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To Love and Honour Updated 12/01 pg10 http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=844

Author:	Eilidh [ Sat Jul 01, 2006 3:57 pm ]
Post subject:	To Love and Honour Updated 12/01 pg10
Anna Maynard sat down firmly on a box containing her new husband’s books and looked around the bare living room with a groan. They had arrived at the new house that afternoon, after a long drive and a stop in a luxurious hotel the night before, and she was attempting, without much success, to get some unpacking done. "What was that for?" Charles demanded, coming in. "I've found the kettle." he added, sounding pleased. "We are never going to be unpacked." Anna said. "Where on earth did we keep so much stuff? And where are we going to put it all? And I thought you said it was a nice house? It's awful! I hate Britain!" And she promptly dissolved into tears. Charles, guessing correctly that this was more the result of tiredness than anything else, pulled her to her feet and suggested they go for a walk before doing any more unpacking. "Isn't it raining?" Anna asked. He shook his head. "Not at the moment. Let's go out." Once they were both wrapped up and walking down the road into the village he resumed the conversation. "So, tell me. Why is it such a horrible house?" Anna laughed. "It's not. It'll be a lovely house - once it's painted and decorated and unpacked and it looks like ours." "I'm glad you agree." he said, taking her hand. "I didn't realise it was so far out, though. Two miles from the village! You'll have to learn to drive." Anna gave him an incredulous look. "You will." he repeated. "It'll be ok. I'll teach you." "Two miles is quite a bit." she said, leaving aside the question of driving. "I'll need to be organised - we can't just run down to the shops very easily. Or I can't. Where's the surgery?" she asked as they approached the little town. He waved a hand to his left. "Up that hill." he said. “Do you want to go up?” “We might as well have a look at it.” Anna decided. “Wasn’t it good of David to offer me a job too?” “I’m still not sure I like you working.” Charles said doubtfully. “Behave yourself.” Anna scolded him. “Do you think I did three years training to sit and do nothing? I can be useful, even you said so. And I told you I wanted to work.” “OK, OK.” Charles said, backing down. “Don’t fight with me when we’ve only been married 5 minutes, for goodness sake.” “We’re going to David’s for dinner next week, aren’t we?” Anna asked. Charles nodded. “What’s his wife called?” she asked. “I’ve forgotten.” “Natalie.” Charles reminded her. “She’s another ex-Chalet girl.” “She would be.” Anna grinned. “Come on. You don’t get any dinner until we go and buy some food.” ******************************************** “I’ll cook; you find us somewhere to eat.” Anna said firmly when they got back to the house, disappearing into the kitchen. Charles stared around him, looking for inspiration. The dining room was out of the question - the house had been empty so long they had taken one look at it and closed the door for the time being. He settled for lighting the fire, as the evening was chilly, and pulling up a big empty box in front of it. He rummaged in another box until he found a tablecloth and threw it over the improvised table, finishing it off with glasses and cutlery before standing back, proud of his handiwork. Anna appeared a few minutes later with the plates and shrieked with laughter when she saw the 'table' but obligingly sat down on the floor. Charles seated himself opposite her and they had their first meal in their new house. Afterwards, they sat together in front of the fire and decided their plan of action for the next few weeks. "Painting first." Anna decided. "There's no point in unpacking any more until we can put it in place and leave it." Charles agreed. "We can get started on that tomorrow if you want - decide what colours you want and then I can go and get them - if you trust me - while you get organised here." Anna nodded. "We need to do in here." she said firmly. "And the kitchen, the bathroom, the bedroom, and another bedroom." "Why two?" Charles asked. Anna rolled her eyes. "Because Cecily and Nick are coming to stay at some point unspecified in the near future and we need somewhere to put them." "Together?" Charles asked doubtfully. "For goodness sake." Anna groaned. "Why not? It's not like they can do anything they haven't before." Charles admitted this and she carried on. "So - those rooms. I'll have a think about colours in a bit. What else?" The conversation carried on long into the night.

Author:	Sandra [ Sat Jul 01, 2006 4:04 pm ]
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I'm so pleased that there is more of this, I love this version of the grown up Maynards etc. Although, having been thinking of the old Annonybunny drabble I read the words "Anna Maynard" and thought that something had happened to Joey and that Jack had made an honest woman of Anna.

Author:	Fatima [ Sat Jul 01, 2006 4:06 pm ]
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I'm thrilled to see the sequel, too, thanks, Eilidh. And I read the beginning carelessly and thought that Anna (as in the faithful servant) had married Charles Maynard!

Author:	Jennie [ Sat Jul 01, 2006 4:22 pm ]
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A sequel, how shiny!

Author:	Róisín [ Sat Jul 01, 2006 4:32 pm ]
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SQUEE! I've been waiting for this. Ah the hunky Charles is back... Thanks Eillidh! Brilliant also to see David and Natalie again - they were so cute together in the old drabble. Yay!

Author:	JackieP [ Sat Jul 01, 2006 4:52 pm ]
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Woohoo - another Eilidh drabble. Glad we get to see some more of this universe. Thanks Eilidh JackieP

Author:	Sarah_L [ Sat Jul 01, 2006 4:53 pm ]
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Sorry if this is a really obvious question, but what did Anna train as? Great to see another story for this universe!

Author:	gwynne [ Sat Jul 01, 2006 7:05 pm ]
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yay! this is one of my favourites

Author:	KathrynW [ Sat Jul 01, 2006 7:14 pm ]
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Another one who momentarily thought of a different Anna... Thanks Eilidh, it's fab to see more of this universe!

Author:	Alison H [ Sat Jul 01, 2006 7:14 pm ]
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Ooh lovely, a sequel already!

Author:	Lesley [ Sat Jul 01, 2006 8:11 pm ]
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Lovely to see a continuation of this story - but Charles needs a kick up the backside - not wanting his wife to work! Thanks Eilidh

Author:	Kat [ Sat Jul 01, 2006 8:26 pm ]
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I think I must have missed the old drabble I will have a hunt though! Loved that post Eilidh, looking forward to more

Author:	francesn [ Sat Jul 01, 2006 10:38 pm ]
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Yay! A sequel! How fine... Anna trained as a nurse, didn't she? Or is my memory failing? Anyway it's brilliant to see them back. Thanks Eilidh

Author:	M [ Sat Jul 01, 2006 11:31 pm ]
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Really good to see the next installment of this, I guess this is still only about 1970 or so which makes Charles only a little out of date. Women worked after marriage mostly by then but generally stopped when they had a baby.

Author:	Chair [ Sun Jul 02, 2006 1:19 pm ]
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Thanks, Eilidh. It's great to see more of Charles and Anna. I'm glad that Anna put her foot down about being allowed to work.

Author:	kimothy [ Sun Jul 02, 2006 4:27 pm ]
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yay! great to see more of this!!

Author:	La Petite Em [ Sun Jul 02, 2006 7:41 pm ]
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Yay more Anna!!!! also wonders what she trained as Thanks Eilidh

Author:	Rosy-Jess [ Mon Jul 03, 2006 9:39 am ]
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Hurrah. More drabble. Excellent!

Author:	Caty [ Mon Jul 03, 2006 10:55 am ]
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Yah, more to read. Thanks Eilidh.

Author:	Mia [ Mon Jul 03, 2006 12:09 pm ]
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Hurrah! Thanks Eilidh happy

Author:	Nell [ Mon Jul 03, 2006 12:22 pm ]
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Hurrah and yay! A sequel! Thank you Eilidh!

Author:	claireM [ Mon Jul 03, 2006 12:58 pm ]
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Goody, more. Thankyou.

Author:	Josie [ Mon Jul 03, 2006 2:49 pm ]
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Glad to see Charles & Anna back. thanks Eilidh

Author:	Vikki [ Mon Jul 03, 2006 3:49 pm ]
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Brilliant!! Thank you Eilidh!

Author:	Carys [ Mon Jul 03, 2006 5:21 pm ]
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Great to see more of Anna and Charles!

