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Advent Drabbles: December 20th (part 3 21:26)

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The CBB -> St Scholastika's House

#1: Advent Drabbles: December 20th (part 3 21:26) Author: Advent Drabblers,

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:05 am
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Gwynneth Lloyd stepped down from the train and looked for her sister. Beside her she had her suitcase, plus a couple of bags, one of which was full of presents for the family. School was over for the Christmas holidays, and as she had been invited to her sister’s for the holidays she had volunteered to be one of the escort staff for those girls returning to England. The journey had been long and tiring, and she was glad to see the last of the girls collected by their parents at Victoria Station. Just as she was getting worried, she was hailed by Lillian, her sister, who was hurrying down the platform towards her.
“Sorry I’m late Gwyn,” she said “You know how things are at Christmas. The children are out in the car. Is this all you have?”
She grabbed the case, leaving the bags for her sister, and marched off down the platform again. Matey smiled to herself, for they were two of a pair even though they weren’t twins.
The children leapt out of the car to greet their Aunt. Frank and Anne were a lively pair who kept everyone on the hop for the whole time they were awake, but it was all high spirits, and they were as obedient as anyone could wish for most of the time. Matey gave them both a warm hug.
“Get back into the car now you two,” she said. “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a good hot cup of tea.”
The following morning Lillian brought out the big box of decorations and dumped them on the Dining Room table.
“There you are, Gwyn. Something to keep you and the children occupied while I get on,” she said.
Matey grimaced to herself, for the lat day of term had been spent taking down all the decorations in the Hall and Speisesaal, and now her she was putting a lot of new ones up again. The tree was sitting outside in it’s bucket, and the three of them managed to get it inside and into the lounge without incident. Matey opened the packet of bright red crepe paper, and wrapped it tightly around the bucket, and Frank and Anne tied it into place with a bright green ribbon. The paper stood up above the level of the rim, and hid all the old bricks and other bits and pieces that braced the tree. Then the three of them began to decorate it with the lovely old glass balls that had come out year after year. Finally they clipped on the candle holders, with their new candles firmly in place, and Matey checked to make sure that no flame would come anywhere near any of the branches. At the bottom of the box was the rolls of streamers that would adorn the centre of the room. Matey climbed carefully onto a chair and fixed one end of one of them to the central light fitting, then the two children twisted the long coloured strip of crepe paper gently until it looked about right, and Matey fixed it to the picture rail in the corner of the room. The other three streamers followed, and by the time they had finished the room looked really bright and Christmassy.
“The weather is fine enough for us to go and find some greenery this afternoon,” said Matey. “And then I have something special that I brought back from Austria for us.”
Although the children clamoured to know what it was Matey refused to tell them anything. She made sure that they were well wrapped up after lunch before they ventured outside. The sun was shining, but a cold wind was blowing.
“Suppose you tell me the best place for holly,” said Matey. We need some with berries if we can, to brighten it up. And if we can find some pine branches and cones we can use those too.”
“The woods up the hill are the best place, Aunty,” said Anne.
They returned loaded down with branches of pine and holly, with a good scattering of berries on them. These were dropped in the back garden until they could deal with them, and Matey thought privately that some of them would need to be trimmed by Lillian’s husband before they could be used. The cones she intended to paint silver and hide them amongst the leaves.
By the time the branches had been trimmed and the cones painted afternoon tea was ready, and Matey insisted on sitting down and having her refreshment before doing anything further.
“The more fuss you make, the longer it will take,” she said. “Sit down and behave like civilised beings or you will never find out what I’ve brought.”
Finally, after what seemed to the children like hours, Matey helped to carry the tray back to the kitchen for the maid to wash up. Then she went up to her room and brought back a square box with German writing on it. They all sat down at the table, and she carefully opened the box. Inside were wrappings of tissue paper, which she peeled back to reveal a number of wooden carvings.
“This is something they have a lot of in the Tyrol,” she said. “It’s a Nativity Scene. Here’s the Stable, “ and she lifted out a beautifully carved model of a stable. This was followed by various animals, and finally by the figures of Mary and Joseph, the manger and the tiny baby that just fitted it. The rest of the family just stared. It was very simple, just plain wood beautifully carved, but it spoke all the stronger for that simplicity. Matey carried them carefully into the lounge and arranged them on the mantelpiece, so that they had pride of place.
On Christmas Eve the adults went to the Midnight Service. The church wasn’t far, and they walked through the crisp night, chatting to each other. Another party arrived at the lych gate at the same time, and both stopped to let the other pass. As they did so, Matey glanced at the others, and what she saw made her gasp with surprise.

