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Another Challenge - Update July 20
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=3331

Author:  Torri [ Sun Sep 09, 2007 11:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Another Challenge - Update July 20

So this is my first CS drabble (not counting the things I used to hand in for English class a good thirteen years ago...) It's obviously (as you can see!) set during 'Challenge' and is going to be mostly about Nancy and Kathie and their relationship.

Except Kathie's not made an appearance yet as Phil Graves turned up and decided he wanted a part in it too and thus hijacked Nancy!



Nancy Wilmot was doing her best not to glare at the young woman in front of her. "I said that I was here to see Miss Ferrars," she said.

"She's sleeping now," said the nurse firmly.

Nancy grimaced slightly. "Mightn't I just look in quickly?" she asked, her eyes and voice pleading. "I promise not to disturb her."

"But Matron said..." began the nurse, before she was interrupted by a gruff male voice.

"Matron said that Miss Ferrars was to be kept quiet and not be allowed to get overexcited," said Phil Graves, his eyes twinkling as he added, "A rather difficult task there, I fear."

Nancy managed a weak smile. "Phil! How is she?" she asked. "I know, I know, I spoke with Jack earlier, but I'm always anxious for more news."

"There's not much more to say really," said Phil. "Everything went very smoothly and all she needs now is just to rest up. The only problem I'm foreseeing is getting her to stay in bed." The young nurse had moved away and Phil leaned towards Nancy. "Any points there on how we could do that?" he asked in a low murmur, a wide grin on his face.

Nancy flushed a deep red. "Phil Graves!" she exclaimed in horror. "I.. you... you beast. What Hilary sees in you, I have no idea!"

"Funny," said Phil unperturbedly. "We ask Kathie the same thing frequently. Hey!" Nancy had just hit him none too gently around the arm. "You know, I always believed that headmistresses conducted themselves with dignity – especially headmistresses of the Chalet School."

Nancy's face was solemn. "You know, I'm only able to be here now because I'm the headmistress," she said. "Rosalie managed to arrange it – somehow, bless her – so I could get down here to see her now. As it is, I can't stay long; there's some mess with Upper Iva that Kathie was trying to sort out when she collapsed that needs to be seen to, not to mention sorting out the timetables. But I can come as the Head seeing a member of her staff." She sighed. "But then, because I'm the Head, I won't be able to spend any real time with her while she's recovering. I won't be able to be there when she needs me."

Phil said nothing. Inwardly, he was wondering whether it would be better for Kathie to spend the majority of her recovery time away from the Platz, once she was over the worst of it, and he planned to have a word with Jack Maynard to see what he thought. If the other doctor agreed, he was prepared to give the suggestion to Kathie's aunt, with whom he had spoken with earlier on the phone and who was coming out to the Platz at her earliest opportunity.

Nancy herself was thoughtful for a moment, before shaking her head. "There's no use worrying about it now," she said. "Please may I go in, Phil? I know that you've all said that she's all right now and I do believe you – I really do. I just have to see her with my own eyes, that's all."

Phil nodded, moving to open the door. "I can't promise she'll be awake, so you might spend your entire visit – which isn't going to be that long in the first place – watching her sleep."

Nancy laughed, a slight bitterness escaping. "That's pretty much how I've seemed to spend most my time with her this term," she admitted, shrugging slightly as she moved past him into the room.

Author:  linda [ Sun Sep 09, 2007 11:25 pm ]
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This looks promising Torri. :D :D :D I'm looking forward to seeing it develops. I love stories about Kathie and Nancy.

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Sep 10, 2007 12:02 am ]
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This looks good - but I'm intrigued by the idea of writing CS drabbles in school English lessons now!

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Sep 10, 2007 5:41 am ]
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Awwww, poor Nancy, so worried yet trying hard not to show it. Love the relationship she has with Phil Graves.


Thanks Torri

Author:  Elbee [ Mon Sep 10, 2007 7:47 am ]
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linda wrote:
I love stories about Kathie and Nancy.


Me too! :D Thanks Torri.

Author:  Rosalin [ Mon Sep 10, 2007 8:24 am ]
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Torri wrote:
Nancy flushed a deep red. "Phil Graves!" she exclaimed in horror. "I.. you... you beast. What Hilary sees in you, I have no idea!"

"Funny," said Phil unperturbedly. "We ask Kathie the same thing frequently.


I like the relationship between the four of them that this suggests.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Sep 10, 2007 8:40 am ]
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Rosalin wrote:
Torri wrote:
Nancy flushed a deep red. "Phil Graves!" she exclaimed in horror. "I.. you... you beast. What Hilary sees in you, I have no idea!"

"Funny," said Phil unperturbedly. "We ask Kathie the same thing frequently.


I like the relationship between the four of them that this suggests.

Thanks Torri.

So do I. Thanks. Am looking forward to more

Author:  Chair [ Mon Sep 10, 2007 9:22 am ]
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Thanks, Torri. It's great to see Phil and Nancy getting on so well with each other and I'm really enjoying this drabble so far. I look forward to seeing what happens next.

Author:  Torri [ Mon Sep 10, 2007 2:20 pm ]
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Alison - Aged 9 or so, I didn't see the point of making up whole new characters for stories in English when I had this whole set of them that I knew and loved... Surprisingly the teacher let me get away with it! :shock:

Thanks to everyone for all your kind words. Just a little short bit now before I'm off to work, but don't expect this sort of rate usually! :)



Even though Nancy was well accustomed to watching her partner sleep, the unnaturalness of seeing her lying in the bed struck her the instant she laid eyes on Kathie.

It wasn't just the unusual and sterile surroundings, or even the still startling whiteness on a now thankfully pain free face.

No, to Nancy it was how Kathie was lying unmoving, flat on her back. She knew from experience just how much that young woman continued to move, even while sleeping, as she continually tossed and turned through­out the night, curling up and wrapping herself completely in the plumeaux. Usually the only way to keep her even vaguely still (and thus allowing Nancy to get both a good night's sleep and a share of the covers) was to hold her. This unnatural stillness alarmed Nancy, and she stood motionless just inside the threshold of the door for a moment, until the 'click' of it shutting behind her made her jump.

Shaking herself slightly, she crossed the room to Kathie's bed and looked fondly down at her partner.

"Oh, my love," she sighed, her fingers gently tracing down Kathie's face. "What am I going to do with you?"

There was no reply; not that Nancy was really expecting one.

Nancy moved to sit down in the chair by the bed, her hand moving to take Kathie's in her own and squeezed it softly. "I'm here," she said quietly. "For as long as I can be at least." Her thumb gently caressed the back of Kathie's hand as she sat and watched her sleep.

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Sep 10, 2007 2:22 pm ]
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Thanks Torri :D .

Author:  Chair [ Mon Sep 10, 2007 2:53 pm ]
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Thanks, Torri. I want to reach in and give Nancy a big hug.

Author:  MaryR [ Mon Sep 10, 2007 3:05 pm ]
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I can sympathise with Nancy as I have a daughter who sleeps like Kathie - sharing her bed on holiday always meant developing several nasty bruises on my nether regions from her kicking. :evil:

linda wrote:
I love stories about Kathie and Nancy.

Now me, I prefer Hilda and Nell!! :lol: There's a surprise - not!! :twisted: But this is lovely, Torri. Such sympathetic characters, and so nice that Phil and Hilary understand.

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Sep 10, 2007 5:49 pm ]
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Thanks Torri - that was really sweet.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Sep 11, 2007 2:22 am ]
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Thanks Torri

Author:  wheelchairprincess [ Tue Sep 11, 2007 9:55 am ]
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Torri, there is just one problem with this. And that's that I'm going to need lots of this to read because I love Kathie/Nancy stories and this is SO GOOD! Thank you!

Author:  clair [ Tue Sep 11, 2007 10:38 am ]
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Torri this is great, hoping for lots of updates as I'm another Nancy/Kathie fan!
Have to admit to using characters I already 'knew' in English at school as well, not to mention writing letters etc in boring lessons!

Author:  Rosalin [ Tue Sep 11, 2007 11:07 am ]
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It must be odd for Nancy to see Kathie like that. I hope she is looking better soon.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  Cath V-P [ Tue Sep 11, 2007 11:17 am ]
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Poor Nancy, sitting and watching Kathie sleep, and realising just how different and worying this is. Thank you Torri.

Author:  keren [ Tue Sep 11, 2007 12:04 pm ]
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clair wrote:
Torri this is great, hoping for lots of updates as I'm another Nancy/Kathie fan!
Have to admit to using characters I already 'knew' in English at school as well, not to mention writing letters etc in boring lessons!


That is such a good idea,
it is a shame that I did not think of it at the time.

Author:  Torri [ Wed Sep 12, 2007 1:48 am ]
Post subject: 

MaryR wrote:
I can sympathise with Nancy as I have a daughter who sleeps like Kathie - sharing her bed on holiday always meant developing several nasty bruises on my nether regions from her kicking. :evil:


Yeah, Kathie's sleeping habits are entirely my own, I have to admit. My brother used to try and share a bed with me on holiday; he eventually gave up and made up one on the floor, because as he said, "I'll end up there anyway."

More coming hopefully tomorrow; am late in from work tonight and back into work early tomorrow and Kathie is being stubborn. Why do I always end up with stubborn characters?!

I'm just glad you're all enjoying it! :)

Author:  linda [ Wed Sep 12, 2007 6:29 pm ]
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Thanks for this Torri.

I'm really looking forward to seeing it develop. Poor Nancy, it is so worrying when those you love are ill.

Author:  Torri [ Fri Sep 14, 2007 4:21 am ]
Post subject: 

Kathie was starting to grow restless and that was Nancy's first sign that whatever the doctors had dosed her with was starting to wear off.

"Nancy! Nancy!" she murmured, tossing her head. There was a pained look on her face.

"I'm here," said Nancy, leaning in closer as she tightened her grip on Kathie's hand. "Open your eyes, darling, and you'll see. I'm here, Kathie."

Kathie turned to bury her face in the pillow, and Nancy smiled briefly, recognising that Kathie was starting to wake up, even if she didn't want to.

"Kathie," she called softly. "Come on. Let me see those big brown eyes of yours."

Kathie mumbled into the pillow, before slowly looking up at Nancy and blinking furiously. "Nance?"

Nancy gave her a bright smile. "Finally," she said. "Welcome back."

Kathie frowned slightly. "What happened?" she asked, yawning. "Where am I?"

"You're at the San," said Nancy. "Your appendix burst and they had to take it out."

"Mmm, when are they putting it back?" muttered Kathie, her eyes starting to close again.

Nancy chuckled softly. "They're not putting it back, you goop," she said. "Are you even listening to me?"

"Somewhat," replied Kathie, opening her eyes with great effort to look at Nancy. "I'm just so tired. Can I go back to sleep?"

"Don't you mean 'may' you go back to sleep?" asked Nancy, laughingly. Her amusement only increased when Kathie stuck her tongue out at her. 'You sleep all you want to and need to, my love. I'll still be here for you."

Kathie smiled. "I know," she said, her voice starting to slur. "Love you, Nance."

"I love you too."

Author:  Lesley [ Fri Sep 14, 2007 5:39 am ]
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Awwww, that is so cute!


Thanks Torri.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Sep 14, 2007 6:01 am ]
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That was so nice

Author:  Alison H [ Fri Sep 14, 2007 7:27 am ]
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That was very sweet.

Author:  Elbee [ Fri Sep 14, 2007 7:59 am ]
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Lovely, thanks Torri.

Author:  Jennie [ Fri Sep 14, 2007 10:03 am ]
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AAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Author:  Chair [ Fri Sep 14, 2007 10:07 am ]
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Thanks, Torri. It's good that Kathie is awake.

Author:  Rosalin [ Fri Sep 14, 2007 4:13 pm ]
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It's good to see Nancy taking her job as CS headmistress seriously, keeping tabs on the use of can and may :lol:

I liked Kathie being obviously not quite with it and askinig when they were going to put her appendix back in.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  Tara [ Fri Sep 14, 2007 10:07 pm ]
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That was lovely. Thanks, Torri. I'm another Nancy/Kathie fan.

Author:  Torri [ Thu Sep 20, 2007 4:10 pm ]
Post subject: 

Oops. Didn't mean to leave this so long! :oops:


Nancy was still smiling softly to herself when she finally slipped out of the room, shutting the door quietly behind her after one last glance back.

"Well, don't you look pounds better," said Phil and Nancy startled slightly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you there."

Nancy shook her head. "I was just woolgathering," she said, the smile still on her face.

Phil nodded. "Evidentially," he said. "Now, am I to believe that just seeing Kathie has put that smile on your face?"

"She woke up," said Nancy happily. "Oh, only for a minute or so, but she was awake and talking."

It was Phil's turn to startle. "Really?" he asked, before laughing slightly. "Only with the amount of sedatives she's had, they should have kept her asleep for good two or three hours more. I knew she was going to be trouble, but I thought that we'd at least be able to rely on dosing her."

Nancy just hit his arm again. "Do they teach you anything apart from dosing patients at medical school?" she demanded.

"Oh yes," said Phil, his tongue firmly in his cheek. "There's also a whole course in how to rescue errant schoolmistresses and their pupils, but that's not something we tend to publicise!"

Nancy just stared at him for a moment, before groaning and rolling her eyes. "I'm going to leave you now," she declared. "Does Hilary know that you've gone completely mad?"

"She knows," said Phil, laughter evident on his face. "In fact, I dare say that my beloved wife would tell you that I was mad when she met me. Although that would make her even more mad for marrying me. Come on, and I'll run you back to the school myself. As long as you're willing to drive with me at least."

Nancy laughed. "I think I'll risk it," she said, before turning serious again. "Thanks, Phil. For everything, I mean."

Phil's face was equally solemn as he replied, "Anytime and always, Nancy."

Author:  Rosalin [ Thu Sep 20, 2007 4:55 pm ]
Post subject: 

Torri wrote:
Nancy just hit his arm again. "Do they teach you anything apart from dosing patients at medical school?" she demanded.

"Oh yes," said Phil, his tongue firmly in his cheek. "There's also a whole course in how to rescue errant schoolmistresses and their pupils, but that's not something we tend to publicise!"


:lol: :lol: I love it!

I'm glad Nancy's happier about Kathie.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  brie [ Thu Sep 20, 2007 5:48 pm ]
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Oh Phil is great here. This is fabby Torri

ETA: Did I really just write fabby? *shudders*

Author:  Lesley [ Thu Sep 20, 2007 6:21 pm ]
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Awwww, that's lovely - so good to see such a normal, friendly relationship between Nancy and Phil.


Thanks Torri.

Author:  Tara [ Thu Sep 20, 2007 10:11 pm ]
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Love Phil's sense of humour, and that he and Nancy are obviously such good friends. And Kathie's resistance to 'doses'!

Thanks, Torri.

Author:  Fatima [ Fri Sep 21, 2007 3:55 am ]
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I think I've been overly influenced by past drabbles about Phil Graves, because I just question his motives every word he says.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  Torri [ Sat Sep 22, 2007 1:19 am ]
Post subject: 

Fatima wrote:
I think I've been overly influenced by past drabbles about Phil Graves, because I just question his motives every word he says.


:? I think I've been reading the wrong drabbles then! I don't think there's anything to worry about with this Phil Graves... asides from the fact that he keeps trying to get a bigger part in this drabble. But, apparently he's not the only one it seems!


Nancy hadn't slept well that night. She had avoided Matey since she got back to the school, not wanting to have one of that lady's concoctions wished upon her.

But not even the relief of seeing and speaking to Kathie had been enough to calm her down by the time she had finally rested her head on her pillow.

She had tossed and turned for a good hour, before giving it up as a bad job. Wrapping her dressing gown around her, she had quietly slipped into the pretty rose-speckled room next to hers, becoming immediately reassured by the familiarity, despite the current emptiness.

It was in Kathie's bed that she finally got her needed sleep.

Rosalie hadn't commented on the tired look on the Head's face as she shut herself in her office that morning, and had even managed to somehow keep Matey at bay. Her lessons with the two fifths passed remarkably quietly; the older girls attending to their work with a diligence that would usually have been marked with a comment.

After Mittagessen, she retired to the study to try and tackle the piles of correspondence that Rosalie had earmarked that she had to deal with herself, sighing as she reached for the first in a pile that she'd swear was larger than usual.

"You know," said Rosalie, picking up a stack of signed forms. "There's nothing that says that this work has to be done in the Head's study."

"To tell you the truth, I'm not really feeling fit for the company in the staffroom," admitted Nancy. "At least here I can avoid sympathetic glances and the like."

"I wasn't thinking about the staffroom," said Rosalie complacently. Nancy glanced up at her. "Only that it would be quite easy to gather up these papers and perhaps take them with you to the San. You're not due back until Prep, so that's the entire afternoon you can sit with Kathie. The weather's glorious out there and the walk would do you good as well; help put some colour in your cheeks. I can only hold Matey back for so long, you know!"

Nancy looked thoughtful. "And it won't look bad that I'm there when I'm supposed to be here?" she asked hesitantly. "I'd feel like I'm neglecting my duties as Head."

"Not if you're taking your work with you," replied Rosalie. "Besides, I'm sure you'll be twice as productive there, because you'll be worrying less if you're sitting with her."

"But what if something happens and I'm not here to deal with it?" asked Nancy, biting at her lip.

"Then we can call you on the telephone, and while you're traveling the whole three miles across the Platz, I'm sure that I and the rest of the staff are competent enough to deal with things," said Rosalie calmly, before a hint of a wicked grin crossed her face. "We're not spineless jellyfish, you know!"

Nancy laughed slightly at that, relaxing. "You're sure it'll be alright?"

"Yes! Now, go and get your outdoor things on," exclaimed Rosalie. "I'll sort out what you're taking and you can be out of here in five minutes."

She was as good as her word and Nancy was out in the crisp autumn air, already feeling much better, as she headed down the well-worn path towards the Sanatorium.

Author:  Fatima [ Sat Sep 22, 2007 4:05 am ]
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Rosalie's so nice here. Thanks Torri.

Author:  Lesley [ Sat Sep 22, 2007 7:29 am ]
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Well done Rosalie - just what Nancy needed.


Thanks Torri

Author:  Rosalin [ Sat Sep 22, 2007 10:26 am ]
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How very thoughtful of Rosalie. But how does she manage to keep Matey at bay :shock: Does she give lessons?

Thanks Torri.

Author:  Mona [ Sat Sep 22, 2007 11:17 am ]
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Thanks Torri. I'm really enjoying this, and looking forward to seeing more.

Author:  Torri [ Sat Sep 22, 2007 7:13 pm ]
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Rosalin wrote:
How very thoughtful of Rosalie. But how does she manage to keep Matey at bay :shock: Does she give lessons?


I'm honestly not sure -- she won't tell me! Another update! Really, really don't get used to this sort of pace!


"Well, this is a nice surprise," remarked Nancy, smiling broadly as she entered Kathie's room to find that young woman awake.

Kathie's eyes lit up and she beamed at her partner. "Nancy!" she exclaimed. "I wasn't expecting to see you until this evening; if at all today. Aren't you supposed to be back at the school being all headmistressy and everything?"

Nancy laughed, and patted the bag over her shoulder. "Rosalie pointed out to me that paperwork is portable," she said. "Although the idea was that you were going to be sleeping, so I'd actually get a chance to do some of it."

"I've been sleeping," said Kathie, grimacing. She looked over Nancy critically. "Which is possibly more than I can say for you, my love."

Nancy waved her off as she took her seat next to Kathie's bed. "I'm fine," she said. "I was just a bit late to bed last night, that's all."

"Mmmhmm," replied Kathie, obviously not convinced. She reached across to clasp Nancy's hand. Nancy smiled, raising the slim hand to gently press her lips against it and was rewarded with a slight flush of colour to Kathie's cheeks.

They quickly pulled their hands apart at a sharp rapping at the door, and a moment after, Jack Maynard entered the room.

"Hullo, Kathie... and Nancy too. Sorry, I haven't had a chance to drop by sooner," he said, smiling at the two women. "Young Geoff was giving us a bit of worry this morning, but it looks like it's just the last of his molars coming through thankfully. Anyway, I've just dropped Joey off at Phil's room and I thought I'd come straight along to see how you're getting on. I'm glad to see that it looks like you're getting your colour back already there, Kathie." That comment just caused her to blush further.

"You're not looking too well though, Nancy," continued Jack, giving her a concerned look. "How are you sleeping? Do you want me to mix up something to take back with you for tonight?"

"No, no, it's fine," said Nancy quickly. "If I do think I need anything, Matey's on hand anyway.

Kathie was looking at them both thoughtfully. "You know, Jack, between you and Matey, you must have dosed everyone on the Platz at least once," she said mischievously.

"Thank you, for that lovely libelous comment against my good name there," said Jack, although he was smiling. "Now, how are you doing?"

"I'm bored?" offered Kathie.

Jack tried not to roll his eyes. "How about medically speaking?" he asked. "Has someone been in to check the incision site?"

"Yes, Helen was in earlier," said Kathie. "She changed the bandages and gave me something for the pain. She said that it was looking good, with no sign of inflammation or infection."

Jack nodded. "That's excellent news," he said. "Now, I understand no one's spoken to you yet about the recovery time expected?"

"No, because you keep giving me things that make me sleep," said Kathie indignantly.

"You'll be here for the rest of the week at least, and I wouldn't advise trying to sit up during that time," said Jack, ignoring the comment about the sedatives. "You need to give your stomach muscles time to recover. And then you're not going to be back at work for a good six weeks, I'm afraid.

"What?" exclaimed Kathie, dismay evident on her face.

"You have to remember, Kathie, that you've just had major surgery," continued Jack. "For the first couple of weeks, you won't even feel like you want to be working. And it's not like Chalet School mistresses lead the most sedate life – ah!" he held up a finger as Kathie tried to interrupt him. "Don't say that you'll take things easy, because I know you; you won't."

Nancy chuckled quietly in agreement, and Kathie shot mutinous glares at both of them.

"Now who's making libelous comments?" she demanded.

"Not me," said Jack. "You know I'm right."

He might be, but there was no way that Kathie was going to admit to that!

Author:  Lesley [ Sat Sep 22, 2007 7:52 pm ]
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That was lovely - thanks Torri - suppose I ought to go and finish my next post now - you're making me feel quite guilty! :cry:

Author:  Rosalin [ Sat Sep 22, 2007 8:02 pm ]
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:lol: At the last line.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  Tara [ Sat Sep 22, 2007 9:47 pm ]
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I love the sly digs that are still part of such positive relationships. Great idea of Rosalie's there!

Author:  linda [ Sat Sep 22, 2007 10:13 pm ]
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Tara wrote:
I love the sly digs that are still part of such positive relationships. Great idea of Rosalie's there!


I quite agree :lol: :lol: :lol: Love the banter in this post.

Thanks Torri

Author:  Becky [ Sun Sep 23, 2007 12:15 pm ]
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This is great, thanks Torri!

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Sep 23, 2007 2:16 pm ]
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I'm really enjoying this. Thanks Torri

Author:  brie [ Sun Sep 23, 2007 4:16 pm ]
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Thanks Torri this is great!

Author:  Nell [ Sun Sep 23, 2007 7:52 pm ]
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Loving this thanks Torri.

Author:  Soph [ Mon Sep 24, 2007 6:43 pm ]
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This is great - love the relationships between the doctors and the teachers and that Rosalie is so understanding.

Thanks Torri

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Sep 27, 2007 2:10 pm ]
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Thanks Torri :D .

Author:  Torri [ Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:16 pm ]
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And another unexpectedly long gap. Stupid writer's block -- it's doing fine with bits that are a long way to go in this chronology, and also doing great with other plot bunnies (of which there are multiples attacking!)


Nancy's step was definitely lighter than it had been all day as she headed down the San corridors, despite the stack of Upper VI's prep she was carrying with her.

"Hello, Nancy," said Helen Graves, smiling as she passed her friend.

"Hullo, Helen," replied Nancy, pausing for a moment. "How's things?"

"Kathie's fine, although I'm not sure how pleased she'd be knowing that you're referring to her as 'things'," said Helen, her eyes dancing as Nancy's cheeks coloured slightly.

"You're just as bad as your brother," said Nancy, rolling her eyes. "I'd feel sorry for Hilary marrying into your family, apart from the fact that I know that she's just as bad as the pair of you!"

Helen laughed. "You'd miss it if we weren't," she said confidently.

Nancy sighed. "Yeah, I know," she said. "I don't even want to think about what that makes me! Ah!" She held up a finger as Helen opened her mouth. "Rhetorical question!"

Helen smiled. "I think you're someone who's spent enough time doing her obligated idle chit-chat," she said. "Go on and see Kathie; she should be awake. And I know you've not got much time to spend with her."

Nancy grinned. "Thanks, Helen. I'm sure I'll see you again sometime soon anyway."

Helen nodded. "Please try not to overexcite her," she added.

"Why does everyone believe that I can control her?" groaned Nancy, as she continued on her way down towards Kathie's room and knocked on the door.

"Come in," called Kathie.

Nancy entered the room, and moved to place her pile of papers on the table before heading towards the bed. "How are you doing?" she asked, leaning over to drop a quick kiss on Kathie's forehead, before straightening up to look at her partner thoroughly . Her colour was definitely coming back, although she was unsure what had prompted the bright smile she'd been greeted with to transform to the current pout. "What's wrong?"

"Is that any way to greet your lover who's just had a serious operation and hasn't seen you in over twenty-four hours?" asked Kathie, tilting her head.

Nancy shook her head, smiling and moved to press her lips softly against Kathie's pouting ones, which relaxed back into a smile once more.

"That better?" demanded Nancy, tugging the chair closer to the bed before sitting on it.

Kathie nodded, her smile firmly back in place. "Much," she said, fidgeting slightly as she tried pushing herself up to a seated position. Her colour drained sharply and she winced, before shuffling back down the bed. "Still not sitting up apparently."

"Kathie, you ass, don't you listen to what Jack and Phil have been saying?" demanded Nancy. "You're not going to be sitting up for another week; longer if you don't listen and try to push yourself too much."

Kathie sighed. "That's easy for you to say," she said, trying to force lightness into her voice. "But you're not the one stuck here. I'm just so bored, and I keep thinking about all the things I'm missing at school. And how I'm missing you."

"I know, my love. I miss you desperately too," said Nancy, hesitating for a moment before admitting, "I miss you so much that I'm sleeping in your room."

Kathie's eyes softened. "Oh, Nance," she said, reaching across to take Nancy's hand. "I wish this wasn't so hard on you. Especially not with all the extra pressure of having to be Head this term."

"Well, it's hardly like you planned your appendix to burst now, is it?" pointed out Nancy.

"If I had it my way, my appendix wouldn't have burst at all, thank you very much," said Kathie indignantly.

Nancy laughed suddenly. "I know, my love, I know," she said. "Now, what's this rot about not having seen me in over twenty-four hours?"

