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For as long as we both shall live (finished 3/1, Page 4)

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#1: For as long as we both shall live (finished 3/1, Page 4) Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 3:56 pm
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This was supposed to be about Gertrude Rider, but unfortunately someone else muscled in on the tale Rolling Eyes

Gillian Culver headed for the San. It was Saturday afternoon and almost time for kaffee so Gill went, as usual, to see if Gertrude Rider wanted to come to the staffroom to join their colleagues for the informal meal. Since St. Mildred's had opened its doors, almost two years earlier, Gill had struck up a great friendship with Gertrude. Perhaps it had something to do with them both being non-teaching members of staff, who worked different hours from the rest of the mistresses. On reaching her destination, Gill found that everything was its usual pristine condition and Nurse was sitting by the window working on some impressively ornate embroidery.
"Has Gertrude already gone to kaffee?" Gill asked her.
"No, she's gone out," said Nurse, barely even looking up from her stitching.
"Oh," said Gill with a sigh. "Thanks, Nurse." She turned and headed off to kaffee on her own, thinking about Gertrude's many unexplained absences from the school. She was beginning to see a pattern to them. Gertrude usually disappeared on a Saturday afternoon, going sometime after lunch and not returning until well after Abendessen had finished. She was gone probably two Saturdays each month and always told Gill that she had been in Interlaken. When Gill was free and offered to accompany her, Gertrude either told Gill that she was not going that particular day, or that she was meeting an old school friend for coffee and that Gill would be very bored by their reminisces. Gertrude was also often out on a Wednesday evening, too. She would be missing for Abendessen, which was not unusual, as she frequently ate with Nurse in the San, but if Gill went to look for her afterwards, Nurse would be all alone. Having been so politely barred from the Saturday excursions, Gill did not ask about the Wednesday evening ones, but she could not help but wonder exactly what took Gertrude off on her own so often.
Gill went to the staffroom and collected one of the delectable honey nut cakes on offer and a cup of coffee. Not liking to gossip, especially about a friend, Gill had not mentioned Gertrude's absences to anyone, but she could not stop herself from pondering the curious subject as she sipped her coffee. She knew that it could be quite possible that Gertrude had an old friend living nearby; after all, she had been with the Chalet School in its Tyrol days and before that with St. Scholastika's, so presumably she had plenty of acquaintances likely to be currently living in Interlaken. It just seemed odd that she would always visit them on the same day at the same time. But then she had to go on her day off, Gill reminded herself, so she really had little opportunity to go at a variety of different times. With a sigh Gill went to rinse out her cup, deciding that she might as well finish the last couple of letters waiting in her in-tray, and then she would be free to spend the evening amusing herself.
Gill typed up the last of the letters and put it with the pile awaiting Miss Wilson's signature. She left these in a folder on the Head's desk and then returned to tidy her office. Once everything was in order, Gill picked up her writing case, for she owed letters to several friends, and passed through the entrance hall on her way to the staffroom. As she reached the foot of the stairs, the front door opened, and Gertrude Rider came in, keeping her dark glasses on and going swiftly along the passage to the back stairs without even glancing at Gill. For a moment Gill considered going after her, but there was something in the attitude of Gertrude's bent head and hurried step that held her back. Instead she continued to the staffroom, where she ensconced herself in a comfortable chair near the window and made a start on a long overdue letter to Jacynth Hardy.

Last edited by Fatima on Wed Jan 03, 2007 6:46 am; edited 16 times in total

#2: Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 4:24 pm
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Yay another Fatima drabble! And it looks so intriguing. Very curious as to where Gertrude goes.

#3: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 4:26 pm
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I see Gill's back Laughing

!

Nice to see a drabble about Gertrude - the poor woman got totally overshadowed by "Matey"!

#4: Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 4:42 pm
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Yay, Gill's back!

#5: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 5:39 pm
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Another Fatima drabble! Wow! Thank you.

Mind you, I'm feeling smug because my plot bunnies seem to have hibernated.

#6: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 8:45 pm
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I wonder where Gertrude is going?! Thanks, Becky.

#7: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 9:54 pm
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Yay! Another Becky drabble *bounces*

#8: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 5:33 am
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Gill was not meant to be back!

Gertrude did not appear for Abendessen, so once she had finished her meal, Gill slipped away to the San in search of her friend. Nurse was still there, busy with her embroidery, and she informed Gill that she did not think Gertrude had returned from her afternoon off. Gill headed along the passage to the corridor on which the staff bedrooms were located and tapped lightly on the door of Gertrude's room. For a long moment she thought there would be no answer, then, finally, Gertrude called out, "Who is it?"
"It's Gill," she called back. Again she was met by silence, but eventually the door opened and Gill found herself looking at the tall, slim figure of Matron Rider. "Is everything all right?" she asked, seeing how white and tense Gertrude looked and noticing that although Gertrude was fully dressed the room was in darkness. "Can I get you anything - some tea or something to eat?"
"There's a medicinal bottle of sherry in my office," said Gertrude, her voice low and strained and very different from her usual crisp, business-like tones.
Gill sped away, worried now. She had never seen Gertrude look anything other than unruffled and capable and it was a shock to see her so upset. She easily found the sherry and a glass, and then she hurried back to Gertrude's room. The door was closed again, so she knocked once more and waited. This time Gertrude opened it more quickly and stood aside to let her friend in. Gill pulled the curtain back enough to allow a little light in, and then sloshed some sherry into the glass. She passed it to Gertrude, who was sitting in the deep armchair, looking at the floor.
"Here you are," she said gently. "Drink this, Gertrude. It'll make you feel better."
"I doubt it," Gertrude replied with a touch of her usual asperity, but she sipped her drink and Gill thought that a little colour might be returning to her cheeks.
Gill hovered anxiously beside her friend, wishing that she knew how to subtly draw Gertrude out about whatever was upsetting her. She knew that if their roles had been reversed Gertrude would have already reduced her to tears and coaxed the whole story from her.
"Sit down, Gill," said Gertrude suddenly. "You're making the room untidy, flittering around like that."
Gill knelt beside Gertrude. "Won't you tell me what's happened, Gertrude?" she asked softly, wrapping her warm hands around Gertrude's cold one. "I may not be able to help, but I'm sure you'll feel better. You know what they say - a trouble shared is a trouble halved."
Gertrude put her empty glass down and ran her hand across Gill's rather ruffled hair. "Thank you," she said, sounding grateful. "I'm not ready to talk about it just yet, though."
"Whenever you are, I shall be ready to listen," Gill promised.
"Thank you," she said again.
Realizing that she was being dismissed, Gill stood up. She leaned over and brushed a shy kiss across Gertrude's cheek. "I'll be in my room if you need me," she said as she slipped out of the room.
Once Gill had left, Gertrude poured herself another glass of sherry and gazed deeply into the richly coloured liquid, allowing her thoughts to go back many years, back to a time when everything had been so different and so full of hope. She seldom allowed herself to think about those days any more, for it was easier to live in the present, easier to concentrate on the job she had to do and the way things had to be now. If she spent too much time recalling those halcyon days she might not be able to live in the present any more. The carefully constructed facade she had created might crumble and then she would be of no use to man nor beast. Goodness knew how hard it had been for her to turn herself into the perfect Matron, unflappable and competent, able to quell troublesome middles with a single glance yet equally adept at comforting any girl in need of solace. She certainly could not afford, either literally or figuratively, to undo all that hard work.

