009 10:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 5/12/09
Brilliant!! love to see Mateys face when she sees Bettys dress :D :D :D
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Dec 06, 2009 1:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 5/12/09
Go Reg! Please let us see Matey's reaction.
Author:  cal562301 [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 3:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 8/12/09
Wonder why everyone is more interested in Matey’s reaction than the mystery hand! Will catch up with the latter story in the next instalment.

~+~

After the lesson, the girls went to their dormitories to change back into their ordinary clothes for lunch. On the way, they encountered Matey, who had been busily checking the laundry for any mending that needed doing.

When she saw Betty, her jaw dropped to the floor. ‘What is the meaning of this?’ she demanded. ‘I don’t believe my eyes. Why are you wearing your best frock in the middle of the day? And for gardening? Did Mr Hollis not say anything to you?’

‘Er, no he didn’t,’ stammered Betty, answering the last question first, as she was totally incapable of formulating a reply to Matey’s other questions that would go any way towards satisfying the school’s domestic tyrant.

‘I shall have to have words with him,’ declared Matey. ‘As for you, young lady, go and get changed at once and bring that dress to me, so that I can see what damage has been done.’

Not surprisingly, on examination the dress, besides being covered in soil and grass stains, had several tears, including one large one right across the skirt, where Betty had caught herself on some thorns and tried to extricate herself in a hurry.

‘Whether this can be made fit to wear again remains to be seen. It certainly won’t serve you for formal occasions,’ Matey informed Betty, still in the same icy tone she had been using, since she discovered what she had done. ‘However, I think you should wear it, just as it is, for dancing on Saturday evening. And I’ve just found lots of mending in this laundry, so you can spend Saturday afternoon helping me with that.’

‘But…’ Betty stammered, dreading the comments she would receive if she had to wear the dress again in public. She was a very proud girl and as aware of her appearance as most girls of her age, however much she might give the appearance of not caring what others thought.

‘No arguments,’ said Matey firmly. ‘You’ve had your fun. Now you must pay for it.’

Later, Matey caught up with Reg. ‘What were you thinking of, Mr Hollis? Allowing Betty to garden in her best frock?’

‘I thought she must have asked permission from someone,’ answered Reg. ‘I say, she did rather make a mess of it, didn’t she?’

‘Oh yes,’ said Matey. She won’t be trying that trick again in a hurry. Tell me more about your trip on the Orient Express. It sounds fascinating.’

Of course, Reg needs no encouragement, but he also thinks that he may have found himself a useful ally within the school for what lies ahead.
Author:  shazwales [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 4:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 8/12/09
Lovely thank you :D :D :D
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 5:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 8/12/09
What a swingeing punishment!
Author:  Abi [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 7:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 8/12/09
:lol: :lol: :lol: Just caught up with this - what a brilliant comeuppance for Betty!
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 10:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 8/12/09
Now we can worry about the hand. I wonder how long it has been there and if there are further remains to be found.
Author:  sealpuppy [ Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 8/12/09
This is fun. I've always rather liked Reg in a weird, slightly embarrassed kind of way! :shock:
Author:  cal562301 [ Sat Dec 12, 2009 3:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 8/12/09
Sorry, no explanation of the hand in this instalment, as the plot bunny led me off in a different direction. Maybe next time. :D

I also welcomed the opportunity to introduce another of my favourite characters from the Bill, who sadly is also long departed from the series.

Thanks again for encouragement and positive feedback.

~+~

The scene is London's St Hugh's hospital and Reg and Tony have been called out to interview a road accident victim.

'Can you remember anything at all about the accident, Miss Everett?' asked Tony.

'Well, I was just trying to cross the road, which is never easy in the blackout. I tripped over the kerb and at that moment a truck came along and ran over my leg. But there was something strange.'

'What was that?' asked Reg.

'You can't hear or see much in the blackout particularly in the London smog, but I had sensed that I was being followed. That's one reason why I tripped over the kerb. I was trying to get away.'

'We know that you are a gardener in Wales. Are you sure it wasn't just nerves, being up in the big city?'

'Oh no!' laughed Miss Everett weakly. 'I have plenty of experience of London. I come up regularly to re ... I mean for a break.'

'Well, we'll look into it and if you remember any more, please do contact us at Sun Hill. Hope you're feeling better soon.' said Tony.

'Don't you think there's something a bit strange, here?' Reg asked his partner. 'I get the feeling there's more to this than meets the eye. And when she talked about coming up to London for a break, it sounded as if she was going to say something else.'

'Let's run some background checks on her, just in case.' said Tony.

Everything seems to check out for Miss Everett's background, except that there is a classified notation on her file. 'And if she has no criminal record, she shouldn't have a file,' said Reg.

They decide to consult Inspector Munroe. 'All I can tell you is that the file is classified because it involves Special Branch.' he told them.

'She's one of us?' said Tony, surprised.
'Not exactly,' said Inspector Munroe. 'she works for Military Intelligence. And she's undercover at the school. What we really need is for someone to replace her there.'

'I could do that,' said Reg. 'I love gardening.'

'Great idea, Reg, but I'll need to get approval. We can't just send anyone into that situation.' said Inspector Munroe.

Permission is granted swiftly, in view of the need for someone to get in there before the school found another replacement for Miss Everett. Reg and Tony are thoroughly briefed on the situation and what to expect.
Author:  Liz K [ Sat Dec 12, 2009 3:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 12/12/09
As soon as I saw Inspector "M", I assumed Morse was entering the scene, then I engaged brain and read again!
Author:  cal562301 [ Sat Dec 12, 2009 3:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 12/12/09
Liz K wrote:
As soon as I saw Inspector "M", I assumed Morse was entering the scene, then I engaged brain and read again!


Now there's a twist that I hadn't thought of. Maybe you should write this drabble! :D
Author:  Liz K [ Sat Dec 12, 2009 3:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 12/12/09
cal562301 wrote:
Liz K wrote:
As soon as I saw Inspector "M", I assumed Morse was entering the scene, then I engaged brain and read again!


Now there's a twist that I hadn't thought of. Maybe you should write this drabble! :D


I really would love to write a CS drabble and I've said so before but I've never got round to it, wouldn't know what subject to write about or where to start. Just LOVE reading everyone else's though.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Dec 12, 2009 3:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 12/12/09
Ah, now there is a character who's long before my time!
Author:  shazwales [ Sat Dec 12, 2009 5:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 12/12/09
But not before my time ! thanks for the update,this is fun :D
Author:  cal562301 [ Sun Dec 13, 2009 3:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 12/12/09
Two updates on consecutive days. Sorry, can't promise this level of productivity will continue!

