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Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=3022

Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Jul 08, 2007 12:29 am ]
Post subject:  Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

I've had to bring the Abbey girls about 30 years into the future and I might well have EBDised some of the ages. We're about 12 years post-series but in something of a time-warp.

“Hugh! Hugh!” called the Lady Rosilda Kane as she ran up one of the many flights of stairs which ran through Kentisbury Castle, her family home. “Where are you Hugh? Hugh!"

“Looking for me?” asked a laughing voice as Geoffrey-Hugh stuck his head out onto the landing which his sister had just reached.”

“What are you doing in there?” Rosilda responded, skidding to a halt on the stone floor. “I thought you were in the playroom.”

“In that case what were you shouting about?” he laughed. “You haven’t even reached it yet.”

“No, but I thought I’d give you warning I was coming this time” she said. “I didn’t think we needed to repeat last week’s episode.

Brother and sister laughed together. The previous Thursday, their mother being out, the siblings had been having tea in their playroom. Rosilda, having spent too long in the stables with her new horse had come running into the room at full tilt, straight into her brother Geoff. Unfortunately Geoff had just picked up both the teapot and the plate of cakes to allow Rosanna, Rosilda’s twin to straighten the tablecloth. The only mercy, as Rosilda had pointed out afterwards, was that Geoff had fallen sideways so that while the three of them had landed in a heap on the floor, the tea had spilt onto the carpet and no-one was hurt. However Rosilda had been well and truly teased by her two younger brothers and was in no mind to have that happen again.

“You could try being in slightly less of a hurry and looking where you are going” Hugh suggested mildly, when their laughter had subsided.

“Maybe” said Rosilda distractedly looking over his shoulder into the attic room behind him. “What were you doing in there?”

“Never you mind” he said stepping into the corridor and shutting the door behind him. “Seriously Rosilda it’s private. You’re not to look. Alright?”

Rosilda nodded grudgingly. Her older brother was one of the kindest, gentlest people imaginable but occasionally, when he spoke like that you remembered he was not just a brother, but the Earl of Kentisbury as well.

“Why did you want me?” he asked curiously. “I thought Mother wanted you and Rosanna this afternoon.”

“She did,” Rosilda replied with a grin, all thoughts of her brother’s secret gone. “I managed to persuade her otherwise. We were supposed to be going up to London to buy our new school uniform. We’ve got all the interesting stuff already, today was just going to be endless fittings. So I suggested that as Rosanna and I are the same size, Mother could just take her and buy two of everything. I think she quite liked the idea.”

“I bet she did” Hugh said, amused. The idea of taking the restless, inquisitive Rosilda clothes shopping struck him as one to be avoided. “What did Rosanna think?”

“As long as she gets her new hockey stick she’ll go anywhere” responded Rosilda impatiently. But I wasn’t looking for you to talk about school stuff. I’m sure we’ll get enough of it once we’re there.”

“It sounds quite a decent place” said Hugh. “Quite different from Eton, but it should be good sport being in Switzerland. You’ll be able to ski and toboggan in the winter I expect.”

“Yes, but no riding” his sister pointed out. “That’s why I wanted you. I’m not allowed to take Snowflake out by myself, she’s still quite skittish. So do you fancy a ride?”

“Can do” Hugh said agreeably. “Let’s go and change.”

Author:  Cath V-P [ Sun Jul 08, 2007 12:42 am ]
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Fascinating, Rosalin. I assume that Rosamund is now a widow, as Geoffrey Hugh is now the Earl?

Author:  Alison H [ Sun Jul 08, 2007 8:18 am ]
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Oh, lovely - I don't think I've ever seen a CS/Abbey crossover before :D .

All those twins ... :lol:

Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Sun Jul 08, 2007 11:53 am ]
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What a brilliant idea - thank you! I shall look forward to this.

And you do have EJO's style down pat!

Author:  linda [ Sun Jul 08, 2007 3:34 pm ]
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Fantastic idea. EBD and EJO in one story. I wonder how the 'Ladies' will get on.

Thanks, Rosalin, looking forward to seeing this develop.

Author:  Caroline [ Sun Jul 08, 2007 3:50 pm ]
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Wonderful idea! I love it!

Can some kind soul remind me of the birth order of All Those Little Children? IIRC the double-two are Rosanna, Rosilda, and Rosabel and Rosalin - so are our heroines the older or young set of twins? And where do the brothers fit in - there are three, right? Hugh, Geoff and the youngest (can't remember his name!). Am I right in thinking Hugh is older than the girls and the other two boys are younger?

Can't wait for some more! And I'd love to know what the others are up to - including Roddy - before the twins head off to the CS.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Sun Jul 08, 2007 4:19 pm ]
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Rosabel and Rosalin are the older two - I know there is a comment somewhere (in Robins in the Abbey?) that one of them had trouble pronouncing the name Rosilda after the second two are born. And I can't remember the name of the youngest boy, either, but you are right in thinking that Hugh was older than all the twins.

Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Jul 08, 2007 10:33 pm ]
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Thanks for the comments :D The family order at the end of the series is: Hugh, Rosabel and Rosalin, Rosanna and Rosilda, Geoff, Peter. Geoffrey died a few years previously, as foreshadowed in 'Robins'. Roddy is at Dartmouth and wasn't supposed to appear in this, but he seems to think that's unfair so he might make an appearance later. No prizes for guessing where my username came from.

“Everything alright in England my dear?”

Len Entwhistle put down the letter she was reading and smiled across the breakfast table at her husband. “Perfectly” she said. “Alison and the baby are both doing well, and Steve’s thrilled to have a son. Mother is going to stay with them for another week, until Alison’s mother arrives. She’s asked me just to keep an eye on the kids’ packing but they should be fine. Cecil will keep them in order, it will be good practice for being Second Prefect.”

“Mummy” said a voice from beside her, and Len looked down at her eldest son. “What’s our new cousin called?”

“His name is Edward John Maynard” she told him.

“Another John” said her elder daughter from across the table. “Aren’t there a lot in the family now?”

“Well John is Grandpa’s name, so lots of the family like to use it. Just like Josephine is Grandma’s name, and we’ve got a few of them in the family, haven’t we?”

Seven year old Margaret Josephine nodded. “And Margaret is Aunty Madge’s name, so we like that one too.”

“And Richard because of Uncle Dick” shouted John Richard, her twin brother.

“Ssh” said Reg gently. “If you shout like a baby, you’ll have to have your breakfast in the nursery like a baby.”

“Sorry” whispered John.

“May we get down?” Meg added. “We’ve eaten all our breakfast.

“Certainly” said their mother. “Run upstairs and wash then. Make sure you show Rosli that you’ve done it properly.

As they left the room the telephone started to ring, and Reg went to answer it.

“For you Len” he called across the hall. “It’s Hilda Annersley.”

Len took the phone from him. “Hello Hilda, is something the matter?”

“What makes you think that?” a voice replied from the other end of the line.

“It’s quite early for you to be calling, that’s all” Len explained.

“Well we do have a slight problem” her old headmistress responded. “I had a call from Vanna di Ricci a few minutes ago. She’s was singing in a concert in Naples earlier this week with Madalena di Ravarati.”

“Oh yes” said Len, thinking of the wonderful voice she’d heard on the radio on several occasions. “Con went to the Albert Hall when she sang in Elijah last year. Apparently it was one of the best performances she’s ever heard.”

“Unfortunately Mrs Robertson, that’s her married name, has just heard that her elder son is ill. They don’t know yet if it’s serious, but obviously she wants to be with him as soon as possible.”

“Oh dear” said Len, feeling some sort of response was called for, but unable to see why Hilda had deemed it necessary to inform her of this.

“Well Mrs Robertson was planning on a short holiday after the concert so she had her daughters with her. Twins of fourteen, I believe. She had also taken their best friends along, also fourteen year old twins. It’s those two, Rosabel and Rosalin who are the problem, I’m afraid. They’re starting at the school this term and Mrs Robertson was going to bring them here after their little holiday. It would be silly for them to go all the way back to England just to leave again, so I was hoping that they could stay with you until term starts. Vanna is bringing them to Switzerland tomorrow but as you know we really prefer not to have girls here before the start of term.”

“I’ll need to consult Reg, of course, but I shouldn’t think it will be a problem” Len said. “It’s only two days after all. Will Vanna need somewhere to stay as well?”

“No, she has to return to Italy” Hilda Annersley replied. Rosalind Yolland is going to meet them in Interlaken and bring them up.”

“Rosabel and Rosalin” said Len. “With Rosalind Yolland, Rosalind Moore and Rosalie Dene we’ve got a complete bunch of roses this term.”

“Not to mention Rosemary Charlesworth” said Hilda sounding, Len thought, unexpectedly amused by her slight joke. “I’ll look forward to hearing from you once you’ve spoken to Reg. Good-bye”

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Sun Jul 08, 2007 10:54 pm ]
Post subject: 

Oops - a few days with some mischievous Maynard/Entwhistle youngsters may not be the best influence on Rosabel - I think she was the twin with the reputation for mischief, wasn't she, and Rosalin the thoughtful one? I can see Rosabel starting her career at the school with at least one foot firmly in hot water!! But at least we aren't dealing with the Marchwood Twins at their most adventurous stage!!

Thanks Rosalin - I'll look forward to more of this.

Author:  Fatima [ Mon Jul 09, 2007 5:15 am ]
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I've never read any of the Abbey books; are there transcripts available anywhere that I could browse, please, that would help me to understand all these Roses?!

Thanks Rosalin; it's nice to see Len's family, complete with a nice Reg!

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Jul 09, 2007 6:48 am ]
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Thanks Rosalin :D .

ETA - have PMd you, Fatima :D .

Author:  ibarhis [ Mon Jul 09, 2007 7:49 am ]
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I'm really looking forward to seeing how this one pans out, particularly if there is news of any of the other Abbey characters.

Author:  Elbee [ Mon Jul 09, 2007 8:48 am ]
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I don't know the Abbey series either but this looks promising anyway!

Thanks Rosalin.

Author:  Karoline [ Mon Jul 09, 2007 2:20 pm ]
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This is great Rosalin :lol: Thanks

Author:  Rosalin [ Mon Jul 09, 2007 10:12 pm ]
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“Umbrella, Rosilda!” Joan Raymond called after her as she danced down the station platform ahead of the rest of their group. “I’m glad you’ve still got your nightcase but I was hoping to send you off to Switzerland with all your possessions.”

“Oops” said Rosilda, not noticeably abashed as she returned to claim her discarded belongings. “Look, my hockey stick is here too.”

“Honestly, you are hopeless” said her brother Geoff, from a safe distance since Rosilda was not known to take insults lying down.

“It’s all right, I knew what needed picking up” a voice from behind them said. “Rosilda will still have everything she needs when we get there.”

Joan smiled at the speaker. “I’m sure she will Rosanna, but she really ought to be able to look after them herself.” But she spoke gently, for it was difficult to be anything else with Rosanna.

They had just finished tea and cakes at the station café while they waited for the correct time to meet the Chalet School party. They had attracted many admiring glances for they were a handsome party, the four children tall with blond curls and blue eyes and Joan with her bronze plaits wound around her head and deep brown eyes. The two girls were dressed in the gentian blue uniform of the Chalet School’s Swiss branch, spotless in Rosanna’s case and still fairly tidy in Rosilda’s.

“Right children, platform six. The train should be there by now and you’ll want to get settled before it leaves” said Joan, leading them across a footbridge.

They arrived at a platform with dozens of girls in the same blue uniforms milling around. Joan approached a lady with brown wavy hair who was holding several sheets of paper.

“Some more pupils for us” she said turning to the little group at once. “I’m Miss Charlesworth, History mistress.”

“Rosanna and Rosilda Kane” said Joan seeing that even Rosilda was momentarily overwhelmed.

Miss Charlesworth made a mark on her list. “Here you are. Now, how old are you?”

“We were fourteen last April.” Rosilda spoke up confidently, having recovered her self-possession.

“You’ll probably be in one of the Upper Fourths then. I’ll see who I can find to take care of you for the journey.” She looked around and saw a tall sturdy girl with dark brown curls framing an attractive face. “Mary come here a moment please.”

Mary came to stand with them and gave the twins a friendly grin. “This is Mary Winterton. Mary these are Rosanna and Rosilda Kane. I’d like you to look after them for the journey. Run along and put your things in the train girls. You may come back and say goodbye afterwards.”

“This way” said Mary leading them on to the train. “We’re in this compartment. Throw everything into the luggage rack. That’s it. We’ll get out the stuff you need once you’ve said goodbye.”

When they returned to the platform they found Joan deep in conversation with Miss Charlesworth. A historian with a particular interest in the reformation she was listening with interest to Joan’s description of her Abbey of Grace-Dieu. Geoff and Peter meanwhile were standing slightly apart from their elders and talking intently.

“We’ll just wait for your mother to finish talking, then you can say good-bye” said Mary, watching carefully for their response. The lady with them looked so unlike the four of them that Mary wondered if they were related at all. She was simply dressed, but her clothes were tasteful and expensive and she carried herself well. She certainly wasn’t a governess. So who was she?

Rosilda answered her question quite unconsciously. “That’s Aunty Joan. She’s a friend of Mother’s. Mother couldn’t be here today. She and Hugh are going to a show this afternoon and they couldn’t have got there in time from here. The Kentisbury Camp Fire are putting it on in aid of the local church. Mother had to make a speech at the beginning and Hugh had to Appear.

Mary looked at her in surprise. She would have thought seeing the twins off to their new school would have been a more pressing engagement, but they seemed perfectly matter of fact about it. Hugh was a bit of a mystery too. Who was he and how was he going to Appear at this show?

Rosilda was watching her, looking slightly amused. She knew exactly what Mary was thinking, but had no wish to explain further. Fortunately another girl joined them just then.

“Mary!” she said. “I wondered where you’d escaped to.”

Mary grinned. “Diana, these are Rosanna and Rosilda Kane. I don’t know which one is which yet, but I’m sure we’ll work it out. Twins, this is Diana Vernon. We’re both in Upper IVB.

“Where are you from?” asked Diana, nodding at them.

Rosanna replied, having decided she liked these two straightforward, no-nonsense girls. “Our home is in Sussex, but we were at Cliff End School in Brighton until the summer. Then Mother decided we were to go to school in Switzerland. We had a look at a few prospectuses and here we are. I don’t know why she wanted us to move, but I think it’s going to be fun.”

“Of course it will be” said Mary. “It’s the Chalet School.”

Joan and Miss Charlesworth stopped talking at this moment and the twins joined her.

“Do enjoy yourselves” she said hugging them both at once. “Write to me if you need anything or have a problem, although I’m sure everything will be fine. Rosilda, try to calm down a little and remember what we said about thinking before you speak. Rosanna, I’m sure you’ll have opportunities to do all sorts of sports, but don’t forget to do some school work as well. And let Rosilda make her own mistakes. She’ll be better for it in the long run.”

Geoff and Peter came forward, looking slightly uncomfortable. Peter held out a package. “For you from us” he said in a rush.

Geoff kicked him gently. “It’s a present for you all at your new school. Don’t open it till you get there. It’s from me, Peter, Hugh and Roddy.

“Thanks” said Rosilda, taking the package.

Rosanna, slightly bright-eyed moved forward to hug them but Rosilda stopped her, much to the boys’ relief. “Do you want them to hate you forever?” she muttered.

Joan gave them both one last hug and they jumped in to the train, to the obvious relief of Miss Charlesworth who was starting to look slightly harried.

“Bye, see you at Christmas” they shouted as the train pulled out.

Author:  Cath V-P [ Tue Jul 10, 2007 12:39 am ]
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That was delightful - especially the interaction with the boys! The EJO tone is just right, and they are all exactly who they are meant to be, if you know what I mean!

And Mary Winterton is presumably Peggy Bettany's daughter?

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Jul 10, 2007 6:42 am ]
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This is great, Rosalin :D .

Author:  linda [ Tue Jul 10, 2007 8:39 pm ]
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Love this Rosalin. I'm lookiing forward to seeing how it develops :D

Author:  Rosalin [ Tue Jul 10, 2007 10:16 pm ]
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Mary Winterton is Peggy's second child who she is expecting in Adrienne.

Rosalin Kane left the Entwhistles’ pretty chalet and turned to walk along the Gornetz Platz. It had been a hectic couple of days and she was glad of the chance to reflect. They had arrived in Innsbruck the previous afternoon, following an overnight journey from Italy. There they had met Miss Yolland their new art mistress who had driven them up and introduced them to their hosts for the next two days. Mrs Entwhistle was very welcoming. She was an old girl of the school who had married one of the doctors from the big hospital which stood at the other end of the Platz. They had met her children and been given a pretty twin room to share.

When they had come down to breakfast the next morning Dr Entwhistle had told them his wife was spending the morning in bed, after a bad night with the baby, who was teething. Rosabel had volunteered to spend the morning with the seven year old twins, much to Rosalin’s surprise, but to the evident gratitude of their host. He told Rosalin that his mother-in-law’s chalet was just a little further along, where she could meet some of her future school-fellows, Mrs Entwhistle’s young siblings. So Rosalin was setting out, in slight trepidation, to visit Freudesheim.

She turned in at the gate of a large chalet just next to the school grounds and was hailed by a tall boy of about sixteen with dark red hair who was weeding a flowerbed.

“Hi, can I help?” he asked.

“I hope so” said Rosalin. “I’m staying with Doctor and Mrs Entwhistle for a few days, until I start at the Chalet School. Dr Entwhistle suggested I came here to meet some of Mrs Entwhistle’s family.”

The boy grinned at her “I’m Geoff Maynard. Mrs Entwhistle is my eldest sister Len.” He looked down at his muddy hands “I would offer to shake hands, do things properly, but well.”

“That’s alright” said Rosalin. “I’ve got a brother called Geoff too. He’s only eleven though. There’s nine of us all together.”

Geoff looked amused. “Fifteen of us plus wards and adoptees” he told her. “Most people find it daunting but you should be OK. Do you want to meet the girls? They’re upstairs, packing. Just follow the screams. Tell them I sent you. I’m sure they’ll be glad of a hand.”

“Thank-you” said Rosalin, going through the front door and discovering that Geoff hadn’t exaggerated. It sounded like there was a full scale riot going on upstairs.

Rosalin reached the second landing and saw, through an open door, four girls having a pillow fight. One was a tall, thin girl of about Geoff’s age with a long red plait. The second was younger, dark and petite. The last two were children of about ten with golden curls. They looked very alike but to someone with Rosalin’s experience of twins, not identical.

Hearing a noise behind her she spun around and saw another girl coming towards her, older than any of the others, with dark bobbed curls and a questioning look on her face. She beckoned Rosalin away from the door.

“Rosalin, I take it?” she said.

“Yes, how did you know? Oh did Geoff tell you?” Rosalin replied in slight confusion.

“Geoff? No, did you meet him outside? Reg, my brother-in-law phoned to say that you were coming over. I’m Cecil Maynard. Don’t make too much noise, I want to surprise those imps in there. Are you up for it?”

Slightly surprised, Rosalin nodded and followed Cecil to a cupboard. Cecil removed a couple of large blankets.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to get all four of them with these” she said.

They crept back to the bedroom and, on Cecil’s signal threw the blankets over the struggling group of girls.

****

Half an hour later, when everyone had tidied themselves up and they were all sitting downstairs drinking lemonade, Cecil turned to Rosalin. “Please don’t say anything about that in school. It’s all very well at home, but at school I’m a prefect and it’s bad for discipline if stories like that get out.”

“Oh, of course not” said Rosalin, thinking regretfully that it was probably best not to share it with Rosabel either. Despite being fifteen there was often no knowing what Rosabel would do when the mood took her.

“How old are you? Phil Maynard, the red-head, asked.

“Fifteen” Rosalin replied.

“You may well be in Inter V with us” she said, gesturing towards her adopted sister, fourteen year old Marie-Claire. “I’m old for the form, and she’s young for it, but she’s brainy and I’ve been ill a lot, so I haven’t got on so well.”

“Phil’s form prefect this term though” said Vicky, one of the ten year olds proudly.

Phil blushed “Miss Annersley, the head, doesn’t normally let on before the start of term, but she saw I was feeling bad about still being in Inter V, so she told me. Marie, my friend who lives further along the Platz is two months older than I am and in VA”

“I hope I am with you” said Rosalin. “I’d like to start already knowing some people.”

Cecil clapped her hands suddenly. “Break over” she announced. “Lets get the packing finished, and then we can go somewhere this afternoon. You’re staying to lunch Rosalin, Reg said it would be fine.”

“May we visit Mercedes this afternoon?” piped up Zoe, the other ten year old.

“Good idea” said Cecil. Turning to Rosalin she added “Mercedes de Ceballos has a sister called Blanca in Inter V. That’s someone else for you to know.”

Author:  Alison H [ Wed Jul 11, 2007 6:56 am ]
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Good to see them getting on well with the Maynards. They could compare numbers of twins in the family!

Thanks Rosalin :D .

Author:  Caroline [ Wed Jul 11, 2007 10:01 am ]
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Rosalin wrote:
“That’s alright” said Rosalin. “I’ve got a brother called Geoff too. He’s only eleven though. There’s nine of us all together.”

Geoff looked amused. “Fifteen of us plus wards and adoptees” he told her.


Hmm - that means there are two extra Kanes and four extra Maynards we've yet to meet, right? Well, two Maynards after Zoe and Vicky, anyway!

I'm loving this, Rosalin - thank you!

Author:  Rosalin [ Fri Jul 13, 2007 10:14 pm ]
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Rosabel and Rosalin stood on the grass in front of the Chalet School watching the road. Miss Annersley had announced that the coaches were due soon and the forty or so girls who called the Gornetz Platz home had gathered outside in readiness.

“Nervous?” Blanca de Ceballos smiled at Rosalin. She was a tall graceful girl with dark hair and eyes. She looked, so Marie-Claire had said, very like her grandmother who had been the Chalet School’s first ever Head Girl.

“Just a little” Rosalin replied, grateful that Blanca had thought of her in all the excitement.

Blanca moved away and Rosalin turned to Rosabel. “That was nice of her” she commented.”

“Or nosey” Rosabel rejoined.

From anyone else Rosalin would have taken this as a snub. However she knew her twin too well. “Don’t judge others by yourself Rosabel” she said. “Just because nosiness would be your motive in that situation, doesn’t mean it was Blanca’s. I think she was showing friendly concern. Making new girls welcome seems to be a school tradition.”

Rosabel, who went into things far less deeply than her twin, just shrugged.

“What did you get up to with John and Meg?” Rosalin asked a minute or so later.

“Went for a walk, paddled, that sort of thing. They’ve got the most amazing imaginations. For such kids their pretend games are really well thought out. And they told me loads of stories about the school. Apparently they start in the junior house, St Nicholas this term. Takes boys and girls up to ten.”

Rosalin nodded. Vicky and Zoe Maynard had told her all about St Nicholas where they, along with their triplet brother Mark, had been prefects the previous year. The girls were now starting in the main school and Mark had left to join his twelve year old brother Rob at the English prep school which had educated all the Maynard boys.

“Well they were both absolutely frantic to start and be schoolchildren not babies. Understandable with three younger ones in the nursery. Their nurse, Rosli used to be assistant nurse, coadjudator, they called it, to Mrs Maynard’s family. So of course she knows heaps of tales about the school and the twins have pestered her into recounting them. Not sure it was a wise move on her part as they know all sorts of tricks that seven year olds wouldn’t ever dream up on their own. Some of them sounded rather good.”

Rosalin felt slightly apprehensive. Just as she was about to seek Rosabel’s assurance that fifteen was too old for such tricks, a shout came up from some of the girls still watching the road. The coaches had been sighted!

****

Ten minutes later the first two coaches had disgorged their loads of blue-clad girls who were milling around outside the school. Rosanna and Rosilda had been sitting at the front of the second coach as they hadn’t done the journey before. They had noted where their sisters were standing and now wriggled through to the edge of the crowd.

The sisters hugged each other excitedly. Rosilda was able to inform the elder two that Paul Robertson’s illness was appendicitis. He had been operated on and was recovering well.

By this time all the coaches were empty and the girls were beginning to line up in their forms. Mary and Diana squeezed across to find Rosanna and Rosilda. From the other direction, Claire and Blanca came to take Rosabel and Rosalin to the Inter V line.

All four reached the Kane girls at the same time. The Roses turned around, aware of four sets of eyes fixed on them.

Eventually Diana spoke. “You didn’t tell us you were Quads!”

Author:  Cath V-P [ Fri Jul 13, 2007 11:14 pm ]
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Loved the last line!

The differences between the younger twins are emerging so clearly. Now what will the elder two make of their new surroundings?

Author:  Alison H [ Sat Jul 14, 2007 2:13 am ]
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Also loved the last line!

Author:  Rosalin [ Mon Jul 16, 2007 8:36 pm ]
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Just a short bit to follow on from the last one.

Cecil Maynard saw the group standing to one side and came over to hurry them into their lines. She stopped and stared at the four girls, all so much alike with their blond curls, blue eyes and firm chins. One was thinner than the others, but that was the only difference she could see.

“Well” she said nodding at the thinner one. “You weren’t staying with my sister, but I don’t know which of the other three I haven’t met.”

Rosabel, as usual, spoke for the four of them. “That’s Rosilda, although I don’t see how you knew you hadn’t met her. Rosanna is next to her” pointing the sister on her extreme right. “We’re not actually quads, but twins and twins. The double two they call us in the family. Rosalin and I are ten and a half months older than the other two.”

“Rosabel, Rosalin, Rosanna and Rosilda” said Mary despairingly. I’m never going to get you straight.”

“I expect the older two will be seniors, and the others with you, so it could be worse” Blanca told her bracingly. “Anyhow, oughtn’t we be lining up? I suppose that’s what you came over for Cecil.”

“Goodness yes” exclaimed Cecil. “We’re about the last ones. Miss Annersley’s just coming out.”

As they moved off to their lines Mary held her cousins back. “Claire, Cecil I’ve just had a fabulous idea!”

Three heads bent close for a minute then they parted for their respective forms.

“I’ll see what I can do” Cecil promised as she left.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Mon Jul 16, 2007 8:50 pm ]
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Oops - I just had to re-read from the beginning, as I hadn't realised both sets of Kane twins were joining the Chalet School. This promises to be a fascinating scenario, watching the differences emerging within and between both sets of twins. And I can definitely see schemes for mischief approaching from several directions.

Thanks, Rosalin, I'll be looking forward to more of this.

Author:  Cath V-P [ Tue Jul 17, 2007 12:01 am ]
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This should be fun....hmm, I wonder what Joey's reaction to them will be?! After all, even if they're not quads, they're the nearest thing possible!

Author:  Fatima [ Tue Jul 17, 2007 5:02 am ]
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:shock: There's only ten and a half months between them? I hope their mother had a couple of Annas and Roslis to help her cope with them all! It's going to take me ages to sort them out as well.

Author:  Karry [ Tue Jul 17, 2007 6:20 am ]
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Rosamund, the mother, had an invalid husband and was determined to have a family quickly! The second twins were early! I know family where the children are 8 and 1/2 months apart - the second child was born at 32 weeks!

Author:  ibarhis [ Tue Jul 17, 2007 8:43 am ]
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Fatima wrote:
:shock: There's only ten and a half months between them? I hope their mother had a couple of Annas and Roslis to help her cope with them all! It's going to take me ages to sort them out as well.


Rosamund had her own version of Anna and Rosli!

Author:  Abi [ Tue Jul 17, 2007 2:03 pm ]
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I've just discovered this - how fantastic to have a CS/Abbey crossover. Can't wait to see more!

Author:  claire [ Wed Jul 18, 2007 7:18 am ]
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Fatima wrote:
:shock: There's only ten and a half months between them? I hope their mother had a couple of Annas and Roslis to help her cope with them all! It's going to take me ages to sort them out as well.


She had several queens to look after them, after all she was a countess (that does sound a little odd)

Author:  Fatima [ Wed Jul 18, 2007 7:50 am ]
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claire wrote:
She had several queens to look after them, after all she was a countess (that does sound a little odd)


It sounds very odd! In which book were these twins born? I shall have to look out for it!

Author:  Rosalin [ Wed Jul 18, 2007 11:04 am ]
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Rosabel and Rosalin were born at the end of An Abbey Champion (there are transcripts around)

Rosanna and Rosilda were born in Robins in the Abbey which is easily available second hand, but I've never seen a transcript.

The queens are May Queens of the school folk dancing club, half of whom seem to become childrens' nurses and then work for the other (rich) half.

Should have an update today or tomorrow, RL has suddenly got a bit frantic. Sorry

Author:  Fatima [ Wed Jul 18, 2007 12:42 pm ]
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Thanks Rosalin! :D

Author:  jonty [ Wed Jul 18, 2007 12:51 pm ]
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Rosalin wrote:
“Rosabel, Rosalin, Rosanna and Rosilda” said Mary despairingly. I’m never going to get you straight.”


I know just how she feels! I had to read it through twice to sort them all out. Thanks, Rosalin, I'm enjoying this.

Author:  Rosalin [ Thu Jul 19, 2007 9:17 pm ]
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Miss Annersley stood on the top step and addressed the assembled ranks of her pupils. “Good evening girls, and welcome to a new year at the Chalet School. A special welcome to all our new girls, we hope you will soon feel at home with us. I’m sure you are all eager to put your things away and tidy up so I won’t keep you any longer. All of the start of term announcements will, as usual, be made after prayers this evening. Abendessen will be at eighteen o’clock tonight. Lead on third forms.”
 
As they waited to enter the school Rosabel reflected on her new headmistress. Brought up in a musical family she could not but appreciate the clear, low pitched voice with which Miss Annersley spoke. Tall and distinguished looking, with something, Rosabel wasn’t quite sure what, in her blue-grey eyes she looked every inch the headmistress, yet kindly too. If the school lived up to it’s headmistress it should be a very good place.
 
At this point Inter V started moving into the large school building.
 
We’re going to our Splasheries so that everyone who’s just come can tidy up and put their things away” Claire said from behind her. “We who are unpacked already wait to one side.”
 
Rosabel, Rosalin, Blanca, Phil and Claire stood in a corner while everyone else sorted themselves out quickly and efficiently, the other new girls being helped where necessary.
 
Phil had explained that they would get their official ‘sheepdog’ when their form places were finalised, after the new girls had completed some exam papers the following day. For now they were kept with their age group. As seniors Rosabel and Rosalin were being trusted in the same dormitory, Carnation, where Blanca would be able to look after them. As dormitories were arranged by age Claire and Phil were elsewhere. Phil, indeed, was a dormitory prefect.
 
When everyone was clean and tidy Phil led the line out of the Splashery and upstairs. Here the five from the Platz went to their common room while the others unpacked their night-cases.
 
They sat down by a window and Phil turned to the twins. “Are you two up for a joke? Nothing dreadful” she added catching the expression on Rosalin’s face. “It’s just on my mother.”
 
“Won’t she mind” asked Rosalin doubtfully, thinking of her own stately mother.
 
“Not at all” Phil answered. “She always says she’ll still be a Chalet girl when she’s a great-grandmother of ninety.”
 
“What is it then?” Rosabel’s eyes twinkled as she answered. She had not expected to find a kindred spirit in her form prefect.
 
Once again Phil correctly interpreted the look. “I wouldn’t suggest it if it was anyone but my mother you understand, but I know she won’t mind and we won’t be in school at the time. The thing is she always said she’d finish off the family with quads. It was a family joke before I was born. No-one we know has ever had triplets, let alone two sets, but Mother enjoys making a sensation. And as we told Rosalin yesterday, Mother always has the new girls around for tea.”
 
“So you want us to pretend to be quads” said Rosabel delightedly.
 
“Not exactly, just not to say that you’re twins at first. Don’t pretend anything that’s untrue, but I’d like to see her face when the four of you walk in. Cecil’s going to ask Miss Annersley not to say anything about you four, so she shouldn’t have any warning. What do you think?”

“Marvellous” said Rosabel emphatically.

“You mustn’t say that!” Claire exclaimed.

Rosabel raised her eyebrows. “Why ever not” she asked.

Her tone of voice caused Phil to look at her sharply. There was nothing wrong with it exactly, but Phil sensed an edge. There was just a hint of the icy cold dignity usually only heard by transgressors facing Miss Annersley. Claire and Blanca had obviously noticed nothing and even the sensitive Rosalin wasn’t discomfited. Phil pondered this while Claire explained the School’s slang rules and Miss Annersley’s twin pet hates, the misuse of can, and any use of marvellous. The new girl seemed pleasant, and even maybe mischievous, but there was a slight air of being Someone which Phil hadn’t noticed until she thought about it. Even Rosalin, obviously the shyest of the four had it to a certain extent.

A few minutes later Phil had to put these thoughts to the back of her mind as the rest of the form appeared and the bell rang for Abendessen.

Author:  linda [ Thu Jul 19, 2007 10:27 pm ]
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I'm loving this, Rosalin.

The idea of the Roses pretending to be quads is great. Joey would be madly envious.

Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Fri Jul 20, 2007 1:38 pm ]
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What a brilliant idea of Phil's! I do hope it comes off, and am looking forward to reading about it.

Author:  Rosalin [ Fri Jul 20, 2007 9:56 pm ]
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Small bit of background for those who haven't read the Abbey books. Joan (from part 3) owns a ruined Abbey. Its caretaker or Guardian is Rachel who initially trained as secretary to her cousin Maidlin di Ravarati (post 2). The training involved her living in France and Italy.

Later that evening, after Abendessen and Prayers the Seniors and Senior Middles were in the Hall, where some quiet activities had been organised until bedtime for those who wished to participate. Many girls, including the four Kanes were sitting in groups talking.

“What do you think of it so far?” Rosabel asked her sisters.

“I like it” said Rosanna definitely. “I think I’m going to enjoy being here.”

“Mind you,” said Rosilda “I still don’t really know why we’re here. I mean I know it’s a Swiss Boarding School, but I thought Mother thought well of Cliff End. It was good enough for Cousin Rhoda. If Mother wanted something better, she’d have said.”

“I always thought she had something against Switzerland” Rosabel put in. “She won’t come here for a holiday. I was surprised that she chose this country.”

“It’s quite posh here” said Rosalin. “I know they don’t think it is, but it is all the same. Think of the Wycombe school. It’s much more select here. Much more expensive to be precise. I can see why this is the sort of school Mother would choose.”

Her sisters nodded. “Could be a lot worse” Rosabel said philosophically. “I think we’ll get on alright.”

At this point Blanca joined them with two other members of Inter V. One was tall with a long dark plait, the other shorter with dark curls. Blanca introduced them. “These are Anne-Claire de Bersac and Marlene von Rothenfels.”

“Pleased to meet you” said Marlene in slightly accented English.

“Thank-you” replied Rosabel, speaking for the four of them.

“You do all speak English wonderfully” Rosilda remarked. “I suppose you’ve been at school here for years?”

“Indeed” said Anne-Claire. “Both my mother and Blanca’s grandmother were at the School on it’s very first day. Marlene’s mother joined a few years later, but when we were still in the Tyrol, before the War. In the holidays she actually lives in the building where the school was first opened. So we all came here as soon as we could. So of course we’ve all been speaking English, French and German for a long time now.”

“It’s alright for you lot” Blanca said, in mock indignation. “We never have to speak Spanish. I’m glad I could already speak the three school languages when I got here, or I would have been quite lost.”

Rosilda nodded. “I’m not looking forward to Tuesdays and Fridays” she said. I only know about three words of German. I’m not going to understand a thing.”

“You’ll pick it up quickly enough when it’s all you hear around you” said Marlene. “Everyone is willing to help you too. I spoke no French when I arrived and I find it quite easy now.”

“Tuesdays and Fridays” Rosabel echoed her sister in a puzzled tone. “We don’t know which forms we are in yet. How do you know that your German lessons are on Tuesdays and Fridays?”

“She doesn’t” Blanca explained. “The school is trilingual. We speak nothing but French all day on Mondays and Thursdays, German on Tuesdays and Fridays as” she looked at the Roses slightly blankly “as one of you said. Wednesdays and Saturdays are English days and we may speak what ever we please on Sundays. Do you want to play charades? I think a new game is just starting.”

The sisters declined her invitation and were left looking at each other. Rosabel looked discomfited and Rosalin worried. Rosilda appeared unconcerned and Rosanna was looking at her, her head tilted slightly to one side.

“When exactly were you going to tell us about the languages Rosilda?” Rosanna asked.

Rosabel choked. “You knew?”

“Of course she did. She mentioned German days first. Well?” mildly to Rosilda.

“The prospectus” said Rosilda.

“We all looked at the prospectus before Mother entered us for the school” Rosabel pointed out.

“Yes, but I read it” said Rosilda with emphasis. “Being trilingual is about the first thing it says. I don’t see how anyone could miss it.”

“French and German” Rosabel groaned. “I know we’ve learnt French, but they didn’t teach us how to talk.” She looked suspiciously at Rosilda. “You only sounded worried about German. Who taught you to speak French?”

“Rachel” said Rosanna. In response to the blank looks from her elder sisters she elaborated. “Rosilda spent half the holidays in the Abbey with Rachel. She was practising. Weren’t you?”

Rosilda grinned. “Like Marlene said it’s quite easy really. Mary and Diana need two more for their team. Want to play charades Rosanna?” They walked off leaving the other two looking at each other.

“Lets hope Rosilda gets sat on a bit by her new form mates” said Rosabel darkly. “Rosanna will never stand up to her, and someone needs to.”