#9: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 7:51 am
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Poor Gertude. I trust you have a handsome doctor waiting in the wings to cheer her up Wink

#10: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 8:32 am
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Poor Gertrude Sad

Thanks, Becky

#11: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 3:30 pm
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Oh dear, Poor Gertrude.

#12: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 10:14 pm
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Poor Getrude. Thanks, Becky.

#13: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 7:28 am
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Gertrude remembered how she had felt so nervous, heading off to London for the first time as a shy eighteen year old. She had been determined to be a nurse, and had been lucky enough to be accepted for training at a big London hospital. Of course, when she had applied she had not considered how homesick she might be, just how wonderful it would be to live in such an exciting city all by herself and to learn about all the things she had been so eager to experience. She found that it was hard work, and not always as much fun as she had hoped, but she made friends with some of the other student nurses and they did everything together. They grumbled about the ward sister and the arrogance of the doctors, they studied and tested each other before their exams, and they went out and explored the city together. It was a wonderful time for Gertrude and she revelled in her new life and her new experiences.
And then she had met Dr. Harry Rider. He was charming and polite, not like some of the others on the hospital staff, with untidy brown hair and dark eyes, and quite half of the nursing staff were in love with him. He was not known for socialising with colleagues, though many would have been only too happy to oblige should he have asked. Gertrude worked with Dr. Rider in theatre, and learnt more from his commentaries as he worked than she had learnt from anyone else, or from any of the books she studied so diligently. He seemed to take an interest in her, making sure that she was on the team assisting him and always checking that she understood what he was doing and why, and how she could best help him. Some of the other nurses teased Gertrude about it, but she laughed their comments off; as if such an important person as Dr. Rider could ever be interested in a lowly student nurse.
It was just before Christmas during her second year that Gertrude ran into Dr. Rider in the corridor outside the operating theatre.
He stopped when he saw her, for he had performed a particularly tricky procedure that morning. "Well?" he asked her. "What did you think?"
Gertrude looked up at him; he was tall, slim and athletic and rumoured to be a pretty good cricket player as well as a brilliant surgeon. "It went very well," she told him. "How you avoided nicking the spleen I can't think, though."
Dr. Rider grinned boyishly at her. "Years of experience and a steady hand," he told her. "Tell me, Nurse Smith, are you busy this evening?"
Thinking that he would be operating again, Gertrude said, "No, I'm not. I've just finished for the day."
"Excellent," he told her. "I've finished, too. Let's go and have dinner."
"Oh," she said, blushing furiously, "I thought you meant that you had another operation to perform."
"Thankfully, no," he told her. "And I'm flattered that you'd rather watch me work, but I think we could have a pleasant evening even if the only knife I hold cuts my food."
Hardly able to believe that he was interested in dining with her, Gertrude nodded shyly. "Thank you," she said, feeling foolish. "That would be very nice."
"I'll just go and change," he told her, "And I'll meet you in the lobby in ten minutes."
"All right." Glad that she kept a decent dress in her cupboard in the nurses room, Gertrude hurried off to change and make herself look as nice as she could. She did wonder if Dr. Rider would really be in the lobby when she arrived, but he was. He was wearing a heavy overcoat and a trilby hat and she thought that he actually looked pleased to see her appear at his side.
Once out of the hospital, he took her arm. The pavement was slippery and the snow was beginning to fall again, drifting gently down and dusting the street around them. Dr. Rider took Gertrude well away from the hospital, to a very nice restaurant in which the head waiter welcomed him with the warmth reserved for a valued customer. They were shown to a table in the corner of the room, where Dr. Rider helped Gertrude off with her coat and courteously pulled out her chair for her. The waiter took away their outdoor garments and brought them the menu and Gertrude sat with her hands demurely in her lap, wondering how on earth she was going to indulge in a conversation that did not bore the doctor to death.

#14: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 7:45 am
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Ah - so she's Mrs Rider not Miss Rider Rolling Eyes

#15: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 8:12 am
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He sounds like a very nice doctor Very Happy

Thanks, Becky

#16: Author: dackel, Location: The Big Wide World (aka London)

Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 9:39 am
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Quote:

He sounds like a very nice doctor

Yes, but what's going to happen to him...? Shocked

#17: Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK

Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 10:21 am
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oh a doctor!

#18: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 1:21 pm
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He does sound nice. I hope Gertrude has time to be happy with him since he's not around when she's at the CS.