~+~

'Be careful with that hand,' said Reg. 'It may be vital evidence.' Though of what, he could not say at this stage. Fortunately, the girls were far too excited by the find to notice.

Reg took charge of the hand, wrapping it carefully in his large pocket handkerchief.

'I wonder whether there are more bones buried in the other beds,' said Myfanwy, the doctor's daughter. 'Wouldn't it be exciting if we found a whole skeleton!'

'It's almost time for lunch,' said Reg. 'Off you go to tidy yourselves.'

He did not bother to ask them to keep the find to themselves, because he knew it would be a waste of time. Instead he went off to find Miss Annersley, who fortunately was in the study.

'Whilst I was having my lesson with the Fourth, we found something very interesting in the bed,' he told her, showing her the bones.

'A hand?' said Miss Annersley in amazement. 'Where on earth did that come from?'

'I've no idea,' said Reg, not completely honestly. 'I wonder whether there are more bones hidden in some of the other beds.'

'Then this afternoon, after their rest, the other forms must go through their beds to see if they find anything,' said Miss Annersley decisively. 'Will you supervise them, Reg, please, so that minimum disruption is caused?'

'Of course,' agreed Reg.

'I will send some of the prefects to help you,' she added as an afterthought.

Reg didn't object, although he was sure, even after his short time in the school that he could handle the girls without any problems.

The search of the other beds took most of the afternoon. At the end of it, they had a motley collection of bones, which added together made two hands and two feet.

'I wonder who they belong to and where the rest of the body is.' said Miss Annersley, when she heard Reg's report.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Dec 13, 2009 6:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 13/12/09
Can't wait for the nightmares and conspiracy theories among the Middles!

Thankyou.
Author:  Abi [ Mon Dec 14, 2009 12:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 13/12/09
Yes, I wonder that, too. :?
Author:  cal562301 [ Sun Dec 20, 2009 10:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 13/12/09
Sorry it's taken a while for the next update, but here we are. Apologies for any inaccuracies in this update, as I don't have my CS books or transcripts to hand. If you spot one, please pm me and I will correct it asap. Thanks.

~+~

That evening the finds in the garden were the talk of the school. Word spread quickly as Reg and the staff knew that it was pointless to try and stop the Fourth talking to others about what they had found.

The staff were also intrigued by the events. Matey said that she would be on the lookout for any sleepwalkers or other sufferers as a result of the finds. 'A good dose of my patent nostrum should do the trick. But where on earth did the bones come from?'

This was the question that no one could answer. Well, perhaps Reg could have shed some light on the matter, but he was not ready to show his hand yet. In any case, he was at Plas Gwyn, regaling Joey with an account of his trip by train through Mesopotamia, where he had seen lots of archaeological finds, including several almost complete skeletons.

'I wonder whether these bones are linked in some way to the lost treasure?' said Gwensi. Maybe they came from the hidden tunnel.'

'Walked to the flower beds all by themselves, did they?' asked Betty sarcastically, who was still smarting following her showdown with Matey.

In the middle of the night, a strange noise came from one of the dormitories. Myfanwy woke up the other occupants of her dorm. She was shouting: 'The window, the window...' She began to sob incoherently.

Matey, roused by the noise, bustled into the dorm, only to find that several other girls had beaten her there. 'What is going on in here?' she demanded. 'Back to bed the rest of you. And try to sleep; I will deal with Myfanwy.'

'I saw someone trying to get in at the window,' said Myfanwy between sobs. 'Only it wasn't a person, it was just hands and feet scrabbling at the window.'

'It was only a dream,' Matey replied reassuringly. 'Brought on by those bones being found. How could someone who's just hands and feet get in here, especially since we're on the second floor. I'll go and get you some hot milk; that will help you to settle down again.'

Matey duly brought the hot milk, into which she had slipped a small dose, as she didn't want the whole house to be disturbed again that night. Myfanwy hated hot milk, but drank it meekly and was half asleep before Matey had even left the room.

'That Reg has a lot to answer for,' Matey said to herself, as she headed back to her own bed. 'We never had anything like this until he came on the scene.' Like Joey, Matey had begun to realise that there was more to Reg than appeared on first acquaintance and she determined to find out exactly what he was up to and why in the morning.

Edited once to change 'Freudesheim' to 'Plas Gwyn'. Result of posting late at night. Sorry! :oops:
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Dec 20, 2009 10:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 13/12/09
cal562301 wrote:
...but he was not ready to show his hand yet...


:lol: I think he already has!

Thanks for the update.
Author:  Abi [ Sun Dec 20, 2009 10:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 13/12/09
ChubbyMonkey wrote:
cal562301 wrote:
...but he was not ready to show his hand yet...


:lol: I think he already has!


:roll: :hammer:

Glad to see an update, though those hands and feet sound a little alarming...
Author:  cal562301 [ Tue Dec 22, 2009 3:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 13/12/09
ChubbyMonkey wrote:
cal562301 wrote:
...but he was not ready to show his hand yet...


:lol: I think he already has!

Thanks for the update.


Trust you to pick up on the unintended pun, Ariel! :roll:

~+~

That same evening, after supper at Plas Gwyn, Reg decides to go for a stroll before bed. A short distance from the house, a car draws up beside him and he gets in.

'How's it going?' asks Tony.

'Very well, so far,' answered Reg. 'The bones have been found and no one seems to have rumbled me yet, although that Matron of theirs is no fool.'

'You'd think someone would question how those bones came to be in the beds, when they're turned over fairly frequently for gardening,' said Tony.

'Of course, they don't know that we buried them there!' laughed Reg. 'It was very handy meeting that professor of anatomy who's a railway buff at my model railway club.'

Yes, it is true. After their previous meeting, Tony had spent a couple of hours burying the bones, which they had brought from London.

'Has Colonel Black been to the school since you've been there?' asked Tony.

'No,' said Reg. 'But I've heard all about the time he accused the girls of being spies, but it turned out to be smugglers.'

'Hm, that's interesting,' said Tony. 'You've read the latest report on him from London?'

'Yes, I have,' said Reg. 'I think that soon I will have to take some of the staff, at least, into my confidence, but how and who is the question.'
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Dec 22, 2009 5:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 22/12/09
Sorry! I'm loving the intrigue - more soon please?
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Dec 22, 2009 6:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 22/12/09
Well one is going to be Matey at least!
Author:  cal562301 [ Thu Dec 31, 2009 8:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 22/12/09
Here is the next instalment. Posted in a rush before I go out to celebrate New Year's Eve. Hope to write more over the weekend.

