Biddy's Brother: Biddy's Story (Completed in 3 pts 15-07-07)
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#1: Biddy's Brother: Biddy's Story (Completed in 3 pts 15-07-07) Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 8:32 am
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Father Patrick Desti leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes, as the aeroplane taxied out to the runway. He felt the rush of excitement as they thundered along the ground, and his stomach lurched as the plane lifted into the air. With a slight feeling of unreality he turned his head and gazed out of the small window, watching the panorama of the earth below. He had hoped to be able to recognize the familiar city as it unfolded before him, perhaps even follow the route the car had taken along the highway, but the view below changed constantly and was so different from anything he had seen before that he gave up the attempt almost at once.

As his ears became accustomed to the air pressure within the cabin and his fellow passengers began to make themselves comfortable, preparing for the long flight ahead, he let his mind wander over the strange set of circumstances that had brought him here. Coincidences, Paul had called them, but Father Desti didn't believe in coincidences. He smiled as he remembered his conversation with his cousin only a matter of weeks ago.

Last edited by Frogize on Sun Jul 15, 2007 7:30 am; edited 42 times in total
#2:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 8:44 am
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Oh good, I'm so pleased you've decided to write this, because I always wondered what'd happened to him - I think EBD forgot she'd given Biddy a brother! Looking forward to more.
#3:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 10:06 am
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Where's he going? Does he know about Biddy? What are the 'coincidences' he's thinking about?

Looking forward to finding out more Very Happy

Thanks, Frogize

*sends bunny treats*
#4:  Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner PostPosted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 11:38 am
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This is looking good. I want to know where he's been, and what the coincidences were.

Thanks, Frogize.
#5: Emilia's Story (Part 1) Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 5:34 am
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"For heaven's sake, Patrick! You're not really going!" The exasperation in Paul Kelly's voice spoke volumes, and it was only when he noticed his cousin's raised eyebrow that he realized what he'd said and who he'd said it to. Paul and Patrick were not only cousins but also the best of friends - had been all their lives - and it was difficult for Paul to remember that the one who had shared his madcap schemes and adventures throughout boyhood (and saved him from many a well-deserved punishment!) was now his parish priest.

"I can't just ignore her letter, can I?" Patrick replied reasonably. "I know you think it's just a mistake, a "coincidence" as you call it, but Mum is convinced there may be something in it. Anyway, as I'll be nearby, I might as well go and meet them after the conference."

"Well, don't say I didn't warn you," said Paul, grinning. "Come on! There's time for a swim before dinner, and you look like you could use some exercise!" The two young men raced across the hot sand, waded into the cool sparkling sea, and plunged beneath the waves.

Patrick was suddenly aware that someone was speaking. The pretty young stewardess was explaining emergency procedures to the attentive passengers. He wondered just how many times she had done this before, as she continued her recitation in the sing-song drone of someone who could repeat the words in her sleep - and probably did! He was reminded of the many times he and Paul had stood before Brother Matthew reciting punishment verses in a similar tone.

A short time later this same stewardess was offering him a drink from the large metal box that passed for a drinks-trolley on board the plane. It seemed to him it was rather like a magician's box as bottle, glass, and coaster emerged from various doors and slots, and settled together on the fold-out tray in front of him.

"Enjoy your flight, Father," she smiled at him, and was gone.

It still made him feel a bit of a fool to be called "Father" by someone who was more or less his own age, and yet the fact that he was Father Desti had influenced his decision to make this trip - well, the additional side-trip if he were being honest. That, and his own natural curiosity. He'd already booked into the European conference, and a few extra days in Switzerland were an added bonus.

He considered Paul's "coincidences" again. If his young aunt and uncle hadn't needed a baby-sitter in a hurry he wouldn't have spent the week-end with six-year-old John Michael, and he wouldn't have caught chicken-pox from him. (One of the very few things he and Paul hadn't shared as children, he thought wryly.) Being an adult, Patrick had had a severe attack and was still recovering long after John Michael had returned to school.

If he hadn't been recuperating, he'd never have been in the restaurant at King's Park, and so met up again with Sir James and Lady Russell. He'd never have been introduced to Dr John ("Please call me Jack!") Maynard, nor heard of his wife Joey, and her latest project with Vater Moritz. If he hadn't been told of that project he'd never have heard of Emilia Guazza. And now here he was travelling half way round the world to meet her.

"To heck with Paul's coincidences," he thought. "Only God would use a bout of chicken-pox to help me fill in a few gaps." And with that he settled comfortably into his seat, and prepared to enjoy the journey.

Last edited by Frogize on Tue May 08, 2007 1:45 am; edited 3 times in total
#6:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 6:24 am
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This is a brilliant beginning and has left me eager to find out a lot more!

Thanks Frogize.
#7:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 8:46 am
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This is very interesting, especially all these relations ...
#8:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 8:51 am
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I consider I made a wise investment in dandelion leaves! Great start and looking forward to more.
#9:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 9:36 am
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Oooh - When did he meet Sir James and Lady Russell before? What's Joey's project with Vater Moritz?

Enjoying this Very Happy Thanks, Frogize
#10:  Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 10:49 am
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Sorry if it frustrates you all, but I won't be able to continue this until I research some Australian history. I have the whole story in my head but it needs to fit with historical facts. Won't take long, but I know waiting is a real pain.
#11:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 2:13 pm
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Sends lots more bunny food.
#12:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 2:23 pm
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*also sends bunny treats*

Thanks, really enjoying this.
#13:  Author: Elle, Location: Peterborough PostPosted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 10:57 pm
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*also sends bunny food*


This looks like it will be very interesting, thanks.
#14:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 11:11 pm
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Looking forward to more once you've done your research!
#15:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 12:17 am
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*adds to the pile of bunny food*

Good luck with the research.
#16:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 1:11 am
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Very interesting. Sends more bunny treats - and good luck with the research.
#17:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 12:11 pm
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Good luck with the research, this is very intreguing.
#18:  Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 12:48 pm
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The research is going well, but I need a little CS info.

Was it Sybil who was going to Australia with her parents, instead of going to Millies?

Which book is it in?

When and why did Josette go to Australia?

BTW I understand the many EBDisms more now. Characters just won't do what you want - sometimes they're just too young or too old, or they're in the wrong place. I can understand the temptation to just say "Oh sod it! He can just BE ...(whatever)" and make it fit with your idea. I've got a huge family tree for the whole Desti family which grew from the few details EBD supplied for them. It's maddening and fascinating all at the same time.
#19:  Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner PostPosted: Sat Jan 06, 2007 1:13 pm
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Both Josette and Sybil go to Australia with Madge and Jem - Madge obviously needs lots of company!

I think they go sometime during the European summer between Wins the Trick and Feud.

I'm looking forward to more of this when you've resolved all the difficulties. Very Happy
#20:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 2:45 pm
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Just go with what the bunnies want you to do, it's easier in the long run.

I want more of this, please.
#21:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 11:48 pm
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Ooo - this is great so far. Looking forward to seeing where this is going.

Thanks Frogize. Very Happy
#22: Emilia's Story (Part 1) cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 3:49 am
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Six weeks ago, Patrick had received a letter that had both delighted and intrigued him, though unfortunately, because it had been re-directed to him from the conference organizers, there had been a delay in its delivery.

Dear Father Desti,

I am writing to you on behalf of an elderly lady named Senora Emilia Guazza.

Senora Guazza is a resident in the hospice here at the Gornetz Platz, and as you will understand is not expected to live much longer. (I believe you heard about our establishing the hospice when you met my husbamd, Dr. John Maynard, two years ago. He called it my project, but in reality the idea belonged to Vater Moritz. I was just involved in the fundraising - rather heavily involved I expect!)

This afternoon, while visiting Senora Guazza, I spoke to Vater Moritz. He had been reading through the information package that had arrived in preparation for his address at an upcoming conference and had seen your name on the list of attendees. He came to ask if I thought this could be the same Father Desti that Jack had met in Perth.

Senora Guazza became very agitated at the mention of the name Desti, and spoke repeatedly of "Luigi". I tried to explain to her that your name was not Luigi and that as you lived in Australia she could not possibly know you. She continued to insist, and became so agitated that it was necessary to sedate her.

I visited Senora Guazza again this evening and she begged me to ask you to come and see her. As I said before, she was very agitated and wouldn't rest until I promised to invite you, so if you could return with Vater Moritz after the conference we would be most grateful.

Of course you would stay with Jack and I. We have heaps of room these days, and I'm sure Jack would be glad to catch up with you again.

Please let me know as soon as possible, so that I may tell Senora Guazza.

Yours sincerely,

Josephine Maynard.


The letterhead gave Patrick the address and phone details of the Maynards and he had intended to phone them immediately, but glancing at the clock as he lifted the receiver he remembered the time difference and thought better of it.

Over lunch, Patrick had spoken to his mother about the letter, and even showed it to her. She had been as intrigued as he was. Paul had arrived during the afternoon and he'd told him about it as they walked along the beachfront before dinner.

He'd really felt that he should make the visit, but Paul was not convinced, so it was early evening before he made the call, and found himself speaking to Joey herself.

He was suprised at how young she sounded, since he knew she must be in her mid-60's by now. He remembered Sir James and Jack saying they'd have to "do something about pensioning Joey off this year" during the meal they'd all shared, and Lady Russell's reply that she'd like to see them try. As he recalled, she'd laughingly refused to be the one to clean up the left-overs!

As it was, he spoke to Joey and said he'd be delighted to accept their invitation. He couldn't throw any light on why Senora Guazza might think she knew him, since he didn't know what part of Italy his family came from. He explained that his grandfather and uncles had all died years ago, though his father was still alive, and that the only Luigi he knew was his elder brother.

....


Emilia Guazza opened her eyes as she felt the gentle touch of Joey Maynard's hand. She looked up questioningly into her face, and quickly blinked the tears away as Joey shook her head. Would he never come? Would she live long enough to meet him? To explain? And to ask so many questions? It was all so long ago, and she was so very tired.

A month ago Emilia had celebrated her 90th birthday in the hospice where she now lived. Perhaps celebrated was not quite the right word to describe the activities of a very frail old woman, but there had been reason to celebrate all the same. That kind Mrs. Maynard had come to visit her again, and said that Vater Moritz would bring Father Desti to visit her when he returned from his conference. Until then she must rest and do as the doctors told her.

She had done everything they asked of her - swallowed the medicines, eaten what she could, rested, dreamed, and waited. Emilia had tried to be patient, but she knew her time was short. Many times during these long slow weeks both Joey and Vater Moritz had sat with her. They had held her hand and talked quietly to her, while she had gone over in her mind all the things she needed to tell this Father Desti. Surely she was right?

Now at last he was almost here. Mrs Maynard had just told her they would arrive in the early hours of the following day, and she would bring them to see her after lunch.


.....


The next day Joey Maynard led Patrick and Vater Moritz to Emilia's room at the hospice. She looked into the room, shaded against the afternoon sun, and smiled at Emilia.

"Visitors for you, Senora Guazza," she said brightly, and opened the door a little wider, allowing the two men to enter. Emilia stared at Patrick, looked beyond him to Vater Moritz, and spoke in the soft Italian he had come to know so well.

"Oh yes, Vater Moritz - it's Luigi!"

Patrick took the old woman's hand in his and spoke, letting Vater Moritz translate as he did so.

"I'm sorry Senora Guazza, but I'm not the person you want. My name is Patrick Desti. Luigi Desti is my older brother."

"No Father," she said as the tears began to spill down her cheeks, "Luigi Desti was your grandfather."

Patrick looked around at Vater Moritz - was the old lady's mind wandering?

"Senora Guazza my grandfather's name was Francesco Desti. He came to Australia from Italy after the war, with his three sons..."

"Alessandro, Marco, and Francesco," she finished for him. "And little Francesco was your father, wasn't he?"

Patrick nodded, too stunned to speak, and feeling rather like Alice down the rabbit hole. How on earth did she know that? Who was she? What did she mean?

Emilia smiled as she watched the emotions cross Patrick's face. Sometimes men were so stupid - even priests!

"I wasn't always Senora Guazza, Father" she said softly. "Before I married my darling Luca I was Emilia Desti - and Luigi Desti was my little brother."

Patrick felt himself subside onto the wooden seat Vater Moritz pushed behind him and, without a moments hesitation, followed Emilia into the world of her past.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Jun 28, 2007 8:36 am; edited 3 times in total
#23:  Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 4:07 am
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Thanks Lottie. That fits in very nicely.
#24:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 6:17 am
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Intrigued. Confused
#25:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 8:43 am
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Also intrigued!
#26:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 10:07 am
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This is lovely. Thanks, Frogize Very Happy
#27:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 2:55 pm
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This is really lovely, thank you Frogize. I'm eagerly awaiting more!
#28:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 3:28 pm
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This is fantastic! thank you Very Happy
#29:  Author: Phil, Location: London UK PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 3:50 pm
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Very intrigued! I like this! I am going to have to re read nearly all my CS titles now as I had either forgotten Biddy had a brother or I wasn't reading clearly enough!
#30:  Author: kimothy, Location: Glasgow PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 6:56 pm
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the mystery thickens- especially since i havent read 'and jo' in ages, and have no clue either abpout biddy's brother!!
#31:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 11:28 pm
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Like the way this is developing.
#32:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 12:18 am
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Oooh very interesting.

*adds to the list of watched drabbles*

Thanks Frogsize
#33:  Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 1:17 pm
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Thanks for the encouragement everyone.

For those who don't know / can't remember / don't have the time to read Biddy first arrives in "The Chalet School and Jo" pb Chapter 16 "The Middles Latest". She is found by a group of Middles after running away from an orphanage, and they decide to adopt her. They keep her in the sports shed for a while where she is eventually discovered by Joey, who is Head Girl at the time.

She tells them that two years after her father died her mother remarried, to Luigi Desti, who is chauffeur to Miss Honora. Biddy's mother was maid to this same Miss Honora so presumably that's how they met. Biddy's mother dies in childbirth when Biddy's half-brother is born (we're never told his name). Roughly a year later Luigi Desti also dies (we aren't told how), and his "big sister" takes the baby back home with her. She can't take Biddy as well because she already has 10 children of her own and is very poor, so organizes with the priest for Biddy to be sent to an orphanage, from which she runs away.