#19: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 5:03 am
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Gertrude smiled to herself as she recalled what was the first of many dinners with Dr. Rider. He had soon told her not to call him that, though, and she had managed to overcome her shyness and call him Harry as he left her on the doorstep of the nurses quarters later that evening. He had taken her hand as he wished her goodnight, and gallantly kissed it, leaving Gertrude to float upstairs to her room. She lay awake for hours, going back over the evening in her mind, remembering how Harry had refused to talk about work, telling her instead about his family and asking about hers. She told him something of her childhood, growing up in the small village with such understanding parents and being sent away to school, where biology lessons inspired her to take up nursing. And, to her amazement, Harry had not seemed bored. He had listened intently to everything she said, and from comments he made on their next date, a few evenings later, Gertrude realized that he had remembered all that she had told him.
Christmas came, and Gertrude managed to get back to her parents' home for a few days. Harry was staying in London as he was working, and he gravely told her that if he had known that he was going to meet her he would definitely have applied to have some time off so that he could spend it with her. As it was, he wrote every day and Gertrude was obliged to pretend that her letters came from a fellow student nurse who was very lonely now that the others had left for a few days. She was almost hoist by her own petard when her mother suggested that the nurse might like to come and stay with them, but Gertrude managed to convince her mother that 'Harriet' had to keep her elderly grandmother company and so would not be able to leave London.
When Gertrude returned to London, Harry was waiting at the station for her. He was evidently delighted to see her, and Gertrude found that she was just as pleased to see him. It had been wonderful spending time at home, being pampered by her mother and catching up with old friends living nearby, but she had missed Harry more than she thought she would have done. He arranged for her case to be taken to her room in the nurses' quarters and then took her off for tea in the big hotel near the station.
"I've missed you so much," he told her, watching her intently as she poured out their tea. "London is so dull when you aren't here."
"Would you like a tea cake?" she asked, unsure how to respond to his words. She was still so new to the whole idea of a relationship with a man that she did not quite know what to say to him.
"Yes, please," he said, passing her his plate. "Gertrude, I've got two tickets for the theatre tomorrow night. Will you come with me?"
Gertrude nodded her acceptance. She could scarcely believe what was happening to her; here she was, having tea with one of the most eligible bachelors at the hospital, making plans to meet him again, and, although she was not quite so sure of this, falling in love with him. "What will we see?" she asked.
"Not a pantomime," he reassured her. "It's Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing'. Have you seen it before?"
As Gertrude's experience of the theatre was limited, she had to admit that she had not. "We studied 'Macbeth' at school," she told him, wishing it did not make her sound such an ingénue. "And I'm ashamed to admit that I know nothing about Shakespeare's other plays."
"Then I shall teach you," he promised.
He had been as good as his word. They had seen 'Much Ado About Nothing' and Gertrude had enjoyed it far more than she had expected to. The next day a neatly wrapped parcel had come to Gertrude's door and on unwrapping it she found that Harry had sent her a copy of 'Twelfth Night' with a promise to take her to see it on stage just as soon as she had read it. Thinking of it, Gertrude clicked on the light and went over to her bookshelf. There, right on the end, was the now well thumbed volume. Almost reverentially she lifted it out, clutching it to her so tenderly it was as if it lived, and then she flung herself face down on the bed and gave way to the tears that she had held back for so long.

#20: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 7:46 am
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He sounds so nice - not looking forward to finding out what happened to him and why he's not on the scene any more Crying or Very sad

#21: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 8:39 am
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I was so caught up I forgot it was memories until the last bit!

Thanks, Becky

#22: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 9:53 am
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Thanks, Becky. What a shame it obviously did not work out happily between them.

#23: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 1:32 pm
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When she awoke, Gertrude found that it was dawn. She felt very uncomfortable, sleeping fully dressed with her cheek on a book. She eased herself into a sitting position, already thinking ahead to the jobs she had to get done that morning. She chided herself for her lapse of the previous evening and strengthened her resolve to get on with things and not feel sorry for herself any more. There was no benefit to be had from crying over spilt milk and never had been. Gertrude splashed her face with cold water and dressed in her usual crisply starched uniform. She headed straight for the kitchen, where she always made her early morning coffee, and then went to the San. As usual she was the first to report for duty, and being in the familiar surroundings made her feel much better able to deal with the day.
Gertrude made herself go to the Speisesaal for breakfast. She was sure that Gillian would not have mentioned anything about the previous evening to anyone, for she was a loyal friend, but Gertrude was not eager to see the look of concern on Gill's earnest face. It would be all to easy to give in to that compassion and to tell her everything, but Gertrude knew that the sympathy of friends could be so hard to bear.
She sat in her usual seat and Gill arrived a moment later, the anxious look she was wearing almost disappearing as she found Gertrude in her place. She slipped into the seat next to her and greeted the rest of their colleagues cheerfully before bowing her head as Miss Wilson stood to say grace. Everyone helped themselves to hot rolls and jam and once the others were deep in conversation, Gill turned to Gertrude.
"Won't you have some honey," she said, pressing more rolls and some of the lovely golden honey on her friend. She refilled Gertrude's cup and suggested that they take a stroll together after church.
"I don't know, Gill," said Gertrude, hoping that she did not sound too snubbing. "I've a huge amount of work to do today, what with it being so near the end of term."
"That's ok," Gill agreed easily. She gave Gertrude another anxious look, but Gertrude managed to smile at her.
"You don't need to worry," she said quietly.
"Are you sure?"
"Quite," said Gertrude briskly, leaving Gill in no doubt as to her desire to put the previous evening from her mind.

#24: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 1:46 pm
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Gill is being lovely - there if she's wanted, but not pushing.

Thanks, Becky Very Happy

#25: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 6:00 am
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After church, Gertrude escaped to the peace of the San. It was currently empty, for most of the girls were too busy revising for exams to be indulging in wild escapades and as it was the height of summer, there were none of the dreadful winter colds to occupy her. Gertrude decided to begin on the lost property, checking once again for any sign of a name tag on the clothes and then sorting the unidentifiable garments into heaps, ready to ask the girls to come and check for what they were missing. Despite her attempts to remain focused on the job at hand, Gertrude found that her reminiscing of the previous evening had opened the door to more memories. She recalled the evening they had finally made it to 'Twelfth Night'; despite Harry's nagging, she had found it rather a struggle to read the play and he had neatly caught her out when she claimed to have finished it even though she was only just over half way through. Eventually, though, she reached the end and he kept his part of the bargain by reserving seats for them at the theatre. After the play they had gone to dinner and Gertrude had admitted that she enjoyed watching it on stage far more than reading it. She had never been much of a reader and Shakespeare was far harder going than the medical tomes she studied from.
It was a cold evening, and after their dinner they hurried back to Gertrude's place. Harry stopped on the doorstep, taking Gertrude's hand in his as he usually did. This time was different, though, for he drew her closer and smiled down into her eyes. "I hope you don't think I'm being too forward," he said softly, "But I think I've fallen in love with you."
Overwhelmed by a combination of being so close to him and hearing his words, Gertrude could only manage a little gasp of surprise. He did not seem to mind, for he leaned closer still and kissed her, leaving Gertrude in no doubt as to either the truth of his words or the depth of her own feelings for him. She wished that she could manage to summon up enough courage to tell him how she felt, but at that moment the power of speech was beyond her. Harry kissed her again, guessing something of her sentiments and understanding that she was too young and naive to be able to respond to his declaration just then. Hopeful of his chances of winning her heart he released her and lightly caressed her cheek.
"I'll see you tomorrow," he told her. "Good night."
"Good night," she replied, finding her voice at last.
He walked a few steps and turned to see her still on the doorstep, starry-eyed and oblivious of the chill wind blowing. "Go inside," he called back to her. "You'll get cold standing there."

