The CBB :: View topic - A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)

The CBB http://www.chaletian.com/

A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6) http://www.chaletian.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=5696

Author:	andi [ 12 Feb 2009, 21:27 ]
Post subject:	A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
As a 1970s child of the colonies, I have probably made all sorts of mistakes about 1950s Britain in this. Hope they aren't too glaring! About the setting - the books seem to indicate that the Lilleys live in Hampshire, but the only town name given is Meadowfield, which as far as I can tell is in County Durham! So I've assumed another (fictional) Meadowfield in Hampshire. Rosamund Lilley stood in the kitchen of the house she had known all of her fifteen years and looked around her, a worried frown on her face. It looked much the same as always. Neat and sparkling clean, of course. Mrs Lilley would never dream of allowing it to be anything else. And there was a good fresh smell of baking from the batch of scones that had been made that morning. But still. Rosamund glanced at the linoleum on the floor, its pattern faded with scrubbing, and at the equally faded curtains at the window. She shook her head. It was too late to worry about it now. Besides, she realised as she looked at her watch, if she didn’t leave right this minute, she was going to be late. She caught the bus at the end of the road by the skin of her teeth, and was at Winchester station just as the train pulled in. She scanned the crowd of disembarking passengers, searching for a familiar face. She checked the time again. Yes, it was definitely the right train. But no sign of the person she was looking for. Had something gone wrong? She wondered if she should try to phone. Perhaps she could find the number in the telephone directory. Then, as she gazed anxiously around, she felt a hand tugging at her sleeve. She turned to see Len Maynard grinning triumphantly at her. “Here I am! I bet you thought I’d missed the train, didn’t you?” Rosamund laughed in relief. “I was starting to worry,” she admitted. “Old fuss-pot,” Len teased. “Oh, and speaking of fuss-pots, I’ve got to phone Auntie Madge and tell her I’ve arrived safely. Is there a telephone somewhere?” “In the ticket-office,” Rosamund said, leading the way. She waited with the luggage – one battered suitcase – as Len made her call, and then the two girls made their way to the bus stop. “How far is it?” Len asked, digging in her purse for her fare. “About half an hour,” Rosamund told her. “Meadowfield’s quite a way from Winchester. It’s just a little town, really. But we’ll come back into Winchester during the week so you can have a look at it.” “Marvellous,” Len said. “ I’d love to see the cathedral. And Con wants me to visit Jane Austen’s grave, so that I can tell her about it.” “Well, we’ll do it the first day we get the chance,” Rosamund promised, relieved at her friend’s enthusiasm. Although the visit had been her idea in the first place, over the last few days she’d been fighting a growing nervousness that to a girl who’d lived in Canada and Switzerland, the sleepy Hampshire town of Meadowfield might seem just a little dull. There was plenty of news to be exchanged, as they hadn’t seen each other since the school broke up for the long summer holidays, and the journey flew by. Almost before they realised it, they had reached Meadowfield and the bus was making its way towards the road where the Lilleys lived. Rosamund felt the nervous fluttering in her stomach return, and squashed it firmly. It was daft to be worried, she told herself firmly. Len was her friend. She wasn’t going to care that the Lilleys’ home was smaller and less grand than Freudesheim. “Besides, you were the one who invited her,” she reminded herself. “Now pull yourself together and stop flapping like a wet hen in a hailstorm.” The ridiculous image made her smile and she felt better. “Here we are,” she said. “This is our road.”

Author:	Cat C [ 12 Feb 2009, 21:44 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire
Ooooh, interesting start, I like it

Author:	PaulineS [ 12 Feb 2009, 21:48 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire
I agree wih Cat C a lovely, interesting start. Looking forward to more. Rosamund's fears are so real.

Author:	Abi [ 12 Feb 2009, 23:05 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire
Ooh, this looks interesting - I've always liked Rosamund. And it's very local to me too . Thanks for the start Andi.

Author:	Nightwing [ 12 Feb 2009, 23:25 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire
Great start, andi - I'm looking forward to more! It'll be interesting to see how Len copes with the class differences.

Author:	ChubbyMonkey [ 12 Feb 2009, 23:39 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire
Ooh, I'm intrigued. Can't wait to read more!

Author:	Alison H [ 13 Feb 2009, 00:23 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire
Interesting start - and Winchester Cathedral is amazing . Looking forward to more!

Author:	Cath V-P [ 13 Feb 2009, 01:07 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire
This looks fun. I wonder what Len will make of the Lilleys?

Author:	Miss Di [ 13 Feb 2009, 03:00 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire
Indeed, what will the Lilley's make of Len?

Author:	Lesley [ 13 Feb 2009, 06:52 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire
This looks very interesting. Thanks Andi

Author:	Liz K [ 13 Feb 2009, 07:00 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire
Nice one, can't wait to read more.

Author:	Emma A [ 13 Feb 2009, 10:28 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire
Great start, and very realistic. I hope they all get on well together. Thanks, andi.

Author:	andi [ 13 Feb 2009, 13:58 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 13 Feb)
I couldn't find much information about the Lilley boys, so their names and ages are invented. EBD swithered a bit about whether there were five or six children in the family. I've gone for five. They scrambled off the bus. As it pulled away, Len changed her suitcase from one hand to the other and looked around her with interest. “What lots of houses,” she said. “And what pretty gardens.” “Wait till you see ours,” Rosamund boasted. She was very proud of their garden, and just now it was looking at its best, with all her father’s roses in bloom. Suddenly eager, she hurried down the road. Len, following behind, protested at the haste. “Oh, Len, I’m sorry. I’m being such a feeble hostess. Here, let me take your case.” Rosamund stopped and reached for it but Len held her off. “Don’t talk nonsense. It hardly weighs anything. Honestly.” She swung the case by its handle to demonstrate, overbalanced, and only just saved herself from falling into the Lilleys’ garden hedge. Her squawk of alarm drew a disapproving stare from an elderly lady on the other side of the road, and sent Rosamund into a fit of giggles which soon infected Len herself. Breathless with laughter, they staggered through the garden gate and up the path. Automatically, Rosamund led the way around the side of the house to the back door and opened it. It was only as Len stepped through the doorway into the scullery that Rosamund wondered whether she should have brought her friend in through the front door. Oh well. Too late now. “Rosamund? Is that you?” her mother’s voice called. “Yes, Mum,” she answered. She led Len through to the kitchen where Mrs Lilley was putting the finishing touches to an iced sponge cake. She looked up and smiled as the two girls entered. “I know you’ve made scones for tea, Rosamund, but as it’s a special occasion I thought you might like to have some cake as well.” She looked at Len “And you must be Helena Maynard.” Len bobbed a curtsey. “How do you do, Mrs Lilley? Yes, I am, but please won’t you call me Len? I’m only ever Helena when I’m in trouble!” Mrs Lilley, who had looked a little taken aback by the curtsey, laughed. “Well, I’m sure there’ll be no need for that while you’re here! Rosamund, take Len upstairs and show her to her room, and by the time you come down tea will be ready.” “Yes, Mum. Come on, Len,” Rosamund said obediently. As they mounted the stairs, she explained, “You’re in my sister Charmian’s room. She stays at the hospital now that she’s training to be a nurse, so she doesn’t need it. Here we are.” “It’s lovely,” Len said, looking around appreciatively at the neat room, the bed with its blue counterpane, and the jug of roses on the bedside table. She laughed. “You know, I’ve never had a room all to myself. I’ll have to watch out that I don’t get spoilt by the end of the week!” Rosamund, who had had her own room for the last four years, ever since her oldest sister Dorothy had got married, blinked. “I never thought of that,” she said. “Actually, with Charmian at the hospital and Paul working on a farm down in Devon, at the moment there’s only my brother Tim and me at home. So you could have had another two rooms as well, if you’d wanted!” “Oh, one’s plenty for me,” Len assured her. “Tim’s older than you, isn’t he?” “That’s right. Dorothy’s the eldest, then Paul, Charmian, Tim and lastly me. Tim’s almost eighteen. He works with Dad at Sheldon and Bosbury. You’ll meet him this evening.” “I say,” Len said suddenly, “hadn’t we better hurry and wash? Your mother’ll be waiting for us.” “Oh, gosh, yes,” Rosamund said. “Look, there’s soap and water for you here.” Len’s eyes widened slightly at the sight of the washstand with its copper water jug, but she quickly washed the grime of the train from her face and hands without comment, and glanced in the mirror to check that her long thick plaits were still tidy. Rosamund met her on the landing, looking washed and brushed, and they clattered down the stairs, reaching the kitchen just as Mrs Lilley took the kettle off the range and poured the boiling water into the big metal Britannia teapot. “Good girls,” she said.