Author:	Eilidh [ Mon Jul 03, 2006 5:28 pm ]
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Anna did train as a nurse. The following morning they both rose early. Charles took his newly-acquired car into the nearest town for paint, while Anna cleared space in the sitting room for them to start. It wasn’t a small house, but they were confident they could do the painting themselves without too much trouble. The space cleared, she went upstairs and hunted until she found a large piece of material, which she tied firmly around her head, tucking the ends of her short hair underneath. Charles returned shortly afterwards and they set to work at once. By the time they stopped for lunch, the sitting room had been given one coat of paint, and it seemed that it would not need another. In the afternoon they focused on the kitchen and by the time evening fell they had made considerable progress. After they had eaten dinner, Charles collapsed exhausted on the sofa while Anna seated herself on the floor in front of the low bookcases which they had placed down one wall and began to fill the shelves. "Are you inexhaustible?" he demanded. She looked round at him. "I just like to get things done." she said. "It'll be nice to have one room finished while we're working on the others." he agreed with her, and at length even dragged himself off the sofa to help her. The work continued, and by the time they were due to start work the house was all that they could wish. In the last few days they had even tackled the dining room and finally, Anna had confessed herself satisfied. On the night before they were due to begin, they walked into the village to keep their invitation to have dinner with David and his family. "Do I look ok?" Anna asked nervously as they got to the gate. Charles sighed. "For the hundredth time, you look wonderful." he said. "I don't know what you're worrying about." "They won't like me." Anna informed him. "Nonsense." he sighed. "Come on, before they think we're going home again." He strode up the path and knocked firmly on the front door, leaving Anna no choice but to follow him. The door was opened by a young woman in her late teens, who looked like she was in a temper. "Meg, is it?" Charles asked, smiling. "Yes." she said. "Come in. I'll tell mum and dad you're here." They stepped inside and she vanished, to return seconds later with her parents. "Chas!" David cried. "Good to see you here at last." Charles shook his hand. "Good to get here at last." he grinned. "I should have come years ago, when you first asked me." "You'd never have met me if you'd done that." Anna pointed out. Charles turned red, and David laughed. "Nat, you remember Chas, don't you?" "As a baby." Natalie smiled. "Which is rather worrying." "And this is Anna." Charles explained, drawing her forwards. "Nice to meet you Anna." David smiled, shaking her hand. "And you." she said. "And thank you for giving me the job." "I trust Chas's judgement." David replied, smiling. "This is my wife, Natalie. Another old Chalet School girl." "We seem to be everywhere." Natalie sighed. "Come up and take off your coat, Anna. David, get Charles a drink and make sure nothing's burning." Anna was amused to see David hurry off to do as she said, before Natalie led her up the stairs and into a pleasant room. "Just leave your coat on the bed." she said. "I'll introduce you to the family, if I can find them." "I saw one when I got here." Anna said, relaxing in Natalie's friendly company. "Charles called her Meg." "My oldest." Natalie said, frowning slightly. "She's just seventeen. I hope she wasn't rude?" "Oh, no!" Anna assured her. "Good." Natalie said. "She's been...difficult this summer. Doesn't want to go back to school. Wants to go college in the town." "Did you send her to Carnbach?" Anna asked. Natalie nodded. "As a weekly boarder. We didn't have much choice - one of her grandmothers started the school and the other was it's first Head Girl. Both of our girls board weekly - I didn't want them away for a whole term at a time, and while it's quite far, it's not so far as to be difficult." she led Anna along the hallway and knocked on a door. "This is Becky, our youngest." she said. "She's ten." A girl who looked very like her was sitting on the bed, reading a book. She looked up as they came in and smiled. "Dinner in ten minutes, Beck, ok?" Natalie asked. "Ja, Mutter." Becky smiled. Natalie laughed. "That won't work, Beck. This is Anna, who's married to Dad's cousin Charles who's come to work with him. She won't be impressed by your German, she was at the Chalet School as well." Becky sighed. "Ten minutes, then." she said. "She's always trying to impress people with her languages." Natalie explained. "They were all brought up speaking German, of course. I'm Austrian, and it's the language my parents still use most often at home. I wanted my children to know it." "Of course." Anna agreed, as they reached the next bedroom. "This is our boy, Rick." Natalie said. "Named after yet another cousin of David's, who he was very close to when they were younger. They practically grew up together." Anna nodded, and Natalie pushed the door open without knocking. Anna was surprised, until she saw the boy lying on his bed with headphones on, oblivious to them. "He's fourteen." Natalie said. "And he's going to be deaf before he's fifteen." she reached over and turned off the music, causing her son to sit up and look at her with annoyance. "Dinner." she explained. "Remember? With guests? I was bringing Anna round to meet you all, and a fine first impression you've made!" He smiled at her unrepentantly, and then jumped off the bed, holding out his hand. "Nice to meet you." he said, with exaggerated politeness, as Anna shook it, and then he raced off downstairs. "Mad." Natalie muttered. "In a few years he'll probably go like Meg. I don't know what to do with her any more." "I'm sure you're doing fine." Anna said sympathetically. Natalie shook her head. "She won't talk to me any more." she said. "And that makes David angry, because he doesn't want me upset, and then he shouts at her." Anna glanced at her. "Would you like me to try?" she asked. "I'm, well..." she tailed off, and Natalie seized on the suggestion. "You're far nearer her in age." she said happily. "She won't see you so much as one of the adults. Would you mind?" Anna shook her head. "I'll do my best." she promised. "Thank you." Natalie said fervently. "It's just...well...Becky's not going to be baby for much longer." Anna raised her eyebrows. "It wasn't intentional." Natalie said. "But, well...what can you do? David will kill me for telling you." she added. "He wanted to keep it quiet for a few months. I don't know how pleased he is, to be honest. He's been working so hard, as well. I'm really glad you and Charles are here now - he needs a break." "I'd have found out anyway." Anna pointed out. "I'm your nurse." Natalie laughed. "You are, yes." she agreed. "I suppose it doesn't really matter then." "I won't tell him you told me anyway." Anna promised. "Congratulations." "Thanks." Natalie replied. "Come on, let’s go and see what a mess David's made of the dinner."

Author:	Róisín [ Mon Jul 03, 2006 5:33 pm ]
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Hurrah more of this! So Anna did nursing in college? Hm, Meg sounds like a brat. Thanks Eilidh

Author:	Rob [ Mon Jul 03, 2006 5:38 pm ]
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Yay! Thanks Eilidh! I've loved each bit of this - I'm so glad there's more!

Author:	La Petite Em [ Mon Jul 03, 2006 5:41 pm ]
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Hope that Anna can help Natalie!!! Thanks Eilidh

Author:	Lesley [ Mon Jul 03, 2006 5:53 pm ]
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Natalie and David's family sound so normal! Thanks Eilidh.

Author:	KathrynW [ Mon Jul 03, 2006 6:18 pm ]
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Thank you Eilidh, that was a lovely family scene.

Author:	Fatima [ Mon Jul 03, 2006 7:01 pm ]
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That was lovely, thanks, Eilidh. I'm looking forward to getting to know David's family a lot better, they sound lovely.

Author:	Chair [ Mon Jul 03, 2006 7:41 pm ]
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Thanks, Eilidh. I'm glad that Natalie and Anna are getting on with each other. I hope that Anna will be able to get on with Meg as well.

Author:	Alison H [ Mon Jul 03, 2006 8:54 pm ]
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Lovely to "meet" all David and Natalie's kids.

Author:	Cath V-P [ Tue Jul 04, 2006 4:45 am ]
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Oh, that was nice!

Author:	Rosy-Jess [ Tue Jul 04, 2006 9:13 am ]
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An afterthought? How fine. Am enjoying this as usual!

Author:	Nell [ Tue Jul 04, 2006 10:18 am ]
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Fantastic - thank you Eilidh.

Author:	Carys [ Tue Jul 04, 2006 10:42 am ]
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Looking forward to finding out more about Meg!

Author:	Eilidh [ Tue Jul 04, 2006 11:22 am ]
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A short while later, they were seated around the table, enjoying their meal. Anna had managed to sit between her husband and Meg, and was trying to involve the younger girl in conversation. "This is lovely, Natalie, thanks." Charles said, during a break in the conversation over dessert. "It was David." Natalie laughed. "He's come a long way." she added, smiling. "Did you ever hear about the first meal he cooked for me?" Charles shook his head, and as Natalie began the story, over riding protests from her husband, Meg muttered, "Excuse me." and left the table. Anna and Natalie exchanged glances, and then Anna followed her out. She found her at the bottom of the garden, sitting on a bench "Hi." she said, stopping beside her. Meg glanced at her, and then looked away. "Hi." she said. "What is it? Does mater want me back inside?" Meg asked. "No, I just thought I'd come and get some fresh air." Anna said. "Same as you, probably." "No, I came out because I was bored with them." Meg replied. "And because..." she stopped. "Because why?" Anna asked. "Do you want to tell me?" "No." Meg said briefly. "OK, I'm sorry." Anna returned. "I'll go back in and leave you alone." "Not if you don't want to." Meg said. "I mean, I'm not chasing you. I just don't want to talk about it." "Fine." Anna agreed. "Tell me about yourself instead." "What do you want to know?" Meg asked, interested despite herself. She moved up, allowing Anna a space to sit beside her on the bench. "Your name." Anna suggested. "That would be a good start." "Margaret Gisela Russell." Meg said, smiling. "What about you?" "Anna Maria James - I mean, Maynard." Anna corrected herself hastily. "Honestly, you'd think I'd remember." Meg laughed, and the smile lit up her face. "What age are you?" Anna continued. "I was seventeen last month." Meg said, thawing slightly. "You?" "Twenty-two the week after next." Anna said. "I'm not that much older than you." "No, you're not." Meg agreed. "I thought you were older - because you're married, I suppose." "I suppose I should get used to that." Anna said. "It looks like we're getting ready to leave." she said, seeing Charles waving. "You're welcome to come and visit us any time, you know. If you want to get away for a bit, or want someone to talk to. I don't work Thursday afternoons or Fridays - I'm only part time. Or you can come at the weekends." "Thanks." Meg smiled. "I'll remember." "Are you coming?" Charles called. Anna got up. "See you soon." she said. Meg nodded. "Was she as miserable as she looked then?" Charles asked as they made their way home, his arm around her shoulders. His words sounded slightly slurred, and she looked at him suspiciously before she answered. "No, she was quite nice." she said eventually. "I liked her." "You like everybody." he pointed out, staggering slightly. "You're drunk." Anna said immediately. "Only a bit." he corrected her. She raised her eyebrows sceptically. "How big a bit?" she asked. "Just enough," he said, turning to face her, "That I can do this without wondering who's peering out from behind their curtains and disapproving." And before she could reply, he pulled her towards him and kissed her. "You can't do that is the middle of the street!" Anna said, laughing. "You're supposed to be respected by the people here! You're going to be their doctor!" "You are my wife." Charles said, laughing with her. "I can do that where ever I want. And besides, do you really care what they think? If Mrs Whats-her-name from the Post Office is appalled, she'll get over it the next time her knee's playing up, or whatever her particular ailment is." "I suppose she will." Anna agreed, as he kissed her again, before they resumed their progress towards their own home.