#26: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 8:28 am
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What a shame that something sad obviously happened later on.

#27: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 11:33 am
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Poor Gertrude.

#28: Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK

Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 12:10 pm
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Poor Gertrude

I want to know what happened but then I don't because somehow I think I'm not going to like it!

Thanks, Fatima

#29: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 1:58 pm
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Thank you Becky.

Poor Gertrude. I've got an idea bout what might have happened.

#30: Author: Woofter,

Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 8:56 pm
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oooh, I wonder what happened to him.

poor Gertrude.

Thanks Fatima.

#31: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 6:24 am
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Over the next months Gertrude and Harry spent as much time together as they could . Gertrude had moved on from surgery, finding that she enjoyed herself on the children's ward almost as much as she had in theatre, except for no longer working with Harry. There was something so rewarding working with children, she found. It was lovely to see them recover from their illnesses and regain their vitality, although it was heartbreaking when one of them succumbed to their disease and nothing could save them. At the end of the year, Gertrude passed her exams with flying colours, and to celebrate, Harry took her to Brighton on the train. They had a wonderful day on the beach, going swimming in the decidedly chilly sea and eating ice creams as they walked along the promenade. And at dinner that night he had asked her to marry him. He had secured a private booth for them at the restaurant and so had been able to go down on one knee without being watched by the other diners. He had already chosen a lovely diamond ring for her and had so obviously been thrilled when she accepted his proposal that Gertrude had found the whole thing more romantic than she had ever dared imagine, in even her wildest dreams.
Once they had come back down to earth, which took them several days, they began to plan going to visit Gertrude's family and Harry admitted that his mother was due to arrive in London the following weekend and that he hoped Gertrude would be able to meet her then. Harry's father had died during the war, and as Harry was an only child, he was very close to his mother. Gertrude was more than happy to meet her, but she was very nervous about it, too, worrying about whether Mrs. Rider would consider Gertrude a suitable wife for her son. Harry had no such worries, however. His mother had been hoping that he would marry for years, for he was now thirty-three, and he knew that she would heartily approve of his choice of bride.
After receiving the blessing of both families, Harry and Gertrude began to plan their wedding. They decided to marry just before Christmas, in the lovely village church near Gertrude's parents' home, and then to honeymoon somewhere quiet and romantic before returning to London for Gertrude to embark on the third year of her course. Harry found them a very small house in London, which they knew would be a perfect first home for them, and Gertrude enjoyed choosing the furniture and colour schemes for it. Harry moved in as soon as it was ready, and his mother came to stay with him and to help Gertrude with her trousseau. They had a beautiful dress made, with masses of lace and a long veil, and as she tried it on Gertrude felt that she was the happiest woman in the world.
"Gertrude?" With a shock, Gertrude came back to the present, and found Gillian looking anxiously at her. "You missed Mitagessen," Gill told her. "Is everything all right?"
Gertrude realized that she had been sitting on one of the beds in the san, gazing out at the mountains without actually seeing them at all. Instead she had been lost in the past, and she was rather startled to find that she was Matron Rider once again, and not the joyful young Gertrude preparing for her wedding. She stood and walked over to the window, leaning against the sill and looking out across the pines to the mountains beyond. "I'm fine," she said, dashing away the tears with the back of her hand.
Gill stood beside her, slipping a hand through her arm. She said nothing more, and Gertrude found her quiet presence comforting.

#32: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 10:02 am
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Poor Gertrude Crying or Very sad

Thanks, Becky

#33: Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 11:18 am
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((((Gertrude)))) and (((Gill))) it's not easy to know someone's hurting and nothing more and have to be there.

Thanks, Fatima.

#34: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 11:26 am
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Sniffle - I'm not sure I want to know what happened to Harry Crying or Very sad

#35: Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 2:27 pm
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Me either! Wink

They obviously had such a lovely relationship.

I do hope Gill can help...

Thanks Becky

#36: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2006 6:43 am
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The wedding had been simply gorgeous. Gertrude's mother had filled the church with seasonal greenery and the weather had been frosty, but fine. Harry had looked incredibly dashing in his top hat and tails and Gertrude could scarcely believe that he was to become her husband. Her parents liked him, deeming him quite good enough for their daughter, and her friends had also approved of her choice. A large crowd gathered in the little church to see them wed, friends of both the bride and the groom, and acquaintances of Gertrude's who lived nearby and wanted to wish her well on her wedding day. They left the church in a shower of rice and hurried out to the shiny black car that Gertrude's father had hired. They drove the short distance to the hotel where the reception was being held, holding hands in the back of the car, not needing to say anything as the looks they exchanged said it all.
Gertrude still remembered the lovely meal they ate, the speeches that were made and the moment when Harry led her out for their first dance as husband and wife. Amidst many good wishes they left the party, heading for the nicest suite the hotel had to offer and where they were to spend their wedding night. The next morning they had bidden their family farewell and taken the train to Brighton, where they were to spend their honeymoon. It was lovely there in the winter, with the sea stormy and the beach deserted, and they enjoyed blustery walks along the sea front and cosy dinners in the almost empty restaurants. Perhaps the greatest happiness, though, was being together every moment of every day. Harry was excellent company; Gertrude had always known that, but he proved himself just as good at sitting quietly by the fire in the evening as he was at being a scintillating dinner companion. He often read to her, favouring Shakespeare's most romantic scenes and poetry by Keats and Wordsworth, and Gertrude felt that she had never been happier than when she was curled up in his arms in front of the blazing fire, listening to him as she gazed into the flames.
They spent Christmas at their new home in London, visited by Gertrude's parents and Harry's mother, all of whom had got on well and greeted one another like long lost friends on their arrival. With her mother and mother-in-law insisting on doing all the cooking for Christmas, Gertrude was able to relax and enjoy the day. They went to church together in the morning, braving the unexpectedly wet weather, and exchanged gifts on their return. The lunch was everything a Christmas dinner should be and afterwards they sat together in the comfortable living room and Gertrude dozed for a while, her head comfortably resting in Harry's lap. Even now, so many years later, Gertrude still remembered the feelings of hope she'd had then. It seemed that they would have the most perfect of lives, they were young and in love and it felt like the beginning of something so speical. They would be together for years and years, would have children and grandchildren, and they would grow old together.