Author:	Alison H [ 13 Feb 2009, 14:16 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 13 Feb)
This is great - and I can quite see that even a house as big as Freudesheim might not seem quite so big when there are so many people living in it! Mrs Lilley is lovely.

Author:	Emma A [ 13 Feb 2009, 14:31 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 13 Feb)
It's great to have an update so soon, andi, particularly since this story looks like it's going to be very interesting. Len and Rosamund are lovely in this, and I like Mrs Lilley, too. Thank-you.

Author:	Liz K [ 13 Feb 2009, 16:28 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 13 Feb)
And Mrs Lilley was surprised when Len curtsied to her!

Author:	Elbee [ 13 Feb 2009, 18:30 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 13 Feb)
I'm enjoying this, thanks andi.

Author:	KatS [ 13 Feb 2009, 19:39 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 13 Feb)
I love this! So realistic that Rosamund would be nervous and that Len would be a little out of place... Am slightly surprised that Mrs. Lilley referred to her as Helena - wouldn't Ros always have talked of her as Len? But probably her mother would think she ought to start out with the poor girl's real name. We can't all be Joey's!

Author:	JS [ 13 Feb 2009, 20:05 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 13 Feb)
This is nice - like that Len is pleased to have her own room!

Author:	Lesley [ 13 Feb 2009, 20:17 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 13 Feb)
Do they still have an outside toilet, I wonder? Mid-Fifties it's a possibility. Thanks Andi.

Author:	Sarah_G-G [ 13 Feb 2009, 21:00 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 13 Feb)
Great start! It's interesting to see Len's reactions to Ros' home. I looks forward to her meeting the rest of the family.

Author:	PaulineS [ 13 Feb 2009, 22:34 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 13 Feb)
thanks Andi. Len's response to her own room and jug of water and bowl is lovely. It takes me back to my Welsh Grandmother's house where a bowl and jug on a wash stand was the norm for visiting preachers, who my grandparents hosted when a the local minister was on holiday.

Author:	Cath V-P [ 14 Feb 2009, 09:30 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 13 Feb)
Lovely - Len's curtsey was delightful, as was her appreciation of Charmian's room. Odd to think that Rosamund is more privileged in that way than Len....

Author:	Fiona Mc [ 15 Feb 2009, 06:14 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 13 Feb)
Cath V-P wrote: Lovely - Len's curtsey was delightful, as was her appreciation of Charmian's room. Odd to think that Rosamund is more privileged in that way than Len.... Not really. Inever had my own room until I left home. Thanks for this am really enjoying it. I always thought it was a shame we never heard of the triplets visiting their friends

Author:	andi [ 15 Feb 2009, 12:03 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire
As the afternoon passed, Rosamund’s nervous flutters grew less. They almost disappeared completely when she listened to Len talking to her parents. Len certainly didn’t suffer from shyness. She seemed equally at ease talking to Mrs Lilley about life in Switzerland or laughing with Mr Lilley about her mother’s rose garden, which had started life as a cabbage patch. Rosamund, listening, envied her friend’s poise. Perhaps when she’d been at school a little longer she’d have it too. The nervous flutters came back with a bang in the evening, though, when Len, after getting gradually quieter and quieter, eventually beckoned Rosamund out into the corridor and asked her in an embarrassed mutter where she could go to ‘freshen up’. Rosamund was confused. “Is your washstand jug empty?” she asked. “Bring it down to the kitchen and I'll fill it for you.” “No!” Len whispered vehemently. “I mean, where is the…um…you know…” Looking at her friend’s face, scarlet with embarrassment, Rosamund could only conclude that she was asking for directions to the toilet. But she’d already shown her where that was, earlier in the afternoon. Then light dawned – or at least she thought it did. “Are you nervous about going outside on your own?” she asked. “It’s still quite light.” Len’s face was a picture. After a long frozen moment, she got her voice to work. “Oh. Isn’t…isn’t there another one inside?” she asked, with a creditable attempt at sounding as if it didn’t matter either way. Rosamund’s stomach muscles cringed. “No, there’s just the one.” “Oh…OK.” They walked like marionettes back into the kitchen. Noticing their flushed faces, Mrs Lilley raised her eyebrows. “Is everything all right?” They assured her in hurried chorus that everything was fine. Still scarlet, Len edged towards the door. “Would you…er…excuse me a minute, Mr and Mrs Lilley?” she said, with a sketchy euphemistic gesture in the direction of ‘outside’. “Of course, dear,” said Mrs Lilley, and Len bolted. When she came back, several minutes later, Rosamund was relieved to see that her colour had almost returned to normal. “Now then,” Mrs Lilley smiled. “ Why don’t you girls go up and get ready for your baths, and I’ll put some water on to heat. Len, you can have the first bath.” With an inward groan, Rosamund watched her friend’s eyes grow to the size of saucers as Mr Lilley stood and unhooked the big zinc bath from where it hung on the wall and placed it in the scullery, and Mrs Lilley put a large pan of water on the range to boil. Unable to bear it any longer, she took Len by the arm. “Come on,” she said. “I’ll show you where we keep the towels.” They climbed the stairs in absolute silence, the sound of their footsteps thundering in Rosamund’s ears. She rummaged in the linen cupboard, trying to delay the inevitable. “Here,” she said eventually, handing Len a clean but worn towel. “Thanks,” Len said. Her expression was resolutely casual. Rosamund bit her lip. “I’m sorry,” she said. Len looked at her cautiously. “Sorry about what?” “I know it’s not like this at your house. Bathing, I mean. In the kitchen. You have a proper bathroom.” Len thought for a minute. “Actually,” she said, completely deadpan, “we have twelve bathrooms.” Rosamund gasped. “Twelve!” “Well, we used to have twelve,” Len amended. “We’ve made some of them into store rooms. So now we only have six.” She ended on such a mournful note that Rosamund was surprised into a snort of laughter. The wicked grin that Len gave her finished her off completely, and within moments both girls were collapsed on the floor in front of the linen cupboard, weak with giggles. “Oh dear,” Len said, struggling to her feet and wiping her eyes. “Your parents will think I’m a terribly bad influence on you.” Which set them off again.