Author:	Alison H [ Tue Jul 04, 2006 11:49 am ]
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That was really sweet - thanks Eilidh .

Author:	Chair [ Tue Jul 04, 2006 12:50 pm ]
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Thanks, Eilidh. I'm glad that Anna has made a start with Meg.

Author:	Josie [ Tue Jul 04, 2006 2:20 pm ]
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Thanks Eilidh

Author:	KathrynW [ Tue Jul 04, 2006 2:41 pm ]
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Thank you Eilidh, I'm looking forward to finding out more about Meg. Anna was lovely there

Author:	Nell [ Tue Jul 04, 2006 3:48 pm ]
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Thank you Eilidh. Very sweet.

Author:	Lesley [ Tue Jul 04, 2006 6:53 pm ]
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Awwww, lovely scene - though Anna could probably have done with a little more time. Thanks Charles.

Author:	Cath V-P [ Tue Jul 04, 2006 11:43 pm ]
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Thank you Eilidh - nice to see her and Charles so relaxed together.

Author:	Kat [ Thu Jul 06, 2006 10:11 pm ]
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Huzzah!! Thank you for sending the whole thing to me - finished reading it and came straight here - tis fab! Thank you!

Author:	Eilidh [ Wed Jul 12, 2006 11:17 am ]
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A short bit today - the bunnies seem to be on strike. "Are you getting up?" Anna demanded irritably, rolling over to poke Charles. "Why don't you?" he asked sleepily. "Because then you'll go back to sleep again." she told him, with a great deal of point. Groaning, Charles rolled out of bed and after a few minutes Anna heard the shower running in the bathroom and settled back against the pillows, closing her eyes again. It was an hour later when Charles swung the car into the space outside the surgery and smiled at her. "Ready?" he demanded. She nodded. "How bad can it be?" she asked, reasonably. "True." he agreed, leading the way into the low, red brick building. David was perched on the reception desk, chatting to a young woman who was sitting behind it and shuffling files. "Good Morning!" he said cheerfully as they came in. "This is Deborah - who really runs this place. Deb, this is my cousin Charles, and his wife, Anna." "Pleased to meet you." Deborah said pleasantly. Anna noticed that Charles was grinning widely, as he always did when anyone introduces her as his wife, and nudged him as she replied. "Come through." David said after a few seconds, jumping to the floor. "Chas, this is your office here." he said, pushing open a door. "Mine's is opposite. Anna, you go at the end of the corridor here, and this is Janet." he added, as they got there. An elderly woman in a nurses uniform was sitting at a desk, scribbling something. She smiled at them as they came in and David introduced them. "Nice to see you here, love." she said, smiling. "I'm run off my feet most days - we're not going to know what's hit us now we've just doubled our staff numbers." "Very true." David agreed. "I'll leave you to it - Chas, come and we'll sort out who's doing what." "He's a very good doctor, Doctor Russell is." Janet observed, when the door had swung closed. "Works his fingers to the bone for this village. I've lived here all my life and he's one of the best we've ever had. Do you know him well?" Anna shook her head. "He's Charles' cousin." she explained. "I only met him last night." "You'll see what I mean shortly." Janet predicted. "Now, here's how I work things in here." Anna turned her attention to business.

Author:	Chair [ Wed Jul 12, 2006 11:50 am ]
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Thanks, Eilidh. I'm glad Deborah and Janet seem friendly so far.

Author:	Fatima [ Wed Jul 12, 2006 1:09 pm ]
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I hope Anna gets along with Janet. Thanks, Eilidh.

Author:	Alison H [ Wed Jul 12, 2006 1:59 pm ]
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Hope she goes on OK working with David.

Author:	KathrynW [ Wed Jul 12, 2006 2:25 pm ]
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Thanks Eilidh, nice to see them settling in well

Author:	Carys [ Wed Jul 12, 2006 3:27 pm ]
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Glad to see more of this, I hope Anna and Janet get along!

Author:	Lesley [ Wed Jul 12, 2006 5:41 pm ]
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Good to see more of this. Thanks Eilidh.

Author:	Eilidh [ Mon Jul 17, 2006 11:50 am ]
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"Has it been a bad first week then?" David asked, as Charles locked the surgery door behind them on the Friday evening. "No, it's been fine." his cousin replied vaguely. "Anna's enjoying herself, I know." "And you?" David pressed. "I'm fine." Charles replied, still distantly. "I'm going to enjoy it." "What's wrong, Chas?" David asked, going straight to the point. Charles jumped slightly, and for a moment David thought he looked angry. "Nothing." he replied eventually, opening the car and getting in. "I told you, I'm fine." "I don't believe you." David said. "But if you don't want to tell me I won't make you. Enjoy your weekend." "You too." Charles replied, closing the door and pulling out of the car park. David stared after the retreating vehicle for a few moments, then pulled himself together. "Leave it until Monday." he told himself firmly. "Anna might get it out of him before then."

Author:	Fatima [ Mon Jul 17, 2006 12:02 pm ]
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Oh no! What's the matter with Charles then?

Author:	Chair [ Mon Jul 17, 2006 12:51 pm ]
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Thanks, Eilidh. I am also wondering what the matter is with Charles.

Author:	Mia [ Mon Jul 17, 2006 12:57 pm ]
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Thanks Eilidh. A mystery!

Author:	Lesley [ Mon Jul 17, 2006 5:51 pm ]
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Ho hum, Charles trying to do his strong silent bit - hope Anna wheedles it out of him. Thanks Eilidh

Author:	MaryR [ Mon Jul 17, 2006 8:14 pm ]
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Have just caught up on all this, Eilidh, and was really enjoying it - only to find myself stuck on a cliff! Thank you.

Author:	Ally [ Mon Jul 17, 2006 8:28 pm ]
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I've missed this until now! books opticians appointment Thanks Eilidh a mystery already!

Author:	Carys [ Mon Jul 17, 2006 9:25 pm ]
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Hmmm I wonder what's wrong with Charles?

Author:	Josie [ Mon Jul 17, 2006 11:24 pm ]
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joins those wondering what's wrong with Charles thanks Eilidh

Author:	Tara [ Tue Jul 18, 2006 12:21 am ]
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Joins Ally at the optician's, 'cos I hadn't seen it either. Wonder if whatever's wrong with Charles is connected to having drunk too much the night before?? Thanks, Eilidh.

Author:	Cath V-P [ Tue Jul 18, 2006 12:24 am ]
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What's the matter with Charles? Thank you Eilidh.

Author:	KathrynW [ Tue Jul 18, 2006 2:42 pm ]
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Thank you Eilidh, I hope Charles is okay and there's nothing wrong...

Author:	Lizzie [ Tue Jul 18, 2006 5:02 pm ]
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Ooh, hurrah, another update on the lives of the grown-up Maynards, I LOVE these characters, they're ace. Thanks Eilidh!