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Sat Jul 21, 2007 4:24 pm ]
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Interesting that the other three see Rosilda, the youngest of them all, as 'bumptious' - but could it just be that she thinks ahead where they don't? She might have been the last born and the smallest at birth, but she's clearly not going to accept a place as the lowest on the totem pole. I'm also interested in their comments on the nature of the Chalet School and why their mother might have chosen it for them, despite her own reluctance to come to Switzerland. (Having read the Abbey books, I have a feeling I know why that is, but am not sure - so will wait and see)

I'm really looking forward to watching the 'double two' settle in at school - and to seeing them let Joey think they are quads when she first meets them!!

Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  Alison H [ Sat Jul 21, 2007 11:57 pm ]
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Thanks Rosalin - just caught up on this :D .

Author:  Catherine [ Sun Jul 22, 2007 7:45 pm ]
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I've not read the Abbey books but I'm enjoying this. Are there any transcripts of the books available?

Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Jul 22, 2007 10:16 pm ]
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Catherine - I've PMd you.

Author:  Rosalin [ Thu Jul 26, 2007 5:31 pm ]
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The following evening the twenty five girls who were new to the Chalet School that term waited outside the Head’s study. She was to discuss their form placements and timetables with each of them and then send them to her secretary, Miss Dene, to sort out their books. Vicky and Zoe Maynard, along with the other pupils who had moved up from St Nicholas had already been allocated forms based on their previous work, so the group outside the Study was mostly comprised of older girls.

Daphne Bettany, the Head Girl, who was sitting in on the meetings to get a picture of the new girls she and her fellow prefects would be dealing with, opened the Study door.

“Rosanna Kane” she called in a clear, musical voice.

Rosanna got up, smiled at her sisters and entered the Study.

“Please sit down” said Miss Annersley” indicating a chair by her desk. “First things first, we’re going to place you in Upper IVB. I understand Diana and Mary looked after you on the journey, so you will start already knowing some people there. I would like you to tell Mary that she is to be your Sheepdog. She’s been a pupil here for many years will make sure you soon feel at home. Now as for your timetable, you have managed the tests well in most subjects. Your maths results were particularly good.”

Rosanna smiled at her new Head “I’ve always liked maths, my brothers say it’s a pity I can’t join the Navy. Roddy’s at Dartmouth and he loves everything about it apart from maths.”

“Well the Navy might not be a possibility, but there are several careers which are open to women where maths would be very useful. Maybe in a few years you will be considering one of them.”

Rosanna looked serious. “I don’t think I’m supposed to have a career” she said. “Certainly not the sort that would need maths.”

Miss Annersley raised her eyebrows slightly, but didn’t challenge Rosanna who spoke as if there could be no two ways about it. “The only problem you’re likely to have is with languages” she continued. “You know some French, but not enough to manage when you have to speak it all day, and I see you’ve never studied German. We’ve timetabled you extra coaching in those subjects for this term. Your fellow pupils will help you when ever they can, as will the older girls and the mistresses. By Christmas you should be able to manage quite well. As an added incentive, I see that your previous school said you are very talented at sports. We have extra sports coaching for talented pupils, but it won’t fit into your timetable at the moment. When Mlle Desmoines says that your French has improved sufficiently for you not to require coaching, then you may join the sport coaching programme.” She smiled at the eager look on Rosanna’s face. That one won’t be having extra coaching for long she thought.

After a couple more minutes conversation Rosanna was sent through to collect her books and then left for the Senior Middles’ common room where she gave Mary the Head’s message. Mary proceeded to help her stow her books away, reminding her that as it was a Thursday she would have to remember to speak in French.

In the study Miss Annersley was finishing off her interview with Rosilda. “Your French is certainly good enough to work with your classmates, and I’m sure that extra coaching in German will soon have you up to the necessary standard. You’re also to have individual singing lessons during your other free periods. I’m afraid you might find the work quite easy but until you and your sisters have all settled down, and found your places in the school, it would be inappropriate to put you in a higher form. I hope you can see that. Also your mother doesn’t want you pushed too far ahead in your schoolwork.”

A closed expression passed briefly over Rosilda’s face as Miss Annersley spoke, but she said nothing, so the Head dismissed her to the next-door office.

“I’d keep an eye on her, if I were you” Miss Annersley said to Daphne. “She and Rosabel are definitely the most enterprising of the four, according to the reports from Cliff End School. And she isn’t going to have to work nearly as hard as her sisters. It’s almost a pity her French is so good.”

Meanwhile in the Senior common room Rosabel and Rosalin had joined Phil, Blanca Anne-Claire and Marlene. Both girls had been confirmed as members of Inter V but, like Rosanna, requiring extra coaching in French and German. Rosalin had Blanca for her Sheepdog, and Rosabel had been given to Anne-Claire.

Rosabel looked up from the hesitant French conversation she was having with Anne-Claire to see Rosilda and Marie-Claire standing by her.

“I don’t think you’re supposed to be in here” she said. “I know Marie-Claire is your age but she’s a Fifth former. You should stay in your own common room.”

“I am” said Rosilda triumphantly, and a good deal more fluently than her eldest sister. “I’m in Inter V, and Marie-Claire is my Sheepdog!”

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Jul 26, 2007 7:37 pm ]
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Ah, this is going to be interesting - but I feel sorry for Rosanna, being put in a lower form than Rosilda.

BTW (hope it's OK to ask!) are we going to see anyone from the EJO Swiss books here? (Preferably Karen rather than Tazy :D !)

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:19 pm ]
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I felt sorry for Rosanna being put in a lower form, too, especially since it sounds as if the other 3 are in the same form together. Although that very fact may mean that Rosilda does indeed get some of her 'bumptiousness' knocked out of her, something which we are already told needs to happen.

Author:  Cath V-P [ Fri Jul 27, 2007 12:13 am ]
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Interesting comment about Rosamund not wanting Rosilda 'pushed too far ahead,' - does Rosilda want a more academic career that Rosamund would not consider appropriate? And it would be unusual in Abbey circles..... :lol:

Author:  Ruth B [ Fri Jul 27, 2007 8:43 am ]
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Really enjoying this.

Could someone PM the details of the abbey transcripts site? I'm getting thoroughly confused and think I should read up a bit!

Author:  Alison H [ Fri Jul 27, 2007 9:00 am ]
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Have PMd you, Ruth :D .

Author:  jonty [ Fri Jul 27, 2007 9:39 am ]
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Alison H wrote:
Ah, this is going to be interesting - but I feel sorry for Rosanna, being put in a lower form than Rosilda.


I do too - but maybe shades of the twins (can't remember their names) in Malory Towers, where the quieter one blossoms once she's in a different form from her twin.

Am thoroughly enjoying this - thanks, Rosalin. :)

Author:  ibarhis [ Fri Jul 27, 2007 9:51 am ]
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I'll be fascinated to find out why Rosamund's daughters have come to school in Switzerland... I could understand if they were older and going to Millies before 'coming out' but, unless something has happened to Wood End, it seems so uncharacteristic of Rosamund to send the girls so far away and with 'strangers'.

I've just unpacked my EJOs after several years and I'm having a happy reread... bliss...

Two Joans and Robins are set around the period of the births and babyhood of the Double Two...

Yes please, Karen (and presumably Rennie)... I don't suppose Mrs Thistle would make more than a token appearance.

Author:  Rosalin [ Fri Jul 27, 2007 6:35 pm ]
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I hadn't thought of including Tazy, and I think she's living in London anyhow. Other characters from the Swiss books however......
I didn't intend to write this scene, probably because I knew how Rosanna would react. So this bit is for Alison, Elder and Jonty (hope you don't mind).


After Abendessen Rosilda slipped out of the Senior common room and turned down the corridor towards the big room used by the Senior Middles. She thought back to Miss Annersley’s words when she told Rosilda that she would be in Inter V.

“Of course I appreciate that you will want to spent time with your twin sometimes. As long as you are sensible, there is no reason why you shouldn’t spend some of your free time in her common room, or vice versa. I want you to promise that if you are out of the Senior common room it will be to visit Rosanna or for some other good purpose. No hanging around in draughty corridors or in form rooms which have been shut up for the night. As a Senior you are considered trustworthy, and the staff all have plenty to do without checking up on you.”

Rosilda had agreed to this, and as she headed towards her twin, she spared a grateful thought for her Headmistress, who seemed to understand so well.

Rosanna was sitting with Mary, Diana and some other members of her form. She waved to Rosilda to join them, but Rosilda declined.

“I really wanted to talk to you alone Rosanna” she said. “Just for a minute or two.”

Rosanna nodded her agreement and the girls found chairs and dragged them apart from the others.

Once they were sitting down, Rosilda appeared unaccountably shy. She twisted her fingers together in her lap and stared down at them, unable to meet Rosanna’s eyes.

“Well?” Rosanna asked gently after a few minutes.

“You’re not mad at me, are you?” The words spilled out of Rosilda in a rush and she looked up nervously at Rosanna, who was smiling.

“I don’t think so” she said cautiously “but you’ll need to tell me what I might be mad about before I can say for sure.”

“About being in a different form” Rosilda muttered.

“Of course not!” Rosanna said emphatically. “If you’d failed everything and ended up in the Third form I would be but not this way round. When Miss Annersley spoke to me in the study she said my work was good and she sounded quite happy with me. Miss Charlesworth put us with Mary and Diana, and I’ve ended up in a form with them, so I’m in the right place for my age. We can’t all be geniuses you know. And if you ever feel yourself getting conceited about your academic achievements,” this last with a smile and raised eyebrows, “just come play a game of tennis against me.”

Rosilda smiled, looking a lot happier “I wouldn’t bother with the tennis if I were you.”

“No, it would be rather a waste of time” said Rosanna in a mock-thoughtful tone “but Roddy and Hugh said you need squashing sometimes.”

“A game of tennis against you would certainly do that” Rosilda agreed, in the same serious voice. “Or hockey, or netball come to that. I bet you’ll be better that me at skiing too.”

“Maybe not. I’d imagine good balance has a lot to do with it and we both have that from riding.” Rosanna contemplated her twin for a minute. “What made you think I’d mind about the forms. I wasn’t expecting you to think I would.”

Rosilda blushed. “I overheard three girls talking in the Senior common room. I think two of them noticed us on the journey and realised we’d been split up. Their friend probably wasn’t on the train, she flies over from Canada, apparently, but they were saying they hoped you weren’t upset at being in a lower form than me.”

“Nice of them to be bothered” said Rosanna “but I honestly don’t mind. Do you want to stay for a bit?”

“Yes please” said Rosilda meekly, more subdued by the possibility of having upset her twin than anything Rosabel could have said to her.

Author:  Alison H [ Fri Jul 27, 2007 8:18 pm ]
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Thanks Rosalin - glad Rosanna's OK about it :D .

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Fri Jul 27, 2007 8:22 pm ]
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Thanks, Rosalin - *you* may have known how Rosanna would react to being in a form below her twin, but we didn't :lol: :lol: . It's a lovely reaction from both of them, and nice to see that Rosilda's first thought was indeed to wonder if Rosanna might be upset by the fact, while Rosanna's own reaction is to be pleased that the authorities recognised that her twin was indeed brainier than she is - and clearly, she could get her own back on the sports field any time!!

But kudos to Miss Annersley for that understanding of the special needs of twins which led her to tell Rosilda it would be all right for her to spend time with Rosanna so long as she didn't dawdle in the corridors on the way.

I'm looking forward to more of this.

Author:  Fatima [ Sat Jul 28, 2007 4:26 am ]
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I'm glad Miss A said that they could meet up in one or other of the common rooms, otherwise they might not have been so happy.

Thanks Rosalin.

Author:  jonty [ Sat Jul 28, 2007 4:11 pm ]
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Rosalin wrote:
“You’re not mad at me, are you?” The words spilled out of Rosilda in a rush and she looked up nervously at Rosanna, who was smiling.

“I don’t think so” she said cautiously “but you’ll need to tell me what I might be mad about before I can say for sure.”


Poor Rosilda, I hadn't thought of it being rather an awkward position for her, promoted above her twin. I liked Rosanna's caution there - sounds like she's been caught out before, promising not to be mad before she knows what it's all about :D

Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  Cath V-P [ Sun Jul 29, 2007 1:13 am ]
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That was a lovely interaction between the twins and in the way that Rosilda was so affected by what Rosanna might say to her. I wonder whether this 'bumptiousness' is simply caused by the fact that although she is the youngest of the Double-Two (and I always thought that implied they weren't meant to be individuals, just duplicates!), she is brighter than her twin.

Thanks Rosalin

Author:  Rosalin [ Wed Aug 01, 2007 10:10 pm ]
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The trick in this part wasn't an original idea of Felicity's, it came from another EJO book, Damaris at Dorothy's

Over the next few days the Kane girls started adjusting to their new surroundings. True, they had all been boarders at their previous school for a few years, but the Chalet School was, they found, a very different place.

German days were initially their biggest problem as, with their very limited command of the language they understood virtually nothing of what was being said. This caused them a lot of difficulty with their work, although a portion of their coaching was allocated to technical terms which helped a little.

For the first time in their lives the elder girls found themselves in different groups of friends. Rosalin was soon accepted by Blanca and her two closest friends Ruth and Elisabeth. Rosabel, meanwhile, was drawn into Anne-Claire’s group of friends, seven girls who had kept the Middle School on its toes for the previous few years and were showing few signs of improving with their promotion to Senior status. The authorities looked on this friendship with unease, but there were no grounds to interfere, so they watched and waited.

Two weeks after the start of term Rosabel was sitting in the Senior common room with her new friends. It was a Wednesday so they were taking full advantage of being able to use the language native to all but two of them.

“I’m not sure being promoted to Inter V was really worth it” said Emma, an English girl and, at sixteen, the oldest of the group. “To much like hard work”

“Uncle and Aunt would not have been at all pleased if you’d been left down again” remarked her cousin, Ginny. “They have enough to say about your reports as it is.”

Emma grimaced. “It’s not just the work, although some of that’s bad enough. But the way we’re expected to behave is the limit!”

“I don’t see why we should be expected to have grown up completely over the holidays” Marlene agreed. “I don’t feel any different than I did in July.”

“Well, why don’t we liven things up a bit? I haven’t become a wingless angel over the summer” said Linda, a heedless American girl. “Any ideas?”

“Plenty” said Rosabel promptly. As they all turned to look at her she elaborated “You know how I stayed with Dr and Mrs Entwhistle before coming here? Well her twins know loads of tricks which various Maynards have played over the years, and I’m dying to try some of them.”

“Any of them good for getting back at Art mistresses?” Emma asked resentfully, having been in trouble with Miss Yolland for careless work that morning.

“Not to get back at her exactly, but there’s one that could make the point that not everyone is brilliant at art. I don’t mean the dressing down she gave you Em, you can draw well enough when you like. But by and large we’re a really artistic form, so Yollie’s much harder on the few who really can’t do it. Apparently Felicity Maynard and her friends did this in a French lesson one term when their form had ten new girls in it, none of whom spoke French. It was really hard for them to get on, and there were so many of them that the rest of the form was having difficulty finding time to help them all. You know how Mlle Moreau likes proverbs so much?”

The others nodded at this, all having had French proverbs to learn for prep on sundry occasions.

“She was giving them all these proverbs about hard work and perseverance, which wasn’t doing any good as half the form didn’t understand them. So Felicity, and the other fluent French speakers in the form made up their own. Hard work is not always apparent by results, without understanding there can be no achievement – that sort of thing – and they made them into posters and stuck them up on the walls. And she took the point. They got lectured, but nothing too bad, and it seems that intensive language coaching for new girls was introduced soon after. So I thought we could do something similar, but with cartoons of how we try at things we don’t like, and some people are rubbish at art but brilliant at other things. I know it would be a lot of work but it could be fun. What do you think?”

“I like it” said Ginny. “No-one minds us doing extra drawing outside of school hours. But it will be a lot of work. Do you think the rest of the form would join in?”

“We’ll ask around” said Anne-Claire, “I think they might, if we put it to them in the right way.”

They found that several people thought that Miss Yolland was being a bit unfair in her expectations of the less artistic among them, and in the end the entire form got involved in the cartoon project. Even Phil thought it couldn’t do much harm, Miss Yolland being known to posses a sense of humour. And if one or two of the original conspirators felt disappointed that their initial attempts at causing trouble had evolved into a form project, for the moment they kept their feelings to themselves.

Author:  Cath V-P [ Thu Aug 02, 2007 12:01 am ]
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They are settling down well - though reproducing tricks from the earlier years of the school may not be the best way of showing it.... :D

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Aug 02, 2007 6:53 am ]
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Good to see that they're getting on with everyone!

Author:  Cathy [ Mon Aug 06, 2007 9:34 pm ]
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I was just thinking -- wouldn't it be great to see some more of this ...

Please?

Author:  MaryR [ Tue Aug 07, 2007 12:04 pm ]
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I've just read all of this, Rosalin, and struggled a little to differentiate the two sets of twins as I have only read the very first few Abbey books, but have still enjoyed it.

Thank you.

Author:  Rosalin [ Tue Aug 07, 2007 5:52 pm ]
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Thanks for the comments. It's surprisingly affirming to have someone asking for more :lol:
Mary - I'm writing it and the twins are still confusing :oops: Especially as I share my "name" with one of them.


A week later Phil Maynard entered the Senior common room to find most of her classmates busy drawing. As the members of Inter V were known to mostly be artistic, no-one had thought much about their latest craze. Inevitably a few of the older girls had become aware of what they were doing, but they didn’t see any harm in it and so left them to get on with it. Indeed Marlene’s sister Lieserl, a member of VB and one of the school’s most promising artists, had been giving a few people hints!

Rosabel was sitting with Rosilda and Marie-Clare, working on a cartoon of two girls frowning hard at a still life of exotic fruits. All three looked up as Phil joined them.

“Auntie Hilda just sent for me, to say that Mother’s back from England. She’ll be having her first new girls’ tea party the day after tomorrow.”

“She’s been away a long time, hasn’t she?” remarked Rosabel. “When we stayed with your sister she said that it was only for a week or so.”

“It was supposed to be” Phil replied. “Our oldest brother and his wife had their first baby at the end of August, so Mother was visiting them to help out for a bit. And to see her new grandson of course. Just before she came back our sister Con got in touch to say she’d be back in London for a bit so Mother stayed on to see her. Con’s one of Len’s – that’s Mrs Entwhistle who you stayed with – triplets. She’s a journalist and her paper’s had her stationed in Japan for a while. She’s just been offered a big promotion, so she came back to England to prepare for it. Trouble is it’s based in Vancouver as she’s to be the chief reporter for Western Canada, so Mother wanted to see her before she goes to the other side of the world again.”

“Wow” breathed Rosilda “I’d love a job like that.”

“Con certainly loves it” said Marie-Claire. “She’s had a novel published as well, set in Japan, and I think she’s just about finished another one. Maybe she’ll write about Canada next.”

Phil cleared her throat. “Getting back to the original subject, the new girls in Inter V and the Upper Fourths are invited on Saturday. That’s twelve altogether, and everyone brings a friend. Mother’s asked me anyhow, and Cecil and Daphne are coming too.”

Rosilda looked at Marie-Claire. “Will you be my friend, Claire?”

Claire looked at her seriously. “I thought I already was.” She laughed as Rosilda tried to work out how to dig herself out. “I’d love to come to Freudesheim as well.” She then ducked as Rosilda hurled a cushion at her.

“I’ll ask Anne-Claire” said Rosabel. I expect she’ll come, she’s quite keen on your Mother. And Rosalin’ll want Blanca.”

“I expect she will, but we’d better check all the same” said Phil.

Rosabel got up and walked over to where Anne-Claire was sitting with Emma and Ginny. “D’you want to come with me to Freudesheim on Saturday” she asked casually.

“Of course” exclaimed Anne. “I love visiting Auntie Joey.”

Rosabel went back to Phil. “She’ll come” she said in a carefully off-hand way.

Rosilda looked sharply at her, and Rosabel muttered “I’ll go and check with Rosalin” and walked off quickly. Although she’d hate to admit it, Rosabel found asking people things like this to be quite an ordeal. She had a well-developed sense of her own importance, and a sense of dignity when she chose, and she found being turned down for anything far more humiliating than might be supposed from an initial understanding of her personality. She was very much afraid that Rosilda knew this, and Rosilda was that unfortunate combination of intelligent and tactless. She could come up with the most cutting remarks, and she often didn’t know when to keep them to herself. And she was generally very perceptive too, except for in the case of her twin, whom she often took for granted. So Rosabel was most relieved when Phil called her sister’s attention to something else.

Rosalin confirmed that she would ask Blanca, who was happy to accept the invitation. The twins went back to Phil, who was still talking to Rosilda.

“Now are you still on for the quads thing?” she asked them.

Rosabel was enthusiastic, Rosalin still more hesitant. “You’re sure it’s alright, playing a joke on your mother?” She asked.

“It’s fine” Claire assured her. “Mary, your sister’s friend in the fourth, had the idea originally and Cecil was there, and she liked it. And she told Miss Annersley about it, to be sure that she didn’t say anything to Mother that would give it away, and Miss Annersley laughed and said she’d be careful, and she’d warn Len not to say anything either.”

“Well, if the head thinks it’s alright, I suppose there’s no problem” said Rosalin, as Rosilda bounced excitedly in her chair.

“Calm down Rosilda” said Phil mechanically, watching Rosalin. She wondered what their home was like. She knew the names of the other Kane siblings, but that was about it. They weren’t secretive as such, just disinclined to talk about home. And there was something about all the sisters which made you think twice about pressing them. Perhaps their home was difficult in some way. Phil didn’t say any more, but she knew that all of them would be getting a private talk with her mother, who would certainly be ready to help them.

****

In her study Hilda Annersley was talking on her private telephone line to Freudesheim. She’d caught up on all the news from Con, and heard about little Eddie, as he was already being called.

“I’m sorry Joey” she said firmly “I’ve really got a lot on just at the moment. I couldn’t really get away before the week-end.”

She listened to the voice on the other end of the line for a moment. “How about I come over in the morning and have lunch with you. I could come back here afterwards, and leave you in peace for the afternoon. Why not ask Nell too. I’m sure she’d love to come.”

Once they’d arranged that, she finished the conversation and hung up. She was sure her little white lie about the workload was forgivable. After all her time was always well occupied. And she and Nell both wanted to be at Freudesheim on Saturday afternoon when the new girls arrived.

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Aug 07, 2007 8:43 pm ]
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Lucky Con, getting to go to Vancouver ...

Joey will be well put out when she finds out that there are (supposedly) quads at the school :lol:.

Author:  Dawn [ Tue Aug 07, 2007 11:07 pm ]
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Love the fact that Hilda and Nell both want to be there. Will Len make an excuse too? :lol:

Author:  Cath V-P [ Wed Aug 08, 2007 12:08 am ]
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This should be amusing - I can quite understand Hilda's desire to see it for herself!

And of course, as the eldest Kentisbury daughter, Rosabel would frequently be in that position of extending invitations, and would unconsciously expect people to accept unquestioningly. I don't mean that unpleasantly btw: just that it's what she'd be used to.

Nice to hear all the good things about Con! :D

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Wed Aug 08, 2007 1:59 am ]
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Hmm, wonder how long those 4 will last before one of them gives the game away to Joey?!! No wonder Hilda wants to be there to see the fun for herself!

And I know what Cath V-P means about Rosabel's attitude to extending invitations to people - it fits with that 'unconscious air of dignity' which she can also assume, quite without realising it at this age, I think.

Thanks, Rosalin, I'm really enjoying this.

Author:  jonty [ Wed Aug 08, 2007 8:08 am ]
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Rosalin wrote:
After all she was always very busy.


I did a double take there. Hilda very busy?? :shock: Apart from anything else, she's surely a bit old for that sort of thing. :lol: :lol:

Con's certainly fallen on her feet, hasn't she? And getting novels published as well, wow. I'm looking forward to hearing more about the outcomes of the drawing craze! Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Wed Aug 08, 2007 1:37 pm ]
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I love the way the Heads are wanting to be in on the joke....

Please, please, more soon!

Author:  Rosalin [ Wed Aug 08, 2007 7:22 pm ]
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I've been trying to make this as EBD/EJO as possible but I'm afraid I can't quite manage Joey. By the end of the series I found her really annoying, and I think I may have read too many Joey-bashing drabbles :oops: I hope it's a plausible evolution of the characters, but EBD would never have written it.

Jonty - I've amended the reference to Miss Annersley's workload :wink:


Joey Maynard left the Freudesheim Saal, and walked down the corridor to the kitchen to check that Anna had everything ready for the afternoon’s tea party.

Anna was enjoying catching up with Rosli, whose company she greatly missed now that the latter worked for the Entwhistles, and she assured her mistress that everything was in readiness. This left returning to the Saal as Joey’s only sensible course of action. This new girls’ tea party was starting off rather differently to any she had had before, and the redoubtable Mrs Maynard wasn’t sure if she liked it.

Not that she had anything against Nell and Hilda coming for Mittagessen. On the contrary it had been good to catch up with them, discussing news of the family and various old girls which had been received over the holidays.

And she had missed the atmosphere created by introducing the new girls to her babies, so having Len and her little ones there for the afternoon should be a good addition to the party. Of course two of the new girls had actually stayed with Len and Reg, so she naturally felt an interest in them.

Freudesheim was, also, the ideal place for Natalie de Ceballos to see her elder daughter Blanca for a few minutes as well. Blanca was one of the chosen friends for the afternoon, and Natalie was about to leave the Platz for two months as she worked as an accompanist on various musical tours during her daughters’ school terms.

Then Biddy and Hilary were both non-residential Chalet School staff now that their children were all away as boarders. And as old friends of Hilda’s and Nell’s it was quite understandable that the four of them would arrange to spend an afternoon walking together while the weather was this good. And meeting Hilda and Nell at the place where they’d had Mittagessen made perfect sense.

With the exception of Len, they had all assured her that they would soon be gone, but for now she felt as if she was hosting an adults’ party. Which wasn’t helping her prepare for her role as the first Chalet girl, one who would never really be anything else. Especially as all the others had stopped being real Chalet girls somewhere along the line. Even Len was no longer one in some ways.

Of course Len was loyal to the school, everyone in the room was, but none of them in quite the same way as Joey. When the Second Trips had started at St Nicholas, Joey had suggested to Len that she might like to take over the new girls’ tea parties, but Len had been strangely reluctant. True her house was smaller, and the fact that Rosli quite often didn’t work on Saturdays would have made it more difficult, but a true Chalet School spirit should overcome such small obstacles.

Then Joey forced herself to put such grown-up concerns out of her mind as the doorbell rang. The new girls had arrived!

Author:  Alison H [ Wed Aug 08, 2007 7:43 pm ]
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:lol: I'm not surprised Len wasn't keen!

Author:  Cath V-P [ Thu Aug 09, 2007 12:43 am ]
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It's almost as if Joey is scared of change - or doesn't see the need for it.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Thu Aug 09, 2007 2:05 am ]
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Cath V-P wrote:

Quote:
It's almost as if Joey is scared of change - or doesn't see the need for it.


But surely, this was the key to Joey's make up all along, wasn't it? She never did like changes.

Thanks, Rosalin, now I'm looking forward to seeing what happens once she encounters the Kane girls!

Author:  jonty [ Thu Aug 09, 2007 8:17 am ]
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I feel a bit sorry for Joey - she appears to be the only woman on the Platz who isn't in on the joke :wink: . Hope she takes it OK. And I bet she's secretly pleased that Len doesn't want to take over the new girls' parties. She had to ask her, of course, for the sake of form, but I can't even begin to imagine her actually handing the duty over :lol: :lol:

Author:  MaryR [ Thu Aug 09, 2007 4:33 pm ]
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Cath V-P wrote:
It's almost as if Joey is scared of change - or doesn't see the need for it.

Aren't we all like that? :shock:

Thanks, Rosalin - still struggling. :lol:

Author:  Rosalin [ Thu Aug 09, 2007 10:28 pm ]
Post subject: 

Joey wasn't supposed to react like this. I knew how this scene was supposed to go, but it didn't happen :?

The girls were standing in a group at the front door, Cecil at their head. Joey greeted them all and led them into the Saal, where her earlier guests were standing up, most of them ready to leave. Cecil and Phil hugged their mother quickly and moved to stand at one side, near the door.

More girls filed into the room behind them. Joey recognised quite a few of them, including Simone’s younger daughter Anne, and her own great-niece Mary. All of them moved quickly into the room and stood quickly to one side, forming a sort of ring around three sides of the room. Joey had the slightly disconcerting feeling of being on stage with an unexpectedly large audience as Blanca came into the room and moved quickly to stand beside her mother. Behind Blanca came a tall blond girl who Len greeted with a quick smile. The girl behind her also got a smile. Another tall blond girl.

“Why, Len you didn’t tell me that your guests were twins” Joey began as a third girl joined them in the room. Her jaw dropped. “We’ve never had any triplets besides mine at the school be…” her voice trailed off. Daphne had entered the room with the last of the new girls, a fourth blond girl.

The room went very quiet. No-one so much as breathed and all eyes were on Joey’s face. Her jaw dropped and her eyes widened. A sort of strangled gulp escaped her as she looked from one Kane to the next.

“Who?” she whispered at last.

Daphne stepped forward. “This is Rosanna Kane” she told her aunt. “And these are Rosilda, Rosabel and Rosalin.” Looking at her aunt’s face she added “lots of new names for you Aunt Joey” with a small laugh that somehow got lost in the silence.

Joey’s mind seemed to be working very slowly. She was supposed to have the most children, the biggest family. It was a matter of pride, one of her claims to fame. Other people knew her by her children. Her large family was part of her position as the hub of life on the Gornetz Platz.

As she looked round the room, at the faces of all her friends, she realised why she was so popular today. They’d come to see how she took this. They wanted to see her discomfited, put down. Well she wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction. They thought it was funny. Well she’d laugh. “And then they’ll all go off and laugh at me” a little voice said, but she pushed it resolutely away. She had a tea party to host.

“Quads!” she said loudly, relieved that her voice was steady. She could do this. “And you all knew I take it.” She added glaring round at everyone in the room, but managing a smile as well. Please be convinced, she thought.

Young Rolf Entwhistle broke the silence. “Mummy there’s lots of girls all just the same” he announced. “One, two, tree” and as Rosabel turned to see who was talking he pointed at her again. “Four, five!”

Everyone burst out laughing, Joey included. “Quins” she said. “Why didn’t I think of that.”

Amidst the laughter the adult guests picked up their things and prepared to leave.

“Would you three mind awfully if I begged off our walk?” Hilda Annersley asked her friends. “Len’s going to have her hands full with those three, and I thought I could stay and help her out.”

“If you’re sure, of course we don’t” said Nell firmly. She could see from her friend’s face that there was something behind this sudden concern for the Entwhistle youngsters, and she had an idea what it was. However the thought had obviously not occurred to Hilary and Biddy. Nell was anxious to leave before they thought anymore about it and she was sure she would get a fuller picture from her friend later.

After everyone had left Joey turned to Len. “Would you like to get them all started on a game of Old Family Aeroplane” she suggested. “I just have to go and return a phone call.”

“Fine” said Len, slightly distracted by the whimpering baby in her arms.

“Let me take her out for a bit of peace and quiet” Hilda suggested, holding out her arms. “I’m sure the boys would like to play.”

Len handed over her younger daughter and raised her voice to be heard over the chattering of twenty seven school girls. “Alright everyone, who knows how to play Old Family Stagecoach?”

Hilda carried baby Katharine out into the hallway, where she settled in the Head’s arms, sucking her thumb.

The door to Joey’s study stood ajar and Hilda slipped in, laying the drowsing baby down on a rug and then turning to the sofa.

“Well Joey?” She said gently.

Author:  Cath V-P [ Thu Aug 09, 2007 11:28 pm ]
Post subject: 

Ouch - that became unexpectedly painful didn't it? But it does work - I can just see Joey blithely going on her way, and then that sudden shock of insecurity. But at least she could get past the moment.....

And trust Hilda to sense that she is needed, and Nell to back her up.

Author:  Alison H [ Fri Aug 10, 2007 6:51 am ]
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As it says in one of the books - is it Jo Returns? - you know that your characters are realistic when they won't do what you planned!

Author:  jonty [ Fri Aug 10, 2007 7:46 am ]
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Poor Jo. That must have felt horrible - the idea that everyone had come to laugh at her. Good on her, though, for putting up the bravest face she could. Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  Rosalin [ Sat Aug 11, 2007 10:58 pm ]
Post subject: 

I hope this is alright. I hadn't expected things to get this deep and so I found this quite difficult. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the discussion on the Maynard family in Formal Discussions, which gave me lots of starting points.

Joey was sitting at her desk resting her face in her hands. When Hilda spoke to her she remained still for a moment, then looked round slowly. Her face was white, except for her eyes which were a slightly tell-tale red.

“Joey” said Hilda again.

“Was that why everyone came” she asked, an unusually hard edge to her voice. “Because of those” she choked, unable to articulate the word “girls” she compromised.

“That was why we came today” Hilda said carefully, still feeling her way to the heart of Joey’s problem.

“Because you all wanted to laugh at me” said Joey harshly.

“We thought we’d be laughing with you. Quads are so unlikely, and you’ve been talking about them for so long, it was one of those running jokes. The sort that friends have. As you first mentioned it we assumed it was a joke with you too.”

“It was” Joey admitted. “I never expected to have quads. But they were sort of a metaphor for my family. Having the largest family is part of who I am. It’s what people know me for.”

“Of course your family is part of who you are. Your children are a part of you, and of Jack. They’ve inherited characteristics from both of you. Even those who came to you from other people are partly who they are through your examples and guidance. But they’re all different too, they’re all their own people.”

Joey nodded. “I didn’t see that so much when they were younger. Not until the first triplets went to university. But then they all started making their own decisions and, well, I didn’t agree with some of them. I still don’t, although some have worked out for the best even so.”

“Quite so. Well just as your children are all their own people apart from you, so you are apart from them. Your children are part of your life, and they’re part of the you we know. But we, your friends, are friends with the whole of you. We’d still love you if you had no children at all. It’s you that matters to us, not your family, position or lifestyle.”

Joey was silent for a minute. She knew that, although Hilda had said nothing about it, a similar argument could be applied to her insistence on remaining a Chalet girl and she was grateful that line had not been followed. That could be considered later. A lot of new ideas had presented themselves in the few minutes of conversation.

“So you all thought I’d enjoy the joke too” she said slowly.

“Exactly. The girls were looking forward to seeing your reaction. Your own family among them. You have a reputation for being great fun, and enjoying a joke. No-one realised it went so much deeper.”

“And they don’t need to know” said Joey firmly. “My children are important to me, but no one thing defines who I am. I’d just never seen it before.”

“The girls enjoy coming here because of what you make the parties” agreed Hilda.

“So I’d better go out and enjoy it with them” said Joey. “Um, Hilda, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t talk to anyone about this.”

“Even Nell? She saw something was wrong, but she left me to try and help while she took Hilary and Biddy off before they saw too. As your friend she’ll be worrying about you and I’d like to be able to put her mind at rest.”

“Well, just Nell. The two of you do discuss everything after all.”

Hilda picked up the sleeping Katharine and walked to the door. “By the way” she said “the Kane family has only nine children, and the girls aren’t actually quads. They’re two sets of twins, born less than a year apart.”

Joey smiled. “Not that it’s important” she said.

Author:  Fatima [ Sun Aug 12, 2007 7:07 am ]
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I'm glad Jo's ok. I actually felt quite sorry for her there.

Thanks Rosalin.

Author:  Alison H [ Sun Aug 12, 2007 7:16 am ]
Post subject: 

That might've done Joey good.

Author:  vicki_theterror [ Sun Aug 12, 2007 2:16 pm ]
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This is really good, have to say I feel a bit sorry for Joey there - it's hard, especially if she links her identity in with having the most children.

Vicki

Author:  jonty [ Sun Aug 12, 2007 3:58 pm ]
Post subject: 

Rosalin wrote:
Having the largest family is part of who I am. It’s what people know me for.”


When you think about it, Joey's unusual in Chalet-land for allowing her family partly to define who she is, but she wouldn't have been at all unusual amongst women of her time. I know my own mother always felt inadequate about only having had two children, and would have had more if she'd been able to. When we look at Jo, we see many things - writer, counsellor and employer as well as wife and mother. It's testament to EBD's writing that we sometimes forget that women of her generation would have more usually been identified as wife and mother first, and that perhaps it's not surprising that Jo should see it that way. I'm sure in the long run it'll do her good to move on from her competitive motherhood thing, but it might take some getting over. However Hilda puts it, the thing is that everyone except Joey was in on the joke, and that has to hurt. Poor Jo.

Thanks, Rosalin, I'm enjoying this.

Author:  Jennie [ Mon Aug 13, 2007 11:49 am ]
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Perhaps Jo needed to be reminded that competitive motherhood isn't all there is to life. And she played enough tricks on other people to seem like a spoilsport here.

Author:  MaryR [ Mon Aug 13, 2007 1:13 pm ]
Post subject: 

Quote:
"We’d still love you if you had no children at all. It’s you that matters to us, not your family, position or lifestyle.”

Well said, Hilda, you have been very wise here in your understanding. But I too felt very sorry for Joey, and wanted to hug her.

Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  Rosalin [ Mon Aug 13, 2007 11:14 pm ]
Post subject: 

Joey might have been given something to think about, but she's not reformed yet :lol:

“Are you enjoying yourself so far?” Joey asked. Tea was over and she was having her one-to-one chats with the last few girls. These included the Kane sisters, to whom she’d been slightly reluctant to talk. Unsure which one was which, she’d left it to them to pick in which order they came.

Rosilda looked at her hostess. Having a private chat with every new girl in the school struck her as a bit peculiar, but it was obviously a recognised tradition. Maybe the school could do with Queens, she thought. They did a similar job in her mother’s old school, but being pupils it seemed more natural. She thought back to a conversation she’d had with her sisters the day after they’d been invited to the party.