Last edited by Advent Drabblers on Thu Dec 20, 2007 9:29 pm; edited 2 times in total

#2: Author: Karry, Location: Stoke on Trent

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:26 am
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This is so lovely!

#3: Author: Liz K, Location: Bedfordshire

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 1:08 pm
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It is indeed!

I wonder who's turned up at the Church same time as Matey.

#4: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 2:01 pm
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That was just fabulous - and lovely to see Matey as an adored Auntie

#5: Author: Advent Drabblers,

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 4:35 pm
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Jack and Mollie Maynard walked through the village towards the church, their arms full of greenery.
“Do you think there will be enough?” Mollie asked anxiously.
Jack laughed, “I think there will be enough here to decorate every chapel in the forest.”
“Well I didn't want to run short, mother was so pleased we were asked to do the Christmas flowers. She did the alter arrangements and the stand in the chancel this morning. These are for the font, the windows and the choir stalls.”
The reached the ancient lych gate and ducked under, stopping for a moment to look at the picture postcard view of the church and churchyard covered in snow.
“I do like to have snow for Christmas,” said Jack, “It really is a treat.”
“The verger won't be as happy if there is more overnight. He will have to come and put salt out for the midnight service tonight, he won't want to come too early tomorrow morning.”

By this time they had reached the porch and stamping the snow off their feet first they went inside. The organist was running through music for the Christmas services and to this accompaniment they set busily about their task, Mollie directing and Jack climbing up to lay the various branches and wreaths in the spots she indicated.
“Is that the last?” he queried as he climbed down from the last window.
“I think so,” replied Mollie, looking around to see the overall effect. “And we had just enough, there is one last spray of holly.”
“Seems a shame to waste it,” said Jack thoughtfully. “There must be somewhere we can put it.”
They walked slowly round the church, humming along to the organ, as they went.
Oh come all ye faithful
Joyful and triumphant
Oh come ye Oh come ye
To Bethlehem

“How about there” said Jack at last, pointing high up.
“I don't know, we never seem to have flowers or anything in that window, in fact I've never paid it much attention, it is very out of the way isn't it?”
“Yes, I think you could only see it from round here, the vestry enterance will hide it from the main part of the church, so only the choir can see it. But I can stand on the back of that pew, make a long leg and just reach it I think.”
“Might as well then,” Mollie agreed.

Jack suited his action to his words, and just managed to use the last of the holly. He jumped down and then looked back.
“Odd, to have stained glass in such an inconspicuous place,” he commented.
Mollie craned her head to look.
“It's a green man,” she said.
The organ had stopped playing by now, and they heard the door creak as the organist left. The light had almost gone, and looking at the eerie face Mollie shivered.

#6: Author: PaulineS, Location: West Midlands

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 5:42 pm
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A green man!! They do appear in o;d churchs, sometimes in the windows and sometimes as a in stone. Not suprised it was hidden though.

#7: Author: Sugar, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 9:01 pm
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Thanks - this is lovely

#8: Author: Advent Drabblers,

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 9:26 pm
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Gwynneth Lloyd was just about to open the gate, her hand on the wood, when she looked across, "Mollie? Mollie Mackenzie, surely you are in New Zealand, aren't you? Is your husband here as well? Jack didn't say you were coming back for Christmas. I thought your family lived in the New Forest, not here." She smiled across at the young woman who had, until the previous year, been Maths Mistress at the Chalet School. Unfortunately, however, the young woman did not seem happy to see her,

"I don't know you, how do you know my name?"