Eventually it is decided to send Biddy to the village school at St Scholastika and afterwards to have her trained as a lady's maid like her mother. The two Guide companies (CS and St Scholastika's) will fund this between them.

Biddy's brother is never mentioned again, and I've always wondered what happened to him, hence my story.
#34:  Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 5:09 pm
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I, too, am enjoying this and adding it to my list of watched drabbles!

Many thanks, and please keep it coming - it's good stuff!
#35: Emilia's Story (Part 1) cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 3:34 pm
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Francesco Desti was born on the 27th of December 1893. He arrived just too late for Christmas, and this seemed to set the pattern for his life - always, just too late.

Ten months later, on the 13th of October 1894 his brother, Marco, was born. There was never any love lost between the boys; they fought constantly with each other, and were rivals in every area of their lives.

Their sister, Emilia was born on the 1st of April 1896, and was immediately dismissed by both her brothers as "just a girl". Their second sister, Natalina, was born on the 4th of June 1898 but sadly died nine days later.

Two years after this, on the 25th of March 1900, their younger brother Luigi was born, and he was destined to be the last of the siblings. Too young to be of interest to his brothers, Luigi was the delight of Emilia's life.

The Destis were a farming family, and lived in the same small village in the Po valley where generations of Destis had lived before them. The farm owned by their father was large in comparison to the neighbouring properties and provided the family with a reasonable living.

From an early age Francesco and Marco had helped their father work the farm, and each year the golden fields of wheat gave up their harvest. It was hard physical labour, and both boys grew into tough, hard-muscled youngsters.

Emilia stayed close to home, with her mother and little brother, learning the miriad responsibilities of running the home and looking after the animals. Indoors she learned all about cooking and cleaning, sewing and mending; outdoors she learned exactly what fruits and vegetables would grow, and how to preserve them for future use. From the age of three she took care of the dozen or so chickens kept by the family, gradually progressing to the feeding of the pigs, milking of the goat, and eventually the cow. The goats milk was mostly used for cheese-making, while the cow provided the family with butter, milk and cheese. Emilia didn't dwell on the fate of the young animals - as a farmers daughter she knew that those not sold in the market provided meat for her family.

Emilia's best friend was Sofia Linetti, the daughter of a neighbouring farmer. As an only child, and being two months older, she was sometimes inclined to patronize Emilia, but was more than a little afraid of her brothers. Except for Luigi, of course; no-one could be afraid of him.

Not handsome like his brothers, Luigi was both patient and kind, and very creative. He was the kind of sunny-natured boy who never took offence. Only Emilia knew how very stubborn he could be - when his mind was made up, nothing on earth would move him.

In August 1903, as the annual harvest was well under way, six-year-old Sofia unexpectedly announced the arrival of a baby sister, Caterina. Senora Desti spent quite a lot of time with Senora Linetti immediately after the birth, and Francesco was often dispatched to assist on their small farm. He saw very little of either his mother or Senora Linetti while he was there, but occasionally saw little Caterina in her basket. She was so tiny and so helpless, and Francesco (at nearly 10 years old) was totally captivated by her.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:30 pm; edited 2 times in total
#36:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 3:42 pm
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Oh good, nice to see more of this Very Happy .
#37:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 3:48 pm
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This seems very interesting and intriguing. I'll have to watch for it.
#38:  Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 4:25 pm
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I was checking the process of becoming a Catholic priest for this story. (I'm not a Catholic.)

According to WikiHow the first thing you must do is
"check that you are a male"!!!
#39:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 6:03 pm
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Thanks Frogize, I'm really enjoying this.
#40:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 7:05 pm
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Nice history - and love the check list for being a priest! Laughing

Thanks Frogsize
#41:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 11:13 pm
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Fascinating and another fascinating exploration into the wider world of the CS. I love it.
#42:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 12, 2007 9:48 am
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Frogize wrote:
I was checking the process of becoming a Catholic priest for this story. (I'm not a Catholic.)

According to WikiHow the first thing you must do is
"check that you are a male"!!!


*giggles*

Thanks, Frogize - it's good to see the family background Very Happy
#43: Emilia's Story (Part 1) cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 11:44 pm
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The Desti and Linetti children grew up together, their lives much like those of other farm children. Education was of the most rudimentary kind but, since all were essential members of the workforce on the respective farms and somewhat reluctant scholars, the lack was not greatly felt. Of them all, Marco was the most studious and became more ambitious than the rest.

Francesco most enjoyed being able to escape to the mountains, where he learned with his father to be an expert mountaineer. He had continued his quiet admiration for Caterina, and she had become his willing slave. Sofia and Emilia were simply smaller versions of their mothers, and Luigi continued to be something of an outsider. Unlike the others, he was of an inventive turn of mind, and continually asked questions wanting to know how things worked. Being both creative and practical he developed skills and tools that were invaluable to his family.

Shortly after Emilia turned twelve Luca Guazza came to live with the Linetti family. He was the orphaned son of a very poor couple who had died the previous winter and came to the Linetti family, partly out of their generosity, but also because Senor Linetti needed assistance to run his farm. He quickly found his place in the family, and became firm friends with Francesco. Though lacking Francesco's expertise, the two enjoyed getting away to the mountains whenever they could.

When WWI began in 1914 it went unnoticed in the small community. Having little contact with the wider world, their lives continued as they always had. It was not until May of 1915, when Italy declared war on Austria, that things changed.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:32 pm; edited 2 times in total
#44:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 7:37 am
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Very interesting - thanks Frogize.

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Jan 18, 2007 1:42 pm; edited 1 time in total
#45:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 8:43 am
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This is great - thanks Frogize.
#46:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 11:36 am
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This is great. I'm now starting to piece the family relationships together. Thanks
#47:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 2:43 pm
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Am I right to be feeling worried for them now?

Thanks Frogize.
#48: Emilia's Story (Part 1) cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 11:10 am
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At that time, Francesco was 21 and Marco was 20. The two brothers had never seen eye-to-eye, and the relationship was now strained to breaking point - Francesco decided to leave. When he heard of the formation of specialist Alpine troops to fight in the mountains around the Isonzo River on the eastern border with Austria he decided to try to become one of these Alpini. After talking things over with Luca, now 20, they decided to go together, knowing that their previous experience in the mountains would stand them in good stead.

They were both quite shocked when Luigi begged to be allowed to go with them. Only just 15, and therefore officially under age, no-one had expected this. However, it was well known that many boys - some even younger than Luigi - had joined the army already and, since he was determined to go, Senor Desti was persuaded that it was better that he go with Francesco and Luca. Marco would stay behind to help his father and Senor Linetti to maintain the two farms as best they could, with additional help from the women-folk when necessary.

Francesco, Luca, and Luigi were all accepted into the same regiment of Alpini, but the life was harsh in the extreme. Both Austrian and Italian troops attempted to scale the mountains around the Isonzo, while being attacked from above by the enemy. This in itself was extremely hazardous, but made even more so by the necessity of hauling rations and equipment with them. There were no paths to follow and nowhere to stop and rest. The troops dug caves, roadways and railways into the face of the rock while under fire, building whole villages deep within the mountains.

In addition to these difficulties there was the weather to contend with. Since they were occupying the highest reaches of the mountains they were above the snow-line all year round. During the winter of 1915/16 twelve metres of snow fell and tens of thousands of soldiers disappeared in the avalanches that followed.

Actual fighting was not continuous, with four battles being fought by the end of 1915. During the third battle, in October, Luca suffered a severe injury from falling rock. This was another of the hazards they faced - exploding artillery often causing more damage in this way than a direct hit might have done.

While most of the soldiers had had cause to be grateful for Luigi's ability in constucting the walkways and ropes that had enabled them to maintain their supply lines it was not easy for Luca to be returned to base. In later years he was always glad that his injuries, to both head and legs, had rendered him more or less unconscious and therefore unaware of the journey down. Even the little he did remember gave him nightmares on occasion.

On Luca's return home several weeks later, he was nursed back to health by Emilia. He never returned to the fighting, suffering a permanent limp as a result of his leg injuries, and gradually took up the farm work he loved. Although the family were anxious for news of Francesco and Luigi there was very little he could tell them of their situation. He gave only the barest of details of how they were forced to survive in the mountains, but highly colourful decriptions of Luigi's success with the necessary constructions and their maintenance. Francesco's ability as a mountaineer was legendary, and so he regaled them with (highly editted) stories of his exploits, too.

Emilia married Luca Guazza in April 1917, on her 21st birthday. She was grateful that he had survived when so many thousands of others had died, but was distressed at the lack of news regarding her brothers. Apart from the little that Luca had told them they had heard nothing of them since they first left. Any war news that arrived in the area was usually months old, and was invariably depressing. Always it told of death, loss, and destruction.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:33 pm; edited 1 time in total
#49:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 12:33 pm
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A very sad time Sad . This is really interesting though.
#50: Emilia's Story (Part 1) cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 1:26 pm
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In November, when Emilia was six months pregnant with her first child, the news came through of a major defeat at a place called Caporetto, an area her brothers were believed to be. After the battle the Austrians had taken many thousands of Italian prisoners, while a very large number were retreating with many believed to have deserted. There was nothing they could do but wait and continue to pray for their safety.

The Linetti family had given up the struggle to maintain their small farm, and were now living and working with the Destis. With all the young men, except Marco, away fighting it was hard to keep going. Luca did the work of two men, but Marco still complained that it wasn't enough and hired several "returned soldiers". Everyone knew they were deserters, and Marco was a hard task-master.

The birth of Emilia and Luca's son Mario, in February 1918, was one of the few bright spots in the lives of the little community. As time passed, and nothing was heard of Francesco or Luigi, they began to consider the possibility that they might never return. After three years of silence they were beginning to lose hope.

A year after the defeat at Caporetto, there was finally some good news. Another great battle had taken place at Vittorio Veneto, and not only were the Italians victorious, but the Austrians had surrendered. The war was finally over!

Over the next few months the soldiers began to return home. Just after Mario's first birthday, when Emilia was sure she was expecting another child, Luigi arrived at the farm - alone. He was exhausted, ill-kempt, and barely recognisable as the little brother she adored, but at least he was home. Unfortunately he couldn't tell them where Francesco was. They had both been taken prisoner after Caporetto, but had then become separated, and Luigi had not seen him again.

Luigi found it difficult to be around Caterina now. All the life seemed to have gone from her, and she spent her days mechanically performing her work with little desire for anything. Without Francesco, who had been there for her whole life, she felt lost and very alone.

1919 was another unhappy year on the Desti farm. Apart from the arrival of Emilia and Luca's twin sons, Giulio and Giovanni, in July, the year brought only sadness. Both sets of parents, the Destis and Linettis, succumbed to the Spanish flu epidemic that swept through the whole of Europe and beyond after the war. Sofia coped by devoting herself to helping Emilia, who struggled to come to terms with the birth of the twins and the death of her parents all in a matter of weeks, as well as the care of young Mario. Caterina was heart-broken; the loss of her parents as well as Francesco left her overwhelmed with emotion that had no outlet other than days of hard work and exhausted sleep at night. Luca, too, found solace in the physical labour of daily farmwork, and the knowledge that he was providing for his own growing family. Marco, always more at home in the administrative side of things, sat up late into the night going through his father's paperwork, and looking for ways to increase the farm's productivity. Last of all, Luigi himself was unhappy.

At first he had been in such a run-down state that he had been content to submit to Emilia's ministrations, but as his health and strength returned he was able to take up responsibility for some of the farm work. This had never been Luigi's strong point, as he found the work dull, and with very little to satisfy the creative sid eof his nature. More and more he longed for the type of challenges his work in construction had brought him, the machinery that had always fascinated him.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:34 pm; edited 1 time in total
#51:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 1:31 pm
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Hooray, 2 updates in one day Very Happy !
#52:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 2:44 pm
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Thank you Very Happy .
#53:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 2:54 pm
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This is fascinating

Thanks, Frogize
#54:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 3:48 pm
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This is great. Thanks
#55:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 5:22 pm
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Really fascinating descriptions - thanks Frogize
#56: Emilia's Story (Part 1) cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 4:35 am
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Luigi's restlessness was not unique. Throughout the country there was a sense of unrest and dissatisfaction. There had been great disappointment with the results of the Paris Peace Conference in January 1919, and much resentment against a weak government. Italy was also in a dire economic situation - tourism had collapsed with the war, export trade was at a standstill, and there was large-scale unemployment exaccerbated by the return of millions of ex-soldiers. As a result inflation was rife, stirring up riots and strikes throughout the country. People wanted a strong government that could restore law and order.

Life on the Desti farm was also beginning to change. Sofia succumbed to the Spanish flu epidemic early in 1920 and Caterina, alone now, looked more and more to Marco as head of the family for support. In December 1920 the two were married, and Marco again took up management of the old Linetti property, incorporating it into his own farm. He had become a member of the new National Fascist Party, and with his increased property holdings hoped to strengthen his position.

In March 1921, just four months after the wedding of Marco and Caterina, Francesco suddenly reappeared. His arrival had sent three-year-old Mario and the almost two-year-old twins scurrying for their mother, now pregnant with her fourth child. Emilia could hardly believe her eyes - they had all assumed long ago that Francesco had been lost during the war, and never expected to see him again.

Things were very strained at his first meeting with Marco and Caterina. All the old antipathy between the brothers resurfaced, but Francesco had expected that. What he found much harder to deal with was the cold, closed-up manner of Caterina. Gone was the happy, laughing girl he remembered, and in her place was a silent and sad-looking young woman still not 18 years old.