Author:	Alison H [ 15 Feb 2009, 12:24 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 15/02, pg 2)
Glad that they were able to laugh about it - that was lovely. My grandparents still had an outside toilet in the 1980s, although they did have an inside one as well . Poor Len - I get a bit embarrassed asking for directions to toilets even these days, and one guy I work with is in his 50s but refers to "being excused" as if he's still at school .

Author:	Lesley [ 15 Feb 2009, 14:50 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 15/02, pg 2)
Well at least they were able to laugh about it! Though am slightly surprised that Len had to go - I thought CS girls didn't? It's quite in character for people of Rosamund's class not to have inside plumbing at that time - neither of my parents did until they moved, with 13 month old baby (me) into a new flat in 1963. Thanks Andi

Author:	RroseSelavy [ 15 Feb 2009, 15:41 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 15/02, pg 2)
My mother often reminisces about the first house she and my dad had, in the late 60s... it not only had an outdoor loo, but said loo was a wooden box with a hole that led straight down to the main sewer Thanks Andi, this is really interesting!

Author:	Abi [ 15 Feb 2009, 16:43 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 15/02, pg 2)
This is fascinating - I think I like your Len better than EBD's, she actually seems like a normal person! Glad that they got over the toilet/bath awkwardness; it was nice to see them laughing together over it. Thanks Andi!

Author:	Chris [ 15 Feb 2009, 18:35 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 15/02, pg 2)
My husband (he wasn't my husband then of course) had an outside loo in the early '70s, till they had a bathroom built onto the back of the house in about 1974 I think.

Author:	linda [ 15 Feb 2009, 19:41 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 15/02, pg 2)
We had an outside loo until 1955 (but a plumbed in bath in the scullery - under a hinged work surface) until we moved to a semi-detached with full indoor plumbing. One of my sets of grandparents shared a toilet with their next door neighbour, in a block down the street, complete with squares of newspaper!!!!

Author:	PaulineS [ 15 Feb 2009, 21:37 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 15/02, pg 2)
Like Linda I lived in a house with a bath under the work surface in the kitchen until the early sixties. The toilet was in room off the cellar, we had to go outside in hidden yard (below ground level opening off the cellar and toilet and down some steps behind a wall). When we moved in the sixties we still had an outside toilet, and a bath in the attic until council split a bedroom to make a tiny bedroom and a bathroom with a toilet. The first house was a back to back and the second a terrace house the council had bought and modernised whilst we lived in it. As friends and school mates lived in similar houses I did not have to suffer the embarassment Rosamund did here.

Author:	Liz K [ 16 Feb 2009, 06:58 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 15/02, pg 2)
Chris wrote: My husband (he wasn't my husband then of course) had an outside loo in the early '70s, till they had a bathroom built onto the back of the house in about 1974 I think. Same with my Gran, she lived in rented accommodation, which had an outside loo until her landlord had a shower room built where the loo was at the back of the house. When my family stayed with Gran in the 60s (we were living in Germany then), I remember creeping downstairs with Mum early in the morning to go outside.

Author:	andi [ 16 Feb 2009, 21:52 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 15/02, pg 2)
I apologise for the way this drabble seems to be focusing on ahem bathroom issues. We will move on to other things soon, I promise. Later that evening, as a special treat, Mrs Lilley allowed them to make cocoa and take it up to Rosamund’s room. They curled up at each end of the bed, sipping happily. “Matey would be hopping if she could see us,” Len observed. She hesitated a moment. “Ros, I’m sorry about being so dense earlier.” “What do you mean?” “You know, about the baths…and the…um…” Len flapped her hand vaguely in the direction of the garden. “Oh, yes, the ‘Um’…” Rosamund’s mimicry made them both laugh again. “But seriously, Ros,” Len said when she recovered. “What happens if…well…if it’s the middle of the night?” For answer, Rosamund reached down below the bed and pulled out a large white chamberpot. Len looked speechlessly from it to Rosamund, and back again. She put her mug of cocoa down on the bedside table. “Maybe I’d better not drink any more,” she said. Rosamund shook her head. “Of all the things I was worrying about over your visit, this one never occurred to me. I suppose it just seems normal to me.” Len looked up in surprise. “You were worried?” she asked. Rosamund shrugged. “Well, I’ve never had a friend to stay before.” She looked at Len and decided she might as well say it. “And certainly not someone from a rich family like yours.” Len stared at her. “What? Don’t talk nonsense, Ros. You’re getting me mixed up with Emmy Hope.” “Well, what would you call it?” Rosamund asked. “I mean, compared to us…” She stopped. Len looked struck. “I’ve never really thought about it. I mean, we don’t get masses of pocket money, and all our clothes get handed down to the little kids.” “You live in a huge house. You have servants. You go to an expensive school,” Rosamund pointed out. She waggled her eyebrows impressively. “You have six bathrooms.” Len chuckled appreciatively. “Actually, the school thing doesn’t wash. We don’t pay,” she said. Then she stopped, biting her lip. “Oh…I probably shouldn’t have mentioned that. Don’t say anything, will you?” “Of course not,” said Rosamund, astonished. Then her curiosity got the better of her. “But – if you don’t mind my asking – why don’t you pay? You’re not all on scholarships like me, are you?” “No, it’s because Mamma and Auntie Madge own the school,” Len said. She stopped, realised what she’d just said, and gave an embarrassed laugh. “OK. I see what you mean, I suppose, but I still don’t feel wealthy.” “What, then?” Len thought for a minute. She grinned. “Lucky?”

Author:	Abi [ 16 Feb 2009, 22:14 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 16/02, pg 2)
Ooh, am I the first to find this? It's so nice that Len and Rosamund feel comfortable enough with one another to be able to talk about their differences and not feel shamed or uncomfortable about it. Very amusing that neither of them pays, but for different reasons... Thanks Andi - I'm really enjoying this.