#37: Author: arky72, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2006 8:15 am
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but we know they don't grow old together Crying or Very sad

Thanks Becky, this is lovely.

#38: Author: ibarhis, Location: Dunstable

Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2006 9:08 am
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Thank you for this... It brings to mind the optimism and hope of new love so well...

#39: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2006 9:59 am
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This is lovely - except that we know it doesn't last Sad

#40: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 6:35 am
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If Gertrude had found their first Christmas together wonderful, their second was even better. Just six weeks before she had given birth to their daughter, Olivia, and Gertrude and Harry both felt that their happiness was complete. Olivia was a darling, with masses of dark curls and the most sunny temperament imaginable, and Gertrude, having completed her course with flying colours, actually found that she was glad to leave her job and stay home with her baby. She had not been able to imagine giving up nursing, yet with Olivia's birth she had done so gladly. Harry was a wonderful father, spending ages with Olivia, cuddling her when she cried, giving her a bottle in the middle of the night, taking her out for a walk in the park in the huge pram his mother had given them and even learning how to bath and change her. Over the next year Olivia had grown, lost her dark curls and started to look like a miniature version of her father. She learnt to walk and to say a few words and was the apple of everyone's eye.
Gertrude's life was not without sadness, though. Her father had a massive heart attack and died, leaving her mother looking suddenly old and frail. She refused to leave their home, despite Gertrude's assurances that they would absolutely love to have her live with them, and as she lived so far away it was difficult for them to see as much of her as Gertrude would have liked. Harry's mother visited her several times, for the two women had become great friends, but even she could not persuade Mrs. Smith to move to London and be nearer to her daughter. Harry was a rock at that time, understanding how upset and worried Gertrude was and doing his best to listen to her and comfort her. And with his gentle care, Gertrude came to terms with her loss and began to be happy again, although she remained very concerned about her mother. In the autumn she took Olivia to stay with her for a week, which seemed to make her brighter. She started to regain some of her previous vitality with a baby to fuss over, and she gladly promised to go to London at Christmas and to stay with Gertrude and Harry for three or four weeks. Harry's mother stayed, too, and the two of them would go shopping or out for tea together, and generally keep themselves busy.
Harry continued to work at the hospital, earning himself a reputation for brilliance and became the chief surgeon. He still loved his work, although he did complain that none of the nurses lived up to the standards he had grown to expect from working with Gertrude. She was content to be at home with Olivia, though, and not even tempted to go back to the hospital. Since he was now earning more money, Harry decided to take his family away on holiday for a week that summer. He arranged for them to go back to Brighton, back to the same hotel where they had spent their honeymoon and, as he had hoped, Gertrude was thrilled to hear of his plans. They would have a wonderful time there, and Olivia would be sure to enjoy the beach.

#41: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 8:46 am
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This is fabulous. Am longing to read more

#42: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 9:20 am
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Now wibbling about what happened to the little girl when/before Gertrude had to go back to work Sad

#43: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 9:22 am
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Their holiday was everything they had hoped it would be. Olivia, now almost two, loved the beach and Harry spent hours playing in the sand with her, or taking her down to paddle in the sea. A chambermaid at the hotel agreed to keep an eye on Olivia in the evening so that Gertrude and Harry could go out to dinner together, and they also went dancing and for long walks along the sea front. The holiday was everything that they had hoped it would be and it had been almost fifteen years since she had dared let herself think of those days. Other memories occasionally came back to her, but thoughts of those days were so firmly repressed that they were never able to resurface.
"Life can be so unfair," said Gertrude finally, turning to look at Gill. "We were so happy." She drew Gill over to the window seat and they sat down together.
For a long while she said nothing, and Gill did not like to press her. She had never seen Gertrude look so unhappy, even the previous evening she had not worn this air of abject misery, and she knew that she should just wait and let Gertrude speak when she was ready. She just held tightly to Gertrude's hand, so that her friend might draw a little comfort from her presence.
"I got married," said Gertrude, "When I was in the middle of my nursing course."
Gill managed to bite back the numerous questions she felt leaping into her head. She knew that Gertrude would tell her story in her own time and that she should not interrupt her at all. It would be better to let her talk and then, once she knew what the problem was, she might be able to help.
"Harry was a surgeon," Gertrude went on, her voice quiet and almost devoid of emotion. "We had a little daughter, too. She would have been seventeen now. We'd been on holiday." Gertrude remembered packing their cases the evening before they were due to return to London. She had told Harry how sad she would be to leave Brighton and return to London. They had had such a happy time together and she had wished that she was just unpacking the cases as she had done the previous weekend, with the whole week ahead of them. Harry had hugged her and promised that he would take them on holiday the next summer, too, and reminded her of the pleasures of their life in London. They may not have filled their days as excitingly as they had done that week, but they were still happy together. There were walks in the park, visits to the zoo, friends to see and time to sit together in the evenings, reading and talking and enjoying each other's company.
The next morning they had taken a taxi to the station and boarded the train to London. It was a lovely sunny day, and as they boarded the train Gertrude reminded herself of all that Harry had said about the joys of their life in London. Sternly telling herself that all good things had to end, Gertrude carried Olivia into the carriage, while Harry heaved the cases on board. They found a quiet compartment and settled down beside the window.
"About half way to London the train crashed," said Gertrude flatly. "I remember hearing an awful noise and being flung off the seat and that's all until I woke in hospital."

#44: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 10:38 am
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Oh poor Gertrude Crying or Very sad

#45: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 10:50 am
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Oh, no! What an awful thing to happen. Poor Gertrude.