Luca and Emilia were in the process of moving their family into the old Linetti farmhouse, and Frncesco went with them. Although Luigi stayed on at the Desti farm, he was delighted to see his eldest brother again, and they spent many evenings together. They all heard how Francesco had been injured and moved to a medical facility of sorts where he had remained for several months. From there he had been sent to another prison camp, from which he had been released shortly after the end of the war. In poor health, and with no money or means of transport, he had set off home on foot. His travels had been long and slow, with many stops to work and earn money - or more likely a meal since money was almost worthless. Like many others he had suffered from the Spanish flu, but had been fortunate to be nursed by a convent community, and finally restored to something like health by January. Even so, it had taken him three months for the final stage of his journey, and for it to end in such disappointment was hard to bear.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:35 pm; edited 1 time in total
#57:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 6:03 am
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Poor Francesco and poor Caterina. Love the update
#58:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 6:15 am
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How terrible - and you could understand why it happened like that.


Thanks Frogize
#59:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 8:52 am
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How sad for Francesco.
#60:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 9:44 am
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How awful for him!

Thanks, Frogize
#61: Emilia's Story (Part 1) cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 25, 2007 2:50 am
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In August Emilia gave birth to a daughter whom she named Natalina, in memory of her own little lost sister. Having this tiny baby around, a constant reminder of the baby Caterina, was the last straw for Francesco. He moved from the farm to an old herdsman's hut in the mountains, well away from his family. To all intents and purposes he became a hermit, living alone in the mountains, herding a few goats, and surviving by his own ability.

A year later, in August 1922, a second Great Strike was declared by the Communists, which was put down by government troops only with assistance from the Fascists. The threat of a Socialist revolution was very high. In October 1922 bands of armed Fascists from many areas of the country marched on Rome, and by the end of the month the king, Victor Emmanuel III, had made Mussolini prime minister of Italy, at the head of a coalition government.

By this time Luigi, totally disillusioned with his life, had decided to leave the farm for good, and after an emotional farewell to Emilia, Luca, and their children, he set off into the mountains to find his eldest brother. Francesco was sorry to see him go, but encouraged it all the same. He foresaw a very rough time ahead and was glad that his little brother would be out of it.

Marco had supervised the development of a local band of Black Shirts, and their activities over the next few years would bear all the hallmarks of their contemporaries throughout the country. Violence and intimidation became a way of life, as the hunger for power overtook Marco, and Caterina's only distraction was the birth of a daughter, Isabella, in January 1923. In March of that same year Emilia and Luca's fifth child, a son Pietro, was born.

News from Luigi was very scarce. Initially he had moved to the nearest town, and had survived by doing whatever work came his way. Several times this had involved him in the construction work that he enjoyed, and which enabled him to have occasional contact with Emilia and Luca, and thus indirectly with Francesco. However his final departure was not long in coming, and when the opportunity presented itself he seized it with both hands. Surprisingly, it came through Marco.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:36 pm; edited 1 time in total
#62:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 25, 2007 6:36 am
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Really enjoying the update. It's lovely to see everything come together. THanks
#63:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jan 25, 2007 8:49 am
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Thanks Frogize - this is brilliant.
#64:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 25, 2007 9:41 am
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I know next-to-nothing about Italian history at this time - this is really interesting.

Thanks, Frogize
#65:  Author: JustJen, Location: at a baseball game PostPosted: Thu Jan 25, 2007 3:47 pm
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Frogize this is very interesting stuff.

Post often and post soon!

Jenn
#66:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jan 26, 2007 5:49 am
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This is brilliant, thanks Frogize.
#67:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Jan 26, 2007 1:35 pm
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Have just caught up with this and it is fascinating stuff.
#68:  Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sat Jan 27, 2007 2:44 am
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Thanks for all the kind comments everyone. It has meant lots of reading up on Italian history, and I've tried not to make it too much like a history lesson while giving enough information to make it understandable. My daughter is in hospital recovering from surgery at the moment so the updates only happen when I can fit them in, but hopefully that will improve shortly.
#69:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Jan 27, 2007 5:07 am
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Wishing your daughter a speedy recovery, Frogize, and hoping that all goes well for you both.
#70:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jan 27, 2007 9:28 am
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(((((Frogize)))))


Hope all goes well with your daughter - don't worry about this - write it as and when you can - your daughter is the important one.
#71:  Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner PostPosted: Sat Jan 27, 2007 12:38 pm
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Lesley wrote:
(((((Frogize)))))


Hope all goes well with your daughter - don't worry about this - write it as and when you can - your daughter is the important one.


Absolutely! Lesley's said it all.
#72: Emilia's Story (Part 1) cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 12:19 pm
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Thanks for the hugs. Andrea is coming home tomorrow, so just a short update for now.


In his role as head of the local militia - the dreaded Black Shirts - Marco sometimes entertained visiting officials. Their business meetings generally took place in town and, while they were thus occupied, the vehicles they used were maintained and refuelled. Despite his strong anti-fascist feeling Luigi was drawn to the vehicles - or, more accurately, their engines. With his keen interest and natural ability he quickly became the town's leading mechanic, learning everything there was to know, though the knowledge that it was only his skill - and his relationship to Marco - that kept him from being arrested gave him no satisfaction.

In February 1924 a government official visited Marco, and Luigi was very suprised when Marco visited him shortly after. The Olympic Games were to be held in Paris that year, beginning in early May, and for the first time the athletes were to be accommodated in an Athletes Village. Marco informed Luigi that he would be expected to assist with the transportation of Italian athletes attending the Games, and also maintain the vehicles used.

Luigi readily agreed to go, and in later years could never decide whether or not Marco had intended him to escape. However, when the athletes left for Paris a short time later, Luigi went with them, and it was years before his family heard from him again.

In September, Marco was disappointed when Caterina gave birth to a second daughter, Maria. In the highly patriarchal society of fascist Italy it was considered the duty of all women to marry and have children, and to produce only two daughters after almost four years of marriage was less than satisfactory in Marco's eyes. He wanted a son!

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:38 pm; edited 1 time in total
#73:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 1:40 pm
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Thanks Frogize. Hope your daughter's OK.
#74:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 2:47 pm
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I hope Andrea's ok. Thanks for the update, Frogize.
#75:  Author: JustJen, Location: at a baseball game PostPosted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 5:58 pm
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I hope your daughter is feeling better and thanks for the update.
#76:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 6:21 pm
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Thanks Frogize

*sending good wishes to your daughter*
#77:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jan 29, 2007 8:33 pm
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Marco should look to himself then - it'a the man that decides the sex of a child - but as always they blame the women. Evil or Very Mad


Glad that Luigi escaped.


Thanks Frogize - pleased daughter is better. Laughing
#78:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 2:49 pm
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Thanks Frogize - I've just had loads of lovely updates to read. So pleased that your daughter is better, and hope to see more of this when you're able.
#79:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Jan 31, 2007 7:16 pm
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Thank you Frogize. I love it when the story has a strong and authentic background and you caught it just right by starting with Father Patrick and then going back into the history. I didn't know much about Italian history of the period either.

ETA I'm glad you've got Andrea home and hope all goes well.
#80:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 6:08 am
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Sorry to hear about your daughter and hopes she recovers quickly and I hope you get through it okay too. Sometime families have almost as hard a time as the patient.
#81:  Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 12:30 pm
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Thanks for the kind messages everyone. Andrea is much better now she's home. I'm a bit stuck with the story - there's this blank time period where nothing much is happening and I'm not sure how to get through that and on to the next action - Andrea said I should ask for more bunny food! - but once I get past that bit all the rest is just waiting to be written. There's just rather a lot of it!
#82:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 12:35 pm
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Glad Andrea's doing better.

*Sending lots of bunny food Very Happy .*
#83:  Author: ibarhis, Location: Dunstable PostPosted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 1:05 pm
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Bunny food aplenty coming your way!
#84:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 12:09 am
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Glad Andrea's home and feeling better. I always have that problem to. I could have most of the drabble written but an middle bit that just not gelling. Joining with Andrea in sending the bunny losts of food
#85: Emilia's Story (Part 1) cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 1:54 am
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Over the next ten years the lives of the two families mirrored those of families throughout the country. Marco, as sole owner of the two farms, was fairly well off and his social standing was assured by his position as head of the local militia. Though Emilia and Francesco both had a right to share in the Desti property, this had been conveniently ignored.

Caterina gave birth to the longed-for son, Alessandro, in November 1926 and thereafter refused to bear any more children, despite Mussolini's so-called "Battle for Births". (Declared in 1927, when families were encouraged to have at least 5 children in order to increase the population, the birth-rate actually fell over the next seven years, so Caterina was not alone in her decision!)

Emilia and Luca had five more children - Lucia in November 1925, Francesca in September 1926, Domenico in July 1928, Bianca in June 1930, and Marco in December 1932. Though their status as tenant farmers was low, and their poverty extreme, still they were smiled upon by the government and approved as the parents of a large family.

On April 3rd 1926, by decree of Mussolini himself, a new youth organization had been established - the Opera Nazionale Balilla or ONB. The national leader, Renato Ricci, had met and been inspired by Robert Baden-Powell (the founder of the Scouting movement), but this was a para-military organization which espoused Fascist ideals. The ONB, with separate divisions for boys and girls, was run as an adjunct to the compulsory education system, and all other youth organizations were banned.

All three of Marco's children joined the ONB, Alessandro as a member of the Balilla, and Isabella and Maria as members of the Piccole Italiane. Emilia and Luca's children were less enthusiastic, with the exception of Mario. Encouraged by his Uncle Marco he became very involved, spending more time with Alessandro than with his own brothers, and constantly frustrated by his siblings. He was ambitious to leave the farm, and looked to his uncle for inspiration and assistance.

The twins, Giulio and Giovanni, were as different from Mario as it was possible to be. They attended school because they must, but spent most of their time playing pranks. The fact that they were identical was a source of confusion and mischief that they put to frequent use, and their absolute refusal to join the Balilla was no hardship to Mario. The twins far prefered to disappear into the mountains and spend time with their reclusive Uncle Francesco, and in this way the family kept in contact with him. The two boys learned to climb like mountain-goats and were completely fearless.

Natalina could have been Emilia herself in miniature. Both conscientious and industrious, she refused to join the Piccole Italiane with her cousins, seeing it as rather childish. Much better to get on with the real thing as far as she was concerned.

Pietro had no aptitude for study at all. He avoided school whenever possible, and was never happier than when he was out in the fields with his father. He had an instinctive appreciation of the out-doors and a legendary knowledge of wildlife.

Lucia and Francesca were much more under the influence of their bossy cousin, Isabella. Both she and, to a lesser extent, Maria seemed so very sophisticated to the simple little farm girls that they simply followed in their wake.

The three youngest - Domenico, Bianca, and Marco - had not yet been away from home, and so avoided the external influences of the wider community.

At the end of May 1935, Marco suddenly appeared at the old Linetti farm. He had come in search of Emilia, and found her in the kitchen, removing freshly-baked bread from the oven. Earlier that day a priest, all the way from Milan, had visited him bringing news of their brother Luigi, and now Marco needed to enlist Emilia's help.

The priest had told Marco that he had been contacted through the church in Austria, and asked to contact the Desti family to inform them that their brother was very ill - dying, in fact - and wanted to see his sister. Though Marco had no time for church or priests he knew that Mussolini depended on Catholic support, and so told Emilia that if she wanted to go he would arrange things for her.

A week later, Emilia stepped down from the train at the little town of Hall, only eight kilometres from Innsbruck. For someone who had never left her native village it had been a difficult journey, but Marco had been as good as his word, and provided everything she needed by way of passport and travel arrangements. As she stood alone on the platform an elderly priest approached her.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:40 pm; edited 1 time in total
#86:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 6:55 am
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Aha, we get to the point where it intersects with Chalet History - well, almost.


Thanks Frogize, very interesting.
#87:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 7:05 am
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I was waiting for this part to come. The background in history has been really interesting. Does Biddy ever find out?
#88:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 8:47 am
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This is wonderful - I love historical drabbles!
#89:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 4:44 pm
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*sending lots of bunny food*

Thanks Frogize.
#90: Emilia's Story (Part 1) cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 09, 2007 3:06 am
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"Frau Guazza?" he asked a little timidly, and Emilia smiled uncertainly. She neither spoke nor understood German, and quickly drew from her pocket the note that Marco had provided. It simply said, in German,

"My name is Emilia Guazza.
I am here to see my brother, Luigi Desti."

The old priest read the note and smiled at her, before gesturing to indicate that she should follow him. As they walked through the town together Emilia began to wonder about Luigi. It was more than ten years since he had left, and in all that time nothing had been heard of him. Where had he been? And what had he been doing?

Finally they arrived at a heavy wooden door set in a high wall. Emilia realized with a start that she had paid no attention to the route they had taken, and knew she could not find her way back unaided. The door was opened, and she stepped inside, following her mentor. As the door closed behind them, Emilia was aware that the sounds of the town were muted here, but her anxiety about her brother blinded her to the beauty of the gardens they were passing through.

Inside the building, she was escorted to a small room, and the old priest indicated that she should take a seat. A few minutes later she was being presented to an unsmiling nun, who beckoned her from the room and proceeded rapidly along a corridor without troubling to see if Emilia followed. Toward the end of the corridor she stopped and opened a door on her left. As Emilia entered the room she heard the door close behind her, and as her eyes adjusted to the dim light she became aware of a bed, partially hidden behind a screen.

As she slowly approached the bed, Emilia was a little apprehensive. It was so long since she had seen Luigi - would she know him? The sound of laboured breathing came to her, and she looked at the face of the man lying beneath the covers. She was shocked to see just how ill he was, but when he turned his head and smiled weakly at her she was able to smile back.

"I knew you would come," he said in a hoarse whisper.

"Of course I came! Mussolini himself couldn't have kept me away!" she replied with a smile. "Oh Luigi, what am I going to do with you? It seems I'm always having to rescue you from your latest escapade. What have you been doing now?"

"I'm afraid it's nothing you can rescue me from this time," he smiled, as memories of numerous boyhood scrapes flitted through his mind. "But there are things I need to tell you."

A fit of coughing wracked his frame then, and she hurried to raise him a little higher in the bed. While she waited for the cough to ease she wondered at his wasted body, so different from the fit healthy young man she remembered. Though she knew he was only 35, it seemed to her that he had become old.

