The Chalet School, Specialist Languages College part 2
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The CBB -> St Scholastika's House

#1: The Chalet School, Specialist Languages College part 2 Author: Cryst PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 9:15 pm
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This is the sequel to Chalet School Specialist School, which is in the archives. In that tale Hilda and Nell were struggling with the paperwork to apply for Specialist School status. They needed Joey and Mary-Lou's help to sort that out.

Part 1 of this sequel is also archived -- here. It relates the arrival of new Spanish Master and Joey's visit to the hairdresser, Frau Bottcher. Part 2 starts below.

You'll recall that we were awaiting Miss Annersley's reaction to Joey's new hairstyle.


(ETA link to archived part 1.)




As she entered the room the reaction was spectacular. Miss Annersley looked up, caught her breath, and her usual calm exterior shattered with a vengeance. “Oh Joey, child,” she shrieked “what have you done to your hair? It’s even worse than that time you dyed it green. Oh you poor thing – as well as those ghastly red stripes it’s all frizzy! What will we do with you?”

Joey felt herself travelling backwards back through the years. She felt again like a naughty schoolgirl hauled up before the Headmistress for misbehaviour. Her hard won determination to act with supreme self confidence was rapidly evaporating. But with her usual courage, she wrapped the last shreds of her resolve around herself, drew herself up to her full height and said “Hilda, my dear old friend, thank you for your concern, but I am very pleased with how the new hairstyle has turned out. This is the height of fashion,” adding with a slight cutting edge, “though perhaps that fact hasn’t yet reached your attention.”

Without invitation she walked across the room, poured herself some coffee, sat down and said “Now please tell me why you summoned me up here, Hilda. I take it that it was not just to make comments about my personal appearance. I don’t have too much time to spare this morning so I would be grateful if we could get down to business.”

Joey’s uncharacteristically frosty attitude brought Miss Annersley to herself. She choked back a smile and apologised. “Oh Joey, I’m so sorry if my comments were rude. It was just the surprise. It is a radical new look, but I’m getting used to it now and it does look very … er …”, she stumbled, thinking desperately, “…sophisticated. Yes indeed, it suits you very well.”

“Thank you Hilda.” Some warmth was returning into Joey’s smile. “And that business matter?”


Last edited by Cryst on Tue Feb 06, 2007 10:14 pm; edited 64 times in total

#2:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 10:12 pm
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I hate to say it, but I'm quite liking Joey in this Laughing !

#3:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 10:43 pm
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She's coping really well. And this must be the first time in living memory that Miss Annersley has shrieked! Shocked

#4:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 11:02 pm
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Thanks, Cryst. I'm glad that Joey wasn't offended by Miss Annersley's comments.

#5:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 8:42 am
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Thanks for carrying on with this.

#6:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 1:49 pm
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*giggles muchly*

Thank you Cryst, what a reaction from Miss Annersley!

Kathryn

#7:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 3:11 pm
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Not like Hilda to be so tactless!

Now what the girls say will be interesting.... should, of course, Joey decide to take the position.

Thanks Cryst

#8:  Author: KatLocation: Kingston-upon-Thames/Swansea PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 6:22 pm
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Supoib! Very Happy

#9:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 9:29 pm
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“Very well, Joey, I’ll explain,” Miss Annersley said, pouring herself a coffee and sitting down. “The Board of Trustees is insisting that the girls are taught PSHE.”

“And what on earth is that?” replied Joey, who was starting to regain her normal chirpy air.

“Personal, Social, and Health Education. I have a printed copy of the curriculum if you’d like to have a quick look.” Hilda passed the document over.

Joey turned the pages, quoting passages aloud. “Developing confidence and responsibility… respect the differences between people… managing personal money… the physical and emotional changes that take place at puberty… rules about alcohol and tobacco… human reproduction, contraception… the effects of all types of stereotyping…how to make and keep friends.” She put it down beside her. “Yes, I think I’m getting the picture, Hilda, but where do I come into this?”

“Well we are being asked to teach this throughout the school, but we thought we’d start with the lower school and gradually work our way through the classes over a period of years. So we just need to cover a few periods a week initially. Timetabling constraints will mean that the times are dotted around the week, and we don’t want to impose extra work on the existing staff. Nell and I decided to approach you to see if you were interested in having a go at it?” Hilda was rather alarmed at the look of gleeful enthusiasm starting to show on Joey’s face and added quickly “Of course, you would be working under one of the full-time mistresses who would have overall charge of the subject, and this might only be a temporary arrangement. And we do understand that it would be difficult for you to fit it in, what with the writing, the household to run, Jack, and the family. You don’t have to answer now, Joey. Give yourself some time to think about it. Take it away to discuss with Jack. We would love to have you on board, but you know we won’t be at all offended if you turn us down.”

There was very little chance of that – Joey’s earlier dignified attitude had evaporated and she was already champing at the bit! However she agreed to go away and think about it before giving her answer. They arranged to meet at the end of the following week, after Miss Annersley returned from London.

“I’ll be seeing Madge, of course Joey, because she’ll be involved in the interviews for the Italian mistress. Any messages, or shall I just give her your love?”

“Oh yes, please do that Hilda. And mind you tell her how much you like the new hairstyle,” Joey replied with a slight frown. There was something she’d been meaning to mention to Madge before the latter departed for the Tyrol – now what was it?

Still pondering this, Joey stood up to leave and was just making her final farewells when there was a knock on the door. In response to Miss Annersley’s crisp “come in!” the door opened and Matron entered. She began addressing some remark to Miss Annersley, and then noticed Joey. “Oh my good Lord, Joey, you’ve cut them off. Your lovely earphones. Oh, you silly girl, why have you done such a dreadful thing? How could you. You’ve had them for so many years, and I was so fond of them.” At this point a close observer would have noticed a small and uncharacteristic tear forming in the corner of Matron’s eye. Not so Joey. Matron’s reaction on top of Hilda’s earlier one was just too much. She’d had enough. She snapped.

“Well now Gwynneth, you see, I just didn’t need them any more. I’VE MOVED ON. And it’s probably time you did too. And what’s more, if you’re so fond of them …” she reached into her handbag, “why don’t you have them?” Producing the earphones like a rabbit out of a hat, she flung them towards Matron. Catching the air like two little hairy frisbees, they soared across the whole length of the room, one landing beside the fireplace, the other floating down to land on Matron’s shoulder. She screamed in horror and brushed in onto the floor. Joey marched out, feeling rather more pleased with herself than was quite seemly.

Miss Annersley bent down to pick up the two hairpieces. “Oh dear, Matron, what are we going to do with these now?” she murmured not quite knowing whether to laugh or cry.

#10:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 9:35 pm
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Laughing Laughing Nice one Joey!

I really hope she doesn't end up teaching PSHE though - how embarrassing for the triplets to have their mother taking those lessons!

#11:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 12:13 am
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Oh, love it!

What with Miss Annersley descending to personal remarks and Matron going all squishy, I'm not surprised Joey freaked.

Poor 'little hairy frisbees'! They could preserve them under glass in the school foyer ... Very Happy

Edited because I can't spell!

#12:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 12:35 am
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Loved it - or should I say them?!

Poor Joey - I'm not surprised she reacted like this. Loved the crack about Hilda as an "old" friend...and the frisbees!

#13:  Author: alicatLocation: Wiltshire PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 9:07 am
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I actually met someone the other day who wore her air in earphones...they were grey, as she was in her 70s, and I was so fascinated by them I'm sure she noticed me staring. I was supposed to be interviewing her about her golden wedding, haven't read the notes yet but have a feeling they may be a little scrappy Embarassed Embarassed
I really wanted to ask her where she came up with the idea for the hairstyle but didn't dare.......

#14:  Author: Laura VLocation: Czech Republic PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 11:38 am
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love the story, Cryst! I could just imagine this happening at the Chalet School!!

PS love the illustration of Joey's new hair!! Laughing Laughing

#15:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 4:38 pm
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Thanks, Cryst. It was fun to see Matron telling Joey off!

#16:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 4:47 pm
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Thanks, Cryst. And as for the earphones, couldn't they go in the Sally Denny Museum?!

#17:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 7:15 pm
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Fabulous.

I second Fatima's suggestion - they're part of the school's heritage.

#18:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 7:20 pm
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third it!

#19:  Author: RuthYLocation: Anyone's guess PostPosted: Sat May 06, 2006 4:48 pm
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Fatima wrote:
Thanks, Cryst. And as for the earphones, couldn't they go in the Sally Denny Museum?!


great idea! Very Happy

Thanks Cryst just read all of this it is great !!

#20:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sat May 06, 2006 9:00 pm
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Hepzibah Angelina Cameron stepped onto the platform of the north London tube station and looked around. It was a good few years since she had paid her aunt a visit, but she remembered her mother explaining that the tube trains came out into the open once they left the central London area, and so it had not been a surprise to her a few stations back when when the train had burst out into the sunshine. The station consisted of just two platforms with a connecting bridge over the two railway tracks. It bordered onto gardens and parkland, so there were trees and bushes at the back of the platform in front of her, just starting to turn yellow as autumn set in.

Having completed her Italian degree at Oxford 15 months ago, Hepsy, as she preferred to be called, had travelled extensively, spending most of her time in Italy, alternating periods spent with her Mother’s family in Sicily with extended periods of travel. She had travelled alone, mostly by public transport, always on a budget, staying with relatives and friends of the family or in cheap hotels, sometimes picking up a few weeks or months work to help pay her way. Her latest journey had been a delicious, slow meander across Europe by train, from city to city, seeing their sights and capturing their culture. It was with considerable reluctance that she was returning to England to start work. She had spent several short periods working in schools and with young people, had settled on teaching as her career and was looking forward to it, but how she would miss the travelling. An agency had set up several interviews for her in London over the next fortnight, and she had arranged to stay with her Aunt Hepzibah, who was also her godmother. She was fond of the aunt, her father’s sister, older than him by 15 years, and newly retired after a long and successful career in teaching, culminating with a period of seven years as headmistress of a small private day school for girls in the suburb where she still lived. Hepsy sighed as she heaved her battered old rucksack over her shoulder and made her way up the steps. Aunt Hepzibah would be no end of help with the job hunt. Hepsy knew full well that it was time to grow up and find her future, but there was still a sizeable chunk of her that was not at all ready to settle down.

#21:  Author: LianeLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2006 7:32 am
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Do I spy a potential CS mistress?
Thanks for the update.

#22:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2006 10:54 am
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Aunt Hepzibah, meanwhile, was putting the finishing touches to the spare room in preparation for the arrival of her niece and namesake. She was very fond of the girl – the closest of all her godchildren. They had last met up in Naples in the summer during her summer holiday and spent a lovely long enjoyable day together - the aunt glad to escape the coach party, and the niece genuinely pleased to have company in exploring the cultural sights of the city, with a decent meal in a good hotel to round off their day.

She was looking forward to having company for a couple of weeks, and had booked them tickets for a West End play, a classical concert, and a popular musical. She also had in mind that she would take her niece shopping the following day to buy her a smart outfit to wear for the interviews. The last time they’d met, her niece had been wearing a dreadful pair of dirty brown trousers, looking suspiciously like men’s trousers rather than proper ladies slacks, with a threadbare, faded cotton blouse. She would also need shoes instead of the ex army boots that she favoured. Perhaps a visit to the hairdresser’s also - she had been wearing her hair very short when they had last met, a crew cut almost, and this was most unlikely to impress at interview. Aunt Hepzibah hummed softly as she smoothed the counterpane and arranged the little vase of flowers – it would be good to have something to occupy her mind for a while.

#23:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2006 11:06 am
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Thanks, Cryst. I look forward to seeing more of Hepsy.

#24:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2006 11:12 am
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The smart outfit sounds just the thing to give Hilda & co the impression that Hepsy would fit in at the CS Laughing !

#25:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2006 12:26 pm
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Sorry if this seems off the plot - the Hepsy bunny is delivering in large dollops today. We'll get back to the chalet school characters at some stage, but the bunny is demanding to be humoured at present.

Hepsy took a deep breath as she closed the gate behind her, walked up the tidy little path and reached out for the doorbell. Her aunt answered the door almost immediately and gave her a hug and kiss. “Oh Hepzibah, it’s lovely to see you – I’m so looking forward to having you here.” “Well it’s jolly decent of you to have me, Aunt H, but for heaven’s sake please call me Hepsy or we’ll exhaust ourselves Hepzibahing and Aunt Hepzibahing each other for two weeks or however long it takes me to get fixed up with a job. I’m truly honoured to be named after you, but you must admit it’s a bit of a mouthful in this day and age.”

Her aunt laughed, “I suppose you’re right, my child, though I can’t say I approve of abbreviations in general. Just you mind you use your full name at these interviews of yours.”

“Oh suffering tomcats, Auntie, don’t start me thinking about those dreadful interviews just yet. Sufficient unto the day, and all that. Let’s just catch up with family news tonight, shall we?”

“Very well dear,” came the indulgent reply, “I’ve some chicken salad with fresh bridge rolls all ready for our supper, with a nice little trifle for dessert, so why don’t you go and get yourself unpacked while I put the kettle on? There’s plenty of hot water,” she added with a slight wrinkle of her nose, “should you fancy a quick bath?”

“Oh, that would be just heaven. After a day and a half on the train, I could do with a soak. I expect I smell like a coalminer’s armpit - for September it’s really quite warm and I’ve been sweating like a pig.”

Aunt Hepzibah winced. “Hepsy dear, please remember that animals sweat, children and men perspire, and ladies glow. But even so, we don’t ever mention it.” She finished with a smile, patting her niece affectionately on the shoulder to soften the criticism.

Hepsy laughed, taking no offence at all. “Sorry Aunt H – I never was very ladylike, and travelling around on my own the past year I’ve lost the few social graces I ever possessed – you’ll have to see what you can do to reform me in a fortnight.”

“Well, I’ve faced tougher challenges, my dear, and certainly less pleasant ones. Now off you go for that bath and I’ll see you presently.”

#26:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2006 1:16 pm
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Well, I can see that Hepsy will be a breath of fresh air at the CS if she gets the job.

#27:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2006 6:34 pm
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Hepsy sounds...interesting. And I'm certainly not complaining if the bunny's delivering the goods.

Thanks Cryst!

#28:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2006 11:22 pm
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Oh, this is interesting!
Thanks Cryst.

#29:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sun May 07, 2006 11:25 pm
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Hepsy's lovely (and so's Aunt H). Can't wait to see how she gets on at the CS.

#30:  Author: KatLocation: Kingston-upon-Thames/Swansea PostPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 6:38 pm
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Cryst wrote:
[color=blue]
please remember that animals sweat, children and men perspire, and ladies glow.



What an absolutely cracking line!!

Thank you Cryst! Laughing

#31:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 7:48 pm
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“Thank you, Auntie, that was absolutely delicious,” said Hepsy with a small sigh of satisfaction, as she scraped the last morsel of trifle from her bowl.

“You’re most welcome dear”, replied her aunt, standing up to clear the table. “No Hepsy,” as her niece moved to help her, “you pour yourself another cup of tea and take it through to the sitting room. It’ll just take me a moment to wash up these few things.”

As she moved efficiently around her little kitchen, she wondered how to bring up the matter of the shopping expedition. After her bath, Hepsy had come down wearing a creased but clean cotton skirt and blouse from her rucksack, with a pair of dusty sandals, and Aunt Hepzibah thought it highly unlikely that the rucksack would produce anything even remotely suitable for the forthcoming interviews – or, for that matter, for Hepsy to wear when she took up her new post. But her niece was a very independent young woman, and it was unlikely that she would take kindly to any offer of assistance. The question of the hairstyle was possibly even more delicate. Hepsy’s fine, light brown, flyaway hair had grown since the summer and was now a more conventional length, but if fell straight and limp, with a ragged and lopsided fringe. Something would have to be done about it. She realised that she would have to tread carefully.

She topped up her tea and walked through to the little sitting room, which had French widows overlooking the back garden. Hepsy was standing looking out into the twilit garden, a quiet oasis of leafy calm, still with considerable colour from late flowers, and with an array of leafy shrubs with varied foliage adding further interest.

“What a sweet little garden, Auntie,” Hepsy commented, drawing the curtains. “Do you see to it yourself?”

“Well, I do most of the planting and pruning myself, and I usually mow the lawn, but Mrs Lowe’s husband is always happy to help with any heavy work to supplement their family finances. There’s a little vegetable patch at the bottom of the garden, and he always digs it over for me in the spring. He dealt with a couple of overgrown trees for me earlier in the year too. I’m very lucky with the pair of them really. She’s been coming in a couple of mornings a week to see to the house for me as almost since I moved in, and they pop in every day to keep an eye on the place while I’m away. He seems to know reliable people whenever I need a plumber, carpenter or anyone, and somehow makes sure that I get the job done well, and at a reasonable price. Yes, I’m very well set up here.” She saw an opportunity to bring up the subject of finances and continued “I managed to save much of my salary all the time I was teaching, especially as many of the positions were living-in. I bought this house at just the right time before the prices started to rise, and I now have a very generous pension to live on, as well as the interest from my savings and that small inheritance I received from your grandmother. So you see, I have everything I need to live comfortably and more than enough to treat myself with holidays, books, and so on.”

Hepsy, unaware that she was being softened up for an offer of a new wardrobe, was trying to picture her life taking the same track as her aunt’s. She had as yet not experienced any serious romantic encounters and so a conventional life as wife and mother seemed a fairly remote possibility. Would it be so bad to spend her life as her aunt had done? She sighed. Her aunt had done well to carve out an independent life for herself during an era when single women were treated as they were. She could indeed picture this as her own future life, but it seemed somehow to be lacking in the excitement and adventure she craved.

“Hespy, forgive me for bringing up the dreaded subject of the interviews, but could you give me an idea of the schedule? When is the first one?”

“Just a minute, Aunt.” Hepsy dashed up the stairs two at a time and returned almost immediately with a crumbled sheet of paper.

“Here’s the letter the agency sent. Let’s see. There are two on Tuesday, a couple more on Wednesday, nothing on Thursday or Friday, then four the following week. Gracious. If I don’t end up with a job after that lot I’d better give up and get a job working in a shop or something.”

“I’m sure you’ll be very much in demand, dear”, her aunt reassured her, “what with a first from Oxford and your track record in the debating society, all those languages you speak and the experience of working with children you’ve picked up in the last year or so. You’ll have no trouble at all.”

“Er, how would you fancy a little shopping expedition tomorrow? There are a few items of clothing that I need, and if you need anything to wear for the interviews, I’d love to buy you something. I never know what to get you for Christmas, and so an early present would solve my problem nicely for this year. Had you thought about what you’d wear?”

“Oh yes, I’ve got a frock in the rucksack somewhere. I’ll dig it out tomorrow and give it a bit of a wash. It should be OK.”

“Is it that lovely short sleeved cotton frock with the … er … colourful abstract pattern that you wore when we went out for dinner in Naples?”

“Yes, that’s the one. How clever of you to remember.”

“I wonder if it might be a little on the cool side? After all we are now nearly at the end of September, and London in the autumn can be a bit chilly. Perhaps we could find you a nice little two piece with a matching blouse or little jumper? Then you’d have the jacket to wear if it gets colder.”

“A little two piece?” Hepsy replied with a note of concern creeping into her voice. “I’m not really a little two-piece sort of person, Aunt H.”

“Well perhaps if we browse round the shops, we’ll find something that takes your fancy? Do let me treat you, Hepsy, it really would give me pleasure.”

Hepsy got up and gave her aunt a hug. “Thank you Aunt H. You really are a poppet. A shopping expedition tomorrow it is then. Do you know a decent barber? I really need to get this hair cut shorter – I can’t stand it flopping around all over the place. I don’t mind dealing with the fringe myself, but it’s quite hard doing a decent job at the back.”

“Ah yes, your hair,” said Aunt Hepzibah carefully, “Shall we make you an appointment for you on Monday at my usual salon? Maybe instead of cutting it so short, you could try a different style? A shampoo and set or perhaps even a bit of a perm would stop it flopping around, as you put it, and it would create a better impression at these interviews if your hair was a little more … er … conventional.”

“Shampoo and set? Perm? Conventional?” Hepsy could feel the bars of the cage closing in, but had the sense to realise that her aunt was probably right about the impression her usual style would create. “Oh dear. I suppose so, Auntie, but it really does go against the grain. Still – I suppose I can always cut it off again once I’ve got the job.”

Her aunt wisely decided not to debate this point, and smiled at her. “I’ll phone them first thing in the morning, then” she said, mentally deciding to brief the salon herself, “then we’ll hit the shops.”

#32:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 7:51 pm
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Hm, this could turn out to be interesting.

#33:  Author: KatLocation: Kingston-upon-Thames/Swansea PostPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 8:12 pm
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Laughing Looking forward to the shopping expedition and the hair cut!

#34:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 8:22 pm
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Laughing She could give the CS quite a shock!

#35:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 1:47 pm
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Thanks Cryst, I love Hepsy and I can't wait to see how the CS react to her!

Kathryn

#36:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 3:27 pm
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Poor Hepsy, being permed and fitted up with a nice little twin set! I'm really looking forward to seeing the CS reaction to her.

Thanks, Cryst.

#37:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 8:11 pm
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Miss Annersley was in her study awaiting the arrival of Nancy Wilmot. She had been packing ready for her trip to London the following day – she had just a few things to add to her suitcase in the morning as it was to be an early start, and she liked to be prepared well in advance. She had come to a decision about the overall management of the PSHE curriculum, and with Joey no doubt already fired up with enthusiasm for her new post, she felt that she would be able to travel with an easier mind if she had set a few wheels in motion within the school.

There was a sharp knock on the door, and at Hilda’s invitation Nancy Wilmot entered the room.

“Ah, thank you for popping in to see me, Nancy dear, it’s very good of you to put yourself out.” She poured them both a cup of coffee and they sat down.

“No problem at all, Hilda,” replied Miss Wilmot, “what can I do for you?”

“Well, Nancy, I was thinking that of all the staff in the school you are the mistress who seems most ready to accept additional responsibility, and I’ve been thinking of ways to start to build up your management role.”

“Well, thank you for the flowers,” replied Nancy, her interest aroused.

Miss Annersley continued, “You’ll remember the suggestion that we approach Joey to see if she would be interested in taking on some of the PSHE teaching?”

Nancy nodded warily.

“I have sounded her out about it, and she seems quite interested. I’ve left her thinking about it for a week or so, and I’ll get in touch with her when I get back from London once she’s had a chance to discuss it with Jack and come to a decision. I’ve been thinking, though, that although Joey can take on most of the teaching, it really does need one of the full time members of staff to take overall responsibility for the subject, especially as the responsibility will grow in importance over time. I’m asking you to take this on.”

Nancy paled. “What would be involved exactly?” she queried, playing for time.

“At this stage it’s really just to act as Joey’s mentor. Make sure the curriculum is being covered properly, check over schemes of work, look at her lesson plans, help with assessment, ensure that the parents are adequately informed, and so on. Perhaps,” she added wickedly, “an occasional spot of peer observation? After all it is a while since Joey taught, and with this being a new subject area, we do need to ensure that we get off to a good start with it. We really do need the overall charge of it to be with an excellent teacher of your experience and standing. And,” she added, as a mischievous afterthought “she may well have difficult issues to deal with in teaching the various members of her extended family. We will need an eye kept on that, I think.”

“I’m very flattered, of course, Hilda,” replied Nancy carefully, “but why me? There are other mistresses equally capable of taking on this responsibility.”

Imperceptibly twisting the knife a little further, Hilda replied “The other reason, Nancy, is that one or two of the staff are a wee bit dubious of having Joey join the staff, but as you spoke up for the idea at the staff meeting, it’s clear to everyone where you stand on this. There would of course be a salary increase, and this would look excellent on your CV when you come to be looking for a more senior position. Whether that be inside the school or as an internal promotion.”

Nancy Wilmot was an intelligent woman, and knew when she had been out-manoeuvred. She also was no spineless jellyfish, and she squared up to the challenge. “You’re on then, Hilda. What do you want me to do next?”

“Oh that is excellent news. Thank you dear. I have some reading matter for you here – I suggest you just familiarise yourself with the subject and the curriculum demands, and then we’ll take it from there when I come back and we know whether or not Joey is on board.”

She reached down behind her desk and brought out a large pile of brochures, research papers, text books and so on, which she placed into Nancy’s arms. “Here you are dear, let me get the door for you.”

The newly appointed Head of PSHE staggered out of the room under the load, cursing under her breathe, “Bloody Joey. She’ll be like a child in a sweetie shop with this. Ruling the bloody roost. Insufferably cheerful. Hopelessly inappropriate. Why ever did I say such a monumentally stupid thing at the staff meeting? Couldn’t I just have kept quiet? Mentor! Peer observation!! Oh damn and blast.”

With a satisfied little smile Hilda picked up the phone to relay this latest development to her good friend Nell Wilson. As she waited for Nell to come to the phone, she opened up the desk drawer and took out the earphones, now safely encased in a cellophane bag. She grinned – she also had a plan for dealing with these.

#38:  Author: BethCLocation: Worcester, UK PostPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 10:00 pm
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Laughing Evil Miss A.! And what's she going to do with the earphones?

Thanks, Cryst!

#39:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 10:03 pm
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I love Hilda in this Laughing . & I dread to imagine what she's going to do with the earphones, or what Joey's going to say to the idea of having a mentor.

Poor Nancy - sometimes it's best just not to seem too keen or you get landed with all sorts of things you never bargained for Laughing !

#40:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 11:30 pm
    —
Fatima wrote:
Poor Hepsy, being permed and fitted up with a nice little twin set!
I do so agree!

Still howling at Nancy's reaction to her new appointment. Serve her right. Very Happy Good one, Hilda.

#41:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 11:52 pm
    —
Nice one, Hilda!

Imagine being Joey's mentor - shudder!

#42:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 9:47 am
    —
Poor Nancy, Hilda won that round thoroughly didn't she?!

Thanks Cryst...I'm intrigued as to what's going to happen to those earphones...

Kathryn

#43:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 12:53 pm
    —
I hope there'll be more soon, Cryst.

#44:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 2:21 pm
    —
Thanks, Cryst. I am looking forward to finding out what Hilda is going to do with the earphones.

#45:  Author: RosieLocation: Brest. Still amuses me... PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 5:49 pm
    —
Voodoo?

Thanks Cryst!

#46:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 6:35 pm
    —
Go Hilda!

And Rosie? My thoughts exactly.

Thanks Cryst

#47:  Author: MaryRLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 8:54 pm
    —
Go, Hilda. You certainly know how to get your own back. Laughing

Thanks, Cryst.

#48:  Author: RuthYLocation: Anyone's guess PostPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 8:41 pm
    —
Go Miss A!! Loking forward to finding out what she will do with the headphones. Poor Nancy.

Thank you Cyst.

#49:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Sat May 13, 2006 3:07 pm
    —
I've just caught up on the whole lot - thank you Cryst! Laughing

Looking forward to seeing Hepsy at the CS, and Joey in her new role with Nancy as mentor - well done Hilda! Very Happy

#50:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 10:25 pm
    —
Having paid for the taxi, Hilda paused on the doorstep of her Club and gazed up at the familiar facade. She had been a member since her University days, and always stayed here when she needed to visit London in connection with the school or when she was passing through for social reasons. The London Club for Lady Graduates was conveniently located right in the heart of London and provided residential accommodation for members at very reasonable rates, in comfortable, elegant and safe surroundings, always with the chance of bumping into old friends. Hilda always found it something of a home from home.

She picked up her suitcase and sighed. It had been a long and tiring journey, and she was looking forward to a warm bath followed by an excellent dinner with an early night to follow. She went up the steps and into the lobby. The porter greeted her, taking her suitcase “Ah, good evening Miss Annersley. We have your usual room for you. I’ll take this up for you. Lady Russell arrived about an hour ago and asked me to let me know that she is in the library.” He whisked the suitcase up the stairs and Hilda made her way into the heavily carpeted, book-lined room at the end of the hall. Two or three of the comfortable leather armchairs were in use, and the readers looked up and nodded quietly at Hilda. Madge saw her, and instantly got up and came out to greet her. They embraced warmly.

“Hilda, lovely to see you. Did you have a good journey? You look rather shattered. Will you come and have a cup of tea with me in the drawing room, or are you just itching to get unpacked?”

“Yes, Madge, I am rather. I need a hot bath and the chance to freshen up before dinner. I shouldn’t be long though. I’ll come and find you in about an hour, and we can go in to dinner together. How does that sound?”