Kathie looked innocent. "Well, you left me just after sixteen hundred hours yesterday. And it's now seventeen hundred. As Head of Maths, you should surely realise that the amount of time passed is greater than twenty-four," she said, frowning as Nancy started shaking her head. "What?"

Nancy was grinning. "You're quibbling over forty-five minutes?" she asked.

"Maybe," replied Kathie, the innocent expression still firmly on her face.

"You're incorrigible," said Nancy, laughing and shaking her head.

"And you love me for it!"

Author:  clair [ Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:30 pm ]
Post subject: 

Love it - the two of them are so natural. Also love the way you've brought Helen Graves into the banter as well.
Hope the bunnies give you some more soon

Author:  Lesley [ Tue Oct 02, 2007 8:27 pm ]
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Awwww, so cute. Glad they are so secure in their relationship.

Thanks Kat.

Author:  Rosalin [ Tue Oct 02, 2007 8:34 pm ]
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It's nice to see the friendly, jokey relationship that everyone has here.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Oct 02, 2007 9:13 pm ]
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They're great together - and it's lovely to see how well Nancy gets on with Helen Graves as well.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Oct 02, 2007 11:13 pm ]
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I love the banter between them all. I wish there had been more about Hilary and Phil in the books and about the friendship between Nancy and Hilary.

Thanks Torri,

BTW Plot bunnies seem to always attack in multiples when you're too busy to write and escape once you start posting :D

Author:  Fi [ Mon Oct 08, 2007 12:46 pm ]
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I am loving this drabble.
I really like stories with N and K and have just found alternative romance and alternative challenge in the archives which was a very pleasurable few hours reading. Was alternative challenge ever completed?

Seriously Torri, more please.

Author:  Torri [ Thu Oct 11, 2007 12:08 am ]
Post subject: 

It wasn't until later on the Friday that Nancy was able to make it back to the San, once again clutching at piles of papers, although she wasn't expecting to actually look at them tonight.

Voices and laughter could be heard coming from Kathie's room and Nancy paused momentarily, not recognising one of them, before she entered.

"Nancy!" exclaimed Kathie, her eyes bright. "Come and meet Auntie. Auntie, this is Nancy Wilmot. Nancy, this is my Aunt, Madeline Grayson."

The tall woman rose from her seat and crossed the room to offer her hand. "So, you're the famous Nancy. I'm so glad to finally get a chance to meet you, my dear, although I wish the circumstances were a lot pleasanter," she said, her voice warm.

"It's nice to meet you too, Mrs. Grayson," said Nancy, returning the smile slightly nervously.

"You must call me Madeline, my child," said Madeline Grayson firmly. "None of this 'Mrs. Grayson' business."

"I, ah, yes, Madeline," said Nancy, slightly flustered.

Kathie giggled slightly at her. "It's just my Aunt, Nance. She's not going to eat you, I promise."

"I really am quite harmless," added Madeline.

"I wouldn't go that far, Auntie," said Kathie innocently.

"Cheeky brat," said Madeline, although the words were softened by the obvious warmth in her tones.

Nancy gurgled slightly. "That explains why she never reacts to any of us calling her names," she said, the ice easily broken.

Madeline laughed. "Oh, no. She's had the whole lot of them at home, I'm sure. Most of them deserved, really."

"That I believe," said Nancy, glancing across at Kathie with a fond smile.

Kathie was pouting slightly. "I can't believe you're ganging up on me like this," she said. "Should I just leave you to it; oh wait! Invalid here."

"We know, darling, and you're milking it for all your worth," said Nancy, stiffening slightly as the more intimate form of address automatically slipped out. Madeline didn't seem to notice anything, although a brief flash of panic crossed Kathie's face.

"Your slang," replied Kathie, trying to cover any awkwardness. "You're supposed to be setting a good example as headmistress."

"Well, thankfully there's no students within earshot and if I can't relax in your company, who's can I relax in?" demanded Nancy.

"She's usually nicer to me," said Kathie blandly, glancing up at her aunt, who merely smiled.

"I'm sure that she's just as nice to you as you are to her," said Madeline, laughing.

Kathie folded her arms and started to pout again. "When's Uncle coming out?" she asked, trying to change the subject.

"He's flying out at the beginning of next week," said Madeline, pulling up a chair again and waving Nancy to the one already next to the bed. "We'll spend a few days out here and if you feel that you can live without us for a couple of days, we'll probably explore a little of the area while we're out this way."

"It's fine," said Kathie. "I'm not exactly short on visitors. Honestly, I never really expected you to both drop everything and fly out here for me."

Madeline looked at her, surprised. "Why shouldn't we?" she asked. "I know you feel like you're fine now, but you have no idea how worrying it was getting that phone call, with the news that you'd collapsed in the middle of class and been rushed to the San?"

"And what price walking into the classroom to find you writhing in pain on the floor?" demanded Nancy.

Kathie looked between the two women either side of her; their faces both mirroring love and worry. She reached her hands out to both of them. "I think sometimes you both forget that I'm a grown woman now," she said slowly. "I can look after myself."

"Kathie, no matter how old you grow, I'm never going to stop worrying about you," said Madeline gently. "You're always going to be my little girl. That has nothing to do with looking after yourself."

Nancy gently squeezed Kathie's hand, and smiled softly, but didn't say anything.

There was silence for a moment, before Madeline rose and patted Kathie's hand. "I'm going to go and fetch some coffee," she said. "Nancy, would you like some?"

Nancy half-rose herself. "Don't trouble yourself, Mrs... Madeline. I'll get it."

Madeline waved her off. "No, no, it's no trouble," she said. "I could do with a walk and some fresh air as well. Besides, I'm sure you can't stay long and you've probably got maths and school things that you need to discuss."

"I'm not supposed to be talking about those things with her yet, on doctor's orders," protested Nancy.

Madeline grinned. "I'm sure that hasn't stopped you," she said. "I know that it wouldn't stop Kathie."

Kathie sighed. "And again with the slander on my character," she said. "We'll see you later, Auntie. I'm sure Nancy and I can find plenty to talk about, even without talking about maths and school."

Nancy smiled at Madeline as the older woman left the room, before murmuring to Kathie, "I'm sure we can too!"

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Oct 11, 2007 6:48 am ]
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Nice to see Nancy getting on well with Kathie's family.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Oct 11, 2007 8:43 am ]
Post subject: 

Alison H wrote:
Nice to see Nancy getting on well with Kathie's family.


My thoughts exactly

Author:  Rosalin [ Thu Oct 11, 2007 6:54 pm ]
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Fiona Mc wrote:
Alison H wrote:
Nice to see Nancy getting on well with Kathie's family.


My thoughts exactly


And mine!

Madeleine doesn't seem to know the nature of their relationship though. I hope it doesn't cause a problem if she finds out.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  brie [ Fri Oct 12, 2007 10:39 am ]
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Thanks Torri, I'm really enjoying this.

Author:  Lesley [ Fri Oct 12, 2007 8:35 pm ]
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I wonder if Madeline knows more than she's letting on?


Thanks Torri.

Author:  Tara [ Fri Oct 12, 2007 10:07 pm ]
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Kathie clearly doesn't think so, judging from that look of panic. And Nancy really ought to be a bit careful, though I have a feeling it won't matter where Madeleine is concerned - I certainly hope not.

Thanks, Torri.

Author:  Torri [ Mon Nov 19, 2007 4:45 am ]
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So... I wrote myself into a corner with this one, had two ficathons to write and started NaNo. Plus my lovely little brother decided he wanted to share his bug with me; germs are the only things he does share!



Nancy automatically shifted back at the light knocking at the door, releasing Kathie's hand reluctantly.

"Nancy, I bought you back a cup of coffee," said Madeline as she opened the door. "Matron Graves said that this is how you take it, so I hope it's alright."

"Thank you," said Nancy, blinking in surprise. "That was very thoughtful of you."

In the bed, Kathie just pouted. "Where's mine?" she demanded, as Madeline handed the cup to Nancy, before moving to take her seat on the other side of the bed again.

"Still on the list of things you're not allowed, my dear," said Madeline firmly.

"That's most unfair. And it's perfectly horrid of you to bring the coffee in here, wafting it right under my nose, so I can smell it and everything!" huffed Kathie.

Madeline merely laughed. "Such a diva at times, isn't she?" she said, addressing her comments to Nancy. "There were times when I wondered whether her involvement in the theater club at high school was such a good idea!"

Nancy joined in with the laughter. "Could you have prevented that? From my experience, once Kathie's got her heart set on something, there's no stopping her!"

"I know – stubborn as a mule at times," said Madeline, smiling as she reached across to ruffle Kathie's hair, as though she was a small child still. Kathie ducked her head away, a sulky look on her face. "Cheer up, Kathie – it's not the end of the world."

"You know," began Kathie. "I was actually looking forward to the two of you getting a chance to meet. But now, I definitely take that back. You're teaming up against me and any minute now, you're going to start swapping various embarrassing stories you both have of me!"

"Like how you tried to run away from the store when I took you for your first pair of shoes?" asked Madeline, her eyes twinkling.

"Or when we were in Baden and you..." began Nancy.

"Stop right there! Don't say another word!" exclaimed Kathie, staring at Nanc with her eyes wide and filled with horror. Her cheeks were flushed deep red.

Madeline chuckled. "Never mind, my dear. It's only going to be until you're fit enough to travel and there's only going to be a limited number of stories we can tell."

"Fit enough to travel?" repeated Kathie, staring at her aunt. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Exactly what I said," replied Madeline briskly. "Your uncle and I are going to take you back for a month or so, for a bit of home care."

"But... but..." stammered Kathie. Her eyes darted from Madeline to Nancy, who was gripping her coffee cup tightly, although her face was impassive. "But I thought that I'd be staying here. It's not as if I'm not going to be getting the care I need."

Madeline shook her head. "I'm not letting you spend all that time in what comes down to essentially a glorified hospital," she said. "You're coming home, where I can keep an eye on you and set you up properly."

"I don't have to stay in the San. I could stay at the school, or stay with friends up here," said Kathie. "And you could stay for a while, if that would make you feel better."

"And what, exactly, would your uncle do without me?" demanded Madeline. "And don't suggest he comes as well; he's awfully busy at work at the moment, which is why he couldn't fly over with me today. Kathie, honestly; stop behaving like a small child. Once we're home again, you'll see that it'll be the best thing to help you get back on your feet again."

"I'm sorry, Auntie," muttered Kathie, glancing down. "It just came as a surprise. I never even thought of going home to get better."

Madeline patted Kathie's arm. "It'll be good for all of us," she said, before looking across at Nancy, who was examining her coffee cup as though it was the most interesting thing in the world. "I"m so sorry that you saw that, Nancy. Not one of our finest moments there."

Nancy looked back up again, flashing a quick smile. "It's quite alright," she said. "I often feel that there's very little that can shock me, considering my own family. You rather reminded me of my sister-in-law for a moment there, Madeline, although my niece is a good few years younger than Kathie."

"Do you have a large family?" inquired Madeline, attempting to change the subject. "I always regretted the lack of cousins for Kathie, although you didn't too badly with the neighbour's children, did you?"

Kathie shook her head.

"I'm the second youngest of seven," said Nancy, smiling ruefully. "One older sister, four older brothers and one younger. It gets pretty chaotic when we all get together."

"See, when I hear some of her stories, I don't mind being an only one!"

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Nov 19, 2007 9:35 am ]
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How lovely to see more of this. :lol: Wonderful banter and teasing from Madeline and Nancy - not sure about whether Madeline has an inkling or not...


Thanks Torri - hope you are better now?

Author:  Fi [ Mon Nov 19, 2007 11:41 am ]
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Yay! This is back. :D

Thank you Torri.
I thought the banter between the three of them was lovely and very true to family life. (Well my family anyway)
Is Kathie worried about leaving Nancy without her "support network" in the middle of a stressful term?

Author:  Rosalin [ Tue Nov 20, 2007 3:41 pm ]
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Good to see some more of this :D

The banter between the three of them was lovely and relaxed. I think Madeline either has no idea, or a very good idea and is OK with it.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  brie [ Wed Nov 21, 2007 12:22 pm ]
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Thanks Torri.

Hope you are feeling better.

Author:  Torri [ Mon Nov 26, 2007 4:07 am ]
Post subject: 

Feeling much better, thanks guys! (Although I really need to to try and get more sleep, but that's another story!) Have figured out that having to work around the book is much harder than I was expected -- especially when Jack was coming to fetch Hilda to take her to see Kathie on one page, and then drops her straight off at Adlersnest three pages later... :?

The next morning found Hilda Annersley arriving back at the school for the weekend, much to Nancy's delight.

After prayers, they were finishing coffee in the salon, waiting for Jack Maynard to drive Hilda through the pouring rain, when they were interrupted by a very unladylike squeal, which could have only come from one person.

"Hilda!" exclaimed Joey Maynard in delight, as she dropped her umbrella and rushed forward to embrace the older woman. "You're here already! Oh, how perfectly.... golloptious!"

Hilda chuckled as she returned the exuberant embrace. "I shall have to start going away more often what with the welcomes I'm getting," she said. "Hullo, Jack."

"Hilda, good to see you," said Jack, following his wife at a more sedate pace and kissing Hilda's cheek. "How's the tour been so far?"

"Absolutely wonderful," said Hilda, her whole face lighting up.

"That's good, because I'd hate to think that I've gone through all this, just for you to be loathing every second of it," said Nancy frankly, rising from her seat.

Hilda laughed again. "Not at all," she said. "But surely it's not really that bad, is it, Nancy?"

"Not all of it," admitted Nancy. "But Kathie's not making things any easier."

"No, that is true," said Hilda sympathetically. "Although speaking of our convalescent, Jack, I was hoping you could drop me off at the San so I could see her before heading to Adlersnest."

Jack shook his head. "I'd love to, but I had a phone call from Phil Graves earlier," he said gravely. "Kathie had a bad night last night."

"What?" exclaimed Nancy, her voice startled and her face draining of all it's colour. Hilda glanced across and rested a comforting hand on her deputy's arm. "She's all right, isn't she? There's no complications developing? She was fine when I left her yesterday. Something couldn't have happened that fast, could it?"

"Calm down, Nancy," said Jack. "Phil said that she didn't sleep well, even with a little help, and that she'd managed to tear a couple of stitches. We just want t keep her quiet today; see if she can catch up on some sleep. She's probably added a couple of days to her recovery time, but that's it. With any luck, you can pop in tomorrow and see her before you leave," he added, turning to Hilda.

Nancy nodded, although the concern on her face was still evident.

"Don't worry, Nancy," said Joey brightly. "Kathie'll be up and about in no time at all. Chas was, and you know how delicate he was. And next time I'm over at the San and get a chance to see her, I'm going to offer her a room at Freudesheim for as long as she needs it. She and Stacie would be good company for each other, and I know Cecil would be thrilled if she came to stay. She absolutely adores Kathie."

"Her Aunt's planning on taking her back to England once she's fit to travel," said Nancy, holding back a sigh. "Much to Kathie's disgust!"

"Well, perhaps it could be for just a couple of days before they leave," suggested Joey. "Jack, why didn't you tell me Kathie's aunt was here? We simply must have her over for afternoon tea, or perhaps even dinner one night."

Jack held up his hands defensively. "She only arrived yesterday morning, Jo! Give me a chance!"

"Well, in that case, I suppose you're forgiven," said Joey easily.

"Thank you, dear," replied Jack, his voice dry.

There was a quiet knock on the door before Rosalie appeared. "Sorry to interrupt," she said. "Telephone call for you, Nancy."

Nancy nodded and smiled at the trio in front of her. "If you'll excuse me," she said. "Please give Hilary and Biddy my love and apologise that they've seen barely hide or hair of me this term! I'll see you when you get back, Hilda."

With a chorus of goodbyes behind, she headed into the study and picked up the telephone, to be immediately greeted by a plethora of reassurances from Phil Graves. Nancy listened with half an ear as she drew aimlessly, filling a page in with row upon row of squares.

Today was going to be a very long day.

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Nov 26, 2007 6:45 am ]
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Oh poor Nancy - she must feel that everything is conspiring against her.


Thanks Torri

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Nov 26, 2007 7:51 am ]
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Poor Nancy! I know Jo means well, but she does tend to take over!

Author:  Fi [ Mon Nov 26, 2007 12:59 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thanks Torri

I hope this doesn't set Kathie's recovery back too far

Author:  Torri [ Thu Nov 29, 2007 6:49 am ]
Post subject: 

Lesley wrote:
Oh poor Nancy - she must feel that everything is conspiring against her.


Oh, but it is! You'd think we'd be feeling sorry for Kathie, but it's Nancy who's suffering the most with this!


"Kathie, you little ass!" exclaimed Nancy the moment she was in the door.

Kathie looked up from the bed, the hurt look on her face obvious from across the room.

"Why, thank you, Nancy. That's just what I wanted to hear from you," she said petulantly.
Nancy's expression softened as she crossed the room and grasped at Kathie's hand.

"I'm sorry, my love," she said. "I was just so worried about you yesterday, and what with half term and this horrid weather, there was no chance for me to slip away and see you."

"Jack and Phil would never have let you in anyway," said Kathie, her face relaxing slightly. "From what I heard, Auntie had to put her foot down before they would let her sit with me."

"At least you weren't alone," said Nancy, pulling up a chair with one hand, while the other still held firmly on to Kathie's.

"No, she stayed with me most of the day and read me 'Wind in the Willows'."

"Just how old are you?" asked Nancy teasingly.

Kathie stuck her tongue out her and Nancy laughed.

"Nearly ten years younger than you, my dear, or did you forget that in your old age?" replied Kathie, her eyes dancing.

Nancy groaned. "All right, I asked for that," she said. "So, she read a children's book to you."

"It was nice, having her sit and read to me," said Kathie. "She used to do it when I was sick as a kid. When I had scarlet fever, I used to get her to read me Peter Rabbit every day. By the time I was well again, I could recite just about the entire book back to her!"

Nancy chuckled. "Where is your aunt now?" she asked, glancing around. "I'm surprised she isn't here."

"Gone to the afternoon service with Helen, and then Phil and Hilary invited her to theirs for Kaffee and Kuchen," explained Kathie. "Auntie and Helen seem to get on well together, so I'm not sure if I should be worried or not!"

"You worry too much," said Nancy confidentially. "Personally, I'm glad that your aunt is getting along with her. If nothing else, it means that I get you all to myself this afternoon."

Kathie's eyes lit up. "No school duties? Or prior plans? Don't you need to go back to the school and consult with Hilda while you've got her here?"

"Ruth is currently in charge at the school, I have no prior plans and Hilda is off at Joey's, making arrangements for your substitute."

"Who?" demanded Kathie. Her eyes suddenly went wide in horror. "Oh, you're not giving my maths classes to Joey, are you?"

Nancy just laughed. "Do I look mad?" she asked. "No, my love; Hilda's asking Stacie Benson."

"Dr. Benson?" repeated Kathie, blinking in surprise. "Would she really be interested in taking on my middles' maths classes?"

"Hilda thinks that she would be, and Hilda's usually right," said Nancy. "It would certainly be a huge weight off my shoulders if she does."

Kathie burrowed down into her bed covers, a guilty look on her face. "Sorry, Nance," she muttered.

"Sorry? Why are... oh, no. You're not going to start apologising for things not under your control," said Nancy firmly. "Things happen. Appendixes burst. It could have been a lot worse, you know. As soon as Matey said that she thought it was your appendix, I was imagining peritonitis and everything. Comparatively speaking, you got off lightly, my darling."

"That's what you say," said Kathie, fidgeting. "They redid the stitches I tore and they itch most awfully. And they're not going to let me sit up for days more now. Apparently having my aunt and you visit at the same time must have overexcited me. To be honest, it was the thought of going home again."

"I did wonder," admitted Nancy, smiling ruefully at Kathie. "Once I'd got over my initial panic that is."

"You know," sighed Kathie. "There are so many people who pay hundreds of pounds or give up their entire lives to move out here for their health. And I'm leaving this place to get better! There's something not quite right about that."

Nancy chuckled softly. "That maybe so, but your aunt thinks that home will be best for you and maybe she's right," she said, a touch sadly.

"What's that supposed to mean?" demanded Kathie.

"How much resting do you honestly think you'll get if you stayed here?" asked Nancy. "I know you. You won't be able to stay away from the school; especially not with the Christmas play this term. And you'll start to pick up little things here and there, which don't look like a lot until we add them all together and you're doing everything you'd normally be doing."

"But I'd be with you and that's all that matters," said Kathie quietly.

Nancy sighed. "I know," she said. "But we have to think what's best for your health, and what's best for your health and what's best for us don't necessarily combine."

Kathie nodded. "It's going to be hard."

"Tell me about it!"

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Nov 29, 2007 7:45 am ]
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What a lovely relationship they have :D .

Author:  Elbee [ Thu Nov 29, 2007 8:34 am ]
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It must be so difficult for them.

Thanks, Torri.

Author:  Mona [ Thu Nov 29, 2007 8:49 am ]
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Thanks Torri!

Author:  Fi [ Thu Nov 29, 2007 6:51 pm ]
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(((Kathie))) (((Nancy))) I hope everything comes right for them.

Thanks Torri

Author:  Lesley [ Thu Nov 29, 2007 9:21 pm ]
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Nancy's quite right, Kathie wouldn't get a proper break if she stayed on the Platz.


Thanks Torri.

Author:  Torri [ Fri Dec 07, 2007 5:10 am ]
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The rain was still falling steadily across the Platz as Jack Maynard pulled up outside the San, before leaping out to open the door for his two passengers.

"Watch your step there, Stacie," he said, offering her his hand.

"I'm fine, thanks, Jack," said Stacie, smiling. "But what awful weather this is."

"I'm just glad it's not snow," said Jack. "Although I'm sure that we'll have plenty of that by the time winter's come and gone."

"We always do," said Nancy, following Stacie out of the little runaround. "Are you staying to work until we're ready to go back again?"

"Not I," said Jack. "This is a day off and Jo would kill me if I even stepped foot in my office."

Nancy laughed. "Well, thank you very much for running us over, even though its your day off," she said.

Jack just waved her off, opening the door to the San. "Think nothing of it," he said. "I'm leaving the pair of you the whole afternoon with Kathie, although I'm trusting you to use your judgment, so if it looks like she's tiring, you wrap things up."

"Of course," said Nancy, nodding firmly.

"Good – ah, here are my passengers for my return trip."

Nancy looked to see Madeline heading towards them, accompanied by a tall, distinguished looking man.

"Nancy, my dear," greeted Madeline, smiling warmly. "How are you?"

"Very well, thank you, Madeline. Yourself?" replied Nancy, returning the smile.

"Doing splendidly," said Madeline, her eyes sparkling, as she rested her hand on the arm of the man standing next to her. "Nancy, this is my husband, Frank Grayson. Frank, this is Miss Nancy Wilmot, headmistress pro tem of the Chalet School and Kathie's partner in crime."

"Kathie's Nancy!" exclaimed Frank, recognition dawning in his eyes. Nancy felt her cheeks flush red as Frank reached forward to shake her hand heartily. "It's wonderful to finally be able to put a face to the name. How lovely to meet you."

"It's very nice to meet you too, Mr. Grayson," she said, trying to control her blushes.

"Now, if you're calling my wife Madeline, that makes me Frank," he said firmly.

"Of course," said Nancy, turning to Stacie. "Stacie, these are Kathie's aunt and uncle, Madeline and Frank Grayson." She looked back at the couple. "This is Doctor Eustacia Benson. She's one of our old girls, and as she's in the area for the time being, she's going to be covering Kathie's classes for her."

The Graysons and Stacie all shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.

"We're off to have English tea with Doctor and Mrs. Maynard this afternoon," Madeline explained. "Mrs. Maynard issued the invitation yesterday when it was arranged that you and Doctor Benson would be coming over to talk maths. Mrs. Maynard was quite convinced that you'd be having the most dullest of conversations and we would be much better well away from you all!"

Nancy grinned. "Joey abhors maths in all shape or form," she said. "But she's probably right that you'll have a much pleasanter time at Freudesheim."

"And speaking of which," interrupted Jack. "I must get you there, else Jo will be be imagining the most awful scenarios."

Madeline laughed. "Well, let us not dilly-dally with idle chit-chat any longer," she said. "Enjoy your mathematics conversations!"

"Enjoy your tea," replied Nancy, smiling. "It certainly sounds like you're getting the better deal there."

Author:  Lesley [ Fri Dec 07, 2007 6:50 am ]
Post subject: 

Torri wrote:
"Doing splendidly," said Madeline, her eyes sparkling, as she rested her hand on the arm of the man standing next to her. "Nancy, this is my husband, Frank Grayson. Frank, this is Miss Nancy Wilmot, headmistress pro tem of the Chalet School and Kathie's partner in crime."

"Kathie's Nancy!" exclaimed Frank, recognition dawning in his eyes. Nancy felt her cheeks flush red as Frank reached forward to shake her hand heartily. "It's wonderful to finally be able to put a face to the name. How lovely to meet you."


Hmmm, now does that conversation mean that they know all?


Thanks Torri - good to see more of this.

Author:  Alison H [ Fri Dec 07, 2007 7:44 am ]
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I know Joey means well, but it'd be much better if the Graysons could be left to spend more time getting to know Nancy - they seem quite keen to.

Author:  brie [ Fri Dec 07, 2007 10:21 am ]
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Ahh, this is great. Although I am wondering how much the Graysons know about Kathie and Nancy's relationship.

Author:  Rosalin [ Fri Dec 07, 2007 9:18 pm ]
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Also wondering, but very glad that everyone seems friendly.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Fri Dec 07, 2007 9:56 pm ]
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I suspect that the Graysons know all there is to know about Nancy and Kathie's relationship, but, being wise in their generation, are waiting to be told 'officially.'

Thanks, Torri, I'm continuing to enjoy this.

Author:  Tara [ Fri Dec 07, 2007 11:52 pm ]
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They seem so nice, I'm sure it'll be ok.
Really enjoying this, Torri, thank you.

Author:  Torri [ Sat Dec 08, 2007 6:08 am ]
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Lesley wrote:

Hmmm, now does that conversation mean that they know all?


At this point, certain characters still haven't told me whether they know or not!! I know that Phil, Hilary, Helen and Rosalie know. The rest....? *frustrated hand gesture*

In good news, apparently babysitting is inspiring!



It was late on Wednesday evening when Nancy slipped quietly into Kathie's room.

"Nancy, I hate to greet you like this, but you look exhausted," exclaimed Madeline.

"First day of school after half term," explained Nancy, hiding a yawn, as she moved to an empty chair. "Not quite as frazzling as first day proper, but it's still pretty tiring."

"Is everything okay at school?" asked Kathie.

Nancy nodded. "Seems to be, at least," she said.

Kathie opened her mouth to say something else, but there was a discreet cough from her uncle and she flushed slightly.