The cough came again, and Emilia opened the door, looking along the corridor for assistance. A young sister, barely more than a child in Emilia's eyes, appeared from the room opposite and quickly crossed to Luigi's room. As she was bustled out Emilia heard Luigi gasp.

"Go and see my boy," he choked. "He's going to need you now."

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:41 pm; edited 1 time in total
#91: Emilia's Story (Part 1) cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 09, 2007 3:59 am
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I broke this post into two parts just for ease of reading.

Emilia stood helplessly outside the door, unsure what to do next. Did Luigi mean he had a son? No-one had mentioned a child before. She wondered what Marco would say; perhaps he already knew. If only there was someone she could talk to.

At that moment the elderly priest she had met before came hurrying down the corridor towards her, and beckoned her to follow. With a glance back at the closed door, she walked quickly down yet another corridor and was shown into a small office. Standing by the window was a much younger priest, who turned and smiled as they entered.

"Good afternoon, Senora Guazza" he said in fluent though slightly accented Italian. "I'm sorry I wasn't here to meet you when you arrived."

Emilia quickly took the seat he offered her, as relief flooded through her and tears sprang to her eyes. While she composed herself, the two priests conferred together by the door, and the elder one left. He returned shortly, bearing a tray which contained two steaming cups of coffee. Emilia smiled gratefully and took the proffered cup, as the elder priest withdrew.

"I must apologize again for my absence Senora Guazza. You've had a long and tiring journey, and a good deal of confusion since your arrival," the young priest smiled. "I am Father Stefan. What would you like to know first?"

Emilia put down her cup and looked into the warm brown eyes opposite. There were so many things she wanted to know.

"Father, my brother is very ill I know. Will he really die? Is there nothing that can be done?"

"I'm sorry to say that we have done everything we can. The only thing we can do now is make him as comfortable as possible - and, of course, pray for his soul. The rest is in God's hands."

"Thank you for telling me the truth, Father," Emilia replied sadly. "He said I should go see his boy. What boy, Father? Does Luigi have a son? Where is he?"

"Yes, there was a boy - a girl, too. Perhaps I had better tell you what I know. Ten days ago, your brother was brought here by Father Adolphus - he met you at the station. There is a soup kitchen in the church hall each evening, and your brother was there with the two children. He had been once or twice before, when he had been unable to earn anything, for I'm sure you realize that work is hard to come by these days. This time he collapsed during the meal, so he was brought here to our hospital wing."

"And what happened to the children, Father?"

"They are being cared for here as well. I'm sure the boy must be your brother's son - there's a strong resemblance. But I'm not so sure about the girl."

"Please tell me about them, Father. May I see them?"

"Of course you shall see them. But later, after you have eaten and rested."

"But Father, I haven't seen or heard from my brother for many years. Please, at least tell me something about them."

"Well, as I said, the boy is certainly your brother's son. He seems about a year old, perhaps a little more. His name is Francesco. The girl is older, possibly seven or eight - I'm afraid I have little experience with children. She calls your brother "papa" like Francesco, but there is no resemblance to him or the boy. Her name is Biddy, although I believe that to be an abbreviation, and she says they came from Ireland. Is it possible that your brother has been to Ireland?"

"Father, I don't even know where that is - but in more than ten years anything is possible, I suppose.

Emilia stifled a yawn. She was beginning to realize just how tired she was, and she suddenly felt extremely hungry.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:42 pm; edited 1 time in total
#92:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Feb 09, 2007 5:56 am
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Emilia is so caring and it must have been upsetting to have to say she couldn't take both children. Thanks Frogize.
#93:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Feb 09, 2007 8:46 am
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It must have awful for her having to say that she couldn't cope with Biddy as well as the baby and all her own children Crying or Very sad .
#94:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Feb 09, 2007 9:56 am
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Feel very sorry for Emilia - thrust into that situation when she knew nothing about it. So sad that she couldn't take Biddy too - though she was poor, Marco was not - so I wonder if her reasoning for not taking Biddy was more to do with not wanting the girl to have to live in Fascist Italy when it was so obvious Biddy had too much spirit?


Thank you Frogize - fascinating.
#95: Emilia's Story (Part 1) cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 10, 2007 11:50 am
    —
Father Stefan stood up, smiling, and rang a bell on his desk. Father Adolphus appeared at once.

"Please ask Sister Maria to show Senora Guazza to her room, Father; and ask her to provide a meal as soon as possible."

Emilia was finding it most disconcerting to have no idea what anyone was saying, as she found herself being led back along the corridors. Father Adolphus knocked on a door, and left Emilia once again with the unsmiling nun.

This time she was led to a small room, sparsely furnished but containing everything Emilia would need. She place the bag she had been carrying on the chair beside her bed, and went to wash her face and hands in the small basin provided. As she finished there came a knock at the door, and when she opened it Sister Maria entered with a tray. Placing it on the table by the window she withdrew without a word.

Emilia sat down at the table and removed the napkin covering the tray. She had been a little afraid of what she might find, but it contained just the sort of meal that she herself might have provided a guest - a delicious clear soup, thick crusty bread, and a small wooden platter holding cheese, an apple, and a few grapes.

Having eaten hungrily, Emilia sat back feeling much more comfortable but rather sleepy. She decided to lie down on the bed to wait for whatever was to happen next. Father Stefan had said she should see the children after she had eaten and rested, so the best thing was to take a nap. She tried not to think about Luigi.

Emilia awoke to the sound of knocking on her door.

"Are you awake, Senora Guazza?" came Father Stefan's clear voice.

"Yes, Father. Just a moment," replied Emilia, hurriedly rising from the bed, and trying to straighten her hair as she crossed to the door. Father Stefan greeted her, along with the ever unsmiling Sister Maria, who was carrying a lamp.

She led them to a door, which opened into a different wing of the building, and up a flight of stairs. Turning to the right at the top, she pushed open the first door then stood aside to let Emilia and Father Stefan enter. Two children were fast asleep in the large bed - a young boy, hardly more than a baby, and a girl who, despite her small size, Emilia decided was probably older than Father Stefan had guessed.

"They're so peaceful, Father. Do they know about Luigi?" Emilia asked, as she stroked their hair and touched their cheeks.

"Only that he is ill, and that they must stay here for the present."

"How is Luigi, Father? May I see him again? There are so many things I would like to ask him. Is he strong enough to talk?"

"I believe he's as anxious to talk as you are. He doesn't have much time, I'm afraid. But come, I'll take you to him."

Within a very short time Emilia found herself back in Luigi's room. He looked a little better, though his breathing seemed no easier. As she sat down beside Luigi Father Stefan left the room, saying she could only stay a few minutes and he would return shortly.

"Did you see Francesco and Biddy?" Luigi gasped the question to Emilia. "Are they well?"

"They're fine Luigi; such beautiful children. They were asleep when I saw them, but I'll see them again tomorrow. I had no idea you were a father. Tell me about them."

"You didn't know I got married, did you?" Luigi grinned, in a faded imitation of a youthful expression Emilia had once known well. "I married Mary, Biddy's mother, two years ago in Ireland, just after our employer died. But I'd known both Mary and her husband before that. She died in February last year when Francesco was born."

Once again the cough overwhelmed him and Emilia waited patiently for him to recover his breath.

"So Biddy is not your daughter?" she queried.

"In all but name she is," he said, unexpectedly fierce. "When Mary died I promised I'd care for them both. I couldn't have coped without Biddy; she's been a little mother to Francesco."

All too soon Father Stefan returned and Emilia had to leave, promising to return the next day after seeing the children once more. Back in her own room Emilia worried as she prepared for bed. As far as she knew no-one in her family was aware of the children, except perhaps Marco, and she felt sure that if he had known he would have said something to her before she left. She had no idea what to do about them; perhaps Father Stefan could help her.

Very early the next morning, Emilia awoke with a start. Someone was shaking her awake.

"Frau Guazza! Come! Come!" Sister Maria was beside her, urging her to hurry. Emilia was only vaguely aware that it was not yet daylight, as she followed the nun along the corridor to Luigi's room. As they entered, Father Stefan rose from his knees by the bed.

"Is he ..." Emilia couldn't finish the sentence.

"No, but it will not be long." Father Stefan spoke softly, wishing there was something he could do to ease the blow. "We hadn't expected the end would be quite so soon."

Emilia took his place at the bedside and held Luigi's hand. She felt his grasp, suprisingly firm, and looked closely at his face. His eyes remained closed, and she prayed fervently that she would have a last chance to speak with him.

At some time, Emilia couldn't be sure when, Sister Maria brought her rolls and coffee, but they sat untouched on the table. When Father Stefan returned he simply knelt beside her and prayed too.

"Emilia?"

She looked up to see Luigi staring at her.

"You will take care of the children, won't you?" he whispered.

"Of course," she answered, but it was already too late; she was never sure that he heard her reply. Father Stefan led her from the room, his arm around her shoulders. Sister Maria was waiting outside, and took Emilia back to her own room.

Emilia sat on the bed, feeling strangely empty, but not really sad. Luigi had been gone so long already that she didn't feel grief-stricken, just empty. Suddenly she badly wanted to be at home, with Luca and her own noisy brood around her - and then she thought of the two orphaned children and hurriedly began to dress. She must see Father Stefan at once.

Last edited by Frogize on Mon Jun 11, 2007 2:34 am; edited 2 times in total
#96:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 10, 2007 12:29 pm
    —
Well something fairly drastic must now happen then - Luigi has asked her to care for both children and she seems to be worrying about both - so why does she leave Biddy?


Thanks Frogize.
#97: Emilia's Story (Part 1) cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 10, 2007 12:52 pm
    —
Half an hour later she was once again sitting in the little office, drinking coffee with Father Stefan. They were discussing Biddy and Francesco.

"I don't think there will be a problem with Francesco, Senora Guazza," he was saying. "After all, he is your brother's legitimate son. But I'm afraid things are different with Biddy. There is no direct connection with your brother, and he doesn't seem to have any sort of papers for her."

Emilia knew the importance of papers. Marco had impressed on her the necessity of keeping everything he gave her on her person; she must never be without them. They were her guarantee of safe passage, and she had guarded them accordingly. But what was she to do about the children?

"The best thing would be to speak directly to Marco, I think," said Father Stefan thoughtfully. "He is in the best position to arrange things. Do you know how I can contact him Senora Guazza?"

Emilia considered for a moment. She knew that Marco spent most of his time at an office in town these days. He rarely appeared at the farm now, and even Caterina saw little of him. There was a telephone in Marco's office she knew, but Emilia had never seen it and certainly never used it. She explained all this to Father Stefan, then waited to see what he would do.

"We must contact him through the church again, then," Father Stefan decided. "It will take a little longer but that cannot be helped. Until we speak with him nothing can be decided."

"What will we tell the children, Father? Biddy will have to know that Luigi has died. Perhaps she can tell us something."

"Yes; we will go at once. I will make the necessary arrangements for Luigi's funeral, Senora Guazza."

Emilia and Father Stefan left the building, and walked through the gardens, crossing to a side lawn where Biddy and Francesco were playing. Father Stefan walked across the grass towards them, while Emilia seated herself on a garden bench under a nearby tree, and watched as they came to him. As he spoke to them, Emilia saw Biddy look across at her, then back to father Stefan. Slowly they approached her, Biddy holding Francesco's hand.

(Author's note: I'm not going to attempt to write Biddy's Irish accent. Please take it as read!)

Biddy looked searchingly into Emilia's face, with blue eyes that reminded Emilia of stormy summer skies, while Francesco peeped at her from behind Biddy's skirt. He reminded her so much of Luigi at that age - innocence and mischief rolled into one - that she was hard-pressed not to cry.

"Father Stefan says you're our Aunt Emilia. Is that right?"

With a shock Emilia realized that of course the child did not speak Italian. Hurriedly she looked for Father Stefan, who quickly translated Biddy's question.

"Yes, that's right. Your papa was my own little brother, just as Francesco is yours," Emilia replied.

"Are you going to look after us now that papa has gone to heaven?" came the matter of fact little voice.

"I don't know for sure," Emilia said, honestly. "I live a long way from here, in another country, and I don't have any papers for you." Emilia glanced at Father Stefan, who shook his head silently. "We must wait and see," she continued, sadly. She didn't want to lie to this little girl, but without a common language it was very difficult. At this point Father Adolphus appeared and called to Father Stefan.

"My phone call to Milan has gone through," he told Emilia. "Now we must wait to hear from Marco."

Emilia nodded as she reached out her hand to Francesco. The little boy came towards her smiling, and she lifted him into her lap. There was no need for speech here - the little arms encircled her neck, and Francesco kissed her cheek. After a few moments he wriggled down and set off across the grass at his fastest pace, with Biddy in hot pursuit. Emilia's heart ached for them, and she determined to do whatever she could.

Early in the afternoon, while the children slept, Emilia and Father Stefan were sitting in the little office; Marco's phone call was due any moment. Emilia jumped when the phone rang, and watched carefully as Father Stefan answered. Silently she took the receiver from him.

"Marco?" She spoke in awed tones; how amazing that she could speak to her brother, even so far away.

"Well?" came Marco's voice, impatient as ever. "What's gone wrong now?"

In rapid Italian that even Father Stefan found hard to follow, Emilia explained to Marco the presence of the two children. How was she to bring them home?

"You say the girl is not his daughter?" Marco queried.

"Well, his step-daughter really, but not a blood relative," Emilia replied, looking anxiously at Father Stefan.

"Then there is nothing I can do. The boy will not be a problem as long as you undertake his care, but the girl will be impossible - I cannot get papers for her."

"But Marco - what am I to do with her?" Emilia's dismay was evident.

"I don't know. Let me talk to the priest again," came the cold reply.

Emilia handed the phone to Father Stefan, and went to sit by the window. Despite the fact that it overlooked the magnificent gardens Emilia saw nothing. Of the conversation between Marco and Father Stefan she heard not a word. All she could think of was that she would not be able to take Biddy with her - without papers no-one would let her into the country.