~+~

Next morning, Matey tackled Reg. 'I want a word with you, Mr Hollis.' she said, on encountering him in the corridor. 'Come to my room, please.'

The look on Matey's face was well-known to the many mischievous Middles, who had passed through her care over the years and even Reg did not dare to disobey her. Instead he followed her meekly to her own domain.

'Now, I want to know what's going on. First you turn up out of the blue, an apparent answer to prayer at just the moment we need a new gardening teacher. You're far from home and I don't think you got lost on your way to Blaenau Ffestiniog. You're far too intelligent for that. And another thing: I have a feeling you're behind the appearance of the bones in the garden. I don't know how you did it, but...'

Reg realised that Matey had sussed him out just as neatly as he had sussed her out. There was no point in trying to pull the wool over her eyes any longer by talking about his railway journeys.

'You're right,' he said. 'I was sent here to replace Miss Everett after she had her accident. My purpose is to carry on the work that she was doing.'

'And what might that be? ' demanded Matey. 'I'm sure it's more than teaching gardening to girls. I always thought there was more to Miss Everett than met the eye, even though she'd been working for the Lucys before she came here.'

'You're quite right.' said Reg. 'But before I go any further, I must have your word that you will not repeat anything that I tell you.'

'If you're telling me, then you should be telling the Heads,' countered Matey.

'Oh, I intend to, as soon as this conversation ends,' said Reg. 'But the number of people in the know must be kept to a minimum.'

'Agreed,' said Matey. 'I promise not to repeat anything you tell me.'

'Thank you. To understand what is going on, I need to go back to the school's time on Guernsey. You remember Gertrud Beck?'

'The girl who turned out to be a German spy? Oh yes, I remember her. But I thought that was all sorted out and she went to Denmark to be reunited with her mother.'

'That's true as far as she was concerned, but the authorities always felt that someone in the local military must have known more than they were letting on. And by coincidence, one of the main suspects was transferred to Armiford.'

'Colonel Black?' guessed Matey. 'But we never came across him on the island.'

'Yes, it was him. He kept a very low profile on Guernsey, because he was liaising between the local forces and the British but he's getting bolder, and that's worrying the “powers that be”,' explained Reg.

'I'll say!' snorted Matey. 'He even came to the school when there were suspicious lights and accused the girls or staff of spying. The nerve of the man! Our juniors were really upset. And after all of that it turned out to be smugglers.'

'Yes, I heard about that,' said Reg. 'Anyway, I've been sent down from London to see what I can find out.'

'Of course, I will help in any way I can,' said Matey, 'and I'm sure the Heads will, once they know the full story.'

'Thank you,' said Reg, smiling for the first time since their conversation began.
Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Jan 01, 2010 1:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 31/12/09
Glad Matron was so on the ball. Thanks for the update.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Jan 01, 2010 1:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 31/12/09
Thanks for filling us in! I do hope that the Heads take it as well. Thanks for the update!
Author:  cal562301 [ Sat Jan 02, 2010 5:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 31/12/09
Thanks for the positive feedback. Here is another update. Trying to write the one with Betty and the Saturday evening at the moment. :D

~+~


Reg seeks out Miss Annersley who fortunately is in the study, having a free period at that time. He repeats the explanation he has given to Matey concerning his own and Colonel Black's activities.

'So you are responsible for the bones, then,' said Miss Annersley, with a steely look out of those eyes which had never yet needed glasses. 'But why?'

'We felt it was time to move things forward a bit. I couldn't go on regaling you all with stories of my railway journeys indefinitely. Although I do have quite a stock of them,' explained Reg with a twinkle in his eye, not at all intimidated by Miss Annersley. After all, he had faced much worse from Inspector Munroe, who could outrival even 'Bill' when it came to sarcasm, if he had but known it.

'Product of a fertile imagination, most of them, I suspect,' laughed Miss Annersley. She was beginning to like Reg.

'But this doesn't solve the problem of what we are going to do about Colonel Black,' said Reg, returning to the main focus of their conversation.

'The army camp is at Armiford, which is some distance from here,' said Miss Annersley. 'He only came to the school when he heard about the suspicious lights.'

'Maybe you could ring him up and tell him about the bones,' said Reg. 'Tell him that you're worried about the effect the discovery has had on the girls. Ask his advice about security.'

'But wouldn't that be a matter for the local police?' Miss Annersley asked.

'Don't worry about them,' said Reg. 'Tony and I are liaising closely with them.'

'I'd like to meet Tony,' said Miss Annersley. 'He seems to have got the rougher part of the deal. But I realise you couldn't both appear at the school as lost tourists. That would have been too much. Miss Wilson is teaching at the moment, but I will explain everything to her, so don't worry. What are you going to tell Joey?'

'As little as possible at the moment,' said Reg. 'I don't think she should get too excited with her young children.'

'OK, but I can guarantee she will be furious at missing out on all the fun!' said Miss Annersley. 'Oh, I know this is a serious business, but Joey won't see it that way.'

'All the more reason to keep her in the dark a while longer, then,' said Reg.
Author:  Abi [ Sat Jan 02, 2010 5:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 02/01/10
Somehow I missed the previous update! Thanks!
Author:  shazwales [ Sat Jan 02, 2010 6:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 02/01/10
Thanks for the update.Joey will go mad :D :D :D
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Jan 02, 2010 8:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 02/01/10
Well, at least there are some boundaries with Joey! Thanks for the update.
Author:  cal562301 [ Sun Jan 03, 2010 9:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 02/01/10
Thanks for your positive comments. Here is Betty's Saturday.

~+~

Eventually, Saturday came, the day that Betty had been dreading. First she was required to spend the entire afternoon doing mending under Matey's watchful eye. As it happened no others had been condemned to this activity, so they had all gone out on rambles. Betty had heard them setting off, very excited to be out of the school grounds for a few hours. Not for the first time she began to regret the impulse which had caused her to play up in Mr Hollis' class. And she still had to face the evening's entertainment in her badly damaged dress.

Finally, the afternoon was over and she could put away the hated needle and thread.

'Don't forget to wear that dress tonight,' warned Matey, dispelling the last lingering hope Betty had that this part of her punishment might be rescinded or forgotten.

That evening, Betty duly appeared, wearing the stained and torn dress. The older girls and staff were much too well versed in the school's ways to comment or point at her, but she could hear the juniors sniggering and whispering amongst themselves. Unusually, the staff and prefects, who had been forewarned, made no attempt to quell them, which added to Betty's self-conscious discomfort.