“Grand, Hilda. It’ll be lovely to catch up with all your news, but you hop along now and get yourself sorted out. We’ll have plenty of time for a chin wag later.”

Hilda made her way up to number 11 – her favourite room – a small single room, but clean, cosy and comfortable, with a very useful desk in the large bay window overlooking the leafy little garden behind the house. She quickly unpacked, and took her dressing gown and sponge bag across the corridor into the bathroom. Just fifty minutes later, still glowing from the warm bath, but changed into a simple, smart, light blue evening outfit, and with hair and make-up fully repaired, she went back down the stairs and found Madge. After a very welcome sherry in the bar the two ladies went in to dinner together and gossiped throughout the meal, catching up with news of school and mutual friends.

After dinner they retired to the lounge for coffee and Hilda briefed Madge about the interviews they would be undertaking the following day. She explained that there were three candidates to see, and described the background of each, giving Madge a large envelope containing their letters of application and curricula vitae. “Some bedtime reading for you, my dear,” she said. “They all seem promising, though I have to say that on paper at least I’ve taken a shine to young Hepzibah Angelina Cameron, for some reason!”

“Oh, good heavens, you could be right. With a name like that, she’ll no doubt be an ideal Chalet School mistress,” laughed Madge. “Is that it, then Hilda? I assume we will be grilling these poor young women at the offices of the agency? Shall we set off after breakfast?”

“Yes, Madge, if we meet for breakfast at about eight o’clock, we should be in plenty of time to walk down there for half past nine.”

“Excellent, Hilda, I’m looking forward to it. Shall we go up? You’ll be wanting an early night after all that travelling, and,” glancing ruefully at the envelope, “I’ve got all this bedtime reading to get through.”

“You’re right, Madge, but I’ve one more piece of news for you before we go. In fact, I need to ask you a favour – I have something of an heirloom needing a safe home, and I thought it was something that you would treasure.” She reached into her handbag and passed a cellophane bag over to Madge.

“Oh thank you Hilda, whatever can this be?” Madge reached inside eagerly and touched one of the two circular, black, hairy discs.” She gave a little flinch followed by a surprised squeal, which attracted some very curious looks from the other lady club members in the drawing room. Then a little start of recognition, “Oh my goodness – it can’t be – but it is - it’s Joey’s hair! Hilda, you absolute minx! That’s almost macabre. You’re lucky that I didn’t have a heart attack on the spot. You haven’t got the rest of her in there by any chance, have you? So she’s finally done the deed? Tell me, what does it look like? Has she had it bobbed?”

“Oh no, Madge, not a bob, guess again!”

“Has she taken it back into a page boy, then?”

Hilda shook her head.

“Not a perm surely? She wouldn’t. Would she?”

“Ah yes, Madge, tight little curls it is! With bright red highlights to boot.”

“You mean gingery? or auburn?”

“Oh no, Madge, I mean red. A really red, red. A spectacular red. An only-Joey-could-choose-a-colour-like-that sort of red.”

#51:  Author: groverLocation: Dublin PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 10:44 pm
    —
Laughing ROFL Laughing

Thank you for that,Cryst!

#52:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 10:44 pm
    —
How wonderful! I am so glad we got Madge's reaction to the earphones!! Laughing

Looks as though Hepsy is in with a good chance at the CS then Very Happy

Thanks, Cryst!

#53:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 10:55 pm
    —
Quote:
You haven’t got the rest of her in there by any chance, have you?
Laughing Laughing Laughing

#54:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 11:51 pm
    —
ROFL. That was brilliant - Hilda you are wicked! And I loved this:
Quote:
You haven’t got the rest of her in there by any chance, have you?


Laughing Laughing Laughing

#55:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 6:42 am
    —
Laughing Hilda is brilliant in this!

#56:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 9:05 am
    —
*giggles*

Thanks Cryst, it was fab to see Madge's reaction...I only hope she doesn't get any ideas herself...

Kathryn

#57:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 11:18 am
    —
Cryst wrote:
“Oh no, Madge, I mean red. A really red, red. A spectacular red. An only-Joey-could-choose-a-colour-like-that sort of red.”


*sniggers quietly in the corner*

Thanks Cryst!

#58:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 1:35 pm
    —
Quote:
You haven’t got the rest of her in there by any chance, have you?
Madge didn't sound too bothered at that idea!

#59:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 5:37 pm
    —
"urgle, mumphle grumph!"

(that was something like the noise I made on reading this.......)
Thanks Cryst!

#60:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 6:15 pm
    —
Thanks, Cryst. I loved reading Madge's reaction to Joey losing her earphones!

#61:  Author: LisaLocation: South Coast of England PostPosted: Mon May 22, 2006 12:55 pm
    —
Oh... this is fantastic! I have just spent a lovely hour or so reading this from the very beginning, it's wonderful! (And has cheered me up as I was sent home today with an asthma attack Evil or Very Mad and am currently feeling very sorry for myself Crying or Very sad but enjoying catching up on drabbles Very Happy )

#62:  Author: ElleLocation: Peterborough PostPosted: Wed May 24, 2006 8:47 am
    —
Vikki wrote:
"urgle, mumphle grumph!"

(that was something like the noise I made on reading this.......)
Thanks Cryst!



Ditto!


Love it.

Thanks.

#63:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Mon May 29, 2006 9:21 pm
    —
While Hilda and Madge were enjoying their dinner at Hilda’s club, back in Aunt Hepzibah’s North London home, aunt and niece had just finished their evening meal. They too were thinking ahead to the interviews the following day, albeit from the opposite perspective. They were in the kitchen seeing to the washing up – Hepsy washing, and her Aunt drying and putting away, working easily together like a couple with long years of practice.

“Well, Hepsy,” said her aunt, “it’s been a bit of a struggle, but I think you’re all set now. The hair has come out very well - you look absolutely delightful with those soft waves around your face. I can hardly believe you’re the same girl – you look so grown up.”

Hepsy pulled a face, looking at her reflection in the darkened window over the sink. “I’m glad you like it, Aunt H, though I’m not so sure that I do. I keep on catching a glimpse of myself as I walk past mirrors and wondering who it is. I’ll keep it like this until these interviews are over and done with, but once I’m safely fixed up with a job I think I’ll be looking for something that feels a bit more like me.”

Aunt Hepzibah decided to change the subject. She was hoping that Hepsy would change her mind about the hair style, but had the wisdom to realise that if she expressed a strong opinion Hepsy’s intentions were quite likely to be reinforced rather than altered.

“Perhaps you should have a little dress rehearsal this evening, dear?” she said. “There won’t be much time in the morning – you’ll need to be up and dressed in no time flat, so if there is anything to see to, we’d better tackle it tonight. I tell you what, I’ll finish off here, and you pop upstairs and slip into the new outfit. I’d really love to see it all on.”

“Right you are, Aunt H”, Hepsy replied, drying her hands on a little kitchen towel. “Perhaps you could give me a few interview tips, too? You must have interviewed hundreds of mistresses over the years, and I need all the help I can get.”

“I’d be delighted, Hepsy, if I can help at all. It really is sometimes the silliest little thing that puts one off a candidate, and I can perhaps point out a few of the pitfalls.”

She quickly finished off in the kitchen and was just going through into the sitting room when Hepsy came down the stairs. She had put on the little light grey two piece they had bought that morning. It was a pretty light woollen fabric, with tiny flecks of pale pink and blue adding a touch of femininity to the otherwise rather formal jacket and skirt. Underneath the jacket she was wearing one of the three little blouses that Aunt Hepzibah had also treated her to. This one was the palest pink, with a pattern of tiny flowers picked out in a darker shade, a little round collar edged with lace, and puff sleeves. The prettiest of the three, Hepsy had taken some persuading before agreeing to this particular blouse. In her hands she was carrying a pair of smart, dark grey court shoes with a small heel. She was squirming and scratching at her thighs, clearly uncomfortable in the stockings she was unaccustomed to.

“I don’t think I can do it, Aunt. I feel as if I’ve been dressed up as a doll. This just isn’t me, you know. How can anyone tolerate these dreadful things twisting around their legs all day? And how on earth am I going to walk in these things? I nearly broke my neck trying to come down the stairs just now.”

“Just take it slowly,” came the calm answer, “why don’t you put them on and have a little practice”.

Hepsy did as she was bid and tottered uncertainly up and down the hall. Suddenly one of her feet shot out from under her, and she swayed violently, and would have fallen on her back had she not desperately grabbed the stair post.

“I’m just not going to get there, am I? I can’t possibly walk to the tube station, get down the stairs onto the platform, get off at the other end and walk to the interview. In these.” She glared at the offending pair.

“Don’t get flustered, my dear. You’ll just have to wear the smartest of your sandals for the journey, take the shoes in a bag and, then change when you are just around the corner. Then it’s a question of walking slowly and carefully. You’ll be fine. You’ll get used to them in no time at all.”

“Now,” she continued briskly, before Hepsy could work herself up into a state of agitation. “How about a little practice? Just give me a moment and I’ll set up the sitting room as if it were the interview room.”

“But …,”

Ignoring her niece’s protestations, she deftly rearranged the furniture in the sitting room, then called out, “I’m ready for you now, Hepsy. Just knock on the door as if you had been invited to go through to meet the interview panel.”

Rolling her eyes, Hespy wondered just how she had let herself in for this. She walked into the sitting room and saw a single chair facing a row of three on the opposite side of a small table, her aunt sitting in the centre. She walked unsteadily across the room, and collapsed gratefully onto the chair, crossing one leg across onto the opposite knee, and looking expectantly across the table at her would-be inquisitor.

Aunt Hepzibah sighed inwardly. Her niece had not been invited to take a seat, and had not greeted the imaginary interview panel. She was sitting in a most unladylike pose, exposing her stocking tops and suspenders to full view. This was going to be a long evening.

#64:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Mon May 29, 2006 10:30 pm
    —
Wonderful - I love the new hairstyle and the mock interview! Laughing

Thank you so much. Very Happy

#65:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Mon May 29, 2006 10:38 pm
    —
Poor Hepsy, having to force herself into a mould that doesn't fit. She just is not a round neck and puff sleeves person, is she. Just as well if Aunt H can teach her to keep her stocking tops to herself, though ...

This is lovely, Cryst, thanks for the update.

#66:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue May 30, 2006 9:20 am
    —
Poor poor Hepsy - she does *look* the perfect CS mistress but can she keep it up?

Looking forwards to more.

#67:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue May 30, 2006 10:56 am
    —
Poor Hepsy, she's not going to get the idea is she, not without a lot of hard work?

#68:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Tue May 30, 2006 3:22 pm
    —
*giggles a lot*

Poor Hepsy, at least the real interview is likely to be better than what her aunt is putting her through!

Thanks Cryst, it's great to see this back Very Happy

Kathryn

#69:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Tue May 30, 2006 8:30 pm
    —
Aunt Hepzibah laughed with a slight note of forced jollity, and said “Oh, I say Hepsy, crossing your legs like that may work very well when you are wearing slacks, but it’s not quite the thing with a skirt. Try putting your knees together and slightly to one side, with your feet tucked in under the chair,” adding, as Hepsy complied, “ah, that’s much better, very elegant, well done. Can I suggest also that you shake hands with your interviewers, and proffer suitable remarks of greeting? And perhaps wait until they invite you before you sit down?”

“Oh yes, Aunt H,” Hepsy replied, only slightly put out. “You’re quite right, of course. It’s just that it was so obvious which chair was meant for me, and I was so glad to sit down in case these dratted shoes tripped me up again. They seem to have it in for me! We’ll try it again, shall we?”

“Yes let’s,” replied her aunt, “and may I suggest that after you sit down you make a point of putting your handbag down on the floor beside you? I interviewed one young woman who was very nervous and clutched hers like a teddy bear throughout the whole thing. It made quite a bad impression, I can tell you.”

“My, er, handbag?” replied Hepsy. “I don’t have one, Aunt H.”

“Oh good gracious, what were you going to use? Not that dirty old haversack, I hope?”

“No, of course not,” the young lady replied seriously, “That’s far too big. I have a little duffle bag that I use when I only have a few things to carry. Shall I fetch it? We can see if the shoes will fit inside it.”

“Er, a duffle bag. I see,” replied her aunt, thinking furiously. “I’ll tell you what, my dear, let me have a look in my chest of drawers, I’m sure I have a grey leather handbag that I hardly ever use these days. Yes, it would go very well with your new shoes and you’d be most welcome to it. I’ll just pop upstairs and see if I can find it.”

She knew exactly where the bag was, as it was one that she used fairly regularly, and she gave a little shudder at the thought of the duffle bag. She could always buy herself a new handbag, but Hepsy needed to put on the best show possible the next day. She found it quickly, but made a little show of banging drawers and cupboard doors before returning downstairs, pretending to rub the dust off it. “There we are, a perfect match. It just needs a bit of a clean. Oh, and look, there’s an old power compact of mine inside it. What a find. I’d quite forgotten it was there. You can have that too, dear – the powder should be the right shade as we’re quite close in colouring. I’ll perhaps find you a little lipstick to go with it presently.”

Hepsy looked down at the leather handbag, which had a little gold coloured snap fastener and gold and diamanté trim on the handles. She had never owned such an object and never thought she would! However, looking at her Aunt’s eager face she could hardly refuse, and she took the handbag gingerly with a little smile of thanks. A handbag. Powder. Lipstick. Whatever next?

“Do you think the shoes will fit inside, Auntie?” she said, taking one off and trying to cram it in.

“No dear,” replied her aunt crisply, reaching across to stop her before she ruined both shoes and bag, “but your sandals will. I have a little linen bag you can use to carry the shoes, then you can just pop it and the sandals into the handbag when you change.”

“Now then. Are you all set? Let’s start it again from the beginning, shall we?”

It was indeed a long evening. Aunt and niece were both pleased to get to bed several hours later, Hepsy having been carefully exposed to a range of likely interview questions and well drilled in the kinds of answers she was expected to come up with. Her clothes and accessories were laid out tidily ready for her early start in the morning, shoes in the linen bag, and sandals ready to be worn, a small array of items of make-up on the dressing table ready for application in the morning, according to her aunt’s careful instructions. Hepsy sighed as she slipped between the sheets. She was almost wishing she hadn’t come to stay with her aunt, whose moulding of her was reasonably subtle but completely inexorable. Aunt Hepzibah also gave a little sigh as she settled down to sleep. She loved the girl dearly, but her grasp of grooming, deportment and etiquette did leave something to be desired. “Ah well,” she though as she drifted off, “I’ve done all I can. It’s in the lap of the gods now.”


Last edited by Cryst on Wed May 31, 2006 6:36 am; edited 1 time in total

#70:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue May 30, 2006 9:11 pm
    —
Maybe Aunt Hepzibah should go for the job herself Laughing !

#71:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Tue May 30, 2006 9:12 pm
    —
Thanks Cryst, I'm really enjoying this! I can't wait to see the real interview! Laughing

#72:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Tue May 30, 2006 9:37 pm
    —
Thanks Cryst, poor Hepsy. Can't say it's ideal preparation for an interview but it makes for a fab read Very Happy

Kathryn

#73:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 30, 2006 11:20 pm
    —
Thanks, Cryst. I hope that she will manage ok at the CS interview.

#74:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue May 30, 2006 11:44 pm
    —
Oh heck! That must have been a lot of work for poor Aunt H. Maybe the CS will find her 'refreshing'.

Thanks Cryst

#75:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue May 30, 2006 11:47 pm
    —
Poor Hepsy - the clothes and the shoes and the bag and the lipstick seem more daunting than the interview!

#76:  Author: MollioLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Wed May 31, 2006 12:33 am
    —
I can't wait for the actual interveiw. That should be a howl!! Very Happy

#77:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed May 31, 2006 9:50 am
    —
Gosh! After all this effort I hope she gets the job Very Happy

#78:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Wed May 31, 2006 12:03 pm
    —
Even if Aunt H's creation gets the job, the person who finally works there will be quite different/

#79:  Author: LisaLocation: South Coast of England PostPosted: Wed May 31, 2006 3:33 pm
    —
Oh, I LOVE Hepsy!! She's fab - and I can't wait to see what happens when she becomes a CS Mistress Wink

#80:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed May 31, 2006 9:09 pm
    —
Love the Hepsies. Laughing

It's even more funny, since I actually received some of the same advice at one point -- though my advisors ultimately decided that heels were too risky in my case. Rolling Eyes

#81:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Wed May 31, 2006 10:24 pm
    —
Hepsy paused before the white painted door which was the entrance to the London office suite of the Educational Recruitment Bureau, a prestigious organisation which specialised in assisting schools in the recruitment of teaching staff. The sign invited her to “Knock and Enter” but she took a moment first to straighten her skirt, pull down her jacket and ensure that her stockings were wrinkle free. She gave a little self satisfied smile – the morning had gone well so far. She had arrived in good time, her appearance remained crisp and professional, and she had even remembered to change into the grey shoes. She had made it up the stairs to the first floor without tripping, and her sandals were safely stowed in the hated handbag. She was all set for action.

She knocked firmly and in response to a sharp “Come in” opened the door and made her way towards a pleasant looking young woman seated at a reception desk.

“Good morning. My name is Hepzibah Cameron, and I am here for an interview for the post of Italian mistress at the Chalet School.”

“How do you do, Miss Cameron. Yes, we are expecting you.” The young woman stood and shook hands with Hepsy with a warm smile. “We have a two stage process for you this morning. First you’ll spend fifteen minutes or so with our Italian specialist – just a little chat to make sure that your language skills are up to the job. Then comes the main interview with the Headmistress Miss Annersley, Lady Russell who was the founder of the school and remains very closely involved in its management, and Miss Millson, our representative from the agency here. They are allowing about forty minutes for each of the candidates. Are you ready to start or would you like a couple of minutes before I show you through?”

“I’m quite ready, thank you,” replied Hepsy with composure.

She was shown into an adjoining room where a middle aged woman of Mediterranean appearance sat on an easy chair. She gestured for Hepsy to sit opposite her and they were soon chatting in Italian about Hepsy’s travels through Italy, her family, and her time at University. Hepsy’s Italian was fluent and correct, and she had absolutely no trouble in convincing her assessor that in this respect at least she was entirely suitable for the post. She took her leave and returned to the reception area, where she was asked to take a seat until the panel was ready to receive her. Hepsy sat, with knees and ankles demurely aligned at the precise angle recommended by her aunt, awaiting her fate.

After five minutes or so one of the other adjoining doors opened, and a small, waspish lady in her late forties emerged, looking rather flushed. After a few more minutes the door opened again and a pleasant looking woman in a pink linen suit invited Hepsy in.

She stood up carefully, and walked with small slow steps across the room to the door. Entering, she saw three women in a row behind a table, with a single chair on the side nearest the door. Hepsy had been well rehearsed. With hand outstretched she approached the centre of the three women. Madge took her hand and introduced herself and her fellow panellists. Hepsy shook their hands in turn, saying, “How do you do?” “I’m pleased to meet you.” “Thank you so much for seeing me today.”

Madge said “Please sit down Miss Cameron.”

She did so, arranging her legs decorously once again, lowering the handbag on the floor at the side of her chair and placing her hands in her lap. All was going according to plan. “So far so good,” she thought.

#82:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Wed May 31, 2006 10:38 pm
    —
Well done, Hepsy. But of course, it's all going much too well. What, oh what, is going to happen to shatter the illusion? Rolling Eyes

All agog! Thanks, Cryst.

#83:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Wed May 31, 2006 11:22 pm
    —
I can't help feeling that something very bad (and very funny!) is just about to happen!

Thanks Cryst Very Happy

Kathryn

#84:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 10:35 am
    —
Oh dear, it's all going too well.

#85:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 12:19 pm
    —
Go for it Hepsy - you're doing great so far Very Happy

#86:  Author: MaryRLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 12:24 pm
    —
Wonderful posts, Cryst. Laughing

Thank you.

#87:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 5:02 pm
    —
I'm just waiting for something to happen!

Thanks Cryst

#88:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 5:05 pm
    —
Thanks, Cryst. The interview seems to be going really well - I hope it continues to do so.

#89:  Author: MollioLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 12:31 am
    —
More please!

#90:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 9:45 pm
    —
The first question Madge asked was exactly as Aunt Hepzibah had anticipated. “Please would you describe for us your teaching experience to date, Miss Cameron, and tell us how this fits you for the post of Italian mistress at the Chalet School.”

The answer was memorised, and came out with practised ease. Hepsy described her various periods of employment teaching English and French to Italian children, and some of the less formal occasions when she had had charge of children and had managed to advance their education. The panel nodded, very satisfied with her response.

The next question was from Hilda, who probed Hepsy’s understanding of the current modern languages syllabus for public exams at both levels. Again, Hepsy was well prepared, and was able to give an excellent summary of requirements, demonstrating deep understanding of the underlying educational objectives.

Hilda came back with a follow-up question, asking how Hepsy would go about planning the first few weeks of lessons for a class of middles just starting to learn Italian. Hepsy hadn’t prepared for exactly this question, but her aunt had run through the basics of lesson structure and planning with her, and Hepsy was able to improvise with some imaginative and varied approaches involving plenty of interaction among the members of the class, with several games thrown in to stimulate their interest alive in this important phase. She also pleased her questioner by referring to her fellow staff and saying that she would, of course, consult with her Head of Department and ask for her advice in her preparation. Hilda was most impressed with the lively response and the evidence that Hepsy was a team player and, though not hugely experienced herself, was amenable to the advice of other members of staff.

It was going well.

Hilda then handed over to Miss Millson, who almost managed to throw Hepsy with her opening comment. “You have a very unusual name, Miss Cameron, but surprisingly enough I have come across another Hepzibah Cameron in the teaching profession – until recently she was headmistress of St Genevieve’s School for Girls. It’s a small world, is it not?”

“Indeed it is, Miss Millson, she is my aunt and godmother, and I am staying with her at present while I am attending these interviews in London.”

“Well, my dear,” replied Miss Millson with a contented nod, “if you are half the teacher she was, you will do very well. You are aware that this is a residential post? You would be living in a tightly knit community of mostly women, and the activities and duties of the mistresses quite often extend into the evenings and weekends. Do you think this environment is one in which you could be happy? How do you like to spend your free time?”

Hepsy paused. This question was a little more tricky. “I do enjoy the company of young people, Miss Millson,” she replied, “and would have no problem in helping to arrange outings and so on. I am a keen alpinist, and would hope to have the opportunity to do some walking. Perhaps the girls enjoy this sort of excursion? I also enjoy a variety of sports, and am a strong swimmer, trained in basic life guard skills. I enjoy rowing and sailing, if there is any opportunity for this, also tennis, lacrosse, netball and cricket. I am a reasonably competent pianist – no great musician, but I can certainly act as an accompanist for musical performances or provide music for country dancing. I’m sure I would fit in very well. If things are quiet I always enjoy curling up with a good book.”

Hilda was delighted with the evidence of sporting and musical prowess, and so perhaps unfortunately missed the cue to explore the nature of Hepsy’s preferred reading matter. “Do you ski, dear?” she asked.

“I’m afraid not, Miss Annersley, “but I have always wanted to learn. Is it true that the first time you try, the tips of your skis seem to develop a fatal attraction for each other?”

From there on it was plain sailing - she had won their hearts. There were a series of further questions around the table probing various aspects of the role, and Hepsy was able to produce suitable replies to each. At last the three women sat back in their chairs contentedly, and Madge said “Thank you, Miss Cameron. That was the last of our questions, and so now I must ask you – do you have any questions for us?”

“Thank you, Lady Russell. On the whole I think I have gained an excellent understanding of the school from the literature you kindly sent me, and from our discussions this morning. But I was hoping to ascertain how collective bargaining is organised in the school. Do you have active union membership? And if so, which unions?”

#91:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 9:55 pm
    —
Does Madge know what a trade union is Laughing ? & it was all going so well until then ...

#92:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:06 pm
    —
Oh dear... something just had to go wrong didn't it?! Laughing

Eagerly awaiting the answer to Hepsy's question!

#93:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:46 pm
    —
Laughing What a question, I'm dearly waiting to see how they respond to it! Thanks Cryst Very Happy

Kathryn

#94:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 11:50 pm
    —
Oops! Now how will they deal with that? After she's done so well, too. I do love Hepsy. Very Happy

#95:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 8:47 am
    —
Doh!

You were doing so well Hepsy!

#96:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 11:12 am
    —
She sounds so perfect for the part - apart from, perhaps, that mention of unions. But I'm intrigued as to what her choice of reading matter is!

Thanks, Cryst Very Happy

#97:  Author: MollioLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 11:37 pm
    —
They'll probably tell her about 'The Union of Alpine Skiers', or something like that!!

This is hugely enjoyable. Thank you! Very Happy

#98:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 8:52 pm
    —
Just wish I could see their faces Laughing
Thanks Cryst

#99:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 9:06 pm
    —
Madge and Hilda exchanged blank looks. With no hope of rescue by Hilda, Madge replied hesistantly, “er, I’m not quite sure what you mean by ‘union membership’, Miss Cameron. Could you explain further, please?”

“Well you know, trade unions. Which do the staff belong to - Association of Assistant Mistresses? National Union of Teachers? National Union of Women Teachers?”

Madge and Hilda once again exchanged puzzled looks, and Hilda replied, “I’m afraid we’re not quite following your line of questioning, Miss Cameron. Could you possibly give us some background information about the nature of these organisations?”

Hepsy took a deep breath, and prepared with some relish to provide a brief history of trade unions, and their role in the liberation of the working classes. She was an avid student of political theory, and several years ago had decided that her beliefs pointed her predominantly in the direction of socialism. This was a subject close to her heart.

Miss Millson, however, had listened to the exchange with mounting horror. The agency, of course, received a hefty fee for every vacant post they managed to fill. If Hepsy proved to be a rampant trade union activist, it was most unlikely that the agency would succeed in placing her at any of the schools with which they had lined up interviews for her. Furthermore, there was a very skimpy field of just three possible candidates for the Chalet School position, with Hepsy being the front runner by a long stretch. It was not an easy matter to find a mistress wanting to work in Switzerland and who was entirely fluent in four languages. Miss Millson could see the agency fee slipping rapidly through her fingers and she acted quickly to save the day.

“I don’t like to interrupt,” she interrupted, “but I notice that we are starting to overrun our allotted time. The next candidate is waiting. I think, Miss Cameron, that the details of your conditions of employment and so forth are perhaps something that would be better explored once you have secured an offer of a position?” She gave the younger woman a hard, and meaningful, look. “If that is all right with you ladies?” she added, turning towards her fellow panellists.

“Yes, of course, Miss Millson,” Madge replied. “In that case, it just remains for us to draw this interview to a close, Miss Cameron. Thank you so much for your time. We will write to let you know the outcome as soon as we have made a decision. Good day.” She rose, and Hepsy shook hands carefully with her interviewers once more, retrieved her handbag from her side and walked sedately out of the room, with scarcely a wobble from the new shoes.

Miss Millson mopped her brow while Madge and Hilda shuffled their papers in readiness for the next candidate. That had been something of a close shave.

#100:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 9:12 pm
    —
Laughing Thanks Cryst, I hope they give her the job because then I think the sparks will really fly!

Thank you!


Last edited by KathrynW on Thu Jun 08, 2006 9:41 pm; edited 1 time in total

#101:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 9:35 pm
    —
Hopefully the other candidates will be no-hopers!

#102:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 11:04 pm
    —
Oh, she has to get it, surely? The fun can't end yet!

#103:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 7:29 am
    —
Thanks, Cryst. Of course, she needs to get the job, well, we need her to get it so we can sit back and watch the fun.

#104:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 9:06 am
    —
Ooh yes they have to give her the job! As Miss Millson thought, who else is there? Very Happy

Looking forward to what is going to happen next... please don't keep us waiting too long Cryst! Wink

#105:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 11:19 am
    —
Quick thinking from Miss Millson there!

Thanks, Cryst Very Happy

#106:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 3:23 pm
    —
Please please let Hepsy get the job. Miss Millson may live to regret deflecting that question!

Thanks Cryst

#107:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 12:18 pm
    —
Thanks, Cryst. I really hope that Hepsy does get the job.

#108:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 12:54 pm
    —
Sorry if this seems to be taking ages to get anywhere - that just seems to be how it's coming out! I need a good spell of inspiration to tie all the bunnies together and give them a sense of direction. In the meantime ...