Author:	Lesley [ 16 Feb 2009, 22:21 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 16/02, pg 2)
So Rosamund has earned her right to go to the CS - Len had it handed to her because her mother part-owns the school! Love the fact that the two were able to talk about it and that Len didn't consider her family to be rich. Thanks Andi.

Author:	Nightwing [ 16 Feb 2009, 22:23 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 16/02, pg 2)
Thanks andi - I could see how Len has never really had to consider the realities of her family's wealth before!

Author:	Cat C [ 16 Feb 2009, 22:26 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 16/02, pg 2)
It's interesting, isn't it? Len thinks of being rich in terms of pocket money, and hasn't thought about or realised that the normal CS fees would necessarily exclude a lot of people. Makes it all the more impressive that Ros fitted in as well as she did.

Author:	Alison H [ 16 Feb 2009, 22:47 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 16/02, pg 2)
Joey talked about being "frightfully poor" in School At: she didn't have a clue about really being poor, but everything's relative and she must have felt poor compared to when she and Madge had a regular income from the money which their guardian managed for them. Likewise, Len's only used to going to school with people whose families are for the most part better off than or at least as well of as hers. It's really interesting seeing her having to look at things differently, and good that it's not causing any unpleasantness between her and Rosamund.

Author:	Miss Di [ 17 Feb 2009, 03:22 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 16/02, pg 2)
Thanks Andi, this is great, Len and Rosamund are both very 'real'. And keeping the toilet theme going, we had a house in Ultimo (inner Sydney suburb) in the early '90s where the dunny was still down the back - it was on the sewerage though, unlike the one in our holiday house which was a long drop until last year.

Author:	keren [ 17 Feb 2009, 10:28 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 16/02, pg 2)
I like the "what if" stories, i.e what would have happened if Len visited Ros in the holidays. Interesting that she has probably never discussed before with friends, that bascially her mother part owns the school and therefore does not pay the fees. Do they have income from the school? Also, if Joey does know that Ros is on a scholarship and has seen Joan who came from the same area, it is in fact very good of her to let Len go and stay with them. Not everyone would have done this.

Author:	JS [ 17 Feb 2009, 14:15 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 16/02, pg 2)
Nice to see more of this, thanks Andi.

Author:	Sarah_K [ 17 Feb 2009, 20:39 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 16/02, pg 2)
I can see why Len wouldn't necessarily think of herself as rich, particularly with people like Emmy around, after all the Maynards don't seem to have a lot of disposable cash generally and they do reuse clothes etc. a lot but really they are very well off. Lucky's a nice way of putting it!

Author:	Cath V-P [ 18 Feb 2009, 04:45 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 16/02, pg 2)
Interesting to see that Len is now evaluating her own family circumstances in a new way. It's good that she and Ros were able to laugh about something that could easily have been painfully embarrassing for them. Quite a significant part of Brisbane was not sewered until the start of the 1970s - and although we live only 25km from the city centre, we have a septic tank and grey water system. We do have town water. And we have four bathrooms in a three bedroom house.....

Author:	Fiona Mc [ 19 Feb 2009, 07:56 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 16/02, pg 2)
How on earth do you fit in four bathrooms in a three bedroom house Cath V-P? Thanks, am really enjoying the drabble. It's nice Len is getting the chance to visit with her closest friend as she never seemed to in the books

Author:	Emma A [ 19 Feb 2009, 10:22 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 16/02, pg 2)
I am enjoying the culture clash, but Len and Ros are good enough friends that it's not souring their relationship. It's lovely to see them both "out of school" for a change. Thanks, Andi.

Author:	hac61 [ 19 Feb 2009, 12:20 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 16/02, pg 2)
Fiona Mc wrote: How on earth do you fit in four bathrooms in a three bedroom house Cath V-P? Easy, one for each bedroom and one downstairs. My kind of house. hac

Author:	andi [ 19 Feb 2009, 20:12 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 16/02, pg 2)
As the days passed, Rosamund realised that her worries had been unnecessary. Once she had adjusted to the routines of the Lilley household, Len seemed to revel in their novelty. Even mundane activities like taking a bus ride into town to do errands for Mrs Lilley were exciting and new to her. “You see,” she explained to Rosamund, “at home, Anna does all the shopping. And whenever we go out, it’s with Mamma or Anna or Rosli. It’s such fun to be able to do things with just the two of us and no horde of little kids to look after.” Rosamund laughed. “And here I was envying you for having so many younger brothers and sisters around. Isn’t it funny how we always want something different to what we have?” One day, as promised, they took a bus into Winchester and visited the Cathedral. Rosamund had been there once before, on a trip with her old school, but she was happy to have another chance to see it. Len, who had seen several of the great Continental cities, was still awed by the ancient and magnificent building. After some searching, they located Jane Austen’s tomb in the nave and Len gazed respectfully at the carved headstone, memorising it for her sister’s benefit. Then they spent a happy couple of hours exploring and window-shopping before catching the bus back home. “It’s fun to see a proper English town for a change,” Len remarked, gazing back at the statue of King Alfred as the bus pulled out of the station. “The Swiss towns are jolly interesting, of course, but seeing this makes me feel more sort of – British, if you know what I mean.” “No, I don’t,” Rosamund said, baffled. “You are British, aren’t you?” “Yes, but I’ve been away for so long, sometimes it doesn’t feel like it. We left for Canada when I was ten, and when we got back, we moved to Switzerland almost straight away. I don’t really know this country at all.” She sounded regretful. Rosamund was surprised. ‘Living in Switzerland’ had always been high up on the list of things she envied about her friend’s life. Now she wondered if there might not be some disadvantages to it, after all. When they got home, there was a letter for Rosamund on the kitchen table. She picked it up and her eyebrows went up. “That’s Joan’s handwriting,” she said, taking a knife and carefully cutting open the envelope. She scanned the single page with its untidy scrawl and bit her lip. “Oh,” she said. “Is something wrong?” “Oh, no,” Rosamund said hurriedly. “It’s just that Joan’s father is coming here on business on Thursday and he’s bringing Joan with him.” She hesitated. “She suggested we could all go to the pictures in the afternoon.” They looked at each other doubtfully. Joan had changed a lot since her disastrous first term at the school, but Len still didn’t really know her very well. Rosamund, on the other hand, knew her only too well. But after all, what harm could an afternoon at the cinema cause?

Author:	Lesley [ 19 Feb 2009, 20:33 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 19/02, p3)
Oh dear! This could be fine - but with Joan back in her old environment I wonder just how she will react to len being there? Thanks Andi - sad that Len doesn't feel British

Author:	Abi [ 19 Feb 2009, 22:14 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 19/02, p3)
Love Len's enjoyment of doing ordinary mundane things like running errands! And it's nice for her to get a chance to see British places. Hope things will be all right with Joan . Thank you Andi.