“Just don’t talk too much” Rosalin had said.

“Apparently Mrs Maynard solves all the school’s problems” Rosabel added. “That’s fine, if you’ve got a problem and you want help with it, I suppose.”

“Bit interfering, if you ask me” put in Rosilda.

“We didn’t actually” said Rosabel, mildly enough, but with dignity. “I’m not sure that I like the idea, but Mrs Maynard is very popular here and she’s got lots of relatives, so you might not want to say that sort of thing.”

“After all, we don’t even know her” said Rosalin.

“Anyhow, as we don’t have a problem, except for an over-brainy little sister of course” with a friendly grimace at Rosilda. “We don’t need her help, so it doesn’t matter if she is a bit of a busybody. But we definitely don’t need to go into details about home. Rosalin thinks so, don’t you?”

“I think you’re being a bit judgemental about Mrs Maynard” Rosalin responded to her twin. But yes, we agreed not to talk about home too much to anyone, and from what we hear of her I think we’ll definitely include Mrs Maynard in that.”

“I’m not keen on talking about home either” Rosilda protested. “I said so when we discussed this over the summer. So I’m not likely to go confiding in someone I’ve never met before.”

“True, but she is likely to be asking questions, and you’re not all that good at keeping your mouth shut. You know it’s true, I wasn’t trying to insult you” Rosabel added hastily at the sight of her sister’s face. “Will you speak to Rosanna as well? I’m sure she won’t say anything, but best remind her.”

“OK” said Rosilda slightly grudgingly, having not quite forgiven the earlier insult. “But she thinks we’re all being silly. Doesn’t see why we need to keep anything quiet.”

“She won’t say anything though, will she?” Rosabel asked anxiously.

“Course not, she’ll stick with what we agreed. I’ll go and find her.”

***

Rosilda looked up at her host. “It seems quite nice so far” she said carefully.

“I expect it’s quite different to what you are used to” Joey said encouragingly.

“Of course, it’s a different school. The languages are tricky, but it’ll be good once we’ve learnt to speak them. And we were at boarding school before.”

“You’re a lot further away from home though. Don’t you mind?”

“Not really. Other than not going home for half term it’s not much different. My older sisters are here, and all my brothers are at boarding schools too. Roddy’s at Dartmouth, so it’s only the little girls at home.”

Rosilda chattered on about her siblings, paying little attention to Mrs Maynard’s attempts to change the subject. Eventually Joey, having given her usual speech about how she was always there for a Chalet girl with any problem, sent her back to the Saal and asked for one of her sisters.

Joey felt that the conversation hadn’t been quite right. Rosilda had been friendly, even bubbly, but although she’d chattered on, she hadn’t actually said much. It wasn’t until later that Joey realised that in all the stories about her family, Rosilda hadn’t mentioned her parents at all.

Author:  Cath V-P [ Mon Aug 13, 2007 11:20 pm ]
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She did very nicely indeed. They've obviously decided to keep quiet about the Kentisbury background, which seems quite sensible.... although there is part of me that has a hankering to see a meeting between Jo and Rosamund! :lol:

Author:  Rosalin [ Mon Aug 13, 2007 11:27 pm ]
Post subject: 

:wink:

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Tue Aug 14, 2007 12:09 am ]
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Cath - you read my mind - I've been thinking about that possibility ever since the beginning of term!! I think Joey would come off the worse in such an encounter, too - especially if Rosamund decided to be 'Lady Kentisbury on her dignity'!!

Thanks, Rosalin, I'm really enjoying this. I love the way Joey failed to get any real information out of Rosilda - I wonder if she will have any better luck with any of the other three? Somehow, I doubt it.

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Aug 14, 2007 6:45 am ]
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Hmm - no mention of Rosamund or Geoffrey ...

To be fair to Joey, Rosamund and Maidlin and co were even worse than she was, with their harping on about "winning this year's baby race" :lol: !

Author:  jonty [ Tue Aug 14, 2007 7:54 am ]
Post subject: 

Rosalin wrote:
Maybe the school could do with Queens, she thought.


Oh, yes! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Oh do please get them to introduce that, Rosalin, pretty please! I'd love to see the reaction!

*goes away to ponder what flower Mary-Lou would have been*

Author:  MaryR [ Tue Aug 14, 2007 10:06 am ]
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As I don't know anything about the girls' background, that rather went over my head, but I did enjoy watching Joey try. She's very good at getting things out of people while they're looking the other way, so the girls better watch out! :lol:

Thanks, Rosalin

Author:  Rosalin [ Tue Aug 14, 2007 12:35 pm ]
Post subject: 

Some of this might be a bit confusing for anyone who isn't familiar with the Abbey characters, but there's some mentions of old friends for those who are. The parts which affect the story will be explained in good time :wink:
I don't think they'll be introducing Queens in their first term, but the Hamlet Club will influence them.


Back in the Saal Rosilda sent Rosalin in to Joey.

“What did she ask you?” Rosabel muttered.

“Questions about how I liked it here, how it was different from home. I just talked about you lot and the boys, didn’t pay too much attention to what she was actually asking!”

Rosabel looked relieved and turned back to the conversation going on around her.

Elise, a new girl from Upper IVA had just been talking about her home and parents. Len had been sitting with them, and asked, quite innocently “what about you Kanes. Katharine’s teething didn’t give me much time to talk to you when you were staying with us.”

Phil, sitting a few seats away, pricked up her ears. She wondered how they would deflect Len’s question. But Rosanna, after a quick glance at Rosabel answered.”

Well, we live in Sussex, and we used to go to Cliff End School there. We’ve got two younger brothers at prep school, and one older one at Eton. Then there’s Roddy at Dartmouth. And two little sisters, who are five, they’re still at home with Mother.”

A couple of her listeners registered that she hadn’t mentioned her father. Rosanna looked at Rosabel again, who nodded slightly.

“Father died a few years ago” Rosanna continued.

“Oh dear, I am sorry” Len said quickly, wondering if she’d inadvertently brought up a sensitive subject. From the way the other girls were listening they obviously hadn’t known this before.”

“It’s OK. Of course we miss him, but he’s better off now. We talked it all out with Aunt Joan. He’d never been strong, Mother helped him to get better once, but the doctors said he’d be unlikely to do it again. So when he got pneumonia there wasn’t really any hope. We got to say good-bye, and we’ve got lots of good memories of him. It’s a shame for the baby twins. We’ve always called them that, although they’re getting a bit big for the name really. They were only three months old, so they don’t remember him, and there aren’t many photos. We’ve got Uncle Jack, Uncle Jock and Uncle Ken if we need a man in the family for anything. Aunt Joan and Uncle Jack visit a lot, Hugh and Uncle Jack do photography together. They’re not our uncles really, but their wives are all friends of Mother’s. They all went to the same school, and they’re still really close. All their children go to the school in Wycombe, or did when they were younger. We went to Cliff End though, because it was where our Cousin Rhoda went. All our real cousins are grown up, but there’re lots of honorary ones in the family.

Katharine, Aunt Jen and Uncle Ken’s daughter is Queen at the moment. The school elects a May Queen every year” she explained at the confused looks of the others. “All of our mothers were Queens when they were at school. Mother was the Rose Queen, because of her name. Katharine is the Peony Queen. The Queen is chosen by the members of the Hamlet Club, the biggest school club, and she runs it for the year. She has a lot of influence in the school, as the mistresses rely on the club to lead the way in the school. It’s different to anything here, but it works very well.”

"They all visit a lot” Rosabel put in. Rosanna could talk about their ‘cousins’ for hours, and she thought the others might be getting bored. “Mother likes having other adults around. She misses Father loads, of course. It’s supposed to be good for the boys to have men around. The younger ones have Roddy, of course, but he’s not much older than Hugh, so he doesn’t count so much. And Mother’s always really careful in case we go the same way as Geoff, Cousin Rhoda’s brother. She’s worried about losing another young” she broke off suddenly, aware that she’d said far more than she’d intended.

Len mistaking her confusion for distress changed the subject, and Rosalin arrived back just then, sending Rosanna in to Joey.

***

Rosabel entered Joey’s study, the last of the guests to see her. Joey was slightly put out by the results of her interviews with the other three. Rosalin had talked a lot about her previous school and the Sussex countryside, while Rosanna had been full of stories about cousins and May Queens. She was determined to learn more from Rosabel.

She started with her usual introductory question. “How are you finding the Chalet School?”

“It’s OK” said Rosabel agreeably.

This rankled slightly. “It’s the best school in the world” said Joey forcefully.

“It’s an odd sort of set up though” said Rosabel, still angry with herself for her indiscretion earlier, and not particularly liking the forceful Mrs Maynard, as people often don’t when meeting someone with characteristics so similar to their own. “So cut off up here, and almost everyone’s English, connected with the school or the san. It’s strange not having a town or something to be able to visit.”

Joey was gobsmacked. “I’ve always been very happy living here” she said.

“I’m sure you have” said Rosabel, at her most stately. “I couldn’t, though. Still it would be a dull world if we were all the same.” And she sat their politely while Joey told her stories of her adventures during the early days of the school, showing a polite, apparently sincere, interest.

Joey, realising she had definitely lost the upper hand in this conversation, suggested they return to the Saal, as it was almost time to return to school, an idea which appealed to the bored Rosabel.

“How did it go?” Rosalin asked her as she re-entered the Saal.

Rosabel smiled. “A slightly rocky start, but after that Mother would have been proud of me” she said demurely.

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Aug 14, 2007 1:01 pm ]
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Interesting!

Author:  ibarhis [ Tue Aug 14, 2007 1:28 pm ]
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What about Uncle Ivor?

Author:  Fatima [ Tue Aug 14, 2007 4:07 pm ]
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Half of me feels sorry for Jo, but the other half is cheering for Rosabel! She did very well there!

Author:  Cath V-P [ Tue Aug 14, 2007 11:50 pm ]
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Yes,What about Uncle Ivor? :lol: :lol:

I enjoyed that Rosalin - seeing Joey so neatly deflected like that. I wonder what the CS girls will make of the concept of the Hamlet Club and the May Queens?

Author:  jonty [ Wed Aug 15, 2007 7:50 am ]
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Poor old Joey, she's getting a bit of a mauling, isn't she? Everyone she cares about come to laugh at her, a difficult heart-to-heart with Hilda, and now a new girl getting the better of her. Coo, if that's not enough to cure her of giving the new girls' tea-party, nothing is. :lol: :lol: Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  Caroline [ Wed Aug 15, 2007 7:51 am ]
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So, Hugh is the Earl, then? Interesting...

I'm loving this story - thanks Rosalin :D

I wonder if the Kanes realise that all the things that are so normal to them (Queens, Hamlet Club traditions, Joan, Joy, Jen etc.) sound just as bonkers to the Chalet girls as the wacky Chalet traditions sound to the Kanes! And vice versa, of course...

Author:  claire [ Wed Aug 15, 2007 8:58 am ]
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What colour queen is Katherine then? Is she another Brownie?

Author:  Cathy [ Thu Aug 16, 2007 2:47 am ]
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I can't wait for the next instalment of this -- I'm enjoying seeing the Kane sets of twins at the Chalet School. I'm also among those who find Jo's constant need to be in the thick of everything concerning the school more than a little irritating.

Author:  Jennie [ Thu Aug 16, 2007 11:46 am ]
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Thanks, it was great to see Jo so firmly defeated in her nosiness.

Author:  Elbee [ Mon Aug 20, 2007 12:30 pm ]
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I'm very much enjoying this, although I haven't a clue about any characters from the Abbey series! What are the four Kanes trying to hide?

Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  Rosalin [ Wed Aug 22, 2007 9:24 pm ]
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Sorry about the long gap between updates, summer holidays are a terrible thing :D I might manage another one tomorrow, then I'm going away again.
Katharine is the Peony Queen. I hope that's a dark red, but I'm not very good on flowers.


The week after the new girls’ tea party passed quietly enough in Inter V. The girls who had been there passed round what Rosanna and Rosabel had said and, by unspoken agreement, no-one mentioned it to any of them.

Rosabel confessed to Rosalin that it was her, not Rosilda, who had come closest to giving their secret away, but they decided that nobody else had noticed.

They all worked hard at the cartoons, and by the end of the week decided they had enough. Rosabel, Ginny and Anne had formed themselves into a loose organising committee, to which Rosilda and Claire had somehow been added. These five decided that their Wednesday art lesson was the best time to play the joke. The girls having art, domestic science and geography took their break together in the domestic science kitchens with Frau Mieders.

A couple of the girls were a bit giggly during the domestic science lesson which started the morning, but most of them concentrated well, aware that they didn’t want Frau Mieders to think there was a need to supervise them closely during break.

Phil was relieved to see that they settled down to work for the first part of the morning. She didn’t have a particularly close friend in the form, being so much older than the others, but she kept her eyes and ears open and influenced the form without any of them realising. Now that the joke was so close she was beginning to wonder how it would be taken and whether she, as form prefect, should have remained above it. But it was too late to go back, so she kept an eye on the more excitable members of the form, and hoped for the best.

Once break time came the five ringleaders drank their milk quickly. Then Rosilda, the chattiest of them, engaged Frau Mieders in conversation while the other four slipped out into the art room. Fortunately Miss Yolland wasn’t in the habit of locking up during break time as there were always plenty of people about.

The cartoons were already arranged in the order they were to be displayed and the four had soon armed themselves with the large pot of drawing pins which stood on the mistress’s desk. At this point they ran into their first problem. The walls of the art room were lined with low cupboards, about waist high on the older girls. The tops of these cupboards were used for storage and display purposes. There was far too much on them to be able to safely use them to stand on, and the girls did not intend to get themselves into unnecessary trouble by ruining other forms’ artwork.

The room did contain a more portable table, used for arranging temporary displays and the girls realised that they would have to use it to stand on, moving it around the room as required. With its thick wooden top it was quite heavy and it took all four of them to move it. Furthermore the area of the top was not great and only two of them could stand on it at once. This caused the business of putting up the cartoons to take much longer than anticipated, and they were only half way through when the bell rang for the end of break and the rest of the form appeared.

Many of the girls told the four to hurry up, or let others take over who would be faster. Phil’s advice was more to the point.

“Everyone else sit down and keep quiet. They can’t go any faster and talking to them won’t help. Someone stay by the door and watch out for Yollie.”

Linda, who sat near the door anyhow, stood up at once and the others heeded the advice of their form prefect.

The last cartoons were just going up when Linda sped back to her place.

“Someone’s coming” she hissed. “But it’s not Yollie, it’s Mlle Desmoines!”

Author:  Alison H [ Wed Aug 22, 2007 9:28 pm ]
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Nice to see more of this :D .

(When do we get to see the characters from the EJO Swiss books, please please please? :D )

Author:  Rosalin [ Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:16 am ]
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Adrienne Desmoines hurried over to the art classroom, enjoying her walk in the October sunlight, but with her mind very much on other things. A year ago she’d met a young man who was an acquaintance of the Emburys’ and worked in Geneva. During the summer holidays Alain had told her that he was being transferred back to his home city of Montreal. Before she could really register how much she would miss him, he’d proposed. They were to wait a year for their wedding, so Adrienne hadn’t told many people yet. Joey and Robin knew, of course, and some of the elder Maynards, but not the ones still at school. Although she would miss the family she’d come to love since her first arrival at the Chalet School she was thrilled at the prospect of living in the same country as her cousin. The news that Con would also be in Canada was the icing on the cake. True she would be on the other side of a very large country, but it seemed a lot less far when there wouldn’t be an ocean separating them. During her lessons she controlled herself firmly and was everything which might be expected of a mistress who had been a successful prefect some years earlier, but now with a free period before her and her marking up to date, she felt free to dream for a little.

The girls of Inter V were apprehensive at her approach. True she was a former pupil of the school, and even a sort-of-sister of two of the form, but she was a lot more serious than Miss Yolland. She was unlikely to be angry with them, but would she see the funny side?

The door opened and Adrienne came to stand by the desk.

“Miss Yolland has unfortunately been called to the telephone. She shouldn’t be more than five minutes late. As you are to start some new work today, she asks you to remain where you are and wait for her. As fifth formers, we trust you to do so without supervision. You may talk quietly, but remember the Geography and Domestic Science classes are in progress near by.”

She looked at the girls, slightly puzzled. There was a slightly nervous atmosphere in the class, but nothing she could put her finger on.

Is everything in order Phil? She asked the form prefect.

Phil suffered a momentary crisis of conscience. How best to respond? Things weren’t exactly as they should be, but they weren’t exactly wrong.

“I hope so” she temporised. “We’ll all behave ourselves until Miss Yolland comes.”

“I’m glad to hear it” her sister said, and turned to leave the classroom. She paused for a moment and the class held its breath. But she left without saying any more and they all relaxed again.

Rosabel and Ginny moved the table back to its original place and then sat back down. A hum of nervous chatter had broken out, but they were all subdued. They had had one very close shave and were in no mind to risk a visit from another member of staff.

Outside Adrienne allowed herself to laugh as she walked back towards the main school. The cartoon she had caught sight of on her way out had really been very good. Quite inoffensive as well. She hoped the others were as harmless, but with Phil in charge of the form she felt fairly confident that her judgement was sound, and there was no need to interfere. She’d heard all about the previous use of such tactics from Felicity, and whilst it was cheeky of the girls, she didn’t see much harm in it. Rosalind wouldn’t either, she was fairly sure of that.

A few minutes later the door of the art room opened again and Miss Yolland came in to begin her delayed lesson. Her eyes swept over the seated class, and caught sight of something which wasn’t quite right. On her second sweep of the room she saw the cartoons. Starting from the door she walked slowly round the room, inspecting each one. Finally she returned to one which showed a despondent girl sitting in front of an easel. Her hair stood on end and had streaks of blue and green in it, presumably from having repeatedly run her very messy hands through it.

“Who in the class feels they can identify with this picture?” She enquired. But she was smiling too, and the three girls who really didn’t feel that they could do anything with art raised their hands.

Miss Yolland made a mental note of their names and nodded at them. “We are going to be doing something a bit different for the rest of this term, decorative lettering. Hopefully there will be something which all of you can manage. Before we go back to any drawing I’ll have a chat with you three and see if we can find a way to make your art lessons a bit less of a burden.”

The whole class relaxed again. She’d taken the joke well, and seen the point at the same time. This was better than they had hoped for. And they had seen her face when she had first seen the cartoons.

“This class is by and large remarkably talented at art, as you have demonstrated here very well. Since you obviously enjoy spending your spare time in this way, I have an idea of how it could be put to good use. I will give you twenty five topics, and between you, you will produce four different pictures relating to each one. That should be something different for the Sale. With the whole year to do it in, you should be able to come up with some very good work. That is unless you had plans to treat the other mistresses to similar displays? Scenes from the Bible for Miss Annersley perhaps?”

The class laughed.

“Um, maybe not” Phil said on everyone’s behalf before the wilder members of the form got any ideas. “The, er, suggestion of yours sounded much better.”

“Excellent, I’ll look forward to seeing what you produce” the art mistress said briskly. “Now then Ginny, if you could give out this paper, and Elisabeth you take round this tray of pens and ink, we’ll make a start on the lesson.”

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:36 am ]
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Adrienne seems to've grown up into a lovely person.

Author:  MaryR [ Thu Aug 23, 2007 4:24 pm ]
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Oh, excellent Miss Yolland. :D How kind of her to be so understanding. And I loved her suggestion of Bible scenes for Miss Annersley! As Phil said, *Um, maybe not!* :twisted:

Thanks, Rosalin

Author:  jonty [ Thu Aug 23, 2007 6:44 pm ]
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Rosalin wrote:
Finally she returned to one which showed a despondent girl sitting in front of an easel. Her hair stood on end and had streaks of blue and green in it, presumably from having repeatedly run her very messy hands through it.

“Who in the class feels they can identify with this picture?” She enquired. But she was smiling too, and the three girls who really didn’t feel that they could do anything with art raised their hands.

Oh, I know how they feel. I used to dread art lessons. They were so grindingly boring when you had no idea what you were doing, and my work just never looked right, somehow. I have every sympathy for the girls. Thanks Rosalin.

Author:  Rosalin [ Thu Aug 30, 2007 10:37 pm ]
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For the people wondering about Uncle Ivor a few posts back, I don't see him as a particularly helpful father figure for the Kane children. Between the temper and jetting off all over the world. And he's married to Joy, not known for her insight :D

Inter V settled down fairly well after the cartoon incident. True a few people complained at the amount of extra art they’d ended up with but most of them were philosophical about it. After all it was a fresh idea for the sale, and so most of them were keen to make it a success.

The only nasty incident occurred on Thursday of the following week. Phil had been called to see Matey about some dormitory changes which affected Wallflower, where she was prefect. Slipping into the Splashery to tidy herself up she found Linda cornering Ruth Peterson, one of the three girls who had real trouble with art.

“So I think we ought to find some for you to make it up to us.” Linda was saying, real menace in her voice. “You get an easier ride in art class and we get extra work. Not quite fair if you ask me. Now you’re rather good at maths, which a lot of us really hate. I’m sure we can work something out, you get my drift?”

Phil had heard enough. She strode into the Splashery. “So that would be cheating and bullying then Linda?” she asked, an edge to her voice showing her anger.

Ruth, paler than normal, looked up in relief. Linda swung around and glared.

“Mind your own business” she growled.

“It is my business. I’m your form prefect and talking to anybody like that is not on. And that’s without asking them to help you cheat, which is definitely against school rules.”

“And you’re going to do what, exactly?”

“Nothing, for the moment, although I think you should apologise to Ruth. But if I hear anything like this again, or if there’s a miraculous improvement in your Maths marks, then I’ll have to speak to Miss Charlesworth.”

“Sneak to the form mistress you mean” sneered Linda.

“Not at all” Phil replied with dignity. “I’m old enough to know the difference between sneaking and reporting. At fifteen you should too. Think about it.”

***

Linda walked into the common room fuming. She dropped into a chair by Rosabel, Emma and Kathryn, another member of their coterie.

“That Phil Maynard is an absolute beast” she exploded. The others listened sympathetically as she gave an edited account of the incident in the Splashery. Angry as she was, she retained the sense to know that cheating would be frowned upon by even the most thoughtless members of the form.

“Why don’t we get back at her?” Kathryn asked when they had finished.

Rosabel’s conscience nudged her. Linda’s behaviour sometimes verged on bullying and it required no great leap of imagination to see how the situation might actually have unfolded. Getting back at the form prefect for intervening in such a scene was hardly ladylike. But she did so want to try some other tricks that term, and this seemed like a perfect opportunity to suggest one.

“The last trick we played didn’t work properly” she began carefully. “We ended up with a form project which wasn’t really a trick at all.”

“Yes, and that’s what got us into this mess in the first place” flashed Linda, who was still far from calm.

“There’s normally some comeback” Emma pointed out. “Drawing isn’t really too bad. Do you have an idea for getting back at Phil?”

“I certainly do” Rosabel said impressively. “One first played by her own mother no less. It can be done to a few people, and it’s a night time one so there’s no need to involve more than the four of us. Two pairs is about perfect.” She went on to outline the idea of flouring hair with cornflour, as done by the then Joey Bettany, Frieda Mensch, Marie von Eschenau and Simone Lecoutier during St Scholastika’s first term at the Tiernsee.

The four saw the need for dark haired girls to play the trick on. Nothing if not ambitious they decided to include the Second Prefect, Cecil Maynard and Phil’s great friend Marie Courvoisier. At Linda’s insistence Ruth Peterson was added to the list. It was completed by two girls in VB, Marieke Rietveld and Aloysia Hackl who had been members of Upper IVA the previous year. Both had gained a double remove, much to the disgust of their less hard-working former classmates.

The four conspirators parted for Abendessen resolved to carry out the plan that very night.

Edited to correct an EBDism in the name of the form mistress.

Author:  Fatima [ Fri Aug 31, 2007 5:35 am ]
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Good for Phil there - she was every inch a form prefect.

Thanks Rosalin.

Author:  Alison H [ Fri Aug 31, 2007 6:50 am ]
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They're certainly keeping people on their toes!

Author:  Jennie [ Fri Aug 31, 2007 7:09 am ]
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Why do I think that this will end badly as well?

Author:  jonty [ Fri Aug 31, 2007 7:32 am ]
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Oh good, the flouring hair incident has always been one of my favourite ever tricks, I'll look forward to seeing it played again. I always wondered what gave EBD that idea.

Rosalin wrote:
“Not at all” Phil replied with dignity. “I’m old enough to know the difference between sneaking and reporting. At fifteen you should too. Think about it.”


I can hear echoes of Joey-the-prefect there! Well done, Phil. Thanks Rosalin.

Author:  Jennie [ Fri Aug 31, 2007 11:24 am ]
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I wonder if we'll see an expulsion this time.

Author:  MaryR [ Fri Aug 31, 2007 12:33 pm ]
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Pity Rosabel didn't listen to her concerns about Linda's behaviour instead of going along with getting back at Phil. :cry:

Thanks, Rosalin

Author:  Rosalin [ Sat Sep 01, 2007 11:04 pm ]
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Thanks for the comments :D

Unfortunately for the four conspirators things were soon to go wrong. Linda assured the other three that obtaining the cornflour would be no problem, neatly glossing over the fact that she would have to steal it from somewhere. Kathryn and Emma thought no-more of it and Rosabel firmly squashed her conscience’s latest pricking, as it tried to point out that there was no honest way for Linda to come by cornflour before the evening.

After Abendessen Kathryn was sent upstairs to get a clean hanky and, running down the stairs in her haste to return to the common room she missed a step, tripped over her foot and rolled all the way to the bottom. Miss Armitage looked in on her pupils half an hour later and informed them that Kathryn was tucked up in the school san with a wrenched ankle and a badly bumped head.

Linda, Emma and Rosabel looked at each other in consternation.

“Shall we wait until she’s better?” asked Rosabel, part of her glad of the opportunity to postpone the trick. “It would be fair, and then we would still have two pairs.”

“No!” Linda replied emphatically. “I can’t keep the cornflour hidden for long, there are too many dormy and locker inspections.”

“Why don’t we ask your little sister to join us?” Emma suggested to Rosabel. “Ginny said she was ever so useful during the cartoon trick.”

“Great” agreed Linda.

Rosabel was torn. She freely admitted that Rosilda would be an asset to the scheme, but she was loath to share the fun with her younger sister. And while Rosilda wasn’t known for always thinking things through, she was still sharp enough to pick out the parts of the plan which Rosabel was uncomfortable with. If they had been able to purchase the cornflour themselves, and no-one had a grudge against the victims then she would have been enjoying the anticipation of the night’s activities. But stealing and unjustified revenge left a bad taste in her mouth. Neither Kathryn nor Emma had thought of this, but Rosilda was quite capable of pointing it out where Emma could hear it. With the other two in favour, however, Rosabel felt she had no objections which she could voice.

“OK, I’ll go and ask her.” Rosabel said.

***

Rosilda walked along the corridor towards the Senior common room. Rosabel had asked her to join the trick just as she had been on her way to visit Rosanna. Rosilda had agreed with enthusiasm and had spent the whole evening so excited that Rosanna had finally asked her what was up.

“Sorry, it’s kind of a secret at the moment.” Rosilda had responded. “Hopefully you’ll know tomorrow.”

As a senior Rosilda went to bed half an hour later than Rosanna, so she was returning from her visit and mulling over the details of the plan. They were to meet outside Carnation, of which Rosabel and Emma were both members, and then split up into pairs. Each pair would be responsible for three girls. Linda and Rosilda were doing Phil, Ruth and Cecil.

Rosilda giggled to herself, imagining the looks on the girls’ faces when they looked in their mirrors. It was almost a pity they couldn’t all be there, although as she and Aloysia were both in Daffodil, she had a chance of seeing some of the fun. In fact the only thing that would make it better would be if she could share it with Rosanna.

For the first time she really regretted being in a different form from her twin, and she spared a moment to again feel grateful to Miss Annersley for making it as easy as possible for them to meet.

An awful thought occurred to her as she reached the door and she stopped for a moment, leaning against the wall. Surely not? It couldn’t matter, could it? But her conscience told her that there was only one possible course of action.

She slipped into the room and beckoned Rosabel into a corner.

“I’m really sorry Rosabel, but I can’t join in your scheme tonight. It would mean breaking a promise. I’d forgotten earlier, but now I’ve remembered, I’ll have to keep it.”

Anger welled up in Rosabel. Her own qualms about the plan were still very much to the fore, and Rosilda doing the honourable thing was the last straw.

“Little goody-two-shoes” she said remembering, despite her anger, to use the low, neutral tones the four of them had developed to argue in during their mother’s innumerable charity events. “When did you become father’s little angel?”

Rosilda winced at the reference to their dead father.

“Playing a trick is just a bit of fun” Rosabel continued. “We’ll own up in the morning of course. Afraid of the consequences are you?” She taunted. “Or are you just trying to show me up? It’s not enough to be the youngest and still the best at lessons, you’ve got to be a saint as well. Don’t tell me you wouldn’t break a promise if it suited you.” Frustrations she hadn’t realised she even had were making themselves known as Rosabel struggled for composure.

Rosilda who, like all of her sisters, never wittingly broke a promise (although it was something she was prone to do through thoughtlessness) kept her own temper with difficulty.

“I’m not trying to be a goody-goody or anything, but I’m no more going to break a promise than you would. You see, at the start of term..”

Rosabel interrupted her. “Don’t bother. You’re just covering up for something you don’t want to do. You’re too much of a coward to say so outright.”

She walked off to join Linda and Emma, leaving Rosilda biting her lip in distress.

Edited this post and the last one to get the spelling of cornflour right - Thanks Elder :D

Author:  Lyanne [ Sun Sep 02, 2007 8:01 am ]
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Don't know about Uncle Ivor's influence, but Rosabel sounded like Aunt Joy there!

Author:  Alison H [ Sun Sep 02, 2007 9:10 am ]
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It'll be interesting to see how the 4 Kane girls cope with fallings-out amongst themselves.

Author:  jonty [ Sun Sep 02, 2007 5:34 pm ]
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I wonder if any of the four girls ever thought about changing her name? It must be difficult to assert one's adolescent individuality when you're one of a bunch of roses, so to speak. I don't think the Abbey crowd were very far-seeing when they named their daughters :lol: :lol:

Poor Rosabel, what a difficult position to find herself in - not only has she her own conscience to deal with, but also Rosilda's as well. Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  MaryR [ Sun Sep 02, 2007 7:15 pm ]
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Oh dear, dissension in the ranks! :lol: Funny how someone else having a conscience can make one's own do an about-face.

Thanks, Rosalin

Author:  Caroline [ Mon Sep 03, 2007 9:34 am ]
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jonty wrote:
I wonder if any of the four girls ever thought about changing her name? It must be difficult to assert one's adolescent individuality when you're one of a bunch of roses, so to speak. I don't think the Abbey crowd were very far-seeing when they named their daughters :lol: :lol:


I wondered that as well. I seem to remember an Abbey book where the second twins called themselves (or were called by First Twins?) Zanna and Zilda, but this was more a baby speak / can't pronounce the name properly thing, rather than a nickname choice.

I can see that wanting to keep their Rose names might be a proud-of-the-family-name-thing (although, in this story at least they seem almost ashamed of being Kanes of Kentisbury, they are so wary of telling anyone about their background!), but if I were one of them, I'd be opting for a bit more identity and calling myself Anna, Roz, Lin or Bel, or making something of my middle name! New school = perfect opportunity for reinventing yourself.

Thanks, Rosalin - I'm loving this story!

Author:  Rosalin [ Tue Sep 04, 2007 8:51 pm ]
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I did think about changing the names but it didn't quite work for me. I do think all their names are very pretty, but I do have a use for the shorts later on.
Rosilda is a contraction of Rosehilda.


Emma and Linda had both expressed concern that they would fall asleep before midnight, the appointed hour for the flouring, but Rosabel knew that she ran no such risk. She had therefore offered to wake up the other two should the need arise.

Lying in bed she tried to analyse calmly what had happened between herself and Rosilda. But every time she thought about it resentment welled up inside her. Rosilda, the clever one of the family, who came higher in the form than either of her older sisters. Rosilda who everyone noticed, who got much more than her share of the attention. Rosilda who was always in the thick of what was going on. Rosilda who even their mother had time for, despite her hectic schedule.

Her thoughts drifted back to the conversation she had had with Linda and Emma. They had taken Rosilda’s change of mind philosophically, with Linda making a few comments about ‘babies who don’t know their own minds’. Irrationally this had annoyed Rosabel even more. But what she felt worst about was having to admit to her friends that Rosilda had changed her mind. That Rosabel’s invitation wasn’t good enough for her.

After two and a half hours of this, Rosabel was more than ready to get up and do something. Her anger at Rosilda she had completely drowned the voice of her conscience and she was now excited at the prospect of the nights work.

Emma had indeed fallen asleep, and waking her proved to be much more difficult than Rosabel had anticipated. It was nearly ten past midnight when the two girls left their dormitory. Linda was waiting outside, and not in the best of tempers.

“What took you so long?” She hissed. “I was sure someone was going to catch me here and the cornflour would take some explaining.”

“Blame Emma” Rosabel replied testily. “She’s the one who wouldn’t wake up.”

“Never mind” Emma intervened hurriedly as the others seemed to have forgotten they were standing in a corridor in the middle of the night, and were ready to have a good argument. “We’re all here now, let’s get on with it.”

The girls soon found that turning someone’s hair white with cornflour was a lot harder than it sounded. As there were now only three of them they took it in turns, two going into the cubicle while one stood guard by the dormitory door.

Cecil and Aloysia were quite easy as they had short hair, and the flour could just be sprinkled over them. But the other four wore their long hair in plaits at night and the cornflour ended up mostly being poured over them, with quite a lot of it ending up in their beds.

Altogether the conspirators were quite relieved when they reached Ruth, the last of the six. Rosabel found herself suppressing a smile as she stood guard outside the door of Cornflower dormitory, but neither of the others seemed to notice anything amusing.

After a minute or two, Emma came out.

“Someone was muttering a bit in there” she said. “I think it was just someone talking in their sleep, but Linda signalled for me to come out and let her finish off.”

Linda came out a few minutes later.

“Had to wait for her to move a bit, she was lying on most of her hair” she explained.

The three of them stood looking at one another.

“Well, see you in the morning” Rosabel said finally, and turned back towards her dormitory, Emma following behind.

***

The next morning Rosabel was aware of some commotion further down the corridor, but due to her sleepless night she found getting up to be a lot more difficult than normal and consequently had no time to investigate.

Rosalin tried to talk to her but Rosabel resolutely stayed away. She didn’t know whether she looked particularly guilty, or if Rosalin had got wind of the argument, either way a conversation was definitely to be avoided.

When the members of Carnation dormitory reached the common room they found Aloysia, Ruth, Phil, Marie and Marieke were missing and Miss Ferrars was standing by the door waiting for them.

“Hurry up girls, the bell is about to ring” she said as they entered. “You’re all sitting in different places today. The girls from Violet, Cornflower and Daffodil dormitories are sitting together, and the rest of you may not talk to them until further notice.

Emma and Rosabel looked at each other guiltily. Marieke, Ruth and Aloysia were members of those three dormitories.

The girls from the three dormitories mentioned were standing to one side. All looked subdued, and one or two from Cornflower looked quite upset.

As they went into breakfast they all saw that some Junior Middles were also sitting apart from the others. These were the girls from Wallflower and Buttercup dormitories, of which Phil and Marie were the respective heads. Cecil Maynard and Daphne Bettany were also missing, as was Abigail Peterson, Library Prefect and elder sister of Ruth.

When the meal was over, Miss Annersley stood up.

“I want all those responsible for last night’s disgraceful episode stand up now” she said, her tones icy.

Edited to get my Roses right :oops: - Thanks Jonty.

Author:  linda [ Tue Sep 04, 2007 9:05 pm ]
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Oh dear - the sword of Damocles is about to fall.

How I am enjoying this.

Thanks Rosalin

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Sep 04, 2007 9:15 pm ]
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Thanks Rosalin :D .

Author:  Jennie [ Wed Sep 05, 2007 11:50 am ]
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Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  MaryR [ Wed Sep 05, 2007 6:58 pm ]
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Well, they've had their fun so now comes the payment. Ouch!

Thanks, Rosalin

Author:  jonty [ Thu Sep 06, 2007 10:23 am ]
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Rosalin wrote:
The girls soon found that turning someone’s hair white with cornflour was a lot harder than it sounded. As there were now only three of them they took it in turns, two going into the cubicle while one stood guard by the dormitory door.

Cecil and Aloysia were quite easy as they had short hair, and the flour could just be sprinkled over them. But the other four wore their long hair in plaits at night and the cornflour ended up mostly being poured over them, with quite a lot of it ending up in their beds.


That side of things never occurred to me when I read the original, but now that you mention it, I wonder just how Joey & Co managed to do a thorough job with such ease? I can't imagine how you'd powder someone's hair without them waking up. Thanks, Rosalin, I'm enjoying this.

Author:  Rosalin [ Fri Sep 07, 2007 9:41 pm ]
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I've just realised that my 'bad' character has the same name as a CBBer who is reading this :oops: I'm very sorry Linda, the inspiration for the character's name came from someone else. She isn't someone I dislike either, I hadn't developed the character at all when I named her. An apology to Linda will feature at the end.

Rosabel and Emma stood up immediately, a few seconds later Linda followed suit.

The room was in complete silence. For what seemed like an eternity, Miss Annersley just looked at them. Emma didn’t even try to hold her gaze. She looked down into her empty plate, her face white, twisting her interlocked fingers.

Linda met the gaze defiantly at first, but after about half a minute she looked away uncomfortably. Those grey eyes looked so knowing somehow, she felt like there were no secrets she could keep from that piercing look.