Hespy caught a quick word with the receptionist as she left, to confirm that she would be back in the afternoon for her next interview, and to ask for directions to a suitable café to have her lunch and to the nearest public library. She then let herself out of the building and walked slowly around the corner. Safely out of sight of the windows, and feeling very pleased with how the morning had gone, she gave a little jump of pleasure, punching the air with a smug “YES!”. Landing awkwardly on one of the elegant heels she felt a sharp twinge in her ankle and sat down abruptly on the nearest doorstep. She changed her shoes for her sandals, and replaced the shoes in their bag. Then she stood up and tested the ankle. “That’ll teach me! No permanent damage though,” she thought to herself before limping determinedly in the direction of the library. She had a spot of research to undertake. “I think there’s a good chance that they’ll be offering me the position at the Chalet School,” she told herself “and it looks as if they would benefit from a wee bit of a union recruitment campaign.”

Madge and Hilda, meanwhile, were interviewing the final candidate, who had been reasonably promising on paper, but turned out to be sickly looking and anxious about the move to Switzerland. She had been rather tongue tied in the portions of the interview where she was expected to converse in German, although her French had been more fluent. The interview had been very hard going and they were glad to part company with her at the end. Miss Millson invited the woman who had undertaken the Italian conversation test in to join the three of them, and they discussed the candidates.

Hepsy had come out streets ahead in the Italian fluency test, although some concern was expressed at the way she had seated herself for that part of the process, apparently crossing her legs in a most unladylike way. “That’s strange,” commented Hilda, “I didn’t notice any problems of that sort while she was in here with us.” Hepsy had emerged as by far the strongest candidate at the main interview, and the women were thus unanimous in their choice. In fact, they felt Hepsy to be the only appointable candidate of the three. To Miss Millson’s relief, Hepsy's rather unfortunate question at the end did not come up in the discussions – Madge and Hilda evidently had not realised the possible ramifications of having a union activist on their staff. It was therefore agreed to everyone’s satisfaction that Miss Hepzibah Angelina Cameron was to be offered the post of Italian mistress at the Chalet School as soon as the agency could complete the paperwork.

#109:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 1:18 pm
    —
Great, what with Elsie in the kitchen and Hepsy in the Staffroom, the CS should soon become a union shop.

Thanks, Cryst.

#110:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 1:20 pm
    —
Yes, I was thinking it would be great if Elsie and Hepsy could meet!

#111:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 3:15 pm
    —
Hooray! But do the Chalet School really have any idea what they are in for? Laughing Laughing

Thanks Cryst.

#112:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 4:07 pm
    —
I never wear shoes with high heels because they and I are just not a good combination!

Glad Hepsy got the job Very Happy .

#113:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 4:21 pm
    —
Thanks Cryst, this is fab Very Happy

#114:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 5:14 pm
    —
Thanks, Cryst. I'm glad that Hepsy has been successful.

#115:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 5:20 pm
    —
Fatima wrote:
Yes, I was thinking it would be great if Elsie and Hepsy could meet!

Ooh yes please Laughing
Thanks Cryst

#116:  Author: LisaLocation: South Coast of England PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 7:47 pm
    —
So realistically and believably described! Thank you for such an enjoyable story Very Happy *feeds bunnies magic carrots* Wink

#117:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:53 pm
    —
Pausing for a moment at Aunt Hepzibah’s front gate, Hepsy gathered her thoughts. It had been a long, but very satisfactory day. On her return to the agency for the afternoon’s interview she had been informed that she was to be offered the Chalet School position, and that the formal offer of employment would be sent to her at her Aunt’s address. It was recognised, however, that she had several other interviews and would wish to attend these before making up her mind. Miss Millson had caught a quick word with her before the afternoon interview, and advised her not to enquire too deeply about union membership at the other interviews, as it could put employers off. Hepsy’s first inclination was to argue the point – after all, what enlightened employer would deny the rights of workers to engage in collective bargaining? - but she managed to curb her tongue. The afternoon interview, for a mixed modern languages position at a private girl’s school in Chelmsford, seemed to have gone reasonably well, and the agency said they would let her know the outcome in due course. Of course, there were several other interviews to go as well, but Hepsy had more or less already made up her mind to accept the post at the Chalet School. She knew she needed a job, but the travelling bug and yearning for adventure was not yet out of her system, and the Chalet School seemed as if it could satisfy both requirements. She felt sure there would be adventures aplenty ahead of her in Switzerland.

Aunt Hepzibah opened the door for her and was keen to hear how the day had gone. She was delighted and amazed that Hepsy still looked so smart and ladylike, although perhaps not quite as tidy and crisp as she had when she had left home in the morning. She congratulated Hepsy warmly on her success with the Chalet School post, although she knew very well how insular, petty, and claustrophobic the community of staff at such a school could seem, especially when you were a junior member of staff and living in. However, her niece seemed taken with the idea, and if she could stick it out for a year or two it would certainly stand her career in good stead. On the whole, Aunt Hepzibah was pleased, and relieved.

Hespy made her excuses for an early night, pleading that she was tired after her busy day. In truth, however, she was itching to get some privacy to start reading some of the literature she had acquired at lunchtime and after the second interview. The public library had yielded the addresses of the London headquarters of the three teacher’s unions that Hepsy knew of, and all were fairly easy to get to by tube. She had visited all three, and their administrative staff had been startled to be asked some very searching questions by this very determined young lady. She thought she had obtained a reasonable idea of the ethos and mission of all three, and the bag her aunt had supplied to carry her shoes, plus a second carrier bag, were crammed full of leaflets and booklets. She undressed and got ready for bed quickly, then sat on her bed and spread them out with great interest. Where to start? “Your Union and You”. “Starting a new branch”. “The role of the Shop Steward in a Modern School.” Pay Negotiations in the Private Sector.” She rubbed her hands in anticipation.

#118:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 11:06 pm
    —
I think there may be trouble ahead...

Thanks Cryst!

Kathryn

#119:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 11:37 pm
    —
Good for Hepsy for looking into aspects of the job not covered at interview! Laughing

Thanks, Cryst

#120:  Author: MollioLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 12:15 am
    —
This is taking such an amusing twist that I'm almost sorry I'm heading for the Lake District - and no computer - on Wednesday.
Looking forward to having lots to catch up on next Sunday when I get home! Very Happy

#121:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 12:10 pm
    —
I'd like a lot more of this, it should be fun.

#122:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 6:45 pm
    —
Thanks, Cryst. I hope that Hepsy won't find another school that she prefers to the CS and take up that position instead.

#123:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:43 pm
    —
KathrynW wrote:
I think there may be trouble ahead...


Me too!

#124:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 9:38 pm
    —
Another little bit - just trying to get everyone heading off in the right direction again!

Back at Hilda’s club, Madge and Hilda were once again sharing an agreeable sherry before their dinner. Hilda had been expressing the earnest hope that young Miss Cameron would accept the post, and Madge was doing her best to reassure her friend.

“There’s not much we can do really, Hilda, except wait and see. There’s no reason why she would turn us down. The salaries we offer are really quite generous compared with both the public and private sectors here in Britain, and all her living expenses will be paid. She’s unlikely to be put off by the travelling. Anyway, there were no other suitable candidates.”

Hilda sighed. “You’re right, of course, Madge. I’ll put it out of my mind – all we can do is sit back and wait for her reply. The worst that can happen is that we have to ask the agency to find another batch for us to interview, and postpone the introduction of Italian for another term. It won’t be the end of the world – after all, we have an excellent take-up on the Spanish. Let’s change the subject, shall we, and go over our travel plans for tomorrow. What time are we meeting Rosa?”

“She’ll be catching the milk train from Armiford,” Madge replied “and will arrive into Paddington just before nine o clock. We’ll meet her off the train and then take a taxi to Victoria in time for the boat train. It’ll be a long day, I’m afraid. Still, we’ll stay in our usual hotel in Paris overnight, then we’ll part company as you head back off to school, and I’m off to the Tiernsee.”

“Oh, the dear old Tirol - how heavenly for you, Madge. It will make a lovely autumn break. I almost feel like bunking off school and coming with you.”

With that, they were summoned in to another excellent dinner, and after a leisurely coffee in the lounge they went up to their rooms to pack for the journey and take the opportunity for an early night.

#125:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 9:48 pm
    —
Thanks, Cryst. It would be great to see Hilda giving her excuses for bunking off being the Headmistress for a few days!

#126:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 10:01 pm
    —
I love the way Hilda talks about "bunking off"!

#127:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 10:23 pm
    —
Thanks Cryst, love the relationship between the two Very Happy

Kathryn

#128:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 9:52 am
    —
Thanks, Cryst, it's lovely to see this back.

#129:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 11:24 am
    —
Slang!! Shocked From Hilda?! Shocked Shocked

#130:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 5:36 pm
    —
Pat wrote:
Slang!! Shocked From Hilda?! Shocked Shocked

Weeeell ... she's got to let her hair down a bit sometimes - she doesn't get out much, does she?

#131:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 7:28 pm
    —
I thought you'd posted more Cryst! Rolling Eyes

#132:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 8:53 pm
    —
Cryst, another post would have been lovely.

#133:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 11:07 pm
    —
Agrees, and pleads a bit, trying to look winning. Very Happy

#134:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 4:59 pm
    —
Would be fun to see Hilda bunking off Laughing

Thanks, Cryst

#135:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 8:22 pm
    —
Hilda opened her study door and heaved a great sigh of relief and pleasure to be back in her own place after a long and tiring journey. Gaudenz had met her at the mountain railway station and driven her back to school. He was taking her suitcase up to her bedroom, but she still had on her hat, coat and gloves. Too tired to take them off immediately, she flung herself down onto her sofa, lifted her feet up onto the little pouffe and closed her eyes. Her study fire had been lit and tended ready for her expected arrival several hours since, and the little room was warm and cosy.

“Oh, it’s so good to be back,” she though to herself. “I’ll just close my eyes for a moment to catch my breath, then go and see if I can find myself a bite to eat. I’ve missed Abendessen, and I’m ravenous.”

Closing her eyes and revelling in the silence, she suddenly started to catch snatches of a haunting melody, coming from somewhere in the school or the grounds. It was an almost unearthly sound, a flute or recorder in the distance, she thought, high, slow and sweet, playing a tune that she did not recognise.

The door opened slowly and Rosalie peeped round. “Oh there you are Hilda, we were expecting you hours ago. Gracious, you look exhausted. You take your outdoor things off and I’ll see if we can rustle up some Kaffee and bread twists or something for you. Anna may have kept back your evening meal on a tray. I’ll be back in a moment.”

“Thank you Rosalie, you are a gem,” replied the Headmistress. “Tell me, what is that music? I’d have thought it was a little late for the girls to be practising?”

“Oh, sit back and enjoy it, Hilda. That’s José practising his flute. He let on the other day that he ‘plays a little’, and of course he’s an absolute genius at it. Mr Denny is over the moon – he can’t decide where to turn as to what to ask him to do in the Christmas play. Should he sing a solo, or a duet with Joey, or play a flute solo, or augment the orchestra, or all of those things? We’ll probably find out he has talents in other directions too,” she added with a laugh, “acting or narrating or something. It’ll probably end up a one man show. Anyway, he seemed to think he’d need to practice if he was to perform, so he’s been delighting us all ever since.” With that she departed in search of sustenance for Hilda.

Hilda sighed, took off her gloves and hat and was just standing to remove her coat, when a shrill voice shattered the peace.

“Coo-eee. Hilda, are you back? Good show. I thought I saw you driving past. I’ve been watching for you all day.” Joey burst into the room, pulled up a chair, sat down, and deposited a pile of handwritten sheets on the coffee table. “I’ve got the lesson plans all ready. I thought we’d start with some basic personal hygiene issues, then move on to relationships. How to get on with each other in a community, shared values, the chalet school ethos, that sort of thing. Then I though perhaps we’d tackle bullying. Now I know we don’t get that much of it here, but it can be very subtle, you know, and completely destroy a girl’s happiness and self confidence without anyone ever realising. Then puberty. Jack says I shouldn’t dive in too soon with sex, but ….”

“Whoa Joey. Slow down a minute. I take it you’ve decided you’d like to take on the PSHE teaching?”

Joey nodded enthusiastically, and was about to continue describing her plans, but Hilda got in first.

“That’s excellent news. I’ve asked Nancy Wilmot to act as your mentor in this, and take overall charge of the subject, so I think you’d be better off discussing it with her, don’t you? And you’ll have to have a word with Rosalie about the timetable. So why don’t you come back in the morning to catch those two. Once it’s all sorted out, I’m sure Nancy will brief me.”

“Oh,” Joey’s face fell. “But I wanted to show you these study packs that I’ve sent off for, lots of exercises for them to do, and, …”

“SO, TELL NANCY,” Hilda cut in, her voice rather louder and more terse than usual.”

“Yes, of course, Hilda. I’m sorry. You must be tired. Gracious, look at you, you haven’t even taken off your coat yet. Did you manage to appoint an Italian teacher? And how was Madge?”

“Madge was very well, Joey, though looking a little tired and flushed at times. She sends her love, and I’ll tell you all the other news when we’ve got a little more time. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m just going to find something to eat, then it’s an early night for me.”

Joey, for once, took the hint, and breezed back out, wishing Hilda goodnight, and heading for the staff room.

#136:  Author: ChairLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 8:40 pm
    —
Thanks, Cryst. I am very Shocked that Joey managed to take a hint!

#137:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 10:42 pm
    —
More! How lovely!

Poor Hilda, having to cope with an ebullient Jo when she's dead on her feet.

Does Madge being 'tired and flushed at times' tie up with a certain other drabble we all know and love? Very Happy

#138:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 11:38 pm
    —
Jo took a hint - eventually!

Poor Hilda, coping with that!

#139:  Author: MaryRLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 10:37 am
    —
Even Hilda has her limits, I expect! And she's not one to suffer fools TOO gladly! Laughing

Thanks, Cryst

#140:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 1:09 pm
    —
Jo is obviously taking the teaching seriously - wonder just what sort of stuff she's been sending off for!

Thanks, Cryst Very Happy

#141:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 7:15 pm
    —
In the staffroom a number of staff were engaged in their habitual evening pastimes of playing cards, reading, embroidery, knitting, marking, and so on. Several were elsewhere. Rosalie was seeing to Hilda, and several had retired to their own rooms. One or two of the mistresses were still undertaking various evening duties around the school, although by this time of the night the juniors were in bed, the middles were on their way, and the seniors did not need much in the way of supervision.

Fortunately for her, Nancy Wilmot was also out of the way. There were times when the evening staff room sessions, on top of a long day, were too much for her and despite the chill in the Autumn air and the darkness of the night, she had put on her outdoor things and gone out for a walk. She couldn’t do much more than walk along the motor road for a mile or so and then return the same way, but she found it was usually enough to preserve her sanity when Chalet School life started to feel claustrophobic.

“Oh Anna,” said Kathie Ferrars, failing to hide her exasperation as she partnering Frau Mieders at bridge, “did you not realise that the queen of trumps was still out?”

“Jawohl, of course,” replied that rather abstracted lady, to whom bridge was largely a mystery, and who only usually joined in when pressed by the others to make up a four. “But I thought that it was with your hand, meine Kathie,” she replied, with a puzzled air.

“Then why on earth did you lead your Jack?” replied Kathie.

“Ach! Ja, zat vas not so good, but it is only a game nicht wahr, Liebchen?”, she replied with an air of apology.

Kathie gave her arm a little squeeze, “You’re right, Anna, and I think maybe we’ve played enough for tonight, don’t you? If Rosalind and Peggy want to play on they’ll just have to find another pair to take over from us.” The others nodded in agreement, and Kathie started to tidy up the cards. Anna stood up and moved to the long settee near the fire, where Jeanne was embroidering, chatting quietly with Sarah Denny. With José out of the way practising his flute they were, naturally enough, chatting about him - extolling his virtues and trading superlatives.

“He really is the most charming of men,” said Jeanne. “Such a pleasure to work with, and so superb at handling the girls. He will make the most immense contribution to our languages specialism, and he is lifting the standard of teaching throughout the school as other staff follow his innovative methods.”

“Yes, indeed, he really is an example to us all,” replied Miss Denny, without the slightest hint of sarcasm in her reply. At first she had been inclined to be a little jealous of José – after all she had, for several decades and single handed, been the sole teacher of Spanish, as well as Italian and a host of other minor subjects to the small number of girls whose parents wished them to study these subjects. But once she got to know him she very quickly fell prey to his charms. He asked her advice whenever he could contrive to do so, always deferring to her experience and praising her judgement.

It was at this point that Joey burst in. She flung open the door, and said loudly, “Hello everyone, aren’t you going to welcome me into your midst? I’m part of the staff now, so you’ll be seeing lots more of me in here. Isn’t it marvellous news? Hilda has asked me to teach several periods a week of PSHE. Jack’s in agreement, and I’ve made arrangements for looking after the tinies, so once I’ve had a chat with Nancy, and Rosalie has sorted out the timetable, I’ll be able to get cracking. So I’ll be around much more of the time, and I’ll be able to spend lots more time with you all in here. Isn’t that wonderful news? Aren’t you all pleased?”

One or two of the staff looked down, scowling or mumbling under their breath, but most nodded obediently, and one or two even managed a sickly smile.

“Now then, where are Nancy and Rosalie? I need a word with them.” Her face fell as her eyes swept the room and failed to find them. “Oh no, they aren’t here. What a bind. Anyone know where they’ve gone?” Several heads shook mutely. Those who had an inkling where their colleagues were loyally kept the information to themselves.

“Oh well, I’d better go back home then. I suppose it’ll have to wait until tomorrow. Bye bye everyone, sleep tight. See you all tomorrow.”

With that, and followed by a little ripple of relief, she left, heading back towards her home and family.


Last edited by Cryst on Sun Jul 30, 2006 4:06 pm; edited 1 time in total

#142:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 8:53 pm
    —
*giggles*

I wonder if the staff are going to find alternative places to spend time if Jo's going to be in the staffroom more often!

#143:  Author: MaryRLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 8:57 pm
    —
Well, aren't they the lucky ones! Laughing Laughing Laughing

Thanks, Cryst

#144:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 11:56 am
    —
Thanks, Cryst. It's good to see how warmly they welcome Jo's appointment.

#145:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 12:02 pm
    —
thanks Cryst
Can't wait to see Joey teach Laughing

#146:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 1:19 pm
    —
Imagine having Joey around in school time as well as out of it! Argh!

#147:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 2:42 pm
    —
Just caught up with this Cryst, brilliant as ever. I cannot wait to see Joey's attempt at teaching Very Happy

Thank you!

#148:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 9:25 pm
    —
Invigorated by her walk, Nancy had her coat over her arm and was making her way along the corridor towards the staff room when she heard Joey’s shrill tones. She was struck by the knowledge, instant and certain, that Joey would be looking for her. Quick as a flash she dived through the nearest door and closed it behind her. Just in time. She heard Joey’s brisk footsteps passing the door, and her voice, high and clear as a choirboy, singing:

“Oh what a beautiful morning,
Oh what a beautiful day.
I’m going to bee-eee a teacher,
Ev’rything’s going my way.”

Nancy groaned. She knew it. Even if she avoided being seen tonight, Joey would be sure to catch up with her in the morning. She cursed silently and gave it a minute or so until she was sure the coast was clear, then she felt for the doorknob. It was pitch dark, and she had no idea which room she was in. There was no light at all, not even any moonlight coming through a curtained window. She felt again for the doorknob, reaching her arm out and sweeping it round in a circular motion, hoping that it would make contact with something. It did. She was in the broom cupboard, and her arm pulled over a rather precarious row of brooms, mops and so forth that had been leaning against the wall. A mop bucket skidded across the floor and banged into her shin and she fell over, pulling down an overall from a nearby peg, which in turn brought down a metal dustpan and brush which had been balanced on the edge of the shelf above. She landed awkwardly on a broken chair, temporarily placed in there out of harm’s way until Gaudenz could get around to mending it.

Fortunately for Nancy, the cacophony of bangs, clangs, and squeals was heard by José who had by now completed his flute practice and was also on his way back the staff room. He turned the knob and pushed the door gently. Some of the dislodged items had wedged against the door and it only moved an inch or so. He pushed harder and it flew open, launching him headlong into the cupboard on top of the disorganised heap that was Nancy, her coat, the overall, the mops and brooms, buckets, dustpan and brush and a now even more broken chair.

It was at this point that Hilda and Rosalie came along the corridor, Hilda making her weary way to bed, and Rosalie heading for the staff room for a last hot drink before retiring too.

#149:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 10:21 pm
    —
And there are Nancy and Jose in the broomcupboard ... Shocked Laughing

Sympathised greatly with Nancy's need to get out of trhe staffroom in the evenings. Just imagine!

This is great, Cryst.

#150:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 8:03 am
    —
What a fantastic picture! *giggles wildly*

Thanks, Cryst!

#151:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 8:06 am
    —
Lucky Nance Laughing Laughing Laughing

Thanks Cryst, a brilliant scene!

#152:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 6:56 pm
    —
Ooh gossip at the CS, staff in the cupboard -just like my school Wink
thanks Cryst

#153:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 8:21 pm
    —
Now wondering if Nikkie was joking or if the teachers at her school made a habit of getting up to no good in the broom cupboard Rolling Eyes Laughing !


Now surely Hilda and Rosalie won't really get the wrong idea ...

#154:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 11:02 pm
    —
Nancy was severely winded. She realised at once that something large and heavy had fallen on top of her, and that this was making it difficult for her to breath. She was also aware of something hard underneath her, and she squirmed to try to relive the discomfort. The offending chair leg moved slightly, offering her back a little relief, but there was still that heavy weight on top of her. She opened her eyes and saw José’s distinctive pale yellow eyes looking back at her, just a couple of inches from hers, his breathe warm against her face. She refocused her gaze a few feet further back only to see the Headmistresses steely grey eyes drilling down into her face.

For Hilda’s part she was startled to see Nancy lying full length in the broom cupboard with the new Spanish teacher on top of her. She took in Nancy’s flushed face and laboured breathing, and instantly made a judgement about what was happening. In other circumstances she might have had the wisdom to look for an alternative explanation, or to question her staff before thinking the worst of them, but she was tired from her journey and already irritated by her encounter with Joey. The tone of her voice, when she managed to find the words to speak, was glacial.

“Miss Wilmot! Señor Romero! What is the meaning of this? Get up at once. I am afraid to say that I am both astonished and disappointed to discover two of my staff behaving in such a highly inappropriate manner. I will see you both in my office tomorrow morning at 8:30am sharp.”

With that she stormed off, Rosalie following meekly in her wake, pausing only to cast a quick sympathetic, and perhaps slightly envious, glance in Nancy’s direction.

José stood up, and took Nancy’s hand to help her to her feet. After ascertaining solicitously that she was not in any way injured, he said, to comfort her, “The righteous have nothing to fear, Miss Wilmot. Tomorrow we shall explain everything, and our dear Headmistress will understand and forgive.” With that he touched her hand to his lips in the continental style and took his leave.

Nancy was not so sure. Oh, José’s part of the story was easy enough for him to explain away. But Hilda would be sure to ask her what she was doing in the broom cupboard. And how was she to explain that? She could hardly say that she was avoiding Joey – the spirit of the school, newly appointed member of staff, and her first management assignment. She rehearsed her speech in her mind. She had heard Joey coming, had not wanted to see her, and so had dodged into the broom cupboard to hide. Even she thought the story sounded rather limp, and she knew it to be the truth. What would Miss Annersley make of it?

#155:  Author: MollioLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 11:15 pm
    —
What indeed? HMMMM... Interesting.

#156:  Author: MaryRLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Aug 02, 2006 12:41 pm
    —
Tell her the truth, Nancy - she might understand!! Laughing

Thanks, Cryst

#157:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 02, 2006 3:51 pm
    —
pale yellow eyes?

I think I've just gone off him!!

Thanks, Cryst Laughing

#158:  Author: KatLocation: Kingston-upon-Thames/Swansea PostPosted: Wed Aug 02, 2006 6:43 pm
    —
*giggling lots*

Laughing Thank you once again, Cryst!

#159:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Wed Aug 02, 2006 7:13 pm
    —
And all because she wanted to avoid Joey. Poor Nancy! Thanks!

#160:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Aug 03, 2006 12:44 am
    —
Oh poor Nancy.... but it was very funny!

#161:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Thu Aug 03, 2006 8:15 pm
    —
Poor Nancy had a very disturbed night. She tossed and turned, trying to come up with a convincing story to explain her presence in the broom cupboard. In the end, though, she could invent no reason at all for her actions. She could think of many possible reasons why she might have needed to go into the cupboard – to fetch a dustpan and brush, or because she heard a noise, for instance, but none of these explained why she had closed the door behind her when she went into the cupboard, nor why she was in there with the light off. By about half past three she had decided that her cause was hopeless, and there was nothing for it but to tell the truth. She just had to hope that Miss Annersley would believe her and be able to understand.

At half past eight she and José met outside Miss Annersley's door, and looked nervously at each other before Nancy knocked.

“Enter,” came the crisp reply from within, and in they went.

It was clear from her attitude that they were expected to stand in front of the desk, and they stood awaiting the first question, Nancy shifting her weight uneasily from foot to foot, and José standing calmly, looking completely assured.

“Well?” Miss Annersley said. “Do you have any explanation for the scene I witnessed last night? Señor Romero – perhaps you would like to begin?”

“Yes of course. I can assure you, dear lady, that there was absolutely no impropriety involved. I was walking past the door and heard a noise. When I pushed the door it suddenly flew inwards, and I lost my balance, landing upon Miss Wilmot.”

There was something about José’s manner that inspired complete confidence. Hilda believed him – instantly and totally.

“Thank you Señor Romero. Is this true Miss Wilmot?”

“Oh yes, Miss Annersley, that is true, I can assure you.”

Her long years of experience of interrogating naughty middles stood Hilda in good stead. She believed Nancy, but had an inking there might be something more to the story. She thought for a moment, and then came up with the killer question.

“I see. And what exactly were you doing in the broom cupboard in the first place?”

Nancy took a deep breath. “I stepped inside for a moment, Miss Annersley, to avoid someone I did not particularly wish to speak to at the time.”

“That is rather extreme, is it not? Who could possibly inspire such a bizarre course of action?” Hilda’s eyes had lost their steely grey piercing quality, and a twinkle was creeping into their corners, as she anticipated the reply.

“Er, it was Joey, Miss Annersley. I thought she might wish to discuss her PSHE curriculum with me, and I was on my way to bed. I’m sorry, I realise it was rather immature of me.” By now she was looking down at her shoes.

“I see. Well, Nancy, I hope you will seek her out today and sit down with her and go through it. I’m rather disappointed to see you shirking your newly acquired responsibilities already.”

“Yes Miss Annersley. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

By now, Hilda was having trouble keeping a straight face. “Very well,” she managed to say, “You may both go now. I hope I won’t have cause to speak with either of you again.”

#162:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Aug 03, 2006 8:19 pm
    —
Poor Nancy. She'd have seen the laughter if she'd looked at Hilda.

#163:  Author: KatLocation: Kingston-upon-Thames/Swansea PostPosted: Thu Aug 03, 2006 8:47 pm
    —
Hehehehehehe! Laughing

#164:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Aug 03, 2006 9:37 pm
    —
Laughing Glad Hilda saw the funny side of it!

#165:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 10:13 am
    —
*giggles*

Thanks, Cryst

#166:  Author: MaryRLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 3:00 pm
    —
Oh, Hilda, you're more wicked than the rest put together! Laughing

Thank you, Cryst

#167:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 3:02 pm
    —
Thanks, Cryst. This is so funny! I can just picture Nancy standing in front of Hilda like a naughty school girl!

#168:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 5:18 pm
    —
Heartily relieved to have escaped with a relatively mild rebuke, Nancy headed towards the Speisesaal. She had been too nervous to eat or drink anything earlier and Fruhstuck would probably be over by now, but she hoped to find the some Kaffee still left in the urn, and possibly some bread and jam.

“Coo-eee. Nanc-eeeeee,” came a crystal clear voice from behind her.

Her heart sank, but she rose gamely to the occasion, and took charge.

“Oh Joey, I’m so glad I’ve bumped into you. We need to sit down and do a spot of planning for this new PSHE venture. I’d been wondering if you’d had any thoughts? I’ve had quite a few ideas myself, and we must compare notes. I have a free period at 11:30 this morning. Would you be able to meet up with me then?”

“Well, yes, but don’t you have a few minutes now? There’s half an hour until assembly.”

“Sorry, old thing, no can do. I’ve a few things to sort out before my first class this morning. Lower IVB – crowd of little terrors, I need to get the lesson prepared. So I’ll see you at half past eleven, in my form room. The class will be with Frau Meiders - making jam, heaven help her - so we’ll have some peace and quiet in there. ‘Bye then. See you later.”