Nancy just looked confused.

"Kathie's been given a list of things she's not allowed to have, or do," explained Frank.

"It's rather a long list," added Madeline, smiling sympathetically at her niece. "I'm afraid talking about school is one of those things. The chat you and Stacie had yesterday with her was apparently more than enough to keep her going. Although how maths can overexcite people, I still don't know."

Frank laughed. "Madeline was always an English girl," he said to Nancy. "I swear, she can quote all Shakespeare's sonnets and most of his plays too, I'm sure."

Madeline shook her head, a smile playing at her lips. "He's over exaggerating, Nancy," she said. "He does that a lot. You'll soon learn to ignore it."

Nancy smiled politely. "I never really understood the allure of maths when I was still at school," she admitted. "It wasn't until after I left and my brother came home from Cambridge with some of the work that he was doing there that I saw how it actually works outside the classroom and that's when it all started making sense to me. And then when I went to university myself, maths was just the obvious choice to me then and I've never looked back and never regretted it."

"Where did you go?" asked Madeline, interested. "Cambridge, like your brother?"

Nancy shook her fair head. "No, that was rather too close to home for my liking," she said. "I went up to Durham."

"Ah, I remember beating your boys in cricket," said Frank, grinning. "Of course this was well before you were even born."

"You went to Oxford, like Kathie?" inquired Nancy.

"Not I! It was the University of Birmingham for me," said Frank. "Although Madeline lived and studied in Oxford, and that was where we met."

"Now, Frank, we don't want to bore Nancy with ancient history," said Madeline gently, although she was smiling. "And Kathie's already heard this a dozen times; look at her rolling her eyes over there."

They all turned to look at Kathie, who looked innocently back at them. "What?" she asked.

"You do realise that none of us believe that look anymore?" asked Madeline, laughing.

"I never did," added Nancy, her eyes dancing, even as she hid another yawn.

Kathie sighed mournfully. "I think it's time for a change of subject," she declared. "Or maybe we should have a Spot Debate!"

Both Madeline and Frank groaned. Nancy snickered slightly.

"Just because you can talk the hind leg off a donkey on any subject under the sun, doesn't mean the rest of us can," said Frank.

"This is the girl I caught reading the dictionary aged six," Madeline murmured to Nancy.

"The dictionary?" exclaimed Nancy, turning to stare at Kathie, who flushed slightly, but held up her head defiantly.

"What's wrong with reading the dictionary?" she demanded.

"It's the dictionary?" suggested Nancy.

"It seemed like a good idea at the time," said Kathie, shrugging. "It certainly didn't hurt my vocabulary!"

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Dec 08, 2007 7:03 am ]
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:lol: :lol: :lol: Love Kathie reading the dictionary at the age of six. I wonder if that put her off English and onto Maths. It would explain why the girls always described her classes in Geography as being "vivid and picturesque". She obviously remembered all the words she'd read!

Author:  Alison H [ Sat Dec 08, 2007 7:50 am ]
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Glad that they're all getting on so well.

ETA - ooh, Kathie's uncle went to the same uni as me :lol:!

Author:  Lesley [ Sat Dec 08, 2007 8:23 am ]
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They seem very relaxed together -like a family.


Thanks Torri.

Author:  Rosalin [ Sat Dec 08, 2007 10:06 am ]
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Loved the bit about the dictionary. I remember doing that, though not at six.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  Fi [ Sat Dec 08, 2007 11:19 am ]
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I think I may have read the dictionary at some point too.
It didn't do much for my vocabulary though :D

Nancy seems so relaxed with Kathie's family. I think they should be careful though because Madeline and Frank may just be welcoming Nancy believing that she is Kathie's best friend.

Thanks Torri

Author:  Tara [ Sat Dec 08, 2007 11:39 pm ]
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They are all getting on so well and seem so nice ...

And I used to read my Junior Dictionary avidly, too, though I think I was about nine rather than six!

Empathised with exhausted Nancy there.

Author:  Torri [ Sun Dec 09, 2007 4:06 am ]
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Alison H wrote:
ETA - ooh, Kathie's uncle went to the same uni as me :lol:!


I almost went to Birmingham myself -- it was my second choice -- and I really regret not going. But the course wasn't what I wanted and considering that was the part of the course I didn't like in Durham, I might have been in trouble there. Well, even more trouble!

I read the dictionary too, although I think I was seven or eight at the time -- and my mother still likes to bring that up! I also did the running out of the shoe store that Madeline referenced a few parts previously; nothing like reusing your own misdeeds! :D And I've no idea what's going on with this rate of writing -- I so should be sleeping right now!



Madeline was furiously knitting away by Kathie's bedside when Nancy arrived the next day. Kathie herself was listlessly turning the pages of a magazine.

"Well, you're looking thoroughly disgruntled with life there, my dear," greeted Nancy. "Good afternoon, Madeline."

"Good afternoon, Nancy," replied Madeline, glancing briefly up from her knitting.

Kathie's head shot up and she beamed at Nancy. "So would you if all you had to read were three year old magazines, filled with now out-of-date fashions that would never have suited you in the first place." Her smile faded when she saw that Nancy had something in her hand. "Don't tell me you've had to bring work with you again."

"No, actually, I bought a present for you," said Nancy, grinning widely as she handed over a thick book.

Kathie looked down at the front cover.

It was The Concise Oxford English Dictionary.

She hit Nancy on the arm with it.

"Hey! Here I am, trying to be nice and bringing you a present and you're hitting me with it!" exclaimed Nancy. "See if you get anything from me for Christmas this year!"

Kathie smiled sweetly. "Of course I will, because you've already bought it," she said confidentially.

"What? No, I haven't," denied Nancy, looking momentarily flustered.

Madeline looked up, smiling as she watched the pair of them.

"Top drawer, left hand side," said Kathie, flipping open the dictionary. "Oh, look.
Perceptive. Adjective. Having or showing acute insight. That's me."

"Oh, I'll find a word for you in there," said Nancy, grabbing the dictionary.

"Uh oh."

"Kathie, don't tell me you're still peeking at your Christmas presents," said Madeline reproachfully.

"I only peeked one year!! And I was four!" exclaimed Kathie, a slight wail creeping into her voice. "And technically, I haven't peeked, because I don't know what it is. I just know it's for me!"

"And how do you know that?" inquired Madeline.

Kathie went very, very pink and found herself unable to look Madeline or Nancy in the eyes. Nancy's attention was seemingly all focused on the dictionary, although at one point she blushed and rapidly turned the page.

"I just know," mumbled Kathie.

"There! Here's a word for you," said Nancy quickly, shoving the dictionary back into Kathie's lap.

Kathie looked down and her jaw just dropped.

"I'm not sure if I should even ask," said Madeline, picking up her knitting again. "Although you absolutely have to be congratulated on the fact that she's speechless. That's always a rare sight."

"I do manage to silence her every now and then," said Nancy, smiling at Kathie, who was still staring at the dictionary.

"So, are you going to tell me what your word is, according to Nancy?" asked Madeline, her knitting needles starting to click once more.

Kathie huffed, and crossed her arms. Her eyes darted from Nancy to her aunt; a petulant look on her face.

"Shrimp."

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Dec 09, 2007 6:25 am ]
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:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Author:  Lesley [ Sun Dec 09, 2007 8:55 am ]
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Absolutely love their relationship :lol: - and if Madeline hasn't guessed by now then she's remarkably unperceptive.


Thanks Torri

Author:  Alison H [ Sun Dec 09, 2007 9:11 am ]
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:lol: :lol: :lol:

Author:  brie [ Sun Dec 09, 2007 10:27 am ]
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AWWW this is lovely thanks Torri.

Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Dec 09, 2007 5:54 pm ]
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:lol: again. Will we find out what Kathie's Christmas present is?

Thanks Torri.

Author:  MaryR [ Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:53 pm ]
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Maybe Madeline's just prepared to go with the flow. :lol:

As to Kathie peeking... :shock: :shock:

Thanks, Torri.

Author:  Fi [ Sun Dec 09, 2007 8:30 pm ]
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Ooh I wonder what makes Kathie so sure the present is for her.
ROFLMAO at Nancy's word for Kathie.

Thanks Torri

Author:  linda [ Sun Dec 09, 2007 9:49 pm ]
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Fantastic :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I love the banter between Nancy and Kathie!!!

Author:  Tara [ Mon Dec 10, 2007 12:07 am ]
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They are really great together - though I do wonder about that present! Love the dictionary and the 'shrimp'!

Author:  wheelchairprincess [ Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:29 pm ]
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Am I the only one who when Kathie mentions just knowing it's her christmas present immediately thinks of slinky lingerie or other some such generally unmentionable at that time present?!?! Maybe no one should answer that...

Just re-read all of this after a few weeks away from the board - I love it, thank you.

Author:  Fi [ Fri Dec 21, 2007 1:14 pm ]
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wheelchairprincess wrote:
Am I the only one who when Kathie mentions just knowing it's her christmas present immediately thinks of slinky lingerie or other some such generally unmentionable at that time present?!?!


That was my first thought when I read this Wheelchair Princess :lol: . I decided discretion was probably the better part of valour and left my post open to interpretation.

Author:  Torri [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 12:50 am ]
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I wonder about the present too! They give me these little throw away lines and then never actually follow up on them! I think it was a jewelry box that Kathie saw, but I can't promise anything on that.

Sorry about the gap; again. Writer's block = root of all evil. (As are rhymes, when you're me!)



"I bring a peace offering," Nancy announced as she entered Kathie's room the next day. Madeline was still knitting, although her wool had changed from a dark blue to deep red.

"If it's a thesaurus today, I don't want to know," said Kathie, eying Nancy and the small pile of books suspiciously.

"I didn't even think of that," admitted Nancy.

"Forget I said anything then," declared Kathie, trying to sit up straighter to take a closer look at what Nancy was holding. "Ow."

Madeline immediately dropped her knitting and Nancy surged forward. "Kathie?" said Madeline, leaning forward to place a hand on her niece's arm.

Kathie's face was pale, but she smiled at them. "Just a twinge; sat up a bit too far there, I think," she said.

"Well, be careful and don't do that again!" ordered Madeline.

"Oh, stop fussing so, Auntie. Between you and Uncle Frank, I'm getting smothered," sighed Kathie, leaning back on her pillows. She looked across at Nancy. "Uncle won't even let me sit up this far. Honestly, it's a relief he's not here again."

"Where is he then?" asked Nancy, carefully placing the books on the bedside table, before taking a seat.

"Jack offered him the chance to scrub up and observe some surgery that's going on this afternoon," explained Kathie. "Honestly, I think he came out to see the San rather than coming to see me."

"Now, Kathie, that's clearly not true," said Madeline, picking up her knitting once more. "It might be an added perk for him, but you're the number one reason that he's out here."

"Number two is seeing the San and number three being that you're out here and your cooking's much better than Mrs. Kenny's," suggested Kathie, smiling sweetly at Madeline.

"Wait, Mr. Grayson is Doctor Grayson?" questioned Nancy.

Madeline shook her head. "No, Frank's a surgeon," she explained, before chuckling. "He frightened the poor chap who performed Kathie's surgery by demanding all the details, and then he had to see the incision site for himself. Although it did meet with his approval."

"Reg was rather relieved," added Kathie, a slight giggle escaping her. She turned to the books next to her. "What did you bring me?"

"The one that was next to the bed with the bookmark in and then the two most dogeared ones on your shelves," said Nancy, conveniently ignoring the fact that the book had been next to her bed rather than Kathie's.

"Good choices," said Kathie, smiling warmly at Nancy. "Now I don't have to rely on the awful choice of magazines here. Although they did have a couple of editions of this Canadian magazine, which had some rather queer articles in it."

"Was that what you were spluttering about earlier?" inquired Madeline.

Kathie nodded. "Yes. I'll have to ask Joey if the magazine provides an accurate representation of Canada." She paused and looked thoughtful. "Or go there myself. I'd absolutely love to see Niagara Falls."

"Maybe one summer?" suggested Nancy.

"Perhaps," agreed Kathie. "Oh, there's just so many places that I want to see!"

"Me too," said Nancy. She laughed. "Perhaps some of them will even be the same!"

Author:  Chelsea [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:16 am ]
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Most curious as to which Canadian magazines the San has...

Thanks for the update - it is lovely to see Kath and Nancy together (even if they have to hide their relationship)

Author:  Lesley [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 4:54 am ]
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Nancy was very quick there wasn't she? (Next to the bed)


Thanks Torri

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 7:42 am ]
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Thanks Torri :D .

Author:  clair [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 9:27 am ]
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Thanks Torri, I love this one so now hoping the writers block goes away quickly!

Author:  Elbee [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 10:19 am ]
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Thanks, Torri. I hope you don't suffer from too much more writer's block!

Author:  MaryR [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 4:08 pm ]
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Torri wrote:
[color=darkblue]I wonder about the present too! They give me these little throw away lines and then never actually follow up on them!

It's an art one's characters develop, Torri! Just to tease! :twisted: :twisted:

Had a real giggle at Kathie's uncle inspecting her operation site - would love to have heard her comments on that!! :lol:

Thanks, Torri.

Author:  Tara [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 10:30 pm ]
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Lovely to see an update of this, Torri. Very clever choice of books by Nancy and equally skillful use of language!
Enjoyed her uncle's fascination with the whole process.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 10:40 pm ]
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MaryR wrote:
Had a real giggle at Kathie's uncle inspecting her operation site - would love to have heard her comments on that!! :lol:

Thanks, Torri.


So would I

Author:  Fi [ Thu Jan 03, 2008 10:43 pm ]
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Glad to see Nancy is being careful about what she says. I am one of the few not entirely convinced that Madeline knows about N&K.
I am really enjoying this drabble.

Sends nibbles to tempt the plot bunnies with
Thank You Torri.

Author:  leahbelle [ Fri Jan 04, 2008 5:13 pm ]
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Thanks, Torri. This is really interesting!

Author:  linda [ Fri Jan 04, 2008 9:09 pm ]
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Fiona Mc wrote:
MaryR wrote:
Had a real giggle at Kathie's uncle inspecting her operation site - would love to have heard her comments on that!! :lol:

Thanks, Torri.


So would I


Me too!!! :lol: :lol:

Thanks Torri, I am really enjoying this.

Author:  Ariel [ Fri Jan 04, 2008 9:33 pm ]
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this is great, Torri, thanks.

*sends huge package of bunny treats*

Author:  Cathie [ Fri Jan 04, 2008 9:42 pm ]
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I love this. Kathie always was my favourite. They are so sweet. Have to admit to dictionary reading too, and being an awful wriggler in bed! :oops:

Author:  Rosalin [ Sat Jan 05, 2008 6:53 pm ]
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I'm also intrigued as to exactly what was in the magazine, and feeling a little sorry for Reg having to have his work inspected :D

Thanks Torri.

Author:  Torri [ Sun Jan 13, 2008 4:06 pm ]
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The magazine Kathie was reading was called Chatelaine, because when I was googling women's magazines in the 1950s, it pulled up an article about this magazine called "Don't let your girlfriends ruin your marriage": Lesbian imagery in Chatelaine magazine, 1950-1969 And I thought it would be appropriate!


Also, apparently the staying immobile apparently has its advantages!


There were three people crowded around the small bed, chatting and laughing together.

"I just think that as it's my room, that I should have a say in what's allowed to be brought in here," said Kathie, sighing. "And right now, coffee's not on that list."

Madeline laughed as she looked down at the steaming cup in her hand. "So what you're saying is that you'd punish us all, just because you're not allowed something?"

"It's hardly punishment not to have it just in this room," said Kathie. "Try not having it at all. Or not having any tea. Or hot chocolate."

"It's a hard life, isn't it?" chuckled Frank, drinking from his own cup.

Kathie pouted. "While I'm making up rules of my room, I should add that you're not to tease me," she said.

"But then how would you know it's really me?" asked Nancy, giggling.

Frank and Madeline both joined in with the laughter.

"She makes an excellent point there," said Frank.

A knock on the door interrupted them and they all looked across expectantly.

Reg Entwistle appeared moments later, seemingly engrossed in a chart he was carrying.

"Kathie, I was just..." he began, before looking up and realising that he had an audience. His eyes alighted on Frank and he went very pale.

"I'll just come back later," said Reg, his voice an octave higher and he turned and fled the room.

Frank and Kathie both chuckled and Madeline shot them reproachful looks.

"Honestly," she sighed. "I can't take either of you anywhere. Frank, what did you say to the poor boy?"

"Nothing!" protested Frank. "I merely suggested that he might want to practice suturing a bit more. His stitches were perfectly adequate for the job, but there's certainly room for improvement."

"He's young, he's got plenty of time to learn," said Madeline. "He doesn't need you being the overprotective uncle."

"Nonsense! Rather me than the ogre I had when I was his age," declared Frank. "He..."

"Yes, dear, we know," sighed Madeline, patting her husband's arm. "Let's just leave him as an ogre today, without getting into all the sordid details. I'm sure if you're that desperate to tell it, you and Jack can get together and swap horror stories."

Frank just laughed. "I may very well do so," he said. "He's a good chap, Maynard."

Kathie had been watching her aunt and uncle and she suddenly turned back to Nancy and exclaimed, "Oh! You haven't seen my scar yet!"

Madeline rolled her eyes. "Kathie, it's hardly appropriate to be showing off your scar to all and sundry," she said.

"Are you calling Nancy all and sundry?" laughed Kathie. Nancy wisely remained quiet.

"Not at all," declared Madeline. "All the same, you really should try and remember that you're supposed to be a grownup now; not a five year old showing off injuries from your various escapades."

"Yes, Auntie," replied Kathie, seemingly meekly, although her eyes were dancing as she glanced back to Nancy.

Author:  Lesley [ Sun Jan 13, 2008 4:38 pm ]
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Poor Reg - he'll need to develop a thicker skin, surgeons are notoriously rude and annoying!


Thanks Torri.

Author:  Alison H [ Sun Jan 13, 2008 5:01 pm ]
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Poor Reg :lol: .

Author:  Fi [ Sun Jan 13, 2008 8:22 pm ]
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:lol: at Kathie wanting to show off her scar to Nancy. Maybe it would have been wiser for her to wait till her aunt and uncle weren't in the room though.

Thank You Torri

Author:  leahbelle [ Mon Jan 14, 2008 5:01 pm ]
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Loving this. Thanks, Torri.

Author:  ness [ Mon Jan 14, 2008 6:55 pm ]
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I'm really enjoying this, thanks Torri

Author:  Torri [ Mon Jan 14, 2008 11:12 pm ]
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Another short little bit today! :)

It was a nice surprise for Nancy when she entered Kathie's room a couple of days later to find her half-propped up with pillows and firmly engrossed in a book, that, suffice it to say, was not the dictionary.

"You're alone!" exclaimed Nancy, looking around the room as if to see if someone was hiding behind one of the chairs.

Kathie dropped her book and beamed across at Nancy. "Not any more," she said. "Oh, I was so hoping you'd be visiting today. Come over here!"

"Where is everyone?" demanded Nancy, leaning over to kiss Kathie. "Oh, it's so nice to be able to do that, my love."

"Uncle is needed back at home, so Auntie went down to see him off at the train in Interlaken," said Kathie. "Joey stuck her head in earlier for a few minutes and asides from Eugen taking a look at my incision site, I've had no visitors until you. I'm so glad to see you!"

"You do see me most days," pointed out Nancy, grinning.

"Oh, you know what I mean!" exclaimed Kathie, her eyes shining brightly. "I've missed being able to spend time with just the two of us together. Honestly, I've been feeling like I've been chaperoned for the last week!" She shuffled across the bed. "Sit by me. I don't hurt nearly as much now, so it should be fine."

"What would Matey say if she could see this?" asked Nancy laughing, even as she perched on the bed, and wrapped one arm around Kathie's shoulders.

Kathie snuggled in to Nancy's side, ignoring the slight twinge in her abdomen. "I think if she saw this, then you sitting on the bed would be the last thing on her mind," she said, giggling. "How I've missed you holding me."

"And how I've missed holding you, my love," sighed Nancy, taking solace in their brief respite together.

Author:  Rosalin [ Mon Jan 14, 2008 11:21 pm ]
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Aw, that's lovely. Glad they're getting a bit of time just the two of them.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  Tara [ Mon Jan 14, 2008 11:30 pm ]
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Quote:
I think if she saw this, then you sitting on the bed would be the last thing on her mind
Indeed! :D
They are nice together. Thanks, Torri, really enjoying this.

Author:  Fi [ Mon Jan 14, 2008 11:37 pm ]
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Its lovely to see the two of them alone together. I was thinking at the last post that it had been a while since they had some one-to-one time.
Maybe this would be a good opportunity for Kathie to show of her scar :lol: .

Thanks Torri

Author:  Lesley [ Tue Jan 15, 2008 7:27 am ]
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Awwww that's nice - of course they would have been missing being able to simply touch one another.


Thanks Torri

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Jan 15, 2008 8:22 am ]
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It must be so hard to be so close and yet so far away with the audience they've had

Author:  leahbelle [ Tue Jan 15, 2008 5:13 pm ]
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Lovely to see them together.

Author:  Cathie [ Tue Jan 15, 2008 7:41 pm ]
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Hurrah! Two bits! Totally sympathise on the coffee. You always notice things like that when you aren't allowed them, even if you decided you weren't having it for Lent or something(Hmm, interesting grammar!). I gave up coffee and chocolate for Lent last year and everyone always seeemed to have at least one of them. It is most annoying.

Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Jan 15, 2008 10:04 pm ]
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Good that they have some time together. Hope Joey does not walk in!

Author:  lirael [ Sat Jan 19, 2008 9:37 pm ]
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First off, de-lurking to say I've been thoroughly enjoying what has been written so far of this drabble, Torri, lovely work and to involve kathy and Nancy is inspired and welcomed...and nice to see I'm not the only one who came away from the books with this impression about this duo! :P I'm looking forward to see where you are taking this one, it's very intriguing and enjoyable.

Secondly, and slightly off canter from fic praise if it is allowable here; I noticed several people had commented as being fans of this pairing and, being new in these quarters, I wondered if any one would be kind enough to point out any other Kathy/Nancy offerings, or recommendations, I'd be ever so grateful, I've had a general trawl and found Alt challenge which I enjoyed and hope to find more of, (or what remains of it, the first part seems to have disappeared into the ether) but am generally finding the sheer mass of fic slightly outfacing in an initial approach, though I am looking forward to exploring it more thoroughly, however...if anyone would be willing...you'd have my abject gratitude for pointing the way.

Thank you

Author:  Lesley [ Sat Jan 19, 2008 9:54 pm ]
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An Alternative Romance by CatherineB is pretty much a definitive Kathie/Nancy saga - it's in the archives. Many others have the pairing within their own series, including MaryR's New Dreams and my own RCS (Blowing own trumpet here! :wink: :oops: )

Author:  Fi [ Sat Jan 19, 2008 10:22 pm ]
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Lireal

I have PM you a list of some of the drabbles I enjoyed. Check your messages at the top of the page :D .

Author:  clair [ Sun Jan 20, 2008 7:52 am ]
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Welcome Lireal - always good to have another Nancy/Kathie fan! Alt Challlenge isn't complete though I live in hope of it's reappearance one day!
Back to the story - Torri this is great, it's lovely to see how close their relationship is - please don't let anything nasty happen with Kathie's family and the situation

Author:  lirael [ Sun Jan 20, 2008 7:32 pm ]
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Thank you for the help, it's been much appreciated and led to some very pleasant reading!

Author:  Torri [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 4:56 am ]
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PaulineS wrote:
Good that they have some time together. Hope Joey does not walk in!

Ooh, good idea :lol:

clair wrote:
please don't let anything nasty happen with Kathie's family and the situation

Me? Be nasty? :halo:


"I thought I'd find you here."

Nancy glanced up from her marking at the low voice, and smiled at Hilary, who was standing in the doorway.

"I tried calling for you at the school first, but Rosalie said that you were over here again," said Hilary, lowering herself carefully into a chair. "It's late."

Nancy smiled slightly sheepishly. "I've got work to do, and as Rosalie herself said, I can do it just as easily here as I can anywhere else," she said. "She only just fell asleep and I won't be here much longer."

Hilary looked at her friend critically, noting the dark circles under her eyes and the tension in her shoulders. "You're trying to juggle a bit too much here, aren't you?"

Nancy shrugged. "Perhaps," she admitted. "I'm just trying to spend as much time as I can with her before she goes home. Barring any more bad nights, she'll probably be fit enough to travel in another week or so and then her aunt will be taking her home."

"Oh, Nancy, I'm so sorry that this had to happen to you," said Hilary.

"What do you mean, to me? Kathie's the one who had her appendix out, remember."

"Yes, but you're both having to deal with the emotional trauma that this is involving," said Hilary. "And I think that's hitting you hardest, because you're always trying to protect her and this time you can't because it's something that's out of your control and you hate that."

Nancy eyed her suspiciously. "Are you sure you trained as a games mistress?" she asked.

Hilary laughed quietly, mindful of the sleeping patient. "Quite sure," she said. "But I'm speaking as someone who's known you for more years than either of us would like to admit. And also, a former Chalet School head girl. I'm certain that alone qualifies me to speak!"

Nancy managed a weak grin in response. "It is so hard, Hil," she said softly, closing the book on her lap. "Like when I found her in the classroom. All I wanted to do was hold her and tell her that everything was going to be all right. And when she was taken to the Salon, I wanted to be there with her but I had a class of frightened children and they had to be my first priority at that time. It was so awful and I just kept thinking, 'what if, what if'. It's not as if I'm the most imaginative person but when it comes to Kathie, all these different scenarios kept coming."

Hilary reached across to take Nancy's hand and squeezed it. "Please remember that you're not alone," she said. "I've been waiting for you to talk to me, but you've just shut yourself off. You don't have to shoulder Kathie being sick and running the school all by yourself. And if that doesn't convince you, then let me point out that if you try that, it'll worry me and we all know that I'm not supposed to be worried at the moment! If you've got something on your mind, just talk to me. If you need a shoulder to cry on, then I've got two."

Nancy was starting to look suspiciously like she needed one of Hilary's shoulders right then, as she merely nodded.

"I see my wife was right. You're exactly where she said you would be, plus or minus a few feet," said a new voice and both women turned to see Phil leaning on the door frame.

"You mean you still haven't learned that I'm always right?" asked Hilary, squeezing Nancy's hand once more before letting it go.

"You'd have thought that I would have by now," sighed Phil, moving in to help Hilary to her feet. "Do you need a ride back to school, Nancy?"

"Yes, she does," said Hilary, firmly deciding for her friend. "Come on, old girl. Tomorrow's another day."

Author:  Alison H [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 7:52 am ]
Post subject: 

Hilary was lovely there - and it's good to see a nice Phil for once!