Only Rosabel met the Headmistress’s eyes, somehow matching Miss Annersley’s dignity and poise.

After about two minutes the silence was broken. Rosilda, sitting with the other members of Daffodil dormitory, stood up.

“I beg your pardon Miss Annersley” she said, as self-possessed as her eldest sister. “I wasn’t involved in what happened last night, but I did know about it. Did you want me to stand as well?”

Only a very shrewd observer would have noticed Miss Annersley’s blink of surprise at Rosilda’s demeanour. While she, like many of the more observant members of the school, had noticed this air in Rosabel from time to time, it had never been so plain in careless Rosilda before.

“Thank-you Rosilda. I will speak to you separately. For the moment please report to Matron and tell her that you are to remain with her until I send for you. The other three, I will see in my office immediately.

As she left the room a buzz of conversation broke out. Miss Wilmott moved over to take charge and send the girls about their normal morning business.

***

In the study the three girls were lined up in front of the desk. Miss Annersley sat behind it, looking her stateliest. Emma was staring at the floor, already on the verge of tears, Linda was defiant and Rosabel still every inch the daughter of Kentisbury.

“Well, do you have an explanation for me?” the head enquired at last.

Rosabel met her eyes. “It was supposed to be a joke” she said. “We’d heard about it being played in the early days of the school by Mrs Maynard and her friends and we thought it would be fun to repeat. The idea of some girls thinking their hair had turned white overnight was quite funny, and fairly harmless. We took it in turns, two of us to do the powdering, while the third stood guard at the door.”

Miss Annersley at once homed in on one of the points Rosabel had been uncomfortable about. “And the cornflour. Did one of you happen to bring some from home, or did you steal it from the school kitchens?”

Silence.

“Emma, did you take the cornflour?” the head asked sharply.

Emma shook her head, her eyes still fixed on the floor.

“What about you Rosabel?”

Rosabel considered for a few seconds. “No, I did not take the cornflour” she said, deciding that honesty was possibly the best policy at this moment, although this left it quite obvious who had taken it.

“And you Linda?” Miss Annersley posed the question to the last of the three.

Linda flushed slightly. “What if I did?” She asked, her voice harsh. “I don’t see that it’s stealing.”

“What else would you call it?” Her headmistress asked softly. “You took it from its rightful place without asking and without any intention of putting it back again.”

“How do you know I wouldn’t have put it back?”

“Most of it is all over the hair and beds of six of your fellow pupils. It isn’t much use in the kitchen now.”

This logic floored Linda, who remained silent.

“And would you share with me how you chose your victims? There was quite a range of girls targeted.” A chat with Phil Maynard had given Miss Annersley a good idea of the answer to this, but she wanted to see what the girls said.

Rosabel waited for Linda to answer. When it was obvious that she wasn’t going to, Rosabel tried to come up with something that didn’t incriminate anyone. “It was an argument with Phil and Ruth to start with. Then as we were going to do it we wanted some others, so Marie as Phil’s friend, and Cecil as her sister. And Aloysia and Marieke to make up the numbers.”

“To make up the numbers because they work hard and were rewarded with form placements appropriate to their efforts?” Miss Annersley’s tones were cutting.

Emma wriggled uncomfortably and Linda’s eyes flicked away guiltily. Rosabel, who hadn’t known exactly why the others bore those two a grudge, kept looking her headmistress in the eye. “I don’t actually know those two at all, and I’m not sure about the details of quarrels outstanding from last term.”

“Never the less you deliberately targeted those six girls on the grounds of arguments with them, their friends or sisters. This wasn’t a joke, the intent behind it was malicious.”

For the first time Rosabel’s composure faltered. This was too close to the thoughts she had been suppressing. A couple of tears ran down Emma’s cheeks, but Linda looked contemptuous.

But the Head hadn’t finished. “As much as I dislike your way of choosing victims for this infantile trick, it is the other part of it which really disturbs me.”

Rosabel looked at the other two in confusion. Emma looked up at the Head for the first time, uncomprehending. Linda on the other hand squared her shoulders slightly and refused to catch Rosabel’s eye.

The Head surveyed the three of them as she continued. “Which of you were responsible for the destruction of Ruth’s photographs?”

Author:  Alison H [ Fri Sep 07, 2007 10:41 pm ]
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Oh dear, hope Linda owns up to what she's presumably done.

I'm surprised people didn't try copying the old "pranks" more often, the way Joey and some of the others were always going on about them!

Author:  Fatima [ Sat Sep 08, 2007 5:24 am ]
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It's hard naming drabble characters, isn't it.

Thanks Rosalin.

Author:  MaryR [ Sat Sep 08, 2007 12:20 pm ]
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Miss Annersley doing what she does best - getting the truth out of sinners and cutting them down to size. :lol:

Thanks, Rosalin

Author:  linda [ Sat Sep 08, 2007 6:29 pm ]
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Rosalin wrote:
I've just realised that my 'bad' character has the same name as a CBBer who is reading this :oops: I'm very sorry Linda, the inspiration for the character's name came from someone else. She isn't someone I dislike either, I hadn't developed the character at all when I named her. An apology to Linda will feature at the end.


Don't worry Rosalin, I'm not offended. In fact it's quite an honour to be a pupil at the Chalet School after all these years of reading about it. Even if I've not had an auspicious start in your story. Perhaps I'll reform and become a true Chalet Girl.!!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Love the story anyway. I've got lots of the Abbey books too!

Miss Annersley at her best. But, I'm wondering who has destroyed Ruth's photographs - Is it me????

Thanks Rosalin

Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Sep 16, 2007 2:48 am ]
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Sorry about the gap between updates, with everything else that's going on I'm finding it hard to get motivated. And the study scene is taking an awful long time. I thought doing a behind closed doors one was cheating so please bear with me.
I had no idea what Emma's problem was when I started writing. Hilda found out for me and I typed it :? I hope it's OK.


“Her photographs” Emma repeated shakily, obviously trying to get her tears under control. “What happened to them?”

“Somebody removed the two irreplaceable photographs on Ruth’s shelf from their frames and tore them into lots of small pieces. Emma and Linda, I’m sure you know which ones I’m talking about, but I’m not sure whether Rosabel does.”

Rosabel shook her head, looking slightly confused. Before she could say anything, Emma broke in. She was looking absolutely horrified and had given up the attempt to stop crying, allowing her tears to flow unchecked. “Miss Annersley, I’m really sorry” she gasped, “I wouldn’t do that to Ruth, or anyone. I thought it was funny, I never wanted anything like this to happen.” She was sobbing aloud now, and between the sobs gasped “I’m sorry Ruth. I’m so sorry.”

Miss Annersley stood up. “Rosabel and Linda, go and wait in Miss Dene’s office” she ordered briskly. When the two girls had exited she put an arm around Emma and led her to a chair.

“Dry your eyes Emma” she said gently, offering her a handkerchief.

After a few gulps and a brief but fierce struggle Emma got herself under control. “Sorry” she whispered.

“Now Emma” said her Headmistress, still gently, “I’m glad you wouldn’t stoop so low as to destroy the most cherished possessions of one of your form mates, but I do need you to tell me what happened in Ruth’s cubicle. Who went in to flour her hair?”

When the girl hesitated Miss Annersley silently cursed the aspect of the schoolgirl code which condemned ‘sneaking’ but included no provision for ‘reporting’. “I know you girls won’t tell tales, it was just the same when I was at school. But there are times when you have to let someone in authority know what has happened. Your father is in the police force, is he not?”

Emma nodded.

“Well sometimes, when he is tracking down a criminal, the only people who have the evidence he needs are the criminal’s family and friends. They don’t want to get their friend or relative into trouble, but they have to talk to your father, and give him the information he needs in order for justice to be done.” Hilda allowed herself a moment to wish that all criminals had the public spirited friends and family that her hypothetical one did! “Now this isn’t a police matter, obviously, but the principle still applies.”

“Linda and I were doing Ruth’s hair” Emma said softly. “Rosabel was outside the dormy keeping watch. Someone was muttering in their sleep or something and they startled us. Linda signalled to me to go outside, and she finished up. She said she’d taken a while because Ruth was lying on her hair.”

“Were the photographs intact when you left?”

“I think so” Emma said hesitantly. “I can’t remember them being there, but nothing looked wrong, if you see what I mean. So I suppose they were alright.”

Miss Annersley nodded. “Do you have anything to say about the rest of your activities?”

“Well, I didn’t mean any harm. I didn’t think of it being vindictive that Linda wanted to get back at Phil and Ruth. But I suppose I was too, with Marieke and Aloysia. I was mad that they got a double remove, because I’m older than them and people were saying things.” Emma stopped suddenly, having said more than she had intended.

Naturally, this didn’t escape the Head. “There’s no reason why they should need to say things” she said. “You’re quite able to work well when you try. I know lessons don’t seem very interesting at the moment, but it won’t be long before you have to decide what your future will be. Getting through your lessons as quickly as possible, and playing tricks, these are children’s behaviours. And you’re not a child any more, are you? We at this school, and your family at home, want you to grow into a happy and fulfilled woman, making the most of all the opportunities that God sends your way. But we can’t force you to become her. We will do all we can to help, but it’s up to you.

I think the reason you felt so bad about Marieke and Aloysia is that a bit of you wanted to be with them. You are older than most of your form. Only Phil Maynard is older than you, and she has been kept back by her health. Socially she doesn’t fit in with Inter V, her friends are in the other fifth forms. A part of you might want to behave like a younger girl, but another part of you is growing up, and you can’t stop it. No one likes change, but it comes to all of us, and we have to accept it. As our lives move forward, so we have to change in order to move with them. Does this make sense?”

Emma looked sheepish, but nodded. “A bit of me was jealous of Marieke and Aloysia, but I didn’t understand why I cared. It’s not like they were ever particular friends of mine. But you’re right. Sometimes a lot of Inter V seem really young somehow.” She paused thoughtfully. “It’s funny, but Rosabel isn’t one of them. I do see that what we did was a bit childish, but in that case, why was she up for it?”

“I’m sure you’ll understand that I can’t discuss other pupils with you” Miss Annersley said, keeping her voice friendly so that Emma wouldn’t think she was being snubbed. “Rosabel is an intelligent girl, so I expect she’ll have a reason. And that reason will be something that she and I need to talk about. Now Emma, I’ve given you a lot to think about. The rest of the school will be out walking now, so I want you to report to Matron Henschell and then do your dormitory work. I expect you are quite tired, so you may sit quietly in your common room until everyone else comes back, and then go into lessons with them.”

Emma got up and crossed the room to the door. Pausing for her curtsey she looked back at her Head. “Thank-you Miss Annersley, I’ll try and do what you said. About becoming who everyone wants me to be, I mean.”

Miss Annersley smiled at the slightly confused sentence, but forbore to comment, appreciating the purpose with which her pupil spoke. “I’m glad to hear it, Emma. If you work well for the rest of the term we should be able to move you up to VB after Christmas. Being with girls of your own age should help you.”

Once Emma had left Miss Annersley turned to her desk. She hoped that she had managed to make help Emma onto a different path, but she had a feeling the other two girls were going to prove more complicated. She reached into a drawer and brought out a file of contact details. Before seeing Rosabel and Linda she needed to make some telephone calls.

Author:  Elbee [ Sun Sep 16, 2007 8:55 am ]
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That was brilliantly written, Rosalin, well done :D. I'm so glad you are letting us see what goes on behind those closed doors!!

Author:  Fatima [ Sun Sep 16, 2007 1:07 pm ]
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Yes, I was always disappointed when the culprits got a behind closed doors talking to - I always wanted to know just how Miss Annersley broke them down!

Thanks Rosalin.

Author:  Jennie [ Sun Sep 16, 2007 1:10 pm ]
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It was great to see a study scene. EBD always shirked them.

Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Sun Sep 16, 2007 6:43 pm ]
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Thanks, Rosalin!

Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Sep 16, 2007 7:47 pm ]
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Two miscreants down, two to go.

As she had an hour to wait before one of her calls could be returned, Hilda decided to go up to the school san and have her interview with Rosilda.

The san itself was empty apart from Kathryn Davidson who had fallen down the stairs, so Hilda tried Matey’s office. Rosilda was in there helping the school’s head matron to fold sheets. When they had finished, Hilda took her pupil to one of the small isolation rooms and bade her sit down.

They sat there for a few minutes observing each other, but the long silence failed to throw Rosilda off balance. This indicated to Hilda that Rosilda wasn’t suffering from the guilty conscience that afflicted most of those summoned for this sort of interview.

Eventually the Head opened the conversation. “Rosilda, I would like you to tell me what you know about the trick played last night, and how you came to be involved.

“Rosabel told me about it yesterday evening. She said they were going to cover some of the other girls’ hair in flour, to make them think their hair had gone white overnight. Meg and John Entwhistle told her that their grandmother and some friends of hers did it ages ago when the school was in Austria.” Rosilda spoke of this time as if it really had taken place in the Dark Ages, as the school’s early members often joked. Miss Annersley felt momentarily very old.

“She had planned it with Emma, Linda and Kathryn, but then Kathryn fell down the stairs and got stuck in the san, so she asked me to join in instead. Rosabel I mean, not Kathryn. I thought it sounded like fun so I said yes. Then I realised later that I couldn’t, so I had to tell Rosabel that I had changed my mind. She was really mad with me. I expect she still is. That’s all I know. Is it alright to ask you something?”

Miss Annersley smiled. “It is certainly alright to ask, but I don’t promise to answer. As Headmistress there are certain things which I am not at liberty to discuss.”

“It’s just, I knew there would be a certain amount of trouble over this, but the way you spoke at breakfast was quite extreme.” She stopped wondering if she had gone to far. “I mean you seemed a lot more angry than I expected. Matey too. I knew it wasn’t exactly something we ought to be doing, but I didn’t think it was as bad as all that.”

Miss Annersley looked at her carefully for a minute and then nodded. “There is more to this than the cornflour trick. The trick in itself was childish and has caused a lot of extra work for the Matrons and the domestic staff, not to mention discomfort for the victims. But in the course of the night a particularly despicable act of vandalism occurred, which I have reason to believe was linked to the hair flouring. That is what I am really angry about.”

Rosilda responded quickly. “I’m sure that wasn’t Rosabel. She might break something if she was in a real temper, but she wouldn’t plan to damage other people’s things. What sort of vandalism was it?”

“I’m afraid I can’t tell you any more at the moment. Given the speed with which news travels around the school you may hear more in due course, but not from me. I’m glad you feel Rosabel wouldn’t have been involved and I hope you are right, although I haven’t yet spoken to her about it. As a point of interest, why did you change your mind about joining in?”

Rosilda went red. “You remember at the start of term, you told me which form I was going to be in?”

The Headmistress nodded.

“Well you said it would be OK, I mean alright, to visit Rosanna since we were going to be separated, but not to hang around corridors. But when I agreed I think I just ended up promising not to hang around corridors in general, so it kind of applied here too. I forgot about it at first, but when I remembered I had to go back to Rosabel and tell her I couldn’t join in after all.”

“Well I’m very glad you did remember, and you saw that you had to give up your part in the plan. Whilst it was the right thing to do, not everyone would have done it. But your behaviour there has shown you to be a credit to both your family and your previous school.”

Rosilda was almost holding her breath. Surely she wasn’t going to get off this lightly.

Alas! Miss Annersley hadn’t finished. “It is a pity however, that you wished to participate at all. Such childish tricks have no place in the Senior School” she said, hoping fervently that John and Meg hadn’t passed on exactly how old their grandmother had been when she had played this particular trick. Luck was with her, and Rosilda made no objection to the comment. “I know you are younger than most of your form, but you are the same age as Marie-Claire and I very much doubt that she would have joined in with this.”

Knowing Miss Annersley’s assessment of Claire was correct, Rosilda had nothing to say.

“As you didn’t do anything wrong, you will receive no punishment. But I want you to think about what I just said. You are a senior, and expected to behave like one. From what I have seen of you so far, I judge you perfectly capable of this. If you can’t manage it, we will have to try you in one of the Upper Fourths for a while. School is about much more than just lessons, and it will do you more harm than good to be in a form for which you are not mature enough. I don’t think this is the case and I very much hope you will prove me right.”

Author:  linda [ Sun Sep 16, 2007 9:49 pm ]
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No one can say that she is not dealing faithfully with each one of them. I'm looking forward to what Linda has to say and what her punishment will be.

Thank you Rosalin

Author:  Rosalin [ Mon Sep 17, 2007 11:40 pm ]
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Apologies for the length of this one, I want to finish the study scene in the not to distant future :roll:

Before returning to her office, Hilda had a few words with Kathryn. As Kathryn hadn’t actually done anything wrong there was no punishment to be given, but once again the childishness of the trick was pointed out. Kathryn listened to her Headmistress’s words, but Hilda didn’t feel that she had made much of an impression on the girl. One of the younger members of Inter V, Kathryn wasn’t yet too concerned about growing up. Nor was she particularly interested in schoolwork, so a suggestion that she might end up demoted to one of the Upper Fourths wouldn’t have worried her. She did however admit that playing a trick on someone because of a quarrel with their friend or sister was, in her words, “not quite cricket.”

Still she was basically a nice, honest girl and Hilda felt that another year or so would see her starting to turn into a reliable senior.

Hilda made it back down to her study in time to take the phone call for which she had been waiting. This gave her the information she needed in order to deal with the other two conspirators.

***

The atmosphere in Miss Dene’s office had been rather strained for the first few minutes. Rosalie was well used to having her office occupied by girls waiting for an interview with the Head, and she had a tried and tested method of dealing with them.

For the first few minutes she would basically ignore them, doing no more than telling them to stand to one side. However, if the Head was likely to be some time she would allow them to take a seat, once they seemed suitably subdued. If they looked particularly uneasy they were offered a glass of water, and naturally she would not allow them to become too upset. Miss Annersley knew to be gentle with a girl who came in clutching one of Rosalie’s distinctive lime green hankies as they were a sign that the girl in question had already had about as much as she could take. The hankies themselves had been a Christmas present from Joey one year, and Rosalie flatly refused to use them herself.

So when Miss Annersley came to summon the two girls back she found them both sitting silently in Rosalie’s office. Linda looked both uneasy and defiant; Rosabel was outwardly relaxed but started ever so slightly when they were called.

Miss Annersley sat back behind her desk, while the two girls once again stood facing her.

“I have spoken to Emma, Rosilda and Kathryn and heard their accounts of yesterday’s activities. All three of them assure me that they know nothing about the damage to Ruth’s photos. I would now like to hear what you two have to say.”

“I’m sorry Miss Annersley” Rosabel said, “but what photos are you talking about?”

“Ruth’s sister Abigail and their parents were seriously injured in a car crash some years ago. While they were recovering Ruth lived with her grandmother, to whom she became very close. Mrs Peterson was a lady who was very involved in community activities. For her good work she was awarded the MBE three years ago. She chose Ruth to accompany her to Buckingham Palace, and they met the Queen at a reception afterwards. An official photographer took some pictures of this event, and these are the photos which were destroyed last night. As the photos came from the Palace itself there are no negatives, and so no copies. They are also the last photos taken of the two of them together as Mrs Peterson died a few months later, while Ruth was at school.

All this is common knowledge here, so I imagine that you, Linda, know all about it as you have been with us for over three years.”

Linda nodded grudgingly.

“Did you see the photographs, Rosabel?” The Head’s voice had a razor-sharp edge to it.

Rosabel looked her straight in the eye. She was deeply moved by Ruth’s story, being able to imagine only too well how she would feel in that situation. There were very few photographs of her whole family together, and those that did exist were not on display. Her mother had put them all away the day their father died. Three years later Roddy had asked if they could have them back out again. It was the only time Rosabel had ever seen her mother cry.

“No Miss Annersley. I barely know Ruth, and I didn’t know anything about her grandmother. I’ve never seen her photos, and I’ve never been in her cubicle.”

Miss Annersley allowed herself to relax slightly. It sounded like it had been Linda, acting alone. While she was deeply grieved by those actions, she had been prepared all along to discover that Linda had been involved. She was glad to find that her faith in Rosabel wasn’t misplaced.

“Rosabel, Matron is waiting in Miss Dene’s office” Miss Annersley said. “She will escort you upstairs to do your dormitory work and then keep you with her until I am free to discuss your punishment. That is all for the moment.”

She remained silent until Rosabel had left the room. “Well Linda?” she asked. “What have you got to say about last night?”

Linda was silent for a moment. “I was so mad with everyone” she burst out. “Nothing’s been right this term. I didn’t want to be a senior, I hate how everyone expects so much more now we’re in Inter V. And then Rosabel came. The seven of us have been a group for years. We all knew where we were with each other. And then there were eight of us and things didn’t work the same. Rosabel has ideas, and gets people to do things and,” Linda gave a small sob “and it would have been so much easier if I could have just been mad with her, but I couldn’t. I can’t help liking her, and she does have good ideas. But then I didn’t like her being there as well, and I got all muddled-feeling. And then we played the trick on Miss Yolland, and it seemed like a fun idea. But then everyone else got involved and it wasn’t such fun any more. Then she gave us extra art, but Ruth and Louise and Gredel didn’t have to do it, and they got it easier in art lessons and it didn’t seem fair.”

Rosalind Yolland had, strictly off the record, amused her colleagues with the story of Inter V’s art display so Miss Annersley was able to follow Linda’s story without difficulty.

“Then yesterday everyone left me out when we were in the common room. I think it was an accident, but it didn’t feel like it at the time. I went to hide in the Splashery ‘cause I didn’t want them to see I minded, and Ruth came in. I was” she tailed off shamefacedly. “I wasn’t exactly nice to her. I was really horrid actually.” She looked up at Miss Annersley.

“I have heard about that. Phil Maynard told me this morning when I asked her if she knew of anyone who had argued with the six of them, particularly Ruth.”

Linda blushed, but continued “Well after that I was mad with her and Phil, and I wanted to get back at them. Then Rosabel suggested the hair flouring. She told you why we chose the others. And then I was still mad with everyone last night. Especially Rosabel because it all started with her coming, and even the trick to get back at Phil and Ruth was her idea, so doing it made me even more mad. When I saw the photos I thought of a way to get back at Ruth that was all my idea.” She looked up again.

“I don’t think I need to hear any more.” Miss Annersley said gravely. “I’ve heard enough from the others to know what you must have done next.”

“I didn’t mean for it to be so bad, honestly Miss Annersley. I just wasn’t thinking.”

“Do you think that is any excuse” Miss Annersley enquired mercilessly.

“I, no it wasn’t. I shouldn’t have.” Linda had started to cry. “I don’t understand why any of this happened. But I’m really, really sorry.”

Miss Annersley’s face was still grave, but there was compassion in the look she gave her pupil. “It’s good that you’re sorry, that’s very important. Later on today, when you’ve calmed down a bit we’ll have a chat about why you’re feeling like this, and see if we can un-muddle you a bit. But I’m sure you realise that however sorry you are, you have done something very wrong and there will be a punishment.”

Linda nodded, biting her lips.

“Normally I would ask you to apologise to Ruth, but at the moment that is not a good idea. She’s very upset and doesn’t want to see you. When I talk to you later I will help you to think of how best to apologise without upsetting her too much more, and you may put it in a letter.”

Miss Annersley paused and looked sadly at her pupil. “Whilst we believe, wherever possible, in giving our pupils another chance, that doesn’t always work. It would be very hard for Ruth to be in the same form as you after this, and it may very well be almost as hard for you. So many people know about this that the whole school will almost certainly find out what happened, and you will probably discover that very few people will want to have anything to do with you. I think in this case a fresh start may be called for. I have spoken to your parents, and I have their support.”

Please don't judge Rosamund too harshly for the bit about the photos (she's one of my favourite Abbey characters :) ). The children do all have photos of Geoffrey in their rooms, but none of the last few months when he was very frail.

Author:  Fatima [ Tue Sep 18, 2007 4:14 pm ]
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No, Linda would never feel comfortable being anywhere near Ruth after this; it's best she leaves. Thanks Rosalin.

Author:  Rosalin [ Tue Sep 18, 2007 9:11 pm ]
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Just finishing off Linda's interview. Poor Matey seems to have a full time job as CS gaoler here :lol:

“We have decided to transfer you to Glendower House. Miss Edwards has a space in the Upper Fourth and has agreed to take you. They have more younger pupils than we do, and less seniors, so there is only one fifth form. I hope this will be the fresh start that you need, and you will go on to make the Chalet school, the whole Chalet School, proud of you. How do you feel about this?”

“Um, I don’t really know. I don’t want to leave my friends, but from what you said I might not have any left.”

“We’ll discuss this further when we talk later. If you go and wait in Miss Dene’s office Matron will be down shortly. She will find you some jobs to do for her for the rest of the morning. For everyone’s sake I can’t allow you to be with the other girls.”

Linda crossed to the door. She curtseyed, then paused. “Miss Annersley?”

“Yes Linda.”

“I’ll try to make you proud of me.”

Author:  linda [ Tue Sep 18, 2007 11:10 pm ]
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Oh. I am pleased that I am going to have a chance to make good at Glendower House!!!!

Thanks for this Rosalin, I'm really enjoying the Abbey crossover.

Author:  Elbee [ Wed Sep 19, 2007 8:33 am ]
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What a good idea, making a fresh start at Glendower House.

Thanks Rosalin.

Author:  Fatima [ Wed Sep 19, 2007 4:31 pm ]
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That is a good idea! Thanks Rosalin.

Author:  Rosalin [ Thu Sep 20, 2007 11:38 pm ]
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Thanks for the comments. This is the last part of the study scene. I sympathise with EBD for doing them behind closed doors, I was getting quite sick of that study.

Miss Annersley called Matey on the internal phone, asking her to bring Rosabel to the study and take Linda off for the remainder of the morning.

Waiting for judgement to be pronounced had been hard for Rosabel. When she reappeared before Miss Annersley she looked much more like an anxious schoolgirl than she had at any other time during the morning.

“Well Rosabel” Miss Annersley began. “Linda and I have sorted out the matter of the photographs, so there is no need for us to discuss that part of the affair any further. As far as your involvement in the cornflour incident is concerned, do you have anything more you would like to say to me?”

Rosabel looked up, her face a little paler than normal. “I thought it would be a good joke. I know we shouldn’t have picked the girls the way we did, or stolen the flour. I just wanted to have some fun” she ended defiantly.

Her Headmistress spoke gently. “Rosabel, I know that as a pupil here, where nobody knows your background, you feel you have more freedom and less expectations to live up to. But any good school will have expectations of you, including certain standards of behaviour. You are no longer a little girl. Both age wise and academically you fit into the senior school, and we expect your behaviour to reflect that.

I’m glad you understand that aspects of this so-called joke were malicious and underhand. But even without those elements it was not just fun. You have caused quite a lot of mess which has had to be cleared up. The domestic staff in this school work very hard, and they can certainly do without the extra trouble you have caused them this morning. By all means relax and be informal in your free time, but remember to do so responsibly.

Your punishment will be to assist those to whom you have given so much extra work. The dormitories will already have been cleaned, but all the beds of the girls you targeted have required changing. Tomorrow, while the rest of your form are on a ramble, you and Emma will spend the day in the kitchens. You will help the maids with the washing, and assist with other tasks as Karen sees fit. Linda’s punishment has been arranged separately, and Miss Charlesworth will explain it to you all in due course. The three of you will also replace the cornflour from your pocket money.

Now this business seems to have taken up the entire morning, so you will need to catch up on the lessons you have missed. At the start of preparation, come to the staffroom and you will be given your work by the mistresses concerned. If you proceed to your common room you will be able to join the rest of your form. The bell will ring for Mittagessen in about fifteen minutes. Off you go.”

Rosabel left the study, anger at the indignity of her punishment welling up inside her.

Author:  Fatima [ Fri Sep 21, 2007 4:03 am ]
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And they're not going to be happy to see that Linda's not there, helping them - I hope Miss Charlesworth tells them before the punishment.

Author:  Rosalin [ Sat Sep 22, 2007 11:00 pm ]
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The scene that all the ones with Hilda were leading up to!

When Rosabel entered the fifth form common room she found it solely occupied by members of Inter V as VA and B had domestic science on a Friday morning. Considered old enough to be trustworthy, their cooking provided Mittagessen for the seniors and mistresses, which they were currently engaged in serving. The whole form was there, save Ruth, Linda and Kathryn who was still in the san.

“Was Miss Annersley frightfully mad with you?” Rosilda asked, jumping up as soon as she saw her eldest sister.

Rosabel looked at her, still to angry to speak clearly.

Rosalin recognised the signs and moved forwards, concern for her twin overcoming her shyness as few other things could.

“Miss Charlesworth told us Linda was responsible for what happened to Ruth’s photos, and she said we aren’t to gossip about it.” Rosalin said the first thing that came into her head as she tried to give her sister some cooling off time.

“If we aren’t to gossip about it, why did you say so?” Anne-Claire enquired slightly maliciously. Despite the fuss she was hurt that Rosabel hadn’t asked her to be part of the escapade, and sought to get back at her through Rosalin, a much softer target.

Rosabel exploded angrily at the snubbing of her twin.

“You all knew, but I mightn’t have. It’s not gossiping to give someone a piece of information they might need. And Rosalin’s the last person to gossip anyhow. Not that you’d understand. You lot are always being catty about people behind their backs.”

This was the one issue Rosabel had with some of her new friends. She had been brought up to hate pettiness and gossip, but had found it became easier and easier to overlook when it went on around her. Indeed she had recently found herself joining in once or twice. She was, however, doing Anne-Claire an injustice by accusing her of cattiness. Anne-Claire hated such talk passionately, but didn’t have the self-confidence to stand up to her friends and point out why their talk was offensive. A later result of Rosabel’s outburst was to be an exchange between the five remaining members of the group in which Anne-Claire’s worries were aired. Ultimately they took her views on board and became nicer girls as a result, although no-one thought to give Rosabel the credit for any of this.

“Was it a very bad interview?” Rosalin asked soothingly.

Rosabel gave a mirthless laugh. “Bad? I suppose it depends what you mean by that. She wasn’t happy, and she certainly knows how to make you feel guilty.”

“Well, she could do a lot worse than make you feel guilty.” Rosilda attempted to help but unwittingly gave Rosabel’s worst grievance an opening.

“It certainly is worse. Emma and I have to spend tomorrow working in the kitchen, like servants. Can you imagine Mother telling us to do such a thing? I’m sure Mother’s never done cleaning or washing in her life.

Who does she think she is, talking to me like that? I’m not some coal miner’s brat, I’m the eldest daughter of the Earl of Kentisbury!”

The bell for Mittagessen sounded loudly in the ensuing silence.

Author:  Miss Di [ Sun Sep 23, 2007 7:28 am ]
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Rosabel you rotten little snob! Beside's the Chalet School has had Princesses who've had to suffer school discipline so you should just pull your head in.


OK I feel better now. Rosamund really needs to tell her children that she was a pennyless shop girl before she married her earl.
Oh, and Rosalie's hankies - are you sure Lesley didn't give them to her?

Enjoying this.

Thanks

Di

Author:  Jennie [ Sun Sep 23, 2007 12:40 pm ]
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Rosabel is a real snob, isn't she?

Author:  JayB [ Sun Sep 23, 2007 2:11 pm ]
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Seems like this punishment is going to teach Rosabel some valuable and necessary lessons. I wonder if Hilda knew that when she devised it?

I'd love to see the Kane girls' reactions if someone dropped Elisaveta's name into the conversation - or if she were to turn up at the school.

Looking forward to the next instalment.

Author:  tiffinata [ Mon Sep 24, 2007 7:30 am ]
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the cat is out of the bag!

Author:  MaryR [ Mon Sep 24, 2007 10:39 am ]
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A study scene and a half, Rosalin. Hilda certainly dealt faithfully with them, didn't she? Poor Linda, not able to help herself! :cry: And Rosabel feeling badly done to!! She'll learn. :lol:

Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  Rosalin [ Tue Sep 25, 2007 12:20 am ]
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The bunny would like to thank Miss Di and JayB for reminding him about Elisaveta. For the moment, back to Inter V.

“Um, we’d better be going” said Phil weakly when no-one moved. As everyone continued to stand there she said more firmly “come on, there’s been enough trouble today already. We mustn’t be late for Mittagessen.”

The rest of the form saw the sense in this and moved to line up. “No-one discuss this while we’re with the whole school” Phil said, just before she led them out of the room. “We’ll go outside for rest period and talk then.”

There was a murmur of assent as she led them out into the corridor.

***

Never had a meal dragged so much for Inter V. Fortunately the subdued air of the girls was assumed by staff and prefects alike to be related to the photo affair. Emilie Guimard the prefect in charge of their table confined herself to insisting that they all cleared their plates and didn’t try to force conversation.

Looking around the table, Rosabel noticed with surprise that there was someone there she didn’t recognise. A tall girl with a frank, open face and a long fair plait. The rest of the form seemed to accept her presence and she seemed perfectly at ease. Rosabel didn’t feel sufficiently sure of the reaction she would get by talking to her neighbours to risk asking where the girl had appeared from.

Finally the meal finished. Grace was said, the tables were cleared and Inter V were free to depart for the gardens where, as seniors, they were permitted to spend the rest period.

As soon as they left the building Rosalin held Rosilda back and the two of them had a quick whispered discussion. As the form reached their favoured spot, in the shade of a few trees, Rosalin slipped her arm through Rosabel’s and drew her away.

Rosabel went gladly. She’d been walking slightly apart from the rest of the form, none of whom had been willing to acknowledge her, and she had been dreading the rest period. Rosalin showed no desire to talk, but curled up with one of the books she’d picked up from the common room on the way past, and handed the other to Rosabel.

By the trees Rosilda sat down on the grass and the rest of the form followed her lead. With one accord they sat in a horseshoe arrangement, all of them facing Rosilda who raised her head and looked at them all, a trace of defiance in her eyes.

Fortunately Phil recognised that for what it was, Rosilda’s way of dealing with the intimidating feel of having so many pairs of eyes fixed on her.

“So, your father was an Earl” she said looking directly at Rosilda but ensuring her tone was friendly.

“Yes” said Rosilda, slightly too loudly. She moderated her voice slightly and continued. “He was the fifteenth Earl of Kentisbury until he died five years ago. Our eldest brother Hugh is the Earl now.”

“Were you told not to mention it?” Rosalin’s friend Elisabeth asked, slightly sharply.

“No” Rosilda replied “we decided not to. Mother said we didn’t have to tell anyone and so she told Miss Annersley we wanted it kept quiet.”

Gredel Hoffman, a quiet, thoughtful girl spoke up. “But why? Are you ashamed of who you are? For Rosabel doesn’t appear to be.”

“Do you have titles then?” Carol, an American girl who was one of Anne-Claire’s friends asked.

Rosilda took the easier question first. “Yes, we do. All of us girls are capital L ladies. Lady Rosilda, Lady Rosanna and so on. The younger boys are both Honourables. And no, we aren’t ashamed of Kentisbury.” She looked around at the interested faces of all her form mates and realised she needed to explain further. With a sigh she continued “we just wanted to escape for a bit.”

“Escape?” Marie-Claire queried.

“It was nice to be normal for a while. Just being Rosabel, Rosalin, Rosanna and Rosilda, not the Kentisbury Ladies. To be fair, Rosanna thought we were being silly. She doesn’t mind her title, she just gets on with being herself.” Rosilda couldn’t quite keep the envy out of her voice. “Rosalin’s shy. She doesn’t like being noticed, and a title does make you stand out. I just wanted to have a good time, without people looking at me and thinking I wasn’t living up to my responsibilities.”

“And Rosabel?” Anne-Claire enquired, slightly maliciously.

“Rosabel wanted to keep it quiet too. I can’t say why.” Rosilda managed to make it sound as if she didn’t know her sister’s reasoning. In truth she was well aware that her eldest sister, whilst thoroughly enjoying her position, also wanted a break from its demands. As well, Rosabel had the slight insecurity which had shown itself earlier in the term when she had had to invite a friend to Freudesheim. She sometimes worried that people wanted to be friends with Lady Rosabel and not just Rosabel Kane. By going to school anonymously she was, almost subconsciously, testing this theory.

Rosilda carried on talking, before anyone could draw conclusions from the wording of her answer. “We all know we have to do our duty by Kentisbury, we just wanted a chance to be normal for a little while, before we’re too grown up to enjoy it properly. And we don’t all think the things Rosabel said. In fact I didn’t think that she did either. Apart from the bit about Mother, I can’t imagine her cleaning either. The rest of it didn’t sound much like Rosabel. She was quite upset” Rosilda finished pleadingly.

“So she said the things she’d been thinking but knew she shouldn’t say” Marlene said.

“She could have” the girl with the blond plait said. Rosilda had seen her in morning lessons, but having missed the start of the morning she hadn’t been present for whatever introduction the girl had been given. During break she’d been too intent on talking to Rosanna to worry about a new member of the form.

“On the other hand” the girl continued “when my brothers and I argue we sometimes say hurtful things that we don’t mean, just because we are upset. I don’t know Rosabel so I don’t know how she usually behaves, but we shouldn’t be too harsh. After all, I’m sure we’ve all thought uncharitable things at one time or another, I know I have. So none of us are in a position to cast the first stone.”

A few of the girls nodded. A bit of Rosilda’s mind felt she’d just been preached at, but the girl was so much in earnest, yet seemed so down to earth, that it was hard to resent.

Phil looked at her watch, then jumped to her feet. “It’s about time to go in. I know this hasn’t shown Rosabel in a very good light, but we should think about what Moll said too. I hope we will all try not to hold it against her.” She looked around and saw Rosilda had gone over to join her elder sisters. “And no-one is to hold it against her sisters. Making Rosalin or Rosilda suffer because of this would be bullying, and that I won’t have. OK?"