Author:	Alison H [ 19 Feb 2009, 23:00 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 19/02, p3)
This is absolutely fascinating, Andi - the "expat" issue now, as well as the class issue. Really hoping that they have a good afternoon at the cinema and that Len learns that Joan's actually a very nice person ...

Author:	Fiona Mc [ 20 Feb 2009, 08:39 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 19/02, p3)
Glad Len and Ros are having a good time, hope the visit goes well with Joan. There's no reason why it shouldn't.

Author:	Cath V-P [ 20 Feb 2009, 11:46 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 19/02, p3)
Being an expat can be incredibly dislocating at times - and even harder for Len given just how much of her life has been spent away from the UK. I hope that she and Rosamund and Joan do manage to find common ground away from the CS. Thank you andi. Re the four bathrooms Fiona - hac61 is pretty much correct, but the house wasn't originally built like that. To start with, there were three bedrooms with two bathrooms, the main bathroom and our ensuite. Then a second wing was added with a living room, another bedroom and a bathroom - but the third bedroom in the original part of the house was divided into a very large hall cupboard, and an ensuite for the second bedroom. Ironically, this has the only bath in the house.

Author:	JS [ 20 Feb 2009, 18:57 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 19/02, p3)
Another hoping it goes well with Joan and liking the appreciation of bus travel!

Author:	andi [ 20 Feb 2009, 20:09 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 19/02, p3)
Mrs Lilley didn’t look terribly happy at the news of Joan Baker’s visit, but she gave permission for the cinema, “provided the film is suitable for you girls.” With mixed feelings – she quite liked the cinema, but the idea of an afternoon spent with Len and Joan together felt somehow daunting – Rosamund went to find the newspaper and look up what was showing. “Oh!” she exclaimed, all her reservations vanishing as she found the listing she was looking for. “Look, Len! It’s Singing in the Rain!” Len looked blank. “Is that good?” she asked. “Oh, Len! Don’t you know anything about films?” Rosamund asked. “Well, no, I suppose, how would you?” She gave her a friendly shove. “You’ll just have to trust my judgement.” Len pulled a face at her, and they ran back together to tell Mrs Lilley the news. On Thursday afternoon, they caught a bus into town. Joan was waiting for them outside the cinema. Rosamund had to hide a grin as she sensed Len doing a quiet double-take at Joan’s fashionable tight black sweater and full scarlet skirt. She greeted them cheerfully. “There you are! What a time you’ve been. I’ve been waiting hours! Hello, Len. Enjoying the hols?” “Yes, thanks,” Len said quietly. “Come on,” Rosamund said. “Let’s get the tickets.” She moved towards the ticket office, which had a large poster of Gene Kelly on the wall. Joan pulled a face. “I wish we could see Moulin Rouge instead. I just adore Zsa Zsa Gabor, don’t you?” Len, to whom this question was addressed, looked completely baffled. “Sorry, Joan,” Rosamund interjected. “You know my Mum would never allow me to see that. I’m afraid it’s Singing in the Rain or nothing. Anyway, I like Gene Kelly.” “Oh, you’re too goody-goody to live, Ros Lilley,” Joan pouted, but without the malice she would once have used. “All right then, let’s get on with it.” They bought their tickets and were about to enter the cinema when a deep male voice stopped them. “Well, well, look what the cat dragged in. Hello there, Joan.” They turned around to see who had spoken. Resplendent in full teddy-boy regalia, Vic Coles lounged against a wall and surveyed them. Rosamund’s heart sank. Len stared as if Vic was a visitor from another planet. Joan blushed and tossed her hair. “Hello Vic,” she said. “Long time no see.” “Nice of you to come back and slum it with us humble folks,” he said, not moving from his position. His gaze slid across all three girls, paused on Len for a moment and then moved back to Joan. “So will we be seeing any more of you while you’re here?” Joan laughed. “Maybe you will, and maybe you won’t,” she said. “Come on, you two.” She flounced into the cinema without a backward glance, her bright skirt swirling about her as she moved. “Honestly, Joan,” Rosamund muttered once they were inside. “Don’t you ever learn? You shouldn’t mess around with Vic Coles. He’s trouble.” Joan laughed. “Oh, Ros, you’re such a fusser! I can handle Vic.” Rosamund wasn’t so sure. But there was nothing she could do about it right then, and she was aware of Len at her other side, a puzzled expression on her face. “Oh, all right,” she said, shrugging. “Forget it. Come on, the film’s about to begin.”

Author:	wheelchairprincess [ 20 Feb 2009, 20:22 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 20/02, p3)
Really hoping Len has the sense not to tell Joey about meeting up with Joan/Vic Coles but also really hoping she doesn't because I want to see Joey's reaction!

Author:	Lesley [ 20 Feb 2009, 21:28 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 20/02, p3)
It's actually rather sad that Len seems to know so little about being a normal teenager in the Fifties. Thanks andi

Author:	Alison H [ 20 Feb 2009, 22:44 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 20/02, p3)
I'm quite pleased that they've met up with Vic (and I've always pictured him as a teddy boy too ) . Len's the one who's a bit like a visitor from another planet here, isn't she; and yet they're not doing anything even remotely out of the ordinary. Singing in the Rain is great .

Author:	Cat C [ 20 Feb 2009, 22:46 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 20/02, p3)
Hmmmm, I have dark forebodings about Vic meeting Len...

Author:	Abi [ 21 Feb 2009, 00:01 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 20/02, p3)
It is a shame that Len has had so little opportunity to do normal things - she and her sisters really are too sheltered. Interesting to see Vic again, and I like the fact that although Joan still relates to him in the same way she did before, she's still obviously changed. I hope Len enjoys the film - it will be a new experience for her anyway! Thanks Andi.

Author:	Fiona Mc [ 21 Feb 2009, 01:47 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 20/02, p3)
Poor Len, she has been so sheltered, not just with the school but also where she lives. Could well understand Joan being able to handle Vic and fob him off if she wanted to without causing trouble. She seemed to do it well there. Hope everything goes okay

Author:	JS [ 21 Feb 2009, 17:38 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 20/02, p3)
Cat C wrote: Quote: Hmmmm, I have dark forebodings about Vic meeting Len... That didn't even cross my mind - but now I'm wondering....