Author:  Fi [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 12:22 pm ]
Post subject: 

I can understand Nancy wanting to spend as much time as possible with Kathie before she leaves as she is going to miss her terribly when she goes home. Nancy needs to rely more on her friends though. This has been such a stressful term for her already and she is going to need Hilary and Phill even more when Kathie goes back to England as she is going worry about her even more when she can't be with her.

I always thought of Phill Graves as a nice man because I couldn't imagine nice, sensible Hilary marrying anyone nasty. It is interesting to read drabbles where he is seen as bad but I see them as exploring alternative personalities rather than what he would really have been like.

Thanks Torri

Author:  MaryR [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 1:22 pm ]
Post subject: 

Quote:
And when she was taken to the Salon, I wanted to be there with her but I had a class of frightened children and they had to be my first priority at that time.

Which is exactly how all Heads feel. She might now appreciate how Hilda has to put her own feelings to one side all the time - never easy. Poor Nancy. But she's doing a grand job.

And I agree with you, Fi, with regard to Phil. :lol:

Thanks, Torri

Author:  Lesley [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 7:02 pm ]
Post subject: 

That was nice of Hilary and Phil.


Thanks Torri.

Author:  Tara [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 11:59 pm ]
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Everyone leans on strong, dependable Nancy, don't they. Really good to see Hilary there for her. Awful to have to hide her feelings all the time, even when others wouldn't have to.
I agree about Phil btw!

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 6:46 am ]
Post subject: 

I really liked seeing more of the friendship between Hilary and Nancy. Thanks

Author:  Gem [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 9:39 am ]
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Just read this from start to finish, Torri - lovely! :D I've really enjoyed it, especially the relationships. They're so true to life, and so tongue in cheek when referring to EBD's dosing and doctor rescues... Thank you! Am looking forward to more :D

Another Kathie/Nancy drabble out there is Pim's Sharlie series. It focusses on Sharlie, of course, but there are some lovely Kathie/Nancy parts and also Kathie/Sharlie friendship.

Author:  Torri [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 3:43 pm ]
Post subject: 

Just a very little short bit today :D


Nancy was humming softly to herself as she headed down the long corridors of the San. Everything seemed to be going right today, which certainly made a nice change.

The weather had finally cleared up, which had rejoiced both staff and girls. The post had been lighter than usual, so she and Rosalie had got through it in record time and in her own personal mail had been the news that she was an aunt again!

Her lesson on vectors with Lower V had gone much more smoothly than she had anticipated, with even the least mathematically inclined in the class appearing to catch on (although she'd soon find out who really did understand what once she got that evening's prep back) and then her extra coaching had been postponed. This meant that she had been able to slip away earlier than she had expected, and Ruth Derwent had volunteered to preside over Mittagessen for her, so she wasn't due back until her afternoon class with Upper VI.

And with the school car back in service once more, she now free to drive herself to and from the San, which gave her much more freedom in coming to visit Kathie.

Smiling, Nancy opened the door to Kathie's room.

Her smile dropped away and she stopped dead in the doorway.

Author:  clair [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 3:58 pm ]
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Er, Torri you seem to have forgotten to post the ending......!
Please come back again soon!

Author:  Gem [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 4:13 pm ]
Post subject: 

Torri?

*looks frantically for ending* It's not there...

Empty room? Kathie's been sent home early? Jo there, shouting their relationship to all and sundry? *ponders*

More please? *looks hopeful*

Author:  Alison H [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 5:27 pm ]
Post subject: 

Hope it's just that Kathie's been discharged ...

Author:  Fi [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 8:01 pm ]
Post subject: 

Aargh! :shock: :shock: Torri get back here and post some more soon!!

You can't be mean to Nancy now, she has been having such a stressful time and things are just starting to go right for her.

Good cliff by the way. Have you been taking lessons from Lesley?

Author:  Tara [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:55 pm ]
Post subject: 

Fi said it all! And it was going so well, I was rejoicing in Nancy's positive day. Perhaps it's only Jo????

On a lighter note:
Quote:
she'd soon find out who really did understand what once she got that evening's prep back
Ohhhhh yes!

Author:  Torri [ Sun Jan 27, 2008 4:05 am ]
Post subject: 

Since you asked so very nicely, here's another very short little bit before I go to bed... :lol:


The room was empty.

Not just of Kathie herself, but of the personal affects that had previously been scattered around the room; from the small pile of books on her bedside table, to the colourful cards her form had made and sent along for her.

The bed was immaculately made and the whole room looked, and felt, just like the dozens of similarly unoccupied rooms to be found throughout the San.

Nancy half stumbled back into the corridor, gasping for breath. Her mind ran through a hundred different scenarios, each one worst than the previous.

She glanced up and down the vast, gleaming corridor, suddenly feeling very alone.

"Okay, stop and think for a moment," she murmured to herself. "You're being a silly ass. This was her room, right?" She looked up and stared at the number. "Okay, right room. So where is she?"

Her eyes scanned the length of the corridor once more, and she bit on her lip.

"Phil's office. Or Jack's office. One of them has to be in," she said firmly. "I'm being stupid. But, oh God, please let there be nothing wrong with Kathie."

Head bowed, she headed quickly down the corridor, not noticing the man coming in the opposite direction until she heard her name being called.

"Nancy!" exclaimed Phil.

She stopped and looked up at him.

"You're here early today. I tried calling the school to let you know, but Rosalie said that you'd already left, so I came looking for you," he continued.

"You called? To let me know what?" demanded Nancy, her heart in her mouth.

Author:  Alison H [ Sun Jan 27, 2008 7:38 am ]
Post subject: 

Oh not another cliff :lol: !

Author:  Lesley [ Sun Jan 27, 2008 8:58 am ]
Post subject: 

Nice cliffs! :lol: Kathie's been taken away by her Aunt and Uncle hasn't she? And I bet they didn't think to let Nancy know.


(((Nancy)))

Thanks Torri.

Author:  roversgirl [ Sun Jan 27, 2008 9:12 am ]
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nice cliff.begging for another bit... thanks :)

Author:  Gem [ Sun Jan 27, 2008 9:16 am ]
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*looks worried* Thank you for the extra bit Torri, but you still seem to be missing a bit out...

Surely Kathie's aunt and uncle wouldn't have taken her without letting Nancy say goodbye? They seem very fond of her... Unless Kathie has told them about their relationship and they've reacted bacdly. But I can't see Kathie letting anyone do anything without letting Nancy know.

*reminds self that they are not actual people*

Thank you Torri :)

Author:  MaryR [ Sun Jan 27, 2008 4:08 pm ]
Post subject: 

Gem wrote:
*reminds self that they are not actual people*

Where did you hear that, Gem? I'm sure you're wrong! :twisted:

Maybe Kathie's just been moved to another room? Poor Nancy, though. :cry:

Thanks, Torri

Author:  Torri [ Mon Jan 28, 2008 3:46 pm ]
Post subject: 

Hopefully this'll relieve any lingering panic... and makes up for the last two posts! :halo:

"You know, I'd certainly recommend India."

Nancy could hear Joey Maynard's clear voice from half-way down the corridor, followed by a ripple of laughter.

"I don't believe it. You're having a party and forgot to invite me!" she said, as she stepped through the open door. She still felt pale and hoped that none of the room's occupants would notice.

Kathie chuckled from her new bed, where she was surrounded by her aunt, Joey, Biddy, Hilary and little Cecil Maynard, who had made herself very much at home on Madeline's lap. "Well, if we couldn't find you to invite you..." she began.

"You couldn't find me!?" exclaimed Nancy. "You're the one who moved to another room across the San in the middle of the night. What's all this about?"

"Phil didn't tell you?" asked Hilary. "He said he was going to explain everything to you."

"He, ah, didn't get a chance to," admitted Nancy, who had only waited long enough to find out about the room switch and what the new room number was.

"Kathie's got her own Dr. Hunter," said Joey, nodding her head.

Nancy just looked at her blankly. "Come again," she said.

"I have an admirer," said Kathie morosely, looking glumly up at Nancy.

"Oh?" asked Nancy, frowning. Hilary patted the spare seat next to her and Nancy automatically sat down.

"He's one of the new doctors here," said Kathie. "He's big in orthopedics or oncology or something else beginning with 'o' and he's here for some reason..." She looked across at the three doctor's wives, shrugging.

"It's a new thing," said Joey. "Jack's been inviting specialists in different fields to come out here from six weeks to a year to look into areas of specialisation that the San's hoping to expand into, now that the greatest threat from TB appears to be over. It'll still be a centre of excellence for TB and respiratory diseases. But he's looking at, for example, orthopedics, what with the mountains and number of accidents in the area. But that's a whole other story. The point is, Dr. Jeff is one of those specialists and why he found it necessary to even be in that part of the San, we don't know."

"I was trying to read," said Kathie, taking up the tale again. "He was most apologetic at first, saying that he had the wrong room and how easy it was to get lost in here. It was a nice enough conversation at first, but then he just wouldn't leave. Well, not until Biddy came in."

"Twas perfectly polite to me as well," added Biddy.

"Then he just kept coming back," continued Kathie. "He just kept wanting to talk to me and it was creepy. He's old enough to be my father. There's absolutely nothing wrong with age gaps in relationships, but that's just too much." She shuddered, tugging the blankets up closer around her. Nancy started to move to take her hand, before yanking it back her lap.

"He tried dropping her into casual conversation with Phil too," said Hilary, adding her own part to the story. She chuckled. "He told Dr. Jeff that he had no chance with you, but Dr. Jeff was insistent that he could win you over. Apparently, all single women are just waiting for the right man to sweep them off their feet."

Nancy and Kathie both wore matching looks of disgust. Hilary bit her lip, before making the fatal mistake of catching Biddy's eye and the two of them lost it.

Joey smiled herself, shaking her head as she regarded the two giggling women. "Well, Dr. Jeff is going to have to settle with trying to sweep women off their feet back in England," she said. "Jack's terminating the contract today. He takes harassment of women very seriously."

"As well he should," said Madeline firmly. "Still, I'm glad we had the chance to move your room, my dear. And I'm certainly sorry your uncle had to go home. I'm sure he'd have liked to have a word or two with this man."

Hilary, recovered from her giggling fit, smiled tightly. "Oh, Phil's definitely seeing to that."

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Jan 28, 2008 4:44 pm ]
Post subject: 

I bet Dr Jeff wishes he'd kept his mouth shut now!

Author:  leahbelle [ Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:15 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thanks, Torri!

Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:15 pm ]
Post subject: 

Dr Jeff sent back to England and then being interviewed by Kathy's uncle. One could almost feel sorry for him.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:23 pm ]
Post subject: 

PaulineS wrote:
One could almost feel sorry for him.


...almost - not quite :twisted: :twisted:

thanks, Torri

Author:  Fi [ Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:45 pm ]
Post subject: 

Oooh! Horrible man.
*Looks for creeped-out emoticon*

Poor Kathie, she must have felt really helpless as well cos she can't get out of bed yet.

Much relieved by Kathie just having moved rooms though.

Thanks Torri

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Jan 28, 2008 7:08 pm ]
Post subject: 

Love Biddy and Hilary's giggles - of course they might have more reason than either Madeline or Joey to consider why Dr Jeff was on a losing wicket! :lol:


Thanks Torri.

Author:  Nell [ Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:48 pm ]
Post subject: 

Lovely - thank you Torri.

Hope Phil makes Dr Jeff regret coming to the san!

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 3:17 am ]
Post subject: 

Thanks for the updates. Am glad I missed the cliffs

Author:  Torri [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 11:01 am ]
Post subject: 

Don't get too used to this scary rate of posting!


"I always knew I liked you, Phil," said Nancy cheerily, sticking her head around the door to his office.

Phil looked up from his desk, narrowing his eyes. "What do you want?" he asked suspiciously. "If you've come on a mission from Kathie, no, she still can't have any coffee and the more people she sends to ask me, the more days it'll be before she can."

"No, I'm not coming to beg coffee for Kathie," said Nancy as she entered the room. "I just came to do this." She bent down and kissed a surprised Phil on the cheek.

"Now I'm really worried," said Phil, dropping his pen and leaning back in his chair.

Nancy smirked for a moment and perched on the edge of his desk. Her face grew serious and she took a deep breath. "I wanted to say thank you," she said. "Hilary said that you were going to have words with that... that man. I'd have liked to have given him a piece of my mind myself, but I know that I couldn't have done, for any number of reasons. And so if anyone was going to speak to him on Kathie's behalf, I'm glad it was you."

Phil smiled briefly. "You're very welcome. I only wish that it hadn't just been words." He shook his head. "The bastard had the nerve to suggest that I was only being so protective of Kathie either because I was cheating on Hilary with her, or that I wanted to be. I could have hit him, Nancy. Maybe I should have done. The idea of cheating on my wife... God, it sickens me and I told him as much. I also pointed out that I saw Kathie as a part of my family; you both are. You're like little sisters I never actually wanted, but when I got them, I realised just how much you add to my life. Well, to our lives, because I know Hilary feels the same."

Nancy's eyes were becoming suspiciously bright. "Phil," she began, her voice choked. "You have no idea how much that means to me."

"Don't cry!" exclaimed Phil, alarmed. He jumped up from his chair and patted Nancy awkwardly on the shoulder. "I can't even cope when Marjorie and Lois start crying on me."

Nancy hiccuped as she laughed slightly. "I'd noticed," she said, dabbing at her eyes. "But you can't just drop a bombshell like that on me and expect me not to react emotionally. Especially with this term being as it is."

"Yes, this really isn't going down as your best term ever, is it," said Phil. "I know you won't feel like it, but things will get better with Kathie in England. I know you'll miss her, but there won't be the conflicting interests on opposing sides of the Platz to deal with. And it's not like she won't keep in touch."

"Oh, no. She's promised to write as much as possible," said Nancy, a hint of a smile creeping onto her face.

"If she can write as much as she can talk, then I pity you."

"Pity us all," said Nancy, her smile growing wider. "She said that she's going to write to everyone."

Phil gulped. "We don't have to reply to all of them, right?"

Nancy laughed. "That's exactly what I asked her!"

Author:  Ruth B [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 11:08 am ]
Post subject: 

Aww! Lovely Phil!

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 11:40 am ]
Post subject: 

Nice to see a "good" Phil!

Author:  clair [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 11:55 am ]
Post subject: 

That was lovely, nice to see Nancy and Kathie as part of a family like this.
It would be really easy to get used to regular posts like this Torri - it's one of my favourite drabbles at the moment, thank you

Author:  MaryR [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 12:38 pm ]
Post subject: 

Lovely, Torri. :D Thank you.

Author:  Liz K [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 1:30 pm ]
Post subject: 

Phew, thanks, Torri.

I've just read this in one sitting here at work and, along with everyone else, I was getting extremely worried towards the end there.

Can't wait for some more please.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 2:19 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thanks, Torri - I'm really enjoying this. :D

Author:  Fi [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 2:55 pm ]
Post subject: 

That was lovely, especially the comment Phil made about N&K being his little sisters. :D

:lol: at the "sisters I never wanted" remark.

Seriously narked at the Dr's assumption that Phil was cheating on Hilary - Evil man :evil: .

Thank You Torri

Author:  roversgirl [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 3:54 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thank you so much :) That was lovely!

Author:  ness [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 8:10 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thank you Torri

This is one of my favourite drabbles too

Author:  linda [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 8:24 pm ]
Post subject: 

That was lovely, I'm so glad Phil got rid of that horrible man. :twisted:

But how Nancy is going to miss Kathie when she goes home to England to recuperate. Letters just are not the same.

Thank you Torri

Author:  Lesley [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 9:43 pm ]
Post subject: 

((((Phil))))



Thanks Torri.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Jan 29, 2008 11:00 pm ]
Post subject: 

Love the line of Kathie and Nancy being the sister he never knew he wanted :lol: :lol:

Author:  Torri [ Thu Jan 31, 2008 2:39 am ]
Post subject: 

Probably going to slow down the rate of posting again. Unless there's another cliff developing! :D

Nancy glanced up and down the empty corridors, before pushing open the door to Kathie's new room. Although the San didn't have strict visiting hours as such, she was sure if she was seen here at this time of night, there would definitely be some raised eyebrows.

Kathie was lying in bed, staring out of the open window. Lit only by the moon, she just looked so young and fragile, although Nancy knew better than to mention that to her.

"A little bird told me you wanted to see me," said Nancy.

Kathie's head turned around to face Nancy, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Hey," she said softly.

"Hey, yourself," said Nancy, returning the smile as she moved over to the bed. She gently traced her fingers down Kathie's face, and Kathie leaned into the touch, her eyes half closing. "You look tired."

"I am tired," admitted Kathie. "But I can't sleep. It's why I asked Helen to see if she could get a hold of you."

"I'd just finished marking Upper VI's prep when the phone made me jump out of my skin," said Nancy, laughing softly, as she reached to take Kathie's hand. "I headed straight over and felt like I was a naughty middle again, creeping around after lights out!"

"You, a naughty middle? I don't believe it," declared Kathie, her eyes dancing.

"I was! But I have a feeling that you didn't want me here so I could tell you scandalous tales of my schooldays. What's up, my love?"

Kathie fidgeted slightly in her bed. "He scared me, Nance," she whispered.

Nancy didn't need to ask who 'he' was and she just tightened her grip on Kathie's hand.

"I just can't seem to explain why though," she continued. "Maybe it's because there was no one defining thing; it was just everything. But he scared me and now I'm too afraid to close my eyes in case he's there again when I open them, even though, logically, I know can't come back to find me again." She wiped her fist across her eyes. "I'm being stupid, I know."

"You're not being stupid," said Nancy softly. "I know you've not even told me a quarter of what he was like and it scares me too, knowing that you were alone with him. And I wish there was something that I could do to make you less scared."

"You're here. That's all I need," said Kathie. Her deep brown eyes glistened slightly as she looked up at Nancy, before she ducked her head away, biting on her lip.

"What is it?" asked Nancy, recognising a gesture of shyness that Kathie rarely displayed anymore.

Kathie hesitated. "I just wondered if you could sit with me while I fall asleep," she murmured. "He won't be leaving the Platz until tomorrow morning and even the shadows are making me jumpy tonight. And I thought if you were here... I just don't want to be alone, Nance."

"Oh, you're never alone, my darling," replied Nancy, squeezing Kathie's hand again. "I'll stay all night with you."

Kathie shook her head. "No," she said firmly. "I almost didn't ask you because I knew that you'd say that. You have to go back to school once I'm asleep and go to bed yourself. I'm not disrupting your sleep anymore than I have done already. Promise me, Nancy, that you'll leave once I'm asleep."

Nancy sighed. "I promise," she said. "But do you honestly think that I'm going to get any more sleep at school than I would in this chair?"

Kathie sighed. "Probably not," she said. "But you'd be more comfortable in a bed at least."

"Maybe you're right," admitted Nancy.

Kathie smiled sleepily. "Of course. I always am," she said, yawning widely. "But we can discuss that further tomorrow."

Nancy chuckled, leaning over to kiss Kathie on the forehead. "You only wish. Goodnight, darling."[/i]

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Thu Jan 31, 2008 3:04 am ]
Post subject: 

I love this exchange - Nancy was always the 'comforter' in this partnership, wasn't she, and she's definitely reassuring here. Good for Helen Graves for being compassionate enough to bend the San rules and have Nancy come over to see Kathie outside visiting hours. I can understand why Kathie was afraid - and am by no means sure that whatever Nancy may have promised, she won't still be in that chair when Kathie wakes up in the morning!!

Thanks, Torri - this was a lovely late treat for me - I was just about to close down for the night when I found it.

Author:  Lesley [ Thu Jan 31, 2008 5:10 am ]
Post subject: 

Hmmm, can also see Nancy there until the early hours. :lol: Lovely exchange.



Thanks Torri.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Jan 31, 2008 5:58 am ]
Post subject: 

Nancy is so lovely

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Jan 31, 2008 7:45 am ]
Post subject: 

Nancy is lovely.

Author:  Fi [ Thu Jan 31, 2008 12:07 pm ]
Post subject: 

I think that Nancy will relax while waiting for Kathie to sleep and probably drop-off herself - she hasn't been sleeping well after all.

Slightly worried about who will find them in the morning, hoping Nancy will get back to school without anyone knowing.

Thank You Torri, it's been great having lots of this to read this last week :D . I understand however, that RL sometimes has to intervene so hoping to see more of this when you feel ready.

:poke: *pokes RL*

Author:  Gem [ Thu Jan 31, 2008 6:23 pm ]
Post subject: 

Oh, that's so lovely... *sighs happily* Nancy and Kathie are very sweet in this. And I do love their friendships with Helen/Biddy/Hilary/Phil and co :D

Although I do have a bone to pick with you Torri *g* I am normally VERY good about not playing around on the CBB when I'm at work. But I just can't seem to stick to it with yours - have to keep coming on and checking. So if I get fired, be it on your head :wink:

Thank you :D

Author:  Torri [ Fri Feb 01, 2008 3:24 am ]
Post subject: 

Gem wrote:
Although I do have a bone to pick with you Torri *g* I am normally VERY good about not playing around on the CBB when I'm at work. But I just can't seem to stick to it with yours - have to keep coming on and checking. So if I get fired, be it on your head :wink:


Eep! If helps, I quite often post nowish, which is what, 3,4am GMT. Occasionally around 11am GMT, before I go to work. I'm usually not around between 4 and 8pm GMT... and this probably isn't helping, is it?! :)

Managed another little short bit while babysitting. Although you should probably be warned that I bought books earlier, so now my attention's definitely split!


Nancy woke with sun in her eyes.

Squinting as she opened them, she soon registered that she was still in Kathie's room at the San.

Oops.

Sitting up cautiously, she winced as her back protested. Clearly she was getting too old to be sleeping in chairs.

Kathie was still sleeping, curled up, facing Nancy's direction and holding Nancy's hand in a death grip.

Nancy turned her head to glance at the clock, a relieved sigh escaping her when she saw that it was barely six.

She carefully tried to pull her hand out from Kathie's, watching nervously as Kathie stirred slightly.

Having extracted herself from Kathie's clutches, she stood up and brushed out her skirt and straightened her blouse.

She startled when she heard the door open and froze next to Kathie's bed.

"Nancy, don't tell me you slept here all night," scolded Helen Graves, as she blustered in to pick up Kathie's chart.

Nancy looked guilty and Helen sighed.

"You're lucky it's just me," she said in fierce undertones, casting a glance across at Kathie's sleeping form.

"It was an accident," protested Nancy quietly. "And it's wasn't the whole night. That would imply a full night's sleep."

Helen made a disapproving noise in the back of her throat. "That's a Kathie answer there, if ever I heard one," she said. "And you're not helping yourself, you know."

"I know, I know," sighed Nancy. "I'm going now."

"I better not find you here tonight," warned Helen. "And especially not at this time tomorrow morning."

Nancy grinned sheepishly. "You won't. I promise."

Author:  Lesley [ Fri Feb 01, 2008 5:58 am ]
Post subject: 

I knew that was going to happen! :lol: Pooe Nancy will pay for that through the day.


Thanks Torri.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Fri Feb 01, 2008 11:49 am ]
Post subject: 

She will cos sleeping in chairs isn't comfortable at all

Author:  leahbelle [ Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:25 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thanks, Torri. really enjoying this.

Author:  Fi [ Fri Feb 01, 2008 5:00 pm ]
Post subject: 

Great minds think alike, yes? :lol:
Very relieved that it was Helen that found her though. Nancy needs to be more careful.

Have to agree with you, Fiona. Any age is too old to be sleeping in chairs.

Thank You Torri.

Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Feb 01, 2008 6:16 pm ]
Post subject: 

Pity any girl who plays up in Nancy's lessons or is sent to her today!!!

Hope she has a break when she can lie flat and get the cricks out of her back..

Author:  Nell [ Fri Feb 01, 2008 10:59 pm ]
Post subject: 

Aw so knew that was going to happen. Poor Nancy and yes I don't envy and girl (or member of staff) who gets on the wrong side of her after that night's sleep.

Thanks Torri, loving this.

Author:  Torri [ Sun Feb 03, 2008 8:23 pm ]
Post subject: 

Another short little bit today. Any sort of length is apparently beyond me at the moment!


Madeline greeted Nancy later that day outside Kathie's door. "Oh, Nancy. I was hoping to catch you before you left the school," she said, frowning slightly.

Nancy's welcoming smile slipped. "What's wrong?" she demanded.

"Nothing is wrong," said Madeline reassuringly. "We've just managed to persuade Kathie to go down for a nap. She seemed awfully tired this morning and was rather cantankerous as well. Eventually she admitted that she had trouble getting to sleep last night and then woke just past six. I wanted to save you coming across for nothing."

Nancy waved her hand dismissively, trying not to wince as her back protested. "It's not a problem," she said.

Madeline moved to rest a hand on Nancy's arm as she lead her away from Kathie's room. "If you don't mind, I have a favour to ask of you," she began.

"Of course," said Nancy. "As long as it's nothing too extreme."

Madeline chuckled. "No, not at all. I was hoping that you'd be able to show me the school. It seems a shame to come all this way and not see the place which is such a large part of my niece's life."

"Oh, absolutely!" agreed Nancy. She glanced down at her watch. "And if you'd like, you could join the staff for Kaffee and Kuchen. I know some of them have come visiting, but I don't know if you've crossed paths with any of them at all."

"Just once; Miss Andrews, I think it was," said Madeline. "She was just leaving as I arrived though, so we really only exchanged names. But it would be lovely to put faces to names. Thanks to Kathie's letters, I feel like I know them all already!"

"Kathie sends you a lot of letters?" inquired Nancy casually, as they neared the front door to the San.

Madeline nodded. "Oh, yes. We get a weekly epistle from her; have done since she left us to go to Oxford," she replied.

Nancy looked thoughtful as they reached the car. "She's promised to write to all of us up here when she's back in England," she explained.

Something that sounded suspiciously like a giggle came from Madeline's side of the car. "You're all in for a treat," she said brightly.

Author:  Fi [ Sun Feb 03, 2008 8:30 pm ]
Post subject: 

Ok, I am so looking forward to reading one of Kathie's letters now :D . I am torn however because for that to happen she will have to leave the Platz and I am not looking forward to that on Nancy's behalf :( .

Thanks Torri.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Sun Feb 03, 2008 8:31 pm ]
Post subject: 

I'm sure Kathie's aunt will enjoy meeting some of the other teachers - that's a really good idea. Though if she really *doesn't* realise the true nature of the relationship between Nancy and Kathie, it's to be hoped no-one 'steps in where angels fear to tread.'

Clearly Kathie is a good letter writer, so Nancy and the others will have something to look forward to while she's recuperating in England.

Thanks, Torri - I'm continuing to enjoy this.

Author:  roversgirl [ Sun Feb 03, 2008 8:57 pm ]
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Thanks for that. am looking forward to the length of Kathie's letter! :D

Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Feb 03, 2008 9:06 pm ]
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Thanks poor Kathy though Nancy taken away before she visit.