Author:  Miss Di [ Tue Sep 25, 2007 3:16 am ]
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Who is the tall girl? Sending bunny treats for encourangement (virtual tim tams of course)

Author:  MaryR [ Tue Sep 25, 2007 8:16 am ]
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Quote:
After all, I’m sure we’ve all thought uncharitable things at one time or another, I know I have.

Oh, haven't we just! :cry: Well done, whoever this girl is!

Glad the air seems to have been cleared regarding the girls' background - and revealed it to me too! :lol:

Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Tue Sep 25, 2007 12:56 pm ]
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A lovely injection of common sense from the new girl, whoever she may turn out to be - just what was needed at this juncture.

And I don't blame the Kane girls at all for wanting this period of anonymity, and the chance to be 'simply themselves' without all the implications of Kentisbury - time enough for that when they are older. I just hope the other girls will respect this and continue to treat them as they did before Rosilda explained their background - though I'm pretty sure that given Rosabel's occasional flashes of dignity, the fact that they were indeed 'capital L ladies' was bound to come out sooner or later!!

Thanks, Rosalin, I'm really enjoying this.

Author:  Caroline [ Wed Sep 26, 2007 12:12 pm ]
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Lovely, Rosalin - thank you.

I can see why the Roses wanted to be judged on their own merits at the CS, rather than have everyone pre-judge them, but it was bound to all come out sooner or later...

I think they should definitely have a few words with their mother, though - as someone else said, Ros came from pretty ordinary beginnings really - kept a shop (OK, a genteel craft and tea, but still...), brought up Roddy for some time on her own, lived alone etc. She was no spoilt Miss in her younger days, and it's a shame her daughters don't realise that! And it's a shame she hasn't made sure that they are a little more grounded...

Author:  ibarhis [ Wed Sep 26, 2007 12:18 pm ]
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Things in her life must have changed Rosamund - as a young woman she is very down to earth and independent minded.

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Sep 27, 2007 2:20 pm ]
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Just caught up with this - really enjoying it.

Author:  Rosalin [ Thu Sep 27, 2007 11:22 pm ]
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The bunny says thanks for the treats. I've seem Tim Tams mentioned in comments on other drabbles, and been wondering what they were. When my bunny received some virtual ones it seemed a good time to ask, which I planned to do here. Then yesterday I was in Sainsbury's (supermarket) when I found some real ones. They are very nice :lol:

Rosabel sat in a corner of the common room that evening, trying to look as if she was sitting by her self because she wanted a bit of time to herself. The group of girls she had, only that morning, called her friends were sitting in a corner talking intently. The resentment caused by her earlier outburst had deepened when Miss Charlesworth had told them of Linda’s transfer to Glendower house. They seemed to blame Rosabel for the loss of their friend, as she had suggested the trick from which everything else had sprung.

Rosilda and Marie-Claire were doing a jigsaw together. Neither of them were being hostile to her, but Rosilda had not forgotten the things Rosabel had said the previous night. Also both girls were shocked by some of the things Rosabel had said earlier, and Rosabel was still sore about Rosilda’s refusal to join in. Altogether no company was to be looked for from that quarter.

With Rosanna in a different common room, that left Rosalin But Rosalin was, with Elisabeth and Blanca, one of Ruth’s friends. Ruth was still quite upset and was being allowed some time away from the noise and bustle of the common room. Miss Annersley had arranged for Ruth and her friends to spend the evening by them selves. For possibly the first time in her life Rosalin had turned her back on her twin. Ruth had asked for her to join them that evening and Rosalin felt that in this instance her friend needed support more than her twin.

Looking around the common room Rosabel’s gaze alighted on the new girl. She was sitting with Phil and Marie Courvoisier, still looking very much at home. Rosabel had seen very little of her that afternoon. The first period after rest was a coaching one so she, Rosalin, Rosanna and several other new girls had been in a small classroom studying French. Then they had had games. Rosabel, along with her sisters had never played lacrosse which the new girl played. The School had obviously heard from Cliff End about the Kane girls’ capabilities for at the start of term Rosalin and Rosabel had been recommended to continue with hockey, whilst netball was suggested to Rosilda. Rosabel realised now that she still didn’t know the new girl’s name.

As though she felt Rosabel’s eyes on her the girl looked up. Seeing Rosabel alone she spoke briefly to Marie and Phil, then got up.

“Am I interrupting anything?” She asked smilingly.

“Does it look like it?” Rosabel asked sarcastically, and then could have bitten her tongue. How to drive away the one person who was still speaking to her, she thought.

The girl smiled again. “Doesn’t look like it” she said, and sat down.

“Have you got any brothers?” She asked.

Rosabel gaped slightly. Whatever she had expected, it wasn’t that.

“Er, yes. Three or four” she replied confused.

The other girl raised her eyebrows slightly at this, but continued. “I’ve got two, and they’re real pains. We were on holiday with our parents, and our aunt, uncle and cousins when my oldest one went down with scarlet fever. And if that wasn’t bad enough, near the end of the holidays the other one started. Our Aunt and Uncle took our cousins back home, but they got it too. I wasn’t ill, but I’ve been in quarantine since July, and it’s part way through October now. That’s why I’m so late back. And on top of that my best friend left at the end of last term. She was here because her mother was at the san, and her mother’s been cured. Which I’m really pleased about, of course, but I wish Vittoria had been allowed to stay here. So I’m here now late back and at rather a loose end.

Rosabel looked at her. The intent behind her explanation was obvious. The two of them were, after all, both at a bit of a loose end with regard to friends. Rosabel knew that her outburst earlier was not going to have won her any friends, and that was all this girl knew of her. So why the offer? The alternative reason, that she was impressed by the title, Rosabel rejected out of hand. Everything about the girl refuted the idea. Rosabel was confused, but she liked the look of her greatly.

So she smiled. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know your name.”

“I’m Moll” the girl replied. “Moll Rosomon.”

Author:  Miss Di [ Fri Sep 28, 2007 12:02 am ]
Post subject: 

Daisy's daughter? She seems a sensible lass.

And Rosalin, as a little thank you for the update, now we've got you into Tim Tams let me tell you about the Tim Tam Suck, a great Australian tradition.

First make a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Take a Tim Tam and nibble off opposite corners. Put one nibbled corner in your mouth and the other in your hot drink. Suck. Quickly shove whole bikkie in your mouth.
Mmmmmmmm, yummy.

Author:  Fatima [ Fri Sep 28, 2007 4:57 am ]
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We sometimes get Tim Tams here; they're delicious!

It'll be nice to hear a bit more about Moll.

Thanks Rosalin.

Author:  Alison H [ Fri Sep 28, 2007 6:47 am ]
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Hope she can pal up with Moll.

Author:  Lyanne [ Sat Sep 29, 2007 8:54 am ]
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ibarhis wrote:
Things in her life must have changed Rosamund - as a young woman she is very down to earth and independent minded.


I don't know if she'd have had much choice but to let the domestic staff do stuff. When they were first married, she had to make caring for Hugh & the children & being the Countess - so accept that they would need domestic help. & she seemed to have accepted that. She'd been brought up with domestic staff anyway, so though she'd have preferred to live a quieter life, even if Hugh hadn't become the Earl, they'd have had some staff.

I think it's more that Rosamund has come to a time in her life where she has more important things to do than make lots of beds - and Rosabel hasn't objected to her normal domestic activity at school, so I'd guess the girls are expected to make their beds at home. It's just that their lifestyle doesn't include a mother who has the time to go into the kitchen & cook/clean.

For a Kentisbury, it would be like comparing what Len had to do with the younger Maynards to being a nursery maid.

Author:  MaryR [ Sat Sep 29, 2007 7:40 pm ]
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Moll seems to have a discerning eye, much like her mother.

Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Sep 30, 2007 10:59 pm ]
Post subject: 

Moll and Rosabel sat in companionable silence for a few minutes. Moll was waiting to see what Rosabel would say next and Rosabel was squirming slightly inside. Twice in two days she had lost her temper and put her half-realised feelings into words, with terrible consequences.

Eventually Rosabel broke the silence. “I don’t know what you must think of me, after this morning.”

“I don’t know that I think anything about you as yet. You didn’t exactly make a brilliant first impression, but first impressions aren’t awfully reliable. Why don’t you tell me about it?”

Rosabel relaxed into her chair slightly, some of the tension leaving her.

“I was annoyed with Miss Annersley. No-one ever speaks to me like that. We’ve always been the Earl’s daughters, the Kentisbury Ladies. And Miss Annersley spoke to me as if I was just anyone.”

“Well to her you’re a pupil. She deals with all her pupils fairly. But she doesn’t treat people any differently because of who their families are. People sent to her tend to get the treatment they need. Please don’t take offence, but I suspect she saw that what you needed was to be treated like a normal girl.”

Rosabel stared, but said nothing.

Moll continued “you wanted to be here as a normal pupil, without anyone knowing about Kentisbury. So you can’t really complain when you’re treated as one. The school is very big on not making girls adults before they’ve finished being schoolgirls. Being Lady Rosabel is quite an adult thing, which I’m sure you get enough of at home. At the Chalet School you’re just a fifteen year old schoolgirl, and Miss Annersley is treating you as one. Making the punishment fit the crime is rather a mantra here, so your punishment is just the sort of thing any of the mistresses would give any of the pupils in this situation.”

“But we can’t just escape from Kentisbury. And we don’t really want to”

“No, but a having a normal school life isn’t escaping from your responsibilities. If you make the most of it, you’ll be better fitted for them when you’re an adult. You’ve met some of the younger Maynard triplets haven’t you, the two girls?”

Rosabel nodded. She knew Vicky and Zoe by sight.

“Well they wrote me some letters while I was in quarantine. I’m sort of related to the Maynards and we all live up here, so I know them quite well. They told me about how they got in trouble for having an ink fight with their friends Mercedes and Doxie. Apparently the four of them had to scrub the form room after that.”

Rosabel laughed. “Yes, I heard about it. I think the whole school heard about it. An ink fight! I met Mercedes when we were up here before term began, and all three of them struck me as mischief just waiting to happen. I suppose Doxie is the same.

Moll smiled and nodded. “Her grandmother was too, according to legend. She and her daughters, Doxie’s aunts were all pupils here. Doxie’s cousins are slated for us too, when they’re old enough.

“It’s a funny name, Doxie” Rosabel remarked idly.

“It’s short for Eudoxia” Moll told her. “It’s an Eastern European name of some sort. Doxie’s Belsornian. It’s one of the small states which was taken over by the Communists after the war” she explained, seeing that Rosabel looked uncertain. “It’s quite cut off geographically and the Communists have never managed to really take hold there. Most of the people are still loyal to the old King and his daughter, Crown Princess Elisaveta. It’s quite possible that one day the Communists will be forced out and the monarchy restored. The Crown Princess’s eldest son, Prince Frédéric is apparently a member of the resistance, which operates from the mountains surrounding Belsornia. He’s got one child, a daughter who may well be Queen one day. Queen Eudoxia of Belsornia. It sounds very regal, don’t you think? But for now she’s just a schoolgirl who has ink fights and scrubs the form room afterwards as punishment. I doubt she liked it, but she did it.”

“It’s just a bit humiliating” Rosabel admitted. “I don’t know how to cook or clean or wash clothes or anything like that, except for what we’ve learnt it Dommy Sci this term. None of my family does. The servants do it all. And there’s a definite divide between the family and the servants. It’s difficult not to feel it when they all call me Lady Rosabel and curtsey and things like that. I suppose I have looked down on them somewhat. And then I lost my temper and said all those things.”

“Well in a way you’re quite lucky” said Moll briskly. “You know what your weaknesses are. Losing your temper and being a bit too position conscious, if that’s the way to put it.”

“How does that make me lucky?” Rosabel asked blankly.

“Well we’ve all got weaknesses. But we can’t do anything about them until we know what they are. You know, so you’re in a good position to work on them. Ask God to help you, and don’t get discouraged when you don’t seem to be getting anywhere, it’s a lot of work.”

“How do you know all this?” Rosabel asked wonderingly.

“Mostly its things Mum has said to me. We talk about things a lot and she helps me to see straight when things are going wrong.”

Must be nice, Rosabel thought bitterly, having a mother with that much time.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Sun Sep 30, 2007 11:25 pm ]
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What a wonderfully down-to-earth conversation Moll had with Rosabel there - she really did cut to the chase with so many elements, didn't she? I hope that her common-sense attitude will help Rosabel - I rather think it will, since it comes from one of her peers, and not from an adult.

I also hope that chance meeting and conversation develops into a friendship for both of them - it will be good for them both.

Thanks, Rosalin

Author:  Fatima [ Mon Oct 01, 2007 2:39 am ]
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Moll is wise beyond her years - well done Daisy for having such a daughter. I hope she and Rosabel become friends.

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Oct 01, 2007 6:38 am ]
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Moll is lovely - and it's great to see the Belsornian royal family mentioned. Long live the Belsornian Resistance :D !

Author:  Jennie [ Mon Oct 01, 2007 10:51 am ]
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And Rosabel has been given the message that she is outranked, which might help her settle down to being an ordinary schoolgirl.

Author:  Miss Di [ Tue Oct 02, 2007 1:13 am ]
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Moll is a level headed young person but Ros isn't making me like her any better. Silly flop (to quote Joey).

Author:  MaryR [ Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:44 pm ]
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Moll has certainly come along at the right time for Rosabel, hasn't she? Hopefully her beautifully balanced and mature common sense will have its effect.

Thanks, Rosalin

Author:  Rosalin [ Tue Oct 09, 2007 9:16 pm ]
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Sorry about the long gap. I've had a hectic week and I've just started a new job. This bit isn't very exciting, but provides a link to the next scene.

Over the next week Rosabel and Moll struck up a relaxed friendship. Moll’s reluctance to judge Rosabel helped put her at ease and Moll’s initial liking of Rosabel deepened. Rosalin was happy to see her twin making a new start after her outburst and Rosilda left her eldest sister to her new friendship. She had neither forgotten nor forgiven Rosabel’s insults, but was content, for the time, to ignore them.

Some of the other members of the form, however, were less tolerant. Anne-Claire and co. held Rosabel to blame for the loss of their friend, and her comments afterwards had added insult to injury. These girls were among the most immature members of the form and they found blaming Rosabel the easiest way to deal with what had happened. Some of the more neutral girls, too, wound up shunning Rosabel, some because of what she had said and some through a misplaced loyalty to Ruth. Ruth herself did not feel comfortable with Rosabel, but acknowledged that she had had no hand in the destruction of the photographs and thus bore her no enmity.

Rosabel’s punishment passed with minimal fuss. Whilst resenting the perceived indignity she had regained enough sense to realise she had to grit her teeth and bear it. Emma had broken away from her old friends somewhat in her attempt to set her feet on the path to fulfilling her potential. Unexpectedly this had led to a friendship with Phil Maynard who, as the eldest in the form, also had no desire to join in some of her form-mates’ more immature escapades. This made the two girls’ punishment a lot easier but was another black mark against Rosabel as Emma’s friends, particularly Ginny, quite irrationally blamed Rosabel for Emma’s defection.

To make matters worse the weather suddenly changed. From being fine and fairly sunny it began to rain. The rain lasted for several days, keeping everyone confined to the school and leading to a generally restless feeling amongst the girls.

So on the Saturday evening, a week after Rosabel’s punishment, Miss Derwent arrived in the senior common room.

“Don’t get to comfortable girls” she said briskly. “You are to come to the hall for country dancing.”

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Oct 09, 2007 9:27 pm ]
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They'll probably all be better with something to do, rather than sitting around getting fed up and taking it out on each other.

And surely the daughters of a former Abbey Queen will be the best country dancers the Chalet School's ever had :wink: .

Author:  Miss Di [ Wed Oct 10, 2007 3:07 am ]
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Alison H wrote:
And surely the daughters of a former Abbey Queen will be the best country dancers the Chalet School's ever had :wink: .


LOL just what I was thinking. Apart from Compulsory Fun. Isn't. Not that I identify with Eustacia in any way...

Thanks Rosalin, enjoy your new job.

Author:  ibarhis [ Wed Oct 10, 2007 7:13 am ]
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I've just had a vision of "I will NOT have those corners danced" or how about a family set of Parsons Farewell?

Author:  MaryR [ Wed Oct 10, 2007 12:12 pm ]
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Poor Rosabel - most of the form turning against her for no good reason. :cry: Thank goodness for Moll.

Looking forward to the country dancing lesson, Rosalin!! :lol:

Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Oct 14, 2007 9:03 pm ]
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Apologies if I make any mistakes with the dancing as I've never done any. Jansy is one of my favourite Abbey characters, so I just couldn't resist the comment in the middle. At least no-one is dancing with rage :D

The four Kane girls were all keen country dancers, as befitted the daughters of the Hamlet Club’s Rose Queen. When they arrived in the hall they discovered that country dancing in the Chalet School was overseen by the head of PT. Until three years previously this had been Miss Burnett, an old girl of the Chalet School and a keen country dancer. However she had left to take a job in Aberdeen, close to her married sister, another old girl and former mistress.

Her replacement, Miss Creighton, was a keen sportswoman and a good teacher, and the school had soon taken to her. Unfortunately she had done little country dancing and found these evenings quite a trial. Gradually the older girls who had been well taught by Miss Burnett had left, and the standard of country dancing in the school was starting to slip.

To the well taught Roses this was immediately apparent. After two longways dances, Miss Creighton moved through the hall, dividing them up into sets of six for Picking Up Sticks. It was her policy to put them in sets of her own devising from time to time so that they didn’t always dance with the same people.

Rosanna and Rosilda, who were dancing together, found themselves in a set with Rosabel and Moll, Ginny and Carol. Moll had been telling Rosabel about Miss Burnett and how the country dancing had seemed to go much better when she was in charge. “In fact I’m not even sure if we’re doing some of the dances right any more” said Moll worriedly.

“There are points which could be improved” Rosabel said guardedly. She was trying hard to keep her head down after her outburst, but it was hard to overlook some of the faults in the dancing.

“Rather” said Rosilda emphatically. The dance had just come to an end, and she overheard the last part of her eldest sister’s conversation. “Did you see how almost everyone skipped the crossings in the first figure?”

She didn’t mean to be critical, but tact had never been Rosilda’s strong point. Ginny and Carol were still standing near by, and both girls had made the mistake in question.

“I suppose you could teach us better than Miss Creighton then?” Carol asked, stung.

“But of course she could” responded Ginny, who was still smarting from Emma’s defection. “Haven’t you heard them on the subject of their precious Village Club, or what ever they call it?”

The Hamlet Club had certainly been mentioned by both Rosabel and Rosilda, but neither of them had talked about it to any great extent. So the pair of them were understandably put on the defensive by Ginny’s comment. However Rosabel, still sore over her argument with Rosilda, was not particularly disposed to come to her younger sister’s defence.

“Well, we’ve never tried teaching, but I expect we could” Rosilda answered Carol’s words, ignoring the feeling behind them.

At this point Miss Creighton, seeing a potential argument brewing from the girls’ attitudes, came over.

“Is there a problem here?” she asked.

“Rosilda was just expressing a wish to teach country dancing” drawled Ginny.

“Really?” The enthusiasm of the mistress’s reply surprised them all. “Do you have much experience of dancing Rosilda?”

“A fair bit” Rosilda said, aware that she had to be careful. She knew that Ginny had wanted to make it look as if Rosilda was criticising the teaching, and, Miss Creighton having so far not taken offence she had no wish to cause any now. “I’ve been dancing pretty much since I could walk. It’s a tradition in my family.”

“I’m afraid I’ve done very little” Miss Creighton admitted. “I don’t know much about it and I suspect the dancing here has faults of which I am not aware. If you would like to try teaching us, you are very welcome.”

Rosilda wavered for a moment. The idea of teaching the school appealed to her greatly, but the dais looked very exposed and a long way up. She suddenly felt quite small. Some of the girls in the hall were quite eighteen. Would they even listen to her?

Daphne, who knew about some of the quarrels between this group of girls, had come over to see if there was a problem. Seeing Rosilda’s hesitation she smiled at Miss Creighton. “I’ve heard that all of Rosilda’s family are good dancers. I’m sure we’d all be happy for Rosilda to teach us. Why doesn’t Rosanna help her? I expect it would make it a lot easier to have her twin’s support.”

“An excellent idea” the PT mistress said approvingly. “Alright girls, come up onto the dais and I’ll tell the school what you are going to do.”

She swept them off, leaving Rosabel furious. She also would have loved to teach the school country dancing, even in partnership with Rosilda. Instead the much less forceful Rosanna was up there, probably about to leave the whole thing, and all of the glory, to Rosilda. The odds on an imminent repair to the breach between the two sisters had just fallen dramatically.

Author:  Alison H [ Sun Oct 14, 2007 9:24 pm ]
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Oh dear - what a shame that what could've been a chance for them to do something really nice looks like causing a row, and it wasn't even the girls' fault :( .

Thanks Rosalin.

Author:  Miss Di [ Mon Oct 15, 2007 3:57 am ]
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I've never done any dancing either so wouldn't notice any errors. But a great update anyway.

Author:  MaryR [ Tue Oct 16, 2007 4:38 pm ]
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Oops, what happened there? :shock: Rosabel being a little too backward in coming forward after her outburst. I do hope she can somehow be asked to help by the others.

Thanks, Rosalin.(I will eventually sort them all out, promise!! :lol: )

Author:  Rosalin [ Sat Oct 27, 2007 3:02 pm ]
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Apologies once again for the long gap. I've just finished training in my new job and am now going on to working four longer days, so hopefully I'll be able to get more done in the other three.

Rosanna and Rosilda exchanged a nervous glance as they mounted the dais. Miss Creighton clapped her hands for silence and informed them of the new plan. At a word from Daphne the prefects spread themselves among the girls, ready to squash any discontent at being taught by a pair of fourteen year olds.

“Right” said Rosilda, as firmly as she could manage “if you all make up sets of six again, we’ll have another go at Picking Up Sticks.”

Heartened by how quickly they obeyed her, she continued her explanations with more confidence.

While she was explaining to the girls where they were going wrong, Rosanna slipped across to Miss Lawrence at the piano and explained what Rosilda was going to have the girls do, and what music would be required.

This time the dance went much better, but the twins were still not convinced that many of the sets really knew what they were doing.

Having been watching the sets closely, Rosanna noticed that the prefects and eldest pupils were much more confident, having been well taught by Miss Burnett some years earlier. She mentioned this to Rosilda in an undertone, and Rosilda promptly asked some of the elder girls to come up and demonstrate.

Six of the prefects, including Abigail Peterson and Cecil, came up to the dais and proceeded to demonstrate the dance, Rosilda giving them occasional quiet hints. Rosanna meanwhile realised that some of the girls wouldn’t know exactly what they were looking for. So nervously at first, but with increasing confidence, she gave a running commentary of the important points which most people were missing.

The whole room then tried Sticks twice more, and after the second time through the twins pronounced themselves satisfied.

They then split the sets up into fours and called for Rufty Tufty. This time Rosilda called on the prefects to help her, and she and they patrolled the room, pulling people through where needed. Rosanna stayed up on the dais, directing things. Sometimes she caught the eye of one of the prefects and nodded them in the direction of a set which was having problems.

Returning to the dais, Rosilda took over from Rosanna as MC and called for Haste to the Wedding. This went fairly well, and at the end Rosanna pointed out several points on which the school had already improved, as well as delivering a small amount of carefully worded constructive criticism.

The twins had, quite unintentionally, fallen into a pattern which lasted for the rest of the evening. They chose the dances together, Rosilda making suggestions, and Rosanna vetoing those which were too hard or advising ones which were quite different and therefore wouldn’t cause confusion. Rosilda then announced the dance and was MC. After her first nervousness she found she was quite at home on the dais and kept up an amusing stream of comments between the dances, leading Rosalin to comment to Ruth, her partner, that being at home on a platform appeared to be hereditary. Rosanna took over at the end of each dance, giving praise and advice and sometimes asking for bits to be repeated when people seemed unsure.

At the end of the evening Miss Creighton came up onto the dais and publicly thanked the two girls for all their hard work. Cecil joined them and, on behalf of the prefects, asked if this could be done again, perhaps having a regular half hour of teaching at the start of country dance evenings. The school’s applause showed how popular this idea was, and the mistress gladly gave her consent.

Only Rosabel was really unhappy. Following Moll’s advice she was trying hard to keep her temper and had managed not to make any nasty comments about her sisters’ teaching which, a small part of her admitted had been very good. Mostly, however, she was still bubbling with anger and resentment.

Author:  Alison H [ Sat Oct 27, 2007 4:21 pm ]
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It's a shame that Rosabel's upset, but I'm glad that she's managing to keep her temper and not to have a go at her sisters over something that really wasn't their fault.

Thanks Rosalin :D .

Author:  Fatima [ Sat Oct 27, 2007 6:26 pm ]
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Poor Rosabel. I'm glad the dancing improved, though.

Thanks Rosalin.

Author:  MaryR [ Sat Oct 27, 2007 7:23 pm ]
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They all seemed to enjoy that - except for Rosabel, of course. :cry: How very wise of them to come just when the teacher was so lacking in knowledge of dancing. :lol: :lol:

Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Sun Oct 28, 2007 6:59 pm ]
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I am enjoying this story, and am delighted to see an update!

Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  Miss Di [ Mon Oct 29, 2007 3:07 am ]
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Thanks for the update Rosalin, good luck with the new job!

Author:  Rosalin [ Mon Oct 29, 2007 11:25 pm ]
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Thanks for the comments :D

The country dancing had noticeably thawed the attitude of most of Inter V towards Rosilda. Previously some of them had been inclined to see her as slightly too sure of herself, and her peripheral involvement in the hair flouring incident hadn’t helped matters. But it was generally admitted that she had managed the unexpected lesson very well. She had kept the whole school interested in what she was saying, and had apparently not been attacked by nerves as many of the girls knew they would have been in the circumstances. Several of the older girls had been heard to comment positively on how the twins had managed, and Inter V was basking in the reflected glory.

Upper IVB, too, were feeling quite smug about the whole affair. All though they were all inclined to look on Rosanna as having had a supporting role to Rosilda, it was almost unheard of for a Middle to give instruction to the Seniors. A lot of the form were quite openly surprised that quiet Rosanna should have done such a thing.

On the next day, Sunday, Joey had issued a general invitation to tea for all of her family currently at the school. These ranged from Adrienne Desmoines, one of the language mistresses, to small Meg and John Entwhistle who were thoroughly enjoying their first term at St Nicholas.

Len, Reg and their younger children were also there, and the whole family enjoyed the opportunity to spend some time together.

Over tea Joey heard the story of the country dance evening, Mary and Marie-Claire praising their friends highly. She also heard something of the tensions within Inter V. Phil had decided not to say anything to her mother as she hadn’t really wanted the situation highlighted to the younger girls. She wanted, too, to manage the problem within the form if possible. At the moment there was nothing which direct intervention could do, so she was keeping the peace as best she could and hoping that things would settle down with time. Marie-Claire had none of Phil’s reservations though, so some details of the trouble were comprehensively aired.

In a quiet moment after tea Joey spoke to Phil about the situation, but agreed that there was very little which could be done at present. Len, who had joined their discussion, shared this view. She had an extra insight into some of the events as, by her own suggestion, Linda had stayed with the Entwhistle family for a few days before leaving the Gornetz Platz. The family, minus the twins, had been just about to leave for a visit to Steve, Andrea and baby Eddie when the cornflour affair had taken place. So Linda had come to stay with them and joined them for their journey to England. Their trip had started with a visit to Madge and Jem in Wales where Reg had spent time at the San with Jem and Len had left the children with their great-aunt for a day while she drove Linda to Carnbach.

Len would not repeat any of what she and Linda had discussed, but said that the talk with Hilda had obviously affected Linda deeply, and she was truly sorry for her behaviour.

***

On the way back to school, Daphne found herself walking with her niece Mary.

“It was great fun, the way Rosilda taught us” Mary said, for they were discussing the previous evening’s dancing. “It was ever so good, I really feel like I know those dances now. Rosanna was a sport too, going up on the dais like that. Lots of the form think it was really surprising of her ‘cause she’s so shy.”

Something in Mary’s tone caused Daphne to ask “but you’re not surprised?”

“No, I’m not” Mary said thoughtfully. “I’m not sure why I’m not. I’d never have predicted that she would go and stand up in front of the whole school like that, but for some reason I’m not surprised.”

“She’s not actually shy you know” Daphne said conversationally. When Mary moved to object she continued “I saw her at Aunty Joey’s new girls’ tea party, and I was at her interview with Miss Annersley at the start of term. She’s quiet, but not shy. I imagine she’s the sort who stands back and thinks about things, and then only gets involved if there’s a good reason.”

Mary looked at her aunt with respect. “You’ve summed her up exactly” she said. “I’d never really noticed it before, but that’s exactly what she does.”

“One other thing you hadn’t noticed” Daphne said. “Rosilda wasn’t actually teaching you. She was organising, and doing it very well, but it was Rosanna who did the actual teaching. You were right about the rest of it though. She was, as you said, ever so good.”

Author:  Miss Di [ Tue Oct 30, 2007 2:00 am ]
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Very perceptive of Daphne and nice to see the Maynard clan again too.

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Oct 30, 2007 7:49 am ]
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Ah, is Joey about to "stick her oar in" :wink: ?

Author:  Jennie [ Tue Oct 30, 2007 1:30 pm ]
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I do hope not!

Author:  MaryR [ Wed Oct 31, 2007 11:19 am ]
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So is the teaching now going to be a regular occurrence from the Roses, since they accomplished it so well? :D

Thanks, Rosalin

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Wed Oct 31, 2007 9:35 pm ]
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Catching up on two episodes - which I'd read earlier, but not had time to comment on - I loved the descriptions of the twins' teaching, how well the girls responded, and the new respect they are gaining as a result. I chuckled over their teaching of "Picking up Sticks", with visions of Jansy Raymond dancing with fury when *her* class didn't do the crossings correctly floating in my head and was glad to see that history didn't repeat itself there!!

I do love the way that all four Kane girls unconsciously display that little 'something different' in their demeanour and that this is noticed by their classmates, too.

Thanks, Rosalin - if I haven't said so earlier, I'm really enjoying this.

Author:  roversgirl [ Sun Nov 04, 2007 11:38 am ]
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have just found and read all of this. it's brilliant. thanks you so much :)

Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Nov 04, 2007 11:19 pm ]
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Thanks to everyone who has stuck with me this far and welcome to Helen. Your comments are really encouraging.

MaryR wrote:
So is the teaching now going to be a regular occurrence from the Roses, since they accomplished it so well? :D


I might be able to persuade them to try it again :wink:

As far as Joey goes, she's keeping her distance for the moment but I doubt I can keep her from interfering for ever. I already have a full time job :roll:


The next week saw the half term holiday come around. Phil, Marie-Claire, Moll and Blanca were to go home for it, but the rest of the form were eagerly looking forward to a trip to Zermatt.

The whole school was closed from early on Friday morning to late on Monday afternoon, with the staff either escorting the girls or making the most of some rare time off. Inter V were being accompanied by Miss Charlesworth, Miss Creighton and Fraulein Kollwitz, a member of the language staff.

Instead of their last lesson on Thursday, all the girls gathered in their form rooms to finalise the plans for the weekend and to read the form places for the first half of the term. Having missed several weeks of the term Moll was unsurprised to find herself 23rd out of the 24 girls who had made up the form since Linda’s departure. The girl who came below her, Felicity Jackson, was not academically inclined and, although she tried her best, almost invariably came bottom of the form. Ginny came 21st and looked daggers at her cousin when Emma proved to be 15th, her hard work since the cornflour incident resulting in her highest ever form placement. As one of the youngest in the form, Marie-Claire was praised highly for coming 8th, between Rosalin in 9th place and Rosabel in 7th. Phil, a good student and finally putting her years of ill-health behind her, came 2nd.

Top of the form, to the surprise of almost everyone, came Rosilda.

This was a profound shock to Rosabel. At Cliff End Rosanna and Rosilda had been in a form together, with other girls of their age, and so there had never before been a direct comparison between the eldest and youngest of the Double-Two. Rosabel was horrified at the result. She would have found it hard enough to take even if she hadn’t been feeling resentful towards Rosilda. As it was, it took the combination of all her self control, a rather pointed warning look from Moll and Rosalin’s firm grip on her arm to keep Rosabel calm as once again, to her mind, she was humiliated by her younger sister.

The staff were aware that the form places might cause an upset, and seeing Rosabel’s reaction Miss Charlesworth felt her contingency plan was called for.

“Congratulations to everyone who has worked hard this half term” she said briskly. “Those who haven’t I expect a better showing from next time. You know who you are” she added, glancing at Ginny and a couple of others who turned red.

“Now, those of you who aren’t going to Zermatt – it’s just the four of you who live up here this time – you need to go to Matron and get your packing done. All the girls from the Platz are leaving tonight, which will make things easier tomorrow.”

Phil, Marie-Claire and Blanca wished their form-mates a good weekend and departed for the dormitories. Moll hesitated for a moment, glancing at Rosabel and Rosilda. Miss Charlesworth caught her eye and nodded slightly.

“Off you go Moll” she said.

Miss Charlesworth went to her desk and quickly wrote something on a slip of paper. “Rosilda” she said. “Would you take this to Miss Annersley for me?”

Rosilda took the paper and left. In the doorway she passed Miss Creighton and Fraulein Kollwitz who had come to join in the discussion of the weekend.

***

In her Study Miss Annersley was striving to complete the most pressing correspondence so that she could enjoy her break with an easy mind. She pushed it to one side when a knock at the door heralded Rosilda, whom the Head had been half expecting.

“Sit down Rosilda” she said, scanning Miss Charlesworth’s note.

Rosilda sat, slightly apprehensively. True Miss Annersley had mentioned at the start of term that Mother didn’t want Rosilda getting too advanced in school, but surely she wasn’t in trouble for coming top of the form. The Head’s first words immediately reassured her on that count.

“Congratulations on your place in the form list Rosilda. You have done very well this half term, especially as a third of your lessons have been in a language you barely knew in September. The staff and I are proud of you.”

“Thank-you” said Rosilda a little breathlessly, thrown by the unexpected praise.

Miss Annersley smiled. “However I think there is one person who is not altogether happy with you at the moment. Do you know who I mean?”

Rosilda remembered her thoughts on entering the Study. “Is it Mother?” she asked.

A quick blink was the only outward sign of how unexpected an answer this was.

“No Rosilda, not as far as I’m aware. Has something happened to suggest that she is upset with you?”

“Oh no” Rosilda answered hastily. “It’s just at the start of term you said she didn’t want me to go to far ahead in my lessons. I thought maybe being top of the form was too much.”

“Not at all. You have worked sensibly all term and you are naturally clever. No, I was thinking more of your eldest sister.”

Rosilda wriggled suddenly. How much did the staff know about the state of affairs between the two of them?

“I know you two aren’t getting on very well at the moment” the Head said gently. “No-one is going to interfere in your friendships and relationships unless they see something seriously wrong. Unless we are hermits, and very few of us are called to that way of life, we all have to live as part of a community, with all its complexities. Getting along with other people, and sorting out the problems which occur amongst you are important lessons. But the people around you are there to help as well. If you feel you can’t deal with the situation, don’t hesitate to come to me, the other staff or the prefects.” In previous years Hilda would have added Joey to the list of potential helpers. But following the new girls’ tea she felt it wise to keep a little distance between Joey and the school, to give her a chance to sort out the new ideas presented that afternoon.

“Thanks” said Rosilda, feeling that some response was called for, but feeling sure that nothing would possess her to ask the staff for help with Rosabel.

“We, the staff that is, were a little worried how Rosabel would take your relative form places” Miss Annersley continued. “Miss Charlesworth tells me that she appeared quite upset when the list was read out. Now half term is supposed to be an enjoyable break for everyone and I’m afraid at the moment you and Rosabel being together is unlikely to be either enjoyable or a break for the pair of you. Not to mention for the mistresses in charge of you” she added with a laugh.

Rosilda nodded aware that her Headmistress’s point was a good one. She and Rosabel were likely to annoy each other all weekend. That this kind of behaviour was trying for the staff had never occurred to her before, but she saw the truth of the remark.

“The two Upper Fourths are going to Geneva for their trip” Miss Annersley said. “There is space on that trip if you would like to join them. It is only a suggestion, if you are particularly looking forward to seeing Zermatt of course you may” she stopped as Rosilda was shaking her head emphatically.

“I’d much rather go with Rosanna” she said. “Especially as Marie-Claire is going home for the holidays. I thought I was going to be a bit out of things on the Zermatt trip. Geneva sounds marvellous. Or even wonderful” she added hastily, remembering Marie-Claire’s advice at the start of term.

Author:  Alison H [ Sun Nov 04, 2007 11:46 pm ]
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Hope the trips go well.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Mon Nov 05, 2007 12:33 am ]
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A very wise move all round - it's very satisfying to see Rosilda doing so well, but quite understandable that Rosabel would be 'miffed' at coming lower in the class lists, in addition to the tension already existing between them. And it's a good chance for Rosilda to spend some more time with Rosanna, too.

Thanks, Rosalin - I hope they all have great trips.

Author:  Elbee [ Mon Nov 05, 2007 8:56 am ]
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Very sensible. Thanks, Rosalin. I still get muddled with all the Roses as I don't read the Abbeys so don't know the background, but they are very well portrayed.

Author:  Fatima [ Mon Nov 05, 2007 3:28 pm ]
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:oops: Yes, I get muddled with them, too. I think having similar names doesn't exactly help either! Anyhow, I'm really enjoying this and I hope Rosilda has a great holiday.