Author:	andi [ 21 Feb 2009, 22:41 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 20/02, p3)
By the time the film was over, all three had forgotten the incident. Len, to whom the cinema was a rare event, had sat enthralled from start to finish. Joan and Rosamund had to take an arm each and physically pull her from her seat to break her out of her trance. Laughing and excited, the three girls linked arms and made their way from the cinema and down the road. “I’m si-i-inging in the rain, just si-i-inging in the rain, what a glorious feeling, I’m happy again,” Len and Rosamund sang together, grabbing onto a lamp-post and spinning around it just like Gene Kelly. “What a way for Chalet School girls to behave,” Joan teased. Letting go of the lamp-post, they charged after her, intent on vengeance. But as they rounded the corner of the road, a chorus of wolf-whistles made them all stop short and look around. “Figured you’d be coming back this way,” Vic Coles said, peeling himself lazily off the wall he had been leaning against. “Oh, Vic, honestly,” Joan said, rolling her eyes. Then she stopped. In the time that they had been in the cinema, Vic Coles had acquired a couple of friends. Their uniform of tight drain-pipe trousers, jackets and slicked-back hair gave them an oddly menacing appearance. They strolled towards the girls. “Leaving so soon, Joan?” Vic said smoothly. “Don’t you have time for your old mates anymore? Not good enough for you, are we?” “Don’t be silly, Vic,” Joan said. She looked calm enough, but Rosamund could hear the sudden nervousness in her voice. She realised with alarm that although Vic was standing in front of them, his two friends had moved around so that they were behind the girls, blocking their way. “Well, this is a change,” Vic sneered. “You used to be a lot more friendly, the way I remember it. What do you say we all go somewhere and get better acquainted? I’d like to meet your new friend.” He leered at Len, who looked at him as if he was something nasty that she had trodden in. Rosamund prayed that she wouldn’t say anything. The sound of Len’s clear, well-modulated Chalet School accent really wouldn’t help this situation. Joan flushed. “I can’t stay and chat now,” she said. “My father’s waiting for me. Maybe next time.” “Oh, your fahhhhther’s waiting,” Vic said, in an exaggerated accent. “Well then, milady, allow us to escort you all back to your fahhhther. We can’t have young ladies like yourselves walking alone in a place like this, can we?” His friends snickered unpleasantly. “There’s no need, thank you,” Rosamund said coldly. She pulled at Len’s arm and they turned to walk away, Joan joining up on Len’s other side. Vic’s two friends didn’t actually move to stop them, but neither did they stand aside as the girls pushed past. “Don’t look as if you’re in a hurry,” Joan muttered. They did their best to walk calmly, not looking back, but they knew they were being followed.

Author:	Lisa [ 21 Feb 2009, 23:35 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 21/02, p4)
Just found this and am enjoying it so much, thank you! Really love seeing Len in such a different environment and how both she and Rosamund are learning a lot about each other (wibbling about the situation the girls are in right now, though ... )

Author:	Alison H [ 22 Feb 2009, 00:07 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 21/02, p4)
Oh dear, this has turned a bit nasty . Very realistic that Vic and his friends would react like that, though. Poor Joan - if this gets round the CS it'll give everyone the impression that she keeps "bad company", and she had enough trouble settling in as it was.

Author:	Abi [ 22 Feb 2009, 00:21 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 21/02, p4)
Oh dear - an ugly situation for the girls to be in . I think Len and Rosamund would be sensitive enough to Joan's feelings not to go telling people about it though - they'd know exactly how people would react. I hope Len won't be too upset by the incident and that it won't destroy her happiness in all the new experiences she's discovering. Thanks Andi.

Author:	Lesley [ 22 Feb 2009, 09:35 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 21/02, p4)
Nasty situation - yet Joan did nothing to cause it - at least not this time. And she has changed - the comment about her 'father' is something the old Joan would never have said. Pleased Len kept quiet as the sound of her accent would have further fanned the flames. Hope they can get away now - don't think Vic and his cronies are doing anything other than just trying (and succeeding) in scaring the girls. Thanks andi

Author:	crystaltips [ 22 Feb 2009, 17:31 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 21/02, p4)
Oh dear, just caught up on 3 pages - wibbling mightily for all the girls. Thanks Andi.

Author:	Cat C [ 22 Feb 2009, 17:41 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 21/02, p4)
Oh crumbs! And it had been going well until now...

Author:	andi [ 22 Feb 2009, 18:23 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 21/02, p4)
“Ros!” Joan said, her voice low. “Better not go down Grove Street.” Rosamund knew what she meant. Even as it was, the road they were on was too quiet for her comfort, but once they turned onto Grove Street they’d be walking along the edge of the common, likely to be deserted at this time of day. Rosamund kicked herself mentally. They should have walked back the other way, towards the High Street and the safety of the crowds. But it was too late now. She glanced at Len and saw her lips moving silently. She’s praying, Rosamund realised. And as she thought it, an idea came. “Miss Keatinge lives on this road, further down. We’ll go to her,” she said. Some of the tenseness left Joan’s face. “You would pick my least favourite teacher to get help from, wouldn’t you?” she grumbled, with a faint grin. I just hope she’s there, Rosamund thought. They walked a little faster, trying to ignore the sound of footsteps behind them and the low-voiced but continuous stream of comment and mocking laughter. Then suddenly, Len gasped.

Author:	Alison H [ 22 Feb 2009, 19:42 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 22/02, p4)
Aarrgghh!! You can't leave it there!!

Author:	Celia [ 22 Feb 2009, 20:35 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 22/02, p4)
Love the cliff,but hope we don't have to teeter on the edge too long ! Thanks andi

Author:	Lesley [ 22 Feb 2009, 21:27 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 22/02, p4)
Joan is being very level headed here - as is Ros being able to think of her ex-teacher. Len must feel completely out of her depth - she would never have any references for this type of behaviour. Nice cliff, too! Thanks andi

Author:	Abi [ 22 Feb 2009, 21:50 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 22/02, p4)
Impressed by Joan and Rosamund here, and Len is being very sensible too - she realises she can't do anything to help, not having had any experience of this kind of thing, but she isn't panicking or making things more difficult. I just hope Miss Keatinge is in....... please tell us soon andi!

Author:	Cat C [ 22 Feb 2009, 22:12 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 22/02, p4)
Ooooooh noooo! Hope you let us know the next bit soon!

Author:	Fiona Mc [ 23 Feb 2009, 02:24 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 22/02, p4)
I thought I missed one cliff to get the other!!! Glad Joan and Rosamund are keeping their heads and likewise Len by staying silent in a situation she knows nothing about and leaving Joan and Rosamund to take the lead. Hope Miss Keatinge is in.

Author:	Miss Di [ 23 Feb 2009, 03:11 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 22/02, p4)
Oh please don't leave us hanging! This is very creepy and I need to know the girls are OK.

Author:	KatS [ 23 Feb 2009, 03:11 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 22/02, p4)
You must must must update this soon! What has happened?? Trying to think of the possibilities... What's the worst thing that could happen? I assume Vic Coles and his gang aren't going to beat them up? Or rape them on the deserted common?