#46: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 2:02 pm
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"My mother was with me," Gertrude went on, tears now rolling unnoticed down her cheeks. "She was crying. She told me that Olivia had been killed and Harry was badly hurt." Gertrude took a deep breath. She could still remember that moment as clearly as if it had happened just that morning. Her head had been pounding and she had numerous other aches and pains, but none of them could compare with the pain that gripped her heart as she heard that news. The nurse on duty had heard Gertrude's howl and had come running, providing the merciful release of a drugged sleep.
When she came round the next morning, she had not immediately remembered what had happened. It had only been the sight of her mother's drawn face that brought it back to her. Knowing that her mother would be grieving had given Gertrude enough strength to keep from screaming, and she had managed to listen to the details of the accident.
"Harry has broken his back," Mrs. Smith told her. "He's still unconscious. Gertrude, they fear...they fear..." She stopped, unable to continue.
"And Olivia?" Gertrude asked, even though she already knew.
Mrs. Smith shook her head. "I'm so sorry, Gertrude," she said, grasping the hand Gertrude was holding out to her. She perched on the edge of the bed, hardly able to imagine what Gertrude was going through.
"I want to see her," she said. "And I want to see Harry."
"I'll ask the doctor," her mother assured her.
Gertrude shook her head. "I'll tell the doctor," she said firmly. "I will see them both. Today."
Despite the doctor advising her that she should remain in bed, Gertrude had been determined and in the end they had given way and let her sit in a wheelchair, then a nurse had wheeled her through the hospital to the quiet room where Harry was being cared for round the clock. He had been lying in bed, his face as white as the pillowcase, and he had not stirred at all when Gertrude had reached for his hand and softly spoken his name. She sat with him for a long time, holding his hand to her face and weeping quietly even as she willed him to wake up and get better. Afterwards, she had been taken to see Olivia.
"She looked as if she was asleep," she told Gill, her voice hoarse now from talking for so long.
Gill pressed her hanky into Gertrude's hand. "I'm so sorry," she said softly. "I had no idea."
Once she had wiped her eyes and blown her nose, Gertrude squeezed Gill's hand. "It's not the kind of story I like to burden people with," she said with a watery smile. "It's a long time ago now, and most of the time it isn't so bad. But sometimes..." She took a deep breath to steady herself. "But you want to know about Harry, I expect."

#47: Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 2:17 pm
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Don't tell me Harry still alive and that's who she see regularly. Poor Gertrude. That would be slow death for her.

#48: Author: ibarhis, Location: Dunstable

Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 2:21 pm
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It could be worse, it could be a mental asylum!

#49: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 2:32 pm
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I suppose he could be at the San? This is very sad Crying or Very sad

#50: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 3:54 pm
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This really is sad. Poor Gertrude. Such a terrible thing to happen. I wonder if it is Harry she's visiting?

#51: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 10:43 pm
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Poor Gertrude.... Crying or Very sad

#52: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:00 pm
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For several days after the accident Harry hung onto life with the most tenuous of grips. Finally, he opened his eyes and found Gertrude looking down at him. She had been wheeled to his bedside day after day, refusing to be budged from his side until it was necessary for her to eat or be examined by the doctor. The nurses had not been too pleased about it, but the doctor, an old colleague of Harry's, had agreed that Gertrude should be allowed to spend all her time with him. After all, it was not likely that he would survive, and it was hardly fair to take Gertrude's last days with Harry away from her.
"To cut a long story short," said Gertrude, "He couldn't remember anything. He had no idea who I was or what happened. He was very weak and spent most of the time asleep, but I think I knew then that even if he lived, he would be different from the Harry I married." She gave a wistful smile, recalling that energetic man and comparing him with the pale, quiet fellow lying in the hospital bed. "He did live though," she went on. "He came home just six months after the accident. But I couldn't look after him properly. He needs constant care, and I had to work to support us. For a while my mother helped out, and so did Harry's mother, but it was so difficult." Gertrude's eyes were misty, no longer seeing the San or Gill, but seeing instead the struggles she'd had trying to hold down a job and care for Harry.
"Harry's mother finally told me that I ought to find a hospital that would take Harry. I hated the idea of him going, but we just couldn't manage. And then I saw an advert for a job in Austria. It was as matron of a girls' school and it was in the mountains, where the air would be bracing and it would be good for Harry because he'd had so many colds and chest infections. And there was a sanatorium nearby, so I'd still be able to visit Harry quite often. Both my mother and Harry's thought it would be perfect. I was lucky enough to get the job and we arranged for Harry to be driven to Austria by stages over the summer. By the time term began he was settled at the San on the Sonnalpe and I was working and so I could afford to pay for his care. It was perfect."
Gill almost said that it could not be perfect for Gertrude to be married to someone who could not even remember who she was, but she managed to stop herself just in time. "Gertrude," she said slowly, "is Harry in Switzerland now? Do you go and visit him on your days off?"
Gertrude nodded. "He's at the San. Dr. Maynard knows all about him and makes sure that great care is taken of him." She paused for a moment to wipe her eyes once more, and then she went on, "He's sick again, though. He's got pneumonia. Last time it almost killed him and I'm so worried about him. I know many people might think it would be better if he'd died, but that's not true. He does remember bits and pieces now, and he usually knows who I am. I couldn't have gone on all these years without him. I don't know what I'll do if he dies."

#53: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 12:58 pm
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What a sad situation.

#54: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 4:05 pm
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That's so sad. Poor Harry and Gertrude. I'm glad that she can get some comfort from him.

#55: Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK

Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 8:46 pm
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How nice to catch up after several days with several long posts to read! But poor Gertrude and Harry and family. And I'm assuming that although Jack knows, Joey does not?

#56: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun Dec 31, 2006 8:26 am
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"Oh, Gertrude," said Gill, her eyes brimming over with sympathy for her friend. "At least he's in the best place. The doctors at the San are so experienced in dealing with that sort of thing and I'm sure they'll help him if anyone can."
"I know," Gertrude replied. "And they're doing everything humanly possible for him. But he's so ill."
"Is there anything I can do for you?" Gill asked.
"Just being able to talk to you will help," Gertrude assured her. "You won't say anything to anyone, will you, Gill?"
"Of course not!" said Gillian, shocked that Gertrude would even suggest it. "Look, it's almost time for Kaffee. Will you wait here while I go and bring something up for us? You must be starving by now."
As food was one of the last things on Gertrude's mind, she had not really noticed feeling hungry, but she thought that a nice cup of milky coffee might make her feel a little better. Gill went off in search of nourishment, and had soon returned with a laden tray, which she set down on Gertrude's desk. They sat together in a companionable silence and partook of the delicious bread twists and black cherry jam that Gill had obtained. Gertrude was still thinking about Harry, worrying about whether he would pull through, and Gill was pondering all that Gertrude had told her. She had never imagined that there had been so much sadness in Gertrude's life, and she was filled with admiration for her friend, who had managed to hide her grief and become such an excellent Matron and dear friend. She knew that she would pray extra hard that night, both that Harry might recover from the pneumonia and that Gertrude could enjoy many more years with the man she obviously loved so deeply.
When the telephone rang, both ladies almost jumped out of their skins, so engrossed in their thoughts had they been. Gertrude leaned over and lifted the receiver. "Matron Rider," she said, her voice full of its usual briskness. "Good evening Sister," she went on, and Gill turned wide eyes to her, knowing that the call had come from the San. "I see...Yes...Thank you for calling...I'll see you soon...Goodbye."
"Well?" Gill demanded as soon as her friend had hung up. "What did she say?"
Gertrude hastily drank her coffee. "Harry's asking for me," she said, evidently not knowing whether to be pleased about that, or more worried than before. "He doesn't often ask for me," she explained. "He knows who I am when he sees me, but when I'm not there he doesn't always remember me. It's odd how his memory works now. It's as if he needs something visual to spark things off for him. I have to go, Gill. I'll see you later."
"Would you like me to walk there with you?" asked Gill, somewhat hesitantly. "I don't mean go in with you, but to wait for you."
For a moment Gertrude thought of saying no, but she realized that it might be rather helpful to have Gillian with her afterwards, especially if Harry thought he was saying goodbye. "Thank you, Gill," she said, sounding grateful. "Go and get ready and we'll be off in ten minutes."