Author:  MaryR [ Mon Nov 05, 2007 5:29 pm ]
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How wise the staff are, and how understanding.

Thanks, Rosalin

Author:  Caroline [ Wed Nov 07, 2007 9:01 am ]
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Thanks, Rosalin. I'm sure Rosilda will have a happier half term with her twin than she would have done being a spare part on the Inter V trip.

Rosabel needs to talk to someone, though, and get all of this off her chest - and realise that mostly she is feeling bad about things she herself has done (or hasn't done, in the case of working hard enough and offering to help at the dancing), rather than things Rosilda has done. Moll has done plenty for her in terms of giving her perspective and helping her not make things worse by losing her temper, but I think she needs a little more help - maybe from someone older. Of course, she has to want that help...

I do wonder what your namesake, Rosabel's twin, is doing in all of this...? Maybe she can talk some quiet good sense into her sister?

I'm really enjoying this. Thanks. :lol: :lol:

Author:  Rosalin [ Wed Nov 07, 2007 11:59 pm ]
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Apologies for the liberties I'm taking with Swiss geography!

So it was nineteen girls and three mistresses who set off by train on the first leg of their journey to Zermatt the next morning.

Ordinarily Rosabel would have paired up with Moll while Rosalin, Blanca, Ruth and Elisabeth would sort themselves out into two pairs. But Moll and Blanca were both spending the weekend with their families, so Ruth and Elisabeth paired off and left the twins to sit together.

Rosabel was most relieved about this as Moll and Rosalin were still the only members of the form who had much time for her, apart from Phil who was carefully keeping herself out of the quarrels. So ever since had realised that there would be an odd number on the trip Rosabel had been plagued by the nagging worry that she would be spending the weekend without any defined friends. Rosalin would naturally have welcomed her, but Rosabel still felt awkward around Ruth and Ruth, while not hostile, had kept her distance from all those involved in the cornflour affair.

But while Rosabel had easily found herself a partner, one of the nineteen girls was inevitably by her self. Often it worked out that a natural group of three formed and no-one felt left out. On this occasion, though, the odd one was Emma. Her former friends, and especially her cousin, made quite a show of pairing themselves off, and the rest of the form sorted itself out into its various acknowledged coteries, leaving Emma standing alone and looking uncertain.

Miss Charlesworth, watching this, moved to ask the girl to partner her, but someone else got in first.

“D’you want to make a three with me and Elisabeth?” Ruth asked. “She’s got an aunt who used to live near Zermatt and she knows the area quite well. It seems a shame that I’m the only one she gets to flaunt her knowledge to.”

Ruth’s tone was light, but she smiled at Emma, who gave an uncertain grin back. Elisabeth glared amiably at her friend, but took the remark in the spirit in which it was meant.

Slightly hesitantly Emma moved across the platform to stand with Ruth and Elisabeth. Many of the girls looked shocked at Ruth’s action, and Ginny was heard to observe to Carol that Ruth must need her head looking at. A few of the more thoughtful ones commented positively and Rosalin, looking round to smile at her friend, caught a momentary look of relief on Miss Charlesworth’s face.

***

With the first potential problem averted the trip to Zermatt passed pleasantly. The girls were all experienced travellers, used to amusing themselves on long journeys. Elisabeth and Fraulein Kollwitz, who both knew the area, were in great demand to tell stories of the region and describe the places they were to visit.

When they reached their pension the sleeping arrangements were sorted out with a minimum of fuss and the rest of the day was spent exploring Zermatt and its surroundings. They were fortunate enough to meet an acquaintance of Elisabeth’s aunt who showed them many places of interest and recommended the best places to buy souvenirs of their visit.

The next morning they were all up early to take the funicular up to the Gornergrat. The senior school had made a few mountain trips at weekends in the earlier part of the term, with the result that all of the party were accustomed to the altitudes and not likely to suffer from the altitude sickness which sometimes troubled visitors.

From the Bahnhof they took a path which led to a small alm, once used as pasture but now forsaken for more hospitable areas. They stopped there to eat their elevenses and then continued walking up the path.

The walk was strenuous but not too difficult and the majority of the girls were used to these steep mountain paths. The mistresses spread themselves out and helped the newer girls who were not yet so accustomed to the terrain.

They had just stopped for a breather and were looking at some of the surrounding peaks which Fraulein Kollwitz was naming for them when Kathryn gave an exclamation.

Conscious of a sudden chill at her back she had turned around. The mountains behind her, which had towered over them in regal splendour at the Bahnhof, were now blotted out by a curtain of mist.

“Quick girls” Miss Charlesworth exclaimed. “We must turn around and go back at once. Those of you who are used to the paths go on as quickly as you can and wait for the rest of us at the alm. Fraulein Kollwitz will lead you, and Miss Creighton will bring up the rear. Those of you who may struggle” she named five girls including the twins “come down more slowly with me. Elisabeth and Gredel, will you two come with us?”

The form’s two most experienced climbers agreed readily and the two groups set out. By the time the slower ones reached the alm they could barely see to the other side and it was obvious that they would not be able to reach the Bahnhof before the mist closed in completely.

With a prayer of thanks for the cowherds who had chosen to use the alm in times past, Miss Charlesworth led the girls to the hut which was perched on one side of the old pasture. Although abandoned it was sturdily built and obviously still weatherproof.

She pushed open the door and then stopped in surprise at the sight that greeted her. Sitting around, in various attitudes of relaxation, was a party of schoolgirls.

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Nov 08, 2007 12:09 am ]
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This is different! I'm hoping that they're from St Mary's because I love those books :D .

Author:  Miss Di [ Thu Nov 08, 2007 12:27 am ]
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A night on the alm. Outstanding! Hope they've got lots of chocolate to make a restoring drink.

Author:  ibarhis [ Thu Nov 08, 2007 9:54 am ]
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Or from the Abbey School? Which isn't called that but I don't recall for a moment what it is called apart from Miss Macey's and that clearly isn't the actual name of the school!

:oops:

Author:  Lyanne [ Sun Nov 11, 2007 2:27 pm ]
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Surprised it's never happened before!

Author:  ibarhis [ Sun Nov 11, 2007 6:38 pm ]
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I'm sitting here, listening to Playford/Apted music for some dances I'm running at a game next weekend. I shall not be saying "I WILL NOT have those crossings danced", but I may say, "Don't crossover and turn your back away from your partner!" (Not a quote I don't think but it should be!)

Author:  Rosalin [ Fri Nov 16, 2007 5:39 pm ]
Post subject: 

A lady stood up at the side of the hut and came forward to greet them She was of early middle-age with short yellow curls and an open, honest face.

“Good evening” she said in hesitant German. “Please come in.”

“Thank-you” Miss Charlesworth replied in English, as this was obviously the lady’s native tongue. She gestured to the girls to enter the hut, and turned again to the stranger.

“I’m afraid this mist caught us quite unawares” she said laughingly. “I was very glad to remember this hut, I can assure you! I’m Miss Charlesworth, Head of History at the Chalet School.”

“Oh really?” her new acquaintance responded. “I’ve heard of you. The Chalet School I mean, not you personally. We’ve got a similar set-up ourselves. A sanatorium and schools to cater for the children of the patients.” She broke off as another lady came and stood beside her. This second person was shorter with brown plaits coiled around her head and thick glasses. Although she had come to stand with them, her gaze seemed drawn towards a corner of the hut where several of Inter V had settled.

“These are some pupils and staff from the Chalet School” the blond one said by way of introduction.

“I have to admit” the one with glasses smiled, “we are most relieved to hear you speaking English. We all speak French, but Guly and I would both have had some difficulty if you had only known German.”

Miss Charlesworth’s face betrayed her surprise at the unusual name.

“I’m sorry” ‘Guly’ said. “I didn’t introduce myself. I’m Miss Pennyfold, Head of St Mary’s, and this is Lady Brown. We’ve brought our sixth formers on a week’s trip to do some mountain climbing. Karen’s daughter Margaret is one of our Head Girls so she offered to accompany us. We’ve left all the real mistresses back at school teaching” she finished with a laugh.”

“This is our half-term trip” Miss Charlesworth explained. “Fraulein Kollwitz, Miss Creighton and I have brought Intermediate Fifth here for the weekend.” As she spoke she indicated her two colleagues who had sat themselves down with the girls and were engaged in making sure everyone was comfortable. Curiosity prompted her to add “It’s very nosy of me, but what was it that Lady Brown called you?”

Miss Pennyfold laughed. “Guly. I’m really called Gulielma, an old Quaker name. It’s a feminine form of William.”

“Thank-you” Miss Charlesworth said fervently. “I would have been wondering about that for a long time if you hadn’t taken pity on me.”

Another laugh. “I always have to explain when I meet new people. My sisters are Sarah and Rebecca – Sally and Becky – and my cousin is Mercy. All traditional names among Friends.”

“We had a Quaker girl several years ago” Miss Charlesworth said. “She was Richenda.”

“Another traditional name” Miss Pennyfold agreed.

“Do you have any food with you?” Lady Brown asked. “We were just about to collect all ours in, to prevent anyone being tempted to eat too soon. Then we will have a picnic a little later. You are welcome to join us.”

Miss Charlesworth explained about the lunches which the girls were all carrying, courtesy of the pension. All the food was collected in and piled in a corner. Then some communal singing was started to pass the time.

The Chalet girls found that the dozen or so Sixth formers from St Mary’s were, on the whole, less well trained than they were, not having had the benefit of Mr Denny’s expertise. But the girls were of at least six nationalities, and well versed in the songs of all their countries, and soon they were all singing Swedish folk songs with vim, if little understanding.

Margaret Brown appeared a very quiet, serious girl, sitting back from the singing and allowing Ebba, her fellow Head Girl to lead the singing. But Ebba was defeated by a tricky phrase in the Irish air that the girls had moved on to, and the Chalet girls were making heavy weather of learning it.

Ebba turned to Margaret and threw her a look of supplication. Margaret smiled quickly, then stood up and clapped her hands.

“Like this” she said, and sang the air with a choir-boy like purity reminiscent of the young Joey Bettany, although there was no-one there to remember the Tyrol or Armiford days.

Margaret’s singing was duly exclaimed over and the piece was soon learnt. Then Guly, with an eye on her Head Girl’s flushed face, suggested lunch.

The food was meticulously shared out, with some kept in reserve in case the mist lingered and a further meal became necessary. Girls and mistresses alike sat on the floor and ate their portions with enjoyment.

Karen Brown had taken her meal and sat down at one side of the hut. The twins, who were sitting near by, gave her a curious look but as she didn’t seem disposed to talk they carried on eating and chatting.

When all the food was gone Rosalin looked up, conscious of the steady gaze which was resting on her and her sister.

Lady Brown smiled and moved over to join them.

“Are you Rosabel and Rosalin, or Rosanna and Rosilda?”

Author:  linda [ Fri Nov 16, 2007 8:41 pm ]
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Aah!! - I remember Karen from the Abbey books being engaged to Sir Rennie Brown (I think that was his name,wasn't it?)

Karen was a friend to Rosamund when she when to Switzerland when her mother was ill. Looks like they stayed in touch at least enough for her to know about the double twins. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Thanks Rosalin

Author:  MaryR [ Sat Nov 17, 2007 8:30 pm ]
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I'm afraid I don't know Lady Brown any more than I know the Roses, but I was enjoying that, Rosalin. And don't worry about the Geography!! :lol:

Thank you.

Author:  Miss Di [ Mon Nov 19, 2007 4:58 am ]
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Clever Karen for recognising them.

Thanks Rosalin (argh first I typed Rosamond then Rosabel before getting it right)

Author:  Caroline [ Mon Nov 19, 2007 4:07 pm ]
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Yay for Karen and Billy - oops, Guly, I suppose since she is Head now. I always wondered whether she married Sven-Peter in the end - I guess not in this universe, anyway. Or maybe she is a young Head and still has time to marry, like Madge Bettany did.

Ahem. Apologies for digression! I hope Karen makes friends with Rosamund's daughters...

Thanks, Rosalin.

:D :D

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Nov 19, 2007 4:55 pm ]
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Oh lovely! I was expecting to see Karen and Rennie's wedding in the Swiss books and was so upset when the books ended with them still just engaged! Thank you so much, Rosalin.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Sat Dec 08, 2007 6:47 pm ]
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Karen was engaged to Rennie Brown, the son of Sir Rennie, in the last Swiss book [Troubles of Tazy]. In Abbey Champion, Tazy [nee Kingston, by this time Thistleton] says she [i.e. Karen] has a daughter, Margaret Karen...you can tell I'm a complete EJO nut, can't you :oops:

Loving this - thanks Rosalin

Ruth

Author:  Alison H [ Sun Dec 09, 2007 5:50 pm ]
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abbeybufo wrote:
In Abbey Champion, Tazy [nee Kingston, by this time Thistleton] says she [i.e. Karen] has a daughter, Margaret Karen...you can tell I'm a complete EJO nut, can't you :oops:



Ooh, I must have missed that, or forgotten it! Must have another look. Tazy and Prickles seriously annoy me but Karen and Rennie are the most lovely sweet couple :D !

Author:  ibarhis [ Tue Dec 25, 2007 7:23 pm ]
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I'm hoping there will be more of this soon...

Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Jan 06, 2008 10:55 pm ]
Post subject: 

Sorry about the long gap. I've got the story planned out, just having trouble getting around to writing it. If anyone sees my motivation could they point it this way please?

“I’m Rosabel, she’s Rosalin” Rosabel replied automatically.

Both girls looked at each other then turned to stare at their questioner.

“Lady Brown?” Rosalin asked tentatively after a moment. “Have we ever met, for I’m very sorry but I don’t remember you.”

Lady Brown smiled. “We’ve never met, no. But your looks are unmistakable and I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Were you ever in the Hamlet Club?” Rosabel asked.

“Close, but no” replied Lady Brown. “It’s not actually a folk dancing connection, although I knew some of the Club’s leaders before your mother was even in the school. My best friend and I went to a summer school at Cheltenham when we were sixteen and we met some of the Hamlet Club there. Cecily, Joan, Joy, Jen and Jack. Jack, Tazy and I were all beginners together and the other four were much more advanced.” Tactfully Lady Brown made no mention of the nasty shock those four had had on the first day when they discovered how much they didn’t know.

“I have very fond memories of that month, although it almost ended in tragedy when Jen was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident.”

The twins looked at her, wide-eyed. “You were at Cheltenham when Aunty Jen had her accident?” Rosabel asked.

“That was when Aunty Joan and Uncle Jack met for the first time, wasn’t it?” Rosalin added.

Karen smiled, remembering the growing friendship their household had witnessed between the young couple. “That’s right” she confirmed. “I can’t believe how much time has passed. It’s strange to think she’s a grandmother now.”

Rosabel nodded impatiently. “But how do you know us? I can understand Aunty Joan keeping you up to date with her family, and Aunty Joy’s and Aunty Jen’s too. But why would you be interested in the family of someone you’ve never met.”

“Have you ever met mother?” Rosalin added, seeing Lady Brown looked momentarily uncertain.

Faced with a direct question Karen was obliged to give a direct answer. “I met your mother when she was in Switzerland.”

“But mother wont go anywhere near Switzerland!” Rosabel exclaimed.

“Maybe that’s why” Rosalin said quietly to her twin.

Rosabel turned to look at her, anger on her face and reproach in her voice. “Rosalin! That’s an awful thing to say. I’m sure mother wouldn’t avoid Switzerland just because she met Lady Brown here!”

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Jan 07, 2008 7:45 am ]
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Oh dear ... there's obviously a lot that the girls don't know.

It's so lovely to see Karen Wilson/Brown in a crossover drabble: she's my favourite EJO character and I wish she featured in more of the books :D .

Author:  roversgirl [ Mon Jan 07, 2008 8:11 am ]
Post subject:  re.

yay! so glad to see this back and sending motivation!

Author:  ibarhis [ Mon Jan 07, 2008 10:11 am ]
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I'm so glad to see more of this.

Author:  Karoline [ Mon Jan 07, 2008 12:14 pm ]
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So glad to see this back, thanks Rosalin

Author:  babycassied [ Mon Jan 07, 2008 1:15 pm ]
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Just read this all through and really enjoying it even though I've never read the Abbey books. Where would I get hold of transcripts???

Author:  MaryR [ Mon Jan 07, 2008 2:18 pm ]
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Alison H wrote:
Oh dear ... there's obviously a lot that the girls don't know.

There's a lot I don't know, either! :lol: But I'm still enjoying it all, Rosalin. Thank you.

Author:  Fatima [ Mon Jan 07, 2008 2:50 pm ]
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Nice to see more of this - I don't know about the mystery either, so I can't wait to hear about it!

Thanks Rosalin.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Mon Jan 07, 2008 2:56 pm ]
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Lovely to get more of this Rosalin, thanks.

*eagerly awaiting next instalment*

ETA - on further reflection, wondering what is behind Ros's reluctance to go to Switzerland these days...I know her mother died there, but she was going regularly after that until she got involved with the Rose & Squirrel - is there a hitherto unknown doctor at the Rennie Brown Sanatorium that she was seeing there and maybe had a bust-up with around the time of her father's death, I'm wondering... :shock: :lol:

or did she fancy Rennie, even????

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Mon Jan 07, 2008 4:11 pm ]
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Another Abbey nut really enjoying this crossover - and glad to see more of it.

Thanks, Rosalin, I'll be looking forward to the next instalment.

Author:  jennifer [ Fri Jan 11, 2008 9:04 am ]
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Just read this through - very nice.

Will we get to see Joy vs Joey? I'd love to see that match-up, as they both have gifts for tactlessness and seeing things their own way.

Author:  Squirrel [ Sun Jan 13, 2008 4:22 pm ]
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I've just caught up on the last page or so of this Rosalin. I must admit, I am enjoying this conversation between Karen and the girls. I do hope that not too many cat's jump out of bags though! I can imagine that the girls will have a lot to say to Rosamund when they get the chance!!!

Thanks!

Author:  Rosalin [ Tue Jan 15, 2008 10:58 pm ]
Post subject: 

abbeybufo wrote:
ETA - on further reflection, wondering what is behind Ros's reluctance to go to Switzerland these days...I know her mother died there, but she was going regularly after that until she got involved with the Rose & Squirrel - is there a hitherto unknown doctor at the Rennie Brown Sanatorium that she was seeing there and maybe had a bust-up with around the time of her father's death, I'm wondering... :shock: :lol:

or did she fancy Rennie, even????


Interesting theory Ruth :lol:

“I don’t think that’s quite what Rosalin meant” Lady Brown interjected hastily, seeing the look of horror on Rosalin’s face.

Rosalin smiled gratefully and shook her head. “I wondered if Switzerland was where our grandmother died.” Rosabel raised her eyebrows at this but Rosalin hurried on. “One of the girls from your school said that it caters for the children of TB patients, just like the Chalet school. Is that where you met Mother?”

“Not exactly” Lady Brown said. “I was a pupil at St Mary’s, but your mother wasn’t. My mother died up on the Platz when I was at school and I stayed on because it was where all my friends were, and later my husband. Your grandmother came out to the Platz from Ceylon where she was taken ill. Rosamund was eighteen at the time, and she left school to come and be company for her mother. After she died, Rosamund when back to England, but she came back to visit regularly.”

“Oh” said Rosalin, deflated. “I thought maybe Mother wouldn’t visit Switzerland because it had such sad memories for her.”

“I don’t think that is the case” Lady Brown said carefully. “She went straight back to her friends when her mother died, but she had made friends out here too. For a while she spent about half the year out here and half back in England. Until the Rose and Squirrel came along of course.”

“The Rose and Squirrel?” Rosabel asked in astonishment.

Lady Brown looked briefly disconcerted. “How much do you know about your mother’s life before she married your father?”

“Her parents lived in Ceylon and she lived with an aunt in the north somewhere” said Rosabel. “She was sent to the Wycombe school because it was her mother’s old school, but the location didn’t suit her so Aunty Joy invited her to live at the Hall, and Aunty Maid became her best friend. Then her mother died and her father got married again, and he died too. Her step-mother left Roddy with her and went out to India. She still lives there and we’ve never met her, not even Roddy. We know her sisters, Aunt Audrey and Aunt Elspeth though.” Rosabel looked questioningly at her sister, and Rosalin continued.

“We didn’t know anything about Switzerland. We didn’t know that Mother was with Grandmother before she died. We always thought that she just stayed at the Hall with Aunty Joy and Aunty Maid and Elizabeth and Margaret until Roddy joined them. Then she introduced him to the Kentisbury relatives as they knew it was possible he would be the Earl one day, and that’s how she met Father. Then Cousin Geoff died and Father became Earl and married Mother.”

“So how much of that is true?” Rosabel asked Lady Brown harshly.

She answered gently, recognising the hurt Rosabel was feeling. “It’s all true, there’s just more to it.”

“I think I’ve heard the name Rose and Squirrel before” Rosalin said thoughtfully. “Is it the name of Aunt Elspeth’s shop?”

“I don’t know, I don’t think I’ve ever heard it.” Rosabel replied.

Rosalin turned to Lady Brown. “Aunt Audrey and Uncle Charles run a market garden business, and Aunt Elspeth manages a tea and craft shop.”

“They live quite near Kentisbury, but we’ve never been there” Rosabel added. “They all visit us often, but Mother doesn’t want to go there. She’s ashamed of having relatives in those types of jobs.”

“Well we assume so” Rosalin pointed out. “She’s never actually said so, and we’d just assumed she had always had a dislike of Switzerland. Now we know that she used to visit regularly and has friends here. We were wrong about that, we might be wrong about other things too.”

Author:  abbeybufo [ Tue Jan 15, 2008 11:04 pm ]
Post subject: 

I am enjoying this :D
Has Ros just not had time since Geoffrey's death to explain to her daughters more about her life before Geoffrey, or have they not liked to ask and made 2+2=5 :shock:

Author:  Elbee [ Tue Jan 15, 2008 11:06 pm ]
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I've never read the EJOs so I've no idea about past history, but I am enjoying this and finding it very intriguing!

Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Jan 15, 2008 11:51 pm ]
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It does seem odd that there's so much that Rosamund hasn't told her daughters, unless she's just being snobby about her work at the Rose and Squirrel and it sounds like there's more to it than that. Poor Karen - she's in a really awkward position here :roll: .

Rennie is lovely, but I can't really imagine Rosamund harbouring a secret passion for him :lol: :lol: .

Author:  roversgirl [ Tue Jan 15, 2008 11:57 pm ]
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curiouser and curiouser...can't imagine Rosamund really regretting her time int hevRose and Squirrel or looking down ont he people there...unless something DRASTIC happened. thanks for the update :)

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Wed Jan 16, 2008 12:08 am ]
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Definitely curious; I can't see a good reason why Ros wouldn't have told her children about her life before she was married - while she did have to move to the Dower House once Roddy was the heir and Geoffrey the new earl, I never had the impression that he disapproved of her connection to the Rose and Squirrel. I do suspect that once she and Geoff were married, there was neither time nor inclination to visit Switzerland and she rather lost touch with the people there - but there was no real reluctance to go there as the twins seem to think.

I tend to agree with Abbeybufo that they have heard some garbled stories and made 2+2 =5!

Thanks, Rosalin, I'm really enjoying this.

Author:  ibarhis [ Wed Jan 16, 2008 12:37 am ]
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I'm not sure - it may not be EJO but Karen seems to behave as though there is something which really hurt Ros in Switzerland.

Author:  Squirrel [ Wed Jan 16, 2008 9:01 am ]
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Hmmmm - it doesn't sound very Rosamund like to not want to talk about (or visit) certain places just because she is 'above them' now! If it was, I'm sure that Jen, Joy, and Joan would have nudged her out of that behaviour by now! Unless it's a very different set of abbey people to the ones I met in EJO anyway.

I wonder what has happened to make the connections so minimal. And how on earth have the girls added all these things up to think on their mother like that!? They surely don't know her very well if that is the case!

Poor Karen. I wonder how she will deal with this one.

Thanks Rosalin.

Author:  ibarhis [ Wed Jan 16, 2008 10:15 am ]
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I've just reread Two Queens (for the first time probably in 15 years!) - Rosamund is still recognizably herself - albeit very much the friendly Countess! Big Twins are about 5 I think (Roddy is 9).

I'm really looking forward to seeing this unfold.

Author:  MaryR [ Wed Jan 16, 2008 2:26 pm ]
Post subject: 

Now totally lost re the characters :lol: but am assuming I will still be able to make sense of it eventually - or as much as I ever make sense of anything! :roll:

Can see the two girls' hurt, though.

Thanks, Rosalin

Author:  JB [ Wed Jan 16, 2008 6:42 pm ]
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Ros is my favourite Abbey Girl. I've never seen her as snobbish but very keen to "do the right thing" once she became close to the Kentisbury family. I think she's very conscious of how a countess ought to behave and that may have made her distance herself from the time in her when she supported herself.

Author:  Miss Di [ Fri Jan 18, 2008 4:56 am ]
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I'm sure Ros wasn't ashamed of being a shop girl - even though Joy was horrified it was Ros's decision to have a shop (and boxes. Don't forget her love of boxes). Maybe it has just never come up.


I like the thought of a Joey Joy confrontation. I hope Joey wins!!!

Author:  Travellers Joy [ Fri Jan 18, 2008 9:40 am ]
Post subject: 

Miss Di wrote:
I like the thought of a Joey Joy confrontation. I hope Joey wins!!!


I'm on Joy's side! I'd love to see Jo having to back down! :twisted:

Author:  Mrs Redboots [ Fri Jan 18, 2008 6:45 pm ]
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I don't know enough about the story to understand the references (I have read some EJO, but by no means all), but I am loving this story. The most recent "Rosamund" story I read was when what I still think of as the School of Gardening in my home village (as that's what it was in Real Life) but should more properly be called Woodend had a fire and Rosamund gave them house-room in Kentisbury (aka Arundel Castle!) for the duration.

Author:  vicki_theterror [ Sat Feb 23, 2008 5:32 pm ]
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have just caught up on this, its brill. can i start chanting for more please :lol:

Author:  cas [ Thu Mar 06, 2008 11:39 pm ]
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Have just discovered this after reading the first part which came with Abbey Chronicle. I think it's brilliant. Now waiting anxiously for next installment!

Author:  macyrose [ Fri Mar 07, 2008 12:03 am ]
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I also read it in the Abbey Chronicle and am hoping that it won't be long until part 2 is posted.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Fri Mar 07, 2008 12:23 am ]
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Echoing the requests for more, please Rosalin - I've just read the part which came with the Abbey CHronicle too.

Author:  Rosalin [ Sat Mar 22, 2008 12:21 am ]
Post subject: 

Sorry about the long delay. :poke: RL. I do hope that hut had toilets given how many months they've been stranded in it :wink:

“Your mother and I have rather lost touch in recent years” Lady Brown said. “We both lead very busy lives and somehow our correspondence seems to have fallen by the wayside. But I do know how very proud she was of her Rose shop when she first started it.”

“Her Rose shop” Rosalin said carefully.

“Yes” said Lady Brown, smiling. “By a very odd coincidence she first met your Aunt Audrey and Aunt Elspeth at about the same time that their sister married your grandfather, but without knowing anything about it. Your mother was so surprised when your grandfather wrote to her and suggested she made contact with her new step-aunts and she discovered that she already had. Your aunts needed someone to take their sister’s place in their business and your mother had already had the idea of setting up a craft shop. So she took the cottage next door to the Squirrel tea shop and opened the Rose craft shop.

That first summer her letters were all about serving teas, making jam and washing up. They were fairly short letters as she was very busy. Her cottage had a garden full of fruit and they had to work hard to harvest and use it all. She often mentioned how much she was enjoying herself and how satisfying she found the work.” Karen stopped and watched the twins to see what effect her carefully chosen revelations would have.

Rosabel, who had gone red at the comment about washing up, stared down at the sandwich wrappings in her lap.

“So did Roddy live there too?” Rosalin asked, carefully looking past the previously unimaginable picture of their mother in favour of something more manageable. “At the craft shop I mean.”

“He did.” Lady Brown replied. “After his mother went back to India he lived there with your mother until your cousin died. Once Roddy was the heir he went to live at Verriton, and your mother spent part of each week with him and part at the shop. Then she married your father and gave up the shop entirely. I don’t think she gave up her interest in it though.”

“Is that why she can cook?” Rosabel asked suddenly. When Rosalin raised her eyebrows she shrugged and elaborated. “I went down to the kitchens with Mother once, on the morning of a party, and she was having a really detailed discussion with Mrs Watson about the menu. Mrs Watson was cook at the time” she added in parenthesis, glancing at Lady Brown. “I asked Tansy Lillico about it, and she said Mother was a highly trained cook. I thought it was just a sort of accomplishment, but now I suppose she trained for a reason.”

“Because she was working in a tea shop” Lady Brown agreed. “Her first winter there she went to London and took some courses.”

“This just all seems so strange” Rosabel burst out. “Mother working in a tea shop. It’s all wrong. She’s much too grand.”

It was hard to read Lady Brown’s expression behind her glasses but Rosalin sensed she was weighing her words carefully.

“Your mother could be very stately – I think that is a more accurate description than grand – but that was just one aspect of her personality. When I first met her she was eighteen and in many ways still a schoolgirl. I saw her regularly for several years and naturally she changed a lot in that time, but she still had a great sense of fun and a desire to do something in life, no matter how lowly. I would be surprised if she’s altered so much since. It’s rare for people to completely lose an aspect of themselves, particularly once they are adults. Usually circumstances just bring another side to the fore for a time.”

Rosabel nodded, plainly still struggling and Karen paused for a moment, considering. Clearly she couldn’t leave matters as they were, but the girls had had about enough for one day and were unlikely to have fully absorbed everything she had told them by the time they were all able to leave the hut.

“What are you going to tell your mother?” she asked, before the silence could become oppressive.

Scowling, Rosabel looked at her sandwich papers again.

“Nothing for the moment” Rosalin answered after a pause. “It’s not really the sort of thing we could put in a letter. I suppose we’ll have to say something to her at Christmas though.”

“How do you think she’ll feel?” Lady Brown asked.

“No idea” Rosabel replied flatly. “I don’t think I know anything about her any more.”

Rosalin just shrugged and shook her head slightly, looking worried. Unexpectedly she remembered the day when Roddy had asked if they could have the photos of Father out again.

“Would it help if I explained matters to her?” Lady Brown suggested. “I’m sure she has good reasons for not telling you certain things, and it might be easier for everyone if she has some warning before you discuss it with her.”

Rosalin nodded, looking hopeful.

“Would you really?” Rosabel said. “That would make it a lot easier to face her.”

Lady Brown took a pencil from her pocket and, reaching over into Rosabel’s lap, picked up the sandwich paper. She wrote something on it and passed it back. “This is my telephone number” she said. “I shall be in London during December and January, staying with an old school friend. Let me know when and where you are due to arrive back in London, and I’ll time my meeting with your mother accordingly. I’ll explain to Miss Charlesworth that I’m an old friend of your mother’s and I’ve asked you to let me know exactly when you get back so that I can choose the best time to visit her. Are you happy with that arrangement?”

The twins nodded gratefully.

Author:  roversgirl [ Sat Mar 22, 2008 6:22 am ]
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Thanks for the update :) - am looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Author:  Alison H [ Sat Mar 22, 2008 8:20 am ]
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Thanks for the update. I'm assuming that the old friend in London is Tazy?

Author:  abbeybufo [ Sat Mar 22, 2008 9:04 am ]
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Thanks Rosalin - good to see this continued

Author:  Karoline [ Sat Mar 22, 2008 11:20 am ]
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Thanks for the update Rosalin :D

Author:  MaryR [ Sat Mar 22, 2008 1:33 pm ]
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Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  Chelsea [ Sat Mar 22, 2008 4:55 pm ]
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I've been busily reading the transcripts - mainly the non-Abbey ones right now, though I did read the first few Abbeys and the Abbeys that are also considered part of other series.

So, I know who Lady Brown is, and the Roses aunts, and Tansy Lillico and Roddy. I haven't 'met' the girls yet.

Thanks for introducing me to these people!

Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Mar 22, 2008 9:16 pm ]
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Thanks for the updates. I think I am going to have to read the transcripts soon as I enjoyed the Abbey serries but can not remember all the people in the series.

Author:  Miss Di [ Sun Mar 23, 2008 5:13 am ]
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Thanks for the update Rosalin, I'm just as intrigued as the Roses as to why the secrets!

Author:  Rosalin [ Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:47 pm ]
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Thanks for all the comments. As well as being encouraging, they have made me tighten several possible holes in the plot, in particular to do with Rosamund's reasons for keeping some of her past a secret. I know it appears out of character for the Rosamund who ended the series, I just hope the reasons for her change turn out to be convincing.

At about the same time as Lady Brown was finishing her conversation with the twins, Miss Pennyfold opened the door cautiously and gave a sigh of relief at the sight that greeted her. The mist, so thick just a few hours ago, was now being chased away by an energetic breeze and an unexpectedly warm autumn sun.

Sixteen o’clock found the two parties setting out from the hut across a pleasantly warm alm. Some of the younger girls were grousing a little at what they saw as a too-short adventure, but all the adults were most relieved to be spared a night’s unplanned camping.

Rosabel and Rosalin paired off for the walk down to the Bahnhof and managed to keep their distance from Rosalin’s particular friends. Once everyone was clustered on the platform this became much more difficult and Elisabeth managed to catch Rosalin just as the train glided into view.

“What were you talking about for so long with Lady Brown” Elisabeth asked with friendly curiosity.

Rosalin shot a look at Rosabel who shook her head.

“Not much” Rosalin replied. “Turns out Lady Brown knew Mother years back. She recognised us and told us some stories about Mother before she and Father were married.”

“What sort of stories?” Elisabeth asked, interested.

“Nothing in particular” Rosalin snapped, surprising herself as much as Elisabeth with the vehemence of her response. “Sorry” she added seeing Elisabeth’s hurt look. “It’s just she told us some things which were a bit of a shock, and we’d rather not discuss it.”

“Oh, alright” said Elisabeth, still slightly sore. But she gave Rosalin a quick smile before she turned to get on the train which was now waiting for them.

***

The rest of the half term holiday passed with out incident. Both twins were a little subdued, but most of the form were still paying Rosabel as little attention as possible, and Rosalin was so quiet by nature that only her immediate friends noticed any difference. Elisabeth had told Ruth of her conversation with Rosalin on the Bahnhof platform and both girls were tactful enough to leave the twins alone. So it came about that by the time they arrived back on the Gornetz Platz the twins had not discussed the meeting in the shed with any one.

Once they were back in school however, they lost no time in finding a deserted music room in which to talk.

Safely closeted in there, they found they both had a lot less to say than they had thought.

“Are we going to tell the others?” Rosalin asked after they had stared at each other for a few minutes.

“No!” said Rosabel decidedly. When Rosalin didn’t say anything she added, less forcefully, “Do you think we should?”

“No, I don’t” Rosalin replied. “It’s Mother’s secret, not ours. It’s going to be awkward enough explaining that we know, without having passed it on to anyone else. And she might really mind us knowing.”

“D’you think she might never tell them?” Rosabel said, half liking the idea of sharing a secret with just Rosalin and their Mother, but realising as well how hurt Rosanna and Rosilda would be if they ever found out.”

“Of course not” said Rosalin dismissively. “Now that we know, she can’t keep it a secret. Just think of the things we’ve all assumed which have turned out to be wrong. Could you manage to not let on when all the others were saying things and you knew different? I don’t think I could.”

“Probably not” Rosabel said, thinking about it for a minute.

“Even if we could manage, they’d find out somehow. Now we’re getting older we will be going to more places without Mother and people will talk to us as about real things, not just things that children are supposed to be interested in.”

Rosabel smiled suddenly. “Margaret Marchwood once told me it was amazing how much she found out once people had stopped doing pas devant les enfants around her.”

Rosalin nodded. “And all that aside, now that we know, Roddy and Hugh would have to be told. They can’t not know when we do. But we agree not to tell anyone ourselves, yes? We’ll see what Mother says first.”

Rosabel nodded, but said nothing. After a minute Rosalin continued “Do you want to talk about the rest of it. What Lady Brown actually said, I mean.”

“Nooo” Rosabel said hesitantly. Her twin waited, so she added “Not yet anyway. I’d rather think about it first.”

But she knew she who ever she might be able to talk to, it wouldn’t be Rosalin. Rosalin would just be too fair about it all. And it didn’t seem right asking her younger sister to listen to her worries. Suddenly Rosabel was homesick. She wanted to talk to an adult in her family, who would understand without too much explanation. Aunty Joan and Uncle Jack would be just right. Or Roddy, she thought, surprising herself.

Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:57 pm ]
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Hope she remembers there are such things as letters!!
I think a letter to Joan might help a lot.

And I get to first to respond to two new posts in one evening

Author:  ibarhis [ Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:47 pm ]
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Or Jen, or Maidlyn...

I'm so looking forward to the whys and wherefores of this!

Author:  Miss Di [ Tue Mar 25, 2008 2:35 am ]
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ibarhis wrote:
I'm so looking forward to the whys and wherefores of this!



Me too! Sorry, I know me too posts are frowned upon but am V. Busy and sneaking a look while eating a sarnie (avacado, semi dried tomato, fancy lettuce, chicken and brie, very nice thanks) while writing a report.

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Mar 25, 2008 7:50 am ]
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Poor Rosabel - it must have been very hard for the girls when they needed someone from home to turn to and were so far away.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Tue Mar 25, 2008 5:44 pm ]
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I wonder which of the 'aunts' she is closest to? Interesting that she's thinking of Roddy in what could be seen as his 'uncle' role.

Thanks Rosalin

Author:  ibarhis [ Fri Apr 04, 2008 2:07 pm ]
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Any chance of an update to this?

