This is my first attempt at a drabble so comments would be appreciated
.
For those who don't know it, Goodnight
Mister Tom is written by Michelle Magorian. The focus in this
drabble will be the character of Carrie Thatcher, one of Will's friends
from the novel, who will be joining the Chalet School.The shrill ringing of the telephone shattered the temporary peace of Plas Gwyn, and prompted a great clattering of footsteps as thirteen-year old Daisy Venables launched herself down the stairs. After a short monosyllabic conversation, she retreated back up to the stairs to the large playroom where she found the house’s mistress – one Joey Maynard, formerly Bettany – sunning herself on the plump couch with her legs curled up reading her latest proofs. ‘Auntie Jo,’ she murmured softly, trying her best not to wake the sleeping triplets, ‘that was Auntie Madge on the ’phone.’
‘Oh, and what’s her news?’ Jo replied.
‘She didn’t say, but she’s cycling across for tea.’
After a last check on the sleeping toddlers, Daisy and Jo left the room and began to set the table for tea.
‘I think we can open a new pot of jam,’ Jo mused. ‘Will you fetch the new apricot one, Daisy-girl?’
Daisy hurried off and soon the sitting room table was attractively set with bread and butter, and the jam, while the woollen tea cosy hugged the teapot. At this appropriate juncture, Jo heard wheels on the path outside, before a sharp tap on the front-door. Daisy hurried off and ushered in a cheerful Madge Russell.
‘Daisy, my dear,’ she said, stooping down to kiss Daisy’s cheek. ‘If I’m not careful you’re soon going to be my height. What a length you are!’
‘I’m trying hard to catch up,’ Daisy quipped.
Madge laughed.
‘Well, where’s my tea? I’m thirsty after that ride.’
‘It’s all ready, Auntie Madge. Auntie Jo’s through here.’
After the appropriate greetings and cups of tea were exchanged, Madge finally reached the reason for her visit.
‘Jo, do you remember me telling you about that new scholarship we’re offering for the Chalet School?’
‘That one for those high schools…what were their names again?’ Jo thought for a bit before giving up. ‘That one?’
‘Yes,’ Madge replied with amusement. ‘Well, we’ve got the first scholarship winner joining us this term.’
‘That’s quick. Where’s she from?’
‘That’s not the important thing, Auntie Jo.’ Daisy exclaimed with impatience. ‘What form will she be in, Auntie Madge?’
Well, she’s twelve so unlikely to be with your lot. My guess would be the Upper Third but she’ll still have to do the form tests next term.’
‘You haven’t told us her name yet, Madge…or where’s she from?’ Jo repeated with a grin.
‘Very well, Jo, she’s from a village called Littler Weirwold – ’
‘What an odd name!’ Jo exclaimed.
‘ – and her name’s Caroline, Caroline Thatcher,’ Madge continued, ignoring Jo’s interruption.
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