Author:  Alison H [ Sun Feb 03, 2008 9:27 pm ]
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Kathie's letters sound great, but Nancy's going to miss her so much if she goes home to recuperate :( .

Author:  Lesley [ Sun Feb 03, 2008 9:46 pm ]
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Hope Madeline enjoys her tour.


Thanks Torri.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Feb 04, 2008 6:50 am ]
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Thanks Tori. Am glad Madeleine and Nancy get to spend abit more time together

Author:  clair [ Mon Feb 04, 2008 10:53 am ]
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Good to see Nancy and Madeline getting on so well, can't wait for Kathieis letters - sounds like they're going to be great

Thanks Torri

Author:  linda [ Mon Feb 04, 2008 7:44 pm ]
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I'm looking forward to Kathie's letters, but poor Nancy is really going to miss her when she goes back to England to recuperate.

I wonder what Madeline will think of the school, will it come up to her expectations?

Thanks, Torri

Author:  Rosalin [ Mon Feb 04, 2008 8:39 pm ]
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Hope Madeleine's tour goes well. I'm really enjoying your portrayal of this relationship.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  Torri [ Sun Feb 10, 2008 12:50 am ]
Post subject: 

Update! Go me! :)


Nancy had managed to show Madeline all around the school and the bell for the end of lessons was just ringing as she lead the way into the cosy staff sitting room.

Ruth Derwent was the only one in the room and she looked across curiously at the unknown woman with Nancy.

Nancy beamed across at her. "Ruth! Perfect," she exclaimed. "Madeline, this is Miss. Ruth Derwent, our senior English mistress. Ruth, this is Mrs. Madeline Grayson, Kathie's aunt."

"An English mistress. I am delighted to meet you," said Madeline, stepping forward to shake Ruth's hand. "Nancy's been kind enough to take me around the school, and I was hoping to catch a glimpse of an English lesson, but that wasn't to be so."

"You'd be welcome to visit my literature lesson with Lower VIa after this," offered Ruth. "Unless you need to get back to Kathie, of course. How is she doing?"

"Making great strides, thankfully," said Madeline. "She's napping this afternoon, which gave me the opportunity to come along today. But with any luck, we should be able to start our journey back to England in another week."

"Yes, Nancy mentioned that you'd be taking Kathie back to recuperate," said Ruth, glancing past Madeline to Nancy, who was chewing pensively on her bottom lip. "We'll all miss her dreadfully. The girls are all bemoaning that the nativity play won't be the same without her."

"You can tell them that she's grousing about missing it herself," replied Madeline. "Although perhaps not in those exact terms!"

Ruth chuckled. "Perhaps not," she agreed. "Come and snag a seat before the rest of the rabble arrive. One of the maids will be up soon with our refreshments and we'll be good. Karen's baking is simply wonderful."

"So I've heard," said Madeline, following Ruth to a cluster of comfy chairs in the corner of the room.

Nancy made to join them, but was stopped by the arrival of Rosalie at the door.

"Oh, good, Nancy, you're here. If I could just steal you away for one moment," she asked pleadingly.

Nancy glanced across at Madeline and Ruth, and both of the women nodded.

"We'll discuss the superiority of English over maths," said Madeline, her eyes dancing and Ruth merely laughed.

"Go and deal with whatever crisis has occurred now," added Ruth, waving her away.

Nancy nodded and left the room with Rosalie, her mind already slipping back into her headmistress role.

When she returned, not five minutes later, the room had filled in her absence. She exchanged a few words with Sharlie Andrews and Rosalind Moore on her way to pour herself a cup of coffee and grab a pasty, before heading towards the corner that she'd left Madeline and Ruth.

They seemed to be in the middle of a heated discussion, and Nancy stood out of sight for a moment.

"I would not dismiss the American poets completely," argued Madeline.

"I don't," said Ruth. "But when you compare them to, say, Wordsworth and Bryon and Blake, I always found them rather lacking."

"Then we don't compare them. Surely they should be able to stand on their own merits," said Madeline simply, as she sipped on her coffee. She leaned back and half closed her eyes. "Because I could not stop for Death, He kindly stopped for me, The Carriage held but just Ourselves, And Immortality."

Ruth cocked her head. "I have to owe to not knowing that one. I presume it's from an American."

Madeline smiled and nodded. "Emily Dickinson. She had rather an unusual style of writing, especially for her time, but I rather like her works," she said. "Or how about someone more modern? Robert Frost? Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice. From what I've tasted of desire, I hold with those who favor fire. But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate, To say that for destruction ice, Is also great, And would suffice."

"That one I do know," said Ruth, laughing. "I just wish the girls could quote like you at the drop of a hat.

Nancy chose that moment to interrupt as she moved to take the empty seat on the other side of Madeline. "You know, I'm not sure Frank was exaggerating when he said that you could quote all of Shakespeare!"

Madeline chuckled. "Frank – that's my husband," she added to Ruth in an aside, "Is rather easily impressed. When we first met, I was a literature student and yes, I did have a number of his sonnets memorised. I have always been lucky in that once I've learned something, it generally stays. Kathie's the same. I used to challenge her when she had to learn something for school to see who could learn it the fastest. She doesn't like to be beaten, so I used that to my advantage."

"Did you teach before your marriage?" inquired Ruth.

Madeline shook her head. "Not I! I was married rather young; I didn't even finish university. I had intended to teach, but I met Frank when I was seventeen and then a year later we were engaged." She smiled softly to herself, before turning to face Nancy. "As much as I'm enjoying chatting with Ruth, I do believe you promised to introduce me around the staffroom."

"Of course!" exclaimed Nancy, looking around and waving across Jeanne de Lachenais and Peggy Burnett. "Let's see how many of the room we can manage to do!"


Madeline quotes from Because I Could Not Stop for Death, Emily Dickinson and Fire and Ice, Robert Frost

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Sun Feb 10, 2008 3:27 am ]
Post subject: 

'Go you' indeed, Torri - that was a lovely update and a truly delightful antidote to a particularly frigid night in Ontario!! I'm glad I was on the Board later than usual, and found it.

I think Madeline would have fitted into the Chalet School staff room without any trouble should she ever have become a teacher. I love people who can quote like that without any trouble, too. And it's good that the other teachers can show her so clearly how much Kathie is appreciated by both teachers and pupils - she knows how happy Kathie is at the school but this is showing her the situation from the other side of the coin, as it were.

Thank you, Torri.

Author:  Lesley [ Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:11 am ]
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Love how seamlessly Madeline fits in - and those two extracts are enough for me to want to look up the rest.


Thanks Torri

Author:  Alison H [ Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:29 am ]
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Madeleine fits in brilliantly!

Author:  abbeybufo [ Sun Feb 10, 2008 1:37 pm ]
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Thanks Torri, that was lovely

Author:  Nell [ Sun Feb 10, 2008 4:49 pm ]
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A fabulous update, I do like Madeline and she's fitted right in.

Thanks Torri!

Author:  linda [ Sun Feb 10, 2008 4:56 pm ]
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Lovely update, thanks Torri

Author:  Rosalin [ Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:36 pm ]
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Glad Madeleine is getting on with the staff.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  Elbee [ Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:50 pm ]
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Madeline seems really nice.

Thanks, Torri.

Author:  Torri [ Mon Feb 11, 2008 11:07 pm ]
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I'm really glad that everyone likes Madeline; I'm liking her more and more as I write her, but then I'm the one writing her so I feel rather biased!


"Oh, good, it's you!" exclaimed Kathie, dropping her sewing. "Come and kiss me quick!"

Nancy chuckled, but willingly crossed the room to comply with Kathie's order. "Where's your aunt?"

"Taking a call from Uncle," explained Kathie. "He's probably run out of clean socks. I'm very impressed with your timing, although she'll be back pretty soon."

"Well, we'll just have to make the most of these few moments," said Nancy, reaching across to take Kathie's hand as she sat herself down.

"Don't we always?" asked Kathie. "I'm sorry I missed you yesterday, but I was rather tired and Auntie can be very insistent at times."

"There's nothing to be sorry about," said Nancy. "I'd much rather you had the sleep if you needed it. I know I would have liked a nap yesterday, had I the chance."

Kathie narrowed her eyes at Nancy. "Just how much sleep did you get that night?" she demanded.

"Not as much as I would have liked," admitted Nancy. "But I had an early night last night to make up for it, so you can stop your worrying and fretting about me and think about something else to talk about."

"I always worry and fret," pointed out Kathie. "But I'll change the subject anyway. Auntie was telling me about how you showed her the school yesterday. She was very impressed. But she also refused to say if she telling any embarrassing stories about me in the staffroom. Please tell me she didn't."

Nancy laughed. "Not when I was in the room," she said. "She seemed more interested in debating the merits of American poets with Ruth."

"Ah," said Kathie understandingly. "She had an American lecturer when she was Oxford, who, of course, spoke of and enthused about the poets of his homeland. Auntie's said that she's been interested in them ever since. Was it Emerson, Frost, Poe or Dickinson?"

"Emily Dickinson definitely had a mention," said Nancy, nodding her head firmly as she frowned slightly. "As for the other one, I really don't remember!"

"Robert Frost was the second one I quoted." Madeline's amused voice came from the door. "You should try some of his work. It'll make a change from all those numbers."

"I do read, from time to time," protested Nancy. Kathie was snickering slightly in the bed. "But I definitely prefer maths. So does Kathie. Does she get these lectures too?"

"Oh, you should have heard the one she gave me when I told her what I was planning on studying at university," exclaimed Kathie. "But she's worked on me for twenty years; you've seen my bookcase and that's nothing compared to my room at home. You're fresh blood and you're reacting to her. She's enjoying this."

Madeline had lowered herself into the spare chair, laughing softly. "Let an old woman have her amusements," she said. "Kathie, Uncle sends his love and says stop trying to sit up so straight."

Kathie gulped and, with a guilty look on her face, slipped further down the bed.

Author:  Fi [ Mon Feb 11, 2008 11:23 pm ]
Post subject: 

I too tend to prefer numbers to letters, even though I love to read for pleasure, so I definitely sympathise with Kathie and Nancy here.
:lol: At Kathie's guilty look as she slides back down in the bed.

Thank You Torri

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Feb 11, 2008 11:25 pm ]
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Love that final line!!! :lol:


Thanks Torri - it's not at all biased to love your characters you know! :wink:

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Feb 12, 2008 7:49 am ]
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Madeline is lovely. And of course it's not biased to love your characters (I love mine :oops: :lol: ).

Author:  leahbelle [ Tue Feb 12, 2008 10:17 am ]
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Thanks for the updates, Torri.

Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Feb 12, 2008 12:40 pm ]
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Thanks Tori

Author:  ness [ Tue Feb 12, 2008 3:15 pm ]
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Thanks Torri

Just come on line for the first time in a while as I am on holiday in Jordan to find two updates to read, :D

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Tue Feb 12, 2008 3:39 pm ]
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Thanks, Torri - that's lovely. Like others, I just loved the last line!!

Author:  abbeybufo [ Tue Feb 12, 2008 4:59 pm ]
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Another one who's enjoying this :D - & super last line :lol:

Author:  Torri [ Fri Feb 29, 2008 3:02 am ]
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Sorry for the time between updates; have been struggling a bit with this lately, whenever I found the time to write at least!


Nancy had been hoping that Kathie would be alone that afternoon, as she hurried through the San. However, Madeline was already sitting next to her niece;s bed, consulting a slim notebook when Nancy entered the room.

Kathie was looking very subdued, although she brightened slightly when she saw that it was Nancy entering.

"Nancy, it's delightful to see you," said Madeline, smiling warmly up at her. "We were just discussing our travel plans."

"Oh," said Nancy succinctly, as she sat down heavily.

"I get to fly," added Kathie, her voice deceptively light.

"Lucky thing," said Nancy. Her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Have you decided when yet?"

Madeline nodded. "This Saturday," she said. "Frank will be able to meet us at the airport, so we can make the entire journey as easy as possible on Kathie. Jack Maynard really wasn't keen on the whole idea of her having to take the train."

"And then it's a month weeks at home, being bored out of my mind," sighed Kathie.

"It's six weeks, resting and recuperating," corrected Madeline. "I know it's a foreign concept to you, but you need to accept that you require time to recover. You had major surgery, young lady, and you'd do well to remember it!"

"It's a bit hard to forget," grumbled Kathie. "And of all the terms, it's winter and the Nativity play. It's most unfair."

"If it was spring, you'd complain that you were missing the panto and if it was the summer term, then it'd be the Sale and sport's day," pointed out Nancy. "Then you'd really be grumbling."

"Going by that logic, St. Mildred's generally give their panto at the beginning of term and as my appendix didn't burst until half way through, I wouldn't have missed anything," said Kathie. "So really, it stands to reason that if you have to be laid out for a term, then spring is the one to do so!"

Madeline chuckled. "Alas, life never works out how one would like it," she said. "And look at it this way. At least you won't be in England for the cold and wet spring!"

"No, I'll be in England for the cold and wet winter," groused Kathie. "It would be cold and wet there any time of the year, Auntie."

"It's colder and quite probably wetter here at this time of the year," replied Madeline.

"Really, it's more likely to be snow rather than rain," said Kathie. "Half term week excepted."

"Having snow rather than rain does not necessarily work in your favour there," said Madeline. "Besides, it's still wet. Snow's just frozen water."

"Actually," began Kathie., but she was cut off as Nancy's hand darted forward to cover her mouth, muffling anything she was going to say.

"No geography lessons," said Nancy firmly.

Kathie huffed; Nancy's hand still firmly over her mouth.

"You're right. We shouldn't let her get started," said Madeline seriously.

Nancy just nodded, glancing at Kathie, who was glaring back at her.
Phil Graves chose that moment to pop his head in. "Madeline, if you're not too busy, we've got some forms that we need you to sign," he began, before he registered what was happening. "Not going to ask."

Madeline laughed lightly. "A good idea," she said, pushing herself up out of the chair. "I'll come along now and leave these two to it.

Nancy released her hand after the door closed behind Phil and Madeline.

"I was going to lick your hand, you know," confided Kathie. "I thought that would make you move it."

Nancy made a disgusted face. "I'm very glad you didn't," she said. "And rather relieved that you were somehow able to restrain yourself."

"I thought it would probably lead to another variation on the, "You are an adult, please act like one," lecture from Auntie," Kathie admitted. She looked across at Nancy. "Although I think you need one for putting your hand over my mouth in the first place!"

"Well, I really wasn't prepared to listen to a middles geography lesson on precipitation," said Nancy. "I'd have thought that your Aunt would have known better than to make such inflammatory statements around you."

"She doesn't usually," said Kathie. "She's definitely better than most of the girls!"

Nancy laughed. "Yes, I remember seeing Mary-Lou and her Gang after you decided that they needed to brush up on capitals of Europe."

"Well, Barbara Chester is never again going to try and tell me that The Hague is the capital of Holland," declared Kathie, smiling innocently.

Author:  Lesley [ Fri Feb 29, 2008 6:20 am ]
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Love it - would have been good to see the lecture and aftermath!


Thanks Torri.

Author:  Alison H [ Fri Feb 29, 2008 7:51 am ]
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They're such a great couple!

Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Feb 29, 2008 3:30 pm ]
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Good to see more of this.

Author:  Ruth B [ Fri Feb 29, 2008 4:37 pm ]
Post subject: 

Quote:
"Well, Barbara Chester is never again going to try and tell me that The Hague is the capital of Holland," declared Kathie, smiling innocently.


Ha! I knew it! Was having this discussion with the SLOC the other day.

Course, saying "It must be true, Kathie Ferrars says so!" possibly won't help my argument. :?

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Fri Feb 29, 2008 5:49 pm ]
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Lovely to see more of this - thanks Torri

Author:  abbeybufo [ Fri Feb 29, 2008 9:05 pm ]
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Thanks Torri - we're pleased to see this whenever you can manage it - don't feel pressured 8)

Author:  Fi [ Fri Feb 29, 2008 11:44 pm ]
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:D :D :D
Thanks Torri, I so enjoyed reading more of this.
I have missed it :( .

*sends treats to tempt the bunnies with*

Author:  Nell [ Sat Mar 01, 2008 6:48 pm ]
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Great to see another update of this but they are going to miss each other aren't they?

Thanks Torri.

Author:  Fi [ Tue Apr 01, 2008 2:21 pm ]
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Bump!

I hope there is some more of this soon Torri. I am really enjoying this and would love to see what is going to happen.

Pretty Please :D

Author:  Torri [ Fri Apr 11, 2008 2:30 pm ]
Post subject: 

:oops: Afraid this still isn't an update. Having some severe issues with the next couple of parts; rather hard ones to write and life is also providing me with less and less writing time...

However, I am on holiday for the next week! And while I feel that a lot of my time will not be free for writing, I do have two three hour plane journeys and past experience has shown that I can usually achieve a fair amount with those (especially if I don't take a book with me!)

Author:  Fi [ Fri Apr 11, 2008 4:36 pm ]
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We can wait until whenever you're ready to post Torri.
*Feeling :oops: for nagging*

I hope you enjoy your holiday :D

Author:  wheelchairprincess [ Tue Apr 22, 2008 11:01 am ]
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Just caught up on this - tis wonderful. Thanks Torri

Author:  Torri [ Sat May 31, 2008 10:11 pm ]
Post subject: 

Yes, this is actually an update! Only a very small one, but there's more coming soon! The bunnies have apparently returned! :)


Kathie's room was already full when Nancy arrived the following day, as Joey, Hilary and Biddy all gathered to say goodbye.

However, no one really wanted to say goodbye and instead, they had been chatting and Biddy was enthusiastically regaling them a story about her twins.

Kathie was beginning to look a little weary and Madeline reached across to tap Biddy gently on the shoulder.

"I hate to break this all up, but Kathie's got a long journey tomorrow and she's already looking a bit peaked," said Madeline apologetically.

"I'm fine, Auntie." Kathie tried to protest, but it lacked any real conviction.

"Madeline's right," agreed Joey. "You are starting to look rather like underdone bread."

Kathie sighed. "So, I guess this is goodbye until the end of term then," she said, looking around the room. "Auntie, are you sure I can't stay here?"

"Quite sure," said Madeline firmly.

Hilary made the first move, perching on the edge of the bed to briefly hug Kathie. She murmured something in Kathie's ear and Kathie merely smiled in response, tightening her grip on Hilary for a moment before she was released into Biddy's waiting embrace.

Soon, only Nancy and Madeline were left in the room.

Nancy shuffled her feet. "I was hoping that I could come tomorrow and see you off then," she said.

Madeline smiled. "Of course," she said. "Honestly, I was expecting to be seeing you tomorrow. The car's due to arrive at 10am."

Nancy's returning smile was tinged with sadness. "Then I guess I'll see you about nine thirty.

Author:  Gem [ Sat May 31, 2008 10:24 pm ]
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Woot! It's back! *leaps around excitedly* Thank you, Torri!

Author:  Alison H [ Sun Jun 01, 2008 6:52 am ]
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Good to see this back!

Author:  Lesley [ Sun Jun 01, 2008 7:25 am ]
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Yeahay it's back! :lol: Poor Nancy - there's so much she will want to say to Kathie - but Madeline is there all the time. Lovely though she is it does constrain the conversation.


Thanks Torri

Author:  Nell [ Sun Jun 01, 2008 12:59 pm ]
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Hooray it's back!! I've just been reading Challenge and was hoping for more. Many thanks Torri!

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Jun 01, 2008 1:13 pm ]
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Poor Nancy. I'm sure she is longing to spend time with Kathie alone before she goes.

And Yippee its back :lol:

Author:  ness [ Sun Jun 01, 2008 2:25 pm ]
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Hooray :D Its great that this drabble is back, Thanks Torri

Author:  Fi [ Sun Jun 01, 2008 7:18 pm ]
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My Mum has just asked if I'm OK cos I whooped so loudly when I realised that this had been updated :lol: . I'm so glad to see it back.

I'm now wondering what Hilary whispered to Kathie, must have been something reassuring about Nancy judging by the response.
Also hoping that Nancy gets some personal time with Kathie before she leaves.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  clair [ Sun Jun 01, 2008 8:28 pm ]
Post subject: 

Glad to see this back, really love this drabble!
Thanks Torri

Author:  Torri [ Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:36 am ]
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This was a hard one :(

It was 10am.

"I'm going to go and see if the car's ready," said Madeline, glancing down at her watch. "Nancy, it was lovely to make your acquaintance and I hope that we'll have the chance to meet again soon."

Nancy smiled. "Likewise, Madeline," she said, offering her hand, which Madeline ignored; instead reaching forward to embrace her quickly.

"I'll see you outside, Kathie," said Madeline. "Goodbye, Nancy and good luck with the rest of the term."

She disappeared, leaving Nancy standing awkwardly in the middle of the room.

"Well," began Nancy, clearing her throat. "I guess she likes me at least."

Kathie laughed softly. "How could anyone not?" she asked, wincing slightly as she slowly moved to stand beside Nancy.

"So," said Nancy. Her fingers slowly traced the outline of Kathie's face, as if imprinting the feel of her. "I guess this is goodbye."

Kathie shook her head, her eyes sparkling and suspiciously bright. "No," she whispered. "Not goodbye; never goodbye. Oh, Nancy." She squeezed her eyes shut, shaking and Nancy pulled her into her arms and held her tightly.

"Why is this so hard?" mumbled Kathie after a moment. "It's not like we've never been apart before."

"Not during school time though," pointed out Nancy, fighting to keep her own tears away. "And not when one of us is ill and the other..."

"Is under tremendous pressure and we both need to be together and other people aren't letting it happen," finished Kathie, sniffling slightly. She titled her head up to look at her partner. "Promise me you won't overwork yourself?"

"Promise me that you won't overtire yourself?" replied Nancy.

Kathie nodded, moving to wrap her arms around Nancy's neck. "I'll be good," she said. "And you have to be too. I mean it, Nance. I'll have Rosalie and Hilary and Biddy keep their eyes on you, just to make sure."

Nancy smiled. "I know you will," she said. "You won't let a little thing like France and the Channel separating us get in your way."

Kathie laughed slightly shakily. "I'll be back before the end of term," she said definitely. "And then it'll be the holidays and we'll be together."

"Absolutely. Once you get back, I'm not letting you out of my sight again," said Nancy firmly.

Kathie chuckled. "That should make classes interesting," she said. "And I'd hate to be Rosalie having to try and timetable that!"

Nancy gave an over dramatic sigh. "Fine, then you're all mine out of school hours," she said.

"Nancy, I'm always yours," said Kathie, her brown eyes soft and full of tears.

"And I yours, dearest" murmured Nancy, leaning down to softly kiss her partner.

They parted reluctantly at the sound of a soft knock on the door. "Kathie? The car's outside and I've got a wheelchair waiting for you," said Phil Graves.

Both women sighed in tandem.

"Just another minute, Phil," called Kathie, gulping. She bit her lip and looked up at Nancy. "I guess this is it then."

"I guess it is," agreed Nancy. "Have a good trip, my love, and try to enjoy your time at home as much as you can."

"You're not going to walk me out to the car?" asked Kathie.

Nancy shook her head. "No, because I want my last memories to be holding you in my arms," she said. "And if we're not saying goodbye, then I guess I must bid you 'au revoir' instead."

Kathie almost smiled. "Au revoir, mon amour," she whispered, reaching up for one last kiss."

Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Jun 02, 2008 12:25 pm ]
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Glad they could have some time alone together to say goodbye/Au revoir.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Mon Jun 02, 2008 12:59 pm ]
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Thanks Torri - good that they had a few moments together - does that mean Madeleine understands after all?

Author:  Fi [ Mon Jun 02, 2008 2:30 pm ]
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:cry: :cry: :cry:
This is so lovely and yet so sad...and I'm sat here sniffling like an idiot at how difficult N&K are finding this.

Thank You Torri, you captured this moment perfectly.

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Jun 02, 2008 6:54 pm ]
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So sad - poor both of them. :cry:


Thanks Torri

Author:  ness [ Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:03 pm ]
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That was lovely Torri but very sad, thank you

Author:  Nell [ Mon Jun 02, 2008 8:48 pm ]
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V sad but somehow not too cos they said all that needed to be said and know how much they mean to each other. And I increasingly think Madeline knows! Thanks Torri.

Author:  Torri [ Wed Jun 04, 2008 1:23 am ]
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I figure that you'd all probably prefer the several short letters by themselves more frequently than waiting longer for me to work something around the letters and taking months again...


"Dear Nancy,

I am writing to let you know that Kathie is now safely back at home and starting her recuperation. The journey back was thankfully uneventful (although apparently my shoulder is an inadequate pillow when compared to yours, according to my niece!) and Kathie has now been ordered to bed. I am hoping that I will be able to keep her there for the next two or three days; however, knowing her, I fear that I will be disappointed!

Kathie says to tell you that she'll be writing to you herself tomorrow, although as I'm not planning on letting her have her writing case, I'm not sure how she'll be managing that.

Rest assured that I am keeping a close eye on her.

With kind regards,

Madeline Grayson.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Jun 04, 2008 2:03 am ]
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That was so nice of Madeline to write to Nancy. I'm wondering if she suspects something.

Author:  Lesley [ Wed Jun 04, 2008 4:58 am ]
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If she does it would be nice if she let Kathie and Nancy know. Love the comment about Madeline's shoulder not being as good as Nancy's! :lol:

Thanks Torri

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Wed Jun 04, 2008 12:18 pm ]
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I think Madeline must suspect something of the relationship between Nancy and Kathie - or she wouldn't have written to Nancy so soon after their arrival home. I loved her crack about not allowing Kathie to have her writing materials, too - I'd forgotten that convalescence in this context implied a period of complete bed-rest!

Thanks, Torri.

Author:  Fi [ Wed Jun 04, 2008 3:12 pm ]
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I love Madeline's thoughts on her keeping Kathie in bed for a few days. Somehow I think that letter to Nancy will be written tomorrow even if Kathie has to write it on a scrappy bit of paper.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  leahbelle [ Wed Jun 04, 2008 4:08 pm ]
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Thanks, Torri.

Author:  Nell [ Wed Jun 04, 2008 6:36 pm ]
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How nice of Madeline, I agree Kathie will do everything she can to write to Nancy tomorrow - even if she has to sneak out of bed for paper etc.

Thanks Torri!

Author:  Torri [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 1:32 am ]
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It's so hot here right now (mid-80s Fahrenheit at 9.30pm!) A/C's not been working great, so I've been staying away from the laptop because it's too hot to have it anywhere near me!!

Dear Nancy,

Auntie finally let me have my writing case today! Of course, now that I can write, I can't think what to write to you, so you'll have to forgive me if this turns out to be reams of paper of just how much I miss you. I do, by the way. Miss you that is. I know you've never even been to this house, but it doesn't stop me from being reminded how much I miss having you around.