Author:	Eilidh [ Wed Jul 19, 2006 11:00 am ]
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Charles drove home slowly, and let himself into the house. He was determined to pull himself together. Anna didn't need to know how he felt, and David wouldn't push it. "Is that you?" Anna called. He raised his eyebrows, and considered the possible responses for a minute. "No." he replied finally. "I'm a burglar." She laughed, and appeared from the sitting room, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly. "Did you have a nice day off?" he asked. "Yes." she said, smiling. "I finished putting away all the books, and started tidying the garden. And I found my bike and cycled up to the shops and got some things for dinner." "It smells nice." Charles said. "Have I got time to change?" Anna glanced at her watch. "Yes." she said. "Be quick though - I'll go and serve it." Charles headed upstairs as Anna vanished into the kitchen. It wasn't until they were eating, seated opposite each other at the kitchen table, that Anna noticed anything wrong. "Is there something particularly interesting about that bit?" she asked. Charles jumped. "What?" he demanded, confused. "You've had that on your fork for three minutes by the clock, and you've just been staring at it." Anna said. "Is it so bad that you can't eat it?" "No, it's lovely." Charles said. "I'm sorry. I was thinking about something else." "Do you want to tell me what?" she asked. Charles hesitated. "It's fine." Anna said eventually, when the silence had become awkward. "I'll be around when you're ready - come and find me if you want me." Rising to her feet, she dropped her plate into the sink with a crash and vanished. After a few seconds, Charles heard the sitting room door bang. He sat for a few more minutes, and then got up, scraped his unfinished meal into the bin, added his plate to Anna's with a clatter and retired to the study, where he slumped in the chair and stared idly at the items arranged on the desk. He shuffled a few of the photos around, smiling at the familiar pictures. And then suddenly swept his arm across the surface, sending the photos, papers, pens and books to the floor.

Author:	brie [ Wed Jul 19, 2006 11:08 am ]
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Oh No!!! Whats wrong?!!?

Author:	Ruth B [ Wed Jul 19, 2006 11:20 am ]
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Wibble wibble!

Author:	Alison H [ Wed Jul 19, 2006 12:06 pm ]
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Also wibbling!

Author:	Lottie [ Wed Jul 19, 2006 12:08 pm ]
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Joins the wibblers.

Author:	Chair [ Wed Jul 19, 2006 12:09 pm ]
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Thanks, Eilidh. I am also wibbling about what is wrong.

Author:	Lesley [ Wed Jul 19, 2006 12:20 pm ]
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Charles - talk to Anna! Thanks Eilidh.

Author:	Fatima [ Wed Jul 19, 2006 2:00 pm ]
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Please come back and tell us what's the matter, Eilidh! Poor Charles.

Author:	Mia [ Wed Jul 19, 2006 7:14 pm ]
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What's up with him? Thanks Eilidh.

Author:	Carys [ Wed Jul 19, 2006 9:33 pm ]
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Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, this does not look good...

Author:	francesn [ Thu Jul 20, 2006 12:36 am ]
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Eeek! Please talk to your wife, Charles!

Author:	Nell [ Thu Jul 20, 2006 9:46 am ]
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Not good! Please talk to Anna, Charles! Thanks Eilidh.

Author:	Eilidh [ Thu Jul 20, 2006 11:15 am ]
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In the sitting room, her book lying open on her knees, Anna heard the crash and bit her lips thoughtfully. Worried and unable to sit still any longer, she got up and paced around the room. Her eyes fell on the pile of letters that lay on the table, and she picked them up and flicked through them, hoping to find a clue, but there was nothing unusual. Determined now, she went out into the hall and found Charles' coat, feeling through he pockets. And it was there that she found her answer. Pulling out the telegram, she scanned the few lines that it contained, reading the French easily, and had her answer. Clutching the envelops firmly, she went in search of her husband.

Author:	Fatima [ Thu Jul 20, 2006 11:16 am ]
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So what is it about then? Eilidh, you are torturing us!

Author:	Lottie [ Thu Jul 20, 2006 11:24 am ]
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I'm still wibbling, possibly even more than yesterday.

Author:	Alison H [ Thu Jul 20, 2006 11:47 am ]
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Eilidh, you can't leave it there!!

Author:	Caty [ Thu Jul 20, 2006 11:50 am ]
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Eilidh, we need more. Please?

Author:	Eilidh [ Thu Jul 20, 2006 12:04 pm ]
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Oh, ok then. Because I'm feeling nice. But I warn you, you will probably still be wibbling afterwards! She found him still sitting in the study, his head on the desk, very still. He didn't move as she came in and perchd herself on the desktop, resting one hand on the thick brown hair. "Why are you still here?" she asked, quietly. He looked up in confusion. "I found it." she said simply, holding up the envelope. "You shouldn't be here. You should be in Paris. Adrienne needs you." Charles' face twisted and she threw her arms around him. "I didn't want to leave you here alone." he explained after a few minutes. "Charles, Steve is your brother." Anna said firmly. "And your best friend. And no matter how much you both love Adrienne and I, or how long we're married for, that's not going to change. I know that and so does she. If you don't go, and something happens, you'll never forgive yourself." "What about work?" Charles asked. "If you go tonight you might not have to miss any." Anna returned. "And if you do, David will understand. He's family too." "Won't you be lonely?" Charles asked, although she could see he had made up his mind. "It's not my husband who's lying in hospital, and I don't have two small children to look after." Anna pointed out. "It doesn't matter. Come on. Let's get you packed and then you can go and catch the overnight train - it's only just after 7, you should have plenty of time. And I'll phone her and tell her you'll be with her early tomorrow morning." "Thank you." Charles said, looking considerably happier. They went upstairs together, and while Charles wrestled a bag from the back of the linen cupboard, Anna rapidly sorted through his clothes. "Did you phone? Do you know what happened?" she asked, as she folded. "No." he replied. "I thought it better not to, if I wasn't going to go. I didn't want to upset her." "You were just going to not turn up? And leave her waiting for you?" Anna demanded. "Honestly, Charles. Is that everything?" Charles glanced into the bag. "It'll do." he replied. "Right, go." Anna said firmly. He carried the bag downstairs and threw it into the car. "You're sure you'll be ok?" he asked. "Of course." Anna said, hugging him tightly. "Go on, you'll be late. I hope everything's ok." "So do I." Charles said. "I love you." "I love you too." she replied, as he released her and jumped into the car. She stood at the door and waved until he was out of sight, and then hurried back inside, shivering. She hunted out her address book and seated herself at the study desk to make the phonecall. As she waited for her sister-in-law to answer, her eyes fell on the abandoned telegram. Steve bad accident. Please come. Adrienne.

Author:	Alison H [ Thu Jul 20, 2006 12:24 pm ]
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Charles, why on earth didn't you tell her before?! Wibbles about Steve!

Author:	Caty [ Thu Jul 20, 2006 12:36 pm ]
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Poor Steve & Adrienne. Please let him be OK.

Author:	brie [ Thu Jul 20, 2006 12:49 pm ]
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no. no , no , no , no!!! oh now im really wibbling!!!!!

Author:	Fatima [ Thu Jul 20, 2006 1:07 pm ]
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Charles was a bit of a pillock there. Let's hope Steve will be ok. Thanks Eilidh. I may be wibbling now, but at least I know why!

Author:	Mia [ Thu Jul 20, 2006 2:30 pm ]
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Oh no, how awful, why don't they want to tell anyone, ie David? Come back and have pity on us, Eilidh, it's too hot for prolongued wibbling!

Author:	Nell [ Thu Jul 20, 2006 3:27 pm ]
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Silly boy! He shold have said something earlier - hope Steve's ok...

Author:	Chair [ Thu Jul 20, 2006 4:37 pm ]
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Thanks, Eilidh. I am still wibbling but it is good that Anna now knows what has happened.

Author:	Lesley [ Thu Jul 20, 2006 5:24 pm ]
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What an idiot! Why on Earth couldn't he at least tell Anna, not wait for her to find out? Hope Steve is OK. Thanks Eilidh.

Author:	MaryR [ Thu Jul 20, 2006 8:57 pm ]
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Oh dear! Thanks, Eilidh

Author:	Vikki [ Thu Jul 20, 2006 11:03 pm ]
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Oh Charles! You daft nana! I REALLY hope Steve will be okay. (PLEASE Eilidh?)

Author:	Cath V-P [ Fri Jul 21, 2006 12:09 am ]
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Charles, you great pudding! Did you think she wasn't going to find out? Believe me, she's not going to be happy with you not telling her. It took my parents-in-law two weeks to mention to us that David's older sister had been involved in a head-on collision and seriously hurt...because we were in Australia and they didn't want to worry us!!! And we only found out because they told my mother.

Author:	Lesley [ Fri Jul 21, 2006 5:25 am ]
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Cath V-P wrote: It took my parents-in-law two weeks to mention to us that David's older sister had been involved in a head-on collision and seriously hurt...because we were in Australia and they didn't want to worry us!!! And we only found out because they told my mother. Two weeks???? But supposing she had died? David would have been denied the opportunity to see her before she went. That's terrible, Cath.

Author:	Cath V-P [ Fri Jul 21, 2006 10:02 am ]
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Yes, we were very fortunate it didn't go disastrously wrong - David was extremely unimpressed with this course of action , and said so. I'm very fond of my parents-in-law, but they are rather lacking in imagination.