If the evening had consisted of progressive games, Betty would have been able to hide herself very easily behind the tables. However, the evening was organised by the Fifth, who had decided on a programme of strenuous games and dancing, which Betty ordinarily would have enjoyed immensely. However, she found her torn dress a real encumbrance to physical activity. She almost tripped several times during some of the games and finally fell flat on her face during a particularly energetic performance of the 'Gay Gordons'. Although she was not hurt physically, she was shaken up and mortified at making such a public spectacle of herself.

After that, she remained on the sidelines and flatly refused to join in any further dances or games. By the time bedtime came for the Middles, she was thoroughly bored and for once glad to get off to bed.

As she undressed, she told herself that she would find a way of getting back at Mr Hollis, whom she blamed for her predicament that evening. But it would take a great deal of thought, because she recognised that he would not easily be duped.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Jan 03, 2010 9:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 03/01/10
Oh dear, I fear trouble coming his way! I only hope that he can stop her.

Thankyou.
Author:  Abi [ Mon Jan 04, 2010 12:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 03/01/10
Actually feeling a little sorry for Betty - that amount of humiliation is NOT pleasant whether you deserve it or not (which she undoubtedly did!).

Thanks cal!
Author:  shazwales [ Mon Jan 04, 2010 1:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 03/01/10
Thank you Cal :)
Author:  cal562301 [ Fri Jan 08, 2010 8:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 03/01/10
Here's a little bit more. Hope to write some over the weekend.

Note to Ariel. Any puns in this post are intentional! :lol:

~+~

Sunday passed uneventfully with the girls attending church as usual, followed by a quiet afternoon and evening. The only excitement came at Kaffee und Kuchen when Corney Flower, the prefect on duty, accidentally bumped into Elizabeth Arnett, causing her to spill her coffee all over her Sunday best dress. An angry Matey met Elizabeth on her way to her dormitory to change, but since it was clearly not Elizabeth's fault, she could not say very much to the Middle. When she saw Corney later, however, she did not spare her her opinion of careless prefects, Head Girl or not!

On the Monday, Reg was busy with the Third in their part of the garden, when he saw a man in Colonel's uniform coming up the drive. Miss Annersley had obviously taken his advice and rung up Colonel Black to seek his opinion on recent happenings at the school.

A short time later, Polly Heriot, one of the prefects, arrived to tell him that his presence was required in the study. 'I can take over here,' she said, 'as I have a free period right now.'

'Thank you, Polly,' said Reg. 'Everyone knows what they should be doing, so they shouldn't need much supervision.'

Reg made his way to the study, intrigued to finally meet this man about whom he had read and heard so much.

When Reg entered the study in response to the Head's invitation, Colonel Black was seated on a comfortable chair, but looked decidedly uncomfortable. Undoubtedly, he would have preferred to remain standing or sit on an upright chair, but neither of these options had been on offer, so he was obliged to seat himself in a chintz armchair.

'Ah, Mr Hollis, I'm glad you could join us,' said Miss Annersley. 'I've just been telling Colonel Black about the recent finds at the school.'

'This partial skeleton is very worrying,' said Colonel Black. 'I understand that you were the master in charge, when it was found.'

'Yes,' said Reg. 'We were weeding the Fourth's bed and there they were. The bones of a hand. And later, we found the bones of another hand and two feet in some of the other beds. I've no idea where they came from,' he added with a totally straight face.

'Well, if there's something afoot, that's for sure,' said Colonel Black. 'I've just been telling Miss Annersley that she must be on the lookout for any further unusual happenings or finds. Of course, as local liaison officer, I will do all I can to help.'
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Jan 08, 2010 10:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 08/01/10
Puns? I see no puns! Thanks for the update, though.
Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Jan 08, 2010 10:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 08/01/10
Thanks for the update. Hope that Black can be of assistance.
Author:  shazwales [ Sat Jan 09, 2010 8:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 08/01/10
Thanks for the update,looking forward to hearing what Reg thinks of Black :) :)
Author:  abbeybufo [ Sat Jan 09, 2010 9:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 08/01/10
ChubbyMonkey wrote:
Puns? I see no puns!



Something afoot?
Author:  Abi [ Sat Jan 09, 2010 1:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 08/01/10
Thanks for the update (and the puns!) :lol:
Author:  cal562301 [ Sun Jan 10, 2010 7:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 08/01/10
Here is the next instalment. I hoped to post it earlier today, but have had internet problems.

~+~

Reg was not over impressed with Colonel Black, although everything he said was correct and appropriate. He suspected that the Colonel would use these new happenings as an excuse to spend more time at the school. For the moment, all he could do was to wait for further developments.

The next thing that happened came as a shock to the whole school. The Prefects had been given permission to go to the local village, Howells, late one afternoon, as they were free of prep duties and needed to do some shopping for the forthcoming Staff evening. They had a wonderful time browsing the few shops and having coffee and cakes. They were on their way back, when a sudden fog fell, so thick that they could not see far in front of them.

Being sensible young ladies, they did not panic, as they knew the way back to school well and they had two torches between them.

As they walked along the road, there was the noise of a car behind them. It stopped beside them and the back passenger door opened. A long arm reached out and grabbed Polly, who happened to be on the outside of the group and therefore closest to the car. She was pulled into the car, which then sped off at high speed.

The rest of the prefects had no time to react, because it had happened so quickly. They were very shocked, but realised that the best thing they could do was to return to the school and report what had happened.

An agitated Corney burst into the Staff Room, even forgetting to knock and to curtsey in her agitation. Fortunately, both the Abbess and Bill were there, along with most of the staff, who were enjoying Mdlle's excellent coffee.

'What is the meaning of this, Cornelia?' demanded Bill. 'What has happened?' she added more gently, as she saw the look on Corney's face.

'It's Polly. We were walking along the road when the fog came down and a car drew up alongside us. They kidnapped her!' Corney's words came out in a rush and so the two Heads were hard put to understand her. However, some gentle questioning soon brought out an account of the shocking end to the Prefects' walk.

'Rosalie, please ring the police,' Miss Annersley said. 'Corney, please stay with the other Prefects in your room until they arrive and in the meantime not a word to anyone else.'

'Yes, Miss Annersley,' Corney said meekly. 'And I'm sorry for bursting in on you like that.'

'It's all right. I understand that you were upset.' Miss Annersley reassured her. Once Corney had left the room. She continued to her staff: 'I think it's time I brought you up to date with events. Yesterday, Mr Hollis told Nell, Matey and myself certain things, which I had not intended to share with the whole staff yet, but it seems that someone has forced our hand.'