Auntie said that she wrote to you when we arrived back, so that you knew I was fine. I'm still fine, although I'm getting very bored of seeing the same four walls. It's also very lonely here. I know I was only getting to see you once a day and for not very long at all, but at least I could see you. And I was never short for other visitors – oh! Speaking of them, could you tell Hilary, Biddy, Joey and all the rest that I'm missing them all and that I'll write to them as soon as I can? Auntie has dictated that I'm only allowed to write one letter today, and obviously this is it. (She neglected to mention how long said letter was allowed to be, so I plan to go on for as long as possible!) You can also tell Phil and Jack, if you see them at all, that I am not missing their doses!

Auntie is starting to look at me already, although I've not been writing long. She is telling me that she doesn't want me to overdo it and is threatening to tell you more stories from my childhood in order to get me to behave. Don't believe anything she tells you! I was a good little girl, and Nancy Wilmot, stop your laughter right there! I know what you're thinking, but really! I was good!

Now she's threatening to finish this letter for me, but I don't think she'll be able to quite convey the sentiments I wish to.

Missing you hopefully as much as you're missing me, if not more!

With all my love,

Kathie.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 5:04 am ]
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Thanks Torri, that's lovely

Author:  Lesley [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 5:50 am ]
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Awwww, poor Kathie - surely writing letters is not going to damage her scar?


Thanks Torri.

Author:  Elbee [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 7:46 am ]
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What a lovely letter. Thanks Torri.

Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 10:17 am ]
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Poor Kathy she needs to be up and about. Reading this reminds me of the problems we must have caused keeping patients quiet for so long.

Author:  Nell [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:39 pm ]
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Aw poor Kathie, and yes I'm sure Nancy is missing her just as much.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:53 pm ]
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Thanks Torri - lovely letter :D

Author:  Fi [ Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:36 pm ]
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Glad that Kathie finally got to write her letter to Nancy. I can sympathise with the boredom though, I can't sit still for long without diversions (like a book :D ) and would be climbing the walls by now if I was in Kathie's position.

Quote:
Don't believe anything she tells you! I was a good little girl, and Nancy Wilmot, stop your laughter right there! I know what you're thinking, but really! I was good!

:lol: :lol: I love this bit! It sounds like Kathie is getting her spark back.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  Torri [ Sun Jun 15, 2008 1:52 am ]
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I... totally forgot how to spell grey while writing this! *stares at self in disbelief*

Dear Nancy,

Another day, another letter!

Auntie finally let me out of my room today! I made it all the way down to the drawing room, hoorah! Of course, once there, I wasn't allowed to do anything much but a different view is always much appreciated. She's promised to actually let me out of the house soon, but not until the weather's cleared up. I'm sure you can imagine the horrid grey drizzle that persists in England at this time of year, so I'm sure the day I'll be allowed out is the day that I'll be journeying back to school!



Auntie was hosting afternoon tea today for some of her friends from the WI. One of them was my old kindergarten teacher, which was rather horrifying! She started with the, "I remember when…" on me and I was just having to smile politely, even though I didn't have clue what she was actually referring to!

Nancy smiled to herself as she spread a handful of letters across the desk. Kathie had been faithfully writing every day, even though Nancy had barely written a single page back in return. Something that Kathie had noticed.

Nance, I know you're busy and I don't mean to add to that, but something more than, 'I'm doing fine' would be nice. I don't want to complain and I feel awful for writing this, but I miss you. I know you're not the greatest letter writer in the world, and you probably don't really have any time to pander to my whims and I should stop writing now, because I'm starting to whine in letter form.

I love you,

Kathie.



Nancy reached for a clean sheet of paper and her pen, and smoothing it out, began to write.

Author:  Lesley [ Sun Jun 15, 2008 6:38 am ]
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Poor Kathie must be feeling so lonely and frustrated - I know Nancy is covering as Head at the moment and her workload is skyhigh - but she needs to write!!!


Thanks Torri

Author:  Alison H [ Sun Jun 15, 2008 7:04 am ]
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Yes, come on Nancy - you can manage a decent letter!

Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Jun 15, 2008 12:56 pm ]
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Nancy it is not an excuse that you are a maths, not an English specialist. you can write letters, Go for it girl!!!

Author:  Fi [ Sun Jun 15, 2008 2:11 pm ]
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I'm worried about the reason Nancy's not been writing.
Is she inundated with work and not coping without Kathie?
Is she missing Kathie, and can't express it well in a letter?
Is she trying to avoid worrying Kathie with some problem and thinks is might come across subconciously in her letter?

*Wibbling for N&K*

Thanks Torri.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Sun Jun 15, 2008 3:59 pm ]
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Fi wrote:
I'm worried about the reason Nancy's not been writing.
Is she inundated with work and not coping without Kathie?
Is she missing Kathie, and can't express it well in a letter?
Is she trying to avoid worrying Kathie with some problem and thinks is might come across subconciously in her letter?

*Wibbling for N&K*



Or is she worried about expressing herself too freely as she still doesn't know if Madeline 'knows' . . . :?

Thanks Torri

Author:  MaryR [ Mon Jun 16, 2008 7:33 pm ]
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Love the letters, Torrie, and am hoping Nancy can express herself somehow to reassure Kathy.

Author:  Celia [ Mon Jun 16, 2008 10:10 pm ]
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Poor Kathie and poor Nancy. One with nothing to do but write letters,
and the other restricted to short notes for whatever reason. Hope Nancy
sorts it out soon. :?

Thanks Torri

Author:  Nell [ Tue Jun 17, 2008 5:56 pm ]
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It is mentioned in Challenge that Nancy is the world's worst letter writer - both business and pleasure - but hope she writes a full screed to Kathy! Thanks Torri.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Jun 18, 2008 2:32 pm ]
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Hope Kathie gets a letter from Nancy

Author:  Torri [ Wed Jun 18, 2008 10:57 pm ]
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The downside to hot weather? Thunderstorms! But on the plus, the bunnies seem to be nibbling...

My darling Kathie,

Before you complain about the lack of response to your letters, please can you take a moment to contemplate the geography of Europe and the relationship between distance and time! I know that you are perfectly capable to do so, considering your choice of teaching subjects. Unless, of course, you got the job under false pretenses, in which case, I'd have thought that you would have bigger problems on your hands!

But my love, as I'm sure you have seen from the previous two letters that should have reached you prior to this, I am certainly trying not to neglect you. It helps to pretend that I'm talking to you and picture you laughing at me, or hiding your head in shame as you worked out the post schedule for the Platz. (And please also remember that despite how all-powerful I currently am now, I still can't control the weather and further correspondence may be delayed, depending on what it's like up here.) I'm trying to write as often as I can, and things are starting to perhaps calm down, so we shall have to see what I can manage.



Nancy had never considered herself to be very sentimental. But there was a box underneath her bed which contained all the letters Kathie had previously sent her during the school holidays and it was looking like she was going to need another box just for the rest of this term.

But the letter that she was holding in her hand was definitely one to be kept in a safe place.

You were right. I admit it!

Kathie would probably try to blame her appendicitis or call it a temporary lapse of insanity, but Nancy wouldn't let her get away with that.

Time seems to be passing differently here. These long, empty days means that it feels like I've been here months but Auntie (and the calendar!) swears that it's only been a fortnight. A really, really long fortnight!

I've found myself searching Auntie's shelves for something to read. Thankfully there's plenty, but there's only so much reading that one can do. I've been rereading Shakespeare this weekend, and that's made me think about the school doing a play. The Nativity is fun and I know that sometimes the forms will get little plays up, but a school production in the same scope as the Nativity would be fun, wouldn't it? Of course, this could also be a sign that I really am missing the Nativity far too much (despite the hair pulling and stress I usually get and I'm sure one could consider me quite mad to be considering replicating that madness for another play!) It's something to think about at the very least, and I'm sure Hilda would be amenable to the idea. Of course, the only problem is finding time for it!

Anyway, I must scribble something to Hilary and Biddy, else they feel like I'm neglecting them and then I believe that I shall try and finish
Twelfth Night before tea.

Love always,

Kathie.

Author:  Lesley [ Thu Jun 19, 2008 4:08 am ]
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Awwww, poor Nancy, being reprimanded when she'd actually written frequently - just been held up by the post. :lol:


Thanks Torri.

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Jun 19, 2008 6:48 am ]
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I love the fact that she's kept all Kathie's letters - I hope Kathie knows that.

Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Jun 19, 2008 12:09 pm ]
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Thanks for the update.

Author:  Fi [ Thu Jun 19, 2008 1:33 pm ]
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Oh dear! Kathie's impatience getting the better of her again :D

Mind you it must feel much longer for Kathie as she has so much unfilled time on her hands. I'm just glad that Nancy had written and that none of my suspicions were justified.

:lol: At Nancy's teasing about Kathie's geography skills.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  Nell [ Thu Jun 19, 2008 5:07 pm ]
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Aw. Thanks Torri!

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Jun 19, 2008 5:35 pm ]
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Thanks Torri. Glad it was just the weather holding up Nancy's letters

Author:  Celia [ Thu Jun 19, 2008 8:36 pm ]
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Thanks Torri, I'm glad it was just Kathie getting bored and impatient
and not any lack of effort on Nancy's part. Nice that Nancy has kept every letter of Kathie's.

Author:  Tara [ Thu Jun 19, 2008 10:59 pm ]
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I haven't been able to post much on this, but am reading and loving it! Am about to go away for two weeks, so will look forward to catching up when I come back.

Thanks, Torri, it's great.

Author:  Torri [ Fri Jun 20, 2008 3:17 am ]
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I should so be in bed, rather than being here and updating! But Nancy and Kathie are getting rather chatty again!

Tara, if I manage to keep this rate up, there'll be plenty for you to read by the time you get back!


My darling, you should know that I consider you quite mad regardless, even before you start suggesting trying to put another production on. Perhaps you should move away from the plays; I am rather confident that your aunt has a formidable selection of reading choices.

While we're speaking of plays, and with your enthusiasm over putting on another production, there are some days when I wonder if you missed your calling and you should have perhaps ended up on the stage or perhaps even in films. I know I'd pay to see you. But I know that I'm glad that you ended up teaching, because if you hadn't, then we'd have never met and I don't want to think what life would be like without you.



"Kathie? Is something the matter?" Madeline placed a vase of flowers on a small table, and glanced across to where Kathie was propped up on the drawing room sofa, a blanket draped casually over her legs.

Kathie looked up from her letter, pouting slightly. "Nancy's being mean to me," she said rather petulantly.

"Were you mean to her first?" asked Madeline, trying not to smile. "Good Lord, I feel like you're back in kindergarten again and warring with that boy who kept pulling your pigtails."

"I was perfectly civil to her in my last letter," exclaimed Kathie, before pausing and thinking for a moment. She nodded firmly. "Yes, there was nothing mean in it."

"What about the letter before that? Or the one before that? Or that?" suggested Madeline, smiling down at her niece. "There's been no shortage of letters to her."

Kathie just muttered something incomprehensible and burrowed further down into her blanket.

Madeline took that as her cue to leave.

Author:  Lesley [ Fri Jun 20, 2008 5:56 am ]
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Madeline does know her niece rather well, doesn't she? :lol:


Thanks Torri.

Author:  Alison H [ Fri Jun 20, 2008 6:42 am ]
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Madeleine is great!

Author:  Nell [ Fri Jun 20, 2008 6:02 pm ]
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She is rather - and if she doesn't suspect something then I'm a monkey's uncle...

Thanks Torri!

Author:  Fi [ Fri Jun 20, 2008 11:16 pm ]
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What a lovely homely scene.

Up until now I've thought that Madeline just considered Kathie and Nancy to be very close best friends, but she has got to be getting suspicious of the number of letters flying back and forth.

Thanks Torri, glad the bunnies are back :D .

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sat Jun 21, 2008 12:22 am ]
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Madeline is so lovely and I love the relationship she has with Kathie

Author:  Torri [ Mon Jun 23, 2008 3:50 am ]
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"The post's on the desk," said Rosalie, glancing up from her typing as Nancy passed her. "Kathie's written."

Nancy smiled wryly. "It would surprise me more if she hadn't," she replied. "How many of us were graced today?"

"Just you and Sharlie," laughed Rosalie. "Then there are a couple of other things that I need you to have a look at too."

Nancy nodded. "No problem. I've got marking to do for the Upper VI too, so make sure you drag me out for food at some point, although I'm sure it wouldn't hurt me to miss a couple of meals."

"I'll pull you out," promised Rosalie.

The letter from Kathie was on the top of the pile. It was a slightly thicker envelope than usual, and Nancy opened it curiously, and with a little bit of trepidation, and glanced through the letter.

You know, you are not the first person to suggest that I should become an actress, although I think that you are a very biased in that respect. Sometimes, I'll admit, I've daydreamed about it (usually when I'm supervising prep!) but it wouldn't be much of a daydream without you in it, my love. You and me? We're meant to be together.

P.S. I took your advice to heart, so don't say that I never listen to you!


Nancy looked down at the second piece of paper in her hand and groaned.

Admirable, adjective, worthy of admiration; inspiring approval, reverence or affection
Adorable, adjective, very attractive or delightful; charming
Amazing, adjective, inspiring awe or admiration or wonder


The list went on.

And on.

And on.

Kathie had clearly been industrious.

Nancy glanced down at the work on the desk and then looked back at Kathie's list and made a decision.

She stood up and crossed the study to the bookshelves and pulled out the dictionary.

"I'll give her charming," muttered Nancy, regretting her flippant closing remark in her last letter.

And remember, if you do find yourself ever running low on something to read, well, then there's always the dictionary again!

Love,

Nancy

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Jun 23, 2008 5:38 am ]
Post subject: 

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


Seems like she's started a war of words!

Thanks Torri

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Jun 23, 2008 6:40 am ]
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They're a great couple, aren't they? I wonder if Rosalie and Sharlie and the others realise: some of them must.

Author:  Nell [ Mon Jun 23, 2008 8:57 pm ]
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*g* Fantastic. Thanks Torri!

Author:  Celia [ Tue Jun 24, 2008 3:11 pm ]
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Love Madeline and Kathie and Nancy in this. I 'm sure Madeline knows/suspects they are not just friends,after all Kathie had similar
friends before at uni didn't she?

Thanks Torri

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Jun 24, 2008 8:30 pm ]
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That is so lovely :lol:

Author:  Torri [ Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:53 pm ]
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Woah, time flies, doesn't it?! :o It didn't help that Word was refusing to open up the file, which prompted just a little bit of freaking out!


Darling Nancy!

You'll be pleased to hear that I got letters from Hilary and Sharlie this week and they were both full of details of how you're doing. So let me start off this letter with the requisite lecture on the fact that you need to sleep more and that you are not allowed to cry off escorting the girls for rambles or spending time with people on account that you're writing to me. I'd much rather have you well rested and in good health than letters (despite how desperately I was waiting for them earlier)

Things are starting to improve around here. I'm allowed to go for walks now, but they're rather boring ones around the village. Auntie refuses to even contemplate letting me go further afield, but she was like that when I was younger and she only agreed to let me go as long as I was with Will (I've mentioned Will before, haven't I?)


"Is that another letter to Nancy?" asked Madeline, laughing as she glanced over at Kathie, scribbling away at the dining table. "That poor girl must be buried under all these! And I dread to think how much you've spent on postage this past month."

Kathie flushed slightly. "I miss her," she mumbled.

"Really?" asked Madeline teasingly. "I never would have guessed that! Although judging by the fact that she's returning them with frankly, an impressive rate of her own, I'd say that the feeling's mutual! I have to admit that I'm rather impressed at the pair of you. I think the only time I've been quite as productive with letters was when I was in Oxford with your mother and Uncle had gone back up to Birmingham."

Kathie stared down at the unfinished letter on the table. She stood up and straightened her back, looking straight across at Madeline. "Auntie, Nancy is... Nancy and I... we... we're..." she began, fumbling for the words.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Mon Jul 14, 2008 11:26 pm ]
Post subject: 

Torri!!!! :) :) :roll:

Please come back here and finish this bit!!! :twisted: But it's lovely to see this back again in any case. :D

Author:  Fi [ Tue Jul 15, 2008 12:17 am ]
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Here we go then - the moment of truth.

Has Madeline already guessed the truth?
Will the news be well received?
Will Kathie chicken out at the last second?

All these things to wibble about Torri, so put us out of our misery soon pleeease.

Author:  clair [ Tue Jul 15, 2008 6:25 am ]
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Pleased to see this one updated - but you forgot the ending!!!! Please come back soon, you can't leave us like this

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Jul 15, 2008 6:43 am ]
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I'm pretty sure that Madeline's already guessed, but hope Kathie can manage to tell her.

Who's Will?!!

Author:  Lesley [ Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:29 am ]
Post subject: 

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


Nice cliff! :wink:

Thanks Torri.

Author:  Kateth [ Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:51 am ]
Post subject: 

*squeaks*

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Jul 15, 2008 8:41 am ]
Post subject: 

:shock:

Torri, you can't wander off right there!!!!

Author:  Becky [ Tue Jul 15, 2008 1:53 pm ]
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Torri, think you missed a bit off the end there! Please don't leave us hanging for too long :lol:

Author:  Celia [ Tue Jul 15, 2008 4:48 pm ]
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Lovely Torri ! You've really got us all jumping up and down . Please
post soon or we'll all be exhausted :twisted:

Author:  ness [ Tue Jul 15, 2008 4:52 pm ]
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Torri, its great to have an update but please come back and finish it soon!

Author:  Nell [ Tue Jul 15, 2008 6:31 pm ]
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What a fantastic cliff...but please do leave us too long!

Lovely to have more of this.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:59 pm ]
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Great cliff Torri :lol: :lol:

Thanks

Author:  Tara [ Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:55 pm ]
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Aaagh! Oh please let it be all right. It would make so much difference to Kathie and Nancy to be able to be honest about their feelings for each other and have them accepted by Madeleine.

*crosses everything crossable, and nobly bears the pain*

Author:  Gem [ Wed Jul 16, 2008 2:46 pm ]
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*yelps* Torri, pleeeeease update soon!

Thank you - am loving the letters, they're so lovely :D Please let Madeline say something along the lines of "I already know, how stupid do you think I am?"...

Author:  Torri [ Wed Jul 16, 2008 9:28 pm ]
Post subject: 

Since you all asked so nicely.... :lol:

"Kathie, you don't have to say anything," said Madeline gently, all traces of teasing gone from her. "I know what you're trying to say."

"You do?" asked Kathie, choking slightly. "Auntie, I didn't mean for it to happen; it's just that it... just happened."

"Kathie, Kathie, hush child," said Madeline, crossing the room and catching her niece's hands. "You can't help who you fall in love with. Don't ever apologise for finding love."

"Even though it's with another woman?" whispered Kathie, her eyes opening wide as she looked up at her aunt.

Madeline actually laughed softly. "Love comes in all forms," she said. "Who are we to decide that what our heart feels is wrong? If you love Nancy and she loves you in return, then that's all that matters and you should embrace that love."

"I thought that you'd be disappointed in me," mumbled Kathie, her cheeks flushed and her eyes downcast. "That you wanted me to get married and have children and a home."

"Kathie, listen to me. Nothing you do could ever disappoint me, do you understand that? All I want for you is to be happy; that's all I've ever wanted for you," said Madeline, her own eyes starting to tear up.

Kathie let out a sob, and Madeline moved to take Kathie into her arms. "It's all right; it's going to be fine," she said soothingly. "Kathie, don't worry, my dear."

"Oh, Auntie Maddy," sobbed Kathie. "You don't hate me and you're still here and..." She looked up at her aunt; her face tear stained. "How did you know?"

Madeline smiled softly, reaching up to gently brush tears away from Kathie's eyes with her thumb. "I had my suspicions what with the letters full of 'Nancy and I did this' and 'Nancy and I did that'," she said, laughing as Kathie ducked her head and blushed. "But I knew when she walked into your room and you just lit up. I'd never seen you so animated before; not even when you found out that you'd got the job at the school."

"I didn't realise that we were that obvious," said Kathie, looking slightly worried.

Madeline shook her head. "You forget that I know you," she said. "If you were really that obvious, someone would have said something by now."

Kathie didn't look completely convinced, but nodded anyway.

Madeline smiled. "Go and wash your face, before Uncle comes home and wonders what I've been saying to you," she said.

"Does he know?" asked Kathie.

"I haven't said anything to him and he's not said anything to me," said Madeline. "Go on and wash up and then you can come and help me with dinner." She held Kathie's face in her hands, leaning forward to kiss her niece firmly on the forehead.

Kathie nodded and moved towards the door, before stopping and turning back. "Auntie?" she began hesitantly.

Madeline looked across at her niece. "Yes?"

"Thank you," whispered Kathie. "I know you say that you're alright with me being... being different. But this can't be easy for you either, so thank you."

Madeline smiled. "You're welcome," she said lightly. "But you know, I'm used to it." Kathie just frowned and Madeline laughed. "You've always been contrary, my dear. From the fact that you came out backwards, to declaring that you wanted to be a boy when you grew up, or trying to run before you could walk." Kathie flushed a deep red, ducking her head. Madeline's voice grew serious. "But always remember that my love for you is unconditional and nothing will ever change that."

Author:  Lesley [ Wed Jul 16, 2008 10:06 pm ]
Post subject: 

Oh lovely, lovely Madeline - what an absolutely perfect response from her. So pleased for Kathie - and Nancy when she finds out. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Did notice that Kathie's Uncle doesn't seem to know...

Thanks Torri

Author:  Gem [ Wed Jul 16, 2008 10:27 pm ]
Post subject: 

Oh how absolutely lovely. Thank you so much Torri, for not making this hard for them from that angle. Madeline is just amazing.

:D:D:D Thank you!!

Author:  Tara [ Wed Jul 16, 2008 10:30 pm ]
Post subject: 

Oh, the relief! What a lovely, totally affirming, response from Madeline. Whatever happens in the future, she will be a rock for Kathie to rest on.

Thank you, Torri.

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Wed Jul 16, 2008 10:30 pm ]
Post subject: 

I thought Kathy's aunt must know the situation, but that response from Madeline is so sincere, so unconditional and so full of love it brought tears to my eyes. I hope Kathy and Nancy's love for each other will always engender such unconditional acceptance - and I'm equally sure that others know of their relationship by now, too.

Thank you, Torri - that was just beautiful. :) :)

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Jul 17, 2008 6:41 am ]
Post subject: 

Oh, that was lovely! Wondering about Kathie's uncle, though. And I bet some of the other CS staff have twigged.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Thu Jul 17, 2008 8:14 am ]
Post subject: 

Torri wrote:
"But always remember that my love for you is unconditional and nothing will ever change that."


That just sums up how it always should be - thanks Torri :D

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Jul 17, 2008 12:23 pm ]
Post subject: 

That is so lovely

Author:  Nell [ Thu Jul 17, 2008 9:00 pm ]
Post subject: 

Aw, thank you Torri!

Author:  Fi [ Thu Jul 17, 2008 11:34 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thank you Torri that was lovely.

Author:  Ruth B [ Fri Jul 18, 2008 10:12 am ]
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Oh that was so lovely.

*Tries hard not to cry in the office*

Author:  clair [ Sat Jul 19, 2008 11:24 am ]
Post subject: 

That was lovely Torri, thank you. So good for Kathie to be able to talk to her aunt about Nancy while she's away from school as well rather than hiding it all the time

Author:  MaryR [ Sun Jul 20, 2008 6:44 pm ]
Post subject: 

Lovely affirmation from Madeleine.

Thank you, Torri.

Author:  Abi [ Sun Jul 20, 2008 7:14 pm ]
Post subject: 

Have just read all of this Torri, it's lovely. I'm glad Kathie has such a supportive family. Thank you!

Author:  Torri [ Mon Jul 21, 2008 3:07 pm ]
Post subject: 

Frank Grayson retired to his study after dinner, apologetically citing a backlog of paperwork that he needed to catch up on, while his wife and her niece retired to the living room.

Kathie curled up in the armchair with a book, although when Madeline looked across from her mending, the pages were remaining unturned and Kathie looked as if she was a million miles away.

"Penny for your thoughts?" asked Madeline casually and Kathie startled.

"I'm sorry, Auntie," said Kathie, turning to focus on her aunt. "I was just –"

"Thinking about Nancy?" supplemented Madeline, her eyes twinkling with merriment. Kathie flushed and ducked her head. Madeline put the mending to one side and patted the sofa next to her. "Come over here."

Kathie dropped her book and crossed the room to Madeline. She lay down, her head resting on her aunt's lap as she had so often done as a child.

Madeline was silent for a moment, slowly stroking the straight brown hair until she felt Kathie relax.

"What's troubling you?" she asked quietly.

Kathie sighed. "Oh, Auntie," she said. "It's all so very overwhelming. I never expected you to find out about Nancy and to be so understanding."

"Why shouldn't I be?" demanded Madeline. "I've lived through two world wars and seen so much hate and destruction. Why shouldn't I accept any love that exists?"

Kathie turned her head up to look at Madeline. "You so sure about it," she said. "Like you've thought of this before. Did you realise... did you think that about me before?"

Madeline shook her head. "I have thought it out before. But as I said earlier, there was only a suspicion about you and Nancy from your letters. Never anything before then. Was there anyone before her? If you don't mind telling me."

Kathie blushed furiously. "There were a couple of girls at Oxford," she muttered. "Some days it seemed like we were all doing it. But that's when I started to maybe wonder. And then I met Nancy and I knew. But, Auntie, why had you thought it out before?"

Madeline went quiet for a moment and Kathie frowned.

"Auntie," she began hesitantly. "Do you... did you?"

Madeline smiled. "Oh, no, there's never been anyone but your uncle for me," she said. "But do you remember my friend, Emma?"

"Aunt Emma? She died during the war," said Kathie, her eyes softening. "But what does Aunt Emma – oh. She and Miss Matthews, they were...?"

Madeline nodded. "Emma and Sarah met in a lecture during our second year at Oxford and despite several brief flirtations with members of the opposite gender, they accepted that they wanted each other and they were then together until Sarah died in '36, fifteen years later. I talked a lot with Emma during those first few months and during that time, I came to work out my own thoughts and beliefs on the matter. Emma was still the same girl with whom I had grown up; it didn't matter to me that she was in love with Sarah. It didn't change who she was at heart, same as my love for your Uncle didn't change me. And you. You are still my little Kathie; my pride and joy, and nothing will ever change that. All I hope is that Nancy is good enough for you."

"She is. Oh, Auntie, she is more than good enough for me," said Kathie fervently, sitting up suddenly. "In fact," she said, hesitating, "sometimes I wonder if she's too good for me."

"No one could ever be too good for you," said Madeline softly. "Nancy loving you is eminently understandable. I can't say if the reverse is true..."

"Oh, it is!" interrupted Kathie.

"But," continued Madeline. "That's just because I've barely had the chance to get to know her. You should have her over in the holidays, if her family doesn't mind us stealing her away from them."