With that, Nancy breezed off, leaving a rather deflated Joey standing in her wake mouthing pointlessly “but …”. Nancy grinned to herself. It wasn’t easy to assert oneself when Joey was on a mission. “Round one to me,” she thought with satisfaction.

#169:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 5:30 pm
    —
Well done Nancy! Let's hope it's not the only time she manages to assert herself today!

#170:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 5:50 pm
    —
Good for Nancy. Jo is so difficult!

#171:  Author: Sarah_LLocation: Leeds PostPosted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 6:34 pm
    —
Well done Nancy. I'm looking forward to seeing how her ideas conflict with Joey's.

#172:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 7:20 pm
    —
Well done Nancy. To leave Joey speechless takes some doing! Twisted Evil

#173:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 8:36 pm
    —
Just read all of this, wonderful Friday night fun. Hope to see lots more soon.

#174:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 3:36 pm
    —
Wonderful. I do hope Nancy is firm over the lesson plans.

#175:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Tue Aug 08, 2006 9:26 pm
    —
It was half past eleven, and Nancy was ready and waiting in her form room. She was determined to get the upper hand in this relationship, and knew she must start talking as soon as Jo came into the room, otherwise she wouldn’t get a word in edgeways. She had the stack of books and leaflets that Hilda had given her on the desk in front of her, and she planned to pass them on to Joey. She envisaged that they would keep Joey quiet for a while and ensure that her plans for teaching the subject were not too outlandish. She had made out a list of suitable topics for Joey to start with, along with a suggested order for her to cover them, and a second list of the topics that Joey must definitely not broach with her classes – at least not initially. Some of the second list would require parental permission; others were not quite so sensitive but still carried the potential for disaster.

Joey was on her way down the corridor. Bursting with ideas and enthusiasm, she too was intending to do most of the talking and tell Nancy all about her plans. She burst through the door in her usual energetic manner and was already talking as she walked across to sit down across the desk from Nancy. “Ah, there you are, Nancy. At last! I’ve been looking forward to this discussion all week. I’ve now got hold of this gorgeous little study pack that has some super little exercises and games on the various subjects. So instructive, and such a lively presentation! Look – here’s one on...”

Nancy stood up as Joey entered, and started talking too. “Now Joey, I’ve made out a list of topics, and the order that I’d like you to cover them. We have to be quite careful with some of them, and we’ll need to consult with the parents …”

They both stopped talking for an instant, glared at each other, drew breath, and carried on.

“… puberty. There is little pack of cards with single words on them, like 'periods', 'breasts', 'deodorant', 'bra', 'hairy' and so on. The girls have to get together in pairs to discuss them, and then they look up the relevant facts sheet and give a short presentation to other members of the class. Then there’s this super little game which is all about exploring …”

“…because they will need to give their permission for us to instruct their daughters in these matters. Perhaps you would like to help me draft the letter to be sent out? Of course we will need to be very sensitive to the different cultural and religious backgrounds of the girls, and allow parents to withdraw the girls from certain parts of the curriculum if they so wish.”

Again they both stopped talking momentarily, while they both sat down, eyed each other up, then resumed where they left off.

“As it’s been so long since you’ve taught, I thought I’d just run you through some of the modern thinking on learning styles and lesson planning. There are generally acknowledged to be four preferred learning styles …”

“… relationships. Oh, just friendships I mean, not the interesting sort – Jack has advised me not to go launching in to the whole boys thing at this stage – ‘sex will have to come later, Joey’ he said.” At this Joey broke out into a peal of laughter, “I couldn’t think what he meant to start with, I can tell you, Nancy. I thought he was talking about something else altogether...”

“Visual, Auditory…”

And so they went on, for a good ten minutes, both talking non stop, neither listening to the other, their voices gradually getting louder and louder, their frustration mounting. Hilda, pausing outside the door on her way past and overhearing part of the exchange, grinned to herself in mischievous delight, before continuing on her way.

#176:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 12:03 am
    —
Loved this - the thought of each of them trying to outtalk the other was hilarious!

#177:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 6:22 am
    —
Laughing Laughing

Fantastic - I can just imagine that!

And I love the picture of Hilda walking past, laughing at them and leaving them to it!

Thanks, Cryst, this is wonderful. Very Happy

#178:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 6:50 am
    —
Oh no - imagine, at that age, having to give a presentation to the rest of your class on one of those subjects Laughing !

#179:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 10:17 am
    —
That last scene was hysterical. Joey and Nancy trying to talk over each - wonderful!

#180:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 8:50 pm
    —
Eventually Nancy remembered the voice training she had received when she was a student teacher. She recalled how to engage the “voice of command” and did so, to very good effect. “Joey, WILL you please be quiet. Only one of us may talk at once and I am going first. Do I make myself clear?”

“Er, yes, Nancy, of course”, said Joey, taken aback. No-one had ever before questioned her right to talk before!

“Good. Now. I have this list here of topics that you may not cover yet.” She slammed it down on the desk in front of Joey. Under no circumstances are you to teach any of these subjects until I give you explicit permission. Do you understand?”

Joey pouted. “But Nancy, all the interesting subjects are on this list. The lessons are going to be pretty tame without these. Mayn’t I just …”

“NO, you may not. I repeat. Everything on this list is forbidden until further notice. On the other hand, this list,” she slammed down another piece of paper, “is the list that I wish you to teach, in the order I have stated. Am I making myself understood?”

“Well, yes, but if I may say so, you are being ….”

“No, you may not say so. You are to do as you are told. Now, take away this reading material, prepare your first three lessons, and then make another appointment to see me. Only after I have approved them will Rosalie schedule your first lesson. Ah, there is the bell. I’m afraid you must leave now, as my class will be arriving any minute now.”

Joey stood up to leave, looking utterly disconsolate. Nancy thawed a little at the sight of her misery. Perhaps she had been a little too harsh. She dropped the voice of command and added, “And thank you Joey, I’m sure you are going to be a huge success in this role – it is so lovely to see your enthusiasm.”

Joey brightened a little at these words, and went out, weighed down with reading material, to start her planning again. “Ah well,” she thought to herself, “there’s bound to be a way I can work in some of the more interesting subjects under these boring old topics of Nancy’s.”

#181:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 8:54 pm
    —
Way to go, Nancy!

#182:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Aug 09, 2006 9:55 pm
    —
*wondering what Jo will come up with next*

#183:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Fri Aug 11, 2006 11:05 pm
    —
Oh, well done, Nancy, that was glorious. Very Happy

Quote:
She recalled how to engage the “voice of command”

Laughing Laughing Laughing

And Hilda is really enjoying this, isn't she.

Somewhat worried that Jo is still planning to enliven the 'boring' bits ... the mind boggles. Shocked

#184:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sun Aug 13, 2006 5:38 pm
    —
José knocked sharply on Nell Wilson’s study door. She had invited him for coffee before his first session of conversational Spanish with the girls of St Mildred’s. This was the first opportunity she had had to chat with him one-to-one and she was looking forward to finding out what all the fuss was about. She went to the door to greet him.

“Do come in, Señor Romero. I’ve been so looking forward to meeting you properly. The staff at the main school have been singing your praises to the skies.” She extended her hand for him to shake. He took it in his and raised it briefly to his lips.

“Thank you so much, Miss Wilson, and I can assure you that the reverse is also true. You are spoken about with great warmth and respect by my colleagues. And do please call me José.”

Nell felt the same tingle of warmth running up and down her spine as that which had afflicted Hilda and most of the staff of the Chalet School. She smiled, almost coyly, as she invited him to sit down, covering the slight embarrassment she was feeling by pouring him a cup of coffee and offering him a plate of home made biscuits. She coughed, shook her head to try to clear it, and assumed a business-like voice.

“We have about 15 minutes before the lesson, José, so shall we start by discussing what we are hoping to achieve?”

“Yes indeed, dear lady, that would be most wise, I agree. I understand you are not really looking for academic study, but more to equip the young ladies to be able to converse if they are travelling or find themselves in social situations with Spanish speaking people? I thought I would start by giving them some very simple phrases – greetings, exchanging pleasantries, and the sort of interactions one might have in a hotel, restaurant, or shops, and so forth. I have brought a small supply of banknotes and coins with me, and I thought we could act out a few simple scenes. I also have some travel information, railway timetables and so on, to explore how one goes about independent travel in my country. I thought that would probably be enough for the first term. How does that sound to you?”

“Oh, yes, indeed, that is excellent José, you’ve obviously given this a good deal of thought. Thank you so much.”

“If that seems to be going well, I thought that in the second term we could perhaps move onto the written language, build up books of vocabulary, and perhaps read some simple short stories and poems together. I would also like to cover something of the history and cultural traditions of the country.”

“I see. Well yes, José, that all seems most admirable.”

“Perhaps you could tell me a little about the group? I believe their ages range from 17 to about 21? They must be quite sophisticated young ladies?”

“Yes, some of them are young ladies, but many still have something of the schoolgirl about them still. They have led fairly sheltered lives, you understand, and their time at finishing school is really to add a veneer of sophistication, so that they can move easily in a variety of social circles. I should warn you, José, that some of them are quite impressionable, and there is a danger that they will be inclined to treat you with, er, shall we say, a measure of sentimentality. They do not come across many young and, if you don’t mind me saying so” the coyness crept back into Nell’s voice momentarily, but she shrugged it off with determination, “attractive young men in their everyday lives. I do hope you will be able to cope with this aspect?”

“Have no fear, Miss Wilson. I have been in such situations before, and am perfectly able to cope with young ladies harbouring inappropriate romantic inclinations towards me.”

Nell found herself blushing, and wondering just what form his coping would take. Fortunately for her, there was the sound of a distant bell, and she was able to draw the discussion to a close and lead him towards the sunny day room where his group were eagerly awaiting his arrival.

#185:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Aug 13, 2006 5:43 pm
    —
The male teachers at our school were mostly middle-aged (and therefore seemed very old to us at the time!) and there wasn't one of them I'd've described as attractive! The girls at St Mildred's are going to love these Spanish lessons Wink !

#186:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Aug 13, 2006 5:52 pm
    —
And it won't just be the girls that look forward to seeing Señor Romero I imagine!

#187:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Aug 13, 2006 7:16 pm
    —
I wonder if any of the staff will ask to sit in on the lessons Laughing

Thanks, Cryst

#188:  Author: LisaLocation: South Coast of England PostPosted: Sun Aug 13, 2006 9:39 pm
    —
*giggling at Nancy's conversation with Joey*

Mmm, Senor Romero es muy guapo Wink

#189:  Author: alicatLocation: Wiltshire PostPosted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 10:29 am
    —
please please can we know what was on Nancy's banned list???

considering the word lavatory isn't even in common usage at the CS I should think Joey's going to have quite enough to do with explaining that (and all its euphemisms), not to mention things like deodoarant, under arm hair...is period a banned word?


I want to be a fly on the wall at the first lesson

#190:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 2:27 pm
    —
*would also love to be at the lessons!*

#191:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 8:02 pm
    —
The girls were excited. News of Señor Romero’s charm and accomplishment had spread quickly between the two branches of the school and they were eager to meet this allegedly charismatic figure. Mary Lou was having trouble containing them as they giggled and exchanged increasingly ridiculous notions about how he would look, and how he would conduct the lesson.

“He’s Spanish, isn’t he, so I expect he will be dark skinned with black hair,” said Blossom, “and by all accounts he is incredibly handsome. Oh, this has to be so much more fun than having old Sally-go-round-the moon teaching us.”

They giggled.

“Actually, I’ve heard that he’s fair, with the most amazing light brown eyes,” replied Doris, whose intelligence sources were better than most. “and he has the most gorgeous smile, that makes you just melt at the knees.”

They all gave little gasps of anticipation.

“And his lessons, they are incredible, so I am hearing,” added Marie-Therese. “He makes it exciting, so interesting, that one wants for the lesson never to end.”

“Well, that would be a first for me!” put in Prunella with a wry smile.

They all giggled again, but the laughter faded quickly as they heard footsteps outside the door. They all stood up respectfully as Miss Wilson entered, accompanied by the object of all their speculation. They were not disappointed. A little gasp went around the room as José came in and gave the assembled girls the benefit of his mesmerising smile.

“Thank you girls, please sit down. This is Señor Romero who will be taking you for Spanish conversation. I expect you to behave in your customary exemplary manner,” at this point Miss Wilson shot a meaningful glance at Prunella, “and make him feel welcome. This is an excellent opportunity for you all, and I expect to be able to hear you all conversing confidently by the end of term. Do you have everything you need Señor? Very well then, I will leave you to it. Enjoy the lesson.”

The girls were seated casually around the room, which was laid out more like a day room than a classroom, and José moved to a side table and eased himself slowly up onto it, so that one exquisitely shaped buttock was just supported by one of its corners. Amadine gave a audible little sigh – that had to be the most divine movement by a member of the opposite sex that it had ever been her good fortune to observe.

Mary-Lou glared at her, and then glanced around the room in astonishment. The usually intelligent and lively faces of her peers had all assumed a silent and dreamy docility. It was if, in front of her very eyes, the girls were succumbing to a subtle, but inexorable, hypnotic force. She could hardly believe her eyes. Most worrying of all was the pretty face of her half-sister, Verity, who was gazing up at the new master with nothing short of complete adulation.

Her concerns were not in the least allayed as the lesson got under way. To be sure, the girls were obediently repeating phrases, and, once taught something, supplying the correct answers with a passable accent. But they were not themselves. It was as if the lights had gone out in their minds. By the end of the forty minute session she had learnt very little Spanish, much less than her classmates, and she was almost beside herself with worry. When at last the lesson came to an end, Señor Romero made his farewells, and the girls duly responded using their newly acquired vocabulary. All eyes followed him out of the room, and the girls remained seated, silent and motionless, after the door had closed behind him.

#192:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 8:12 pm
    —
Oh ho, don't say she's going to butt in. Thanks, Cryst.

#193:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 10:13 pm
    —
I was rather hoping she'd be the one to develop a major crush on him and make a fool of herself Laughing !

Can't wait to see what she does do.

#194:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 10:16 pm
    —
I wonder if Mary-Lou's on her way to getting herself extra tuition?

Thanks, Cryst Laughing

#195:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 10:30 pm
    —
Quote:
the girls were succumbing to a subtle, but inexorable, hypnotic force.


*Wibbles*. I thought he was too good to be true!

#196:  Author: LisaLocation: South Coast of England PostPosted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 11:43 pm
    —
Cryst wrote:
that had to be the most divine movement by a member of the opposite sex that it had ever been her good fortune to observe.


Shocked Well, really! Laughing What is the school coming to?
Lisa *has sudden hankering to take up Spanish again Wink

#197:  Author: MollioLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 11:58 pm
    —
What a picture...and what is OOAOML going to do now?

#198:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 5:33 pm
    —
Is she going to butt in and then find herself hypnotised?!

#199:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 9:22 pm
    —
Jennie wrote:
Oh ho, don't say she's going to butt in. Thanks, Cryst.

Well, let's see ...

Mary-Lou sat and watched her friends. For a couple of minutes or so no-one moved; they seemed scarcely to be breathing. Then Amandine gave a little sigh, and Blossom moved her hand to her forehead. Verity breathed, in the smallest voice imaginable, “Oh, isn’t he just divine?”

Vi replied, slowly, with a dreamy moan, “Oh yes, absolutely gorgeous. Those eyes!”

Prunella added, “What an inspired teacher he is. Do you know, I think I’ve learnt more Spanish in forty minutes than the French I acquired in the whole of my first year here.”

One by one the others joined in – commenting on the amazing Señor Romero - admiring his teaching, his appearance, his voice, his dress – everything about him. Their comments gradually got livelier as their normal personalities returned. After a few more minutes of this, Mary-Lou could stand no more and she cut in, “WHAT? Have you all gone mad? For goodness sake, pull yourselves together and stop drooling. He is completely ghastly. An absolute slime-ball. His hair is greasy; he’s got the most dreadful spots. His voice is rasping and he walks around the room smirking evilly and leering at you all as he goes past. What’s wrong with everyone? Have you all taken leave of your senses? There is something dreadfully, dreadfully wrong with the man. Can’t you see it? He is completely weird. And those revolting yellow eyes? Really – he’s an alien or something.”

They turned to look at her, uncomprehendingly. Verity walked across and put her hand on Mary-Lou’s forehead. “Are you feeling quite well Mary-Lou? We all felt the same. He is truly breathtakingly clever, handsome, witty and entertaining. The most amazing man I’ve ever met. More amazing than Jack Maynard, even. Look,” she swept her hand round the room at her classmates, all nodding their agreement, “we all think so. I know you’re usually very good at summing people up, Mary-Lou, but we were all terribly impressed. You’ll see. At the next lesson just watch how he moves – the way he smiles at you with those golden eyes, the way his hair curls at the back of his neck, the way he coaxes the best out of us all, how interesting he makes the subject. Oh Mary-Lou, it’s you who must be blind.”

Mary-Lou grimaced. “You’re all bonkers. Stark staring mad.” she said. “You stay here fantasising about that ridiculous little creep if you like, but I’m going for my Mittagessen.” With that she stomped out, still shaking her head in total disbelief, with no idea how she could tackle this. “Something most peculiar is definitely going on,” she thought, “I’d butt in … if I but knew where to butt.”

#200:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 10:02 pm
    —
Quote:
His hair is greasy; he’s got the most dreadful spots. His voice is rasping and he walks around the room smirking evilly and leering at you all as he goes past


Well, well. That's certainly an alternative view. Could he really be a yellow-eyed alien? Shocked Very Happy

#201:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 10:28 pm
    —
Sadly most blokes who sound too good to be true usually are Sad ! However, it would be brilliant to see OOAO totally in the wrong Wink .

Wondering how long Verity has fancied Jack Maynard Laughing .

#202:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 4:37 am
    —
How can OOAO say such awful things about him when he's so wonderful?!

#203:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 12:20 pm
    —
I wonder who is seeing the real picture!

Thanks, Cryst Laughing

#204:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 9:16 am
    —
Over the next couple of days Mary-Lou thought long and hard about Señor Romero and the effect he had had on her classmates. She truly could not understand what they saw in him. She discussed it with several of them, trying to get to the bottom of the strange way they were reacting to him, but in the end they just got irritated with her. As Blossom put it, “Oh for heaven’s sake, leave it off, old thing. We like him, you don’t. That’s all there is to it. Leave us to our hero worship in peace – it’s the most exciting thing that’s happened around here for ages. If you really can’t stand him, maybe you’d better ask if you can switch subjects and join in with the lot that are having the extra deportment lessons.”

Mary-Lou pulled a face – that wasn’t her sort of thing at all. “No,” she thought to herself, “I’ll stick with it, I’ve a feeling that this needs to be watched.” As far as her peers were concerned, though, she decided that she had better keep her concerns to herself, and they heard no more on the subject from her.

She was, however, unable to completely let it drop. After further agonising, she decided to raise the matter with Miss Wilson. With Mary-Lou, to decide was to act, and that evening she approached Miss Wilson’s study in the early evening hour when the Headmistress made it known she was usually in her study and available for the girls or staff to drop in if they wished to discuss anything.

Mary-Lou knocked quietly in the door, which was ajar, and in response to Nell’s invitation she entered and sat down.

“Hello, Mary-Lou,” said Miss Wilson, surprised but not displeased to see her. “Is there something troubling you?”

“Yes, Miss Wilson, though it is rather a difficult matter to bring up, and I’m not quite sure what to make of it.”

“That’s not like you, my dear. You’d better tell me all about it.” Nell smiled encouragingly.

“It’s the Spanish lesson, Miss Wilson. I do hope you will forgive me if you think I am speaking out of turn, but I am most uneasy about Señor Romero and the affect he had on the group taking Spanish conversation.”

Miss Wilson smiled inwardly; when, after all, did Mary-Lou not speak out of turn! Outwardly, however, she contented herself with a nod, and said “Please go on, Mary-Lou.”

“It was as if he was holding them in a spell in the lesson - the girls all became dreamy and docile. They seem to be reacting to him as if he is a god. I really can’t comprehend what it is they see in him. He is young, I’ll grant you, but apart from that he has almost no positive qualities. Yet they are completely enthralled by him.”

It was at this point that Nell could have averted the tragedy that was to follow. Had she not herself been completely bowled over by the young man’s charm, had she but remembered the reference from José’s previous employers, she might have been more inclined to take Mary-Lou’s anxieties seriously, and that could have changed the course of events. But as it was, she failed to respect Mary-Lou’s proven acumen in assessing the personalities of others. She failed to perceive the threat; she pooh-poohed Mary-Lou’s concerns.

“Oh, I’m sure there is nothing to worry about, my dear. I’ve spoken with Señor Romero myself, and I was most impressed with him. The staff of the main school all speak very highly of him. He is getting excellent results with his classes. I expect the girls just have a bit of a crush on him. They aren’t the first bunch of schoolgirls to moon over an attractive young male teacher, and they won’t be the last. If they are being silly about him, just ignore them and try to encourage them outside for a game of hockey or lacrosse. It’ll wear off after a while and they’ll soon settle down again. It’ll be fine, you’ll see. Was there anything else?”

There was a note of dismissal in her voice that not even Mary-Lou could ignore. She thanked Miss Wilson for her time, curtsied, and left the room, still worried, but unsure where else to turn for help.

#205:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 9:39 am
    —
You can't leave it there!!

#206:  Author: RroseSelavyLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 9:52 am
    —
Oh no! If he really is a yellow-eyed shapeshifting alien, OOAO might find herself in a sticky situation if he notices her resistance to his spell.... (please???? Wink )

#207:  Author: alicatLocation: Wiltshire PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 11:03 am
    —
could he be a werewolf???they have yellow eyes and I'm sure their fur gets greasy...and they'd love the mountains......oh please, please, I'd love M-L to meet a werewolf!

#208:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 11:20 am
    —
Poor Mary-Lou, all alone in her resistance. What will she do next?

Thanks, Cryst Laughing

#209:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 11:46 am
    —
What tragedy could she have averted? Please, please tell us more!!

Thank you so much! Very Happy

#210:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 3:13 pm
    —
Can't wait to find out what the tragedy is!

#211:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 6:15 pm
    —
It had taken Joey less than a day to replan her first three lessons. She phoned the school and gave Rosalie the times when she was available, and asked her to arrange an appointment for her with Nancy. Faced with the ever efficient school secretary, who, armed with a copy of the school timetable was suggesting that Nancy could fit Joey’s appointment into one of her precious free periods the following day, Nancy had very little choice but to agree. “Drat the woman,” she thought, “I thought I had at least a couple of days grace before I had to face her again.”

However, she was up to the job, and was seated in the staff room, mercifully otherwise empty at that particular time of the week, looking businesslike, when Joey arrived. She went straight onto the attack.

“Ah, good morning Joey. Would you like me to look through your plans while you are pouring your coffee?” With this she stood up, relieved Joey of the folders she was carrying, and sat down again to study them.

Joey chirped “Yes, that’s fine Nancy. As you’ll see, I’ve decided to start with Personal Finance as you suggested and I’ve …”

“Thank you Joey, could you just give me a couple of minutes to look through the lesson, please? That will be quicker that you having to explain it all, won’t it? Have a jam tart, why don’t you, while you wait – the girls made them yesterday and they are .. er.. delicious.” They were indeed tasty, but somewhat overcooked and with far too much jam, they were also very chewy, and Joey was pleasingly silent as she struggled with the one she took.

Nancy in the meantime had scanned the lesson plans, and was surprisingly impressed. “These look fine, Joey. In fact they are excellent. The first lesson is about their pocket money here, and how they should manage it, with some nice lively little exercises in a game format where the girls receive fines, forget their collection money for church etc. That introduces the idea of a budget and a bank very nicely. Then the next lesson you …”

Joey cut in to finish the sentence, “That’s right, Nancy. Then I go on to the idea of a household budget. The girls will be working in groups with a list of common household expenses – they will discuss the prices amongst themselves, and for homework I’ve asked them to check these against whatever sources they can find. For the third lesson, they’ll be asked to produce a typical household budget, using the …”

“Wait a minute, Joey, you’re racing ahead of me again. I’m just having a look through this list of items they have to price up. I see, yes, you’ve quite a nice variety, ranging from mortgage payments to various items of foodstuffs. Milk, toiletries, clothing, train fares etc. Oh, Joey, NO! Just what is this?” she stabbed accusingly at one of the items in the list.

Joey had the grace to look slightly guilty, but tried to carry it off innocently, “Tampons, Nancy? They are little cylindrical pads of …”

“Yes, Joey, I know full well what they are. But the girls won’t, will they, as puberty is on the list of subjects you’re not covering yet. Remember? So they shouldn’t be on the list, now should they?”

“Oh, no. Of course not, Nancy. How very silly of me – I was just going through the various items one has to buy, you know, as you do.”

“Hmmm,” replied Nancy, not fooled for one minute. “And are there any other items in the same sort of vein that you think you should perhaps remove, Joey?”

Joey ran her finger down the list nonchalantly. “Well, maybe this one, I suppose.”

“Yes,” replied Nancy puzzled, “I don’t see how that one fits into this exercise at all actually. Why would any normal household be buying South American vultures as part of their monthly household expenditure?”

“What?” replied Joey, looking at the list more closely, “Oh, I see. That’s supposed to be an ‘m’ not an ‘r’ Nancy. I’ll take that off the list too, shall I? Is it all all right apart from those little slips?”

“Yes, Joey, I think it is, well done,” smiled Nancy. “Now, why don’t you go along to Rosalie and fix up your timetable, then when you’ve done a couple of these lessons you can plan the next few and come back to see me. We can discuss how the first lessons have gone down with the girls and I’ll look over the plans for the next lot. How does that sound?”

“Very well, Nancy. I’ll make an appointment to see you in a fortnight’s time.”

Joey went perkily on her way, somewhat disappointed that her little ruse had been rumbled, but still excited at the thought of started to teach again, and with several more ideas up her sleeve for introducing the more contentious items of the PSHE curriculum earlier rather than later.

#212:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 7:54 pm
    —
Given that she has 11 children, I'm surprised she knows what the "South American vultures" Laughing are!

Nancy seems to have the upper hand Laughing !

#213:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 11:22 pm
    —
Had to think a bit about the South American vultures ... Embarassed

Glad Joey's doing so well, though - she's rather sweet about it!

Am longing to know what tragedy is looming, and am very disappointed in Nell - I'd have thought she, of all people, would have been immune to Senor R! Wink

#214:  Author: MollioLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 12:08 am
    —
Hepsy will sort it all when she comes. Very Happy
Enjoying this no end. Thanks. Keep it coming! Razz

#215:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 12:00 pm
    —
Tara wrote:
Had to think a bit about the South American vultures ... Embarassed


Me too! Obviously we both have sweet, innocent minds, Tara Wink

Sounds like Jo's doing a very thorough job though - she might be better at this than Nancy and others expect.

Thanks, Cryst Laughing

#216:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 2:13 pm
    —
Tara wrote:
Had to think a bit about the South American vultures ... Embarassed


And I am still trying to work it out! Shocked

Anyone care to PM me and put me out of my misery? Embarassed Embarassed

#217:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 2:15 pm
    —
Embarassed Yes, and me, too. We're obviously far too sweet and delicate for our own good, Helen!

#218:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 2:17 pm
    —
Helen P wrote:
Tara wrote:
Had to think a bit about the South American vultures ... Embarassed


And I am still trying to work it out! Shocked

Anyone care to PM me and put me out of my misery? Embarassed Embarassed


Me too!! Embarassed

#219:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 2:41 pm
    —
Well, that's the last time I try to be subtle! Laughing
The condor is a large south american vulture - does that help at all?

#220:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 2:42 pm
    —
Laughing Greatly!

#221:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 2:43 pm
    —
Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing

It does indeed! Thank you Cryst! Very Happy

#222:  Author: jontyLocation: Exeter PostPosted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 5:52 pm
    —
Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing I've just caught up on this - it's great. Thanks for explaining the South American vultures, I had no idea what that was about! I thought there must be something called vultumes that everyone except me knew about. Thanks, Cryst.

#223:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 10:35 pm
    —
jonty wrote:
Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing I've just caught up on this - it's great. Thanks for explaining the South American vultures, I had no idea what that was about! I thought there must be something called vultumes that everyone except me knew about. Thanks, Cryst.