Father Stefan finally hung up the phone, and rang for Father Adolphus to bring coffee. Emilia was sure it would choke her, but she managed to drink it anyway. Then she looked at Father Stefan with tragic eyes. What had they decided?

"Well Senora Guazza, there is no help for it. Biddy must remain here. Without papers she cannot leave, but you and Francesco must."

Emilia was horrified! For Biddy to lose her father and her brother so soon after losing her mother - it was inhuman! Was Marco mad? How could he even think of such a thing? There must be another way! But as she looked again at Father Stefan, she knew there was nothing else they could do.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:46 pm; edited 2 times in total
#98:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Feb 10, 2007 12:56 pm
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Oh how sad Crying or Very sad .
#99:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Feb 10, 2007 1:29 pm
    —
Ah, that explains it. But how tragic for Biddy, and I've a feeling that Emilia will find it very hard to live with, too.

Thanks Frogize.
#100:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 10, 2007 1:50 pm
    —
Good, and tragic explanation. Crying or Very sad

Poor little Biddy - it's a wonder she managed as well as she did. Of course had she gone to italy she may well have died so, an ill wind.


Thanks Frogize.
#101:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Feb 10, 2007 2:46 pm
    —
This is really good, Frogize. I had forgotten Biddy even had a brother. Thanks and looking forward to more.
#102:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 12:06 am
    —
I can't believe I missed all the updates. I always thought Emilia couldn't afford it with 10 children of her own at least that's what Biddy always said but this makes more sense and would explain why the books said Emilia had always wanted her. Poor Emilia. I hope Francesco and Biddy get to meet again
#103: Emilia's Story (Part 1) cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 4:42 am
    —
"But what will happen to her, Father?" Emilia whispered. "Will you keep her here?"

"I'm afraid not. She must go to St Cecilia's Home for Orphans, but she will be well looked after, Senora Guazza."

"Will you tell her? I don't have the words," Emilia sobbed.

"Of course," Father Stefan replied. He was finding it hard to control his own emotions. Although he understood Marco's legal difficulties, it was the man's total lack of compassion that disturbed him most. But for now there were arrangements to make. Luigi's funeral was to be held the next day, and the following day Emilia was to leave for home.

The meeting with Biddy after the funeral was every bit as bad as Emilia had feared, and the language barrier just made things worse. She had tried to explain that the fact that she already had ten children of her own - Father Stefan had looked rather startled at that! - had nothing to do with the decision, although she must go home to them. It was the legal requirement for papers that made it impossible. Biddy had been distraught, and eventually had been taken to the hospital wing under sedation.

The next morning Father Stefan had arranged for the car to take Emilia and Francesco to the station. Biddy had still been asleep when Emilia entered her room to say goodbye, and she barely remembered the ride to the station. Once on the train Francesco had begun to fret for Biddy, and the whole journey had been a nightmare. There had been a delay at the border, too, until one of Marco's Black Shirts had arrived with Francesco's papers and had then driven them back to the town.

Marco had shown no interest in his little nephew, and once he was assured that Emilia and Luca would care for him had dismissed them back to the farm. They had caused him enough trouble - although he had been commended by his superior for helping to return one of Italy's children to his homeland, so not a total waste of his time. He shrugged and returned to his office.

"I didn't mean to leave her behind, Father," Emilia wept. "There was nothing I could do; my own children needed me. But I never forgot her - I still pray for her every night, though I don't know what became of her."

Patrick blinked, and looked around him. He had the strangest feeling of having travelled through time. He wanted to think this through, but for now Emilia needed his reassurance.

"I understand, Senora Guazza," he smiled. "You did the best you could, and that is all any of us can do. I'm sure she realized eventually that you didn't just abandon her."

At this point the door opened and her doctor, Reg Entwistle, entered. he crossed to the bed and took Emilia's wrist.

"Hope you're not over-doing things in here," he said, but was immediately reassured by the look on Emilia's face. Vater Moritz stepped forward, ready to translate again.

"Oh no, doctor." Emilia smiled through her tears. "I'm definitely feeling better now."

"Well it's time you had a meal, and a good rest, Senora Guazza," he said, then looking around the room, "Scram you people. You can come back tomorrow."

"Sleep well, Emilia," said Joey quietly as she left the room. "I'll make sure we all return."

As they walked back through the building and out to the car, Patrick became aware of the rather strange look Joey gave him, but being preoccupied with thoughts of his own, decided to ignore it. They were soon back at Freudesheim, and Patrick excused himself from dinner. He had a lot to think about, and needed some time alone.

Joey was remarkably quiet during dinner, so much so that Jack began to worry. As they left the table she suddenly smiled.

"Jack, are the Courvoisiers back yet?" she asked, oh so casually.

"Yes. Got back this morning. Why?" he replied, instantly alert. He knew Jo was planning something, he just didn't know what.

"I just wondered if Emilia would like to meet them," she smiled again.

"Now Joey - don't you go doing anything to upset Senora Guazza," he warned as she opened the bathroom door; he knew Jo of old, and she was up to something.

"As if I would!" she replied indignantly. Then came the grin that could still melt his heart, even after all these years. "I'll have you know, Jack Maynard, that I'm always kind to the elderly - look how nicely I treat you!" and she quickly shut the door before he could think of a suitably squashing reply.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:50 pm; edited 1 time in total
#104:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 9:24 am
    —
Frogize wrote:
"As if I would!" she replied indignantly. Then came the grin that could still melt his heart, even after all these years. "I'll have you know, Jack Maynard, that I'm always kind to the elderly - look how nicely I treat you!" and she quickly shut the door before he could think of a suitably squashing reply.


Absolutely love Joey's comment here.
I hope Biddy is finally reunited with her brother again after all this time.
Thanks Frogize this has been fabulous reading
#105:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 10:10 am
    —
Also love Joey's comment. Laughing Had totally forgotten that the story was relating things in the past - moving suddenly to the present was a complete shock.


Hope Joey's plan goes well and Biddy has her reunion.

Thanks Frogize.
#106:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 10:42 am
    —
Poor Emilia - but I really hope that Biddy gets to be reunited with her brother.
#107:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 4:12 pm
    —
Laughing

Nice to see Joey's as respectful of Jack as ever! I hope ig she's planning a reunion it's gentle enough not to scare poor Emilia and that Biddy understands!
#108:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 5:15 pm
    —
I hope that Biddy hasn't harboured any bitterness towards Emilia and that she is able to forgive her. It's evidently been weighing heavily on her mind even after so long.
#109:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Feb 11, 2007 6:29 pm
    —
This is so brilliantly written Frogize - thank you.
#110:  Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 12:55 am
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Thank you Francesn. I've enjoyed doing it - apart from small interruptions, like work! (which is what I'm supposed to be doing now) - but I also enjoy the feedback from readers. Glad you're enjoying it.
#111:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 1:22 am
    —
Just caught up. Poor, poor Biddy, losing her whole family like that. Poor Francesco, too, having to leave her and go off with an unknown person. And, finally, poor Emilia, unable to take the child and having to break her promise to her dying brother.

They all deserve a happy ending!

Love Joey's comment to Jack!
#112: Biddy's Story Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 1:29 am
    —
When Patrick came down to breakfast the next morning he found Jack in sole possession of the dining room.

"Am I late?" he asked.

"No, certainly not," replied Jack. "We tend to be early risers here as a general rule, but we don't impose that on guests; it's just a long-standing habit with us. Joey's already off on some mission or other. Don't know what time she'll be back, but when she gets here don't let her talk you into anything. She's planning something, I know, but I expect I'll be the last to hear any details - that seems to be another of our long-standing habits!" he smiled wryly.

While Patrick helped himself to rolls and coffee Jack excused himself, saying he had letters and phone calls to attend to. As he ate Patrick wondered how Emilia was this morning. He still didn't understand exactly what the family relationships were, though the idea of an Irish connection made him smile - his mother would be delighted by that! He hoped it would be possible to visit Emilia again today, but until he heard from the hospice he knew he'd have to be patient.

Meanwhile, Joey had set out for the home of the Courvoisiers earlier that morning, and was now deeply engrossed in conversation with Biddy.

"But are you sure it's her, Joey?" Biddy asked. "It seems so impossible after all this time."

"Of course I'm sure," Jo replied impatiently. "I was nearly bursting trying to keep it to myself yesterday. Don't you think it's a good idea? You can't possibly not tell her!"

"Well, I'm not doing anything until we've cleared it with Reg," Biddy said firmly. "We don't want to frighten the poor lady to death."

"Frighten her?" Jo exclaimed. "Biddy, the poor thing's been heart-sick over it for years. I should think it'll be a tremendous relief to her!"

"Well, perhaps 'frighten' isn't quite what I mean. It could be a great shock to her, Jo, even if it is a happy one. You said yourself she wasn't strong."

Jo relapsed into silence, while Biddy headed for the phone. She returned a few minutes later, and smilingly informed Jo that, as Reg was free for the next hour, he was on his way over.

When Joey finally arrived home she made a bee-line for Jack's office, where she found him deeply engrossed in a medical journal. Though he had officially retired more than ten years ago he liked to keep abreast of what was new in the medical world, while his son-in-law Reg kept him in touch with things at the San. As it was, Reg often consulted with Jack, finding in him the kind of knowledge that only long experience could teach.

Seeing the smile on Joey's face and the sparkle in her black eyes, Jack knew she had news to impart. He removed his glasses, put down the journal, and prepared to listen.

"Have you spoken to Reg about it?" he asked, when finally she stopped for breath, and he was able to get a word in.

"Jack, you know we have! I wouldn't even think about it otherwise - and anyway, Biddy insisted on it," she added truthfully. "Where's Patrick?"

"Getting ready for lunch by now I expect. You've been gone for hours."

During lunch Joey explained to Patrick that her friend Mme. Courvoisier would join them on their visit to Emilia that afternoon. From the look that passed between Jack and Joey he was sure there was more to it than that, but he was a patient man.

When the time arrived, there was quite a procession to Emilia's room. First came Reg, followed by a nurse. They were followed by Patrick, who was eager to hear more, and Vater Moritz in his role as translator. And finally came Joey and Biddy.

Emilia seemed a little overwhelmed to see so many people at once, and looked at Reg enquiringly.

"Nurse and I aren't staying, Senora Guazza," Reg smiled. "Once I'm sure you're well enough I'll leave you to your visitors." His examination was swift but thorough, and Emilia looked expectantly at Jo as the medical duo left the room.

"Senora Guazza," Joey began, a little nervous now that the moment had come, "I've brought a friend of mine to see you. I've known her for many years - in fact we were at school together - and I'm so glad she's here today. Her name is Bridget Courvoisier - but I think you might know her as Biddy."

Joey stepped aside, and Biddy seated herself beside Emilia's bed, looking into the elderly woman's face. Emilia stared at her in disbelief, and suddenly something she could never explain engulfed her. The eyes she remembered so well, that had haunted her for fifty years, were once again looking at her, and then the world blurred as they each embraced the other and the long-stored tears fell.

Patrick looked across the room at Joey, an expression of total amazement on his face. Jack had told Patrick she was up to something, but he hadn't expected this. Joey was absorbed in watching Emilia and Mme. Courvoisier, total satisfaction in her expression, and Patrick knew she had not realized what this meant for him. As their eyes met across the room she first smiled, then looked puzzled, and finally enlightenment came.

"Oh my aunt!" she exclaimed in horror.

"No; I think it's my aunt, actually!" Patrick grinned.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:53 pm; edited 1 time in total
#113:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 1:58 am
    —
Ohhh,Thanks Frogzie, this is fabulous. Do we get to see Biddy reunited with her brother as well? Am so glad Biddy was reunited with her step-aunt after all this time. Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy
#114: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 6:11 am
    —
A few moments later Reg Entwistle hurried through the door, wondering what the disturbance in the room could be. He was assailed on all sides with assurances that all was well, and after quickly assessing that Emilia was not being too disturbed, left them with an admonition to be quieter. Biddy and Emilia were smiling at each other, and Vater Moritz prepared for another marathon translation exercise.

"Can you forgive me for leaving you behind all those years ago?" Emilia asked anxiously.

"Of course I can," smiled Biddy. "I discovered while I was in Ireland, when we left Tyrol, that there was no way you could have taken me with you - and considering how things were in Italy, I wasn't sorry to be out of it."

"But why were you in Ireland?" Emilia queried. "When I left, Father Stefan said you would go to the Cecila's orphanage."

Biddy laughed. "And so I did .... for about three days! Then I couldn't stand it any longer. There was this dreadful nun in charge, Sister Maria. Honestly, I think her face would have cracked if she'd ever smiled!"

Now Emilia smiled, too. "I remember her," she said with a chuckle. "I wondered why she ever became a nun - she certainly didn't seem to take any pleasure in it. But what did you do? and where did you go?"

"Why, I ran away of course!" Biddy made it sound like the most natural thing in the world, but took Emilia's hand again as she saw the look of concern on her face. "I ended up by the Tiernsee in Tyrol," she continued, "and met up with the Chalet School. Luckily they decided to keep me, and that's where I met Mrs Maynard," and she turned and smiled at Joey.

"My sister owned the school at that time," explained Joey, "so she and her husband, Dr. Russell, provided Biddy with what she needed. Eventually, Biddy was enrolled at the Chalet School, and if Hitler and Co. hadn't spoiled things everything would have been fine. As it was, we had to leave in rather a hurry - I'll tell you about that later - and we were all scattered. Biddy ended up with my adopted sister and her husband, Juliet and Donal O'Hara, who were living in Dublin. They'd only been married a short time, but Juliet insisted on doing something to help after all Madge and Jem had done for her, so Biddy ended up back in Ireland with them."

"And very glad to be there, too!" Biddy added. "Donal was a barrister in Dublin and, through his lawyer and legal friends, he was able to help me discover the facts about my family."

"Did he discover anything about Luigi?" Emilia whispered, almost too afraid to ask.