Kathie looked as though she was about to start crying again. "Really? You mean that?" she asked.

"You silly goose, of course I mean it," exclaimed Madeline. "Anyone who loves you as much as she does is always welcome in this house. Nancy may come and visit anytime she likes and I'm quite happy to welcome her as a member of this family. Kathie? Why are you crying?"

"They're good tears, because I'm happy," said Kathie, sniffing as she wiped frantically at her eyes. "Auntie, I'm just so overwhelmed. I... I have to tell Nancy!"

Madeline smiled. "You go and write to her then," she said. "And then I think I'm going to have to make you a hot drink and strongly suggest another early bed for you. You've run the full gauntlet of emotions tonight and look completely done in. Go on up, and I'll bring you the drink up soon."

Kathie nodded, before leaning in to kiss her aunt on the cheek. "Thank you," she whispered, a watery smile on her face, before she turned to run lightly upstairs to her room.

"What's up with our little Kathie?" demanded Frank, pausing in the living room door.

Madeline smiled, reaching for her mending once more. "As she would be the first to remind you, she's not so little anymore," she said. "And I can safely say there's nothing wrong with her. I merely imparted some of my years of wisdom to her, and coerced another early bed out of her."

Frank laughed. "You know, Maddy, I'm not even going to ask," he said.

Madeline nodded slowly. "That's probably for the best."

Author:  Alison H [ Mon Jul 21, 2008 3:14 pm ]
Post subject: 

That was lovely until that last sentence ... wondering how much Frank realises. It's not going to be ideal if Nancy and Kathie have to pretend in front of him.

Thanks Torri :D .

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:50 pm ]
Post subject: 

Awwww, Madeline is wonderful.


Thanks Torri

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Mon Jul 21, 2008 7:21 pm ]
Post subject: 

It's good of Madeline to share that background history with Kathy - it certainly helps her to understand Kathy's situation. Like Alison, I do rather wonder about Frank - but perhaps he *does* sense the relationship between Kathy and Nancy, but doesn't want to have it spelled out for him in black and white - I wouldn't be surprised.

Thanks, Torri - I do like the way you are telling this.

Author:  Gem [ Mon Jul 21, 2008 9:29 pm ]
Post subject: 

Slightly worried by the last line - BUT I'm sure Madeline would not have told Kathie to bring her home for the holidays if she wasn't sure that her husband would at least accept them.

Thank you Torri :D

Author:  Tara [ Mon Jul 21, 2008 9:51 pm ]
Post subject: 

How I wish that everyone's response would be the same as Madeline's. I suspect that life willl be much more challenging for Kathie and Nancy in other contexts, but at least they have this safe haven to return to. I think Madeline has Frank well under control!

Thank you, Torri.

Author:  Celia [ Tue Jul 22, 2008 9:38 am ]
Post subject: 

Thank you Torri, I thought Madeline would be understanding, but she
has shown herself truly so to Kathie. I too wonder how Frank will
respond if Nancy comes to stay. More soon please :lol:

Author:  Becky [ Tue Jul 22, 2008 3:24 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thanks, Torri. Madeline was so lovely there.

Author:  clair [ Tue Jul 22, 2008 3:28 pm ]
Post subject: 

The relationship Kathie has with Madeleine is wonderful, just hoping that her Uncle will also be so supportive

Thanks
Torri

Author:  Abi [ Tue Jul 22, 2008 9:04 pm ]
Post subject: 

Oh, I hope there won't be any difficulty with Frank - Madeline was so lovely.

Author:  Torri [ Sat Jul 26, 2008 1:36 am ]
Post subject: 

"Airmail for you, Nance," said Rosalie, waving the envelope in the air. "Postmark is Cheltenham."

Nancy's head shot up. "Airmail from Cheltenham?" she demanded. "Kathie never sends airmail." Her eyes suddenly widened, and she leaped out from behind the desk. "What if it's from her aunt? What if she's got bad news?"

"If it really was bad news, then I'm sure she would have called or telegraphed," said Rosalie, her voice calm, even as Nancy snatched the envelope out of her hand.

Glancing down at it, Nancy relaxed slightly. "This is Kathie's scrawl," she said, moving back towards the desk. "What on Earth is she sending airmail for?"

"Maybe it's to tell you she's come into a small fortune?" suggested Rosalie, grinning as she moved to place the rest of the post on the desk.

Nancy had torn open the letter, and was already too engrossed in it to reply. She went dead white, before a flush of colour started creeping back up her cheeks as she continued to read the letter.

"Nancy?" asked Rosalie, obviously concerned as her friend sat dead in the chair, simply staring at the letter. "It's not bad news anyway, is it?"

"Not bad," said Nancy, struggling with her voice. "Not bad at all, Rosalie. Unexpected and surprising, but not bad. In fact," her voice cracked. "It's pretty amazing."

"Well, that's good to know," said Rosalie, still not completely convinced of it as she watched Nancy.

"Yes. It's very good to know," said Nancy, clearing her throat. She tore her eyes away from the letter to look across at Rosalie. "I need to call England. I swear I won't be long, and if it's costs that you're worrying about, then you can just take it out of this term's salary; I don't care."

Rosalie waved her hand at the telephone on the desk. "Call away," she said, smiling. "Honestly, I'm surprised you haven't asked me before!"

Nancy smiled. "I know it costs the Earth to call England," she said. "And I didn't want to do so unless I had to. But this," her voice trailed off and she looked back at the letter. "This is a have to."

Rosalie nodded, trying to keep the curiousity off her face as she moved to leave the room. "Don't forget you've got Upper Vb in an hour," she said.

Nancy just pulled a face at her. "As if I would," she said, already reaching for the telephone.

Rosalie just smirked as she closed the door behind her, and Nancy stared at the numbers on the telephone for a moment, before slowly and carefully dialing the number she had long ago committed to memory.

"Hello? Mrs. Grayson? Yes, it's Nancy. Yes, of course; Madeline. Yes, I got it today. Thank you. You don't know how much that means to me. I... yes. I'd like that very much. Is she around? Yes, thank you. Hey, you. I miss you too, so much I can't even find the words to describe it. Yes, I got the letter and I couldn't believe it and I just had to call you and hear you say it. I love you, Kathie."

Author:  Elder in Ontario [ Sat Jul 26, 2008 2:04 am ]
Post subject: 

I think Rosalie knows......!!

Loved the one-sided telephone conversation, too.

Thanks, Torri.

Author:  Alison H [ Sat Jul 26, 2008 6:05 am ]
Post subject: 

People tend to think they can keep workplace romances secret but colleagues always twig :lol: .

Author:  Lesley [ Sat Jul 26, 2008 8:05 am ]
Post subject: 

That's lovely - Nancy's reaction was so real! :lol:


Thanks Torri

Author:  Gem [ Sat Jul 26, 2008 9:37 am ]
Post subject: 

*feels all warm and fluffy*

How lovely :D

Author:  Abi [ Sat Jul 26, 2008 8:39 pm ]
Post subject: 

Awww, so happy for Nancy.

Also, love Rosalie's smirk :D

Author:  Tara [ Sat Jul 26, 2008 11:25 pm ]
Post subject: 

*Joins Gem in the warm and fluffy corner*.
That must be such a release for Nancy - touching that she's so overwhelmed.
I, too, think she'll find that Rosalie is another one in her corner.

Author:  Sarah [ Mon Jul 28, 2008 1:47 pm ]
Post subject: 

Awww! Sweet! Glad things are going so well for them! :D

Author:  Nell [ Wed Aug 13, 2008 8:32 pm ]
Post subject: 

Fantastic - I love Nancy's reaction. But I'm away for three weeks and only one update...is there any more please.

Thank you though!

Author:  Torri [ Sat Sep 06, 2008 1:17 am ]
Post subject: 

:oops: *hangs head in shame* Yes, this is really an update! It's been a crazy August, and I was on holiday in Vancouver (with five flights omg) and then university started last week and everything is even more crazy! But I really hope that updates won't take quite as long again. (I reread Summer Term today, so I think that helped! :)


"Congratulations!" said Rosalie, laughing as she entered the Head's study.

Nancy's head shot up. "What?" she demanded.

Rosalie passed across a pile of post. "You've officially received more post than Hilda does as headmistress," she said, her eyes dancing.

Nancy's eyes widened as she saw the latest additions to her desk. "Hilda doesn't have a convalescing partner who writes daily," she said wryly, throwing down her pen and leaning back in her chair.

"If it makes you feel any better, I think there's a package in the latest," said Rosalie, shaking it.

"If it's her baking, that doesn't make me feel any better," muttered Nancy. Rosalie snickered and Nancy's head shot up in alarm. "Please don't tell her I said that!"

"That shortbread was good though," said Rosalie, looking more than slightly confused.

"That shortbread was made with adult supervision," pointed out Nancy. "Her aunt added her own letter to clarify that it was safe to eat. No matter how well she excels elsewhere, none of Kathie's talents lie in the kitchen! You must have heard her story about domi sci at school."

"Was that the one class that she dared get less than an A in?" asked Rosalie. "I couldn't think what she was complaining about when she said about that."

"It was that class, yes," said Nancy. "And considering she almost managed to set the kitchen on fire at one point, I would have thought that she'd have accepted a B graciously; anyone else certainly would have done, I'm sure. I was just glad Frau Meiders wasn't in the room to hear that particular sorry tale!"

Rosalie just laughed. "Well, I can't see her aunt letting her set their house on fire, so that's one less thing to worry about," she said. "I'm going to leave this with you and go and hand over my second pile to the staffroom.

Nancy nodded, and took the package from Rosalie. "Come back in when you're done, and if there's anything edible in here, I'll share," she offered.

Rosalie nodded. "Sure. Thanks, Nancy," she said, before disappearing quickly.

Nancy carefully tore open the parcel, first pulling out the prophesied package. A note in Madeline Grayson's elegant handwriting was attached to it and opening it, Nancy grinned as she read the guarantee of edibility provided.

A number of envelopes bore the names of friends in the staffroom and for those across the Platz; Kathie had started to send in bulk to try and reduce her costs and Nancy didn't have the heart to tell her that it was creating more work for her. (Although last time she had simply given the second pile to Jo Maynard, who had quite happily played postmistress along the shelf)

There were still an inordinate amount marked 'Nancy', all bearing a date in the top right hand corner. Nancy rearranged them so that they were in chronological order, before, with a guilty look at all the work she had to do, she picked up and opened the first of Kathie's letters.

I saw an old friend from school today. She had a baby girl last month and she asked me to be godmother! Me! Can you really see me as a godmother?! (Don't answer that!) I'm not sure I can, but I said yes anyway!

She's an adorable little thing with bright blue eyes and dark hair and looks so much like her mother! I spent the afternoon with them, and while it was nice, it reminded me how I definitely prefer babies when I'm able to give them back!

Author:  Lesley [ Sat Sep 06, 2008 7:01 am ]
Post subject: 

Love the tale about Kathie's cooking - or lack thereof!! And of Madeline confirming edibility! Poor Nancy, extra work becaus Kathie won't stop writing. :lol:


Thanks Torri - lovely to see another episode of this.

Author:  Alison H [ Sat Sep 06, 2008 7:21 am ]
Post subject: 

Hope you had a great time - Vancouver is wonderful! Nice to see what a good friend Rosalie is to Nancy.

Author:  Celia [ Sat Sep 06, 2008 10:38 am ]
Post subject: 

Lovely to see another part of this Torri, I bet Nancy was only too happy
to have some respite from her Headmistress duties. :lol:

Author:  leahbelle [ Sat Sep 06, 2008 12:09 pm ]
Post subject: 

Great to see an update. Thanks, Torri.

Author:  Abi [ Sat Sep 06, 2008 2:53 pm ]
Post subject: 

Yay for the update!! Also loved the story about Kathie's cooking. :lol:

Thanks Torri.

Author:  Elbee [ Sat Sep 06, 2008 4:09 pm ]
Post subject: 

I love the guarantees of edibility required with Kathie's cooking! Lovely to see to see more of this, thanks Torri.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Sep 07, 2008 11:28 am ]
Post subject: 

Loved all of that with Kathie's cooking, Madeleine writing to guarantee her cooking was edible and Joey playing postmistress

Author:  Fi [ Sun Sep 07, 2008 7:22 pm ]
Post subject: 

I hope that Nancy asks for some help when she needs it or she's going to be ill too. Maybe Hilary could offer some advice.
Loved the bit about Kathie nearly burning the kitchen down and still getting a B.
Thanks for another lovely update Torri.

Author:  Tara [ Sun Sep 07, 2008 11:12 pm ]
Post subject: 

Great to have an update :D - and what a delightful one. Really enjoyed Nancy's guilty prioritising of Kathie's letter, not to mention Kathie's cooking and Joey being postmistress. And Nancy is getting more letters than Hilda :shock: :shock: . Kathie ought to think a bit more about giving Nancy the extra work, though.

Author:  Nell [ Fri Sep 12, 2008 6:14 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thanks Torri! Another fab update.

Author:  Gem [ Mon Jan 19, 2009 9:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge

Just re-read this - I'd forgotten how much I loved it the first time around? Any chance of some more please Torri? xx

Author:  Nell [ Mon Jan 19, 2009 10:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge

Aw GEmbert you got me thinking there'd been an update!

Hope there can be soon, please Torri!?

Author:  Torri [ Thu Feb 26, 2009 2:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge

This is not an update (*hides and cringes*) but just a reassurance that I've not actually abandoned the story... the plot bunnies seemed to have been chased off by research essays and pop quizzes and philosophical arguments... I tried to stay away from board until I had an update but... epic fail there!

Spring break week after next however! *crosses fingers for writing*

Author:  Gem [ Fri Feb 27, 2009 9:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge

Oh, and I got SO excited when I saw you were the last person to reply!! :(

Glad to hear story hasn't been abandoned, though :D And don't worry, we can (occasionally) be patient. Hope RL starts behaving soon!

Author:  Torri [ Sat Feb 28, 2009 4:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge

How about a baby update as I avoid writing my history paper?

Little Jessica Katherine's baptism was today. Apparently baptisms aren't the time, nor place, to be inquiring whether or not the baby is going to be going to boarding school when she's older, nor is it an appropriate time to suggest one. I try did warn Grace that I wasn't going to be her best choice for godmother but she insisted! And it's too late now!

Auntie keep looking down at her watch and making a show of it, which means that she wants me to finish up and head to bed – not that she needs a new battery for it, as I suggested earlier! So I shall finish here and head upstairs, wondering whether going to bed alone is worse than waking up alone; both are vile situations I prefer to avoid. I miss you so much.

Love always,

Your Kathie.

P.S. I almost forgot, but I have some news for you. You'll be getting a brief respite from my mundane doings. I'm off to spend the week with Nell Randolph and while I'm there, I shall be visiting the English branch of the Chalet School. It should be interesting, and it will be wonderful to see Nell again.

However, I just have one question.

Why is it called the English branch when it's in Wales?!



Nancy chuckled, as she lowered the letter and from across the Salon at Adlersnest, Hilary Graves looked up from her own post.

"Dare I ask?" Hilary asked, pleased to see her friend relaxing and laughing.

"Letter from Kathie," explained Nancy.

Hilary raised her eyebrows. "You know, I was actually able to figure that out myself," she said pointedly. "How is she doing?"

"Much better, thankfully," replied Nancy. "She's actually going to Wales for a week and brings up a very good question which I'd never thought about before and I honestly don't have an answer to!"

Author:  Alison H [ Sat Feb 28, 2009 6:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge

Torri wrote:

Why is it called the English branch when it's in Wales?![/i]



Often wondered that myself :lol: :lol: .

Lovely to see this back.

Author:  Gem [ Sat Feb 28, 2009 7:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - An actual (if small!) update Feb 28th!!!

And I never thought of that before! :oops:

Thank you very much for the update Torri! Am very glad to see this back :D

Author:  Lesley [ Sat Feb 28, 2009 10:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - An actual (if small!) update Feb 28th!!!

Yes, a very little post, Torri!

As to why it's called the English branch when in Wales - because that's what all places in Britain were called - in particular by foreigners. We were all English regardless of whether we came from England, Scotland or Wales. As an English person myself I always felt this to be right and proper - but I daresay it upset the Scots and Welsh a tad! :wink: :lol:


Thanks Torri.

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Mar 01, 2009 7:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - An actual (if small!) update Feb 28th!!!

I never thought of it either! Though as a foreigner I never saw Wales or Scotland as England but did as Britain or the UK. Though was curious as to why Nth Ireland, although considered as part of Great Britain or the UK isn't counted as part of it on passports?

Author:  abbeybufo [ Sun Mar 01, 2009 11:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - An actual (if small!) update Feb 28th!!!

Great Britain is England, Wales and Scotland, formed in 1703 [think that's right?] with the Act of Union [confusing or what?]
The United Kingdom is in full, "The United Kingdom of Great Britain and [Northern] Ireland" - the word 'Northern' was added after 1921 when Eire became independent. Wales had already been annexed by England in C14 and with the Tudor dynasty - 1485 onwards - the Welsh became the monarchs of England. Then with the Stuarts - 1603 onwards - the Scots were monarchs for a while - and from 1715 - I think! - onwards the Hanoverians gave us a Germanic monarchy!

[hope these dates are right, I know they're approximately OK, and I'm too lazy to go and check :oops: ]

Author:  Alison H [ Sun Mar 01, 2009 2:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - An actual (if small!) update Feb 28th!!!

The Act of Union was 1707 (spot the pedantic historian :oops: ). Oh, and whilst I'm being really, really irritatingly pedantic :lol: , the Hanoverians succeeded the Stuarts in 1714.

There was a second Act of Union which came into effect in 1801, creating the United Kingdom of Great Britain and (at that point the whole of) Ireland.

All gloriously confusing :lol: !!

Author:  abbeybufo [ Sun Mar 01, 2009 2:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - An actual (if small!) update Feb 28th!!!

Thanks for the date corrections Alison - had a nasty feeling I wasn't exact - I'm a Medievalist and lose interest after about 1500!!

Author:  Torri [ Thu Mar 12, 2009 9:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - An actual (if small!) update Feb 28th!!!

The info on the United Kingdom was really interesting - something I've never done as a historian myself! There wasn't supposed to be as much as a gap between these last two posts, but laptop died on me and there was woe.

Nancy stared down at a page filled with closely lined handwriting, an abundance of exclamation marks and an unusually large amount of ink blots.

Kathie's handwriting could be charitably described as a scrawl at the best of times; at others, as Nancy had once remarked, it bore a startling resemblance to what would happen if an intoxicated spider had fallen into an ink pot and stumbled across the page. (Kathie had glared at Nancy and refused to speak to her for the next hour after that remark, which had been all the time that Nancy had needed to complete her end of year reports.)

This letter started off remarkably clearly, which was a worrying sign that Kathie was actually thinking about what she was writing. However, it soon descended into the usual tangled mess and Nancy rubbed her hand across her eyes. It was a good job that Kathie would be back sooner rather than later, else Nancy felt that she would soon end up having to wear eyeglasses.

"Dear Nancy,

As you can see, I'm back in Clinton. My trip to Wales was certainly an eye-opener, in more ways than one.

It's because of something that happened on this trip that I'm writing to you now. I've thought long and hard about what I'm going to tell you and even considered waiting until I was back at school to tell you in person, but I couldn't wait. And then I thought about phoning you, but I didn't want to do that either, so writing was really my only option and now I'm rambling. (Well, as much as one can ramble on in a letter, I suppose.)

This isn't easy for me to say. Well, write, really. So, I guess I'm just going to have to state it.

Nancy, when I was at Carnbach, Nell
kissed me!

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Mar 12, 2009 9:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Small update March 12th

I assume Nell is Nell Randolph - I thought she meant Nell Wilson for a moment then :roll: ! Please tell me that she's going to follow it up by saying that she kindly but firmly told Nell that she was very flattered et al but that she had a partner already, and nothing else ...

Author:  Nell [ Thu Mar 12, 2009 10:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Small update March 12th

Well I didn't see that coming...I do hope Alison is right Nancy would be devastated otherwise.

And how did I miss the baby update in February!!!

Thanks Torri - great to see more of this!

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Mar 12, 2009 10:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Small update March 12th

Agree with Alison, and really hope we get another update soon, pretty please :lol:

Author:  Lesley [ Thu Mar 12, 2009 11:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Small update March 12th

Definitely think it has to be Nell Randolph - wasn't she taking up a post there? Nell Wilson would be in the Oberland running Welsen. Even so this is a terrible thing for Nancy to read - after all, nell Randolph and kathie are of the same age and have reached the same level in their careers. Nancy will feel she is being discarded for a newer, younger model. :cry:


Thanks Torri.

Author:  Abi [ Sat Mar 14, 2009 7:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Small update March 12th

Also agreeing with Alison - poor Nancy, even if Kathie did do that. Thanks Torri.

Author:  Fi [ Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Small update March 12th

I'ts so great to see more of this Torri.

What a sentence to leave us hanging on though. I can't see how this is going to be resolved without a lot of pain for both Kathie and Nancy :cry:

*Checks and double-checks that tissue box is within easy reach*

Author:  Torri [ Thu Mar 19, 2009 4:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Small update March 12th

You know, Nell Wilson didn't occur to me in the slightest when I was writing! And this is so not my philosophy paper, but Kathie is so demanding! :wink: And there really is an impressive amount of exclamation points here, even if I do say so myself!!


I honestly couldn't say how it happened! One minute we were sitting in front of the fire in her cottage, toasting toast like we used to do when we were students. We were talking and laughing about Oxford together and she mentioned how much she missed me and how England (!! even though she's in Wales!!) is a long way from Switzerland and I was thinking about how much I missed you and I agreed and I hugged her, because that's what friends do. And then she turned and kissed me!

Nancy, I was just so shocked!! I mean, I had no idea even though I'd lived practically next door to her for
three years!! She never said anything, although looking back, I suppose she did talk about Peggy Bettany rather more frequently than the rest of us mentioned old school friends! But I never, ever once even thought about it like that! (Although there are some things that now make a lot more sense!)

But this is me moving away from the part where she kissed me! I was shocked and I've said that before, but it merits another mention, which I think proves how much it shook me!

And then for a moment she didn't say anything and I wasn't saying anything (and probably looking a right fool with my mouth hanging open as I gaped at her!)

She started blushing and apologising and I'm just still sitting there in shock! The last thing I expected in Wales was to be kissed by one of my old university friends! (Not that I was expecting to be kissed by
anyone when I went to Wales!)

Oh, Nancy, I just didn't know what to say! Nell was absolutely mortified and convinced that I was going to label her an unnatural freak and get her fired and never want to speak to her again! That's when I found my voice again and told her not to be stupid!! I rather think that shocked her, because then
she couldn't seem to think of anything to say and I said that she would always be my friend, as long as she stopped trying to kiss me as there was someone in Switzerland who wouldn't appreciate that. And then she looked at me and demanded to know what secrets I'd been keeping from her!

I didn't tell her anything and she just leaped to the conclusion that it's a doctor at the San (and where she got
that idea, I've no clue!) And then she started hinting at the fact that she expects a wedding invitation and oh, Nancy, it was just awful! I still didn't say anything and she seemed to forget remarkably quickly about the kiss, but I couldn't and I had to tell you. Hence this letter.

I feel guilty, although I don't really know why. I wasn't doing anything to encourage it, that's for sure! I mean, I've hugged Biddy and Sharlie and Peggy and Hilary and plenty of other people and they've never tried to kiss me afterwards!

Anyway. Auntie is calling me for lunch and I want to send this by the afternoon post, so I must finish up quickly.

I love you and I hope it didn't hurt you that I wrote and told you about Nell. I couldn't not tell you. If you don't think I should remain friends with her, or if you don't want me to, I understand. I just hope you can forgive me.

All my love, always.

Your, Kathie.

Author:  Lesley [ Thu Mar 19, 2009 5:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update in the wee hours of March 19th

Awwww, poor Kathie - I expect she's on tenterhooks waiting for Nancy's reply.


Thanks Torri.

Author:  Alison H [ Thu Mar 19, 2009 7:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update in the wee hours of March 19th

Oh dear, how embarrassing for both Kathie and Nell. It's so easy to handle things wrongly when you've had a shock, and then feel too awkward to try to put it right afterwards :( .

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Mar 19, 2009 11:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update in the wee hours of March 19th

I can't see how Nancy would mind after an explaination like that. Nell didn't know about Nancy and so assumed wrongly Kathie was free and Kathie did let her know she was seeing someone straight away. Hope she isn't jealous.

Author:  Nell [ Thu Mar 19, 2009 10:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update in the wee hours of March 19th

Hope after an initial shock Nancy can accept that and write a reassuring reply back.

Thanks Torri!

Author:  Tara [ Thu Mar 26, 2009 4:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update in the wee hours of March 19th

Oh, poor Kathie! I'm not sure I'd have told Nancy, actually, but there's certainly nothing for her to get upset about, or to forgive, really, it wasn't Kathie's doing. I chuckled over the doctor assumption, but it does underline how awkward life is for them.
Lovely to have caught up with this, thank you, Torri.

Author:  Fi [ Thu Mar 26, 2009 8:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update in the wee hours of March 19th

A very eloquent letter from Kathie and, by the sound of things, it was a misunderstanding and no-one was at fault. But will Nancy see things that way - love and stress can make us act in unexpected ways. I truly hope that things will be fine though and am eagerly awaiting Nancy's reply.

Thanks Torri

Author:  Joanne [ Mon Jun 08, 2009 7:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update in the wee hours of March 19th

I've just found and read this and love it! I do hope you can add to it sometime, Torri.

I feel Kathie should have told Nell the nature of her relationship with Nancy, even if not who the other person is. After all, Nell obviously read Kathie's character correctly, but she will be thinking that she got it completely wrong, poor thing!

Author:  Torri [ Sat Jul 04, 2009 6:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update in the wee hours of March 19th

Three months! :oops: I don't know how that happened! I am determined to finish this sooner rather than later - if for no other reason, than then I can stop ignoring the other plot bunnies that have stopped nibbling.

Nancy made her appearance at Abendessen slightly late that night, slipping in just after the main course was served. Ruth Derwent leaned over, a concerned look on her face.

"Is everything all right, Nancy?" she asked. "Rosalie didn't say anything; just asked if I could say grace tonight."

Nancy turned and flashed her a quick, if slightly strained, smile. "I was just trying to finish up some post to go out first thing tomorrow," she explained, taking a mouthful of her drink and thinking back to the note she had quickly scrawled to Kathie.

Kathie, all I can say is don't be a goose! How can I blame you for something that Nell did? I'm can't say that I'm happy that other women are trying to kiss you, but it's not as if you did any kissing yourself, so I can't complain. I don't know how much sense this letter will make, nor can I guarantee its legibility, as I'm rushing to get this to you so that you can stop stalking the poor postman every day!