Author:	Mia [ Fri Jul 21, 2006 10:11 am ]
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Actually I've been thinking about it maybe Charles is so frightened about how bad Steve could be that he just couldn't bring himself to sit down and discuss it with A & D. Some people do just close themselves off in stressful situations (me included). hugs Charles lots Can we have an update please Eilidh? hopeful

Author:	Eilidh [ Fri Jul 21, 2006 1:02 pm ]
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OK then - since it's Friday. It was early the next morning when the train drew in to the Gare du Nord. Still half asleep, Charles collected his belongings and stumbled off the train. The big station clock was just approaching four, and he decided to get some breakfast and clean himself up slightly before he set out to Adrienne's appartement. It was cold, and a strong breeze was blowing through the station. He shivered, pulled his coat more tightly around him and set towards a small cafe that looked like it might be open. It was, and he found himself a seat beside the window and ordered a coffee and some rolls, his rusty French reminding him of how long it had been since he had last visited Stephen and Adrienne. The meal arrived and he drank the hot liquid gratefully, feeling it warm him through. He crumbled most of the food on to the plate; his uncomfortable night and underlying feelings of panic and terror having taken away his appetite. He tidied himself up in the small bathroom, not succeeding in making a great deal of difference, and then headed out to find himself a taxi. When he reached the suburb he paid the drive almost automatically, and stood gazing up at the windows for a few seconds. The light was on in the appartement, and he wondered if Adrienne had had any sleep at all. He climbed the stairs slowly, trying to put off the moment when he would have to see Adrienne alone in the house and know that it was all true. When he got to the door, he stood for a long minute before knocking gently. There was a pause, and he wondered if she had fallen asleep with the lights on, when suddenly he saw her, silhouetted against the light. "Who is it?" she called in French. "It's Charles, Adrienne." There was a low cry, and the door was thrown open. "Chas!" she gasped, throwing herself forward. He caught her and held her tightly as she burst into tears. "I'm sorry." she said eventually, wiping her face. "I'm just...you have no idea how pleased I am to see you. Thank you for coming." "I couldn't have done anything else." Charles replied, having realised this during the long night on the train, most of which he had spent interspersing worry about his brother with worry over what Anna and David were going to say to him about his actions when he got back. Adrienne gave him a weak smile as she pulled him inside. The flat was familiar, and Charls expected to see his brother appear at any moment. "What happened?" he asked eventually, having spent more time wondering this than anything else. She took a deep breath. "It was a car accident." she explained. "I don't know exactly - he was coming home from work." "He always hated driving in the city." Charles said. "Hates." Adrienne corrected quickly. "Sorry." Charles muttered. "I didn't mean...how bad is he?" She shook her head. "I don't know. I don't understand what they're telling me. He's unconsious, and he has been since the day before yesterday." she suddenly looked very tired. "Have you had any sleep?" Charles asked gently. She shook her head. "Last night I couldn't, and then tonight, when Anna said you were on your way...I'm just so relieved you're here." "And now you're going to bed." Charles told her. "It's only six - you can get a few hours before we have to go to the hospital. What time are the kids up? Are they here?" "I didn't have anywhere else to send them." Adrienne replied. "My friend downstairs is on holiday, and they've never liked the couple who live next door. It will probably be later before they wake up - they were up late last night. We have to go to the hospital at twelve though." "I'll stay up and see to them." Charles told her, pushing her towards her bedroom. She was almost asleep on her feet now that she had someone with her to share her worries, and collasped on the bed without bothering to undress. Charles draped a blanket over her and returned to the sitting room, where he settled himself on the sofa in the hope of getting another few hours sleep himself before his niece and nephew put an end to it.

Author:	Alison H [ Fri Jul 21, 2006 1:22 pm ]
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Poor Adrienne - glad Charles is there to support her.

Author:	Nell [ Fri Jul 21, 2006 1:55 pm ]
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Poor Adrienne - glad Chas is now there but I still want ot know how Steve is! Thank you Eilidh.

Author:	Chair [ Fri Jul 21, 2006 2:11 pm ]
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Thanks, Eilidh. I'm also glad that Charles is there to support Adrienne.

Author:	Fatima [ Fri Jul 21, 2006 2:17 pm ]
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Poor Adrienne, but she'll be all right with Charles to lean on. Thanks Eilidh.

Author:	Caty [ Fri Jul 21, 2006 2:41 pm ]
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Glad Chas is there to support Adrienne. BUT what about Steve?

Author:	KathrynW [ Fri Jul 21, 2006 4:15 pm ]
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Eeep! Just caught up on this and am wibbling about Steve like mad Thanks Eilidh

Author:	Lesley [ Sat Jul 22, 2006 1:30 pm ]
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Glad Charles is there and able to support Adrienne. Thanks Eilidh.

Author:	Carys [ Mon Jul 24, 2006 2:04 pm ]
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Please let Steve get better! And I'm glad Charles has realised that going to Paris was what he should have done all along!

Author:	Josie [ Mon Jul 24, 2006 10:30 pm ]
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Thanks Eilidh

Author:	Róisín [ Wed Jul 26, 2006 10:12 am ]
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JUST caught up with this wondrously brilliant drabble and you leave me on a wibblepoint! Eilidh! Will Steve be ok?!

Author:	Eilidh [ Fri Jul 28, 2006 2:51 pm ]
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By eleven, they were all ready to leave the house again. Adrienne looked much better after her few hours sleep, and the breakfast that Charles had made her eat, although he had nothing himself, and was prepared to face the hospital again. "Ready?" Charles asked, scooping up Jacques. "I can carry him." Adrienne protested. "It's fine." he told her. "You look after Emmie. Not my hair, Jack." he added. "Hold on to my coat." Giggling, the little boy adjusted his grip and they set off. The hospital was a large, brick building. Adrienne led the way through the main entrance, now carrying Jacques as Emilia was tired, and was riding on Charles' back. "It's ok." Charles muttered, seeing the tension return to her face. "He'll be fine." he added with a conviction he didn't feel. "He's as strong as a horse, remember? I'm the delicate one!" Adrienne smiled. "Hardly." she returned. "It's this way." Charles followed her through the corridors to a small door. She knocked, and, answering the summons, they stepped into a small office. "Good Morning Doctor." Adrienne said in French. "This is my brother-in-law." The physician got to his feet and held out his hand. "Pleased to meet you, Mr Maynard." he said. "Doctor." Adrienne corrected, taking a seat and drawing Jacques onto her knee. Charles sat down beside her, lifting Emilia up between them. "My apologies." the older man said, with a keen look at Charles. "Mrs Maynard, there is no change in your husbands condition. We expect to observe some in the next few hours. Perhaps you would like to sit with him?" Adrienne nodded and got to her feet at once, taking Jacques and Emilia with her. As she closed the door, she heard Charles ask, "What exactly is wrong with my brother?" She made her way along the corridors to the room Stephen was lying in the same position as he had been the day before. She blinked back tears as she looked at him and then took her seat at the side of the bed. "Is daddy sick?" Emilia asked, clambouring up beside her. "Yes." Adrienne replied absently. "Uncle Chas will make him better." Emilia told her firmly. "Daddy said Uncle Chas made people better for his job. So he'll make Daddy better. Won't he Jack?" "Better." Jack repeated, busy with the ball Adrienne had brought for him in her bag. "Where is Uncle Chas?" Emilia asked. "Here." Charles himself replied. He stopped and looked at his brother for a long minute, and then pulled himself together. "Did he tell you anything?" Adrienne asked. Charles nodded. "Pleasant chap, isn't he?" he observed, lifting Emilia up and sitting back down with her on his knee. Adrienne nodded. "He's good though." she said. "I'm sure he is." Charles replied. "Anyway, I don't think it's as bad as you thought it was. He seems to have given his head a serious bang, hence the unconciousness, but they don't think he's done any more damage. Although they won't know for sure until he wakes up." "And that'll be today?" Adrienne asked hopefully. "Probably." Charles said, after a pause. "We'll just have to wait and see." A few hours passed in the quiet room. The adults spoke little, and the two children amused themselvs in a corner with some toys. Eventually, however, Emilia returned to Adrienne's side. "Mummy! I'm hungry!" she said, tugging on her skirt. Adrienne glanced at her watch. "No wonder!" she said. "It's past lunchtime. We'll go and get something, and Uncle Chas can stay here with Daddy. Is that ok?" she asked, glancing up. "Fine." Charles replied. "I'm not hungry anyway." Taking one child in each hand, Adrienne left, and Charles sat back with a sigh. It was a long wait.

Author:	Fatima [ Fri Jul 28, 2006 2:56 pm ]
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That sounds a little more hopeful. Thanks, Eilidh.

Author:	Carys [ Fri Jul 28, 2006 3:44 pm ]
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I have my fingers crossed that Steve will pull through.

Author:	brie [ Fri Jul 28, 2006 4:25 pm ]
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my fingers are crossed too

Author:	Chair [ Fri Jul 28, 2006 6:36 pm ]
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Thanks, Eilidh. I also hope that Stephen will pull through. I am probably being silly but I'm worrying a bit about the fact that Charles doesn't seem to be eating.