She quickly filled the rest of the staff in on what Reg had told them of the suspicions about Colonel Black.

'First thing tomorrow, Reg will have to be brought up to date with what has happened. Since Joey is not in the know, I don't think we can bring him over here tonight. He told us that he was liaising closely with the local force, so there should not be any problems there.'

Two policemen from the local force duly turned up at the school and questioned the Prefects. However, they were unable to help very much because of the speed at which things happened and the fog. They could only say that it seemed to be a dark saloon-type car with 4 doors, since Polly had been snatched from the rear passenger door. They were unable to give any description of the person who snatched her and had not seen the driver.

Eventually, they were allowed to go off to bed. Most of them doubted that they would be able to sleep much, but Matey had foreseen this and made sure that they all had a drink of hot milk into which she slipped a small dose.
Author:  shazwales [ Sun Jan 10, 2010 7:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 10/01/10 page 4
Thanks for the update :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:
Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Jan 10, 2010 8:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 10/01/10 page 4
Poor Polly and the rest of the prefects.
Author:  Abi [ Sun Jan 10, 2010 9:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 10/01/10 page 4
:shock: Oh dear. I hope they get Polly back ok.

Thanks Cal.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Jan 10, 2010 9:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 10/01/10 page 4
Eeep! Don't leave us in suspense for long! (By the by, was it rich, creamy milk?)

Thankyou.
Author:  jmc [ Mon Jan 11, 2010 7:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 10/01/10 page 4
Hope Polly's safe. Thanks (I think)
Author:  cal562301 [ Tue Jan 12, 2010 9:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 10/01/10 page 4
Here is the next instalment. You will notice that I took up Liz's suggestion. :lol:

Thanks for your interest and feedback.

~+~


On arrival at the school next day, Reg was immediately summoned to the study where Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson awaited him. They wasted no time in filling him in on the previous evening's events.

'This is not what I expected to happen,' said Reg thoughtfully.

'You mean you think it's all connected somehow with Colonel Black?' asked Miss Annersley.

'Yes, but at the moment I don't see how kidnapping one of the prefects would help his cause.' replied Reg. 'Did none of the prefects notice anything?'

'It was very difficult. The fog was heavy. They heard the car, but once it stopped beside them, everything happened so fast that they had no time to react,' said Miss Annersley.

'I think I need to talk to the local police.' said Reg. 'Although I'm not sure how much help they can be, unless someone saw something.'

'Please feel free to use the phone. No one will disturb you here,' said Miss Annersley. 'I must go and tell the school what has happened.

The school, except for the Juniors, was already assembled when Miss Annersley arrived at the hall, looking as serious as most people had ever seen her. It was felt that the Juniors were too young to be burdened with the knowledge of what had happened.

'Some of you will have heard by now what took place during the prefects' walk yesterday,' she said. 'For those who haven't, Polly Heriot was snatched by someone in a car. At the moment, we don't know by whom or why. But the police have been informed and the matter is being investigated. In the meantime, the best thing we can all do is to pray for Polly's safe return. Oh, and until further notice, everyone is confined to the school grounds.'

Gasps of shock rose from all sides. Nothing like this had ever happened in the school's history, so none of the girls knew quite how to react. The staff were understandably worried, but they did their best to maintain a calm exterior for the benefit of their pupils.

* * * * *

Reg and Tony had a consultation with the local Detective Inspector, whose name was Morse. He had recently been transferred from the Oxford Division of the Thames Valley Police and was enjoying the quieter life. Or he had been, until this latest incident.

'So, you boys are from the Met. What do you think is going on here?' he asked.

'I don't know,' said Reg. 'I'm sure that Colonel Black is involved somehow, but at the moment, I don't see how.'

'Well, we have a witness who got a partial number-plate. She noticed the car because it was being driven very fast and there was a girl in the back who was clearly upset. The partial registration she got could belong to Armiford, but it's not a military one.'

'Black wouldn't use a military vehicle,' said Tony decisively. 'He's far too clever for that.'

Reg and Tony went to visit the witness, a Mrs Jones, but she was unable to tell them any more than she had told the local police. 'I wish I could help more,' she said regretfully. 'The school is very good for the village and the girls are always so polite when you meet them.'

'Thank you, Mrs Jones. You've been very helpful. If you do remember anything else, please give us a ring on this number.' Tony handed her a card.

'Of course I will,' said Mrs Jones.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Jan 12, 2010 10:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 12/01/10 page 4
Oh dear! I do hope that she's ok.

Thanks for the update!
Author:  Abi [ Wed Jan 13, 2010 12:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 12/01/10 page 4
Hope Polly is ok.
Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Jan 13, 2010 12:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 12/01/10 page 4
Hope they can rescue Polly soon.
Author:  cal562301 [ Sat Jan 16, 2010 4:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 16/01/10 page 4
Here is another update. Thanks for your encouragement. Apologies if you already looked for the update - I had internet problems!

~+~

Colonel Black had heard of the dramatic events at the school, and he called on Miss Annersley to offer his help.

'The local police are very helpful, but they don't seem to have any clues as to who might have snatched Polly or why,' explained Miss Annersley.

'Well, a provincial force such as you get in this area, won't have much experience of kidnappings,' said Colonel Black. 'They're probably more used to sheep rustlers.'

Reg, who was present at the interview, bristled at this slight on his colleagues, but of course he could not say anything about that. Instead, he asked, 'So, what is your theory, Colonel?'

'Either someone with a grudge against the school or someone with a grudge against Polly's family,' was the swift response.

'But Polly's an orphan and her parents had very little money, she's not an heiress, or anything like that. And why would someone have a grudge against the school? The local people welcome us and I don't know of any parents or former pupils who might have a long-standing dispute with us.' said Miss Annersley.

'Maybe not around here, but what about from Guernsey or even when you fled Austria?' said Colonel Black. 'The arm of the Nazis is extremely long and strong.' This last was spoken with a great deal of feeling, as if the Colonel spoke from personal experience.

'Well, we did have that girl, Gertrude Beck, who turned out to be a Nazi spy,' said Miss Annersley. 'But, as far as I know, that was all sorted out and she went to Denmark to be reunited with her mother.'

'I and my men will keep a look-out for anything suspicious. And if we can be of further assistance, please do get in touch.' said Colonel Black as he left.

'So what do you make of that?' asked Miss Annersley.

'He's definitely hiding something,' said Reg. 'Tony is under orders to keep Colonel Black under surveillance, as he's not known locally. Let's hope he lets his guard slip.'

Meanwhile, Tony was following Colonel Black's car at a safe distance. About half-way to back to the camp, the Colonel turned off onto an old farm track. What was he up to? Tony decided to follow.