Author:  Rosalin [ Sat Apr 19, 2008 12:12 pm ]
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Small update at last. Hoping to get the next bit up this weekend as well.

Unfortunately, not telling anyone else was a lot harder than they thought it would be.

While only Elisabeth and Ruth were aware of the tensions surrounding the twins’ conversation with Lady Brown, most of the form had noticed her singling them out and talking with them. Neither Rosabel nor Rosalin had realised that this had been noticed so it was a considerable shock when Rosilda cornered Rosabel in the common room one afternoon just after Kaffee und Kuchen. Rosilda would have preferred to have asked Rosalin, but she was having a singing lesson. That the sensible course of action would have been to wait until Rosalin was free didn’t occur to Rosilda. She had heard a strange story and she wanted an explanation.

“Rosabel” said Rosilda. “What’s this about you meeting a friend of Mother’s on the half term trip?”

“Who told you that?” Rosabel asked, shocked. She had been relaxing and reading a magazine, the revelations about her mother for once not at the forefront of her mind.

“Felicity” Rosilda responded. “Claire and I were hearing about your adventures at half term, and the other school you met. Gredel said that this Lady Brown was talking to you and Rosalin and Felicity said that she was a friend of Mother’s. What’s a friend of Mother’s doing in Switzerland?”

“None of your business” snapped Rosabel without thinking.

Rosilda went white. “It’s just as much mine as yours” she said.

“You weren’t there. You wouldn’t understand.” Rosabel responded.

Rosilda, always conscious of being the youngest of the double-two, misunderstood. “I’m perfectly capable of understanding. It’s you being superior and mysterious which stops me. If anything I’m more capable than you. I did beat you in the form lists, in case you had forgotten.”

It was now Rosabel’s turn to go white. “I hate you Rosilda Kane” she choked and walked out of the common room. Rosilda watched her go, feeling both satisfied and ashamed.

Author:  roversgirl [ Sat Apr 19, 2008 12:15 pm ]
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Thanks for the update :) Looking forward to seeing where this goes...

Author:  Alison H [ Sat Apr 19, 2008 12:24 pm ]
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Oh dear. I'm sure that the last thing Karen wanted was to cause any problems, but this is getting awkward.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Sat Apr 19, 2008 2:33 pm ]
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Didn't think it was a good idea for the older pair of twins not to tell the younger ones what had happened . . .

Thanks Rosalin

Author:  ibarhis [ Sat Apr 19, 2008 7:25 pm ]
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Not the most comfortable of incidents but I'm so pleased this is back.

a

Author:  LauraMcC [ Sat Apr 19, 2008 8:17 pm ]
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I've been following this for a while, and I'm pleased it's back. I hope that Rosilda and Rosabel soon make it up, and that the younger two find out about their mother's secret. It can't have been an easy situation for either of them.

Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:54 am ]
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In a more fortunate turn to the day’s events, the first person Rosabel saw in the corridor was Rosalin. After one look at her twin’s face, Rosalin took her arm and pulled her into the nearest form room, empty at this point in the afternoon.

“What happened?” Rosalin asked.

“Felicity Jackson told Rosilda that we had met a friend of Mother’s at half term and Rosilda wanted to know all about it.”

“Oh dear” Rosalin said.

“Oh dear! Is that all you’ve got to say.”

“Well yes, actually.” Rosalin’s tone was a lot sharper than usual. “I’m having trouble taking all this on board too. Oh dear is about the best expression of my feelings that I can manage.”

“Sorry” Rosabel murmured, calming down a little. Then her expression changed. “How did Felicity know Lady Brown was Mother’s friend anyhow?”

Rosalin shrugged. “She was standing next to us on the platform when I said that to Elisabeth. If that was all she heard she’d have no reason to think it was a secret.”

“I suppose” Rosabel said doubtfully. “Knowing Felicity though, she probably didn’t think at all.”

Rosalin’s silence attested to the truth of this remark. “What did you tell Rosilda?” She asked after a moment.

“Nothing” Rosabel said defiantly. Rosalin looked at her questioningly and she elaborated. “I wouldn’t tell her anything about Lady Brown, and then we both got angry and said things.”

Rosalin raised her eyebrows. “What sort of things.”

“Just things. Angry ones.”

Rosalin sighed. “Do you think we ought to tell her?”

“No” said Rosabel emphatically. “We agreed.” Seeing Rosalin looked doubtful she continued “Do you want to explain it?”

“Definitely not” Rosalin said decisively.

“Well then, nor do I. And we agreed it was Mother’s secret.”

Rosalin didn’t argue any further but she wasn’t wholly comfortable at leaving Rosilda in this state of half-knowledge. Rosabel saw her twin’s unease but couldn’t see any way out of the situation.

***

Rosilda too had discussed the situation with her twin. Like Rosabel she didn’t go into the details of the quarrel, but she told Rosanna all she had heard about their mother. To the worked up Rosilda, Rosanna was disappointingly matter-of-fact.

“Well of course Mother will have friends from before she was married. It’s a strange coincidence, Rosabel and Rosalin meeting her in a hut in Switzerland, but I don’t see what you’re getting so worked up about.”

“It’s not the fact that Lady Brown exists, there’s more to it that Rosabel won’t tell us.”

“Maybe there isn’t. If Rosabel was in a temper already she might have said that just to make you rise. And it sounds like you did.”

“Do you think so” Rosilda asked, half convinced.

“I don’t know, I wasn’t there.” Rosanna answered. “Maybe there was more to it. But Rosabel won’t tell you if she doesn’t want to.”

Author:  abbeygirl [ Sun Apr 20, 2008 12:04 pm ]
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Now I REALLY want to know Ros's secret. How well you are developing the very different charcters Rosalin... Am enjoying this..

Author:  abbeybufo [ Sun Apr 20, 2008 12:09 pm ]
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This gets more and more intriguing - thanks Rosalin - waiting with bated breath for the next instalment :D

Author:  Alison H [ Sun Apr 20, 2008 1:22 pm ]
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Yes, I'd like to know what the mystery in Rosamund's past was too!

Thank you so much for writing this, Rosabel - there are so many themes that EJO's Swiss books and EBD's Chalet School books have in common and it's lovely to see the two series (I always think that "serieses" would sound better :lol: ) brought together.

Author:  MaryR [ Sun Apr 20, 2008 3:39 pm ]
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Thanks, Rosalin - from one who still has trouble differentiating the four girls! :lol:

Author:  linda [ Sun Apr 20, 2008 3:44 pm ]
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Alison H wrote:
Yes, I'd like to know what the mystery in Rosamund's past was too!

Thank you so much for writing this, Rosabel - there are so many themes that EJO's Swiss books and EBD's Chalet School books have in common and it's lovely to see the two series (I always think that "serieses" would sound better :lol: ) brought together.


I quite agree. I always thought it was a shame that EJO did not carry on writing about the youngest of the Abbey children as they grew up. I would have like to hear more about the four Roses.

Thank you Rosalin, I'm really enjoying this.

Author:  BethC [ Sun Apr 20, 2008 6:51 pm ]
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This is really developing - thank you!

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Sun Apr 20, 2008 8:05 pm ]
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I do hope it's not too long before we hear just what Ros' secret was, and that both sets of twins will be able to understand the true answer why she wouldn't ever go to Switzerland after her marriage.

Thanks Rosalin - I really am enjoying this.

Author:  LauraMcC [ Sun Apr 20, 2008 8:20 pm ]
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Thank you for this - I'm enjoying reading about the four Roses, and look forward to hearing about why Ros decided to keep her friendship a secret.

Author:  Miss Di [ Mon Apr 21, 2008 3:20 am ]
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TWO lovely updates! Thanks and I look forward to more.

Author:  Karoline [ Mon Apr 21, 2008 7:31 am ]
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Thanks for the updates, I'm curious to learn why Rosamund hasn't told the twins about her life.

Author:  Emma A [ Wed Apr 23, 2008 4:57 pm ]
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This is really interesting, Rosalin. I've only read a couple of the Abbey books, and never really felt greatly attached to any of the characters (apart from Mary-Dorothy). You've made the four Roses into very distinctive characters, and I'm looking forward to reaing more about their schooldays.

I really like Phil in this, too.

Thank-you.

Author:  Rosalin [ Wed Apr 23, 2008 10:30 pm ]
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Thanks for the comments.

After Abendessen Rosalin, with permission from Miss Charlesworth, went to visit Rosanna in the Senior Middles’ common room.

She found Rosanna doing a jigsaw with some friends and looking untroubled. The speed with which Rosanna agreed to a private talk suggested that she was at least a little concerned.

“So” she said once they were sitting in a quiet corner. “Are you going to tell me about this Lady Brown?”

“I can’t” Rosalin said.

“Why not?” Rosanna wasn’t antagonistic, just gently curious.

“We agreed not to.”

“With her, or just with each other?”

“Just each other. She told us things about Mother, things which we had never even suspected. Some of it was quite a shock. But because the secrets she told us are Mother’s we felt they aren’t for us to talk about, even to you.”

Rosanna nodded. “Real secrets, or just things we didn’t know?”

“Is there a difference?” Rosalin asked, rhetorically, and continued. “It was more of a shock for Rosabel which is why she argued with Rosilda, I think. Especially after what happened earlier when she had to help the domestic staff as a punishment. I suppose you heard about that?”

“Rosilda told me. I don’t think it’s generally known though.”

“Well that’s something I suppose” Rosalin said distractedly. “Look, I’m sorry about not being able to tell you two all about it, but we need Mother to know we know before we go telling anyone else. I’ve suggested to Rosabel that it might be best if she just tries to avoid Rosilda for a while as they do seem to rub each other up the wrong way when they’re both angry. Do you think you could say something similar to Rosilda?”

Rosanna nodded, surprised by how Rosalin seemed to have taken charge of the situation. “I’ll have a go but I don’t know if it will do any good.”

“It should do, she listens to you, you know.”

Rosanna laughed.

“Really she does” Rosalin insisted. “Rosabel didn’t mean to upset her, she was just upset herself. It was a great surprise, hearing what Lady Brown had to say about Mother but I think it was worse for Rosabel than me.”

Rosanna just raised her eyebrows and waited for her older sister to continue.

Rosalin stood up to leave. “I am really sorry about only half telling you like this. You do understand, don’t you?”

“I do” said Rosanna with emphasis. “If it’s as top secret as all that then you can’t really say anything. It’s a pity that Rosilda got wind of anything, but it is awfully hard to keep secrets in a community like this.”

Rosalin smiled gratefully and turned to go. A sudden impulse made her turn back and confide in Rosanna more than she had intended. “I just never thought of Mother being anyone but the person she is now. It was a shock to find out what she did before she met Father and how she lived.”

Rosalin left the room without seeing the confounded look on Rosanna’s face.

“That’s a secret?” she said blankly to the empty chair.

Author:  roversgirl [ Thu Apr 24, 2008 4:36 am ]
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Thanks for the update. Am looking forward to the next bit :)

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Apr 24, 2008 6:45 am ]
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I've got a horrible feeling she's made it worse - if you tell people a small part of a story they then imagine all sorts as the rest of it.

Thanks Rosalin - really enjoying this.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Thu Apr 24, 2008 7:34 am ]
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So do the younger twins know more than the older ones, or just notice more? Or - do I remember it was Rosanna who was closest to Roddy - he knows about the 'before' so maybe he's told her . . . hmmm - intriguing once again :D

Thanks Rosalin

Author:  Karoline [ Thu Apr 24, 2008 8:03 am ]
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Thanks for the update Rosalin

Author:  Caroline [ Thu Apr 24, 2008 10:03 am ]
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Thanks, Rosalin.

I hope that means that Rosanna, at least, isn't completely ignorant of the story of Rosamund's early life...

And I know Rosabel is finding all this settling down at school thing quite hard (she seems to have been more hung up on being The Lady Rosabel, oldest daughter of the Earl of Kentisbury, than anyone knew, even she herself), but she does seem to be over reacting a little to the news that Ros wasn't always The Countess... I wonder what's behind it all...

:D

Author:  ibarhis [ Thu Apr 24, 2008 11:12 am ]
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You could read the comment differently... that she was surprised that there was a secret because she hadn't considered what her mother's early life had been...

Either way, I'm really enjoying this and want more... please!

Author:  Emma A [ Thu Apr 24, 2008 12:17 pm ]
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Lovely update, Rosalin. So has Rosanna knowledge that she hadn't known that the others didn't know? (sounds a bit Rumsfeldian, but I hope you catch my drift!) Intriguing...

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Thu Apr 24, 2008 3:21 pm ]
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Certainly sounds as if Rosanna may know (or at least sense) something the other 3 don't know, and Abbeybufo's suggestion that Roddy may have told her something about their mother's earlier life seems a very valid one to me.

Thanks, Rosalin - I will be very interested to see how this develops.

Author:  Rosalin [ Fri Apr 25, 2008 9:16 am ]
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Thanks for all the comments. While I'm being deliberately mysterious about some things :D it's very helpful to know of other aspects which aren't clear for when I pull it all together.

Loved Emma A saying her comment was Rumsfeldian. I think I might have to start using that as a description of things I say. Rumsfeld's bit about known knowns etc always made perfect sense to me. Should I have admitted that?


Following this meeting things calmed down a little for the Kane girls. Rosabel heeded Rosalin’s advice and tried to stay out of Rosilda’s way. Rosanna, slightly tentatively, suggested the same to Rosilda and was quite surprised when Rosilda took her advice seriously. And the two younger girls soon had a new interest to occupy them.

The country dance practices they had been running had developed into a fully fledged dancing club. Miss Creighton had overall responsibility for it but it was ably run by Rosanna and Rosilda. They had improved the style of the dancing and taught several new ones. Some of the girls had formed an additional group and been working on Morris.

During the first practice after half term Miss Creighton asked the twins to remain behind for a few moments.

“Miss Annersley has heard from Lady Russell, the founder of the school today” she told them when everyone else had left. “Lady Russell is writing this year’s Christmas Play, and she wanted to give us advance warning that there will be some Morris dancers needed. You will naturally be two of them and we need to choose another ten. We can’t use anyone who is likely to be wanted for an acting part and unfortunately we don’t know what the parts are yet.”

“What is the play about?” Rosilda asked.

“We don’t even know that. Traditionally it is a secret until Miss Annersley gathers the whole school together for a reading. Even she doesn’t know yet. Lady Russell telephoned to let us know as she knew we would need to get practising.”

“I know she founded the school” Rosilda mused “but I’m surprised she knows when a new club is set up. I wouldn’t have thought she would have time to pay attention to details like that.”

“I don’t believe she heard about it officially” Miss Creighton explained. “Her eldest granddaughter is Joanna McCullough in Lower IVB. I understand Lady Russell decided to write in the Morris dancers after hearing about the club in one of Joanna’s letters. I think Joanna is certainly someone we should consider using in a side.”

“Absolutely” Rosanna exclaimed enthusiastically. “What about Zoe Maynard and Doxie Helston, or are they too young?”

The three of them settled down to discuss the composition of the two sides.

***

The rest of the school settled down to some steady work after the welcome break of their half term trips. The next big excitement came about a month later when the girls woke up one morning to a view of white swirling snowflakes. For three days they were confined to the school with plenty of gym and dancing to work off some of their energies. The fourth day dawned clear and cold, and all the girls arrived in the Speisesaal anticipating Miss Annersley’s announcement of a morning’s winter sports.

The announcement duly came and after their morning chores everyone streamed down stairs dressed in the school’s gentian blue skiing kit. The girls who had been up on the Platz for more than two terms all made their way to the fields which the school used for skiing, the mistresses and prefects helping the younger and less experienced ones along.

A few of the mistresses and prefects came along more slowly, shepherding those girls who had been new that term or the previous and so hadn’t yet been assessed by a member of the winter sports team.

All four of the Roses had learnt to ski on family holidays in Sweden and while not accomplished were capable of staying upright and getting about. Mlle de Lachenais soon passed them all as competent and sent them off to the intermediate slope to join a group which was being overseen by Cecil Maynard.

“Who lives over there?” Rosabel asked Cecil idly as they were taking a breather about half an hour later.

“No-one at the moment” Cecil replied. The chalet is called the Elisehütte. It’s sometimes rented by relatives of patients at the San. When the San specialised in TB there were lots of relatives living up here, sometimes for years at a time. Now the San has branched out more there is less need for accommodation and so people stay in the more central chalets and hotels. I don’t think anyone has used the Elisehütte for a couple of years now.” Her tone changed suddenly. “Hey you two, do be careful” she called to Rosanna and Rosilda. “A nice problem you’d cause for the Christmas Play if you break your legs.”

Cecil skied off after a rather sheepish Rosanna, leaving Rosabel contemplating the chalet and wondering where her mother had lived while she was staying with her grandmother in Switzerland. It once again amazed her just how much she didn’t know about her mother.

Author:  abbeygirl [ Fri Apr 25, 2008 9:34 am ]
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Thanks for the update but this hasn't answered many questions yet you know........ Are you sure you can't manage an itty bitty post later on?

Author:  Rosalin [ Fri Apr 25, 2008 9:39 am ]
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But the next one isn't going to answer anything either :twisted:

Author:  Alison H [ Fri Apr 25, 2008 9:44 am ]
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Rosalin wrote:
But the next one isn't going to answer anything either :twisted:


Noooo .... :lol:

Author:  JB [ Fri Apr 25, 2008 9:46 am ]
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But if you have the next one ready to post it would be cruel to keep it from us ...

Author:  abbeybufo [ Fri Apr 25, 2008 9:47 am ]
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Rosalin wrote:
But the next one isn't going to answer anything either :twisted:


Of course it won't - you're stringing us along very nicely here, Lisa - and as for you, Fi, you're a fine one to complain about leaving people hanging in mid-air :twisted:

Author:  ibarhis [ Fri Apr 25, 2008 9:50 am ]
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So will the Roses invite Rosamund to come and see the play?

Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Apr 27, 2008 9:11 pm ]
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Cliffs. more cliffs!!! These last weeks as well, o well we will get the answers some time.

Author:  Miss Di [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 6:56 am ]
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ibarhis wrote:
So will the Roses invite Rosamund to come and see the play?


And if they do will she come?

Author:  MaryR [ Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:02 pm ]
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Rosalin wrote:
But the next one isn't going to answer anything either :twisted:

Then cobble two together so it will! :witch:

Thanks, Rosalin. :D

Author:  Rosalin [ Wed Apr 30, 2008 6:09 pm ]
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MaryR wrote:
Rosalin wrote:
But the next one isn't going to answer anything either :twisted:

Then cobble two together so it will! :witch:
Well I've stuck a couple of bits together here, but I wouldn't say that there are any answers yet :twisted:
As I know nothing about Morris dancing I've picked the two dances with which Cicely starts off her side in Girls of the Hamlet Club. I hope this means they are feasible for a group of novices.
I'm very grateful to my friends Gill and Andrew for suggesting a Christmas Play. I'd been thinking about it for months and couldn't come up with anything :roll:


The two Morris sides had been practising for a few weeks and were coming on well when, one Saturday in late November, Miss Annersley made an announcement at the end of Mittagessen.

“After Kaffee und Kuchen today I would like you all to assemble in the Hall for the reading of the Christmas play. Anyone who is reported for misbehaviour this afternoon will miss it and spend the evening in bed.”

The excitement mounted steadily all afternoon and the mistresses were glad that it was fine and everyone could work off their feelings outside. Miss Annersley, having forseen the reaction, had called a snowball fight between the houses. St Clare’s emerged triumphant from this having beaten first St Agnes’ and then St Thérèse’s.

After this there was just time for them all to go in and change before the bell called them to Kaffee und Kuchen. This was always overseen by the prefects, so it was a surprise to find Miss Ferrars waiting for them as they streamed in to the Speisesaal. When everyone was seated she moved forwards.

“Will Rosabel and Rosanna Kane please wait behind for a few minutes after Kaffee und Kuchen. Thank you.”

“What have you done now?” Mary Winterton joked to Rosanna.

“No idea” Rosanna replied calmly, spreading blackcurrant jam on her bread.

“I bet it’s something to do with the play” Diana said. “Ferry’s producer you know” she added to Rosanna.

“I didn’t know” Rosanna answered, with a quickening of interest. “In that case why Rosabel? I would understand if she wanted to speak to Rosilda and me.”

Diana grinned wickedly. “Maybe Rosilda has done something really terrible and has been chucked out.”

Mary looked suddenly thoughtful and gazed around the room. “Maybe not” she said cryptically.

***

Once the tables had been cleared the girls formed lines and marched off to the Splasheries to tidy up. Rosabel and Rosanna waited to one side and as soon as the last line had marched out Miss Ferrars came in to join them.

“I won’t keep you long girls” she said briskly. “Now that we have the full details of the Christmas play we have found we need to make a slight change to the Morris side. The senior school is quite short of strong sopranos at the moment so we need Rosilda and Rosalin to be involved in the singing.” She turned to look at Rosabel. “That means that we need you join Rosanna in the Morris dancing. I understand that you are all used to dancing together so I hope this won’t be a problem.”

“No Miss Ferrars” Rosabel said, her face lighting up at this opportunity. As a new girl, and not being in the dancing, she hadn’t expected anything distinctive to do in the play. “What are the dances Rosanna?”

“Blue-eyed Stranger and Laudnum Bunches” Rosanna told her. “Rosilda and I have done a lot of practice with the two sides and I think everyone is coming on really well. I’d be grateful for your opinion though, a fresh look at everything is probably just what we need right now.”

Rosabel smiled, pleased at the unconditional welcome from Rosanna.

“I must let you go now or you’ll be late for the reading” Miss Ferrars exclaimed looking at her watch. “Do either of you want to wash? No, then just slip into the Hall and join your forms please.”

***

Rosabel and Rosanna entered the Hall just as the mistresses were taking their place on the dais. When everyone was settled Miss Annersley stepped up to the lectern.

“This year’s Christmas Play is called ‘On the Feast of Stephen’ and it is set at the court of Good King Wenceslas” she told them. “We start with the court’s Christmas celebrations. The Good King and his wife are rejoicing at the birth of their baby son, the heir to the kingdom. Wenceslaus’ ambitious brother Boleslav and his wife are less pleased. Boleslav had hoped to inherit the throne himself and his wife wants power for herself and their two sons. Although the King is very devout, his brother has become obsessed with thoughts of power and has been neglecting his religion. The rest of the court and even the servants have been following Boleslav’s lead and the King and Queen are saddened by the intrigues and pagan revels which have passed for Christmas celebrations. The King remonstrates with his niece Ludmila when she expresses her disbelief in the events of the first Christmas but she isn’t interested in listening to his wise speech and runs off to join her brothers in their revels. Then the King absents himself from the festivities and goes to stand at a quiet window where he sees a poor man gathering firewood.”

Miss Annersley paused and smiled around at the listening girls. “I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you which carol we will be singing here.” A laugh from all corners of the Hall showed that indeed she did not. “After the carol, the King and the page find themselves in the poor man’s hut. He and his family are very devout and the King rejoices at the simple faith he finds there. The page, who is one of Boleslav’s servants, is unfamiliar with the Nativity, and he is deeply moved by the poor family’s telling of the Story. When it is finished, Ludmila and her brothers are revealed to have followed their uncle and heard the story. It strikes a chord with them too, and they urge the family to come with them to the court to make everyone aware of this wonderful Story. The family agree and as they tell the Story to the court the intrigues cease and for a short time they can all see the glory of that first Christmas. The play will end with our usual tableau of the stable, with all of the characters watching from the sidelines.”

As Miss Annersley finished speaking the school signified its approval of this year’s play with thunderous applause. Then Miss Annersley called several of the staff up to join her and they proceeded to read through the play.

***

Once the read through had been completed Miss Annersley announced the parts. Daphne Bettany was King Wenceslaus and Abigail Peterson was his Queen. Cecil Maynard was Prince Boleslav’s wife and her little sister Vicky was one of the poor man’s children. Celia Winterton, Mary’s younger sister, was to be Ludmila and St Joseph was to be played by Lois Graves.

“You may have noticed that this play calls for very few soloists” Miss Annersley told them. “At the moment we have very few girls who are soloist material and so we have found ourselves taking the unusual step of giving a new girl a solo part. The page will therefore be played by Rosilda Kane. As many of you know, Rosilda and Rosanna have been training some Morris dancers for the Play. Rosilda’s place in the Morris side will be taken by her sister Rosabel.”

Rosilda and Rosabel both stared up at their headmistress, stunned.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Wed Apr 30, 2008 6:16 pm ]
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Thanks Rosalin - hope Rosabel can redeem herself now

Author:  roversgirl [ Wed Apr 30, 2008 6:20 pm ]
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Thanks for the updates - am really enjoying this :)

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Wed Apr 30, 2008 6:25 pm ]
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Thanks for the update, Rosalin - I'm really looking forward to seeing how this all evolves.

Author:  Alison H [ Wed Apr 30, 2008 11:07 pm ]
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What a lovely idea for a Christmas play.

Author:  PaulineS [ Thu May 01, 2008 11:49 am ]
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A lovely Christmas play. Glad the twins are involved.

Author:  LauraMcC [ Thu May 01, 2008 7:44 pm ]
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Thanks for the update. Out of interest, what's Rosalin doing in the play, as Rosilda is singing, and the other two are dancing?

It's a lovely story, anyway, and I think that the play sounds wonderful.

Author:  Rosalin [ Fri May 02, 2008 8:59 am ]
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As you were wondering Laura...

In the common rooms on Sunday, everyone was buzzing with talk of the Play.

Rosalin, after an awful moment of wondering wildly if she was going to be the page, was most relieved to find herself in the choir. She spent most of the day trying to keep an eye on her sisters. Rosabel had no illusions about her singing, knowing that Rosalin and Rosilda were the gifted ones in that respect. However her pleasure in the dancing, which she had wished to be involved in ever since the younger twins had begun teaching, had been spoiled by the knowledge that she was only there because Rosilda was wanted for something better.

Rosalin didn’t need to worry. Rosabel had no wish to hear any potentially hurtful comments from Rosilda and stayed well out of her way. Rosilda was so thrilled by her part that, after being reassured that Rosanna didn’t mind the change of places in the Morris side, she spared no further thought for her sisters.

Soon all three of the Kanes in Inter V had more to worry about than their parts in the play.

It started innocuously enough. Most members of the form were gathered together one evening the following week, eagerly discussing the Play. The talk had turned to who would be the Guest of Honour and open the proceedings. It had become traditional for this to be done by someone distinguished who was connected with the school. In the past these people had included the Crown Princess of Belsornia, Jacynth Hardy the cellist and the actress Daphne Cibber.

Just as this interesting point was under discussion, Miss Dene arrived in the Senior Common Room. Her assistant, Fraulein von Ahlen, had been sent for due to her father’s serious illness and so Miss Dene was struggling to keep on top of all her work. She had been at it since seven that morning and now, thirteen hours later she was on her final task. So having found the girls she was seeking, she said passed on the Head’s message with most of Inter V listening.

“Rosabel, have you or your sisters written home to tell your mother about your parts in the Christmas Play?”

Rosabel looked surprised. “Yes Miss Dene, I think Rosalin wrote to Mother on Monday.” She glanced sideways at Rosalin who nodded.

“Good” said Miss Dene briskly. “Miss Annersley has asked me to contact your Mother and ask her if she would be our Guest of Honour this year, but we didn’t want to spoil the surprise if you hadn’t let her know about your parts yet. I’ll send her an invitation tomorrow. We’d really love to have her, and Miss Annersley hopes you will pass the invitation on to her too, next time you write.”

“Please don’t ask her” Rosabel said desperately. She felt she wouldn’t be able to bear it if everyone knew that her mother had turned down the invitation, as she surely would.

Miss Dene looked amazed. “Don’t you want your mother to come and see you perform? It would also mean a lot to the school to have her as our Guest of Honour.

“Please don’t” Rosabel repeated.

“What about your sisters?” Miss Dene asked her. “Wouldn’t they like their mother to come to see the Play and the School?”

Rosalin looked uncomfortable and avoided catching anyone’s eye. Rosilda looked at Miss Dene. “Rosabel’s right” she said. “We would prefer it if you didn’t ask Mother.”

“Very well then” Miss Dene said shortly, and left the room.

***

Over the next few days the girls of Inter V tried, in vain, to make the Roses change their minds. It was pointed out to them many times that personal feelings should be put aside for the good of the school.

Rosabel was asked, slightly maliciously, if she thought her mother was too good for a school event and, when she wouldn’t answer, this came to be the accepted view.

Moll, Claire, Ruth and Elisabeth stood by their particular friends, but a distinct frostiness was noticeable between the Kane girls and the rest of the form. This rift was worse than the previous one as all three girls were resolute in their insistence that they didn’t want their mother invited to the Christmas Play.

Once again Phil found herself trying to bridge a gap between factions in her form, still determined that she didn’t want help from her mother. And once again Marie-Claire quite innocently gave her away.

ETA This story appears to be writing itself! When I closed the word doc on Wednesday evening I noticed it was exactly 400KB. I came to open it this morning to post this bit and it was 401KB :shock:

Author:  Alison H [ Fri May 02, 2008 9:49 am ]
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Thanks Rosalin!

Author:  abbeybufo [ Fri May 02, 2008 10:17 am ]
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:shock: :shock:

They are really convinced Ros doesn't want to come, aren't they - I wonder why :?
[both why they think it, and why she might not want to . . . :roll: ]

Thanks Rosalin

Author:  ibarhis [ Fri May 02, 2008 10:24 am ]
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Rosamund must have considered that she might have to come to Switzerland when she sent the Double Twins there. They might be being over protective.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Fri May 02, 2008 10:34 am ]
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ibarhis wrote:
Rosamund must have considered that she might have to come to Switzerland when she sent the Double Twins there.


Well one would have thought so . . . the mystery deepens :shock: :D :shock:

Author:  Emma A [ Fri May 02, 2008 11:29 am ]
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This is so interesting, Rosalin. The twins are all horribly sensitive about their mother, aren't they. Is she a bit irrational in the Abbey books, or are her children being over-protective?

Author:  PaulineS [ Fri May 02, 2008 11:36 am ]
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Thanks for the update. The size of documents is a constant puzzle,

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Fri May 02, 2008 12:42 pm ]
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Thanks for the update, Rosalin - one does have to wonder just what has transpired between the 'double two' and their mother to leave them with this conviction that she would refuse any invitation to Switzerland. As Abbeybufo says, the mystery is certainly deepening.

Author:  LauraMcC [ Sat May 03, 2008 9:01 pm ]
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Thanks for the update - I hope that Rosamund does manage to come to Switzerland anyway - it would be great to see her.

Author:  Miss Di [ Mon May 05, 2008 3:22 am ]
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I can't believe that Miss Dene asked the twinses in front of their form. How insensitive!





I can't believe that I'm reacting like it's really happening

Author:  Rosalin [ Tue May 06, 2008 7:37 am ]
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A week later, when the Christmas Play rehearsals were in full swing, Miss Annersley sent Claire over to Freudesheim with a parcel for Joey.

Joey was finding she had far too much time on her hands with all of her children away, so she was delighted to see Claire and rang up Miss Annersley to say that Claire was staying for afternoon tea.

Claire enjoyed having her mother to herself, a rare occurrence in the busy Maynard household, and made the most of her time. She told her mother many stories of what had happened in school that term, including the current rift within Inter V. Whilst loyally standing up for her best friend, Claire had come to believe the general view that the girls’ reluctance to invite their mother was based on snobbishness and this was the version of events which she presented to her mother.

“And so none of the Roses will talk about it any more, and the rest of the form are angry with them for being like that” Claire concluded. I know Phil’s upset about it but she can’t get anyone to back down and I don’t see how we are going to sort this out.”

This story stirred up a variety of emotions in Joey. She was concerned that Phil, for a long time the frailest of her children, was having such difficulties with the form. She was hurt that Phil hadn’t immediately asked to come to Freudesheim to talk about the problem. Most of all she was indignant that anyone would feel that being the Chalet School’s Guest of Honour was beneath them.

“Tell you what, sugar-pie” she said to Claire. “Why don’t I come back to the School with you after tea. I’ll talk some sense into Rosabel for you. Just tell Phil not to worry, Mamma will deal with it.

“Thank-you Mamma” cried Claire, jumping up to help Anna carry the tea things out to the kitchen. “I’m so glad you’re going to sort it all out.”

Author:  Alison H [ Tue May 06, 2008 7:55 am ]
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Hmm - I hope Joey's interfering doesn't make everything worse! It's a shame that the other girls have got the wrong idea, though, but easy to see how it's happened.

Author:  PaulineS [ Tue May 06, 2008 10:02 am ]
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Thanks for the update.

Worried that Joey will make the situation worse not better.

Author:  Emma A [ Tue May 06, 2008 6:53 pm ]
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Not sure in this version whether Joey is sensible or not - her reaction to the joke suggests that she might be wiser not to attempt to butt in. Also not sure that Phil would relish it, either. Still, this goes from strength to strength, Rosalin - really intriguing.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Tue May 06, 2008 7:10 pm ]
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Thanks Rosalin - hope Joey isn't going to do more harm than good :roll:

*wibbles*

Author:  MaryR [ Tue May 06, 2008 8:36 pm ]
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Joey jumped to several conclusions there, didn't she, helped along by Claire's own lack of understanding. And why should Phil always want to rush home to discuss her problems? :cry:

Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  abbeygirl [ Tue May 06, 2008 9:18 pm ]
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This is not too promising.... Wonder if the powers that be will have thought about asking Rosamund anyway - which might be interesting...

Thanks Lisa...

Author:  roversgirl [ Wed May 07, 2008 4:40 am ]
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Thanks for the updates. Am really nejoying this :)

Author:  LauraMcC [ Wed May 07, 2008 11:02 am ]
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Thanks for the update, Rosalin.

I can just see Joey marching in to the school like a bull in a china shop, and demanding that the Roses make their mother come to the school, as nobody is too good for the Chalet School etc, and promptly upsetting everyone. I hope that the misunderstanding gets sorted out soon.

Author:  Rosalin [ Thu May 08, 2008 1:36 pm ]
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I'm finding Joey very hard to write here. I'm trying to stay as true as possible to EBDs characters, but Swiss-era Joey is so annoying that I just can't :roll:

When Joey and Marie-Claire arrived back at the school they found that Hilda, Rosalie and Jeanne had all taken advantage of the fine weather to ski over to St Mildred’s and spend the evening with their friends there. So Joey took possession of the empty Head’s Study and sent Claire off to find Rosabel.

Rosabel was in the Inter V form room doing prep with Daphne Russell in charge. Claire went up to the mistress’ desk where Daphne was sitting, wrestling with some Latin. She apologised for her lateness and explained where she had been. She passed on her mother’s message and then went to her desk to make the most of the remaining prep time.

Daphne, keen not to cause any more disturbance, walked over to Rosabel and bent down. “You’re wanted in the Study” she murmured briefly.

Rosabel was surprised but, having a clear conscience, not too perturbed. If it had been bad news at home, she reasoned, Rosalin and Rosilda would have been sent for too.

She walked rapidly down to the Study and tapped on the door. “Enter” called an unfamiliar voice.

Puzzled, Rosabel walked in, and stopped short on seeing the room’s sole occupant.

“Oh, hello Mrs Maynard” she said. “Do you know where Miss Annersley is? Daphne just said I was to come and see her.”

“Daphne must have got the message mixed up” Mrs Maynard told her. “Miss Annersley is away for the evening and it is I who wanted to see you.”

“Oh yes?” Rosabel asked, trying not to sound too belligerent. She wasn’t sure exactly what authority Mrs Maynard had in the school, but she was an adult after all, so Rosabel was trying to be polite.

“Yes. I wanted to talk to you about the bad feeling in Inter V at the moment. We really can’t let it go on, so I’ve come to sort it out for you.”

“How exactly?” Rosabel asked sceptically.

Joey’s indignation was affecting her usually famed insight into dealing with schoolgirls. “We need to talk about this silly idea you have that this school isn’t good enough for your mother.”

“We do, do we?” Rosabel had lost her temper completely. “Who told you that?”

“Marie-Claire told me about the problem, so I came over to see what I could do about it. How dare you think that the Chalet School is below you. It’s the finest school I’ve ever known. My sister founded it and she wouldn’t countenance anything second rate.”

“For your information” Rosabel almost shouted “I never said it was second rate. Nor did my mother.”

“It’s your father then?” Joey asked angrily, not knowing of his death. “Is he forbidding your mother to come?”

This was the final straw. “How dare you talk about things you don’t understand” she yelled. “It’s none of your business why we don’t want our mother to be invited. It’s personal, and nothing to do with you, the School or the Play. Why can’t everyone just leave us alone.” She tore out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Thu May 08, 2008 1:47 pm ]
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Oops - Joey certainly dropped both feet in it there, didn't she?

Thanks Rosalin, will await further developments with much interest

Author:  abbeybufo [ Thu May 08, 2008 1:48 pm ]
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Oh dear - both feet in mouth there, Jo :lol:

thanks Lisa

Author:  Alison H [ Thu May 08, 2008 2:26 pm ]
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I hope Hilda finds out and has a go at Joey for upsetting Rosabel!

Author:  Jennie [ Thu May 08, 2008 2:33 pm ]
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It wasn't just her own feet in her mouth, it was everyone else's as well.

Author:  LauraMcC [ Thu May 08, 2008 4:01 pm ]
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She certainly wasn't showing her "usually famed insight" there, was she? Did Miss Annersley even know about Joey's going into her study? :shock:

Author:  ibarhis [ Thu May 08, 2008 4:30 pm ]
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Oh dear... that could have gone better!