First, I must say that I don't forgive you because there is nothing – I repeat nothing to forgive you for. She kissed you, and you are not responsible for the actions of others and, thus, cannot seek forgiveness for them. I can't forgive you for something that she did. I must admit that I didn't like heaving about other women (or another woman) kissing you, but from my point of view, it is eminently understandable. If you wish to, you can also dissuade her of her erroneous assumptions concerning you and a young doctor, as I am sure that she won't shout it from the roof of Glendower House.

Just because she made a mistake doesn't mean that you should stop being friends with her. It doesn't matter if I don't want you to be friends with her. Kathie, my love, you are such your own person and that is one of the things that I love best about you. You should know by now that I can't control, nor do I want to control your actions. If you want to remain friends with her, you do what you want. I can only offer you my opinion when it is asked for, but you have control over your life. (Unless in your next letter you write and say that you're leaving me for her, in which case I reserve the right to change my mind!)

Kathie, my darling, as surprising as you may find this, I am glad you told me what transpired between you and Nell. I don't like the idea of having secrets from each other and I know you don't either. Stop fretting about hurting me – I'm a grown woman and if anything, Nell's actions have simply served to remind me once again just how lucky I am, because you are mine.

With all my love, Nancy.

P.S. Mary-Lou was just here for a visit and mentioned how she had stopped in to see you. Why didn't you mention it? Should I be worried? (Only kidding!) xxx



Kathie had been waiting anxiously on the post, although she had remembered to factor in the time taken for delivery on either side. That hadn't stopped her from worrying about it, tossing and turning each night.

When she read Nancy's letter, she was so relieved that she actually burst into tears and was very thankful that no one else was in the house at the time.

Author:  Lesley [ Sat Jul 04, 2009 7:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! July 4th!!

Yippee - wonderful to see more of this!!!! :lol: What a lovely letter from Nancy - exactly what Kathie needed.


Thanks Torri

Author:  ness [ Sat Jul 04, 2009 7:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! July 4th!!

Hooray an update, Thanks Torri

It was a lovely one too!

Author:  Alison H [ Sat Jul 04, 2009 9:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! July 4th!!

That was lovely! It was just a misunderstanding - Nell wasn't to know that Kathie was with someone else - and hopefully Kathie will be able to stop worrying about it now.

Author:  Tara [ Sat Jul 04, 2009 9:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! July 4th!!

Oh, wise and sensible Nancy! I do like her refusal to try and control Kathie. A truly loving relationship.

Thanks, Torri, lovely to have this back.

Author:  Abi [ Sat Jul 04, 2009 10:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! July 4th!!

Good for Nancy - that was such a lovely and reassuring letter. Thanks for the update Torri!

Author:  shazwales [ Sun Jul 05, 2009 1:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! July 4th!!

Thanks Torri, lovely to see more of this!

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Jul 05, 2009 1:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! July 4th!!

That was a lovely letter from Nancy. Thanks

Author:  jmc [ Sun Jul 05, 2009 2:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! July 4th!!

Yay! an update and a lovely one at that. Thanks Torri

Author:  Nell [ Sun Jul 05, 2009 2:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! July 4th!!

Yay an update!! Thanks Torri!

And what a lovely sensible reassuring response from Nancy!

Author:  Torri [ Fri Oct 16, 2009 2:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 15

P is for "procrastination!" And also "problems" which is one reason behind the delay; I have a feeling that I have my very own temporal EDDism with just how long the winter term could possibly be! I think far too many weeks have passed, but oh well! :D


"It's nice to see you looking so relaxed again, my dear," remarked Madeline when Kathie came to greet her aunt at the door. "I gather that the post arrived in my absence and there was something from Nancy for you?"

Kathie nodded, blushing slightly as she took her aunt's coat from her and hung it up. "She must have replied as soon as she got mine," she said. "Oh, Auntie, she's just so wonderful. I'm so lucky to have her."

Madeline watched her niece, noting the glowing cheeks that were such a contrast to the withdrawn creature who had returned from Wales. "Are you going to tell your old aunt what was wrong?"

Kathie shook her head. "It's in the past now and it's going to stay there," she said decisively.

Madeline wisely chose to say nothing, instead changing the subject, as she and Kathie moved into the drawing room where Mrs. Kenny was setting out tea for them.

"How are you feeling now, dear? Physically, I mean?"

"Auntie, I feel fighting fit! I feel normal again," exclaimed Kathie. "I really think that I could go back today and finish out the rest of the term. Not that I'm not enjoying getting to spend all this time with you and Uncle Frank and catching up with old friends, but I miss my class and my friends at school and well, Nancy, obviously. And to be honest, I'm starting to get a little bored. There's only so much reading and letter writing I can do, and now that the weather's getting continually worse, I can't really take many walks now either. And Auntie, you know I love you, but you really have been fussing rather a lot."

"I thought you might say something like that," said Madeline, turning to thank Mrs. Kenny as she was leaving. "Your Uncle and I were discussing it last night, and Uncle Frank thinks that you could probably return to Switzerland for perhaps the last couple of weeks of the term. And, Kathie, forgive me for being presumptuous, but we would understand if you wanted to take the opportunity to spend Christmas somewhere else this year. It's not that we don't want to spend it with you – far from it, in fact. But as you said, you have just spent two months with us, so your Christmas holiday doesn't need to involve the visiting component it usually does. I understand both you and Nancy have a standing invitation to Adlersnest, and if you were to be staying in Switzerland for Christmas, then that cross-Europe trip would certainly be worth it."

Kathie was glowing. "It would be worth it anyway," she said. "Auntie, do you really mean it? All of it?"

Madeline laughed. "Yes, you goose! Why else would I have said it?"

"That's the second time I've been called a goose today," Kathie replied, a slight frown crossing her face, although it didn't last for long.

"Then stop acting like one," said Madeline, still laughing. "Uncle Frank and I thought that we'd see you off at Dover and take the opportunity to visit his cousin – do you remember Roger and Jane, and their daughter, Rose?"

"Vaguely," said Kathie, looking thoughtful. "They were in Canada during the war, weren't they?"

Madeline nodded. "Yes. Rose is married now and still lives there with her family, but Roger and Jane returned to England. He's retired now and they're on the Kent coast, just outside Dover in fact. We’d drive down all together, spend a couple of days seeing them before putting you on a boat and you can take the train back to school from there."
Kathie was beaming. "When are we going?" she asked. "I could start packing this afternoon."

Madeline held up a hand. "Slow down," she said. "It's going to be another couple of weeks at least. You need to see Dr. Weston in the village, so he can clear you first, but Uncle Frank is pretty confident that there shouldn't be a problem there."

Kathie rose from her seat to fling her arms around her aunt and hugged her. "Oh, Auntie, this is wonderful," she exclaimed. "I'm going to..."

"Write to Nancy," Madeline finished the sentence, laughing as Kathie ducked her head and blushed. "But first you're going to sit down with me and finish your tea, or I just might change my mind!"

Author:  janem [ Fri Oct 16, 2009 4:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 15!

There are advantages to waking up at stupid o'clock and not being able to get back to sleep. being the first to comment on your update to this is one of them! Thank you, I am so enjoying this and hope you are able to carry on again :)

Author:  Lesley [ Fri Oct 16, 2009 4:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 15!

Awww, Madeline is lovely - how much does she actually know I wonder?


Thanks Torri

Author:  Cath V-P [ Fri Oct 16, 2009 5:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 15!

How very understanding Madeleine is.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  jmc [ Fri Oct 16, 2009 6:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 15!

I also thinks that madeline knows more than she is letting on. She is just so lovely and understanding and obviously has a great love for Kathie.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  Alison H [ Fri Oct 16, 2009 6:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 15!

Really glad to see this back.

Author:  shazwales [ Fri Oct 16, 2009 7:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 15!

Thanks Torri,lovely to see more of this.

Author:  PaulineS [ Fri Oct 16, 2009 3:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 15!

Thanks for the update. It is good to see more of it.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Fri Oct 16, 2009 4:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 15!

Good to see this again - thanks Torri :D

Author:  shesings [ Fri Oct 16, 2009 7:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 15!

Yippee! Thanks, Torri! :D :halo: :D :halo: :D

Author:  Fi [ Fri Oct 16, 2009 10:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 15!

I'm really pleased to see more of this :D :D

Lucky Kathie, getting to go back for the end of the term. Hopefully she and Nancy will be able to spend a relaxing Christmas together after all the trials and tribulations of the term so far.

Thanks Torri! Hoping to see more of this soon as it is one of my favourite drabbles.

Author:  Abi [ Sat Oct 17, 2009 12:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 15!

Aww, sweet! Thanks, Torri!

Author:  Torri [ Sun Oct 18, 2009 6:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 15!

Nancy carefully blotted her overenthusiastic penmanship before closing the last book on her desk and triumphantly leaning back in her chair. She checked her watch, pleased to note that she had taken much less time than she had expected to mark the Upper VI's work and now she could actually spare some time for herself.

A sharp knocking on the door prevented her from relaxing for a moment longer, and even before she had finished calling 'enter', Matey had marched in - a woman on a mission.

"Nancy Wilmot, if you would like to follow me up to your room," she said sharply.

Nancy gulped, but silently followed Matey through the school and up to the staff corridor. Her mind was reeling as she tried to think just what she had done wrong. It was amazing how much Matey could make her feel like a naughty middle again.

She opened her door and looked at Matey expectantly, who waved a hand at Nancy's bed.

Nancy was confused. She had made her bed this morning, and while it probably wasn't quite up to Matey's standards, she was pretty certain that staff were exempt from room inspections.

"I'm going to go and fetch you a hot drink, and when I come back, I expect to find you changed and in that bed," said Matey firmly, before moving past Nancy, who was still too stunned to speak. Automatically, she did as Matey had told her; only once she was under the covers did she suddenly realise just how ridiculous she was being, and moved to get out again.

"You're staying there," said Matey, choosing to enter at that moment, a steaming mug in her hand which she handed to Nancy. Nancy looked at it suspiciously. "It's just milk. Honestly, you're all convinced that I dose every drink I give you, but sometimes the power of suggestion is just enough and in this case, you just need all the natural help you can get. Now, drink up."

Nancy took a small sip. "I still don't understand why I'm here," she said.

"You are here because you need to slow down a bit," said Matey, switching on the small bedside light and moving across the room to draw the curtains. "And I'm making you slow down."

"But, Matey, I'm fine," protested Nancy, even as Matey continued to fuss around Nancy's room.

"You and I have a very different definition of the word 'fine', Nancy," said Matey. "You're overtired, and working yourself far too hard, and I don't like how pale you've been looking this last day or so. Even Rosalie commented on how worn out you were looking."

"Traitor," muttered Nancy, which Matey chose to ignore.

"Just because you're Acting Head this term doesn't mean that I'm going to let you get away with not looking after yourself. Now, I want you to stay in bed until I come back just before Abendessen, and I'll see how you're doing then."

"Yes, Matey," replied Nancy, knowing that she had no chance of winning this particular battle. "Might I at least read? I have some letters from... home."

Matey frowned. "I really would like to see you get some sleep, but if you really feel that you won't be able to, then yes, you may read. Just as long as you stay in bed that is. Are these them on the bookcase?"

Nancy nodded, and Matey put a small pile of Kathie's latest on the bedside table.

"I'll come and check on you in a little while," she said, before leaving Nancy alone.

Nancy picked up the letters, and checking the little dates in the corner, spread them across her lap chronologically before picking up the first envelope and tearing it open.

A moment later, her mouth dropped and her blood ran cold as she read the first words.

"Dear Joey..."

Author:  Alison H [ Sun Oct 18, 2009 7:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

You can't leave it there! What on earth's that about :shock: ?

Love Nancy not wanting to drink anything Matey gives her in case it's been "dosed"!

Author:  Lesley [ Sun Oct 18, 2009 7:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

Oh dear - does this mean that Kathie has mixed up the letters? And sent the one meant for Nancy to Joey? :shock: :shock: :shock:


Well done Matey for insisiting - yes I know it's very authoritarian of her, but at least it shows that she cares deeply about the staff and acts to ensure they not make themselves ill.


Thanks Torri

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Oct 18, 2009 9:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

I hope it doesn't mean what i think it does. Glad to see more

Author:  shesings [ Sun Oct 18, 2009 9:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

Torri - how could you leave us hanging over the edge of this cliff! :shock: :shock: :shock: And on a Sunday too!. :shock:

Has Joey got the loving letter intended for Nancy? Will she read it? (That's against the CS code, of course, but even the salutation would be a give-away!)

Come back, Torri, I can feel my fingernails starting to crack......... :help:

Author:  shazwales [ Sun Oct 18, 2009 4:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

Thanks Torri,more soon please?????

Author:  Abi [ Mon Oct 19, 2009 3:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

:shock: :shock: Oh dear.....

Thanks Torri :)

Author:  MaryR [ Mon Oct 19, 2009 7:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

Oh dear, I was so enjoying that little scene - then bang! :shock: Please let Joey not have the one meant for Nancy.... pretty please. :cry:

Thanks, Torri

Author:  Fi [ Mon Oct 19, 2009 10:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

Arghhh! Torri you can't leave us like that. What's going on?

I can't see Nancy hanging around in bed for long if Joey has the wrong letter and then what will Matey say? What excuse will Nancy give?

I'm wibbling on a knife edge here, please come back and put us out of our misery.

Author:  clair [ Tue Oct 20, 2009 3:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

Torri, where did you go? And when are you coming back?!

You couldn't be so cruel as to do that to N+K, they're such lovely characters, they don't deserve Joey bursting in on their relationship!

Put us out of our misery soon - please!

Author:  Celia [ Tue Oct 20, 2009 3:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

Plea.........se come back soon. :cry: Everything was going so well.

Thanks Torri.

Author:  shazwales [ Tue Oct 20, 2009 6:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

Torri,echoing everyone else,please can we have some more???

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Thu Oct 22, 2009 12:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

Glad to see more of this, though you did leave us on a bit of a cliff

Author:  charli [ Fri Oct 23, 2009 8:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

More echoing being done!
Please come back with some more, i keep checking and hoping!
Looking forward to finding out more about that letter.

Author:  Nell [ Sat Oct 24, 2009 9:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

Hooray! Very pleased to see this back again...but not sure I like where you've left us!!! Please can we have some more soon...

Author:  shesings [ Tue Dec 15, 2009 3:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

Ehm, Torri, if I put out some nice little leaves for the plot bunnies and a few little seasonal sweetmeats for you is there any chance you could get us off this cliff before Christmas - PLEASE!?!?!!?!

Author:  Nell [ Wed Dec 16, 2009 8:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

Please, please,please....

Author:  Fi [ Wed Dec 16, 2009 8:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

..........please, please, please..........

Author:  clair [ Sun Jan 03, 2010 1:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

Echoing all the above - please may we have some more as a New Year's gift?!

Author:  carrie [ Sun Mar 07, 2010 6:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

Pretty please can we have some more! you realise you have technically left us on the edge of a cliff yes?

Author:  marni [ Tue Apr 27, 2010 8:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

I also keep looking in the hope that there's some more. Please. when you have the time.

Author:  Torri [ Tue Apr 27, 2010 9:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

This is not an update, but I promise I haven't abandoned it, and with graduation lurking on the horizon, and nothing at all planned for anything afterwards yet, I swear that I shall dig this up from the depths of my hard-drive, blow off the dust and update!

Author:  janem [ Wed Apr 28, 2010 6:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

That would be so good. This is one of my favourites.
Good luck with the graduation etc in the meantime

Author:  Nell [ Wed Apr 28, 2010 8:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

Please do, we can wait slightly impatiently until then but I would love to see more! Enjoy graduation and all that leads up to it!

Author:  marni [ Thu Apr 29, 2010 4:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

Thanks - I look forward to it - Have a good time at your graduation.

Author:  clair [ Sun May 02, 2010 12:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

So pleased you'll be back with more of this Torri, enjoy your graduation and then come back to us all waiting patiently for your return :)

Author:  Torri [ Sat Jul 17, 2010 5:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! June 17!!

I'm actually really embarrassed about how long it's been since I've posted anything. Or been around on the board at all to be honest... Still. Am determined to finish this, and so didn't want to post anything until I was closer to finishing. Which I think I am. Only a handful of parts to go 'til the end!


"And if you can just open your mouth and say, "Ahhh," for me please, Kathie."

Kathie obediently obeyed the instruction, even as she tried not to roll her eyes, allowing Henry Weston to finish his examination.

"And don't roll your eyes at me," he added, turning to scribble in Kathie's file.

At that, Kathie really did roll her eyes at him. "Am I good to go?" she demanded.

"Well, you know, I really don't like how your tonsils are looking. I think we might have to take them out," said Henry, and then laughed at the crestfallen look on Kathie's face. "I'm kidding, Kathie. You're in excellent health, and I'm officially clearing you to resume all your normal duties. Although you're the first patient I've ever had who is trying so hard to get back to school."

Kathie grinned sheepishly, and half shrugged. "It's different when you're a teacher," she said. "Plus I'm going back to Switzerland, which is a little more exciting than Clinton."

"Well, yes, most places are a little more exciting than Clinton," admitted Henry. "But it's good for us old-timers like your uncle and me. Give him and your aunt my best, won't you?"

Kathie nodded, pulling on her coat and reaching for her hat and gloves. "Always do," she said. "Any other messages?"

Henry handed her a health certificate. "You might need this," he said dryly, and Kathie blushed slightly as she took it and shoved it in her handbag.

"You're right, I might," she agreed. "Thanks, Dr. Weston."

"I'd say anytime, but I've become rather fond of not seeing you in here," said Henry. "Oh, and you might want to give Grace a call. If you're not going to be back for Christmas, she and Andrew want to do something before you go with Jessica, even though my granddaughter won't remember a thing about it!"

Kathie laughed. "I'll do that when I get home," she promised, moving to leave the surgery. "My love to Aunt Anne."

She slipped past Brenda, the receptionist, who was thankfully busy with another patient and only managed to wave goodbye. The perils of small village living, Kathie was acquainted with most of the population and even those she didn't know certainly knew her as the niece of either Frank or Madeline Grayson. It had been an excruciating wait for her appointment, as Brenda, a former schoolmate who had never been someone Kathie had really liked, had spent the time filling Kathie in on every tiny detail of her life. Kathie had thought Brenda had been boring in school, but that had been nothing compared to her life now and Kathie had been shocked to discover it had only been five minutes when she had been summoned into the surgery, sighing with relief, much to Henry's amusement.

Madeline was waiting for her across the street in the village café, leaning over to chat with the pair of women at the next table. She finished her conversation, waving Kathie over as she spotted her and poured her a cup of tea.

"Aren't you going to ask me how it went?" demanded Kathie, blowing on the top of the cup to cool it down.

Madeline frowned slightly at the action, sipping delicately at her own cup. "I don't need to ask how it went, considering the happy look on your face and the corner of a medical certificate sticking out of your handbag," she said. "Honestly, Kathie. It's a good job it's not raining."

Author:  janetbrown23 [ Sat Jul 17, 2010 6:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

I think I should post this on Happy Day it is so good to see this back Torri. Thank you , thank you.

Author:  Alison H [ Sat Jul 17, 2010 6:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

Great to see this back :D .

Author:  PaulineS [ Sat Jul 17, 2010 8:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

Welcome back to the drabble.

Author:  ivohenry [ Sat Jul 17, 2010 10:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!! October 18!

Good to see this one back - but although that was a nice interlude, we're still on the cliff!

Author:  Fi [ Sat Jul 17, 2010 9:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!!! July 17!!

I'm so pleased to see this back Torri. I hope graduation went well for you. I'd love to see more soon.

Thanks!

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Sun Jul 18, 2010 9:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!!! July 17!!

Thanks, glad Kathie got a clean bill of health

Author:  Torri [ Sun Jul 18, 2010 5:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!!! July 17!!

Fi wrote:
I hope graduation went well for you. I'd love to see more soon.


Graduation went as okay as it could have done, considering I had ended up on crutches once again for the end of term! Managed a successful hobble to pick up the diploma case without them though; and then had to spend the next moth actually finishing my thesis!


Nancy glanced down at the letter in her lap again, praying that somehow the letters would morph in front of her and it was just her over-tired brain playing a nasty joke on her.

But it was not to be so.

She looked over at the door, half-expecting to see Matey appear just because Nancy was thinking about leaving her bed. When the door didn't fly open, she flung back the blankets and quickly changed back into her clothes and slipped out of her room.

Nancy stalked confidently to the front staircase, avoiding the back stairs and Matey's domain and trying to look as though she was going about a normal day. She successfully made it to the office, and Rosalie looked up, startled, as she saw it was Nancy.

"You're supposed to be in bed," Rosalie said firmly, and Nancy remembered that the secretary had played a part in Matey's earlier actions. But right now she had bigger concerns than dealing with a collaborator.

"I just have one thing to do and then I'm going straight back," said Nancy quickly. "Please don't get Matey. I'll be five minutes, I promise."

Rosalie frowned, and glanced down at her pretty wristwatch. "I'm timing you," she said.

Nancy gave her an incredulous look, but darted into the study and dived straight for the phone.

She was half-way through dialling the number to Freudesheim when she realised that there was no sound coming from it and dropped it back on its cradle, groaning. Her head met the desk.

Of all the days for the phone line to be faulty, today had to be the day.

"The phone's down," called Rosalie unhelpfully from the other room. "And you've got four minutes left before I'm calling Matey in again."

"It doesn't matter because my life is probably over anyway," said Nancy, although face down on the desk, it came out an unintelligible mess.

She looked up again at a tapping on the door.

Author:  shazwales [ Sun Jul 18, 2010 5:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!!! July 17!!

Thanks Torri :)

Author:  Alison H [ Sun Jul 18, 2010 5:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!!! July 18!!

Great to see more of this.

Author:  shesings [ Sun Jul 18, 2010 7:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!!! July 18!!

Congratulations on your graduation, Torri, and hope you are no longer hobbling! I'm a nervous wreck waiting for the next update though - poor Nancy! I hope Joey hasn't opened the misenveloped letter yet.......

Author:  Fi [ Sun Jul 18, 2010 7:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!!! July 18!!

So graduation was most definitely memorable then! :wink:

Thanks for the update but you are KILLING me with these cliffs. Please let Joey have noticed the mistake quickly and read no further.

Author:  Torri [ Tue Jul 20, 2010 9:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update!!! July 18!!

Definitely a memorable graduation - lead the procession and was first to go! :lol: Unfortunately still hobbling, as ended up having ankle surgery about a month ago, so am now rehabbing from that! It's not my greatest summer ever, for sure!


"Why, Nancy, you look like... I don't even know what you look like," exclaimed Joey, as she breezed in. Nancy looked up, fearing the worst and barely managed a small smile in greeting. "At the very least, you look like you should be tucked into bed with a hot drink."

"That's where she's supposed to be," Rosalie added, trailing behind Joey. "And she's going back in just under three minutes."

"Well, I shall make my visit brief then," said Joey, pulling a creased and crumpled envelope from her pocket and waving it around. "Your Kathie needs to stop addressing envelopes when she's half asleep apparently. I was all settled in the salon after the babes went down for a nap with a cup of steaming coffee and some of Anna's lemon biscuits, ready to read her latest screed. She has so many simply splendid stories from her schooldays and about village life that with her permission, I'm hoping to use them in my next few books. Did you know..."

Rosalie cleared her throat in a way that sounded suspiciously like "two minutes."

"Oh, yes, there's a time limit to this conversation," said Joey brightly. "Anyway, I open it up and see Hilary's name on top. So, I popped over to Adlersnest, only to find that Hilary had a letter addressed to Helen and she'd sent it to the San with Phil that morning. Well, I left Hilary's letter with her and then made my way to the San myself to see if my letter was waiting for me there. And obviously it wasn't, but Helen had yours, so I said that I'd bring it to you and hope that you had mine. Do you have mine?"

Nancy wasn't sure if she had completely followed Joey's chain of events, but she definitely knew the answer to the last question. "Yes, I do," she said, looking around the empty desk, momentarily confused before she remembered that she hadn't actually picked it up. "It's in my room."

"Which is where you're going back to," said Rosalie firmly, tapping on her wristwatch. "Now."

"I'll see you up there," said Joey. "But I can't protect you from Matey if she catches us!"

Nancy managed a weary smile as she stood up. "I'll take full responsibility for my actions," she said, following Joey out of the study and back up to her room. Joey passed on messages from Hilary and Helen as they travelled through the school, both of which were remarkably similar in telling Nancy to take care of herself.

The pile of unopened letters from Kathie were still spread across her bed, and Nancy felt her cheeks colour slightly as she saw Joey glance at them and waited for a comment. She reached for Joey's letter and handed it to her. "I didn't read it," she said. "I just saw the first line and dropped it straight away."

Joey merely laughed, passing over Nancy's letter to her. "Oh, it would have hardly mattered had you done anyway," she said. "As I said downstairs, she's been mostly telling me stories, and I'm sure you've already heard them already," she said. "Now, back into bed with you, else I'll fetch Matey and rat you out to her myself."

Nancy had a pained expression on her face. "I'm not even an English mistress, but that slang hurt even my ears," she said, and Joey laughed again, before she turned serious, placing a hand on Nancy's arm.

"Get some rest, Nance. Her letters will still be here when you wake up, and she'll be back again before you know it." Nancy's throat was suddenly tight, and she could only nod in response. Joey smiled and squeezed her arm comfortingly before she turned on her heel and left; Nancy just staring after her.

Author:  Lesley [ Tue Jul 20, 2010 10:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update July 20

Now, does Joey know all????? :?


Thanks Torri.

Author:  Alison H [ Tue Jul 20, 2010 10:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update July 20

Joey's being surprisingly tactful - hooray!

Author:  Abi [ Tue Jul 20, 2010 10:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update July 20

Goodness, Joey being tactful?!

Thanks for the update. :D

Author:  Fiona Mc [ Wed Jul 21, 2010 10:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update July 20

Glad Joey was so tactful and nice but hope she hadn't read the letters

Author:  Elbee [ Wed Jul 21, 2010 2:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update July 20

Lovely to see this back!

Thanks, Torri. Hope your ankle is better soon.

Author:  seven [ Wed Jul 21, 2010 6:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update July 20

Fantastic this is back! Does Joey know? It wouldn't surprise me but, if I read this right, has Helen read the letter?

Please, please continue and hope you are walking normally soon.

Author:  shesings [ Wed Jul 21, 2010 7:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another Challenge - Update July 20

Don't think Helen would have read the letter but she knows about their relationship anyway.

Joey's 'Your Kathie' , her gentleness and the tenor of her remarks suggests she is well aware of the situation, has probably known for ages and has quietly accepted it.


Slightly OT, from my recollection of the 50s/60s people might have known that a couple of women (or men) sharing a home were partners but as long as they were minding their own business and not, as the phrase was, 'interfering wi bairns' no-one bothered.

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