A tal man in his late thirties stepped forward, "What is it, Mollie?"

"Oh Bob, this woman says she knows me, but she says I'm married, that I taught as a Maths Mistress...and she spoke of Jack!"

The man's pleasant, open face darkened at his, he glared across at Gwynneth Lloyd, "As a gentleman I am unable to tell you exactly what I think of you, madam," he said sternly, "I can only hope this is a weak attempt at a practical joke. My sister is unmarried, she has never taught and, most unforgiveably, our brother, Jack, died some years ago. It is only due to the time of year that I do not seek restitution for your cruel words. Good day to you." Supporting Mollie he stormed past and into the church.

Gwynneth stared after them, a touch on her arm and she looked across at her sister, "Lilian, I swear, that's Mollie Maynard, she taught at the Chalet School until last year. I've told you about her before, and about her brother, Jack - he works with Jem Russell - don't you remember?"

"I'm sorry but I don't - it must be a different woman Gwyn," Lilian said sympathetically. "I've never heard you speak of the Maynards - you said the maths mistress was a Miss Soames. The Maynards moved here a few months ago, Bob Maynard has a wife Lydia and a little boy Rolf."

"Yes, I know all that," Gwynneth said distractedly.

"Well perhaps you don't," Lilian returned firmly, "Mollie Maynard used to have a twin, Jack Maynard, it's true - but one Christmas, they were about sixteen, and they had been asked to decorate their local church. Jack leapt up on a pew to stretch across to decorate a window and his foot slipped, he fell and hit his head, never regained consciousness. Mollie Maynard was devasted by it - she swore that it wasn't an accident, that a 'green man' had caused her brother to slip. She was a bright girl, was planning to go to university but, after the accident she just couldn't leave home. Now come on, we'll be late for the service."

The Midnight Service was packed, standing room only in the church. Although Gwynneth Lloyd looked round she could not see the Maynards. After the service she tried to catch a glimpse of them but her sister hurried her out. By the lych gate Gwynneth stopped, she placed a hand on the gate and turned to her sister, "Lilian I have to find out about this."

"About what?"

"The Maynards."

"Jack Maynard the doctor? You told me in one of your letters that you think he's sweet on Joey Bettany," Lilian smiled, "can't it wait though? It's rather cold just here and I'm never too keen on standing here anyway."

"Why on Earth not?"

Lilian nodded to a figure carved into the gate, "The Green Man," she said with a slight shiver, "don't know why but I always feel uneasy seeing that - silly I know. Now come on, let's get home."

#9: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 10:16 pm
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That was so spooky! Wonderful way of bringing them together.

#10: Author: Sugar, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 10:23 pm
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Ohhhhh very bizarre. Lesley, you have a most strange brain!

#11: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 10:42 pm
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ohhh errrr

thankyou ADs

#12: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:55 am
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Definitely ooh-err. And I was enjoying Matey as Aunty so much! Once again, we need more!

#13: Author: Liz K, Location: Bedfordshire

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 8:36 am
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Oh my what a twist to the tale!! Shocked

#14: Author: Vick, Location: Leeds, Yorkshire

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 11:52 am
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Intriguing, i would love to hear more of this tale...

Thank you

#15: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 2:03 pm
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Yes, I get the feeling that it's not quite finished.

#16: Author: Billie, Location: The south of England.

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 3:42 pm
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Seriously weird! I'd like to see some more of this. I don't quite understand it. Spooky.

#17: Author: Rosalin, Location: Swansea

Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 10:10 pm
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Very strange, and it's mean of you to finish it and leave us dangling Laughing

Thanks ADs.

#18: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 6:34 pm
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oooh!!

*shivers*

That was extremely eerie.

#19: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2007 11:42 pm
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Very Christmassy creepy. TY.

#20: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 10:49 am
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Thanks Advent Drabblers. I would like to read more of this drabble as well.

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