Me too Embarassed Laughing


And why do I have (very very) vague memories of the Demon Headmaster and hypnotism Rolling Eyes

#224:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 1:03 pm
    —
Just caught up with this, finally, and really enjoying it, as ever!

Will there be more coming soon Cryst? Pretty please? It's inspired Laughing

#225:  Author: aitchemelleLocation: West Sussex PostPosted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 3:03 pm
    —
Thanks Cryst! Just read this and the previous drabble! Glad that I wasn't the only person who didn't understand the vultures!! Embarassed

#226:  Author: alicatLocation: Wiltshire PostPosted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 12:37 pm
    —
have just choked on apple having finally puzzled out vultures.

the whole office thinks I'm mad


but why wasn't nancy more shocked - or does she think it really was a spelling mistake????


senor romero is obviously a modern white slaver!

#227:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 6:51 pm
    —
KathrynW wrote:
Will there be more coming soon Cryst? Pretty please?

Soon - I just have to finish Madge off in St Hild's then we'll be back here ...

#228:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sat Oct 07, 2006 9:06 pm
    —
Joey was on her way back to Freudesheim after her appointment with Nancy. She was delighted with how well it had gone, and looking forward to the following day when she would at last teach her first class. There was a little bounce in her step and a tune on her lips.

At first she thought it was a tramp. A short and slight figure, in dirty trousers and a jacket that had seen better days, was approaching her, heading towards the school. The tramp, if such it was, was laden with a large battered rucksack on his back, but was carrying an incongruously smart little overnight case. “Hrmph,” thought Joey to herself, “A ne’er-do-well if ever I saw one. I wonder what he’s doing here. I wouldn’t mind betting that the suitcase is stolen – how else would he have acquired it.” Anxious for her personal safety, she looked around to see if there was any way she could avoid passing the fellow on the road, but there were hedges on both sides of the road at that point and escape was not possible. She cursed herself inwardly for not using the path over the playing fields and the gate that led directly into their garden – she had wanted to avoid getting wet feet, but now it seemed that would have been a small price to pay.

“Ah well,” she thought, “I’ll just have to walk confidently past. There’s no real reason to assume that he will attack me, and to be honest, even if he did he’s a quite puny little thing and I’d probably be able to outrun him or even fend him off.” Clutching her handbag and little pack of books and papers tightly at her side she strode purposefully forward with an assumed air of confidence.

#229:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Sat Oct 07, 2006 10:13 pm
    —
I think Joey would be a bit too much for most people to take on...

Thanks Cryst, looking forward to seeing what happens next!

#230:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 1:56 am
    —
This encounter should be interesting! To say nothing of the arrival at the school....

#231:  Author: LizzieLocation: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border PostPosted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 10:47 am
    —
I've just caught up, Cryst, this is great. I'd like to say that I was confused about the South American vultures, but my Gran made exactly the same mistake once and the family has never let her forget it...

#232:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 3:22 pm
    —
Thanks, Cryst!

#233:  Author: LisaLocation: South Coast of England PostPosted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 7:23 pm
    —
Loving this story! I was another one who thought 'vultumes' must be some cool term ... Embarassed Very amusing once I understood though Laughing

I wonder who the tramp is .... ?

#234:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 8:02 pm
    —
Eeeeek! I hope she gets safely home.

Thanks, Cryst

#235:  Author: wheelchairprincessLocation: Oxfordshire, UK PostPosted: Sun Nov 12, 2006 8:07 pm
    —
Just found this and I think it's brilliant. And the tramp so has to be Hepsy (whose name reminds me of a tellytubby), am I right?

#236:  Author: MollioLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 12:58 am
    —
Please let them have a 'chat' of some kind!
Should put Joey off her sleep for the night!

Enjoying this hugely. Thank you. Smile

#237:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 2:10 pm
    —
wheelchairprincess wrote:
... And the tramp so has to be Hepsy, ... am I right?

Indeed you are, Wheelchairprincess!

Hepsy was weary. It had been a long and tiring journey from her Aunt’s house to the Görnetz Platz. Aunt H had insisted on equipping her with a very smart little suitcase, but had completely failed to persuade her to abandon her faithful old rucksack, so she was carrying both. As she struggled the last few hundred metres along the road towards her destination, she mused that it was as well that her trunk had been sent separately, containing, among other things, her precious books and the supply of leaflets she had acquired from the National Union of Teachers for distribution to her new colleagues. In the rucksack she had managed to pack some of her comfortable old travelling clothes, and so, although she left Aunt H’s house looking every part the trim little schoolmistress, she had changed at the first opportunity - in the Ladies room at Victoria Station – folding up the suit with uncharacteristic care, grinning as she realised she was doing so. “Aunt H would be proud of me,” she thought, rather missing the point, and slipping into her old slacks and jacket with relief.

The perm had lasted a little longer, but staying overnight with an old friend in Paris she had attacked it with her nail scissors, enlisting the help of the slightly reluctant friend to ensure that the back was as short and spikey as the front. “But my Hepsy,” Collette had protested, “the new style is elegant and suits you so well. Why would you wish to ruin it?”

“It’s just not me though, is it? Now, are you going to play ball, or shall I do it myself?”

Realising that she would be able to limit the damage if she helped, Collette did the best she could to comply with her friend’s wishes, whilst preserving as much of the styling as she dared.

After taking her leave of her friend and a further 24 hours on the train, Hepsy was now on the last leg of her journey. She had not communicated her intended arrival time to her new employers, so unsurprisingly was not met at the mountain railway station. “It’s only a couple of kilometres”, she thought, “and I could do with a bit of a walk.” It had proved more testing than she had imagined, and she was dragging her feet and wondering if she was ever going to arrive when she saw a tall lady approaching her, a look of determination on her face, studiously looking anywhere but at Hepsy.

“Excuse me,” Hepsy ventured, in her excellent German.

Joey stopped. A woman’s voice. Surprisingly pleasant and educated. She realised with a start that the tramp was female, and addressing her.

“Could you tell me please, am I nearly at the Chalet School?”

“Yes, I’ve just come from there - it’s just a little further down the road, behind those bushes,” Joey pointed and then, unable to overcome her curiosity, added “Do you have some business there?”

#238:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 2:16 pm
    —
Hooray for more of this! I wonder what Hepsy and Jo are going to think of one another!

Thanks Cryst.

#239:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 3:25 pm
    —
Thanks, Cryst.

#240:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 5:18 pm
    —
What a lovely surprise to see more of this! Thank you Cryst - I can't wait to hear the next bit of the conversation! Very Happy

#241:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 8:29 pm
    —
Thanks for the update, Cryst!

#242:  Author: MollioLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 12:37 am
    —
Yay! It's back. Great. Very Happy

#243:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 12:06 pm
    —
Great to see a bit more of this.

#244:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 3:57 pm
    —
“Well, I’m about to start work there, actually” replied Hepsy.

“Oh yes, in what capacity?” quizzed Joey, imagining perhaps that the school had engaged a new kitchen hand or maid.

Hepsy did not know quite what to make of this rather nosy, self confident woman, with her cascade of curly black hair with the strange fluorescent red streaks. She decided that her best course of action was to try to make a polite but rapid getaway.

“I’m going to be teaching Italian. Now if you’ll excuse me, I must be getting on my way.”

But Joey was having none of it. Her eyes opened wide as she realised that her “tramp” must indeed be the long awaited Italian mistress. What on earth would Miss Annersley make of her? What would the girls think? It was broad daylight so at least some of them would be sure to see her walking in, and the news would then spread rapidly through the school. With her current appearance and state of dress she would create an instant bad impression, which she would find very hard to live down. Joey thought quickly, and coming to a speedy conclusion, decided to intervene decisively.

She made a grab for the suitcase, and relieved Hepsy of it before the surprised young woman realised what was happening. She then put her arm, suitcase and all, around Hepsy, spun her round to face Freudesheim, and started to propel her along the road.

“You must come with me, my dear,” she said firmly, “for some tea, and to give yourself a chance to freshen up before you arrive at the school. You can’t let the girls see you like that, now can you?”

“But …” protested Hepsy. “You can’t just grab my things and hijack me like this. Who are you, anyway?”

“Oh sorry, didn’t I introduce myself? I’m Joey Maynard, famous authoress, Lady Russell’s sister (you’ll have met her at your interview) and the first ever pupil of the school. I live just along here, and I’m always popping in and out for one thing or another. Don’t worry; you’ll be quite safe with me. My husband’s A Doctor, you know, and we have eleven children. The three oldest girls are all pupils at the school. They are Triplets – and we have two sets of Twins as well – we don’t do things by half in our family, I can assure you. Oh,” she added, proudly remembering her recent elevation, “and I’m a part-time teacher at the school now too.”

Somewhat bewildered by this breezily garbled explanation, and rather too drained to protest or attempt to escape, Hespy allowed herself to be led to the door of an enormous nearby chalet.

#245:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 3:59 pm
    —
Joey doesn't exactly hide her light under a bushel, does she?

#246:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 4:36 pm
    —
I hope Joey doesn't scare her off before she's even started!

#247:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 8:44 pm
    —
Quote:
Somewhat bewildered..., Hespy allowed herself to be led to the door

Did she have any choice?!

#248:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 12:21 am
    —
Great to see this back.

Quite kind of Jo to try to stop Hepsy walking straight into an embarrassing situation. However are Hepsy and the CS going to survive each other?

#249:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 4:21 pm
    —
As they entered into the warm, homely hall, Hepsy looked around absent-mindedly, experiencing a sense of unreality, and wondering how on earth she had let this happen. Joey was busy relieving her of her jacket and rucksack, whilst chattering brightly the whole time.

“There now, that’s better, isn’t it? You come along and sit down in the salon, we’ve a super log fire burning – they normally have stoves in these parts you know, but I insisted on having at least one open fire in the house, you can’t beat them can you? - and we’ll have you warm in no time at all. I’ll get us some English tea and cakes and you can tell me all about yourself. Then you can have a nice hot bath and change out of those travelling clothes of yours into something more suitable and when Jack arrives home he will run you up to the front door so that you arrive in style. Now won’t that be better? Yes of course it will. I’m sure you’ll look quite nice when you’re cleaned up a bit. Have you got something half respectable to wear, or would you like me to dig you something out? You’re a slight little thing compared to me, but I daresay I can find something that will fit.”

By now Joey had ushered her into the large living room and seated her onto a comfortable sofa by the fire. There was a sudden pounding sound behind her and a large dog appeared at her side, towering over her, and slavering alarmingly, its enormous tail wagging violently. It put one great plate of a paw on her shoulder and started to lick her face. Hespy struggled to stand up, but was completely pinned to the sofa by the weight of the great brute. The prattling, however, continued unabated.

“Oh look, here’s Bruno come to say hello. Do you like dogs? Isn’t he a dear? He does so love visitors. Such a friendly animal. Don’t be alarmed – he’ll settle down in a moment. He’s my second St Bernard you know - super dogs, aren’t they? Able to follow a trail you know – just give them the smallest whiff of someone’s clothing. I can’t tell you how many times he’s got us out of a scrape.”

With a supreme effort of will and physical exertion Hepsy brought herself to her senses and managed to push aside the dog and stand up.

“ENOUGH!” she said firmly, glaring at Joey, her eyes blazing. “What on earth is going on? You have hustled me, a complete stranger, into your house, and now you seem to be attempting to run my life for me.”

“Oh, it’s no problem at all, old thing, and there’s absolutely no need to thank me,” replied Joey, with a consummate level of misunderstanding. “Once you get to know me you’ll realise it’s open house here, and I’m always willing to lend a friendly ear and offer a spot of advice when people need it.”

#250:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 5:25 pm
    —
Laughing at Joey's assumption that everyone sees things her way!

#251:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 8:12 pm
    —
That was brilliant, Cryst. Joey is SO obnoxious!

#252:  Author: KatherineLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 8:55 pm
    —
Oh poor Jo, the way she sees things!

#253:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 9:17 pm
    —
I feel quite sorry for Jo - she is only trying to help.

(But not too sorry....)

Thanks Cryst!

#254:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 8:36 am
    —
Laughing Laughing Laughing

Thanks, Cryst

#255:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 1:11 pm
    —
Hepsy had never met anyone quite like this before. She prided herself on her independence of spirit and ability to run her own life, and had struggled enough to put up with her Aunt’s well meaning guidance, but this level of interference was something quite outside her experience. Fortunately, however, she was a tolerant creature, with considerable empathy enabling her to see underneath the surface of the actions of others, and Joey’s latest retort, which could easily have enraged her, had quite the opposite effect. She sank back onto the sofa, convulsed with laughter.

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, woman, I wasn’t thanking you!” she spluttered.

Joey, for once, was struck dumb, and for a moment stood looking at Hepsy in amazement. Then, with an uncharacteristic flash of self awareness, she saw the events through Hepsy’s eyes, and she too began to laugh, collapsing down onto the sofa next to Hepsy.

“Oh dear, whatever must you think of me? I am so terribly sorry. I was just trying to be helpful to make sure you got off on the right footing when you arrived up at the school, but although I’d heard you were due to arrive, you didn’t know me from Adam, did you, when we met on the road? Then all of a sudden you find yourself in a strange house, having your appearance insulted and being licked to death by a large dog. You must just think I’m completely crazy.”

“Well, yes, that is the conclusion I was coming to!” agreed Hepsy, with tears of laughter rolling down her face, and rendering both herself and Joey helpless with further paroxysms of mirth.

It took them a good few minutes to get to the stage where they could speak again, Joey being the first to manage to utter a few words.

“So shall I release you back on your way, Miss Cameron, or would you like that tea now?” she managed to say.

“Oh, call me Hepsy, please do. Tea would be lovely, thank you, Joey - may I call you that? - and you shall tell me all there is to know about this school of yours.”

#256:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 1:13 pm
    —
Thanks, Cryst. I'm glad they saw the funny side of it. Maybe they'll be friends now.

#257:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 1:17 pm
    —
Good for Joey Very Happy

Thanks, Cryst

#258:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 1:27 pm
    —
Phew! I imagined they'd be at daggers drawn from the start.

#259:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 12:39 am
    —
That was lovely, good to see them both seeing the funny side.

#260:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 1:06 am
    —
Hurrah!
So glad they're both laughing. Very Happy

#261:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 2:26 am
    —
That was good to see, and it could so easily have been disastrous!

#262:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 1:00 pm
    —
After the initial false start, the two women found that they got along like a house on fire. Joey had the sense to realise that Hepsy was a strong-minded young woman, who neither wanted, nor needed, Joey’s usual direct style of advice, so she backed off, with the result that Hepsy relaxed and was receptive to Joey’s lively descriptions of the history, customs and characters of the school. By the time Jack arrived home in the early evening, the two were firm friends and Hepsy had taken Joey’s earlier advice and was neatly dressed in her suit and jumper. Her rucksack was safely stowed away in one of the Freudesheim wardrobes, along with her travelling clothes, with a promise from Joey that she might pick them up at any time of day or night whenever she next needed them. In their place Joey had provided a smart suitcase, a warm woollen coat, and an extra supply of clothing and shoes – comfortable but smart, and perfectly suitable for a Chalet School mistress. From the neck down Hepsy absolutely looked the part, and although the hairstyle let things down a little, the overall effect was more than acceptable.

On entering the house, Jack was immediately introduced to Hepsy, then shooed straight back out of the house to run her up to the front door of the school, so that she could indeed arrive in style. He took her suitcases in through the front door for her, hailed a passing prefect to take her to the Headmistress’s study, then wished her luck and said goodbye, reminding her of Joey’s parting invitation to pop down to see them whenever she wanted. Hepsy shook his hand, thanked him warmly and smiled her farewell, grateful indeed, and feeling that she already had friends close at hand.

#263:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 1:23 pm
    —
I was expecting Hepsy and Joey to clash head-on, so it's nice to see them getting on well!

#264:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 6:23 pm
    —
That was promising!

Jo hasn't had the sense to confiscate the leaflets has she?

#265:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 8:12 pm
    —
francesn wrote:
Jo hasn't had the sense to confiscate the leaflets has she?

No, the leaflets are in the trunk - I'm not sure if it's arrived yet!

#266:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 8:25 pm
    —
Alison H wrote:
I was expecting Hepsy and Joey to clash head-on,

So was I. This is so much better, though. Thank you Cryst.

#267:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 9:56 am
    —
Nice to see they've made friends.

Thanks, Cryst Very Happy

#268:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 10:52 am
    —
Sorry that nothing much seems to be happening - Hepsy seems to be taking a while to get settled in!

Clare Kennedy knocked on Miss Annersley’s door and, when invited to do so, entered, announced Hepsy, then bobbed the customary curtsey and left. Hilda moved forward to shake Hepsy’s hand.

“Ah, thank you Clare. Miss Cameron, welcome! We weren’t quite sure when to expect you, but we thought it would be soon, so everything is ready for you. Do you have luggage?”

“Good evening Miss Annersley. I’m pleased to meet you again. Yes, I have two suitcases in the hall.”

“Then I’ll ring for Gaudenz to take them up to your room,” replied Hilda, pulling the cord that hung behind her desk, “and once we’ve had a little chat, I’ll show you up. We have about three quarters of an hour until Abendessen, so your timing is perfect. Would you like some coffee?”

“No thank you, I’ve just had an excellent afternoon tea. I met Joey Maynard on the road and she invited me in.”

“Ah, you’ve met our Joey already, have you?” replied Hilda with a twinkle in her eye, “the first pupil of the school, you know – she is the very heart and soul of the place.”

“So I gather. A charming woman, and exceptionally hospitable,” replied Hepsy, twinkling back. “She has triplet daughters in the school I understand?”

“Indeed she does, and at least three more daughters who will no doubt be following in their footsteps. Now, do we call you Hepzibah, or Miss Cameron?”

Hepsy grimaced. “I prefer Hepsy, if you don’t mind,” she replied.

“Very well,” smiled Hilda, “just so long as we don’t let the girls get wind of it. You will be Miss Cameron to them, of course, even the older girls.”

Hilda took Hepsy very quickly through the few pieces of paperwork requiring her immediate attention, and explained her teaching timetable, which was due to start the following week. For the remainder of the current week she would be spending some time with Jeanne Lachenais planning out the introduction of Italian as a mainstream subject for the school, and with Miss Denny who had been teaching the subject to small numbers of girls up to this point. Hepsy would also be sitting in on some of the lessons taught by the other languages staff of the school, and taking evening prep sessions to start to get used to the girls and the general ethos of the school – in particular how the school operated in French, German and English on different days of the week, and how the staff and pupils helped the new girls through this experience. Hepsy raised an eyebrow when she realised the full extent of this regime, thanking her lucky stars for her own fluency in all three languages - she could not begin to imagine how any new staff would begin to cope if they were not so fortunate.

“I think that’s enough for now, my dear,” Hilda said, “Mlle Lachenais will go through the duties with you in more detail over the next few days, but I thought it as well to give you an idea of what to expect. You’ll want to see your room now, and perhaps start on your unpacking before Abendessen? We’ll just show our faces in the staff room on the way, I think, and do some quick introductions, and I’ll see if one of the staff will volunteer to show you upstairs and make sure we don’t lose you before the meal.”

#269:  Author: MirandaLocation: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 2:23 pm
    —
Wonder how Hepsy will get on with the staff?

Loved the *twinkles* passing between her and Miss Annersley Very Happy

Thanks Cryst

#270:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Tue Dec 26, 2006 3:44 pm
    —
This was one of the most pleasant times of day in the Chalet School staff room. Lessons were over for the day and the school was quietly occupied with prep, in most cases supervised by prefects. The staff were thus able to relax if they wished, and although some were marking, tut-tutting over sins small and large committed by the girls, most were sitting quietly chatting, or reading. Hilda opened the door and ushered Hespy in before her, announcing her as she did so, “Excuse me one moment, please, everyone. I would just like to introduce Miss Cameron, our new teacher of Italian, who has just arrived.” The staff looked up and smiled at Hepsy.

Hilda turned to Hepsy and added more quietly “I won’t introduce all the staff to you, Hepsy dear, you can’t possibly remember all their names, but I’m sure you will get to know them all over the next few days.”

As Hilda was speaking to her, Hepsy was looking round the room, nodding and smiling back at the assembled crowd, but as she did so, a sudden chill ran down the back of her neck. Over in one corner, by the window, she was sensing something - a malevolent presence – an evil greater than she had ever encountered before. She could not put her finger on what it was or why is should trouble her, but whatever it was, it affected her deeply. When she looked directly at the small group of staff in that corner she could see nothing out of the ordinary, but when she moved her gaze away she was catching a glimpse, in the very corner of her eye, of something large, dark, foul and very, very terrible.

She shivered, trying to shake off the sensation, and turned her attention to Miss Annersley who was by now having a word with Kathie Ferrars whose bedroom was near to Hepsy’s, asking her to show Hepsy upstairs and deliver her safely back to the Speisesaal when the gong went for Abendessen. Kathie was only too pleased to oblige and she got up, and shook hands with Hepsy, saying brightly “Hello there, we call you Hepsy, do we? Well, welcome to the Chalet School, then, Hepsy. You’ll find it all very strange at first, but I’m sure you’ll soon get used to us.”

Hilda took her leave of them, and Kathie turned for the door, saying “Come along then, you should have time to get a few things out of your suitcase at least and have a bit of a wash and tickle before the gong goes. All set?”

As they left, Hepsy cast just one more look back towards the corner of the room, and once again, the sensation of sinister and menacing evil struck her, but she could see nothing at all unusual about the little group chatting away merrily – just three or four ordinary looking young and middle aged women with a handsome and pleasant young man.

#271:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Dec 26, 2006 4:15 pm
    —
Does Hespy have something against our dear Spanish teacher then?

This is brilliant, Cryst. More please!

#272:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Dec 26, 2006 4:44 pm
    —
Brilliant! I can't wait for Hepsy to meet the lovely Spanish teacher!

Thank you Cryst.

#273:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 2:20 am
    —
Scary! Well there had to be a reason he's all things to all people..... Very Happy

Looking forward to more of this...

#274:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 3:24 pm
    —
Thanks, Cryst. I'm sure Hepsy's instincts are correct.

#275:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 5:19 pm
    —
As Hepsy and Kathie started off down the corridor, they were met by Margot Maynard, hurrying towards the staff room. “Margot, can I help you, at all?” Kathie asked, in some surprise to see her here at this time of day.

“Oh, yes please, Miss Ferrars, is Señor Romero in the staff room? Mamma has arrived to join the choir practice, and Mr Denny says there is just time for the pair of them to run through their solo piece, if he would be good enough to join us.”

“I’ll fetch him out for you, dear,” replied Kathy, if you would just wait here with Miss Cameron for one moment.

Hepsy smiled at the rather nervous girl. “Hello, I’m Miss Cameron, the new Italian mistress.”

“Oh, pleased to meet you. I’m Margot Maynard, Vb.”

“Maynard? I met a Joey Maynard earlier today. You wouldn’t be one of her triplets, by any chance?”

“That’s me! Con and Len are the other two. Ah, here he comes. Señor Romero, Mr Denny is asking for you in the hall.”

“Very well, Margot, lead the way,” replied José, flashing his most charming smile at Hespy as he passed by. Hepsy smiled back automatically, a part of her admiring the personable and handsome fair haired young man, with his piercing luminous pale eyes. But as he went past, and she took her eyes off him, she reeled as the sense of brooding evil struck her once more, a vile and putrid stench sweeping over her, causing her almost to double up with nausea. Kathie looked at her in some concern.

“Are you alright, Hepsy?”

“Yes, just a sudden, er dizzy sensation,” replied Hepsy. “I’m fine again now. But tell me, who or what was THAT?”

“Ah, I understand now. You’re not the first to go weak kneed at their first sight of our José. He is the Spanish master - been with us since the start of term, and turning a few heads around here, I can tell you. And not just among the girls either!” She laughed, and led Hepsy up the stairs towards the staff quarters.

#276:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 5:37 pm
    —
She's certainly reacting very strongly to him Rolling Eyes Laughing !

#277:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 7:52 pm
    —
Very intruiging!

#278:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 11:28 pm
    —
Nell Wilson often strolled along from St Mildred’s to the main school in the evenings, mainly to chew things over with her old friend and co-head, Hilda Annersley. Tonight Hilda had invited her to join them for the evening meal, and Nell bumped into Joey as she came into school.

“Hello Joey, how are you? Can’t keep away from the place, I see?”

“I’ve just popped up for half an hour, Nell. Pla… I mean Mr Denny asked if I could spare the time one Wednesday evening to pop up to choir practice and run through my Christmas solo with them, and as Cecil and the twins seem to be at their most angelic this evening, it seemed as good a time as any.”

“Oh lovely. Joey. I’ll look forward to hearing that. What are you going to be singing for us this year?”

“Oh, just the first verse of ‘In the bleak midwinter’, though why he couldn’t get one of the girls to do it, I don’t know. He felt there was no-one to match Verity, perhaps, and thought it best to have a break before bringing one of the others into it. Anyway, I’m singing the first verse and he has José for the tenor solo in the third.”

“Well, I’d better let you get on then, Joey. There’s only 20 minutes or so until Abendessen.” With that, Nell made towards Hilda’s study, and soon came across that very lady heading in the same direction, returning from depositing Hepsy with Kathie at the staff room.

“Good evening, Hilda,” said Nell, walking up behind her.

“Ah Nell, there you are. Just in time for a quick sherry before Abendessen, I think. How would that suit?”

“Sounds heavenly, Hilda, but I just bumped into Joey on her way to choir practice. They are practicing for the Christmas play, you know, and Joey’s popped in to run through her solo. Do you think we could go along to listen, and maybe save the sherry until after dinner?”

“Well, I don’t see why not – they’ll only have the front lights on, and with a bit of luck we can slip into the gloom at the back without being noticed. Yes, let’s give it a go.”

#279:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 10:55 pm
    —
Hmm, I wonder what they'll observe...

Thanks Cryst.

#280:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 4:03 pm
    —
Thanks, Cryst!

#281:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 5:12 pm
    —
I was aiming for Christmas eve for this post, but planning was never my strong point ...

They linked arms with a conspiratorial air, and managed to creep into the back of the hall behind the door without being noticed, just as Miss Lawrence at the piano was starting up the introduction. They sat spellbound as Joey sang the first verse – after all these years her voice still as high, true and steady as a choirboy’s, and the crystal clear notes filled the hall.

In the bleak midwinter frosty winds made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter long ago.


The choir came in right on cue for the second verse, singing in harmony, their parts surprisingly well known given that there were still several weeks to go before the end of term play.

Our God, Heav'n cannot hold him nor earth sustain;
Heav'n and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign:
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed.
The Lord God Almighty Jesus Christ.


The choirmaster, Mr Denny, for once let them sing the verse all the way through without interruption, as he wanted a clear run through the piece for the second soloist.

Coming in for the third verse, Señor Romero’s tenor voice was high, sweet and rich, and as they watched and listened Hilda and Nell were transfixed, as were Joey and the girls in the choir, who gazed at him in rapture.

Enough for him, whom cherubim worship night and day,
A breastful of milk and a mangerful of hay:
Enough for him, whom angels fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel which adore.


As he reached up to the last note it seemed to hang in the air like a silken prayer, and for a moment it was as if time itself had stopped. Even Mr Denny was silent and still. Miss Lawrence at the piano stopped playing and the choir stood completely motionless – no-one twitched a muscle or, it seemed, so much as breathed.

Mr Denny was the first to come to himself. “Yes, yes, that was, er, very good. Thank you Mrs Maynard, Señor. But, Choir, we have still two more verses to sing and we must come in on time, please. Miss Lawrence, Señor Romero, please take it from ‘The ox’, and we will sing straight through to the fourth verse.

The ox and ass and camel which adore.

The last line of the third verse was once again perfectly executed by the skilful tenor, but the spell was broken, and this time the choir was able to move smoothly onto the next verse in perfect time.

Angels and archangels may have gathered…,

“No, no, NO. How many times must I tell you. If anyone sings “arch” once more I shall throw my baton at you. ‘Archangels.’ It is a ‘k’ sound, not a ‘ch’. Once more please. Concentrate please, young ladies.

Realising that the performance was over and Mr Denny would now run through the remaining verses line by tortuous line until the singing attained his high standards, Hilda and Nell nodded at each other and slipped out, still unseen.

Nell wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “Just heavenly, Hilda. Did you ever hear the like?”

“Not I, Nell dear. In fact, I could have sworn for a few moments then that the hall was full of angels. That is an amazing voice, and it is a truly exceptional young man that we have in our midst.”

#282:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 5:49 pm
    —
Hmmmm, am I the only one suspicious of Senor Romero? And wondering if Hepsy has gypsy blood?