Edited once to correct typos.
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Jan 16, 2010 5:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 16/01/10 page 4
Thanks for the update. Polly was he one who recognised Gertude as German, does that have relevance to her kidnapping?
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Jan 16, 2010 9:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 16/01/10 page 4
Will they find her up the track perchance? Thanks for the update!
Author:  hac61 [ Sun Jan 17, 2010 3:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 16/01/10 page 4
And how did whoever kidnapped her know that the Prefects were going to be out for a walk on their own? Methinks there must be a school contact somewhere.
Author:  cal562301 [ Sun Jan 17, 2010 10:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 16/01/10 page 4
Thanks for your feedback and helpful plot hints!

Here is the next little bit.

~+~

Back at the school, all the staff and pupils had been interviewed at length by Inspector Morse and his subordinates.

'It's strange that the car happened to be out just when the prefects were on their walk.,' he confided in Reg, when they compared notes. 'You wouldn't expect much traffic to be about at that time or for a group of young ladies to be out on a walk.'

'I know,' answered Reg. 'It's almost as if the kidnapper had a tip-off. And that suggests that someone within the school was in the know. Another question is whether Polly was the intended target, or whether any of the girls would have done.'

'She seems like an ordinary schoolgirl, nothing unusual in her family,' said Morse.

'I think we need to concentrate on new members of staff and pupils. Though since the Colonel was on Guernsey, he may have made contact with someone in the school then.'

'True, Hollis,' said Morse, who was not of the modern school of senior officers, who believed in being chummy with their subordinates. Besides, he liked the name Hollis; it had the same ring about it as the name of his former sergeant in Oxford.

'Most of the maids from Guernsey stayed on the island or have since joined the forces. There's only Marie left. None of the teaching staff have changed, apart from me, of course,' said Reg with a smile. 'I think most of the pupils are too young to be involved, although after the experience with Gertrude Beck, I suppose they can't be totally ruled out.'

'But to plant two pupils in the school would be too risky. No one is likely to fall for the same trick twice. It must be someone who has been involved with the school for some time, because no one else arrived at the same time as Gertrude. And Black hasn't been here long enough to form strong links,' said Morse. 'Besides, the people round here are generally very insular and suspicions of strangers, so I think we can rule out the local domestic staff.'

'I'd love to know what Black meant by his comment about the Nazis having an extremely long and strong arm,' said Reg. 'It sounds as if he has personal experience, perhaps in his own family.'

Morse and Reg agree to compare notes daily and more often if necessary. They are just wondering how Tony is getting on with his surveillance of Black, when a phone call comes in.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Jan 17, 2010 10:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 16/01/10 page 4
Hmm, how very interesting! Please to be solving the cliff soon? Thankyou.
Author:  Abi [ Sun Jan 17, 2010 10:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 16/01/10 page 4
Hmm, all very mysterious. Thanks for the update!
Author:  cal562301 [ Mon Jan 18, 2010 10:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 18/01/10 page 4
Having put today's date on yesterday's update, I decided I'd better give you a little more! :lol:

Hope this reassures you somewhat about Polly, although I'm afraid you'll have to wait a little longer before the situation is resolved.

~+~

Colonel Black drove for about half a mile down the old farm track. Eventually, he came to a ramshackle farmhouse, which had obviously seen better days. As his car drew up, the door to the farmhouse opened to reveal a care-worn woman, who had obviously been worn down by the demands many years of farming on such unyielding land. Her husband had died young, and she had been left with 3 small children to raise as best she could, whilst scraping a bare living from the land. Now, of her 3 children, the two boys were in the Forces – one in the Navy and the other in the RAF. And her, youngest, a girl, had recently obtained a job in the kitchens at the big school for girls at Plas Howells. She was justifiably proud of her offspring's achievements.

However, money was still extremely tight, and when the opportunity had arisen to earn a little extra by helping out the Colonel with his scheme, she had welcomed it with open arms. To be fair, she had no idea of the Colonel's true intentions. It had been presented to her as an exercise in testing how the school would react in an emergency. As far as she knew, the Heads of the School were fully in the picture, although most of the details had had, perforce, to be kept from the girls. And of course, her daughter, Olwen, was in prime position, to act as a liaison between the school and Colonel Black without drawing too much attention to herself.

'How is the girl?' asked Colonel Black. 'Not causing you any trouble, I hope.'

'Oh, no,' said Mrs Evans. 'She's no trouble at all. Very well brought up and polite. She's more concerned about what's happening at the school than for herself. She thinks they must be sick with worry about her. I tried to explain to her about the Heads being fully aware of what was going on, but she didn't seem totally convinced. How much longer will she need to stay here?'

'You're doing a good job,' the Colonel reassured her. 'Don't worry. Just a few more days will be long enough.'

Of course, Tony had no idea of what was happening inside the house. He had had to keep his distance. And having waited for an hour and seen no sign of the Colonel leaving, he decided that the wisest course would be to report back to Morse and Reg on what had happened. In any case, he did not think it would be wise to approach the house on his own.

Edited once to correct typos.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Jan 18, 2010 11:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 18/01/10 page 5
Ooh, tantalising. So, will Colonel Black get away with it?

Thanks for the update!
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Jan 19, 2010 12:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 18/01/10 page 5
Thanks for the Update. Glad Tony is going for help.
Author:  jmc [ Wed Jan 20, 2010 12:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 18/01/10 page 5
Feel sorry for the poor woman who has been pulled into this.

Thanks Cal
Author:  cal562301 [ Thu Jan 21, 2010 9:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 18/01/10 page 5
Here is the next instalment.

Nice to know people are enjoying this. Thanks for all your encouragement.

~+~

Tony duly reported back to Reg and Morse. 'My instinct is that Polly is being held there,' said Tony. 'But without more evidence, we can't get a search warrant.'

'Has the house been visited before, in the course of enquiries?' asked Reg.

'No, because it's too remote. But it's not enough to find Polly. We need to link Colonel Black to her disappearance, if he really is behind it,' Morse reminded them.

'If he's visited once, then he's likely to visit again. From the appearance of the woman, I doubt she's fully in league with Colonel Black. If we turn up at the house and start asking questions, it may panic her into contacting him urgently,' said Tony. 'Which reminds me. I wonder who his link person is at the school. Maybe there's a connection there, too.'

'it will have to be me who talks to the woman,' said Morse. 'You're still undercover, Reg, and we can't take the risk of the Colonel being there when Tony has been doing surveillance on him. I'll take one of my own men with me.'