Author:	Lesley [ Fri Jul 28, 2006 7:52 pm ]
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I don't think Charles is telling Adrienne the entire truth - and I'm very worried about Steve. Thanks Eilidh.

Author:	Róisín [ Sat Jul 29, 2006 5:34 pm ]
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pouts on cliff I just want to know if he'll be okay...

Author:	Mia [ Tue Aug 01, 2006 12:49 pm ]
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Me too! wibbling

Author:	Josie [ Wed Aug 02, 2006 1:26 pm ]
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also hoping he'll be okay Thanks Eilidh

Author:	Vick [ Wed Aug 02, 2006 5:38 pm ]
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(Very scared newbie making first post!) Just found this having read the prequel before today, and am loving it. Hoping for next installment quietly in corner...

Author:	Róisín [ Wed Aug 02, 2006 5:45 pm ]
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starts a chant Moooooore please!

Author:	Eilidh [ Thu Aug 03, 2006 1:09 pm ]
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Vick wrote: (Very scared newbie making first post!) Just found this having read the prequel before today, and am loving it. Hoping for next installment quietly in corner... I'm honoured you made your first post on my drabble! Róisín wrote: starts a chant Moooooore please! I shall not be swayed by chanting! What I was coming to say was, I'm rather snowed under by RL at the moment, there will be more when I get a chance. Possible not for a week or so until I get the move out of the way. Apologies for leaving you all on a cliff!

Author:	Fatima [ Thu Aug 03, 2006 1:53 pm ]
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Good luck with the move, Eilidh. We'll endeavour to wait with patience!

Author:	Róisín [ Thu Aug 03, 2006 5:05 pm ]
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You're not a bit sorry .... but best of luck with the moving. It'll all be over soon enough and you'll be rearranging and dusting your Chalets again hugs

Author:	Lesley [ Thu Aug 03, 2006 6:18 pm ]
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Eilidh wrote: Apologies for leaving you all on a cliff! Never apologise for this Eilidh - rejoice!

Author:	Vick [ Thu Aug 03, 2006 10:06 pm ]
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Balancing precariously on edge Hope move goes smoothly, please don't leave us here to long.....

Author:	Eilidh [ Mon Aug 07, 2006 1:07 pm ]
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For I have less to do than I thought today. There may even be more posts before the end of the week, work load dependant. "Come on, Steve." he said eventually, leaning forward, "Don't do this to us. You have to wake up." He looked at the still form hopefully, but there was no response, and he leant back in the chair again. "I'll get Emmie and Jack to jump on you." he warned. "That'll wake you up - it woke me this morning. You need to tell your children that they shouldn't be jumping on innocent uncles just because the innocent uncle is asleep in a jumpable place." he smiled. "They're sure you're going to be alright." he said quietly. "I hope they're right. I don't know what Adrienne would do without you. I don't know what I'd do without you, to be honest. You and I were always closer to each other than we were to Mike and Felix, and Geoff is just a kid still. Come to that, Flix still behaves like a kid. I can't go home until I know you're going to get better, and I don't want to leave Anna for too long, so please, Steve." He got up from the uncomfortable chair and moved to the window, stretching. Jacques' toys were all over the floor, and he pushed them into the corner, wondering how much longer Adrienne would be. A slight noise behind him made him jump and he spun around. The room was empty, and his eyes strayed to the bed. "Was that you?" he demanded, crossing towards it with long strides. Needless to say, his brother didn't respond. Charles went back to the window. "Whats it to be Steve?" he asked. "Are you going to let some idiot who can't drive ruin Adrienne's life, and take you away from your children? Mamma will be here tomorrow. You need to wake up before then. She'll have something to say if you don't." he smiled. "Better stay awake then." A weak voice said behind him. "Wouldn't want to get in trouble with Mamma." Charles spun around so fast he almost fell over Jacques' ball, and hurried to the bed. "How are you feeling?" he asked anxiously. "Like I should be dead." Stephen repiled with the ghost of a smile. "Is it normal for everything to hurt at once?" "Depends." Charles said absently. "In your case, probably." "Where's Adrienne?" Stephen asked, trying to see around him. "Stay still." Charles said sharply. "She's taken the kids to get some lunch, she'll be back soon. I'll have to get your doctor - you look as well as can be expected to me, but I'm not official here." He put his head around the door and caught a passing nurse, who set out a run when she heard his news. "What happens now?" Stephen asked drowsily, when he returned. "It depends." Charles said evasivley. "We'll know more later. Go to sleep if you're tired." he added. The blue eyes were already closing and Stephen gradually gave up the struggle. Seeing that he was asleep, Charles went to the door to wait for the doctor and Adrienne, anxious to see her face when she heard the news.

Author:	Fatima [ Mon Aug 07, 2006 1:11 pm ]
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He sounds all right. Let's hope he really is ok. Thanks Eilidh.

Author:	Mia [ Mon Aug 07, 2006 1:37 pm ]
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Oh thank goodness!

Author:	Alison H [ Mon Aug 07, 2006 2:00 pm ]
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Phew!

Author:	Ruth B [ Mon Aug 07, 2006 2:26 pm ]
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Thank goodness! Hope he has inherited his mother's ability to recover in a flash!

Author:	Carys [ Mon Aug 07, 2006 2:57 pm ]
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Phew, hopefully Steve will be himself in no time!

Author:	pim [ Mon Aug 07, 2006 3:37 pm ]
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breathes I have been catching up on this this afternoon and it is not good for a person to hold their breath for so long. fingers crossed for Steve's recovery Thanks Eilidh

Author:	Chelsea [ Mon Aug 07, 2006 3:44 pm ]
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Hurting everywhere sounds promising - less chance that things are paralysed. Thanks.

Author:	Lesley [ Mon Aug 07, 2006 5:55 pm ]
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Eilidh wrote: "It depends." Charles said evasivley. " Why does that comment cause me to have worries???? Thanks Eilidh.

Author:	Vick [ Mon Aug 07, 2006 9:03 pm ]
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Thank goodness! Hope he gets better in leaps & bounds now...

Author:	Chair [ Mon Aug 07, 2006 9:18 pm ]
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Thanks, Eilidh. It's good that Stephen has woken up.

Author:	Josie [ Mon Aug 07, 2006 10:30 pm ]
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Glad that everything hurts. That has to be a good sign I hope - at least he can feel it all! crossing fingers he really is okay Thanks Eilidh.

Author:	Cath V-P [ Tue Aug 08, 2006 12:51 am ]
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First hurdle over....thank goodness! Now let's hope he recovers speedily.

Author:	Eilidh [ Tue Aug 08, 2006 8:52 am ]
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"What do you mean?" Adriennes eyes were wide as she regarded the doctor. "Mrs Maynard, it is quite simple." the man replied. "Your husband cannot go back to live in your flat at the moment. It is on the top floor, and it is not practical for someone with injuries like his." "He's right." Charles said. "As long as he's got that plaster on, you can't cope with him and the kids and all those stairs." "But where are we going to go?" Adrienne demanded. "I'm not going to Freudesheim, I..." she tailed off, and the doctor got to his feet. "I will leave you to discuss it." he said. "You are welcome to use my office for the next hour or so if you need to. I suggest that you don't discuss it in front of Mr Maynard." he left the room, and Charles turned immediately to his sister in law. "Right, what's wrong with Freudeshiem?" he asked. "You'll have help with the children there, and Dad will be on hand if there are any problems with Steve." "I can't go just now." Adrienne repeated. "How long will it be for?" Charles shrugged. "A few months?" he suggested. "Steve's leg needs time to heal, and then he needs to get strong again before anyone - me included - will even consider letting the four of you go back to the flat. I'm sorry Adrienne, but you're going to make yourself ill trying to look after them all and the house and keep going with your painting. I'm not going to let you do it." "But where are we to go?" Adrienne asked again. "I really can't go to Freudesheim, Chas. I can't." "Why not?" Charles asked, keeping a tight hold on his temper. Adrienne hesitated. "I can't." she repeated eventually. "Why not?" Charles asked again. "Dad will help you with Steve, Mamma will be around to help with the children, and Anna will look after you all." "Because I can't live with Auntie Joey and Uncle Jack when..." Adrienne tailed off. "When what?" Charles asked, a note of frustration finding its way into his voice. "Will you just get to the point, Adrienne?" "Don't get angry." Adrienne begged. Charles sighed, and ran his hands through his hair. "I'm not." he replied. "But you are taking a ridiculously long time to give me a good reason why you can't go to Freudesheim while Steve recovers." Adrienne muttered something under her breath. "What?" Charles demanded. "Because I'm going to have another baby." Adrienne said quietly. "And I can't cope with Uncle Jack making me rest all the time and Auntie Joey fussing!" Charles stopped dead. "I see." he said eventually. "When?" "April." Adrienne said. "I think." she added. "Then that's twice as much reason for you not to go back to the flat." Charles said. "Let me think about it - you go and see Steve. Does he know yet?" "About the baby?" Adrienne asked. "No, I didn't know for sure and then I was waiting for a good time to tell him." "Maybe now?" Charles suggested. She laughed. "I suppose I should." she replied. "See you in a bit." "Bye." Charles responded, as she left the office. He began to think.