Thanks for this Cryst - have just spent time catching up with it.

#283:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 6:34 pm
    —
He's too good to be true! Interesting that only Hepsy seems to think that way though.

#284:  Author: MaryRLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 7:12 pm
    —
What happened to Hilda's famed perception? Laughing

Thanks, Cryst

#285:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 8:20 pm
    —
I am still enjoying this, and wondering just what is going to transpire. Confused

#286:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Dec 31, 2006 12:33 pm
    —
I'm joining with Hepsy in being very suspicious of Senor!

Thanks, Cryst Laughing

#287:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sun Dec 31, 2006 7:37 pm
    —
I'm sorry that nothing much is happening in this bit - Hepsy seems to need to get settled in first!

Hepsy was doing well. She was on her best behaviour and had not put a foot wrong so far – to all appearances she would make the ideal Chalet School mistress. Chatting away decorously with Kathie who had perched herself on Hepsy’s bed, she unpacked her own suitcase and Joey’s, hanging up the skirts, dresses and blouses, and placing the other items tidily into the drawers.

Kathie nodded approvingly. “Matron is very strict about the girls’ drawers, you know. They have to be kept absolutely spick and span or she hauls them out of lessons to clean them up. I don’t think she’s taken to inspecting ours, but you never know with Matron – best to keep on the right side of her, I find.”

Stifling a giggle at the unintended double entendre, Hepsy replied carefully, “Oh I see. I’ll have to watch out for her, thank you for the warning, Kathie.”

All went well for the remainder of the evening, too. She was near one end of the long staff dining table, and José was at the other end. At that distance, apart from experiencing a sense of strange unease, she was not badly affected by his presence. She made polite conversation with the staff around her, answering their curious enquiries about herself, her education and experience. There was one nasty moment, to be sure, when tactless Frau Mieders asked her if she had had an accident of some sort with her hair. Hepsy bit back the first reply that sprung to mind, and answered sweetly, and completely untruthfully, “Yes, I’m afraid I got some paint in it and had to cut it out, so it is rather shorter than usual, but never mind, I’m sure it will grow back soon enough.”

This lead the conversation around to memories that several of them had of a similar incident that had happened to Joey Maynard several years previously, and that fortunately turned the spotlight off Hepsy for a while.

She also survived without incident the session in the staff room after dinner. José was not present, as this was the time of day when he practised his flute. By now he had been banished to one of the most distant practice rooms for this activity, as both staff and girls, if they could hear him, were apt to be distracted from whatever they were supposed to be doing, stopping instead to listen and moon.

After Hepsy had been served a cup of coffee by Mlle, she sat and chatted with one or two of the younger staff about winter sports. She had a genuine interest in this, was looking forward to learning to ski once the snowy weather came, and so she found that she was getting on well with the other staff, with the conversation flowing easily.

After about half an hour, she excused herself, pleading tiredness after her long journey. Having determined from Kathie what time she was expected to rise, and the time and location of breakfast, she made her way up to her room.

Reaching her room, she quickly took her towel and washbag to the nearest bathroom to get ready for bed, then with some relief went back into her room and shut the door behind her, kicking off her shoes, removing the hated stockings and suspender belt, and flinging herself down onto the bed. “Oh, that’s better,” she thought. “How on earth do people survive in these dreadful, uncomfortable things? I suppose it will be better in the summer when I can go without, but there are months to endure until then.”

She lay on her back looking around her. The room was small, but pleasant enough, with chintzy curtains, and matching bedspread and chair covers and cushions. She had a small desk and chair, a second, comfortable chair, a wardrobe, bookshelf, and chest of drawers. The room had a little radiator, and was warm enough at this time of year. She noticed that the little fireplace was equipped with a tiny one bar electric fire, which meant, presumably, that she would still be able to spend time in her room in the evenings even when the weather grew colder. She got up to look out of the window, wondering what the view was like. It had been dark when she arrived, and the curtains were already drawn when Kathie showed her up to her room. She could see very little – just a few lights twinkling in the distance, but that looked promising.

She changed quickly into her pyjamas and snuggled under the fluffy feather quilt. Someone had slipped a hot water bottle into the bed to air it – it was still warm, and she cuddled it gratefully.

“I wonder if I shall like it here,” she thought. “I can’t see myself fitting in very well somehow – they are all so … well … nice. Somehow innocent, I suppose. Old fashioned, you could say. It’s another world really. I’m going to have to watch myself if I’m not to put my foot in it.” With that thought she quickly drifted off into a sound and dreamless sleep, little suspecting just how badly things would go wrong for her the next day.

#288:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Dec 31, 2006 8:19 pm
    —
Now, that is anice line to finish on! Looking forward to finding out.

#289:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Dec 31, 2006 8:27 pm
    —
Love the line about her hair - but Hepsy - you are not allowed to spend time on your own. Shocked


Thanks Cryst

#290:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Dec 31, 2006 8:43 pm
    —
Well at least a good night's sleep should help her face whatever's to come!

Thanks, Cryst Laughing

#291:  Author: MirandaLocation: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 6:05 am
    —
Still giggling at the double entendre Laughing Laughing

#292:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 10:16 am
    —
Happy new year, everyone!

Hepsy was woken up by a loud bell. Never one for lying in bed, she quickly came round and was up, washed, and dressed in no time at all, choosing a sensible navy skirt (one of Joey’s donations) and, after toying briefly with a violently lime green jumper, plumping instead for one of the pretty blouses her Aunt had bought her. After the usual struggle with the unforgiving suspender belt and stockings, she selected a pair of navy court shoes, also donated by Joey, with a small heel. They fitted well, and she was pleased to find them very comfortable, although she was a little wary of the heel, being used to flat shoes and mindful of her experience with the pair that she worn to her interview. “I’ll just have to walk carefully and mind my step, that’s all,” she thought to herself. “Others seem to manage to walk on much higher heels, so there’s no reason at all why I shouldn’t be able to master this middle-sized sort.”

Frühstück was a pleasant sociable meal, and Hepsy was grateful for the large cup of milky coffee and delicious bread twists and cherry jam served.

“What’s next?” she asked Kathie Ferrars, as they dutifully cleared away their plates onto the large trolley left at the side of the room.

“Oh we get twenty minutes or so to ourselves – I usually spend the time getting my things together for the day’s lessons – and then it’s prayers, followed by assembly. We have separate prayers here – Protestants in the hall and Catholics in the gym, then we all come together in the hall for announcements and so on. Which are you, by the way?”

It was as well that it was only Kathie who heard her reply, as she was one of the less traditionally minded Chalet School mistresses and a fairly tolerant creature, but even so the response caused a raised eyebrow.

“I’m nothing. Or an atheist you could say. I don’t believe in God.”

#293:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 10:19 am
    —
That'll set the cat among the pigeons!!!

Thanks, Cryst Very Happy

#294:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 10:20 am
    —
This should be interesting! It always annoyed me that Naomi Elton was made to go to prayers when she said that she wasn't into religion!

#295:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 11:23 am
    —
Oh dear - wonder if they'll all try and convert her?


Thanks Cryst.

#296:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 12:35 pm
    —
I should think they'll see Hepsy as something of a challenge!
I loved her deliberations over the lime green jumper!

Thank you Cryst.

#297:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 1:30 pm
    —
Goodness - the CS will be shocked at having an atheist mistress! I do hope they allow her the privilege of being able to choose to be an atheist and not try to convert her.

#298:  Author: MollioLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 1:07 am
    —
Sock it to 'em, Hepsy!

#299:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 10:45 am
    —
“Oh. … Oh,” Kathie repeated, at a loss for words. “Er, I don’t think that’s allowed here. You’ve got to be one or the other, I’d say. Unless you’ve discussed it with Miss Annersley?”

“No, it didn’t come up at the interview. I did inform the agency on my application form, but I don’t know if they passed the information on.”

“It doesn’t sound like it to me. They’d have quizzed you about it at the interview, I’m sure. Did you never go to church as a child? What about your parents?”

“Oh, I think Mother was Catholic once upon at time, but they are both Church of Scotland now. I used to go along to church with them, and to Sunday School and all that – I was even confirmed - but once I got to University I started thinking about it more deeply, and decided that the whole religion thing was a huge nonsense. Well, not something that I could believe in, at any rate. What others believe is up to them, I say. I’ve not been to church since.”

“Well my advice is that you keep it under your hat rather than make a big thing of it and just go along to prayers. I’m sure it would cause a bit of a stir if you did otherwise, and you could do without that in your first few weeks. You wouldn’t feel hugely out of place in the hall, if you’ve been used to going to church as a child, would you?”

Hepsy was uneasy. She genuinely had not given the matter any thought at all – if she had, she would have raised it with Miss Annersley, and this was still her instinct – pretence was not in her nature. On the other hand, she could see the sense in Kathie’s suggestion. “Yes,” she sighed, “I suppose you’re right. I’ll not say anything about it for the time being, at least, although I may find that it just goes too much against my conscience to pretend to something I don’t believe in.”

“Well if you find that, then you can discuss it with the Head later, can’t you?”

“Yes, all right, I’ll go along with it for now at least,” Hepsy replied, though still with a thoughtful frown on her face. She was feeling that since her arrival on the Görnetz Platz she was slowly but surely being pushed further and further out of her comfort zone, with pressure mounting to mould her into something she did not really want to become, and wondering how much more she could take before something snapped.

As it turned out, the act of collective worship proved uneventful, and Hepsy felt only mildly uncomfortable during the prayers, particularly so as she mouthed the Lord’s Prayer. There were also a couple of hymns, but she had always enjoyed singing, and these did not trouble her conscience greatly.

As the events of the morning were to unfold, it was the assembly to follow that would give Hepsy the greater problem.

#300:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 11:07 am
    —
Another cliff-builder. I think Lesley sends out tuition packs.

#301:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 1:52 pm
    —
She does seem to be getting pushed into something she's not, doesn't she. When's she going to be her real self and shock them all?

Thanks, Cryst Very Happy

#302:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 3:19 pm
    —
Thanks Cryst, just caught up on a chunk of this but seem to have got stuck on a cliff!

Thank you Very Happy

#303:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 5:27 pm
    —
Why should she have to conform on something like this?


Thanks Cryst - nice cliff. Twisted Evil

#304:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 11:20 pm
    —
That's a problem isn't it? No wonder Hepsy feels as if she's being forced to be someone she is not.

#305:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Jan 03, 2007 4:31 pm
    —
Hope she takes care of the Spanish master before the explosion. Or possibly WITH the explosion! I'd like to see her stay on, though.

#306:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Wed Jan 03, 2007 6:26 pm
    —
She watched with interest at the end of prayers as the Catholic girls and members of staff filed into the back of the Hall, the staff coming up onto the dais where the rest of their colleagues were seated.

Miss Annersley walked up to the lectern and waited for everyone to find their place and for silence to fall once more. Then she started the announcements in her rich, golden voice, with all ears upon her.

“Good morning, everyone. I have just a few brief announcements for you. First of all, there is the matter of half term. As usual we will be organising trips to places of interest for those of you who are not able to travel home for the long weekend. The groups and your destinations will be appearing on the noticeboard later today. I am pleased to say that as a new venture this year, some of the girls from St Mildred’s will be joining us, and as they have kindly agreed to help supervise the younger girls, this means that we will be able to offer trips to some of the juniors this year, if you wish to go, and if your parents are in agreement. Your form mistresses will run through the arrangements with you when you get to your form rooms, and give you letters to send home if you would like to be included.”

There was an excited hubbub from the front few rows of the hall, where the junior forms were seated, and Miss Annersley waited for the excitement to die down before continuing.

“Of course, it won’t just be the St Mildred’s girls who will be in charge of this group. We have two new staff this term, so they will be travelling with you too.”

“There are three, actually!” chirped a shrill voice from behind her. Miss Annersley turned round with dignity, realising at once that it was Joey who had interrupted her. She raised a very slightly censorious eyebrow in that lady’s direction.

“Ah yes, Mrs Maynard, three if we count you. Girls, I have not yet announced this news, but you will all, I am sure, be delighted to hear that Mrs Maynard will be joining the staff of the school for a few periods each week to teach PSHE to the younger girls. This is a new subject, personal, social and health education, which I’m sure you will all enjoy greatly.”

The majority of the girls seemed genuinely enthusiastic about the news, as Joey was very popular with them, although the staff perhaps looked considerable less keen.

“And it means that I’ll be going on the trip too, of course.” Joey added, to Hilda’s mounting irritation.

She smiled frostily. “Yes off course, we would be delighted to have you, Mrs Maynard, wouldn’t we, school?” adding, sotto voce and with a touch of sarcasm, “That is if your young and very large family can spare you?”

The girls nodded earnestly in agreement, although their Head noticed Margot with her head in her hands and Len blushing pink with embarrassment. Con seemed less bothered by her mother’s display – possibly, Hilda thought wryly, because she wasn’t listening – away somewhere in a world of her own, no doubt.

She stirred herself to finish the announcements. “I have just one more announcement to make today, school, and that is to introduce to you Miss Cameron, who is joining us as the new Italian mistress.” She indicated in Hepsy’s direction, and quietly asked her to stand up, so that she could be seen.

Hepsy made to do so, putting her weight onto her left heel ready to stand, but as she rose, the shoe slipped from under her, sending her flying backwards and sideways, landing in a sprawl on the floor, legs in the air, with stockings, suspenders, underwear and all displayed in full view of the assembled school. She was not badly hurt, but very annoyed, and without a thought for her current setting she reached into her considerable repertoire of expletives and came out with one of her favourites (though by no means her worst).

“Oh, SHIT!” she exclaimed loudly.

#307:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jan 03, 2007 6:41 pm
    —
Not the best of starts then?




Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing


And didn't you just want to strangle Joey???? Shocked


Thanks Cryst.

#308:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Jan 03, 2007 7:01 pm
    —
Laughing Laughing Poor Hepsy, how embarrassing!

And yes, Jo was awful there!

Thank you Cryst.

#309:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Jan 03, 2007 8:05 pm
    —
Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing

THAT word never featured in a CS book! Shocked Poor Hepsy - but how wonderful, and I can't wait to see how everyone reacts! Laughing

Thank you so much Cryst, I am still really enjoying this though not commenting as often as I should.

#310:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Jan 03, 2007 9:52 pm
    —
Oops.....mind you how many of them will know that word? Very Happy Laughing Laughing Laughing

#311:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jan 03, 2007 11:23 pm
    —
Oh poor Hepsy Laughing !

& poor Len & Margot too - parents being embarrassing when you're that age is so awful Laughing .

#312:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 12:19 am
    —
Oh, poor Hepsy, I do love her!

But we did have to conform, even in my day. We weren't even allowed to wear trousers when I started teaching. And everyone had to go to Assembly, what you believed/didn't was immaterial. As for swearing, even very mildly ... Shocked

And weren't suspender belts and stocking (with seams which had to be kept straight) awful!!!

#313:  Author: MollioLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 1:22 am
    —
Maybe they'll think she's talking Italian!
(Cryst, please strangle Joey).

#314:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 8:59 am
    —
Poor Hepsy, but *giggles*

Thanks, Cryst

#315:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 10:17 am
    —
Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing

Poor Hepsy!

#316:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 10:14 pm
    —
Mollio wrote:
(Cryst, please strangle Joey).

Ah, but she is about to redeem herself ...

There was a collective sharp intake of breath, and staff and girls alike stared at Hepsy aghast, all apart from a few, mainly younger continental girls, who had not come across the word before and simply looked puzzled. Miss Annersley’s composure was severely shaken – most unusually for her. She initially staggered, as if from a blow, but quickly regained enough of her senses to break the silence and announce, her beautiful voice displaying a noticeable shake, “That will be all for this morning, thank you school”.

She gestured to Miss Lawrence at the piano who struck up one of the brisk little marches that the pupils were accustomed to hearing as they filed out of the hall. All eyes were drawn towards the events unfolding on the dais, but the girls were well drilled and made their way obediently and quickly to their first lesson of the morning.

The staff were slower to react. Miss Annersley made for the nearest chair and sat down in shock. Several of the others also sat completely motionless, their mouths wide open. All except three of the staff were looking disapprovingly towards Hepsy, completely dumbfounded that a mistress of the school would dream of uttering such an ugly word.

Señor Romero also sat still. He struggled hard to keep a severe look on his face to match that of his colleagues, but a keen observer would have noticed the corners of his mouth twitching upwards.

Only Joey and Matron seemed capable of movement, hurrying towards Hepsy and helping her up into a sitting position. “Come along Hepsy,” said Joey, “Sit yourself here for a moment. You poor thing, that must have been a dreadful shock for you. Are you hurt, dear, or just shaken?”

Hepsy replied weakly, “I’m not hurt thank you Mrs Maynard, just a bit winded.”

On hearing this, the rest of the staff started to drift away, tut-tutting to each other, wondering how the Head would handle such a display of unacceptable behaviour by the new mistress. This left just Joey, Hilda, Matron and Hepsy on the dais, Joey with a comforting arm around Hepsy’s shoulder, Matron busy tucking Hepsy’s skirt round her knees in a belated attempt to protect her modesty, and the Head looking on, not quite knowing what to do next.

In the end it was Joey who broke the silence. “Matron,” she suggested, with quiet authority “perhaps you would take Hepsy upstairs and make sure that there is no lasting damage from her fall? I expect Miss Annersley will send for her a little later on.”

Matron nodded, and led Hepsy out. Joey turned to face Hilda, who was looking very perturbed, and patted her arm, “You will probably need some time to think about how to handle this, Hilda, but I’m sure you’ll find a way. I’m off to teach now but will pop in to your study afterwards, to see if there is anything I can do to help.”

“Thank you Joey. This is indeed a difficult situation. I certainly don’t want to lose the young woman, but it’s very difficult to see how she can continue in her post after this. Such a dreadful example to the girls. I’ll discuss it with Nell and Jeanne, and see what we come up with.”

“Well, if there is anything at all that I can do to help, Hilda, just ask. I’m sure you’ll find a wise and just way forward – after all, you’ve dealt with much harder problems that this in the past. But if there is any way we can give her another chance, and keep her, then we should.”

“Yes, you’re right. Apart from anything else, quadrilingual teachers don’t exactly grow on trees around here, do they! But … what she said … you know … that awful word. It’s difficult to see how she will ever fit in.” She shook her head sorrowfully. With that they parted – Joey briskly en route to her first lesson, and Hilda slowly, and deep in thought, back towards her study.

#317:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 10:28 pm
    —
I have to admit it - Joey was very nice there!

#318:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 12:33 am
    —
Rah for Joey!

#319:  Author: MollioLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 2:20 am
    —
Can't wait for the next interview!

#320:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 8:31 am
    —
Joey seems to be quite in touch with the Real World here!

Thanks, Cryst Very Happy

#321:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 11:18 am
    —
Lovely Joey.

I really wouldn't have fitted in at the CS. Unfortunately that is an ugly word I use far too often!

#322:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 1:21 pm
    —
I use that word far too often as well. And when you think of worse words that Hepsy could have used, hopefully Hilda will realise it's not the end of the world... except in CS land, possibly!

#323:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 7:52 pm
    —
(I feel myself descending towards St Hild's ...)

Joey paused outside the form room of Upper IIIa, noticing the hubbub of voices within, and pausing to take a deep breath to steady her nerves, before assuming a beaming smile and a brisk efficient air, and sailing into the room with a brisk “Good morning girls”.

The noise died down instantly, and the girls, who had been standing in groups chatting, made their way back to stand behind their own chairs as they chanted, in the language of the day, “Good morning Mrs Maynard.”

“Sit down, please, said Joey crisply, “and we shall start by taking the register.”

As she ran down the names waiting for each girl to reply in turn, Joey was comforted by the familiar old routine and started to relax, the nerves gradually subsiding. It was at this point that she looked round and realised that the girls were unusually sombre looking and subdued for a group this age, even allowing for the fact that, although known to them all, she was new to them in the role of teacher.

As she reached the end of the column of names and put down the pen, she decided to tackle the matter head on before starting the lesson, so she stood up, walked round to the front of her desk and perched on its edge.

“Well, you lot are looking pretty glum, I have to say! I’ve never seen so many long faces in one room. What’s up?”

The girls sat in silence, looking uneasily at each other, no-one quite daring to speak. Joey let them wriggle in embarrassment for a few moments, and then decided to put one of them on the spot.

“Come along, old things, out with it. Something’s up, I can tell. One of you give me a little clue, won’t you? Gretchen, it’s not like you to be so quiet, can’t you tell me?”

“Well, Aunt Joey … I mean Mrs Maynard,” replied Gretchen, blushing at her error, “We were just talking about, you know, what happened this morning in assembly, and we were wondering. That word she said – we all know it was very wrong to say it, but we are not quite sure what it means.”

Once she had spoken it was as if the floodgates had opened, and several of the other girls chimed in with their own questions.

“Is it slang, or is it swearing?”

“Or is it blasphemy?”

“What will happen to Miss Cameron?”

“Is she badly hurt?”

“Does this mean that we won’t be able to learn Italian after all?”

Joey held up her hands to stop the barrage. “Gosh, what a lot of questions,” she smiled back at them reassuringly, secretly quite surprised that they had been so deeply affected by the incident. The girls had clearly picked up on the expressions of horror on the faces of the staff and older girls. It was clear that whatever else Hilda decided to do, she would not be able to brush this under the carpet and pretend it hadn’t happened. “Let’s take them one at a time, shall we?”

“Miss Cameron is not badly hurt, a bit shaken and winded because it was a nasty fall, and she will probably have some glorious bruises, but there were no broken bones as far as we could see.”

“The word she used is not blasphemy – that is when you say bad things about God, or use His name or other religious words when you shouldn’t. It is swearing, though, in that it is crude and unpleasant language. It is probably also slang, in that it is not the correct word to use.”

“But what does it mean?”

“It is a very vulgar word for, …. er …. , for, ….” she paused, furiously racking her brains for a suitable word to describe the matter in question that would be understood by the girls, but was neither medical nor too babyish.

#324:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 9:50 pm
    —
I am giggling SO much! Laughing Laughing Laughing Can't wait to see what Joey is going to say next! Very Happy

Thank you Cryst.

#325:  Author: KathrynWLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 11:28 pm
    —
Don't leave us there Cryst!

Thank you Very Happy

#326:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 12:05 am
    —
I'd written this response and was just about to submit it when my AOL logged me out. You can guess what I said - and it shocks my mother so much. Embarassed

Jo is handling the situation really well. But I'm longing to see what she says - and how Hilda deals with it. Best ignored, from the girls' point of view, I'd have thought. Poor Hepsy. Very Happy

#327:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 11:29 am
    —
I am surprised that Hilda was so stunned she couldn't do something ven after the girls had left, but think Joey is handling it brilliantly. I would love to here what she comes up with describe the meaning of the word! Laughing

It is an awkward situation with Hepsy, swearing in front of the girls wold surely count as gross misconduct and be a sackable offence, is it somehting she can be given a warning for?

Look forward to seeing how you respolve it all.

#328:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 12:31 pm
    —
Thanks Carolyn - didn't want to be the first to say it as I could be accused of bias Laughing - but i was also surprised that Hilda was so affected that she couldn't react. Sure, swearing is not in the CS world - but I cannot see her never having come across people swearing before - and would have expected her to have probably had more contact than Joey who really did have a very sheltered upbringing.


Joey is being very good here - looking forward to her explanation of what sh*t is - considering that the CS doesn't have toilets! Wink


Thanks Cryst

#329:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 2:53 pm
    —
Don't worry, I expect Hilda will be back on form later. Just a short post ...

“… number twos,” she finished, slightly discomfited.

The English speaking girls nodded, understanding her meaning perfectly, but several of the continental girls continued to look puzzled, and Joey duly translated into French and German. “In French, that is ‘numéro deux’, and in German, ‘Nr. zwei’. Comprenez-vous? Verstehen Sie?"

Only a few more girls were enlightened by the translation, and as far as the remainder were concerned, Joey decided to leave it for their peers to explain to them later.

#330:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 3:20 pm
    —
Laughing Delicately put! Well done, Jo!

#331:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 6:40 pm
    —
Well done, Jo!

Thanks, Cryst Very Happy

#332:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 12:32 am
    —
The flow of questions continued, and it was clear that the girls had realised that one possible outcome would be that Miss Cameron would be asked to leave the school. Joey managed to field the questions skilfully - sensitively and realistically exploring the issues raised, but admitting that she did not know what the outcome would be for Miss Cameron. After some ten minutes or so of discussion around the incident, she realised that the lesson time was dribbling away, but felt that the subject was quite in keeping with the remit of the PSHE syllabus. Casting caution to the wind, she abandoned her carefully prepared lesson plan, replacing it with a structured discussion covering the topics raised. Not just the ethical issues to do with swearing, but also the need to conform to the norms of the society you live in; situations where this might be difficult; how rules, laws and community pressure all work to regulate the behaviour of individuals; how and why people react unpredictably in stressful situations, and so on. She had the girls working in groups for part of the lesson, to consider the various questions, and they came together as a whole group at the end to discuss the outcomes. She set them each, for prep, the task of selecting two of the school rules – one that they strongly agreed with and thought vital for the success of the school as a community, and one that they thought less important, or even unnecessary or harmful to the community. They were to write a short description of why they held these views.

After the bell had rung to mark the end of the double period, and the girls had filed out, heading towards the Speisesaal for their Kaffee and Küchen, Joey sat back in her chair – tired but pleased. She was satisfied that the lesson, ad hoc though it had been, had gone well, and that the girls had enjoyed it. Then she remembered Nancy, and her insistence that she must approve all Joey’s lesson plans in advance. “Crikey,” she said to herself, “How on earth will I square this with her? I’d better check that syllabus and see if what I’ve covered is remotely close to anything on the wretched thing. And while I’m at it,” she added, giggling at how she had struggled to find an acceptable translation for ‘shit’ in three languages, “I’ll see if I can find something in those books she loaded me up with to suggest what terminology one should use for bodily functions, body parts and so on, in case this sort of thing comes up again. I’d better write out some translations too. But first – I’ll pop along to see how Hilda’s getting on with her knotty problem.”

#333:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 1:29 am
    —
I hope Nancy will approve - I think Joey did exceptionally well there - and that the girls will have benefitted tremendously from that lesson.

Thanks Cryst.

#334:  Author: MollioLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 2:13 am
    —
Well done, Joey!

#335:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 4:15 am
    —
She did very well didn't she, adapting her lesson to the immediate circumstances? I hope Nancy recognises that...although perhaps potential crtiicism of a scool rule may not go down too well...
Thanks Cryst

#336:  Author: joyclark PostPosted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 6:58 am
    —
It sounds like a brilliant lessons and one of which OF***D would thoroughly approve!

#337:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 9:51 am
    —
I really like Joey in this! Thank you Cryst Very Happy

#338:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 11:52 am
    —
I think Jo may have discovered a hidden talent Very Happy

Thanks, Cryst

#339:  Author: Mrs RedbootsLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 3:46 pm
    —
This is excellent. I wonder whether the French & German girls would have understood had Joey given them the exact translations - words which she undoubtedly knew, even if she never actually used them, the way one always does know swear-words in other languages! And Joey's vocabulary being what it was.....

#340:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 4:24 pm
    —
While Joey was constructing a whole lesson around Hepsy’s slip, the lady in question was being seen to by Matron, who had taken her up to her room and checked her over carefully. As Joey had predicted, Hepsy had several areas of bruising, particularly on her back and arm, but there were no broken bones. She was, however, clearly very shaken and Matron, inclined at first to be disapproving, and working her way round to reading the riot act herself, realised that, stoic little creature though she was, Hepsy was very close to tears. Beneath Matron’s terrier-like exterior was a perceptive and soft heart, and she found herself starting to sympathise with the young woman. Once she had inspected the damage and applied one of her soothing lotions to the areas of bruising, she left Hepsy in the easy chair to recover her composure and busied herself at the little gas ring, boiling some milk to make her a steaming mug of hot, sweet chocolate, which she brought across and gave her, then sat down nearby with her own drink.

Eventually Hepsy felt able to speak. “I shouldn’t have said that, should I?”, she ventured ruefully.

“Er, no, it’s not really the sort of thing we are used to here. We lead quite a sheltered life, and clamp down very hard on the girls when they use slang. Swearing, to be honest, is almost unheard of in the school, and most of the girls come from the sorts of background where they wouldn’t be accustomed to such language at home either. The staff too. That’s why everyone was so shocked.”