"He certainly did. This is what happened," and she began to tell Emilia her story.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:54 pm; edited 1 time in total
#115:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 7:21 am
    —
That was lovely - so pleased for Biddy that she didn't harbour any grudge. And funny to see Joey floored by suddenly realising the effect it would have on Patrick too - lovely little scene there.


Thank you Frogize.
#116:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 8:51 am
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That was lovely - thank you Frogize.
#117:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 9:13 am
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That was lovely. Am curious about what happened to Luigi that he ended up in Ireland
#118:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 4:25 pm
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The meeting between Biddy and Emilia was absolutely perfect! I'm so glad Biddy wasn't annoyed - what a relief for Emilia.

Thanks Frogize.
#119:  Author: JustJen, Location: at a baseball game PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 5:46 pm
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Many thanks for the update. I can't wait to hear Biddy's side of the story.
#120:  Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 8:52 pm
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This is lovely! Thank you so much - and please keep it coming!
#121:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 8:43 pm
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That was lovely, and I love the way you've explained where Biddy was in those first few months in Guernsey!
#122:  Author: Carys, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 9:56 pm
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This is lovely, the Biddy and Emilla reunion was very touching.
#123:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 1:56 pm
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That was so lovely!

Thank you Frogize
#124: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 11:15 pm
    —
When Luigi Desti arrived in Paris as a member of the Italian Olympic team's support staff he was initially kept very busy. It was part of his duty to ensure that all the athletes arrived at the Olympic Village, and also to arrange delivery of their luggage. Since this was the first time the athletes had been housed communally there were many problems to be sorted out and Luigi was exhausted by the time everyone was finally settled. Throughout the actual competition he had only to take his turn driving them to the venues and then his time was more or less his own, and it was during his free time, only a few days before the competition ended, that he made his escape.

Another innovation of the Paris Olympics was the daily live broadcasting of events and results. Luigi had found a cafe in the city where the proprietor had installed a radio so that his customers might listen, and it was his practice to go there during his free time. Not that Luigi was particularly interested in the sporting events, but it was an ideal place to watch the streets of Paris, and more particularly the vehicles thereon.

On this particular afternoon, shortly after taking his seat, he was joined by a stranger who, in very halting Italian, asked if Luigi would please accompany him to a nearby hotel. Deeply mystified, the young man agreed. Once at the hotel, a very grand affair that made him feel distinctly out-of-place, he was led to a sitting-room where a middle-aged lady and gentleman were waiting. As Luigi was introduced the lady smiled at him and, to his great relief, spoke in formal but fluent Italian.

"I'm sorry to have disturbed you in this way, Senor Desti. Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Miss Honora FitzGerald, and this gentleman is Mr Jack Yeats, the artist - perhaps you've heard of him?" she said expectantly. Luigi looked at the man without recognition, then returned his gaze to Miss FitzGerald.

"Well, it's not important," she smiled, "though a bit of a blow to your ego Jack," with a glance at the man. "Senor Desti, Mr Yeats is to receive a silver medal from the Olympic Arts Division for his painting "Swimming", and he is accompanied by his wife and myself. Unfortunately, our driver has had a fall and badly broken his arm which, of course, leaves us stranded. We wondered if you would consider taking the position."

Luigi was so surprised by this request he was rendered speechless. Thinking to persuade him, Miss FitzGerald continued.

"Of corse, we'll make all the necessary arrangements, Senor Desti; your position is known to us. And there will be a generous remuneration."

Luigi smiled uncertainly, and at this point the man spoke impatiently to Miss FitzGerald.

"For heavens sake, Honora, persuade the man! The Italian Olympic chaps are quite reasonable, and we must have a driver," he said. "I can't have you and Cottie with me all day, and I know you won't want to hang around the hotel - not with all Paris outside the door!"

"We really must have a driver, Senor Desti. Won't you please help us?" she asked, and Luigi nodded his acceptance.

"Yes, I will be honoured to assist you, Miss FitzGerald. But how will it be arranged?"

"Oh, you can leave that to Mr Yeats. I assure you, his family has a great deal of influence; his father is the well-known portraitist John Butler Yeats, and as for his older brother - have you never heard of the poet William Butler Yeats? No?" and Miss Honora seemed quite shocked when Luigi shook his head.

"Is he going to do it?" the man enquired of Miss Honora, while looking directly at Luigi, who calmly looked back.

"Yes he is," she said thankfully. "Now go and arrange it or we'll be late for the presentation."

The upshot was that in avery short space of time Luigi found himself transferred to the Irish Olympic staff, and allocated as driver to Mr jack Yeats, his wife Mrs Mary Cottenham Yeats, and her good friend Miss Honora FitzGerald. His passport and papers were handed to the Irish Olympic officials, who duly returned them to him after processing, and Luigi suddenly found himself a free man.

Within days the Irish team returned to Dublin and Luigi, as a driver, went with them. After being dismissed by Mr Yeats he was immediately employed as chauffeur by Miss Honora, and the two returned to the FitzGerald home on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. Once there, Luigi was installed as part of the household and settled down to his new life.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:56 pm; edited 1 time in total
#125:  Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 11:45 pm
    —
A-ha, that explains how come he met Biddy and her mother!

Thanks, Frogize.
#126:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Feb 25, 2007 11:47 pm
    —
Thanks Frogize Very Happy .
#127: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 12:55 am
    —
The property owned by Miss Honora was not large, but Luigi could see that it was productive. He soon became a close friend of one of the more experienced farm-workers, Sean O'Ryan, who enjoyed showing him around and began his introduction to the English language. Sean had been a sergeant in the British Army during WWI and was now happily settled in a small farm-cottage with his wife, Mary, and their two little sons, Liam aged three and Conor who was nearly one.

Luigi was a frequent visitor at the O'Ryans home, and a great favourite with Liam and Conor. He was always ready for a laughing game of chase, and became a willing beast of burden when the little boys grew tired. Mary he greatly admired; she often reminded him of his sister Emilia, and many times he wondered about her and Luca. Sadly, there was no way to contact her, for Marco would be sure to intercept any communication, especially since Emilia could barely read.

He was beginning to find himself bi-lingual now, for Miss Honora invariably spoke to him in Italian, while everyone else spoke English. Many evenings were spent at the O'Ryans cottage, where Sean would read to Luigi from a newspaper, and thus he began to be able to understand both the language and the people.

After his first Christmas in Ireland, as Spring returned and ploughing was well under way, it became apparant that Sean and Mary would soon have a third child. Mary was heard to say that she hoped this time it would be a girl, and Luigi was reminded again of the family left behind in Italy. He missed his nephews and nieces, and wondered if Emilia and Luca had any more children, but for now he was content to be "uncle" to Liam and Conor, since neither Sean nor Mary had any living relatives.

At the end of May 1925, on the first really warm sunny day of the year, Mary gave birth to a little girl, who was named Bridget Honora in honour of Mary's own mother and Miss Honora. Mary herself was a great favourite of Miss Honora's, having been her personal maid from the age of fourteen, until marrying Sean O'Ryan in November 1919. Miss Honora was not a young woman, being nearly fifty by the time Mary's little girl was born, and never in robust health.

Luigi had been delighted when Sean and Mary had asked him to be godfather to little Biddy, and a great bond had grown between him and the little girl as he watched her grow. Her black hair reminded him of his lost nephews and nieces, but her glorious blue eyes had the power to totally control him; there was nothing he wouldn't do for her.

In September 1926 five-year-old Liam was enrolled in the village school, and began his transition into the world away from home. Three-year-old Conor was most disgruntled at this, and missed his playmate very much. By Christmas of that year Liam was revelling in the luxury of being free to spend his time with his younger brother and sister once again, and the trio were all enjoying the company of the new puppy they had received as a gift from their parents. By New Year the weather had turned very cold and there was talk of skating on the farm pond.

On the fourth of January 1927 the pond was frozen over and the children were all impatient to try sliding on the ice. They had been promised an outing after their midday dinner and were eager to be off, little Biddy having spent all morning trying to put on her coat in preparation. When the time finally arrived, the two boys had raced ahead with the puppy, while Sean and Mary followed at a more sedate pace, and Luigi brought up the rear with Biddy on his shoulders urging him to hurry. They had spent a delightful time together, and had returned home to a hot supper with scarlet cheeks and tired legs. Biddy had fallen asleep over her supper and was put to bed, with the two boys following shortly after, while Luigi returned to the main house.

Early the next morning, while he was making coffee - Luigi never had learned to drink tea - he heard someone screaming and, looking out, saw Mary running towards the house. She was almost incoherent, but he quickly understood, and set off for the pond as fast as he could run.

No-one ever knew if the boys had actually taken the puppy or if it had escaped and they had just followed it; whichever was true, they had ended up at the pond. Whether they had been climbing in the old tree causing it to fall, or whether they had simply been on the ice when the tree fell was impossible to tell afterwards, but the sound of the fall sent Sean speeding from the barn and Mary from the kitchen. She had seen Sean jump into the icy water where the tree had fallen, but there was no sign of her sons and she had raced to the main house for help.

It was several hours before Luigi and the other farm-workers had recovered all three bodies, little Conor still clutching the puppy, and by that time Mary was in a state of collapse. Miss Honora insisted that Mary be brought to the main house, and it was Miss Honora herself who made the necessary arrangements for the funerals. Mary never fully recovered from the shock, and it was several weeks before she was well enough to look after Biddy again. Luigi had cared for the little girl during this time, and she had clung to him, deeply distressed.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 1:56 pm; edited 2 times in total
#128:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 1:01 am
    —
Oh how terrible - poor little boys and poor Biddy - wonder if she ever remembered that she'd had two older brothers? Crying or Very sad


Thanks Frogize
#129:  Author: JustJen, Location: at a baseball game PostPosted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 4:26 am
    —
Oh poor Mary!
#130:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 8:46 am
    —
Oh that's so sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad .
#131:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 10:21 am
    —
How heartbreaking for Mary. I'm so thankful Luigi and Miss Fitzgerald were there to help
#132:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 3:27 pm
    —
Oh how dreadful. Crying or Very sad

Thanks Frogize.
#133:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 5:13 pm
    —
I read that whole after 'meeting' the Ryan family while holding my breath since I knew tragedy would be coming.

That was really lovely.
#134:  Author: Carys, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 10:46 pm
    —
How sad... Crying or Very sad
#135:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 1:45 am
    —
An excellent explanation for Biddy's Italian connection, but --
how very sad. Crying or Very sad
#136:  Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 3:30 pm
    —
Desperately sad! Oh dear, oh dear.....

Thank you.
#137:  Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 2:04 pm
    —
Sorry it's all so sad everyone, but I really wanted Biddy's dad to be a hero. Working from the info EBD gave us Biddy should have been born in 1925, and if her father was in the British army it made sense for him to have been there during WWI. So what was he doing between 1919 and 1925? It seemed logical that he would have married, and being a Catholic there would be children. If he died and Biddy didn't know/remember anything about older siblings then they probably died too, while she was very young.

P.S. Mrs Redboots - Just read what's under your name and thought "How sad, but appropriate" then read the second one and cracked up laughing!
#138:  Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 4:53 pm
    —
Frogize wrote:

P.S. Mrs Redboots - Just read what's under your name and thought "How sad, but appropriate" then read the second one and cracked up laughing!

First one is a link to my blog. 2nd one is from a song by The Pogues which cracks me up every time I hear it.
#139: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 11:02 pm
    —
"Vater Moritz, would you please do something for me?" asked Emilia as she wiped her eyes. Everyone else in the room was in a similar emotional condition, and there was a feeling of relief when the old lady spoke again.

"On the top shelf of the cupboard in the corner over there you will find a wicker case. Inside the case is a white box. Would you please get it for me?"

As Vater Moritz moved to do as Emilia asked there was a general recovery of composure, and then an expectant silence. With trembling hands Emilia removed the lid from the box and took out a flat parcel wrapped in aged tissue paper.

"Father Stefan gave me these after Luigi's funeral. I think you should have them, my dear," she said softly, as she placed the parcel in Biddy's hands.

Silently, as the occupants of the room looked on, Biddy unfolded the aged tissue paper and took out three old sepia photographs. The top one was of a rather serious-looking young bride and groom, the man wearing a soldier's uniform. The second picture was far less formal - the same woman, seated, and holding a tiny baby on her lap while her other arm supported a very young boy, who leant against her knee. Beside her stood another boy, somewhat older, and behind them all the same man with his hand on the older boy's shoulder. The last picture was of a different man, proudly seated and holding the baby, while flanked by the two little boys.

"Oh, Papa," Biddy whispered almost silently, then looked at Emilia with tear-filled eyes. "Father Desti is very like him, isn't he?"

Last edited by Frogize on Thu May 17, 2007 5:27 am; edited 3 times in total
#140:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 11:20 pm
    —
How lovely for Biddy - yet very telling that she didn't recognise either her real father or her two brothers. Crying or Very sad


Thanks Frogize
#141:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 11:40 pm
    —
*Gets Kleenex out on the assumption that Emilia is about to tell Biddy about her older brothers.*
#142: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 12:50 am
    —
"Yes, he is," Emilia smiled, and glanced at Patrick before returning to Biddy. "I didn't even look at them until I was in the train with Francesco," she continued, her voice hardly more than a whisper. "I had no idea who the other people were, or why Luigi had the pictures, but I've always treasured them. I want you to keep them now, Biddy."

"I ... I don't know what to say Senora Guazza ...I ... I mean" Biddy stumbled over her reply. "I mean ... I ... would you ... would you mind if I call you Aunt Emilia?"

"I wish you would," Emilia smiled tearfully.

"Then, thank-you from the bottom of my heart, Aunt Emilia," Biddy said softly, and leant across to kiss the old lady's cheek. "I never even knew I had any brothers, other than Francesco, until Donal O'Hara hunted out the information for me when I was a girl. It was so strange, too, because I'd somehow always thought that my da had died in the war, and finding he'd actually died trying to save my brothers made me even more proud of him."

"It seems he was indeed a fine man," Emilia agreed. "But what of your mother? When did she and Luigi marry?"