Author:	Alison H [ Tue Aug 08, 2006 8:57 am ]
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Poor Adrienne - she's got a rough time ahead. Wonder what Charles is thinking.

Author:	Fatima [ Tue Aug 08, 2006 9:03 am ]
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But Freudesheim does seem the sensible answer for Adrienne, but maybe she could neglect to tell them about the baby! Thanks Eilidh.

Author:	Ruth B [ Tue Aug 08, 2006 10:02 am ]
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That depends how long they have to be there. If it's months I think that fact she is pregnant will become fairly obvious! In a family of 12 children and x adoptees, surely there is somewhere else they could go!

Author:	Róisín [ Tue Aug 08, 2006 11:07 am ]
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Thanks Eilidh! Two lovely updates for me to catch up on. Hm Adrienne doesn't have much faith in Jack does she? I think she should go and give them a chance

Author:	Chair [ Tue Aug 08, 2006 11:08 am ]
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Thanks, Eilidh. I hope that Charles will be able to come up with a solution.

Author:	Mia [ Tue Aug 08, 2006 11:49 am ]
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Thanks Eilidh echoes Chair

Author:	Carys [ Tue Aug 08, 2006 2:23 pm ]
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I can easily see why Adrienne wants to avoid Jack and Joey whilst she is being busy, I just hope Charles will find the perfect solution for her.

Author:	Nell [ Tue Aug 08, 2006 3:52 pm ]
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Just caught up I'd been left on that cliff for sooo long - glad Steve's going to be alright! Thank you Eilidh!

Author:	Vick [ Tue Aug 08, 2006 6:00 pm ]
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I can see why she doesn't want to go to Freudesheim. What about going to Roger & Con's or have they had too many kids to fit them in now? Thanks Eilidh, loving this.

Author:	Lesley [ Tue Aug 08, 2006 7:23 pm ]
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Could they stay with Charles and Anna? Thanks Eilidh.

Author:	Lottie [ Thu Aug 10, 2006 11:02 pm ]
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Lesley wrote: Could they stay with Charles and Anna? That was my first thought, too. They'd have the right family medical expertise, without being fussed over by Joey; although I can imagine that she would wonder why they didn't want to go to Freudesheim, when it is probably the place with most space for them. Have Joey and Jack been reconciled to the marriage yet? I seem to remember they were less than happy when Steve and Adrienne got together in the first place.

Author:	Lizzie [ Fri Aug 11, 2006 3:43 pm ]
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Thanks Eilidh, excellent as always. Another Maynard baby! Hurrah!

Author:	Eilidh [ Wed Sep 13, 2006 10:19 am ]
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Anna finished weeding the front garden and sat back on her heels, pleased. She was expecting Charles back later that afternoon, and had decided to keep herself busy until then. Getting to her feet, she saw Meg push open the gate and ran across to greet her. "Hello!" she said cheerfully. "You're just in time - I was about to make lunch. Come through and I'll see what we've got." "You don't mind me coming?" Meg asked doubtfully. "I wasn't going to, but you did say I could. And Mater and I were getting on each others nerves again." "Of course I don't mind!" Anna exclaimed. "This is a lovely place to live, but it's too far out for easy socialising. The people who live across the road work all day, and they're far older than me anyway. I was hoping you would come." Meg smiled. "What can I do to help?" she asked, as Anna washed the dirt off her hands. "Have a look in the fridge and find something to make sandwiches." Anna suggested. "There should be some fruit as well." Meg did as she was asked and before long they were settled in the back garden on a rug, enjoying the sunshine. Anna kept the talk on light subjects while they ate, and it wasn't until they had finished lunch and the plates had been taken inside that she asked, "You go back to school on Monday, don't you?" Meg made a face. "Not if I can help it." she said. Anna thought. "You have to go back for a term at least." she pointed out. "Or your parents will lose a term's fees. What's the problem, anyway?" "I just don't want to go." Meg replied. "That's not much of a reason." Anna argued amiably. "You've been happy there for years, haven't you? What's the problem this year?" "I just don't want to go back." Meg repeated. "Fine." Anna said. "But like I say, unless you want your parents to lose all that money, you should go for a term. Maybe your dad will let you leave at Christmas?" "He won't." Meg said. "He's determined I'm going to do a full year and sit my A-levels." "So why don't you, to keep him happy?" Anna asked. "You can do what you want after that. And you'll need A-levels if you want to go to University." "I don't." Meg said firmly. "I'm not clever enough. I'm barely clever enough to be in the sixth." "What do you like doing?" Anna asked, curiously. "Drawing." Meg said. "And painting. I'd love to study Art at college somewhere." "Well, why don't you?" Anna asked. "Do your A-levels and see if you can get a place to do that. The school should be able to help you." "I wish I could just go straight to college and not bother finishing school." Meg sighed, flopping back on the grass. "Anyway, dad doesn't think anything of my drawing." "Have you showed him it?" Anna asked, curiously. Meg shook her head. "Then how can you know he doesn't like it?" Anna demanded. "Because he never likes anything any of us do." Meg returned. "He's always busy and bad tempered and working. He’s never got time for us." Anna thought for a second. "Meg, I want you to listen to me." she said eventually. "I'm going to sound like an adult, and I don't want you to flare up at me, because I'm trying to help. OK?" Meg nodded. "Right, your dad is always busy because he was trying to do the work of two people on his own before Charles came over. So he was taking surgeries every day, and he was dealing with all the emergency calls and all the night time callouts. He was exhausted, that was why we came straight here after the wedding, because Charles wanted to help. Once he gets some rest he'll be much easier to live with, I promise." "He didn't used to be so bad tempered." Meg said. "Is it really just because he's been tired? And Mater hasn't been well either for the past few weeks." "She's fine." Anna assured her. "I promise." "I suppose it hasn't helped that the village has grown so much, either." Meg continued thoughtfully. "I mean, there are so many new houses it's almost a town. And I suppose the people who live in them all need dad as well." Anna nodded. "Yes, I see." she continued. "I'd never thought about it like that, I suppose." "Maybe you should speak to your dad about your art in a few weeks, when he might be feeling a bit better?" Anna suggested. Meg nodded. "You really think he'll let me go and study it if I stay at school this year?" she asked. Anna nodded. "I think he might." she said. "Now, are you going to get round to telling me about this school thing? It won't look so bad when it's out in the open, I promise." Meg hesitated. "I don't know." she said. "You'll probably think I'm being stupid." "I never think my friends are being stupid." Anna told her firmly. "If they have a habit of it, then they're not my friends." Meg giggled. "I'll remember that." she said. "Do you really want to know?" "I wouldn't have asked otherwise." Anna returned. "Fine. I don't want to be a prefect because I'll get talked about at school and I don't want to not be a prefect because I'll be nagged at home." Meg said. She looked suddenly relieved. "That was easy, wasn't it?" Anna smiled. "Right, let's sort this out. You don't want to be a prefect because..." "Everyone will think it's just because I'm Madame's grand daughter, or Gisela Marani's grand daughter." Meg said. "Not because I'm me and the head thinks I can do it." "And you don't want to not be a prefect because..." "Grandma and die Grossmutter will be so disappointed." Meg said sadly. "Mater wasn't Head Girl, and neither were any of the aunts, but they were all prefects. They did want me to be too." "And you want..." Anna said slowly. Meg thought for a long minute. "I think I'd like it - except for the comments about favouritism." she said eventually. "Were you a prefect?" "Second." Anna replied. "The person you want to speak to is my best friend - Charles' sister. She was Head Girl the year I was second prefect and she really didn't want it. She thought she would be getting compared to your Aunt Joey and Len all the time. She'll understand." "Is she going to be coming here?" Meg asked hopefully. Anna laughed. "At some point." she said. "I don't know when. Cecily and Nick aren't in the habit of making firm plans. I'll let you know when they get here." "There's one good thing, anyway." Meg observed. "They can't have a Head Girl who weekly boards. I'll be spared that." "True." Anna agreed. "I can't say I'd have enjoyed being Head myself – far too much like hard work.

Author:	Nell [ Wed Sep 13, 2006 10:56 am ]
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Yay it's back! Well done Anna - hopfully Meg will be happier now and things will be better at home. Thank you Eilidh!

Author:	Alison H [ Wed Sep 13, 2006 11:20 am ]
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Poor Meg - it must have been horrible for so many of them being "the daughter of ..."!

Author:	Lesley [ Wed Sep 13, 2006 12:25 pm ]
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Good to see this again - and Anna was so lovely with Meg there. Hope it all gets sorted for her - she does really want to stay if she wants to be a Prefect, doesn't she? Thanks Eilidh.