“Yes, I’d already realised that I would have to watch my step with it. I’ve been travelling since University, you know, mixing with all sorts – lovely people in the main, but you do hear quite a lot of that sort of language, and eventually some of it rubs off on you. Oh dear.”

She sat thinking for a few moments, then continued, “What do you think the Headmistress will do?”

“She’ll call you down to the study in a short while, I should think. I honestly don’t know how she will deal with it, though. As far as I can recall we haven’t had such an incident in the school before.”

“Will she ask me to leave?”

“She may feel that she has to, but perhaps she will be able to find another way round it. I honestly can’t tell you,” adding kindly and patting her on the knee, “for now, just you sit there quietly and concentrate on getting that drink down you to steady your nerves a little, then you’ll be able to face whatever comes your way, won’t you?”

Hepsy nodded thoughtfully, kicking off her shoes, curling her legs under her and cupping the mug in her hands. “Thank you Matron, you’re rather a dear, really.”

Matron blushed slightly and got up to busy herself with a pile of new sheets that had just arrived and needed to be labelled and put away. During the short conversation she had thoroughly warmed to Hepsy, and the new mistress had gained herself another ally.

#341:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 4:58 pm
    —
Awwwww, Matey was lovely there.


Thanks Cryst.

#342:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 5:52 pm
    —
Excellent reactions from Joey and Matey. Yes, Hepsy is going to fit in just fine. And without compromising her character.

I hope.

Anyhow, we NEED her to deal with the evil Spanish master.

#343:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 7:23 pm
    —
I'm glad Matey thawed Very Happy

Thanks, Cryst

#344:  Author: LisaLocation: South Coast of England PostPosted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 8:13 pm
    —
Wonderful stuff, Cryst - have thoroughly enjoyed catching up on this Very Happy

I can't imagine if a teacher said such a thing in assembly at MY school, let alone the CS! I would think that one of Hilda's concerns would be that if Hepsy could forget herself that easily, how could she trust her to maintain control the rest of the time?

Can't wait to see what happens next! Wink

#345:  Author: MaryRLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 9:23 pm
    —
Having won over Matey, will she now manage the same with Hilda? Laughing

Good point there, Lisa, about perhaps forgetting herself another time.

Thanks, Cryst

#346:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 10:51 pm
    —
That was a really good lesson from Joey, and a very good way of dealing with the situation and making the girls think.

Matey was lovely.

#347:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 12:19 am
    —
Joey did so well there, what an excellent lesson. I'm sure (I think!) that Nancy will is well aware that you sometimes have to jettison the plan and do what's needed instead.

Matey, too, was lovely. Hilda, of course, has the responsibility for the discipline and 'tone' of the whole school. Hope she can manage to make Hepsy see that she really can't do that without making it the crime of the century!

Hepsy's going to be quite busy, bringing modernity to the CS and fighting supernatural evil simultaneously. Wink

#348:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 12:29 am
    —
Matey was splendid - and very understanding. Hopefully Hilda will be able to find a way round this.

#349:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 2:07 pm
    —
I like Hepsy Laughing .

I thought Matron and Joey did exceptionally well, too.

#350:  Author: KatherineLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 4:35 pm
    —
I'm loving this, Cryst. I think you've handled some really interesting ideas very sensitively. I like to think of the CS acting like Joey did in her lesson, understanding people - it's very them.

#351:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 8:55 pm
    —
Hilda was on the phone, having managed to persuade her good friend Nell Wilson to abandon her science class to its own devices for ten minutes or so to act as sounding board and counsellor.

“Thank you, Nell. It’s good of you to spare me the time.”

“Absolutely no problem, Hilda. After all, by the time they get to St Mildred’s they should be safe to leave for short periods. They are only doing book work this morning anyway – if we were in the lab it would be a different matter altogether – there are some complete feather-heads in that group. But I’ve set them plenty to be getting on with, and Mary-Lou is there, so she’ll round up any would-be slackers, I’m sure. Now what did you want to talk about? A problem with the new Italian mistress, you said? She only arrived yesterday, didn’t she? What can she have done to disgrace herself already?”

“Yes. She arrived yesterday.” Hilda was succinct. “She fell over in assembly and then said ‘shit’ in front of the whole school.”

“She said what?” Nell asked, not quite believing her ears.

“She said ‘shit’. Very loudly.”

“Oh gracious! Did anyone hear her?”

“Oh yes, everyone heard her.”

“Then what happened?”

“Well I’d come to the end of the announcements anyway, so I marched them all out in double quick time, then Matron whisked her off upstairs to see to her injuries. I said I’d send for her. Now I’m trying to decide how to play it.”

“Ah. That’s a very tricky one, Hilda. What are you going to do?”

“I don’t know yet. That’s why I’ve engaged your excellent mind on the subject. I really don’t want to lose her – she’s a bright young thing, has an excellent command of four languages, and enough about her to hold the attention of the girls I think, although we haven’t seen her in action yet, of course. But I can’t just brush this under the carpet, can I? The girls all heard her, and they just cannot be allowed to think that it was acceptable. Heavens, before we know where we are they’ll all be saying it – and they are bound to mention it when they write home – what will the parents think?”

“Mmmm. I see your problem. I suppose you could give her another chance – dish out a written warning, and impress on her that it must never happen again. But that still leaves the problem of the girls.”

“Exactly. In some ways it would be easier if it was one of the pupils that had committed the sin – I’d know how to deal with it in that case.”

Nell saw the germ of the solution starting to grow in Hilda’s mind, and encouraged her train of thought. “Yes, what would you do if it were one of the girls?”

“I suppose I might send her to Matron to have her mouth washed out with soap? But that doesn’t seem hugely appropriate for a member of staff.”

“No, it’s not and, unless you made it public knowledge that this had happened, it would not have the desired effect of signalling to the girls that the behaviour was inappropriate anyway,” replied Nell, then, going on to encourage her to approach the matter from a different direction, “Are there any other approaches you’d try if it were one of the girls?”

“Well I’d tell her that if it happened again her parents would be informed and she would be asked to leave the school. I’d probably fine her too, and make her apologise to the school at Mittagessen. Then it would just be a question of keep an eye open to make sure the behaviour was not repeated.”

Nell remained silent to allow Hilda to reflect on what she had just said.

#352:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 8:59 pm
    —
Cryst wrote:
“Well I’d tell her that if it happened again her parents would be informed and she would be asked to leave the school. I’d probably fine her too, and make her apologise to the school at Mittagessen. Then it would just be a question of keep an eye open to make sure the behaviour was not repeated.”

Nell remained silent to allow Hilda to reflect on what she had just said.



Oh well done Nell .... and Hilda!


Thanks Cryst.

#353:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 10:16 pm
    —
OOooh, that is going to nbe so hard, and it will make it very difficult for her to regain her authority with the girls.

#354:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 11:19 pm
    —
Hmmm. I love the interaction between Hilda and Nell there, but isn't Hilda going for overkill a bit? I wouldn't have thought inappropriate language from a student deserved expulsion and, yes, sure, it's much more serious from a member of staff, but I'm not convinced that a public apology is the best way forward. Not sure what IS, mind you ... I'm trying to define the difference between that and things like Plato losing his temper and apologising, which is obviously fine. On the other hand, if I were provoked into swearing at an individual child, I would apologise, certainly ... perhaps it's the motivation, not anger or lack of control in that sense, just an unfortunate reaction to a shock.
Will be interested to see how it all works out, and am glad they appreciate Hepsy's qualities, anyway.

#355:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 8:57 am
    —
I wonder if not making a fuss about it would be more effective at stopping the girls from talking about it.

Thanks, Cryst Very Happy

#356:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 10:01 am
    —
Hmmm, I do think "least said soonest mended" might be the way to go here!

#357:  Author: RroseSelavyLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 12:55 pm
    —
Woo! I've just caught up with a massive chunk of this after a net-free holiday. Thanks Cryst - how on earth do you manage to keep all the threads together? And I do like your Jo.

I wonder if Hepsy and OOAO might join forces... they seem to be the only two who can see Senor Romero for who (what?) he might really be...

#358:  Author: Mrs RedbootsLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 4:16 pm
    —
Tara wrote:
Hmmm. I love the interaction between Hilda and Nell there, but isn't Hilda going for overkill a bit? I wouldn't have thought inappropriate language from a student deserved expulsion and, yes, sure, it's much more serious from a member of staff, but I'm not convinced that a public apology is the best way forward.


On the couple of occasions when girls did swear, they were always sat on very thoroughly by whichever mistress heard them. Of course, the approach used to Joan Baker, which was, I think "Do you really want us to think your parents haven't taught you how to behave?" or words to that effect, wouldn't quite do here, nor would the lecture (we are not told what she said) that I-forget-who gave Jack Carew.

Mind you, I bet they all said "shit", "merde" or "scheisse" or the equivalent in their own languages when no mistress or prefect was in earshot!

#359:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 4:44 pm
    —
I'm also not convinced that an apology is the best course. This is fascinating, Cryst, thank you.

#360:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 6:07 pm
    —
Tara wrote:
I wouldn't have thought inappropriate language from a student deserved expulsion ...

No, you're right Tara. That would only happen if she carried on doing it despite warnings, but as Mrs Redboots points out - being the Chalet School they would find a way to make her see it was wrong and she would reform, so it would never get to that stage.

Interesting comments from you all - thank you - it really helps. I don't know quite what's going to happen next yet either, but am hoping the bunny will deliver the next installment soon!

#361:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 9:16 pm
    —
Sorry, there's not much - I'm having trouble with the next bit!

“Yes of course!” cried Hilda as the penny dropped. “That’s exactly what we must do with our Miss Cameron. Oh you are clever, Nell. I knew you’d be able to help. Thank you so much.”

“You’re most welcome, Hilda,” replied Nell with a hearty inward chuckle – did Hilda really not realise that she had come up with her solution herself? In fact Nell was still not sure exactly what Hilda was planning. “Let me know how it goes, won’t you? I won’t get a moment’s sleep until I’ve had the whole blow-by-blow account.”

“Will do,” she replied, and on that note they said their goodbyes.

Hilda sat and thought for a few more moments, made a few notes on a sheet of paper to clarify her thoughts, then picked up the phone.

“Gwynneth, is Miss Cameron still with you?”

“Yes, she is here, Miss Annersley,” replied Matron, looking across to her, and noting that she was listening, “and she is not badly hurt, although a bit shaken, I’m afraid. Shall I ask her to come down to your study?”

“Yes, if you would, thank you.”

Hilda put down the phone and sat back to await Hepsy’s arrival. The phone rang back almost immediately. It was Matron.

“She’s on her way, Hilda. I thought I’d just have a quick word with you now that she’s out of earshot. She was rather upset, you know, so you should be prepared for tears. But I do hope you won’t be too hard on her? She’s quite repentant, and such a nice young woman – I’m sure she will do very well here if you give her another chance.”

“Thank you Gwynneth, it rather depends how the discussion goes, but if she truly understands that she was out of order, I think I’ll be able to salvage the situation.”

“Oh, I do hope so. Thank you.”

Hilda put down the phone once more, reflecting that Hepsy must have impressed Matron, if she was prepared to make a special effort to plead her case.

#362:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 11:01 pm
    —
Nice Matron - this seems somewhat strange really! Wink



Thanks Cryst

#363:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 12:03 am
    —
I suspect Hepsy may have reminded Matey of herself - they have the same sort of independence and self-reliance.

#364:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 2:14 am
    —
Nice that they're all agreed Hepsy should stay. Very Happy
I'm not sure of the best approach, either. Maybe Miss A herself could address it in assembly as not to be used even unconsciously, along with an announcement that Miss Cameron is recuperating nicely.

#365:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 8:40 am
    —
Thanks, Cryst Very Happy

*sends bunny food*

#366:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 3:50 pm
    —
Good for Matey, putting a word in for Hepsy like that. I hope Hilda's little chat goes well. Thanks Cryst.

#367:  Author: LisaLocation: South Coast of England PostPosted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 6:31 pm
    —
Ohhh! Poor Hepsy having to apologise publicly (if that's what it comes to!!) Goodness me, how on earth could you face a class afterwards?! Shocked On the other hand, the swear word was public and the girls need to be shown that it was inappropriate.

I suppose if I had to do that Laughing I would visit classes individually and chat to them about it ... but to stand up in front of the whole school surely would only serve to make her an object of ridicule?

Have just realised I'm completely involved in this story as if Hepsy is real Embarassed Still, that's the effect of a great writer Very Happy

#368:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 6:43 pm
    —
I think, if she handles it properly, that apologising in public will work - after all the initial offence was very public. it would serve to remind everyone that all must atone for their mistakes.

If she cannot handle her classes after that she'll not last at the CS.

#369:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 6:49 pm
    —
Lisa wrote:
...I suppose if I had to do that Laughing I would visit classes individually and chat to them about it

Oh dear, now there's a very large bunny bouncing around on the floor in here ...

I've also had an idea about how to get round the difficulty of writing the disciplinary interview - a device very true to EBD, I think, too!

Sadly for the bunnies I don't have time to write anything right now as I've an exercise class tonight. (I'd rather sit here drabbling, reading the board and eating chocolate, but there you go.) Sorry, I'm yibbling.

#370:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 7:22 pm
    —
*sends the bunnies plenty of food to keep them happily occupied while you're at your exercise class* Wink

#371:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 11:19 pm
    —
Thank you for all the bunny food. Here is the next bit.

When Hepsy’s knock came at the door, Hilda noted with approval that it was neither timid nor overconfident. She said “Come in,” firmly, and stood behind her desk, her intention being that Hepsy would stand on the carpet in front of it. Hepsy, however, took the initiative. She walked straight across the carpet to the side of the desk, and touching Hilda lightly on the arm she said, with utter sincerity, “Miss Annersley, I am so sorry for what I said this morning. I do have a deplorable tendency to swear when that sort of thing happens, but I realise that it is absolutely unacceptable in a school setting, particularly in front of the girls, and if you will give me another chance, I promise I will do my very best to make sure that it never happens again.”

Hilda relaxed slightly. She still had the difficult task of issuing a verbal disciplinary warning and ensuring that Hepsy would take the appropriate action to make amends as far as the school was concerned, but it seemed that Hepsy was well aware of the right and wrong of the matter. The battle was half won, and she led Hepsy towards the easy chairs to sit and discuss the matter with her.

It was some twenty minutes later when she stood up to show Hepsy out of the room. Exactly what path the discussion had taken would always remain just between the two of them, but the Headmistress’s words had made a deep impression on Hepsy, and would stay with her for the rest of her life, guiding and inspiring her. In that short period of time, she had finally crossed the boundary into adulthood. She came away with a true belief in the values that the Chalet School espoused, and with immense personal respect for Miss Annersley, who had dealt with her justly but with wisdom and compassion.

Miss Annersley walked Hepsy across to the door with the parting words, “So I’ll see you here at about 12:15, and we’ll go down to Mitagessen together. You shall sit next to me, and I’ll introduce you before I say grace at the start of the meal, so that we can get it over and done with before we eat. You have over an hour until then, and it’s not a bad morning, so I suggest you get your coat on and go for a stroll to clear your head and think about what you will say.”

Hepsy replied with just a grateful nod, and headed in the direction of the staff cloakroom to do exactly as Hilda had suggested.

#372:  Author: MollioLocation: Ireland PostPosted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 12:05 am
    —
Oh, well done, Cryst! A VERY EBD way to handle the interview. I hope the apology is a true 'Hepsy' one. Should be good. Very Happy

#373:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 3:09 am
    —
Such a typical closed-door scene. Laughing
Thank you, Cryst.

#374:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 8:34 am
    —
Very EBD!

Thanks, Cryst Very Happy

#375:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 2:29 pm
    —
A closed-door study scene? How sad.


Thanks Cryst.

#376:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 5:00 pm
    —
I wonder what Hepsy will find to say to the school. Thanks Cryst.

#377:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 8:45 pm
    —
Hilda popped her head next door into Rosalie Dene’s office to ask her to slip down to the staff room to see if Jeanne de Lachenais would join Hilda for a short meeting during the mid morning break. She needed to bring Jeanne up to date with the latest developments with Hepsy. She then rearranged herself at her desk and picked up her pile of paperwork with a view to managing to process a couple of letters at least while Jeanne was en route. No such luck. There was a perfunctory knock at the door, which then immediately swung open to reveal Joey. Without waiting for an invitation she sailed in.

“I’ve come for an update about Hepsy, please.”

“Well I don’t have long, Joey, as I’m expecting Jeanne any minute, but you’ll be relieved to hear that it looks as if we will be able to resolve the situation without Hepsy having to leave us. I’ve had a little chat with her and warned that it must not happen again. She’s very remorseful about it, bless her, and determined to mend her ways. What is more, she wholeheartedly agrees that we can’t just let it go unremarked as far as the school is concerned, so she has agreed to apologise at Mittagessen today.”

“Oh, well done, Hilda,” Joey beamed in genuine delight and admiration, “Clever old you. That’s such a relief. The apology will be awkward for her, of course, but I’m sure you’re right that it’s by far the best thing to do.”

At that point her broad smile suddenly collapsed into an expression of intense and aggrieved disappointment.

“OH, NO,” she cried in despair, plonking herself down suddenly into a chair.

“What’s the matter, Joey?” Hilda rose to her feet, concerned.

“Well, I’m not here at meal times. I’ll miss it all, won’t I. Could I stay? Just today?”

“Joey Maynard,” exclaimed Hilda in exasperation, “you are an absolute ghoul. No, you may not stay to lunch just to witness the poor girl’s ordeal. Get yourself home to your babies and the delicious lunch that’s probably already being prepared for you. You’ll have to wait to hear how it goes. I’m sure one of the triplets will describe it for you in gory detail. That is,” she added, seizing the opportunity to give Joey a hint that her own behaviour at assembly had not been exactly exemplary, “once they have finished berating you for showing them up by insisting on being invited along on the half term trip.”

“Oh,” replied Joey pensively, the comment managing to penetrate her normally thick skin, “do you think they minded that? Why would they?”

There was a polite knock at the still open door, and Hilda could see Jeanne waiting outside. “Do come in Jeanne,” she said. “I’m sorry Joey, I do need to speak with Jeanne during the break and we don’t have very long. I’ll explain it to you another day.”

“Right-ho,” replied Joey, recovering her composure instantly and bouncing towards the door. “Hello Jeanne and goodbye – I’m being thrown out or I’d stop to chat.”

#378:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 11:34 pm
    —
I bet Jeanne's relieved about the removal of that threat!

Thanks Cryst, this is intriguing!

#379:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 5:27 am
    —
Glad something got through about how Joey embarrassed the triplets.

Thanks Cryst.

#380:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 7:53 am
    —
Hooray - finally someone has pointed out that Joey is not entitled to turn up at the school whenever she wants Laughing !

#381:  Author: Helen PLocation: Crewe, Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 7:58 am
    —
Hehe! That was just such typical Joey! Thank you Cryst. Very Happy

#382:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 8:45 am
    —
Fantastic!

Thanks, Cryst Laughing

#383:  Author: LisaLocation: South Coast of England PostPosted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 10:05 am
    —
Cryst wrote:


“Joey Maynard,” exclaimed Hilda in exasperation, “you are an absolute ghoul. No, you may not stay to lunch just to witness the poor girl’s ordeal. Get yourself home to your babies and the delicious lunch that’s probably already being prepared for you. ”


Go Hilda! Tell her like it is! Laughing

#384:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 8:56 pm
    —
The young ladies of the Chalet School finishing branch were also enjoying their mid-morning break. Mary-Lou had a free period immediately following this, and had decided to take the opportunity to carve some time to herself so that she could give the problem of Señor Romero some more serious thought. She obtained permission from the appropriate authority, and then slipped out alone for a stroll in the woods, heading along the path that wound its way upwards along the side of the mountain before descending to join the motor road just beyond the buildings of the main school. She was hoping that away from her peers she could come up with a plan. Their constant chatter about the physical attractions and other accomplishments and charms of the new Spanish master, as well as starting to bore her rigid, was somewhat distracting, and she continued to be most concerned about the effect he was having on them. Their demeanour in lessons was even worse than their behaviour outside them – he induced in them a trance-like state that Mary-Lou feared was most unhealthy.

She walked slowly, head down, deep in thought, paying little attention to her surroundings. Rounding a blind corner, she collided suddenly and with a fair degree of force with someone coming in the opposite direction. “Oooof”, she gasped, in unison with a similar sound produced by the other party. It was a young woman, short and slight with a strange, spikey hairstyle. “Oh, I’m so sorry,” Mary-Lou panted. “I wasn’t looking where I was going. Are you hurt?” Realising almost immediately that she had spoken in English, Mary-Lou apologised and rapidly translated what she had just said into German.

“Don’t worry. I speak English,” Hepsy replied, gasping for air. “Be fine in a minute. Just a bit winded. Not your fault. In a world of my own.”

There was a hikers’ bench just back along the path in the direction Hepsy had come from and they both made their way to it and sat together, gradually getting their breath back.

Mary-Lou slowly recovered to a state where normal conversation was possible, and broke the silence. “Mary-Lou Trelawny” she said, holding out her hand, “I’m at St Mildred’s, the finishing school just round the corner. I haven’t seen you around before?”

“Pleased to meet you.” replied Hepsy, shaking hands, “Hepsy Cameron, I’ve just started work at the Chalet School, just back beyond the trees there.”

“Of course,” replied Mary-Lou easily, the penny dropping, “You’re the new Italian mistress. Have you fully recovered from your fall at assembly this morning? And is it true that they sent you to Matey to have your mouth scrubbed out with soapy water?”

#385:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 11:12 pm
    —
Poor Hepsy, she won't enjoy being the sensation of the area!

Loved the way Miss Annersley dealt with Jo - and of course she'd deal with Hepsy with 'wisdom and compassion'!

Tickled that M-L is bored rigid with the swooning over Senor R, and I do wonder what's at the bottom of all that.

#386:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 7:00 am
    —
Hmmmm, so will Mary-Lou and Hepsy share their concerns re new Spanish Master?


Thanks Cryst.

#387:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 9:45 am
    —
Cryst wrote:
And is it true that they sent you to Matey to have your mouth scrubbed out with soapy water?”


Laughing Laughing Laughing

Thanks, Cryst!

#388:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 10:30 am
    —
I hope Hepsy and Mary-Lou decide to trade thoughts on the Spanish master soon. I'll be fascinated to hear what they have to say!

#389:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 7:00 pm
    —
“Yes, I’ve recovered thank you,” Hepsy replied, adding with a wry grin, “Well, physically at least. And no, Matron did nothing of the sort. In fact she made sure I wasn’t injured and was very kind to me in the process. I see the rumour mill’s been working overtime this morning - how did you hear about it?”

“Oh yes, news travels fast around here,” Mary-Lou responded airily. “You’re a legend on your first day – that’s quite an achievement, even for the Chalet School.” Hepsy laughed appreciatively as Mary-Lou continued. “I’m not quite sure how this particular news item reached us, but we are two branches of the one school really you know, and about half of us were pupils there. I was Head Girl, in fact until I left last summer. And as far as Matey is concerned, well, others claim to have noticed that soft streak, though it doesn’t see the light of day very often, I can tell you! I’m surprised they’ve sent you out for a walk alone on your first morning though?”

“Ah well, I’m still in recovery after the shock of this morning, and Miss Annersley wants me to apologise to the school at lunchtime. You know, for the ‘saying shit’ thing. So I’m just clearing my head, organising my thoughts, and practising my little speech.”

“Oh, so that’s what you actually said,” Mary-Lou grinned. “The precise text didn’t make it through the grapevine – just that is was something pretty bad.”

“Well it could have been worse,” Hepsy replied, trying to look contrite but not quite managing it, “but it was bad enough. The worry, of course, is that all the girls will pick it up and start using it.”

“Hence the public apology,” nodded Mary-Lou. “It makes sense – The Abbess’s punishments usually do, but it’ll be quite a difficult moment for you.”

“Oh, I don’t mind really - it’s fair enough,” Hepsy replied, “although I am a bit bothered that it could make it harder for me to establish my authority with the girls.”

Mary-Lou pondered. “No, on balance I don’t think it’ll work against you in that way,” she commented. “Enough of the girls have had to do it themselves and know how hard it can be, and even members of staff have been known to apologise when they’ve been in the wrong. The Chalet School’s the sort of place where if you own up to a fault, people will rally round to try to help you correct it. There will probably be one or two who will be inclined to snigger about it, but the others will bring them round soon enough.”

Hepsy sighed “I do hope you’re right. Why do you call Miss Annersley “The Abbess”, by the way?”

“I’m not sure, to be honest. It’s always been the nickname that the girls use for her.”

“Yes, it suits her. I wish you hadn’t told me though – there’s a danger that I’ll have another foot-in-mouth moment and use it to her face or in front of the girls.” Hepsy replied, laughing, and then suddenly realising that she was perhaps becoming over familiar with this self-confident and seemingly mature young woman, who was, after all, still a schoolgirl, whilst she herself was a member of staff.

“Well it’s been a pleasure meeting you, Mary-Lou,” she continued, trying to introduce a more formal note, “but if you’ll excuse me I’d better make my way back to school.”

“Well, I was walking that way anyway, so shall we walk together for a while?”

“That would be lovely, thank you. But since you asked me the question, I’d better ask you too. Why are you out on your own in the middle of the school day? Is it usual?”

“No not really. We are allowed out on our own if we ask permission and sign ourselves out, and I have a free period now. I’m a sociable animal not really one for solitude, as you’ve probably guessed, but there’s a problem I’ve been worrying about, and I thought it might give me a chance to give it some serious thought and work out what to do next.”

“Anything I can help with?” Hepsy asked lightly, in an encouraging tone.

#390:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 9:54 pm
    —
Glad they got on well - hope Mary Lou confides.


Thanks Cryst.

#391:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 11:39 pm
    —
Ah, a chance for them to compare notes on the dreadful man. Hope M-L doesn't go shy on us!

#392:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 10:39 am
    —
Will she say anything at this point - or will she assume Hepsy is also under his spell?

Thanks, Cryst Very Happy

#393:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 9:14 pm
    —
Mary-Lou was torn. On the one hand it would be good to share her concerns, but on the other hand it seemed somehow dishonourable to negatively influence Hepsy’s view of one of her colleagues on her first day. She thought for a moment and then decided to try to describe her dilemma without mentioning Señor Romero by name.

“It’s a bit difficult to explain without mentioning any names,” she started hesitantly, “but maybe if I try to tell you about it in general terms?”

Hepsy nodded in further encouragement.

“Well, I’m worried about the way a member of staff is behaving with one of the classes. It’s difficult to put my finger on the problem, but something’s not right. The girls sort of go into a trance-like state – oh – I don’t know, you’ll think I’m mad, it’s like hypnosis or something. That’s all I can tell you, I know it’s not much to go on, but it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. It’s almost as if a force of some sort is being exerted on them.”

“Have you mentioned the problem to anyone else?”

“Oh yes, to the girls themselves, and I even went to speak to Miss Wilson about it. But everyone else thinks he is absolutely wonderful. Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to let slip that it was a man – that rather narrows it down a bit, doesn’t it, and it would be better if you made your own mind up about him.”

Now it was Hepsy’s turn to be torn. She would have liked to share her own concerns about Señor Romero with Mary-Lou, but she would have difficulty describing the nebulous evil presence that she sensed, and anyway it felt unprofessional to be discussing a colleague this way with a student. She fell back on some general advice.

“Do you feel that the girls are in any sort of danger from this teacher?”

“Yes, but the trouble is that there is no evidence of this, and I can’t even articulate what I fear might happen. I tried to explain it to Miss Wilson, but she didn’t really take any notice.”

“Then I’m afraid all I can suggest is that you watch and see how things develop, and as soon as there is something more concrete to take to Miss Wilson, then you must try again. Perhaps keep a diary of anything that seems unusual about him each time you see him. That way a picture might start to build up.”

“Yes, you’re right of course, there is nothing else I can do about it at present. Well, thank you for listening anyway, and for your advice, and for not just dismissing my concerns out of hand.”

“You’re very welcome, Mary-Lou and I’m very willing for you to search me out if you need to talk about it another time.”

“Thank you Miss Cameron. Now, we are nearly back at the Chalet School, and I must turn round if I’m to get back in time for Mittagessen. Good luck with the apology - I’m sure it will all be fine.” As she turned to leave, she flung back over her shoulder with a grin, “and don’t try to eat too much lunch if you’re nervous about the apology. You’ll only get indigestion, and that means a couple of spoonfuls of one of Matey’s more ghastly concoctions. To be avoided at all cost.”