'Oh, he won't have spotted me,' said Tony, confidently. 'I'm far too good for that.'
'That's a risk I'm not prepared to take,' countered Morse. 'In any case, you need to be watching the colonel, in case the woman makes contact.'

Tony agreed reluctantly that he was right, although both he and Reg were secretly disappointed at missing out on all the excitement.

***

That afternoon, Morse drove up to the farmhouse, accompanied by DC Hughes. 'Whilst I'm talking to the lady, see if you can get a quick look around the house,' Morse instructed him. 'You never know what you might find.'

'Good afternoon, ma'am. I'm DI Morse and this is DC Hughes. May we come in, please?'

Mrs Evans was decidedly nervous at this visit from the law. 'What's it about?' she asked, leading them into the kitchen, which was the most used and best furnished room in the house.

'You may have heard that a young lady has gone missing from the Chalet School. We've been making house to house enquiries locally, which have drawn a blank, so we decided to spread the net a bit wider.'

'Oh, yes, I heard about that from my daughter. She got a job in the kitchens there, you know. Ever such a good job.' Mrs Evans' maternal pride overcame both her nervousness and her discretion. 'My husband died when the children were very young and I had to raise them on my own. But I've done a good job of it, even if I say so myself. My boys are in the Navy and the RAF, fighting Hitler and our Olwen is at the school, as I said.'

'You must be very proud of them,' said Morse.

'Oh, I am,' said Mrs Evans.

Just at that moment, a car was heard outside.

'I wonder who that is,' said Mrs Evans. 'I don't get many visitors.'
Author:  Abi [ Thu Jan 21, 2010 10:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 18/01/10 page 5
cal562301 wrote:
'I wonder who that is,' said Mrs Evans.


Me too! Colonel Black, perhaps? Or someone else entirely?

Thanks for the update!
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Jan 21, 2010 10:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 21/01/10 page 5
Well Morse has found the school conection
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Jan 22, 2010 11:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 21/01/10 page 5
Oooh, who will it be?
Author:  sealpuppy [ Fri Jan 22, 2010 7:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 21/01/10 page 5
Loving this! But as an incurable romantic I want some luuuuuuurve interest here. Reg? Hmm, maybe not. But Tony could be such a lovely SLOC for a damaged CS girl. Grizel perhaps? (In fact SLOC could have been coined for Tony, all that cuddly woolly jumperiness). And Morse, who could he fall for? Who is sharp, clever, quick, sarcastic, etc, amongst the staff? :)
Author:  cal562301 [ Fri Jan 22, 2010 10:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 21/01/10 page 5
sealpuppy wrote:
Loving this! But as an incurable romantic I want some luuuuuuurve interest here. Reg? Hmm, maybe not. But Tony could be such a lovely SLOC for a damaged CS girl. Grizel perhaps? (In fact SLOC could have been coined for Tony, all that cuddly woolly jumperiness). And Morse, who could he fall for? Who is sharp, clever, quick, sarcastic, etc, amongst the staff? :)


From what I know of both characters, neither Tony nor Morse have had a lot of luck in the Romance department, but my plot bunny says he's working on it! :lol:

I don't think I'm very good at writing romantic scenes!

Didn't think Grizel appeared in this time frame. But I agree that Tony is the archetypal SLOC.

Meanwhile, back to the farmhouse.

~+~

There was a light tap at the door, as Colonel Black let himself in. He never bothered to wait for Mrs Evans to open it for him, knowing that, as is the case with most remote farmhouses, the door was never locked.

'Good afternoon, Colonel,' said Mrs Evans. 'These two gentlemen are from the local police. They're asking questions about the girl who's gone missing from the school. You remember I told you about it. I got the story from Olwen.'

'Of course,' replied the colonel. 'And I've been up to the school a couple of times to offer my assistance. How do you do, Inspector...'

'Morse, sir, and this is DC Hughes,' Morse introduced himself and his colleague. 'May I ask what the connection is between you and Mrs Evans? You obviously know each other well enough to let yourself into her house.'

Mrs Evans began: 'We're...' '...distant cousins.' finished Colonel Black. 'When I was posted to this area, naturally I looked Mary up. I knew she'd had a hard life with her husband dying young and i wanted to help her if I could.'

'Very commendable, sir.' said Morse.

Whilst this conversation was going on, DC Hughes had slipped quietly out of the room and was investigating the upper floor of the farmhouse. The first few doors opened easily enough, revealing the master bedroom, a second bedroom and a very small bathroom. But the fourth door he tried was locked.

As he tried the door, a voice came from inside: 'Is that you, Mary? I'm really thirsty. May I have a drink, please?'

At this, DC Hughes tried to open the door by kicking it, but it would not yield so easily, being an old-fashioned door and therefore sturdily built.

Not surprisingly, the row from upstairs alerted those downstairs and Colonel Black, losing his usual self-possession, rushed out of the room and took the stairs two at a time. He was closely followed by Morse and by Tony, who had of course followed the colonel to the farmhouse.

'How dare you come up here without a search warrant?' demanded the colonel. 'I shall put in a complaint to your superiors.'

'Why is this door locked?' countered Morse. 'There's obviously someone in there. Are you going to open it, or do my colleagues have to break the door down? I don't think Mrs Evans would be very happy about that.'

Very reluctantly, the colonel opened the door to reveal Polly. She was obviously unharmed, having been well cared for by Mrs Evans.

'So, colonel,' said Morse. 'How do you explain the presence here of this young lady, for whom half the county has been searching these past few days.'

Edited once to correct typo.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Jan 22, 2010 10:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 22/01/10 page 5
*wonders if at this point it would cut to an ad break*

The suspense! Please let him be caught - thankyou.
Author:  Abi [ Fri Jan 22, 2010 11:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 22/01/10 page 5
Glad they found Polly, but somehow that ending seemed very tense.

Thanks cal!
Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Jan 23, 2010 12:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 22/01/10 page 5
Glad Polly is unharmed and that they have found her.
Author:  ammonite [ Sat Jan 23, 2010 12:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 22/01/10 page 5
Yay Polly is found.

Quote:
But I agree that Tony is the archetypal SLOC.


I would say though that Tony has one minor problem in this - He isn't a Doctor! :D
Author:  cal562301 [ Sun Jan 24, 2010 7:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 22/01/10 page 5
ammonite wrote:
Yay Polly is found.

Quote:
But I agree that Tony is the archetypal SLOC.