#57: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Sun Dec 31, 2006 9:58 am
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Gertrude loves Harry so much, doesn't she? His illness and everything she has been through have made her even more devoted to him. I don't know if I would be that strong.

#58: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Dec 31, 2006 10:37 am
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Surely the wonderful doctors at the San will be able to help! Hope he's OK.

#59: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun Dec 31, 2006 1:04 pm
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Becky!!! How could you do this to us (and Gertrude)?! And at Christmastime too! *crying bucketloads*

And poor Gertrude having had to bear that all this time Crying or Very sad

#60: Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK

Posted: Sun Dec 31, 2006 7:08 pm
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The love she has for Harry is almost palpable here. And thank god that Gill is such a good friend. Gertrude has an amazing strength but I fear she will need Gill's support by the end of this drabble.

#61: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 12:26 am
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There are times when lifee simply isn't fair....

Thank you Fatima.

#62: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 5:48 am
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Sorry Liz. I wanted to see if I could write something where there's no happy ending. Too much happiness is cloying! Wink

Gertrude and Gill met up a few minutes later in the corridor outside Matron's office. Gill looked delightful in her big shady hat, with a well-cut jacket pulled on over her pretty summer dress. Gertrude had not changed out of her uniform, but she had removed the apron and replaced her cap with a plain hat. They headed out of St. Mildred's and along the road towards the big, new Sanatorium that stood on the Platz. It was quite a stiff walk, and Gill's admiration for Gertrude rose again as she realized that her friend walked there so often even in bad weather. On arrival at the San, Gill put a hand on Gertrude's arm.
"I'll wait here," she said, indicating the rows of chairs in the wide foyer. "Take all the time you want, Gertrude. I hope Harry's feeling better."
"So do I," said Gertrude fervently. "Thanks Gill."
Gertrude left Gill and hurried along the familiar corridors to the small room that was Harry's home. It was a very comfortable room, and she had done her best to make it look more like a home than a hospital room, putting pictures on the wall and flowers in a vase on the windowsill. There were some shelves with Harry's books, although he did not read very much any more, finding it too difficult to remember the beginning of the story when he reached the middle, but occasionally he could be persuaded to read aloud their favourite poems and Gertrude would sit in the comfortable armchair and close her eyes and pretend that they were in their long since sold London home.
Outside she met the Sister in charge of Harry, and was greatly relieved when Sister smiled at her. "Go on in," she said. "He's still in bed, but he seems better."
Gertrude opened the door quietly and went in. As she closed it behind her, Harry turned to look and when he saw who it was, he smiled. Gertrude leaned over him and gently kissed his forehead. "Hello," she said, taking his hand and perching on the edge of the bed.
"Hello," he said, his voice wheezy.
"They tell me you're feeling better," she said, noticing that he did look a little better. "Don't try to talk, will you, Harry. I was so pleased when Sister said that you were asking for me." She brushed his hair off of his face, deciding to tell Sister that it was time he had it cut again. "Would you like me to read to you?"
Harry shook his head. He had been so short of breath that talking had become quite a chore and he was relieved that Gertrude understood and wanted him to lie quietly. But it could be dull lying quietly, and he had little distraction, although often that did not bother him at all. There were times, though, when he remembered odd bits and pieces about the lady that visited him so often and was always so gentle and caring and he sometimes yearned to have her sit with him and talk to him and alleviate the boredom of the day a little. He saw her glance at the photo beside his bed, a sepia picture of them on their wedding day, and he squeezed her hand sympathetically. It was difficult enough living his own life, which was all he could remember, but he knew it would be far harder to carry on when you could recall everything you'd lost.
"I was telling Gill all about you today," Gertrude said, looking away from the picture and back to Harry. "Gill works with me at the school. She's the secretary and we're getting to be very good friends." Harry nodded, interested in what she was telling him. "She walked here with me. It's a lovely day today. I really hope you can start to sit on the balcony again soon. It must be so interesting, watching all the comings and goings." She smiled at him, remembering times when she had been out for a walk with the girls of St. Mildred's and had seen Harry sitting on the balcony. He would wave to them and they to him and it would brighten Gertrude's day having seen him.
Gertrude stayed until Harry started to look tired. She smiled at him and patted his hand. "I think it's a good idea if you sleep now," she said. "I'll come back in the week, Harry, and I shall expect you to be sitting up then."
Harry smiled back at her. "I'll try," he promised. "Thank you for coming." His words ended in a paroxysm of coughing and Gertrude scolded him gently once he could draw breath again.
"I told you not to talk," she reminded him. "You must lie quietly, Harry." She leaned over and kissed him, thankful as ever that she had not completely lost him. To lose Olivia was bad enough, but to have lost Harry as well would have been too dreadful to contemplate. "Goodbye," she said, gently freeing her hand from his. "Sleep well, dearest."
Harry clutched at her hand again, bringing it to his lips and kissing it tenderly. He dared not speak, for fear of bringing on another coughing fit, but Gertrude knew what he wanted to say.
"Goodbye," she said again, and then she was slipping out of the room, feeling the usual wave of sadness sweep over her as she closed the door behind her.

#63: Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 6:00 am
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(((Gertrude))) and also (((Harry)))

This is lovely Becky, but so sad Crying or Very sad

#64: Author: ibarhis, Location: Dunstable

Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 7:50 am
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Rider is my maiden name and Matron Rider is one of the very few fictional characters who shares it with me. It is lovely to find out more about her and it is such a beautiful story.