"Not until I was nearly eight, although they were engaged for a while," Biddy answered, and she continued with her story.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:00 pm; edited 1 time in total
#143:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 4:59 am
    —
It's lovely the way that Biddy and Emilia are getting on together. This is a wonderful story, thanks Frogize.
#144:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 7:57 am
    —
Thank you Frogize
#145:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 8:47 am
    —
This is sad but lovely.

Thanks Frogize.
#146:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 11:17 am
    —
Alison H wrote:
This is sad but lovely.


Echoes Alison H.

(By the way how is your daughter doing?)
#147:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 8:02 pm
    —
This is such a beautiful story, and so lovely to see Biddy finding her family at last.

Thank you Frogize
#148: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Wed Mar 07, 2007 11:23 am
    —
In September 1930 five-year-old Biddy was enrolled at the same village school that her brother had attended, and it was not a very happy experience. Four years ago her mother had returned to her position as personal maid to Miss Honora, and Biddy had gone with her to live at the main house.

Biddy, being both bright and pretty, had quickly become a favourite, not only of the household staff but also of Miss Honora herself, and in consequencehad spent many hours in her company. She had learned to be completely at home there, and to copy some of the lady's speech and mannerisms. Though her mother was happy enough to see this, it marked Biddy out as something of an oddity at school, and she was always happy to escape at the end of the day to return home. Luigi found it hard to see Biddy unhappy, and finally hit upon a plan to help her.

During the long summer break at the end of her first year at school he began to tell her about his own schooldays and the paucity of his education. Together they decided that Biddy would learn all she could at school, and then in the evenings the two would sit together and she would attempt to teach him what she had learned. In this way Luigi eventually began to read English, and Biddy found the endless repetition, that was such a large part of school-life, far less irksome.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:01 pm; edited 1 time in total
#149:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Mar 07, 2007 11:28 am
    —
Luigi's lovely ... it's so sad that we know he also dies young Crying or Very sad .
#150:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 12:19 am
    —
That was clever of Luigi. He really does care about Biddy, doesn't he?
#151:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 4:05 am
    —
*mourns Luigi in advance*
#152:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 7:15 am
    —
Thank you Frogize - poor little Biddy. Crying or Very sad
#153: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 6:26 am
    —
As the year came to a close, and Christmas approached once more, Mary watched the two dark heads bent together at the table and heard the quiet hum of their conversation. She realized, with something of a shock, that it was almost five years since Sean and her little boys had died, and how much she had come to rely on Luigi. Everyone knew that Biddy adored her godfather, but Mary had never considered before just how completely Luigi had filled the role of father for her daughter. As she watched them together she felt an unexpected sense of happiness and contentment, and smiled as she returned her attention to the jumper she was knitting for Biddy.

A few moments later Luigi looked up, and smiled as he saw the look of concentration on Mary's face. He knew she had promised Biddy that her jumper would be finished in time for Christmas, but the intricate design required much patience on her part, and several times he had heard her muttered exclamations as she discovered yet again that she must unpick some of her work. As he waited for Biddy to learn the new words in her spelling list he thought about how his life had changed since the death of his friend.

He was embarassed to remember now that barely eight months after Sean's death he had asked Mary to marry him. His proposal had been prompted by compassion at her situation, since the lot of a widow with a young child was not an enviable one, but Mary had been aghast and shortly afterwards had returned to the house as Miss Honora's maid.

Their relationship had been rather strained for a while but Biddy, oblivious to their feelings, had been as devoted to him as ever. As time passed the breach was, if not entirely repaired, at least over-looked and they had finally settled into their current comfortable arrangement; but Luigi's feelings for Mary had undergone quite a transformation over the ensuing years, and he would dearly have loved to repeat his proposal.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:02 pm; edited 1 time in total
#154:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 7:46 am
    —
Go one Luigi, ask her!


Thanks Frogize
#155:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 8:42 am
    —
8 months after Sean's death was probably too soon, but, go on, ask her again!
#156:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 10:19 am
    —
This is lovely. Agree with Alison, 8 months is too soon, but now might not be
#157:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 3:36 pm
    —
Yes, ask her again! Thanks Frogize.
#158:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 9:55 pm
    —
Ask her! Ask her! Ask her!

Thanks Frogize
#159: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 5:58 am
    —
Later that evening, after putting Biddy to bed, Mary sat down at the table with Luigi, a worried expression on her face.

"Luigi, do you think Biddy is alright?" she asked.

"Why?" he answered, somewhat suprised. "What makes you think anything is wrong?"

"Well, it seems a strange thing to be concerned about, but she's been so good lately - and rather quiet. Haven't you noticed?"

He thought back over the past few days, and realized that what Mary said was true. Not that Biddy was a particularly naughty child, or more noisy than was usual, but she did seem to have been rather subdued of late.

"And she's been late home from school every day this week," Mary continued. "She says she's just been playing, but I'm sure it's something more than that."

"Well, I'm taking Miss Honora to do some Christmas shopping tomorrow. I'll ask if I may go see Father O'Reilly while she's busy. Perhaps something's happened at school to upset Biddy," and he smiled reassuringly.

The next day, having been given permission to visit Father O'Reilly, Luigi entered the church in search of him. He liked the old priest, and was sure he'd help get to the bottom of whatever was bothering Biddy. As the two men sat together on a pew at the back of the church and Luigi explained the problem, he was suprised to see Father O'Reilly smiling at him, and even more suprised when he spoke.

"For an intelligent man, Luigi Desti, you have the makings of a fine donkey!" the priest exclaimed. "The little mite's been here every day after school, praying to all the saints she can think of - and there's only one thing that she wants!"

By the time Luigi left the church his mind was reeling, and he was anxious to return home. Fortunately Miss Honora had almost finished her shopping and didn't keep him waiting long. As he entered the kitchen he hung up his chauffeur's cap and jacket. Mary was standing at the table, helping the cook to prepare dinner, while Biddy sat in the corner sewing - something Luigi knew she detested. But instead of replying to Mary's questioning look, he crossed the room and squatted in front of Biddy.

"I spoke to Father O'Reilly today," he said as he took her hands in his own. Biddy gulped, and looked at him.

"What did he say?" she whispered, almost fearfully.

"That you've been praying for something, very hard," he said solemnly, "and now there's only one thing to be done."

She watched as he crossed to where her mother was standing and - to the cook's great astonishment - took Mary's hand. Then, lowering one knee to the floor, he said, "Mary O'Ryan, I love you more than my life. Will you please marry me?"

Mary blushed to the roots of her hair, while cook grinned delightedly, and Biddy jumped up, almost dancing with impatience as she waited for her mother's reply. Mary looked from one to the other - from Luigi's brown eyes full of love and longing, to Biddy's blue ones, huge and anxious.

"Yes" she said, smiling shyly. "Of course I will!"

Delighted, Luigi sprang to his feet and, lifting her into his arms, danced her around the kitchen, while Biddy and the cook did a wild jig in the corner. It was several minutes before order was restored, and Mary and Luigi were laughing breathlessly together.

"There's just one final thing," said Luigi, suddenly looking serious again.

"Whatever is that?" asked Mary, puzzled.

For answer, Luigi crossed the room again and this time knelt before Biddy.

Looking into her eyes he said "Biddy, you know your da was my friend, and that I love you as if you were my own little girl. Will you let me be your Papa from now on?"

Biddy threw her arms around his neck, hugging him fiercely. "Oh, yes!" she cried, then suddenly found herself weeping onto his shoulder. "I've wanted if for such a long time!"

As Mary came to join them, Biddy's voice suddenly announced triumphantly, "I can't wait 'til Monday! I told that Kitty Donovan you'd do it before Christmas!"

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:03 pm; edited 1 time in total
#160:  Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 7:41 am
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Yay!! Laughing Laughing Well done Luigi and Mary! It was a lovely proposal scene, hardly conventional, but just full of love and joy.

Biddy is so sweet, and I really liked Father O'Reilly who was just so down to earth..
#161:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 7:57 am
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Oh that was so lovely! And it makes what happened next so sad and tragic. Crying or Very sad


Thanks Frogize
#162:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 8:45 am
    —
Oh, that was lovely!
#163:  Author: Elbee, Location: Surrey PostPosted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 9:50 am
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Lovely, but bittersweet as we know what will eventually happen.

Thank you Frogize
#164:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 10:27 am
    —
Miranda wrote:
Yay!! Laughing Laughing Well done Luigi and Mary! It was a lovely proposal scene, hardly conventional, but just full of love and joy.


Who wants conventional! That was fantastic
#165:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 3:11 pm
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How wonderful! Thanks Frogize.
#166:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 5:12 pm
    —
Beautiful! *sniffles*

I love Biddy's parting comment. Smile
#167:  Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 8:02 pm
    —
Lovely, Frogize!

I laughed out loud at the last line!
#168: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 6:34 am
    —
The appalled expression on Mary's face on hearing Biddy's words reduced Luigi to helpless laughter.

"Do you mean to tell me that the Donovans have been talking about us?" she asked incredulously.

"According to Father O'Reilly, practically the whole village has," he finally managed to say.

"They only wanted to know when you were going to get married," said Biddy, innocently, "and I told Kitty that it wouldn't be until he asked you, and I was sure it would be before Christmas," and accusingly to Luigi, "You only just made it in time, you know!"

Dinner that evening was a riotous affair, and Biddy was finally tucked into bed nearly an hour later than usual. Later, as she was helping Miss Honora prepare for bed, Mary shyly broached the subject with her. Miss Honora had known her when she first met Sean, and Mary was pleased to discover that she was equally delighted with the new engagement to Luigi.

Church the next morning was something of a trial for Mary. In the way that news always spreads in a village, the word had gone round, and she sat beside Miss Honora with burning cheeks, while Luigi, seated further back, acknowledged the proffered congratulations with a broad grin - and it must be admitted that Biddy positively smirked at Kitty Donovan. However, Mary recovered her composure on the way home, and when Miss Honora called them both to the drawing-room that afternoon, she smiled happily.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:05 pm; edited 1 time in total
#169:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 7:32 am
    —
Pleased that everyone is so happy for them.


Thanks Frogize
#170:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 8:39 am
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They make a lovely family. It's so sad that it isn't going to last.
#171:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 11:47 am
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Alison H wrote:
They make a lovely family. It's so sad that it isn't going to last.


True, but at least it was happy while it did
#172:  Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 2:01 pm
    —
Quote:
it must be admitted that Biddy positively smirked at Kitty Donovan.


I think she had good reason to smirk - it was her behaviour that prompted the proposal after all.
#173:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 5:52 pm
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Oh I adore your little Biddy! But it's so sad knowing what's coming Crying or Very sad
#174: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Fri Mar 16, 2007 12:08 pm
    —
After giving Luigi and Mary her own congratulations, she told them that she had been invited to spend the Christmas and New Year holiday period with her friends, Cottie and Jack Yeats, at their home in Dublin, and would be away for four weeks. Since she would not need their services while she was away she suggested that they might like to use the time preparing one of the unused cottages for their own use after they were married. Many of Mary's possessions were still in storage in the attic and this seemed an ideal opportunity to arrange their new home.

Miss Honora proposed to leave within a few days - it was only a week until Christmas and she wanted to be settled before then - so Mary was kept busy, preparing and packing her things. Early on Wednesday morning Luigi loaded her cases into the car and drove her to the station, where he saw her into the train. Driving home after the train's departure, he looked forward to a very happy time with Mary and Biddy, and a future that promised much.

The days leading up to Christmas were very busy, as Mary and Luigi set about turning the disused cottage into a home. By Christmas Eve it had been thoroughly cleaned, and the few repairs it needed were all complete. Biddy was delighted to have a room of her own - another one in the eye for that stuck-up Kitty Donovan, who shared a room with her sister. After Christmas they would begin to furnish the cottage and hoped to have it completely finished by the time Miss Honora returned. They had spoken to Father O'Reilly already, and the wedding was planned for February, so there was none too much time to get everything ready.

On the day after Boxing Day, Luigi was in the old coach-house (now a very well-equipped garage) performing some essential maintenance on Miss Honora's car. It was important not to leave it standing idle for the duration of her absence, and since Mary had said at breakfast that she and Biddy planned to go through the packing cases today, he had decided to keep well out of their way. Just as he was beginning to wonder about the possibility of lunch, he heard Biddy's thudding footsteps outside. She burst through the door and threw herself upon him, distress writ large in her expressive little face.

"What's wrong, piccolina?" he asked, as he lifted her up.

"It's ma," Biddy whimpered. "She's in the attic, crying, and I don't know why."

Luigi carried Biddy back to the house and, leaving her with the cook, hurried up to the attic. He found Mary kneeling before an open packing case, clutching a white garment, and sobbing heart-brokenly. Without a word, he lifted her to her feet and enveloped her in his arms, holding her close, kissing and stroking her hair.

Finally, as her weeping ceased, he perched on the edge of the packing case and held her on his lap, while she attempted to wipe her eyes on his sodden shirt.

"What is it, cara?" he asked softly, his eyes searching her face. "What made you cry?"

"I'm sorry, Luigi. It's nothing really; I'd just forgotten that the boys' baby clothes were in that packing case, and when I lifted them out I felt ... I felt ... Oh, I don't know what I felt! It just suddenly seemed wrong to be happy again when they're all ... all ..." and she began to weep once more.

Last edited by Frogize on Tue May 08, 2007 2:20 am; edited 3 times in total
#175:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Mar 16, 2007 12:15 pm
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Poor Mary - but Luigi is a lovely SLOC.
#176:  Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Fri Mar 16, 2007 12:20 pm
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Oh poor Mary, that must have been such a shock to her - in the middle of all her happiness.

Lucky Luigi's there for her though - he is so sweet!
#177:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Mar 16, 2007 12:26 pm
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Poor Mary - feeling guilty about being happy - Luigi is lovely


Thanks Frogize
#178:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Mar 16, 2007 4:13 pm
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Luigi is so wonderful. I'm glad they had some happy times together, Mary and Biddy certainly deserved it.
#179: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 11:19 am
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As Mary wept away her grief Luigi held her close and rocked her on his lap, as he had done with Biddy more than once. Slowly the storm subsided and Mary relaxed, her head against his shoulder.