Author:  PaulineS [ Thu May 08, 2008 4:34 pm ]
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Agree with the others that Joey put her foot in it there. Hope she has not made the situation too difficult for the twins here.
Hope Hilda finds out and speaks to Joey.

Author:  Elbee [ Thu May 08, 2008 10:04 pm ]
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Oh dear, Joey, that wasn't very tactful!

Thanks Rosalin.

Author:  Ruth B [ Fri May 09, 2008 8:51 am ]
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A shame Hilda was away, can't imagine her being too impressed at Joey requisitioning her study and then dragging girls out of prep to wind them up!

Author:  Emma A [ Fri May 09, 2008 1:11 pm ]
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Joey is rather usurping the prerogatives of the Head, isn't she? Rosabel, though she shouldn't have lost her temper, had every provocation, and I feel sorry for all the trouble which is undoubtedly going to fall on her head.

Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  MaryR [ Fri May 09, 2008 3:58 pm ]
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I should duck in case Hilda comes along, Jo! :shock: Very unwise.

Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  MHE [ Fri May 09, 2008 10:23 pm ]
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I expect that somewhere along the line Jo is going to have to eat a very large slice of humble pie :shock: I hope she does n't choke on it :lol:

Author:  Rosalin [ Sat May 10, 2008 7:55 am ]
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I can't quite decide what Hilda's reaction to Joey taking posession of her office will be. Joey's butting in is just taken as a matter of course in the books and while this a bit further than I can ever recall her going, I can't see Hilda being too annoyed about it. Am I just assuming that Joey gets away with more than she actually does?

What Joey said once she was in the office is another matter entirely. Hilda will definitely have plenty to say about that. Fortunately she is still enjoying her evening at St Mildred's so I don't have to worry about her reaction quite yet.


By the time Rosabel, hiding in the Splashery, had calmed down, the bell had gone for the end of prep. She was half expecting to be hauled out and called to account for the way she had spoken to Mrs Maynard. However a few flakes of snow, glimpsed through the Study window, had sent Joey haring back to Freudesheim in anticipation of a rapidly approaching blizzard so Rosabel was reprieved.

Relieved, yet reluctant to face her classmates, Rosabel headed up to the large workshop where Hobbies Club was in progress for the Seniors and Senior Middles.

Daphne had evidently explained Rosabel’s absence to Fraulein von Gluck, the handicrafts mistress, for she made no comment on Rosabel’s lateness.

On arriving at the Chalet School, all four of the Roses had been encouraged to take up new hobbies. Rosabel had chosen painting on china, so she now crossed the room quickly and removed her tea set from the cupboard. She took it to a deserted corner of the table and sat down, glaring at her paints.

“Everything OK at home?” Rosabel was jerked out of her thoughts by a worried voice. She looked up to see Rosilda standing beside her. Rosilda had taken up lace making at the start of the term, and had been finding it a difficult skill to learn. Now she sat down, holding her pillow carefully, and looked at her sister.

“Why shouldn’t it be?” Rosabel asked shortly.

“Daphne said you’d been sent for, and that she didn’t think you were in trouble, so I was worried. You didn’t answer me. Is there anything wrong?”

“Yes, all sorts of things.” Rosabel still hadn’t fully calmed down and Rosilda’s insistent questioning was annoying her. “But don’t worry, if there was anything wrong at home, I’m sure Mother would make sure that you knew.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Rosilda asked in hurt confusion.

“It’s always you first with Mother” Rosabel said, pent up bitterness spilling out. “She wants to know how you are getting on at school, even when she doesn’t have time to talk to the rest of us. She’ll go riding with you, but she’s never free when I ask. You’re even allowed to go with her when she visits Roddy and Hugh but she never takes any of the rest of us.”

Rosilda looked at her in honest bewilderment. “Does she really? I’d never noticed.”

Although honest this was about the worst thing she could have said.

“You get all that and you don’t even notice!” Rosabel’s anguished tone had started to attract attention from further down the table.

Rosilda, normally undemonstrative, had put out her hand with an instinctive desire to comfort her sister. Rosabel, crying now, swiped blindly at Rosilda. She missed the arm which Rosilda was extending towards her, catching the other one instead. Her fingers caught in something and she tore them away.

At Rosilda’s unnatural stillness Rosabel blinked, and looked down at the remains of Rosilda’s lace tangled in her fingers.

Author:  ibarhis [ Sat May 10, 2008 7:59 am ]
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Oh dear, this is more and more tangled (and not just the lace!)

In Abbey world this would need Mary Dorothy or Rachel to sort it out....

Author:  abbeybufo [ Sat May 10, 2008 8:17 am ]
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Oh :shock:

Feeling so sorry for both of them [well all four really, but the eldest and youngest of the four seem to have copped the worst of the situation :cry: ]

Thanks Lisa

Author:  Alison H [ Sat May 10, 2008 9:18 am ]
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Oh dear :( .

Author:  PaulineS [ Sat May 10, 2008 10:53 am ]
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Oh Help!! Joey has caused more problems not less.

I would not like to be Joey when it comes out.

Author:  roversgirl [ Sat May 10, 2008 10:56 am ]
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the poor girls :(

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Sat May 10, 2008 11:48 am ]
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What a tangled web is unravelling - and I don't mean Rosilda's lace, either! Joey's interview with Rosabel has certainly made an already shaky situation between the oldest and youngest Rose a whole lot worse - to give her her due, she will probably be horrified when she realises the reaction she has set off.

I hope someone can step in and find out just what lies behind all of this business over Rosamund before the relationship between the sisters is irreparably damaged - cue for Hilda, I think, in this universe, or Jen Marchwood in the Abbey one - for all their wisdom, I think it might be beyond Mary Dorothy or Rachel.

Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  ibarhis [ Sat May 10, 2008 2:18 pm ]
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Elder in Ontario wrote:
cue for .... Jen Marchwood in the Abbey one - for all their wisdom, I think it might be beyond Mary Dorothy or Rachel.



The interesting thing is that it is often Rosumund herself who sorts things out in the later Abbey books. Depending on the exact nature of the problem, I would also suggest Maidlin or Joan. It really depends on who the twins perceive they can speak to.

Amongs the many questions, those that I can remember that need answering are:

    Why won't Rosamund come to Switzerland? Or indeed is that just perception rather than truth?
    Why has she sent the twins to the Chalet School anyway? Why not the Abbey School? Or indeed St Mary's?
    Why hasn't she told the twins about the time between the Abbey and becoming Countess?

Author:  MaryR [ Sun May 11, 2008 1:41 pm ]
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Oh dear, I do hope neither of them are hurt, what with lace pins, etc. :cry: Bad enough their spirits are hurting.

Thanks, Rosalin

Author:  Rosalin [ Mon May 12, 2008 1:15 pm ]
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Very good questions ibarhis :D They will all be answered eventually.
This is the last bit I have written at the moment. I'm going away to Brecon for almost a week, staying somewhere where I won't have an internet connection :shock: As this will take away a lot of my procrastination aids I should get more written while I am there. So here's a bit to be going on with until next Monday :twisted:


As she stared in horror at Rosilda, Rosabel suddenly remembered the last conversation she had had with her father.

Rosabel had always been close to him, and she had been very worried by his illness. Maidlin, Joan and Cicely had come to Kentisbury when news of the hopelessness of the Earl’s condition had reached them. Maid had been supporting Rosamund, while Joan and Cicely had seen to the children. Joy had invited the baby twins and their nurses to stay with her at the Hall, and Joan and Cicely made sure the Castle was kept as quiet as possible. So the eight older children were kept occupied out of doors or at the Dower house, playing with their cousins Roger, Rosella and Raymond. Their mother, the children’s Aunty Patch, was desperately sympathetic to Rosamund, having lost her own husband at sea before Raymond was born.

One day Rosabel had managed to evade both Joan and Cicely and slipped into her father’s bedroom. She had heard Aunty Maid insisting that Mother went outside for half an hour for some fresh air, and she knew that this was her best opportunity.

The nurse had smiled sympathetically when she saw Rosabel.

“Just a few minutes, and mind you don’t excite his Lordship” she warned.

Geoffrey had managed a tired smile on seeing his eldest daughter.

“Rosabel” he murmured weakly.

“Father” she whispered, shocked by how old he looked.

“You’ve come to say goodbye?”

Rosabel looked frantically at the nurse, who nodded.

“Yes” she said, blinking hard in a vain attempt to keep back the tears.

“I’m sorry I won’t be there for you while you grow up. Just try and remember to think before you speak or act, especially when you are in a temper.”

Rosabel nodded. She had been told this many times but it had never hit home like this before.

“Be good to your Mother and your brothers and sisters, and remember how much I love you.” He closed his eyes, worn out by the effort of talking.

The nurse moved to the bedside and checked his pulse, then took Rosabel’s hand and drew her gently out of the room.

“Is he dead?” Rosabel asked fearfully once they were outside.

“No, he’s just sleeping. Talking makes him very tired, so we need to let him rest now.”

A few days later they had been woken up by Mother and Aunty Maid. Aunty Joan and Aunty Cicely had brought the boys in, and Mother had told them all that Father had died in the night.

***

Rosabel tore herself back to the present. She stared at the torn lace in her hand. She had ruined all Rosilda’s hard work through her temper and lack of thought.

She dropped the lace on the floor and, for the second time that evening, ran out of the room.

Dashing downstairs into the Splashery, she emerged a moment later pulling on her coat. Oblivious to Rosilda who was standing, as if frozen, halfway up the main staircase, Rosabel pulled open the front door and disappeared out into the snow.

Author:  ibarhis [ Mon May 12, 2008 1:28 pm ]
Post subject: 

I so hope you come back with a very large amount written, and that you are generous about posting it! :D

Have a great holiday.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Mon May 12, 2008 1:43 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thanks Lisa - a very telling flashback - lovely to see Geoffrey, even for such a brief moment, and the love he had for his eldest daughter, and his perception of her weakness.

Joins Ibarhis in hoping you come back with lots written up to post for us :lol:

Author:  Alison H [ Mon May 12, 2008 2:57 pm ]
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Thanks Rosalin :D .

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Mon May 12, 2008 3:31 pm ]
Post subject: 

As Abbeybufo notes, that is indeed a very telling flashback, and having read it, I can see why Rosabel's present reaction is to run out of the school buildings. I hope Rosilda won't delay before raising the alarm, out of any misplaced motives of trying to shield her sister.

Enjoy your break, Rosalin, and please return with lots more of this written - I really am enjoying it.

Author:  PaulineS [ Mon May 12, 2008 4:24 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thank you for the update before you leave, Have a good break in Brecon.

You have inspired me to reread the Abbey Girls series.

Author:  Emma A [ Mon May 12, 2008 4:49 pm ]
Post subject: 

Two lovely updates. I could shake Joey - she's not gone about trying to help with any tact, and made a bad situation worse. Poor Rosabel (and Rosilda, too).

Thanks, Rosalin - have a good break.

Author:  Miss Di [ Tue May 13, 2008 3:44 am ]
Post subject: 

Thanks Rosalin, I look forward to further updates on your return
(only 6 more sleeps)

Author:  roversgirl [ Tue May 13, 2008 4:19 am ]
Post subject: 

Thanks for the update and enjoy your trip :)

Author:  Caroline [ Tue May 13, 2008 3:07 pm ]
Post subject: 

Oh, poor Patch - I love her and Bill getting together properly towards the end of the series (though Patch seems to lose her entire personality when she moves to Kentisbury and become all shy and retiring rather than Red Haired Patch!).

Thanks for another great update, Rosalin.

Author:  ibarhis [ Mon May 19, 2008 2:58 pm ]
Post subject: 

Well.... it IS 'next Monday'.....

:)

Author:  Caroline [ Mon May 19, 2008 3:01 pm ]
Post subject: 

ibarhis wrote:
Amongs the many questions, those that I can remember that need answering are:

    Why won't Rosamund come to Switzerland? Or indeed is that just perception rather than truth?
    Why has she sent the twins to the Chalet School anyway? Why not the Abbey School? Or indeed St Mary's?
    Why hasn't she told the twins about the time between the Abbey and becoming Countess?


Add to that:

    What (if anything) does Rosanna know about their mother that the other Roses don't know...

Author:  Abi [ Tue May 20, 2008 1:54 pm ]
Post subject: 

Have finally managed to catch up with this - it's a lovely crossover and a gripping story. Can't wait to see more!

Author:  ibarhis [ Tue May 27, 2008 10:52 am ]
Post subject: 

What kind of bunny treats would tempt you?

Lettuce and carrots, or chocolate?

Author:  semeagher1 [ Wed May 28, 2008 1:30 am ]
Post subject: 

Just finished rereading this. Now of course I want to read the Abbey Series

Author:  Emma A [ Thu Jun 05, 2008 12:49 pm ]
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Please may we have some more, Rosalin?

Author:  ibarhis [ Thu Jun 05, 2008 1:01 pm ]
Post subject: 

Please.....

Author:  jonty [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 6:53 pm ]
Post subject: 

I've just read this through from the beginning - I've been off the board for ages, so I needed to start again as I couldn't possibly remember which rose was which :? :? Thanks, Rosalin, it's wonderful to have an Abbey crossover. I have to admit I'm even less fond of the later Rosamund than I am of Swiss Joey - but requisitioning Hilda's office, indeed, she really has gone too far this time! May I join the chorus requesting more? Pretty please??

Author:  Rosalin [ Sat Jun 14, 2008 11:13 am ]
Post subject: 

*slips in looking sheepish* Well that was a long week! Sorry about not updating, RL has become rather a struggle. I haven't been on the board in about a month and everything non-essential has pretty much gone on hold so that I can cope with work. I'm moving jobs within the company, starting Monday week. Hopefully then I'll have some spare energy and be able to get back to this, which I am missing.

I got my copy of the Chronicle this morning which inspired me to come on and post this.

Thanks for all the comments and the requests for more :D

Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Jun 14, 2008 5:04 pm ]
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Rosalin thank you for letting us know what has happened. Hope real life calms down soon. All the best for your new job.

Author:  Alison H [ Sat Jun 14, 2008 6:58 pm ]
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Sorry that RL is being a pain, and good luck with the new job.

Author:  ibarhis [ Mon Jun 23, 2008 11:36 am ]
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Hope the new job is going well!

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Mon Jun 23, 2008 1:27 pm ]
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Hope your first day in the new job is going as well as possible - good luck with the transfer. Will look forward to more of this as and when you have time to write/post it.

Author:  ibarhis [ Wed Jul 23, 2008 6:35 am ]
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Hope the new job is going well.

Is it time to start feeding the plot bunny again?

Author:  jenrobbins [ Wed Nov 05, 2008 2:19 pm ]
Post subject: 

Oh, Rosalin - I've just found this site and your story! Wow, it's absolutely marvellous - sorry - superb! Thank you loads - I'm a fan of both series(es)! Please, please will you write some more? i do hope work and stuff hasn't got in the way of this and that you are ok. :)

Author:  Rosalin [ Sat Nov 22, 2008 11:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 12/5, p18)

My tag currently says promising to do better. I will try :oops:
Life has been very stressful for the past few months, I'm now commuting to Cardiff for work, but I'm a lot happier in the job. I'm currently in Dublin for a few days but when I get back I might manage to do some writing. I hadn't realised how long it had been since I got on the board, must be about 3 months!

Author:  Miriam [ Tue Nov 25, 2008 6:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 12/5, p18)

Whenever you have time we'll appreciate more of this. You might not have realized that it was three months, but I know I've been missing this thread for a long time!

Author:  Joy W [ Mon Dec 01, 2008 10:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 12/5, p18)

Just to say that Sheila Ray has written an article about her response to Four Roses in the Abbey Chronicle for the latest issue of the New Chalet Club Journal (which I edit). We've both been very much enjoying the story. Let me know if you want to know more about this (try joywotton@googlemail.com).

Can't wait for the next episode!

Author:  Rosalin [ Sat Dec 27, 2008 9:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 12/5, p18)

Just a little bit but I have started writing again.

At the sound of footsteps approaching from above, Rosilda moved hurriedly to one side. However it was only Rosanna, who had seen the argument, coming to find out what had happened.

Rosilda’s moment of indecision passed. Running into the Splashery she called over her shoulder.

“Rosabel’s run off, I’m going after her.”

Rosanna looked horrified. “But Rosilda” she protested as her twin tore out again, trailing off as Rosilda paused and looked back.

“You’d better go and tell Miss Annersley” Rosilda called.

“But..” Rosanna said again, uncertainly.

Rosilda paused again. Rosanna looked at her uncertainly. When her twin said nothing further Rosilda spun around, racing once more towards the door.

“Tell Miss Annersley” she said again, slamming the door behind her.

***

In the workshop Mary and Diana were growing concerned at the continuing absence of the three Roses. They had been working at the same end of the table as Rosabel, studiously ignoring the argument which had blown up when Rosilda joined her. When first Rosabel and then Rosilda disappeared from the room, Mary slipped over to where Rosanna was occupied at one of the woodwork benches. Low voiced she outlined what had happened and then rejoined Diana as Rosanna crept out after her sisters. Now, twenty minutes later, the two girls were finding themselves in something of a dilemma.

“I don’t want to sneak” Mary said uneasily, “but they shouldn’t have been gone for this long, surely.”

“If we say anything they’ll be in trouble” Diana said definitely. Here tone became more uneasy. “I do think they should have come back by now though. Hobbies ends soon and someone’s bound to notice they’re missing then.”

“What about if we tell Phil Maynard or someone like that?” Mary suggested slightly desperately. “A form pree but not too official”

“Maybe” Diana said, chewing her lip in indecision.

The door banged open and Rosanna burst into the room.

“Rosilda and Rosabel have gone out in the snow and I can’t find Miss Annersley anywhere” she cried to the staring room.

Author:  Alison H [ Sat Dec 27, 2008 11:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 27/12, p19!!)

Hope there's a doctor around to rescue them :wink: .

Lovely to see this back, and looking forward to more :D .

Author:  jenrobbins [ Sun Dec 28, 2008 7:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 27/12, p19!!)

Rosalin, Merry Christmas! What a lovely present! How super of you to have written more! Many thanks! :D I hope all is well with you.

Author:  Karoline [ Sun Dec 28, 2008 11:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 27/12, p19!!)

Thanks for the update Rosalin

Author:  Cat C [ Sun Dec 28, 2008 12:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 27/12, p19!!)

Oh hurrah! I read right through this a while ago, and enjoyed it tremendously (despite never having read any Abbey books) - so glad it's back :D

Hoping for more updates soon.

Author:  JB [ Sun Dec 28, 2008 12:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 27/12, p19!!)

So good to see this back.

Author:  Jenefer [ Sun Dec 28, 2008 5:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 27/12, p19!!)

Thanks Rosalin, it's good to see this back again

Author:  Fatima [ Sun Dec 28, 2008 5:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 27/12, p19!!)

It's great to see more of this, thanks Rosalin; I hope real life has calmed down for you now.

Author:  Abi [ Sun Dec 28, 2008 7:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 27/12, p19!!)

Great to see more of this, Rosalin. Hope the girls will be ok.

Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Jan 18, 2009 9:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 27/12, p19!!)

Thanks for remembering this after so long! I've just got myself a netbook so I'm getting some writing done on the train as I'm now commuting to Cardiff for work.
When she ran out into the snow Rosabel had no clear purpose beyond getting away from the terrible mess she had made of everything. The strain of practicality she had inherited from her mother was strong enough that she put on her nailed boots as well as her coat. Outside the night was cloudy with flakes of snow drifting down. Lights from the School and Freudesheim illuminated parts of the grounds and Rosabel had no difficulty as she ran across the snow, still hard from the last frost.

The effort of running across the frozen ground, combined with a few falls in the icy conditions worked off the first flush of Rosabel’s anger at herself. Inside her a core of disgust at her failure and despair at ever being able to make things right still burned but she was now clear headed.

Reaching into her coat she pulled out the torch which, after a number of hair raising adventures, it had been decreed that all pupils must keep in their coat pockets.

She shone it ahead of her, an idea forming in her mind as she saw ahead the path the school took to its regular ski slopes. It was obviously soon going to snow in earnest so her priority was to find shelter. She remembered the empty Elisehütte which Cecil had told her about during their first skiing morning. Decision made she turned off the road and started following the path which wound through the trees to the ski slopes, picking up her pace to try and focus once again on something other than the misery eating away inside her.

By the time Rosilda reached the path to the ski slopes Rosabel was already out of sight among the trees.

***

Once the shock of Rosanna's announcement had worn off a bable of talk broke out in the workshop as everyone tried to express themselves at once, in at least 6 languages. Fraulein von Gluck brought them back to order by the simple expedient of banging a hammer against a sheet of copper from the metalwork cupboard. The resulting din soon put a stop to all talk.

"Everyone is to sit down now" she ordered.

Silently the girls obeyed.

"Daphne, Miss Willmott and Miss Ferrars are on duty with the Junior Middles. Would you fetch them both here please? Cecil would you go to the staffroom and ask all the mistresses who are there to come too? Abigail, please fetch Matron Lloyd. Prefects please remain here and the rest of you are to go to the hall. Giovanna," naming the form prefect of VIB, "you are in charge. Quickly now please girls."

Starting with the benches nearest the door the girls filed out. Mary and Diana hesitated, looking at Rosanna who was standing with Fraulein von Gluck. The mistress nodded to them and they moved over to join her, flanking Rosanna protectively.

Soon the room was empty save for the prefects the mistress and six girls as Rosalin, Ruth and Elisabeth also remained.

As soon as the other mistresses arrived a search plan was agreed on. Groups of mistresses and prefects armed with powerful torches and ropes checked the school grounds. One search party found the two sets of footprints leading to the main gate but they had barely reached Freudesheim when the rapidly worsening blizzard forced them back.

The last groups had just returned and were standing in the entrance hall with Miss Wilmott checking that all were present when the front door opened. Snow swirled in and a figure emerged from the blackness.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Sun Jan 18, 2009 10:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 18/1, p20)

Lovely to see another episode - but yet another cliff to end :twisted:

Thanks Rosalin :D

Author:  JB [ Sun Jan 18, 2009 11:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 18/1, p20)

So good to see another update.

Love that the girls now have to carry torches.

Author:  Alison H [ Sun Jan 18, 2009 2:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 18/1, p20)

It's high time they started carrying torches and ropes - they were never short of chocolate in bad weather but never seemed to have anything practical with them :lol: .

Thanks Rosalin :D .

Author:  MaryR [ Sun Jan 18, 2009 3:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 18/1, p20)

Thanks, Rosalin.

Author:  Abi [ Sun Jan 18, 2009 3:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 18/1, p20)

Alison H wrote:
It's high time they started carrying torches and ropes - they were never short of chocolate in bad weather but never seemed to have anything practical with them


Chocolate isn't practical???

Thanks Rosalin - am a bit worried about this blizzard.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Sun Jan 18, 2009 3:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 18/1, p20)

Thanks, Rosalin -but please, if you love us, don't leave us on this cliff for *too* long :) :)

Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Jan 18, 2009 6:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 18/1, p20)

Glad you have found a way to write whilst traveling. Hope this means we can have more regular updates. Thanks for this one, even with its cliff!

Author:  Karoline [ Mon Jan 19, 2009 7:58 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 18/1, p20)

Thanks for the update Rosalin

Author:  jenrobbins [ Mon Jan 19, 2009 11:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 18/1, p20)

Thanks, Rosalin! :) Looking forward to the next installment!

Author:  Miss Di [ Wed Feb 11, 2009 2:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 18/1, p20)

Lucky me I got Two updates. Thanks Rosalin, and I hope your writing while commuting is going well (personally I generally find myself sleeping while commuting...)

Author:  Rosalin [ Sat Mar 07, 2009 10:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 18/1, p20)

Hmm, that was rather longer than I intended. Sorry Elder, it's not that I don't love you all, just that I hadn't been back and discovered how I should be expressing it :oops:

"That blizzard started a little too quickly for my liking" Miss Annersley said as she moved into the entrance hall, Miss Dene and Mademoiselle de Lachenais behind her. If we had realised it was going to be that bad that soon we would have spent the night at St Mildred's.

She looked around taking in the worried group of prefects and mistresses dressed in their outdoor clothes. "Have you all been out looking for us?" she asked. "We had planned to be back later but Miss Wilson noticed that the weather was changing so we left."

Seeing Miss Wilmot shaking her head Miss Annersley broke off then asked sharply "So who were you looking for?"

Miss Wilmot told her.

When she had finished Miss Annersley had gone white, but her voice was steady as she asked "Then they are definitely still both out there? Have you checked the school?"

"Not yet" Miss Wilmot answered, slightly defensively. "We wanted to search outside before the blizzard started in earnest."

"Quite right" Miss Annersley hastened to assure her colleague. "Now that we can no longer search outside we should check the school thoroughly, just in case they have returned. Miss Ferrars, will you organise that please. Miss Dene, Mademoiselle de Lachenais and I need to take off our outdoor clothes and then I would like to see Rosalin and Rosanna. Cecil, would you bring them to my study and wait with them until I arrive. What are the rest of the girls doing now?"

"The matrons have taken the Middles to bed" Miss Charlesworth replied. "The seniors are in the hall with Miss Lawrence doing some singing. Rosalin and Rosanna are in the Senior Common Room with their close friends."

"Matey, will you prepare beds for Rosalin and Rosanna in the san please?" Miss Annersley asked. Send the Kane girls' friends into the hall when you bring Rosanna and Rosalin to my study please Cecil and explain that they will not be returning tonight. If I am not free by the seniors' bed time and Rosabel and Rosilda haven't been found would you lead the girls in a few prayers please Miss Wilmot?"

***

Half an hour later, changed and fortified by a steaming cup of coffee, Miss Annersley was in the study with Rosanna and Rosalin. Rosanna had just finished telling as much as she knew of the evening's events. The girls couldn't think of anywhere that their sisters might have gone, although both were quite certain that neither Rosabel nor Rosilda would have tried to take refuge at Freudesheim.

Rosalin was tearful from the worry by this time and Rosanna was white and tense. Miss Annersley decided that bed was the best place for them now, so a quick phone call summoned Matron Lloyd who shepherded the two girls off.

As "Matey" and the girls left Rosalie Dene slipped into the room.

"A few of the prefects are still searching the nooks and crannies" she reported. "No sign yet though and no-one thinks there will be."

"I didn't think it likely that they had returned" Hilda agreed.

"The Seniors are all in bed and Nurse is staying with Rosalin and Rosanna" Rosalie continued. Gwynneth says she has beds prepared for when the girls are found and everyone else is in the staffroom, waiting to see if there is anything else to be done."

I don't think so" Hilda sighed. "I'll come and have a word with them and suggest an early night. I need as many people as possible dressed by first light in case the snow has stopped."

Rosalie gave her a sharp look. "I think you could do with some sleep too" she said. "If there's anything else to do I'm sure I can do it, or Jeanne or Nancy or Kathie."

"There's only one more thing" said Hilda leaning wearily back in her chair. "Thank you for the offer Rosalie, but I really should be the one to inform Lady Kentisbury."

Author:  JB [ Sat Mar 07, 2009 10:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 7/3, p20)

That was so good. Great to see this back.

I loved this:

Quote:
The girls couldn't think of anywhere that their sisters might have gone, although both were quite certain that neither Rosabel nor Rosilda would have tried to take refuge at Freudesheim.

Author:  Karoline [ Sat Mar 07, 2009 10:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 7/3, p20)

Great to see this back

Author:  abbeybufo [ Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 7/3, p20)

Good to see this back - but had you noticed we're still on the cliff :hiding:

Author:  Alison H [ Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 7/3, p20)

Lovely to see this back.

Author:  jenrobbins [ Sat Mar 07, 2009 3:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 7/3, p20)

:D Cheers, Rosalin! Can't wait to hear what happens to the poor lost sheep!

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Sat Mar 07, 2009 4:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 7/3, p20)

Great to see this back, Rosalin, but I do hope those two poor girls found shelter somewhere, and will soon be found.... If you love your readers, please don't leave us on this cliff indefinitely :)

Author:  Abi [ Sat Mar 07, 2009 7:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 7/3, p20)

Very glad to see this back, but I hope the girls are found soon.

Thanks Rosalin.

Author:  MaryR [ Sat Mar 07, 2009 9:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 7/3, p20)

Poor Hilda. :cry:

Thanks, Rosalin

Author:  MHE [ Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 7/3, p20)

That's one phone call I don't envy Hilda having to make. Hope the girls are found soon.

Author:  Lyanne [ Sun Mar 08, 2009 7:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 7/3, p20)

MHE wrote:
That's one phone call I don't envy Hilda having to make. Hope the girls are found soon.


But I'm glad to see her being proactive about notifyling a parent of a missing child.

Author:  Miss Di [ Mon Mar 09, 2009 1:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 7/3, p20)

Go on Rosalin, be a devil and don't have a miraculous rescue from the snows :twisted:

Author:  jenrobbins [ Mon Mar 09, 2009 7:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 7/3, p20)

:idea:
I wonder if they stagger to the Elisehutte and collapse just as Rosamund opens the door!

Author:  MaryR [ Mon Mar 09, 2009 3:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 7/3, p20)

Lyanne wrote:
MHE wrote:
That's one phone call I don't envy Hilda having to make. Hope the girls are found soon.


But I'm glad to see her being proactive about notifyling a parent of a missing child.

She did tell Val Gardiner's mother, Lyanne, when Val was kidnapped. (Have I got the right Val? :oops: ) And I'm sure that she did so with others, it's just that we aren't told about it.

Author:  Lyanne [ Wed Mar 11, 2009 10:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 7/3, p20)

MaryR wrote:
Lyanne wrote:
MHE wrote:
That's one phone call I don't envy Hilda having to make. Hope the girls are found soon.


But I'm glad to see her being proactive about notifyling a parent of a missing child.

She did tell Val Gardiner's mother, Lyanne, when Val was kidnapped. (Have I got the right Val? :oops: ) And I'm sure that she did so with others, it's just that we aren't told about it.


Oh, I'm sure she did tell them, it's just nice to actually see it! It's one of those things that occur to you as an adult that don't when you're younger - what did the parents say?

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Mar 12, 2009 7:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 7/3, p20)

Have just read all of this in one go and absolutely loved it even though I've never read the Abbey series. Love the Roses and the younger CS generation. Thanks Rosalin-wish I had started it earlier.

BTW is Fraulein Von Gluck one of Wanda's daughters?

Author:  Rosalin [ Sat Mar 14, 2009 6:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 7/3, p20)

Fiona - yes she is Emmie.
And as for the cliff, I told you who the shadowy figure at the door was, what else did you want to know :dontknow:


The snow was falling quite thickly by the time that Rosabel reached the Elisehütte. She heaved a sigh of relief as her torchlight picked the building out from the flake-filled darkness. Stumbling up the steps she fumbled at the door with frozen fingers. Naturally it was locked, which brought Rosabel up short. This problem hadn't occured to her. Shivering and near to tears with exhaustion from her battle with the wind and the cold she huddled against the wall, sheltered by the overhang of the roof and wondered dully what she should do next.
About fifteen minutes later she was half asleep no longer noticing the cold or the discomfort of the rough wooden floor and wall. Suddenly Roddy's face swam into her mind. Six years previously they had gone to Sweden on what had turned out to be their last family holiday. Roddy, Hugh, Rosabel and Rosalin had been taken out by their Uncle Bill for an afternoon's skiing. On the way home a tired Rosabel, walking with Roddy, slightly ahead of the others, had pointed out a mound of snow and suggested it would make a good bed. Roddy's response echoed in her head now.
"Don't you know what happens to people who go to sleep in the snow? They die!"
This was enough to jerk Rosabel out of her torpor. Standing up she forced her way out into the snow. With one hand always on the wall of the chalet she felt her way around its walls, trying every window she came to.
Luck was with her. At the back she found a place where a tree had fallen against the chalet, knocking a shutter askew and breaking the window. Reaching inside Rosabel undid the catch, opened the window and climbed in.
In a bedroom she found a chest containing bedding. Removing her boots she climbed onto one of the beds and was soon asleep in her nest of blankets.
***
At Rayley Park the ringing telephone woke a sleeping Joan Raymond. Shrugging on a dressing gown she ran lightly down the stairs and lifted the receiver.
"Joan Raymond speaking"
"Hello Mrs Raymond, this is Hilda Annersley, Headmistress of The Chalet School. One of my staff, Rosemary Charlesworth gave me your telephone number."
"Yes, she was interested in visiting my Abbey" Joan replied, still not fully awake. "I gave her my telephone number when I was seeing Rosanna and Rosilda off to school." A cold hand gripped her heart as she was fully woken by the realisation of what this telephone call was probably about.
"Has something happened to one of Ros's girls?" she asked urgently.
"I'm afraid Rosabel and Rosilda had an argument" the voice at the end of the line told her. "Rosabel ran off and Rosilda went after her. We have had search parties out looking for them but they had to stop as a blizzard has blown up. I'm very sorry to ask this of you but I was hoping you would be able to inform Lady Kentisbury. I understand the only family she has with her are two little girls and I didn't want to give her news like this over the telephone when she is essentially all alone."
"Yes of course" Joan replied. "I'm glad you called me. I will go and see Lady Kentisbury right away. I'm sure she will want to come out to you as soon as possible."
"The quickest way is to fly to Zurich" Miss Annersley told her. We are cut off up here until the snow stops but I have a good friend in Zurich who I'm sure will be happy to meet Lady Kentisbury. Just let us know which flight she will be on and I will ask Frau von Ahlen to meet her."
"How are Rosalin and Rosanna" Joan asked anxiously.
"Worried of course. There's nothing anyone can do until the weather improves so our head Matron has given them something to help them sleep. Hopefully" Miss Annersley said, her voice strained "by the time they wake up we will have been able to send the search parties back out and there will be some news for them."
"I hope so" Joan agreed fervently. "Miss Annersley" she continued, struck by the other lady's tone "it's not your fault. Rosabel and Rosilda are both old enough to know better than to run off into the snow because they have had an argument."
"Thank you Mrs Raymond, I appreciate you saying that. However as Headmistress the ultimate responsiblity is mine."
The two ladies bade each other farewell and then Joan hurried upstairs to dress. She was just putting on her coat when the front door opened and her husband Jack entered, returning from a late meeting in London.
"Jack!" Joan cried before he had time to express his surprise at seeing her dressed to go out at such a late hour. "I've just had a telephone call from Ros's girls' school in Switzerland. Rosabel and Rosilda are missing in a blizzard and they've asked me to tell Ros."
"Are you ready to go?" he asked. "I'll drive you to Kentisbury."

Sorry you don't get to see Hilda actually telling Rosamund, I thought it would be kinder this way.

Author:  JB [ Sat Mar 14, 2009 7:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

That was a lovely treat after a long day.

Author:  Alison H [ Sat Mar 14, 2009 7:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

Very sensible of Hilda, and Joan always seemed like someone who'd be good in a crisis so hopefully she'll be able to break the news to Rosamund as calmly as possible.

Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Mar 14, 2009 8:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

Pleased Joan has Jack to support her in her difficult task.

Author:  jenrobbins [ Sun Mar 15, 2009 7:32 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

Lovely, lovely! Thank you so much for more story - can't wait for the next bit! :D

Author:  Jenefer [ Sun Mar 15, 2009 10:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

Thank you for the update. Looking forward to more soon

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Mar 15, 2009 6:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

Think Hilda was lovely to break the news to someone else especially as Rosamund is alond with small children.

Hope Rosilda is okay

Author:  Miss Di [ Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

Oh I do like Joan. So much nicer than her cousin.

Author:  Cath V-P [ Tue Mar 17, 2009 11:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

That was very sensible to involve Joan like that. And hopefully the errant two will be found quickly before there is too much time to worry about them.

Author:  Squirrel [ Wed Sep 30, 2009 12:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

Rosalin... I've just read through all this again, having been 'away' from the board for a while... And I find you've got us wibbling on a cliff-edge...

May we have a little more at some point soon please?

Author:  ibarhis [ Wed Sep 30, 2009 4:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

Please....

Author:  PaulineS [ Wed Sep 30, 2009 6:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

Please, you have got me started on rereading the Abbey books and i would love more of this drabble.

Author:  cestina [ Wed Sep 30, 2009 8:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

Just found this, not read it all yet but it is brilliant! More please, please, please....... :)

Author:  sealpuppy [ Mon Oct 05, 2009 10:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

Oh, this is good! I always loved Rosamund and the original abbey girls, even Joy who is human if tricky to live with. The one I cannot stand is Rachel! If Jen's too busy and anyway lives too far away, then Joan is the perfect 'aunt' to step in.

Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Oct 29, 2009 10:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

Please can we have an update. I have been rereading the later Abbey books and can now put the grown up Abbey Girls in their context and would love more.

I have just realised they have been out in the snow since March!!!
Please let them be found soon.

Author:  shazwales [ Sun Nov 08, 2009 6:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

Just re-read this,PaulineS has an excellent idea about seeing somemore! any chance of an update please :?:

Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Mar 28, 2010 1:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

PLEASE PLEASE CAN WE HAVE SOME MORE.
Decided to start a chant. Those more girls have been out in the snow for a year now!

Author:  ivohenry [ Sun Mar 28, 2010 4:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

Yes - more please!!!!

Author:  Poppy [ Thu Jun 24, 2010 6:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

I have just begun reading the drabbles and love this one - please may we have some more?

Author:  shazwales [ Thu Jul 01, 2010 6:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

Any chance of some more of this Please?????

Author:  ivohenry [ Wed Sep 22, 2010 8:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

Adding to the pleas for more, please soon!

Author:  dentian adventurer [ Sun Oct 10, 2010 7:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Roses at the Chalet School (Updated 14/3, p21)

just read my first abbey this month... still a bit lost hoping to find more i can afford!

this story is very good, grateful to whoever bumped it - hope there is some more?

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