Hepsy laughed out loud, raising her hand in a farewell gesture. “I’ll try my best to remember that, Mary-Lou. Thank you for your support.”

With that they parted, and Hepsy went to remove her coat and change her shoes. She had just enough time to do that and tidy herself up in the cloakroom before she was due back at Miss Annersley’s study.

#394:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 9:16 pm
    —
I can't wait to find out what it is about José Confused Laughing !

#395:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 9:28 pm
    —
Considering the two barely know each other I think that was the best they could do - at least Mary Lou can start to take notes - and Hepsy knows that another person distrusts the Spanish Master.


Thanks Cryst.

#396:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 10:24 pm
    —
Oh, intriguing...
thank you Cryst.

#397:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 11:21 pm
    —
And of course Hepsy's in a really difficult position, discussing a colleague with a student - and neither of them has anything very concrete to go on. At least they now both know the other is there.
I'm surprised Bill is so unaware!

#398:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 8:31 am
    —
Well at least Hepsy knows she's not the only one, now.

Thanks, Cryst Very Happy

#399:  Author: MaryRLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 1:47 pm
    —
Tara wrote:
I'm surprised Bill is so unaware!

And Hilda, Tara!! Where's her famed perception? Has she been hypnotised too? Laughing Laughing

Thanks, Cryst.

#400:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 6:14 pm
    —
MaryR wrote:
Tara wrote:
I'm surprised Bill is so unaware!

And Hilda, Tara!! Where's her famed perception? Has she been hypnotised too? Laughing Laughing


I think that is exactly right - hypnotised or mesmerised - there seems to be something inherently evil in the Spanish Master. Evil or Very Mad

#401:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 7:34 pm
    —
Cryst wrote:
Thank you for all the bunny food. Here is the next bit.

.”

Exactly what path the discussion had taken would always remain just between the two of them, but the Headmistress’s words had made a deep impression on Hepsy, and would stay with her for the rest of her life, guiding and inspiring her. In that short period of time, she had finally crossed the boundary into adulthood. She came away with a true belief in the values that the Chalet School espoused, and with immense personal respect for Miss Annersley, who had dealt with her justly but with wisdom and compassion.

.


That is SO EBD I just laughed

I like this drabble very much and am happy to see you have written so much since i last looked

#402:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 10:12 pm
    —
The school was assembled in the Speisesaal ready for their Mittagessen and chatting quietly at their tables as they waited for the Headmistress to say grace. She stood up, a hush descended, and they bowed their heads in readiness. On this occasion, however, she did not launch straight into the short prayer.

“One moment please girls, before I say grace. I know you will all be most relieved to hear that Miss Cameron suffered no serious injury from that very unpleasant fall this morning in assembly. However, as we had to cut the introductions short, she would just like to say a few words before we settle down to our meal.”

Hepsy was seated beside the Headmistress, and she stood up carefully. She spoke clearly and with confidence. “Thank you Miss Annersley. I’d just like to say how pleased I am to be here, and looking forward to starting to teach. Mlle de Lachenais and I will be discussing the timetable over the next few days, and we will be able to let you know very soon which forms will be offered Italian as a subject and how it will fit into your timetables. I’m also due to be seeing some of you for French and prep, so you will get used to seeing me around.” She took a deep breath and continued. “I would like to apologise for the bad language that I used when I fell this morning. It was quite unacceptable, of course, even given the extreme provocation, and I’ll be trying very hard not to repeat that lapse.”

She sat down, and Miss Annersley stood up ready to thank her, but before she could do so one of the girls, she didn’t spot who, started to clap. It spread quickly to the other tables, and before long the room was ringing as everyone joined in. The school had realised just how much courage it had taken for Hepsy to speak as she had and Miss Annersley beamed, justifiably proud of them.

She raised her hand to quiet them, and said, smiling down at Hepsy, “Thank you Miss Cameron. As you can see, everyone at the school is delighted to have you with us. Now, we must get on with this delicious meal before it gets cold, so if you would please bow your heads for grace …”

#403:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 10:31 pm
    —
That's nice, very nice - just what Hepsy needed.


Thanks Cryst.

#404:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 7:45 am
    —
She must be glad that's over!

#405:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 9:00 am
    —
Well done, Hepsy Very Happy

Thanks, Cryst

#406:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 10:09 am
    —
That was well done by Hilda - dressing it up as an opportunity for Hepsy to introduce herself.

#407:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 3:03 pm
    —
That went really well thank goodness!

#408:  Author: LizzieLocation: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border PostPosted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 3:25 pm
    —
Poor Hepsy! But very nicely done.

Thanks Cryst.

#409:  Author: LisaLocation: South Coast of England PostPosted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 8:08 pm
    —
Oh, well done! Very nicely written - I enjoyed that, and it was both realistic AND CS!

Who is going to start a Hepsy Appreciation Society? Laughing

#410:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 8:14 pm
    —
Lisa wrote:
Who is going to start a Hepsy Appreciation Society? Laughing

Now you don't want to be getting too attached to her ...

#411:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 8:36 pm
    —
Too late - we are already!

Well done Hilda, well done Hepsy - and well done Cryst! That was just right, honour satisfied without humiliation, and everyone a little wiser.

#412:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 10:43 pm
    —
After Mittagessen, Hepsy spent a good hour and a half with Jeanne de Lachenais, discussing the introduction of Italian into the curriculum. As Spanish had been introduced to the Juniors and the Upper Fourth it was decided that Italian would be offered initially to Upper Third and Lower Fifth, the latter with the option of taking a public examination after two years. Towards the end of the initial year they would review the overall position, to make sure they would be in a position to hit their targets the following year. There had also been a request for one session a week of Italian conversation at St Mildred’s, following the overwhelming success of the Spanish sessions. Jeanne discussed with Hepsy the text books that had been purchased, and Hepsy showed Mlle some ideas she had for structuring some lessons. Jeanne found Hepsy bright and keen, with a good grasp of the essentials of language teaching, and by the end of the conversation she was feeling very comfortable with the plans they had drawn up together.

They parted at Kaffee and Küchen time, making their separate ways to the staff room, as Mlle had some exercise books to collect from Miss Dene on her way.

Hepsy’s route took her past the main school noticeboards outside the Hall, where she came across a gaggle of excited Upper Thirds. Renata Van Buren and Arda Peik were gabbling to each other 19 to the dozen in their native Dutch, and Hepsy stopped to pull them up. “Girls, it is an English day, today, I believe?” she said firmly, but in a mild tone. “What’s all the kerfuffle about anyway?”

The girls clustered around her. “Miss Cameron, you are coming with us. Isn’t it exciting? I can’t wait.”

“Ah, these will be the itineraries for the half term trips? Let’s have a look, then?”

She moved her way to the front of the crowd, and read the lists. She discovered that she would indeed be travelling with the Upper Thirds, plus the small number of Lower Third girls who boarded and whose parents had consented to their inclusion. They would be accompanied by Señor Romero, Joey, and a dozen girls from St Mildred’s including Mary-Lou Trelawny.

“Well, I must say, that does look as if it will be fun, and it’s only a few weeks away now,” she smiled down at the eager youngsters surrounding her. “It’s quite a long journey, but look, it says we will be travelling part of the way overnight, so the time should pass quickly if we are asleep, shouldn’t it, and I expect there will be plenty of interesting stops on the way there and back.”

“But what is there to see, Miss Cameron,” asked one of the English girls, with a slightly disappointed air. “I was hoping to see something of Switzerland, and most of the other classes will be doing that. I didn’t think we would be going to Germany.”

“I expect our turn will come for those other trips,” Hepsy placated, “and I’m sure there will be plenty to see and do. It is a lovely interesting old medieval town. There are mountains round about for walking, and I also believe there are boat trips on the river and plenty of other historic towns within easy distance for day trips.” She consulted the notice again, “We will be staying in the Gasthaus for four whole nights, by the looks of it, so it will be quite a long holiday.” Their excitement was contagious, and she found herself looking forward to the half term treat almost as much as the girls.

The only fly in the ointment was the inclusion on the list of Señor Romero.

#413:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 11:05 pm
    —
Hepsy seems to be establishing herself nicely...

#414:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 7:53 am
    —
This should be an interesting trip ...

#415:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 10:16 am
    —
Oh gosh, Joey and Snr Romero on the same trip! At least (and I never thought I'd say this) there will be OOAO there for sanity.

#416:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 1:56 pm
    —
Can't wait to read about the trip! It should be interesting to say the least!

#417:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 3:25 pm
    —
That's going to be quite some half term adventure! I can't wait to hear all about it either!

#418:  Author: MaryRLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 6:51 pm
    —
She's very good with the girls, isn't she? She may have to be so, on this trip! Laughing

#419:  Author: LisaLocation: South Coast of England PostPosted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 10:51 pm
    —
Cryst wrote:
Lisa wrote:
Who is going to start a Hepsy Appreciation Society? Laughing

Now you don't want to be getting too attached to her ...


Aaargh! Sounds ominous. Now you've got me worried - what will Senor's evil powers do to her?! Confused

#420:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 8:13 am
    —
Lisa wrote:
Cryst wrote:
Lisa wrote:
Who is going to start a Hepsy Appreciation Society? Laughing

Now you don't want to be getting too attached to her ...


Aaargh! Sounds ominous. Now you've got me worried - what will Senor's evil powers do to her?! Confused


Perhaps we've got it all wrong and some twist is going to show us that Hepsy is the evil one and Señor Romero is good Laughing

Thanks, Cryst

#421:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 11:57 pm
    —
Oh, help. At least M-L will be around. Hepsy, Jo, M-L - does Senor R stand a chance?????

Cryst, please don't do anything too nasty to Hepsy!

#422:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 4:13 am
    —
A potent team indeed! Thank you, Cryst.

LizB wrote:
Perhaps we've got it all wrong and some twist is going to show us that Hepsy is the evil one and Señor Romero is good Laughing

What a horrible thought. Shocked

#423:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 10:07 pm
    —
Hepsy and Mlle de Lachenais had agreed that, as well as preparing her first few lessons, Hepsy would spend some time during the remainder of the week observing languages being taught elsewhere in the school, before starting her own teaching load at the start of the following week. In the main she was looking forward to this, but her first assignment was causing her a certain amount of apprehension. She was to accompany José on his weekly visit to St Mildred’s, where he taught a Spanish conversation class. They had arranged to meet at the foot of the main stairs after breakfast to walk down to the finishing school branch together, giving them some time to discuss the different methods that José was using to introduce the language at a functional social level, rather than as an academic subject. Hepsy was not short of courage, but the mysterious aura of evil that she sensed around the young Spanish master combined with the concerns that Mary-Lou had voiced, led her to wonder if it was wise to accompany him along the secluded wooded footpath.

She arrived at the meeting place a couple of minutes early and stood in her outdoor clothes waiting. He was punctual, arriving with a cheerful smile. “Good morning Hepsy. The saints be praised, it is fine and dry this morning, so we shall have a pleasant walk down to St Mildred’s. Would you prefer to use the footpath or the motor road? The latter is slightly quicker, but the path through the woods is rather more pleasant.”

“Oh, the road, I think José, we can save the pleasure of the footpath for another time,” Hepsy replied rather hastily, moving towards the door.

“As you wish,” José bowed, moving after her.

It was indeed a bright and mild morning, and Hepsy took a deep breath of the crisp mountain air. “How wonderfully invigorating it is here,” she sighed.

“Indeed yes. You enjoy the outdoors?”

Hepsy found herself unaccountably warming towards José. She was confused to discover that this morning she could discern nothing malevolent about him. On the contrary in fact, she found him charming and attractive. His conversation was easy and stimulating. After they had exchanged a few pleasantries he gave her a succinct overview of the methods he was using in the conversation classes, explaining both the practicalities and the pedagogical theories underpinning his technique. His approach was interesting and well articulated, and she found herself keenly anticipating watching his class in action.

Having covered their assigned topic, the conversation continued to flow naturally, and Hepsy was surprised to find that they had much in common. José had been an active member of his University debating society and Young Socialists group, and discussed the relevant political theories with insight. He displayed interest in the British Trade Union movement, and was very knowledgeable about its history, agreeing with the views that Hepsy expressed and complimenting her on her breadth of reading and involvement.

By the time they reach the gates of St Mildred’s Hepsy was more than a little smitten with the young man, and had completely convinced herself that her earlier fears about him were entirely misplaced.

“How could I have thought there was something strange about him?” she thought to herself. “He is a complete delight. I must have been tired from the journey or something.”

It was then that something happened to completely shatter the spell.

#424:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 10:15 pm
    —
Er - you can't leave it there Laughing !

#425:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 10:24 pm
    —
She can! Rolling Eyes

#426:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 10:50 pm
    —
Nice cliff! Laughing Found myself starting to yell at Hepsy - 'Don't be sucked in!!!!!'


Thanks Cryst.

#427:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 11:51 pm
    —
Aaaagh!

He really can be all things to all people, can't he.

Hope you haven't got a busy weekend, Cryst. Am rather anxious to know what happens next ... Rolling Eyes

#428:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 5:08 am
    —
Surely Hepsy isn't mistaken - but how does José do it?!

Please hasten back, Cryst!

#429:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 4:00 pm
    —
I'm relieved that Hepsy's coming back to her senses, but -- WHAT HAPPENED?

#430:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 6:08 pm
    —
As they turned in through the gates, José caught his foot on a loose stone and suddenly lurched forward, struggling to keep his footing. He very almost fell headlong, but just about managed to retrieve the situation, staggering forwards with a few rapid steps. The incident itself should not have been significant as he was unhurt, but what Hepsy witnessed terrified her beyond belief.

Deep in conversation, her eyes had been on him as he tripped, and for the brief instant when he lost his balance a terrifying change came over him. His physical appearance was transformed – gone was the handsome and attractive young man, as José’s face distorted and aged, his complexion became oily and spotty, his hair lank and greasy, his charming smile nothing more than an ugly, misshapen leer. With the change, Hepsy experienced the vile and putrid stench of excrement and rotting flesh, accompanied by a sense of menace that hit her like a blast. The skies seemed to darken, and a feeling of deep despair struck her.

She gasped in shock.

Then, as José regained his footing the transformation was instantly reversed. His appearance returned to its previous state in an instant. Hepsy blinked as he smiled at her. “Ooops,” he said, “I was nearly flat on my face there! No damage done though.”

He smiled engagingly, and Hepsy automatically smiled back, maintaining an outwardly calm appearance. “Gracious, that could have been nasty,” she managed to reply in a normal voice.

The beast within him, safely concealed once more, heaved a sigh of relief – she did not seem to have noticed the lapse, but they must be more careful in future. Their mission could be jeopardised if too many suspicions were aroused.

Hepsy, however, was no longer fooled. She had marked the incident and committed every detail to memory. “Mary-Lou is right – there is something very wrong here,” she said to herself grimly. “However he may appear and behave in the future, remember this moment. Remember. REMEMBER.”

#431:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 6:43 pm
    —
Good for Hepsy.


Very worrying though. Confused


Thanks Cryst.

#432:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 7:57 pm
    —
Confused Shocked

#433:  Author: Carolyn PLocation: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 8:08 pm
    —
Oooooh, just what is he?

Enjoying this.

#434:  Author: LisaLocation: South Coast of England PostPosted: Sat Jan 20, 2007 8:42 pm
    —
Twisted Evil Mwahaha! So he is Beelezebub in disguise!

#435:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 21, 2007 10:13 am
    —
Thank goodness he tripped before Hepsy was completely mesmerised!

Thanks, Cryst

#436:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sun Jan 21, 2007 11:09 pm
    —
Ugh! Creepy.

*goes off to find sofa to hide behind*

#437:  Author: KatherineLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 12:17 pm
    —
Oh crikey!

#438:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 1:32 pm
    —
Meeeeeeep!

#439:  Author: alicatLocation: Wiltshire PostPosted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 12:29 pm
    —
have not been so scared since first met the Daleks aged 6

am now in permenant state of cower behind mental sofa


but more please!!!

#440:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 3:43 pm
    —
alicat wrote:
have not been so scared since first met the Daleks aged 6

am now in permenant state of cower behind mental sofa


but more please!!!


What did you also hide under the sofa when you saw the Daleks?
I thought I was the only one
also hid in the frightening parts of star trek (original series) which my Dad loved to watch and let me watch even though I was 4

#441:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 7:42 pm
    —
Everyone hides from the Daleks - no idea why, they're just some metal dustbins turned upside down with a sink plunger but they are scaaaaaary!!!!! Laughing

#442:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Thu Jan 25, 2007 6:51 pm
    —
Lesley wrote:
Everyone hides from the Daleks - no idea why, they're just some metal dustbins turned upside down with a sink plunger but they are scaaaaaary!!!!! Laughing


Well no one ever told me that they were metal dustbins when I was a little girl!

Did anyone ever do (or finish) a CS and Dr who cross over (I know I saw the beginning of one once.

Anyway, what is happening in this drabble.

Maybe Jose is the Master?

I am enjoying it and want to know what happens next,
please hurry up...

#443:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Fri Jan 26, 2007 8:35 pm
    —
They entered the school together and, it being almost time for the lesson to start, made their way at once to the light, airy, pleasant room where the Spanish conversation class took place. Señor Romero introduced Hepsy, and explained that she would be observing the group that day and returning the following week to take similar conversation sessions in Italian with those girls who had chosen to sign up for the option.

After several weeks the group had made considerable progress with the language. Hepsy, who had just a smattering of Spanish herself, was amazed to realise that the girls were able to make themselves understood in a variety of situations, and had developed an extensive vocabulary. She noted that José’s methods were inventive, modern, and stimulating. Mindful of Mary-Lou’s comments, she observed the demeanour of the group carefully, and found that there was indeed an unnatural feel to their behaviour. It was difficult to put her finger on just what was wrong. They gazed at him constantly, following him with their eyes as he moved around the room. They responded naturally enough to his questions, and were neither quiet not shy, but she felt that there was something very wrong - a spark missing, perhaps, in their faces and voices. There was no laughter, no dissent, no chattering, no giggling, no distraction - just studious concentration coupled with an undercurrent of almost religious adoration.

After ten minutes or so of looking around the room, catching no-one’s eye but Mary-Lou’s, Hepsy stopped observing the girls and started to watch José, listening to the lesson and starting to feel part of the group. After a few minutes of this, she started to feel the strangest sensation, as if she was struggling to stay awake – repeatedly drifting momentarily into sleep, then dragging herself awake again with a start. The lesson content seemed to be flowing into her head without any effort on her part. Forcing herself to look away, she glanced towards Mary-Lou who, she realised, was watching her and not José. Mary-Lou raised her eyebrow almost imperceptibly, and Hepsy gave a very small nod, acknowledging that she was witnessing what Mary-Lou had described. The feeling relief experienced by Mary-Lou was intense – at last someone believed her, and now maybe they could tackle this threat together.

Once she was aware that she had to fight off the mental effect, Hepsy was able to do for the remainder of the lesson so by not looking directly at José. She simply made careful notes of the lesson, keeping her eyes down on her notebook, and looking up at the girls from time to time. She was, however, most relieved when the bell rang to signal the end of the lesson. José drew things to a conclusion, and stood to leave. Hepsy thanked the group for allowing her to observe them and, giving Mary-Lou a meaningful look, said that she would see them the following week, and was looking forward to getting to know them better. Then they took their leave, and walked briskly back to the main school where José was due to teach the next period.

#444:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jan 26, 2007 8:43 pm
    —
Spooky, very spooky!


Glad that Maty Lou and Hepsy have each other - wonder why those two are partially immune?



Thanks Cryst.

#445:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Fri Jan 26, 2007 10:54 pm
    —
Quote:
The lesson content seemed to be flowing into her head without any effort on her part.
Well, creepy or not, he's got something there! Very Happy

Definitely unsettling. Glad Hepsy is able to fight the effect. I, too, wonder why she and Mary-Lou can when even the Heads can't.

#446:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Jan 27, 2007 4:19 am
    —
That was one very creepy lesson. I can't wait to find out what he's up to! And Mary-Lou must be so relieved to find that she's not the only one feeling like this about Señor Romero. Thanks Cryst.

#447:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sat Jan 27, 2007 7:39 pm
    —
This is so creepy!

Thanks Cryst.

#448:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 9:14 am
    —
Tara wrote:
Quote:
The lesson content seemed to be flowing into her head without any effort on her part.
Well, creepy or not, he's got something there! Very Happy


Absolutely. I wish my OU Spanish course would "flow into my head without any effort"

#449:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Tue Jan 30, 2007 1:20 pm
    —
He is definitely creepy!

#450:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 10:16 pm
    —
Nancy was in a hurry.

She had missed her morning Kuchen, having been detained by the necessity of dealing with a group of Middles who had been engaged in various forms of mischief during her lesson, and so needed to be subjected to a few choice words before they were released for their mid morning break. By the time she had reached the Speisesaal the delicious sweet bread twists were all gone, and she had to make do with just a cup of coffee. She had also had a skimpier than usual lunch, as the menu had included the little potato dumplings that she found merely tolerable, with just a fruit jelly for dessert, rather than the more substantial offerings that Nancy favoured. She had a full timetable on Thursdays until the afternoon break, and had therefore not managed to connect with any of her hidden stores of extra snacks.

She was therefore hungry, and tired, and heading for the staff room where she meant to be first in the queue for the trolley of Kaffee and Kuchen that was delivered there for the staff afternoon break. She then had a free period, and intended to make full use of the time to flop into one of the deep armchairs and recharge her batteries. She hurtled down the corridor, impervious to any distractions – a woman on a mission.

#451:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 10:26 pm
    —
So what's going to happen to Nancy then? Something must happen to her after all that! Love the hidden stores of snacks she has - must consider some myself!Laughing


Thanks Cryst.

#452:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 11:47 pm
    —
Quote:
She hurtled down the corridor, impervious to any distractions – a woman on a mission.


Love it! And the snack stores. Hope nothing too awful awaits her.

#453:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 12:11 am
    —
Liked the idea of hidden stores of snacks...

#454:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 9:05 am
    —
Poor Nancy! I hope she doesn't have to go hungry for much longer Laughing

#455:  Author: KatherineLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 12:13 pm
    —
Love this set of drabbles and the way they all fit together.

Lesley wrote:
Love the hidden stores of snacks she has - must consider some myself!Laughing

My housemate said to me only yesterday as we shared my fruit pastilles, "I need to be more like you and have food stashes"! Not sure what that says about me.

#456:  Author: leahbelleLocation: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 1:35 pm
    —
Oooo, I think a hidden store of chocolate in my drawers at work all for me sounds like a fab idea!

Thanks for the updates!

#457:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 2:20 pm
    —
I find that the trouble with hiding a store of chocolate is that I know where it is.

#458:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 3:06 pm
    —
Jennie wrote:
I find that the trouble with hiding a store of chocolate is that I know where it is.

Yes, this is my problem, too. It then doesn't last very long!

I wonder what will happen to Nancy?! What is she going to discover in the staffroom?

Thanks Cryst.

#459:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 11:32 pm
    —
Just along the corridor from the staff room door there was large picture window with a glorious view out to the mountains, set in an alcove with a little window seat running around it. Nancy was somewhat surprised to find a little huddle of her colleagues here, already, she noticed, supplied with their coffee cups, looking gloomy and munching rather morosely on their Kuchen. Left to her own devices she would have charged past with no more than a quick nod and a passing twinge of curiosity, but Peggy Burnett stepped out in front of her, only narrowly avoiding getting flattened in the process. Nancy screeched to a reluctant halt, and stood poised ready to resume her flight.

“Aha,” Peggy uttered in an accusatory tone, “The so-called line manager. Well I have to say, you’ve been conspicuous by your absence today. What are you going to do about it?”

“Yes”, the other three chorused, with Rosalind Yolland adding petulantly, “You’ll have to stop her, you know.”

“Stop who?” asked Nancy, with a sinking feeling.

“Joey”, they chorused.

“Why, what is she doing? And, if it comes to that, what are you all doing drinking your Kaffee out here instead of in the staff room?”

“We’ve had enough of it,” Dorothy Lawrence replied.

Even Nancy’s dearest friend Kathie Ferrars was only slightly less indignant, “She’s been in there all morning. I have two free periods today, Nancy, and you know how I rely on them to get on top of my marking. Poor Mr Denny was almost overcome with embarrassment by it all, and Jeanne’s certainly had enough - she more or less chucked a dictionary at Joey as she stormed out.”

“But just what is Joey doing?” Nancy asked.

#460:  Author: LesleyLocation: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 11:38 pm
    —
Good grief! What on Earth can Joey be doing???? Shocked


Nice to see more of this, Cryst - thanks.

#461:  Author: TaraLocation: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 12:26 am
    —
What, indeed??? Shocked

Love this, Nancy's quite splendid!

#462:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 8:54 am
    —
Lesley wrote:
Good grief! What on Earth can Joey be doing???? Shocked


And what do they expect poor Nancy to do about it?

Thanks, Cryst

#463:  Author: KatherineLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 9:29 am
    —
Yes, tell us!

#464:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 9:31 am
    —
On tenterhooks...

#465:  Author: Mrs RedbootsLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 10:00 pm
    —
The mind boggles.... Rolling Eyes

#466:  Author: Cryst PostPosted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 10:13 pm
    —
“Oh,” replied Peggy exasperated. “As far as I can make out she is compiling a multilingual list of rude words.”

Nancy’s heart dropped straight down into her sensible court shoes. “Oh no,” she cried in despair. “What sort of rude words, exactly?”

It was Kathie who replied. “Oh, you know, Nancy, terms one might wish to use in a fairly explicit PSHE lesson. Intimate body parts, bodily functions, courtship rituals, aspects of puberty, women’s undergarments, items needed to cope with menstruation, methods of contraception, that sort of thing. Although,” she added as an afterthought and with a ripple of laughter as she considered the last item, “I’m surprised Joey has any knowledge of that!”

Dorothy took up the story, “She keeps asking everyone within earshot for translations. You’re just getting settled marking your Upper Fourth compositions, or whatever, and out pops another question. How would you say abc in German or what is the French medical term for xyz. It’s impossible to concentrate on anything for more than a few minutes at a time. She’s been at it for the best part of the day, so far as we can make out.”

“Great balls of fire! I’ve already told her to lay off that stuff for now,” Nancy exclaimed, enraged. “That woman! Just you wait until I get my hands on her.”

And with that she stormed off down the corridor towards the staff room door.

#467:  Author: Alison HLocation: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 10:31 pm
    —
Laughing

I have a horrible recollection of occasions during my misspent schooldays when we used to look up "rude" words in French dictionaries Embarassed ...

Although seeing as they have to speak all 3 languages I think Joey's very sensible to find out the relevant words in all 3 languages!

#468:  Author: Cath V-PLocation: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 11:02 pm
    —
That could be useful..... Very Happy

I can just imagine Mr Denny's response!!! And I loved Kathie's contraception remark.

#469:  Author: Ruth BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 9:36 am
    —
Alison H wrote:
Laughing

I have a horrible recollection of occasions during my misspent schooldays when we used to look up "rude" words in French dictionaries Embarassed ...


Yep, me too! Definitely the best way to deal with a boring French lesson!

#470:  Author: KatherineLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 10:51 am
    —
She can’t have that much knowledge of menstruation either considering the time she spends pregnant!

#471:  Author: FatimaLocation: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 3:22 pm
    —
Trust Joey to be wholesale! I'm very eager to hear what Nancy has to say to her, though. Thanks Cryst.

#472:  Author: Mrs RedbootsLocation: London, UK PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 6:34 pm
    —
Well, Nancy mayn't realise it, but actually Joey's doing exactly the right thing here. Girls (and boys, too, but that's not relevant here) need to feel okay using words they're comfortable with. Although perhaps she would be better to ask them what words they use, rather than telling them.

#473:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 11:25 pm
    —
Katherine wrote
Quote:
She can’t have that much knowledge of menstruation either considering the time she spends pregnant!
Embarassed I actually read it the first time missing out the methods of contraception, so I though Kathie was saying she was surprised Joey had any knowledge of menstruation.

#474:  Author: kerenLocation: Israel PostPosted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 8:05 am
    —
Wonder if joey will also set them to learning these lists of words!

(they do have to know them, imagine one of these girls living in a county as an adult and having to go to the gynecologist and explain a health problem (or even just being pregnant and going to the dr etc.)

Or having to go to the shop to buy various necessary hygene products

#475:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 3:16 pm
    —
I think Joey's being very practical! Although possibly not very Chalet as the words were never mentioned in English, let alone any other language!

Thanks Cryst



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