I would say though that Tony has one minor problem in this - He isn't a Doctor! :D


My plot bunny says that Tony wanted to be a doctor, but he didn't pass his exams, so he had to become a policeman instead! Does that qualify him as an SLOC? :lol:

Probably just one more update after this. Hope this post pleases sealpuppy. :D

~+~

'I know nothing of this,' the Colonel bluffed. 'Ask Mary. She must be the one who knows what is going on.'

'I never..' Mrs Evans burst into tears, overcome by guilt at what she had been part of and furious at the colonel's betrayal.

At this point, Polly intervened. 'He brought me here, ' she told Morse, 'It was he who snatched me in the car. Don't blame Mary. She has been very kind to me whilst I've been here. I don't believe she entered into this willingly.'

'How can you know that?' sneered the colonel, 'since you were chloroformed.'

'And how would you know that?' asked Morse, 'if you had nothing to do with it. Take him away.'

Morse and Tony took Polly back to the school, where she received a rapturous welcome from staff and pupils alike. She appeared to have suffered no ill effects from her ordeal, but Matey resolved to keep a close eye on her for the next few days, just in case.

'It's so good to meet you at last, Tony,' said Miss Annersley. 'I've heard so much about you from Reg.'

'Most of it exaggerated, I'm sure,' laughed Tony.

'He speaks very highly of you,' Miss Annersley replied. 'I gather you've been through a few tight situations together.'

'Oh, yes, we have.' said Tony. 'Some people at the station make fun of Reg because of his railways and his garden, but he's a good man to have as a partner in a crisis.'

Meanwhile, 'Bill' was getting acquainted with Morse. 'How long have you been in Armiford?' she asked.

'About 6 months,'Morse replied. 'I used to be in Oxford, where lots of murders took place, but I'm not getting any younger, and my doctors recommended a quieter life, so I transferred here. And life has been quiet until the kidnapping. Probably too quiet. I was getting bored. After all, there is a limit to how many Times' crosswords you can do and how many Wagner operas you can listen to.'

'You like Wagner?' said Bill. 'He's my favourite composer. I love his Niebelung. And I like the Times crossword, too, though I'm not very good. I can't do it in less than 15 minutes.'

'My best time is 7 minutes. Maybe we should get together some time to do it together.'

'I'd like that,' said Bill. 'I only get to listen to Wagner in my own room, here, as no one else likes him.'

'You're very welcome to come round and listen to my records,' Morse invited her.

Edited once to correct typo.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Jan 24, 2010 7:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 24/01/10 page 5
Oooooh er! I hope none of the students overheard that.
Author:  shazwales [ Sun Jan 24, 2010 7:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 24/01/10 page 5
Thank you for a lovely update :) Morse and Nell? interesting!
Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Jan 24, 2010 8:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 24/01/10 page 5
Nell and Morse :D :D :D :D :D
Glad Black gave himself away.
Author:  sealpuppy [ Sun Jan 24, 2010 9:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 24/01/10 page 5
Hurrah! How satisfying, Nell and Morse are perfect together, thank you, thank you, thank you :D :D :D
(And Tony too, how lovely!)
Author:  cal562301 [ Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 24/01/10 page 5
sealpuppy wrote:
Hurrah! How satisfying, Nell and Morse are perfect together, thank you, thank you, thank you :D :D :D
(And Tony too, how lovely!)


Oops, sorry. Did not mean people to think that there was something going on between Miss A and Tony! :lol:

Here is the final instalment. Thanks for reading this far and for all your encouragement for what has been my first drabble, though I hope it won't be the last. :D

~+~

The colonel was closely interrogated by both the local force and their colleagues from Special Branch. It turned out that he had somehow found out that Polly was involved in the discovery of the true identity of Gertrud Beck and was fearful that she might have known or at least suspected his own involvement on the island. So, his intentions in kidnapping her had been to find out exactly how much she knew.

However, his plans had spectacularly backfired and he would be charged with kidnapping Polly. He was also under investigation by the military authorities for his other activities, so it seemed likely that he would go to prison for a very long time.

No charges were brought against Mary or Olwen, as it was felt that they had been innocent victims of the colonel's scheming.

Reg reluctantly took his leave of the school, as he had become very attached to the staff and pupils during his time there. As had they of him. Even Betty had given up on her thoughts of taking revenge on him, because, perhaps for the first time in her life, she had found someone in authority whom she could like and respect without making an effort.

Morse and Nell's friendship continued to flourish and develop into a deep mutual affection. Their relationship was not without its storms, as they were both strong characters with a temper. But they were already secretly planning a wedding for the summer. They even considered eloping, in order to avoid all the inevitable fuss, which both of them hated.

And Tony? Alas, Cupid had passed him by yet again, but he continued to live in hope. After all, who would have thought Morse would find true love?
Author:  Abi [ Mon Jan 25, 2010 11:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 25/01/10 - Complete
Nice ending! Thanks Cal!
Author:  cal562301 [ Mon Jan 25, 2010 11:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 25/01/10 - Complete
So Sorry. Just realised I missed out this paragraph about Joey. Posting it separately in the hope most people will read it!

(Sorry if that's against CBB netiquette!)

Joey, furious at being kept in the dark about Reg's true identity, sulked for a whole fortnight and refused to visit the school or see anyone from there. However, she gave this up when she realised that the main reaction from the staff was one of relief at her absence! Besides, she missed being the centre of whatever was going on.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Jan 26, 2010 4:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 25/01/10 (twice) - Complete
Aww, lovely ending. Thankyou!
Author:  JS [ Fri Feb 05, 2010 3:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 25/01/10 (twice) - Complete
Yay, Morse and Bill. Bet they both like whisky too.
Congrats on your first drabble - any more to come??
Author:  sealpuppy [ Fri Feb 05, 2010 5:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 25/01/10 (twice) - Complete
Really enjoyed this, thank you. Putting in a plea for further adventures for Tony and the Chalet School. How about poor, over-worked Rosalie? I'm sure she'd love a cuddly SLOC to keep her warm. :)
Author:  MaryR [ Fri Feb 05, 2010 9:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 25/01/10 (twice) - Complete
Just read all of this, Cal, and enjoyed it. Thank you. :D
Author:  Chris S [ Sun Feb 07, 2010 4:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 25/01/10 (twice) - Complete
Thanks Cal, a lovely story.
Author:  Liz K [ Sun Feb 07, 2010 5:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 25/01/10 (twice) - Complete
Just caught up with this, absolutely excellent, glad Morse was included. :D
Author:  Elbee [ Thu Feb 11, 2010 10:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The New Gardening Master updated 25/01/10 (twice) - Complete
Thanks Cal. I didn't know a lot of the characters but I still enjoyed it!
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