Author:	Chair [ Wed Sep 13, 2006 3:37 pm ]
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Thanks, Eilidh. It's great to have this back. I hope that there won't be any accusations of favouritism if Meg is chosen to be a prefect.

Author:	Mia [ Wed Sep 13, 2006 3:40 pm ]
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Thanks Eilidh, how fab to see this back

Author:	Fatima [ Wed Sep 13, 2006 4:21 pm ]
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How wonderful to see this back! Surely the school is used to all the children of old girls and would never think it was favouritism. Thanks Eilidh.

Author:	Carys [ Wed Sep 13, 2006 8:14 pm ]
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Thanks for posting more of this! Anna was lovely there

Author:	Caty [ Wed Sep 13, 2006 11:54 pm ]
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Thanks Eilidh. So nice to have this back.

Author:	Cath V-P [ Thu Sep 14, 2006 12:13 am ]
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Thank you eilidh. That was a thougtful rsponse from Anna.

Author:	Róisín [ Thu Sep 14, 2006 1:14 pm ]
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Poor Meg but I'm glad she has Anna to speak to. Also hope Natalie's okay. Thanks for this Eilidh - perfect lunchtime reading!

Author:	delilah_siren [ Thu Sep 14, 2006 1:32 pm ]
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Yay! It's back!

Author:	francesn [ Sat Sep 23, 2006 9:33 pm ]
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Any chance of a little more of this Eilidh?

Author:	Eilidh [ Thu Oct 26, 2006 1:17 pm ]
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It is amazing. I have something else that urgently needs done, and my plot bunnies come back. “And you’re sure Anna won’t mind?” Adrienne asked again, as Charles picked up a sleepy Emilia and opened the gate. “It seems so awful to turn up when she doesn’t even know we’re coming.” “Positive,” he replied. “I don’t know what’s wrong with the phone, but it’ll be ok. You’ll see.” She looked unconvinced, and he stopped and turned to face her. “What are you going to do if she does?” he demanded. “You’re here now. Come on, it’s cold. And these two should be in bed. You can’t go anywhere else tonight, anyway.” He pushed open the front door with his free hand and she followed him inside. “Anna!” he called cheerfully, putting Emilia down and looking around. “I’m here!” came back the reply, and Anna hurried down the stairs, pausing as she surveyed the little group. “Oh!” she said, surprised. “I’m sorry, Charles said you wouldn’t mind, we tried to phone…” Adrienne began, before the long journey and worry caught up with her and she leant against the wall, tears visible in her big eyes. Anna rushed down the rest of the stairs. “Of course I don’t!” she said, hugging her sister-in-law. “Come in and take your coat off. Charles can tell me all about it later, or tomorrow, since it’s so late.” She took the sleeping Jacques off Adrienne and asked, “Where’s Steve, then?” “Coming here as well, but slowly, and with a nurse.” Charles said. “He’ll be here in a day or two, but Adrienne was exhausted and I thought she’d be better coming with me, so here we are. I did try to phone you,” he added, “but I couldn’t get through.” “The line’s down.” Anna said. “They’re coming to fix it tomorrow.” “I’ll put these two to bed, if you don’t mind?” Adrienne said. Anna nodded. “The room a the top of the stairs is made up.” She replied. “I was rather expecting Nick and Cecily, but they’ve probably changed their minds. Or stopped somewhere. Or got lost. Or forgotten what day it is. Who knows?” Charles smiled, and put his arms around her as Adrienne took her children upstairs. “I’ve missed you.” He said, kissing her hair as she buried her head in his chest. She relaxed into him. “I’ve missed you too.” She said, sounding muffled. “It’s good to have you back.”

Author:	Mia [ Thu Oct 26, 2006 1:31 pm ]
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Oooh it's good to have this back. Thank you Eilidh.

Author:	Róisín [ Thu Oct 26, 2006 1:37 pm ]
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Yay! Hurrah for Anna seeing Charles again. I missed him too Thanks Eilidh.

Author:	Alison H [ Thu Oct 26, 2006 1:58 pm ]
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Glad the bunnies are back!

Author:	Fatima [ Thu Oct 26, 2006 2:09 pm ]
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Hooray! I'm so pleased to see more of this, thanks, Eilidh.

Author:	Nell [ Thu Oct 26, 2006 4:24 pm ]
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Yay! sends bunny food Thank you Eilidh!

Author:	Lesley [ Thu Oct 26, 2006 5:53 pm ]
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Hooray! Good to see more of this Eilidh - thanks.

Author:	kimothy [ Thu Oct 26, 2006 6:31 pm ]
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yay! tis back!

Author:	leahbelle [ Thu Oct 26, 2006 7:16 pm ]
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Great to see this back!

Author:	Vick [ Thu Oct 26, 2006 10:17 pm ]
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Yay! more Anna & Charles. Great to see this back Eilidh & thanks for the update. adds more bunny treats to the pile

Author:	Carys [ Thu Oct 26, 2006 10:19 pm ]
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Lovely to see more of this!

Author:	Josie [ Thu Oct 26, 2006 11:29 pm ]
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Glad to see this back, Eilidh

Author:	Cath V-P [ Fri Oct 27, 2006 12:45 am ]
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Poor Adrienne - the strain of the journey with children, tiredness, doubts... Anna was so welcoming. Thank you Eilidh.

Author:	Chair [ Fri Oct 27, 2006 10:27 am ]
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Thanks, Eilidh. I'm glad that Anna was so welcoming.

Author:	Caty [ Sat Oct 28, 2006 11:49 am ]
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Thanks Eilidh.

Author:	Eilidh [ Fri Jan 12, 2007 2:17 pm ]
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Please don't fall off your chairs in shock - it is actually a real update! "Go!" Stephen said, waving his wife towards the door. "We can cope. We're not helpless." "That's a matter of opinion." Anna muttered. "He's right, though, Adrienne. We'll miss the train if we don't hurry, and Fliss and Cecily will not be impressed if they have to wait another hour for us." Reluctantly, Adrienne agreed, and allowed her sister-in-law to pull her away. It was three weeks sine Stephen, Adrienne and their family had arrived and Stephen had made great strides in the intervening time, and was even beginning to talk about returning to Paris before Christmas, a subject that caused Charles and David to became suspiciously deaf to every time it was raised. "Honestly." Stephen said, as the gate swung closed. "Anyone would think I wasn't capable of looking after my own children for an afternoon." "That seems to be what they do think." Charles agreed. "Where are they, anyway?" he asked. "It's suspiciously quiet." "Jack's asleep." Stephen said. "He won't wake up for another half an hour or so. Emmie is in the garden, doing something with her dolls." "Good enough." Charles said cheerfully. "I'll get another half an hour in at this then," he waved his book in the air, "and then go and get Jack up. Then we need to come up with something for them to do. You might have a think about that." "Why me?" Stephen demanded. "When you get to sit there and read?" "They're your children." Charles grinned, picking up his book. "It's your job." Stephen glowered at his brother for a minute or two, and then, staring out of the window, began to think. Just as the half hour was up, Emilia appeared in the doorway. "What's wrong?" Stephen asked. "I though you were outside?" "It's raining, daddy." the little girl returned, scrambling up on his knee. "And mummy say's I shouldn't play outside in the rain. What are we going to do instead?" "Well," Stephen said thoughtfully, "Once Uncle Charles comes back with Jack, how about you take your paints into the kitchen and make mummy a picture before she gets back? And Jack can do one too." Emilia considered this, and then nodded violently. "Go and get your things then." Stephen said, lifting her down, as Charles came back in with Jack. "What's the plan, then?" he asked, depositing his burden on the floor. "Painting." Stephen said triumphantly. "In the kitchen. We can put newspaper on the table and then there won't even be any mess." "I like it." Charles said. "I'll go and put some newspaper out - you bring Jack through."

Author:	Alison H [ Fri Jan 12, 2007 2:20 pm ]
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Lovely to see this back .

Author:	Fatima [ Fri Jan 12, 2007 4:15 pm ]
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Alison H wrote: Lovely to see this back . Exactly what I was thinking. Thanks Eilidh.

Author:	Ruth B [ Fri Jan 12, 2007 5:19 pm ]
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Quote: We can put newspaper on the table and then there won't even be any mess." Why does that strike me as a case of "famous last words"?

Author:	Lesley [ Fri Jan 12, 2007 9:02 pm ]
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Will they put newspaper on the floor, the walls, the kitchen units, the sink....... Good to see this back.

Author:	claireM [ Fri Jan 12, 2007 10:24 pm ]
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Quote: Why does that strike me as a case of "famous last words"? Because they are, it's just asking for trouble. Good to get more of this.

Author:	Catherine [ Fri Jan 12, 2007 11:00 pm ]
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Lovely to see this back. Looking forward to finding out what sort of mess Emilia and Jack create ...

Author:	Nell [ Tue Jan 16, 2007 5:18 pm ]
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Yay it's back! And no mess? Forgive me if I'm sceptical!

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