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| Madge and Dick http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=3461 |
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| Author: | francesn [ Sun Oct 14, 2007 12:19 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Madge and Dick |
“Well,” asked Dick, “are you all fixed?” “Yes, it’s fixed,” replied Madge, as she perched herself on one arm of the couch. “It’s my own idea, and I hope you’ll like it.” “Spit it out then” he encouraged. “I think I should come out to India with you. I have no reason to stay now”, Madge’s face clouded over and Dick grasped her hand, both remembering their baby sister who had passed away nearly a month ago, “and I would rather stay near you.” Dick nodded his head, pleased with this news. “Get on with it!” “I’d like to open a school” was the startling reply. “A what?” “A school! There must be plenty of parents who won’t like to send their children away for schooling, and I could teach them quite happily. Mademoiselle Lepattre would come with us; she is keen to leave England but is unsure where to go. I spoke to her last week and she would like to come with us if you agree.” Here Dick nodded his head, knowing that the French lady was a firm friend of his sister and would act as chaperone if needed. “I have no objections; I can think of at least six parents who would be interested. Two aren’t happy with the progress their girls are making, the rest have been struggling with governesses or have just let them run wild. I presume you would want girls only?” he asked enquiringly. “Yes, I think so. Boys are such troublesome creatures, they’d be better away from their sisters.” The conversation continued, the twins discussing all the little details needed to arrange for their departure. Finally the day arrived for them to leave England for good. The arrived at the boat to find a perfect blue sky overhead and the sea as still as a millpond. They boarded swiftly, settling into their cabins with practised ease before making their way to the dining room for a buffet lunch. The first 4 weeks passed uneventfully, the trio enjoying the precious time to relax and build themselves up for the coming months. They were on open seas when the waves had started to toss the boat relentlessly. The storm broke with terrific force one evening. Madge and Mademoiselle had stayed safely in their cabin whilst Dick had gone up on deck to see the state of things to come. He clung on tightly to the railings, barely able to keep his feet on the deck as the wind howled around him. The rain lashed his face, finding its way through the seams of his oilskins and drenching his clothing. He turned his head to watch the lightening playing across the sky, the thunder deafening his ears and the rain stinging his cheeks. Besides him stood a crewman, anxiously watching the moorings holding the lifeboats safely. Suddenly a great wave crashed over the deck; the crewman gave a cry and vanished beneath the swirling waters, carried away before Dick had fully realised what had happened. “MAN OVERBOARD!” yelled Dick, but his voice was drowned out by a peal of thunder. He searched frantically for a lifeline, all the while struggling to cling on to the railings. He could hear yelling behind him, but could only make out indistinct figures. He tried calling out, desperately trying to get help for the swept away crewman. Again and again he scanned the heaving seas, until another giant wave broke over the deck. He clung on with all his strength, but the sea relentlessly tossed wave after wave over the deck. Dick could feel his strength waning, but still he looked for the lost crewman. The voices behind him were becoming fainter. There was a crack of thunder and lightening sharply cut the sky. Dick turned his head and saw a sheer wall of water racing towards him. Below deck, Madge soothed Mademoiselle. “It will be fine Therese, the storm will pass. Come, we shall pray. Dick will return soon and he will find out when we are due in to port.” The two ladies knelt together by the bed, hands clasped. They heard the thunder crack loudly and the lightening flickered through the port-hole, flashing ominously before their eyes. The boat heaved and the two felt themselves flung sideways into the wall. Before they could recover, they felt the boat start to tip. They tumbled onto the wall as it became the floor. There was a rushing sound in the hallway, then a creaking that turned to a groaning. The boat turned once more. Madge and Therese were now crumpled on the ceiling, sobbing and praying. Water was seeping through the doorway, chilling their feet and wetting their skirts. With a great sigh, the boat succumbed to the cruel sea and sank beneath the waves, with all her passengers on board. Quote from School |
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| Author: | Katarzyna [ Sun Oct 14, 2007 6:16 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Kittys drabbler perhaps?? |
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