Author:	andi [ 23 Feb 2009, 08:37 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 22/02, p4)
To put you all out of your misery The other two, their nerves stretched to breaking point, jumped, provoking a chorus of jeers from Vic and his friends. “What is it?” Rosamund hissed. “Look!” Len said, her voice loud with relief. “Isn’t that your brother, Ros?” Rosamund followed her pointing finger and almost wept with relief at the sight of the familiar stocky figure striding towards them. “Tim! What are you doing here?” she asked. “Mum thought you’d be coming back around now,” he said. “Wanted me to come and meet you. And looks like it was just as well I did,” he added, glaring at the pack behind them, who had stopped and were trying to look as if they were somewhere else entirely. “Come on,” Tim said. “We’ve a while yet before the bus. There’s a coffee shop on the high street. My treat.”

Author:	Alison H [ 23 Feb 2009, 08:52 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 23/02, p4)
Phew!!

Author:	shazwales [ 23 Feb 2009, 08:53 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 23/02, p4)
Thankyou Andi I can go out now in peace!

Author:	Elbee [ 23 Feb 2009, 09:52 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 23/02, p4)
Phew, indeed!! Thanks, Andi.

Author:	keren [ 23 Feb 2009, 09:56 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 23/02, p4)
Well, you know that was real life, whether these were boys you knew, or not, it was sometimes frightening to walk about the streets at night. This is also something that Len was sheltered from (so her sheltered life was not all bad)

Author:	Emma A [ 23 Feb 2009, 11:00 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 23/02, p4)
Gosh, the sudden relief! Thanks for not having anything horrible happen to the girls. I like Joan in this - she's portrayed more sympathetically than EBD did, I think! I loved Len's enthralment with the film, too - they picked a good one to watch.

Author:	Fiona Mc [ 23 Feb 2009, 12:55 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 23/02, p4)
Thank goodness for Rosamund's brother Tim. I think all three girls handles the situation well

Author:	Cat C [ 23 Feb 2009, 15:09 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 23/02, p4)
Yes, phew indeed Wonder how Len will process that one, once she's safely back at the Lilleys'.

Author:	JS [ 23 Feb 2009, 16:33 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 23/02, p4)
Quote: Yes, phew indeed Another echoing that! Really enjoying this, thanks Andi.

Author:	Abi [ 23 Feb 2009, 21:19 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 23/02, p4)
Oh my! Thank goodness for Tim! wipes brow with trembling hand. Hope this doesn't spoil things for Len though - definitely NOT the kind of thing she's used to. Thanks Andi! Edited 'cos I can't spell .

Author:	Lesley [ 23 Feb 2009, 21:53 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 23/02, p4)
Pleased that Tim appeared - though it would have been nice to see Miss Keatinge again. Thanks andi.

Author:	Cath V-P [ 24 Feb 2009, 00:32 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 23/02, p4)
Thank goodness for Tim's appearance. That was a nasty experience for all of them; despite Joan and Ros's apparent calmness, it was clear they were all frightened. It shows just how difficult it is for Joan in particular to move between her school and home worlds.

Author:	andi [ 24 Feb 2009, 09:48 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 23/02, p4)
“I do think Tim was splendid, Ros,” Len said that evening. She was sitting on Rosamund’s bed again, chatting while Rosamund brushed her hair and got ready for bed. “It must be fun to have an older brother.” Rosamund snorted. “Not all the time, let me tell you. Although I was pleased to see him today, that’s for sure.” “But they wouldn’t really have – have done anything, would they?” “Probably not,” Rosamund agreed, although she wasn’t entirely sure of it. “I think they just wanted to scare us.” “Well, they managed that,” Len said, with a shiver. Rosamund looked at her anxiously. “It hasn’t spoilt the holiday for you, has it?” “Of course not!” Len said robustly. She laughed. “Poor Joan. She was so apologetic about it all.” “And it wasn’t really her fault. He’d probably have followed us anyway, even if she’d ignored him. In fact, it would have made things worse. He’s horrible. I can’t think what anyone sees in him.” “I wondered –” Len stopped short, her face pink. “You wondered what?” “Was – was he Joan’s boyfriend? Before she came to school, I mean.” Rosamund didn’t know how to answer. To Len, she knew, as to most of her classmates, boyfriends were an alien species. As far as she could work out from people’s conversations, even once they’d left school, Chalet School girls didn’t seem to date boys. At least, not the way people she knew did. Her oldest sister Dorothy had dated two other boys before she’d married Peter, and no-one had thought she was doing anything wrong. Chalet School girls seemed to just leave school, meet a man, and marry him. Although secretly Rosamund suspected that there was probably more to it than they were telling. “No,” she said. “He wasn’t her boyfriend. Just a – a boy that she knew. He wasn’t so bad then, although he always had a name for being a bit wild.” She tried to think of a way of explaining it that would make sense to Len without making Joan look bad. “Her being friends with Vic was a bit like the kids at school taking a dare, if you see what I mean.” Len nodded slowly. “Mmm - I suppose so. I mean, it’s not something I’d ever do, but then I’ve never really understood why people take dares either.” She propped her chin on her clasped hands, pondering. “I’ve never met any boys like that before.” she mused. “The only older boys I know are Rix and David, my cousins, and we hardly ever see them. And there’s Reg Entwhistle, but he’s quite old, practically a grown-up, really. Oh, and now your brother, of course. But he’s not like those boys at all.” Rosamund raised her eyebrows archly. “Len Maynard! Listening to you go on about my brother, anyone might think you were rather taken with him.” For answer, Len picked up a pillow and hurled it at her friend, and in the subsequent melee, the subject lapsed.

Author:	Emma A [ 24 Feb 2009, 10:36 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 24/02, p5)
Lovely post, andi - I did like Len and Rosamund's discussion, and Rosamund's internal comment: Quote: Chalet School girls seemed to just leave school, meet a man, and marry him. Although secretly Rosamund suspected that there was probably more to it than they were telling. So true! This is really showing their friendship well.

Author:	Ruth B [ 24 Feb 2009, 11:12 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 24/02, p5)
Quote: And there’s Reg Entwhistle, but he’s quite old, practically a grown-up, really. Oh, and now your brother, of course. But he’s not like those boys at all.” If you could just remember that in a couple of years when he asks you to marrry him, Len, that would be good.

Author:	Alison H [ 24 Feb 2009, 13:21 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 24/02, p5)
I rather share Rosamund's suspicions about there being more to it than people were telling ! What a lovely friendship Len and Ros have.

Author:	JS [ 24 Feb 2009, 14:43 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 24/02, p5)
Maybe Len could meet up with Ros's brother again when she goes to Oxford

Author:	Lexi [ 24 Feb 2009, 18:28 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 24/02, p5)
This is lovely Andi, I really like how well you've captured all the characters. Lots more please

Author:	Fiona Mc [ 24 Feb 2009, 23:44 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 24/02, p5)
I wondered what Len Maynard would make of it all when it was over and if she had worked out that there had been something between Joan and Vic

Author:	Miss Di [ 25 Feb 2009, 04:20 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 24/02, p5)
Well thank goodness for Tim. I also like the boyfriend musings. Especially Rosamund's suspicion that maybe the grown up Chalet Girls weren't as pure as they pretented to be!