#65: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 9:54 am
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Fatima wrote:

Sorry Liz. I wanted to see if I could write something where there's no happy ending. Too much happiness is cloying! Wink

*takes heed and stocks up on tissues*

I'm glad Harry, even if he's forgotten, still cares about Gertrude.

Thanks, Becky

#66: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 10:19 am
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Crying or Very sad

No happy ending? Crying or Very sad

#67: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 11:12 am
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O poor Gertrude, poor Harry. I suppose that there can't be a happy ending for them.

#68: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 11:30 am
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How sad - look after yourself Becky - it can be very difficult writing tragedy.

#69: Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK

Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 12:07 pm
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What a touching post that was. (((hugs))) for all.

#70: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 1:34 pm
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This is a really touching drabble. How difficult it must be for Gertrude. I'm glad Harry can get some comfort out of her visits.

#71: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 7:22 am
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When Gertrude got back downstairs Gill was sitting in the foyer, engrossed in one of the magazines left there to entertain those waiting. She looked up as Gertrude appeared and tossed the magazine down on the low table as she stood up, regarding her friend anxiously. "How is he?" she asked.
Gertrude smiled and linked arms with Gill. "He's much brighter," she said, her relief evident. "He's still not well, but I feel more hopeful now."
"I'm so pleased to hear it," said Gill.
They walked out of the San together arm in arm. Outside it was a lovely evening, the sun looking as if it was resting in the valley between the mountains and a pleasant breeze blowing away the heat of the day. As they walked, Gertrude noticed the trees and the masses of flowers growing around them, which she had been blind to on their walk to the San earlier.
"The hardest thing is leaving him," she said as they strolled along. "I feel so guilty abandoning him to the care of strangers."
"You couldn't have done anything else," Gill reminded her.
"I often wonder if I tried hard enough to care for him," said Gertrude sadly. "Oh, I know I couldn't have gone on as I was doing, but I still wonder if I should have tried something else."
"And if you'd made yourself ill you'd have been even worse off," Gill told her. "You wouldn't have been able to care for Harry at all then."
"When we got married we promised 'for better or for worse' and I feel that I've rather wriggled out of the for worse bit."
"Gertrude, I think you've been wonderful," said Gill, her voice full of a mixture of sincerity and admiration. "You've visited him so often, even though it must be very upsetting. You said he doesn't remember anything about your life together - well, I'm sure that most people in your position would have given up on him."
"They wouldn't, if they loved him," Gertrude said with certainty. "Caring for Harry was all that kept me sane afterwards. He stopped me from going to pieces."
"I don't think you should reproach yourself at all," said Gill. "I only hope that, one day, I can find someone who will love me as much as you love Harry."
"I'm sure you will." Gertrude was suddenly glad that she had told Gill everything. It might be nice to talk to her sometimes, to stop trying to go on alone. There was always Sister at the San, but Gertrude did not often see her and hardly knew her well, while Gill would be around most of the time and was a good friend. She would be able to share something of the burden she had carried alone for so long, and it would be a relief. "Thank you, Gill," she said, her voice full of emotion. "You can't imagine how nice it feels to have someone to talk to."

#72: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 7:41 am
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It's good that she's managed to tell someone.

#73: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 8:19 am
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I'm so glad she has Gill to help her - I have a feeling she's going to need her support more than ever soon Sad

Thanks, Becky

#74: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 12:13 pm
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Thank you Becky, I've just caught up on this and found out what actually happened. Poor Gertrude.

#75: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 1:24 pm
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Thank you Becky, I've just read this through from the start and it's so sad Sad

#76: Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK

Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 2:28 pm
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Sad, touching, beautiful and real all at once. Thank you for the update.

#77: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 5:22 pm
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She's had to bear the burden alone for many years - it must be such a relief to be able to tell someone.

Thanks Becky

#78: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 8:26 pm
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I'm so glad that Gill is there for Gertrude. She won't have to cope with things on her own anymore.

#79: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007 6:46 am
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The end of this rather took me by surprise! Thanks for all your comments.

Over the next few days the news continued to be good. Harry was slowly but surely shaking off the pneumonia and regaining his strength. Gertrude visited him the following weekend and found him sitting up in bed, and the weekend after that the doctor in charge of his case agreed that she could take him for a short walk outside. The nurse on duty helped Gertrude to get Harry into his wheelchair and make him comfortable, then Gertrude took him down in the lift and out into the sheltered garden at the back of the big hospital. She wheeled him slowly around, telling him about the tiny garden that they had cared for together in London, and then they stopped in a quiet corner and she sat on a bench next to him. Harry leaned over and picked one of the lovely roses that grew in the garden and presented it to Gertrude.
"Thank you," she said, touched by his gesture. She knew it didn't mean anything had changed, though. Harry was still as sweet and generous as he had always been, and he got pleasure in giving her things because of that and not because he had suddenly remembered all that they had shared when they were young. But it was lovely to be reminded of the man Harry had once been and it made it so much easier to carry on doing all she could to keep him happy and comfortable.
As the summer term came to an end, Gertrude and Gill were accompanying a group of girls for one of their last walks as members of the finishing school. They strolled across the Platz, enjoying the warm sunshine, and then turned down the road that led behind the San and upwards onto the mountainside. As they rounded the corner, Gertrude glanced up towards Harry's balcony, as she always did. To her delight he was sitting outside in the sun and as he saw the little group passing below he waved and she distinctly heard him call her name. She waved to him, tears pricking the back of her eyes. Theirs might not be the most conventional of marriages, but she loved him and would not change him for the world. She could waste her time and energy railing at the harsh hand of fate that had shattered the dreams she had had when embarking on married life, but there really was no point. She had known the pain of losing a daughter and did not want to know the pain of losing a husband, and if this was the price they had to pay to keep him, she would willingly pay it. She had promised God that she would stay with Harry until death parted them and she had every intention not just of keeping that promise, but keeping it gladly.

#80: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007 7:26 am
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Awww, that's so sad - yet it feels right.

Thanks Becky.

#81: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007 7:46 am
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Thanks Becky.

#82: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007 8:27 am
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Sad, but so lovely

Thanks, Becky

#83: Author: Karoline, Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire

Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007 9:48 am
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Thanks Becky

#84: Author: Woofter,

Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007 10:31 am
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aww, it's so sad.

Thanks fatima!

#85: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007 10:57 am
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Thank you Becky. It is sad but at least Gertrude has some happiness.

#86: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007 5:32 pm
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Thanks, Becky. This has been lovely. I think Gertrude's relationship with Harry is very special.

The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

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