Author:	Cath V-P [ 25 Feb 2009, 13:29 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 24/02, p5)
It's good that Ros and Len didn't view this as somehow being Joan's fault, and that they can talk so reasonably about boys. And it's interesting to see the way Len is gaining some new insights into her own circumstances.

Author:	Abi [ 25 Feb 2009, 18:09 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 24/02, p5)
Nice to see Len learning a bit about the real world - also liked Ros' thoughts about the bits Chalet girls weren't telling . Thanks Andi.

Author:	andi [ 25 Feb 2009, 23:06 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (updated 24/02, p5)
I'm a bit sad to end this, as I've grown rather attached to Ros and Len! However... All too soon, the week was over. When Len said goodbye to the Lilley family, Rosamund was touched by the genuine affection she showed. “Come back and see us soon, dear,” Rosamund’s mother said warmly. “Yes, we’ll keep you out of trouble,” her brother added, with a twinkle in his eye. Rosamund and her father accompanied Len on the bus to Winchester, and when they reached the railway station Mr Lilley insisted on buying Len an enormous bar of chocolate for the journey back to London, where her Aunt Madge would meet her. Rosamund and Len stood on the platform waiting for him to return and feeling the awkwardness that farewells bring. “Hope you enjoy the rest of your hols,” Rosamund said. She laughed. “They’ll probably seem nice and calm after this week!” “Yes,” Len agreed. “Life on the Platz isn’t terribly eventful. Although of course I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again,” she added hurriedly. In the distance, but growing rapidly nearer, the train appeared. At the same time Mr Lilley emerged from the station shop with a large brown paper bag which he bestowed on Len. He shook her hand firmly, told Rosamund that he would meet her at the station entrance, and vanished. “Dad hates goodbyes,” Rosamund said. “You should see him when it’s time for me to go back to school.” “So do I,” Len said. Suddenly she stepped forward and gave Rosamund a quick, crushing hug. “You have a lovely home, Ros. I had a marvellous time. Thanks a million.” With a loud hiss of brakes, the train pulled up. The platform became alive with people. Len picked up her suitcase. “I’d better go. Goodbye, Ros. See you next term.” She plunged into the crowd, to reappear a few moments later leaning perilously out of a carriage window. The train puffed into life and started to move. “Bye, Len. See you next term,” Rosamund called. She waited until the train had pulled out of the station and she could no longer make out Len’s wildly waving hand. For a moment she stood on the platform, thinking of the long journey back to the Platz. She pictured Len as she usually knew her, in the familiar environment of school and Freudesheim, the big Maynard family home. It seemed odd, almost as if she was thinking of a different person. Shaking herself free of her thoughts, she left the platform and walked back through the station to where her father was waiting. “Ready, love?” he asked. “Ready, Dad,” she said, linking her arm through his as they walked out into the sunshine. “Let’s go home.”

Author:	Alison H [ 25 Feb 2009, 23:30 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
Thank you so much for this: I've really enjoyed it and am sorry to see it end.

Author:	shazwales [ 26 Feb 2009, 00:20 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
Just finished reading this,thank-you i've really enjoyed it.

Author:	Miss Di [ 26 Feb 2009, 03:40 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
I've enjoyed this Andi and hope you post just one more episode - letting us know what was in the large brown paper bag!

Author:	Elder in Ontario [ 26 Feb 2009, 03:46 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
I really enjoyed this - it's always a revelation to see glimpses of life away from school like this. Thanks, Andi

Author:	JS [ 26 Feb 2009, 10:06 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
Very satisfying, thank you.

Author:	JellySheep [ 26 Feb 2009, 10:19 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
This has been great - it's a pity it's come to an end. I really liked how the two girls get round the differences between their lives, and was very relieved that Tim came to the rescue.

Author:	Emma A [ 26 Feb 2009, 10:22 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
Sorry to see that end, andi - I really enjoyed it. Thank-you.

Author:	Karoline [ 26 Feb 2009, 11:05 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
Thank you Andi, that was lovely

Author:	Cath V-P [ 26 Feb 2009, 12:27 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
Thank you andi, I enjoyed that. It was intriguing to see Ros thinking of Len as almost a different person away from the platz and her family.

Author:	Elbee [ 26 Feb 2009, 13:42 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
Thanks andi, very enjoyable.

Author:	abbeybufo [ 26 Feb 2009, 14:20 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
Thank you Andi, that was a lovely holiday story - really enjoyed it. Another who would like to see inside the large paper bag!

Author:	Cat C [ 26 Feb 2009, 15:38 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
That was a nice story. Wasn't it the chocolate in the bag though?!

Author:	Jenefer [ 26 Feb 2009, 18:25 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
Thank you Andi, have enjoyed reading this

Author:	RroseSelavy [ 26 Feb 2009, 18:57 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
Thanks Andi, that was brilliant! It was good to see Len away from the Platz and being more of a normal teenager.

Author:	andi [ 26 Feb 2009, 20:45 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
Thanks for all your comments - I really enjoyed writing it! and there's no mystery about the brown paper bag, it was just to hold the large bar of chocolate that Mr Lilley - an enlightened man - knew would be essential for any journey. Unless maybe he slipped in a copy of 1950s Hello magazine as well...

Author:	Fiona Mc [ 27 Feb 2009, 10:51 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
Thanks, I really enjoyed that.

Author:	Sarah_G-G [ 27 Feb 2009, 11:12 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
Thank you for posting, I really enjoyed that.

Author:	Abi [ 28 Feb 2009, 00:29 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
Really enjoyed that Andi, it was so nice to see Len away from her usual environment. Could we have a sequel where Len and Tim meet up again...?

Author:	BethC [ 28 Feb 2009, 21:55 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
Thank you, Andi - good to see Len and Ros on Ros's home territory.

Author:	Maeve [ 28 Feb 2009, 23:08 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
Really enjoyed this, thanks

Author:	Kathy_S [ 02 Mar 2009, 06:15 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
Thank you, Andi. Fascinating window into the Lilleys' lives, and wonderful to see Len and Rosamund's interactions. Good thing Tim was around! Vic seems pretty nasty, with his reactions to the "new Joan." I hadn't previously thought of him as someone Joan might have gone with on a dare, or to show just how cool (substitute historically correct slang here) she was.

Author:	Lyanne [ 03 Mar 2009, 00:14 ]
Post subject:	Re: A visit to Hampshire (Complete 25/02, p6)
Coming in after the story to talk about toilets more! My mum's parents moved to a brand new council house in 1952 or 3, and it had an inside toilet. Downstairs by the front door, no sink till the 1990s, and though there was a bath room upstairs, that had bath and sink only till the 1980s.

	All times are UTC [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group http://www.phpbb.com/