"Don't feel guilty about being happy, cara" he whispered against her hair."We all have things in our past that we don't like to think about."

"Even you?" she asked, teasingly, but sobered rapidly as she saw his expression. Luigi was looking through the window at the wintery scene outside, but she was certain that wasn't what he saw. "Tell me, Luigi."

He gave a heart-felt sigh and said, very quietly, "I was fifteen the first time I killed a man." He felt her stiffen in his arms, and quickly added "It was during the war; I was in the army."

"At fifteen?" She tried not to sound too shocked. "But why?"

"Because I was always the 'little brother'" he said regretfully, "and I desperately wanted to be a man." He put her off his lap, stood up, and began to pace the room. "I thought being a soldier, and going to war would be exciting; I certainly felt like a man when we left. Oh, there were plenty of others, some even younger than me. And I was important - I knew things the others didn't. I knew how to make things work, and how to do other things better and quicker and that was important. But I thought it would be fun, too - and it wasn't! We were always cold and hungry, and most of the time I was petrified. The day I killed that first man, I was watching the others. They were following my instructions, lifting ammunition up the mountain, and I saw him across the valley, preparing to fire on them. My hands were so cold I could barely feel my fingers, but I just took aim and fired. I can't even remember the sound of my shot - I just remember seeing the red splatter on the mountain wall behind him." He looked at her with troubled eyes. "I've never told anyone that before."

"Oh, Luigi." Mary whispered, as she watched him move to the window and stand with his back to her, his hands thrust deep into his pockets, staring out at a scene that had vanished long ago.

"I was nineteen before I reached home again, and by then I was a wreck. I've no idea how many men I killed in that time, Mary, but I can never forget that first one."

"Do you think about him often?" she asked, her heart aching for him, but afraid to move. Never before had he been so open and so vulnerable, and she was reluctant to disturb whatever was allowing him to speak so freely now.

"No, not really," he sighed, and turned again to face her. "But I do feel a sort of responsibility to - to live my life twice, once for me and once for him; I feel I owe him that."

After a moment she spoke again. "May I ask you something, Luigi?"

"Of course."

"Why did you ask me to marry you so soon after Sean died?"

He grimaced at the memory, but answered truthfully, "Because I was sorry for you. I hated seeing you struggle with that tiny pension they gave you, and besides, Biddy was my goddaughter. I knew I could provide for you both, and I wanted to do something for Sean. But you were quite right to say no."

As Mary stepped towards him, and was enveloped in a huge bear-hug, she returned it with fervour. Suddenly she saw an entirely new dimension to this man who had brought love and laughter back into her life, and she knew that their relationship was somehow deeper than before.

For some minutes they stood together, and then Luigi spoke again.

"We'd better put these things away," he said, and began to gather the tiny garments scattered on the floor. One by one he handed them to Mary, who folded them neatly and replaced them in the box. As she closed the lid, she looked at him with mischief in her face.

"Luigi?" she asked. "This living your life twice..."

"Yes," he replied, wondering what was coming next. Was she really smiling?

"Does that mean we have to have twice as many babies?" she asked with mock innocence, and her laughing eyes filled him with happiness once more.

"Only if you want to," he grinned, as he pulled her to her feet, and hugged her yet again. "But right now I think we'd better hurry, because the last time I saw Biddy she was looking like a scared rabbit, and she must be wondering where we are."

"Oh! Biddy!" Mary gasped, and set off down the stairs. As Luigi closed and locked the door behind them it suddenly occurred to him that he had ceased to think of Mary as Sean's wife, and he followed her down the stairs, whistling softly to himself.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:07 pm; edited 2 times in total
#180:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 11:30 am
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Thanks - this is lovely Very Happy .
#181:  Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 2:48 pm
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Poor Luigi, to have undergone such a horrific experience at the age of 15, just to prove himself a man.

I'm glad Luigi was able to talk to Mary, and that their relationship has been strengthened as a result.

*looking forward to the wedding*
#182:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 4:21 pm
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Luigi is lovely. It's so sad to think that Biddy is going to lose another father soon. Sad
#183:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 6:49 pm
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That was so good - and soooo sad to think of what is to come. Crying or Very sad


Thank you Frogize.
#184: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 7:52 am
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(With thanks to Miranda for the Italian words!)
On the Wednesday before Miss Honora was due to return Luigi was suprised to be visited in the coach-house by the village postman. He often came to the kitchen after delivering the mail - especially at this time of year - but today he came straight to the coach-house instead, seeking Luigi.

"Good morning, Joe," Luigi hailed him. "I haven't seen you in here before. What can I do for you?"

"'Morning, Luigi," the postman replied, while looking closely at the mysterious pieces of equipment. "Got a message for you. Father O'Reilly wants to see you right away; he says will you bring the car as well."

"Did he say why?" asked Luigi, wiping his hands, and methodically returning his tools to their allocated places.

"No; just that you should go right away. No problems with the wedding plans, then?" Joe was a well-known purveyor of gossip throughout the village, and was always eager for news.

"Not that I know about," Luigi grinned. "Do you know something I don't?"

"No," smiled the postman in reply, "but Father O'Reilly didn't look too happy, so I'd hurry if I were you." He turned and set off down the driveway, while Luigi headed for the house. Having hurriedly washed and changed, he informed Mary of his errand, collected his cap and overcoat, and a short time later was driving to the village.

Leaving the car in front of the church he went in search of Father O'Reilly, and was a little disconcerted to find him in urgent conversation with Mr. Jack Yeats.

"Ah, Luigi," said Father O'Reilly, his countenance brightening a little at sight of him. "I believe you know Mr. Yeats."

"Yes, Father; we've met many times," agreed Luigi, and turning to the old priest's visitor, " Good morning, sir."

"'Morning Desti," Jack replied, a worried expression on his face. "Good to see you again - but I'm afraid I've bad news for you. Miss FitzGerald had an accident on Monday evening. She was coming down to dinner with my wife when she slipped and fell down the main staircase, and I'm afraid she's - well, she's dead."

"Oddio! Ma, che tragedia!" Luigi gasped in stunned suprise. "E povera Mary!" As the two men stared at him he quickly added, "How will I tell Mary?" Luigi had been part of the village for so long now that his lapse into Italian suprised them both, but he quickly regained his composure and looked to Jack for instructions.

"I've got some of her things with me, and we'll return them now, but I'll need you and Mary to come back to Dublin with me, Desti. Do you think we can go right away? I've left Cottie on her own, and I want to get back as soon as I can."

"Yes, of course, sir. The car's outside, and ready to go," Luigi replied, outwardly in control, though inside his emotions were in turmoil.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:08 pm; edited 1 time in total
#185:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 8:58 am
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Oh dear - now what's going to happen to them all?
#186:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 3:08 pm
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What a horrible shock.


Thanks Frogize
#187:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 7:22 pm
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What will happen to them now?
#188:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 9:18 pm
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It seems like one thing after another keeps happening to them
#189:  Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Tue Mar 27, 2007 9:40 am
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I've just been following what Biddy tells them when she's first found.

"Me da died, an' me ma came wid Miss Honora from the Castle as maid, bekase she had been that before she and me da had it med up to marry. Miss Honora said to bring me too. Miss Honora died, she did, two years back, and me ma married Luigi Desti, that was Miss Honora's chauffeur......Me ma died whin the babby come, an' Luigi, he died last week."
#190:  Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Tue Mar 27, 2007 5:22 pm
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Goodness what a surprise Laughing Laughing Razz
#191: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 6:47 am
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The death of Miss FitzGerald caused widespread consternation throughout the village, as many people suddenly found themselves apparently unemployed. Mary and Luigi were particularly affected since almost all of their duties concerned personal service to Miss Honora. Even so, her funeral was attended by the entire village population, for she had been well-liked in the community where she had spent almost her entire life.

Shortly after the funeral Jack Yeats, as sole executor of Miss FitzGerald's estate, was able to reassure the majority of her employees that, at least for the present, their jobs were secure. Since she had had no immediate relatives the property had been left to a cousin of her father's. The man in question had left many years ago for a new life in America and had quite deliberately severed all connections with his family, so to trace him - or more likely, his heirs - would undoubtedly be a lengthy business. The will specifically stated that the property was to be maintained under the conditions that were current at the time of her death until such time as the new owner might see fit to change them.

Though the sense of relief was palpable to most, Luigi and Mary were still unsure. After some discussion with Jack it was decided that Luigi would assist with the farm work when necessary, though officially continuing in his role as chauffeur, and Mary would continue to assist the cook.

There had been some discussion of postponing the wedding after Miss Honora's death, but they soon decided to continue with the original plan, and Father O'Reilly finally married Luigi and Mary on Saturday February 11th 1933 - exactly six weeks before Luigi's 33rd birthday. It had been a day of great celebration, even the rather gloomy weather being unable to dampen the proceedings, and Biddy had enjoyed it all immensely.

She had woken early on the day and immediately rushed to the window. Although it was still fairly dark outside, at least it wasn't actually raining, though it was certainly rather cloudy. Mary had woken minutes later, and Biddy had curled under the covers with her mother, indulging in an excited discussion of the day to come.

Breakfast had been a rather hurried meal, and only Mary's threat of leaving her at home had persuaded Biddy to eat anything at all. After breakfast she had been forced to endure the ministrations of Molly, the cook, who didn't seem to understand that excited little girls just couldn't keep still, and was finally released to the kitchen, where she was bidden to "Sit still, and keep clean, for goodness sake!"

Several minutes passed, and just as she was beginning to wonder if she might make another check of the weather, the door opened and Luigi entered. The pair grinned happily at each other, then Biddy stood up in order to make a thorough inspection of him. After walking around him several times she finally nodded in satisfaction.

"Papa, you look..." and she paused to consider before finally announcing, "...beautiful!"

Luigi laughed, which helped to release some of his nervousness, and watched as Biddy twirled before him, displaying her own finery.

"You look beautiful, too, piccolina," he smiled. "If I weren't marrying your mother today, I think I'd marry you," and seven-year-old Biddy beamed up at him delightedly.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:09 pm; edited 1 time in total
#192:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 6:56 am
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Awwww, that's so lovely. So sad, knowing what is to come. Crying or Very sad


Thanks Frogize.
#193:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 7:49 am
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Luigi is lovely.
#194: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 7:58 am
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The wedding ceremony had been everything Biddy had imagined, though Luigi had scandalized Kitty Donovan's mother by winking at Biddy as Mary came down the aisle on Jack Yeats arm, and she had grinned back at him. ("Well, what could you expect from a Foreigner!" she had snorted.) The celebration afterwards had continued until the early evening, when Mary and Luigi had been promenaded to their new home by their guests, who had then departed homewards. Biddy had returned to the main house with Molly, and would remain there for the next week.

Finally left alone together, Luigi and Mary began to discuss the days' happenings, until he kissed her and held her close.

"Che bella che sei, amore mia," he whispered. "Ti amo tanto."

["How beautiful you are, my love," he whispered. "I love you so much."]

Several minutes later Mary hurried upstairs while Luigi secured the cottage for the night. As Luigi entered the bedroom he saw that Mary was already in bed, and had let down her magnificent mane of black hair, the first time he had ever seen it loose. As she brushed it out she made some comment about Biddy and her delight in the wedding cake Molly had made for them.

Taking her in his arms he grinned, a very wicked grin.

"Yes, well right now I'm far more interested in Biddy's mother - and delights of quite a different kind," he said, and blowing out the lamp he slipped beneath the covers, to totally lose himself in Mary's warm and welcoming embrace.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:10 pm; edited 4 times in total
#195:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 8:55 am
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I'm glad they're all so happy together. Love Luigi winking at Biddy in the church and Kitty O'Donovan's mother being scandalized by it all
#196:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 7:25 pm
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Oh lovely, so pleased they have some happy times.


Thanks Frogize
#197:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 5:33 am
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It's lovely to see them so happy, but it makes what's to come so much worse. Thanks Frogize.
#198: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 4:12 am
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The following Saturday Biddy returned to the cottage, and so began a period of happy family life as each month brought a new event to celebrate - Shrove Tuesday on the last day of February (involving a rather disasterous attempt at pancake tossing by Biddy), Luigi's birthday on March 25th, Easter on April 16th, and Biddy's own birthday on May 29th, when Luigi initiated the eight-year old into the intricacies of kite-making. The two weeks between Biddy's birthday and Mary's, on June 11th, had been devoted by the pair to a most elaborate construction. After church on Mary's birthday it was carried very carefully to the chosen picnic spot, and launched with such spectacular success that Biddy became the envy of all who saw it, and Luigi's reputation with the village boys was vastly enhanced.

They had spent the entire day out of doors, and it was almost dark by the time they arrived home. Luigi carried the slumbering Biddy upstairs to bed while Mary lit the lamps and opened the door and windows to let in the cool evening air. A short time later, as she began unpacking the basket, Luigi returned and they worked in companionable silence until finally everything was washed and restored to its rightful place.

While Luigi was returning the basket to the top of the cupboard Mary wandered outside into the evening, watching the moon as it began to rise above the trees, and breathed in deeply, letting out a contented sigh. As she did so Luigi's arms stole around her waist and she leaned back against him, her own arms folded over his. She felt his lips against her hair and, as his kisses wandered down to the nape of her neck, she sighed once more.

"Are you tired, amore mia?" he murmered.

"Yes, a little," she replied, turning to face him, lifting her hands and letting her fingers entwine themselves in his hair. "Aren't you?"

"Not too tired," he smiled meaningfully, pulling her closer, and kissing her with obvious intent. As he released her, she spoke again.

"There was just one more thing I wanted you to do today," she smiled at him, "but it can wait until tomorrow."

"What was it?" he asked. "Something for your birthday?"

"No," she smiled again. "I just wanted you to go to the attic and bring me the box of baby things. I'm going to need them."

"Are you sure?" he asked quietly, after a moments pause.

"Yes," she replied. "I suspected it on Biddy's birthday, but now I'm quite certain."

"When?"

"At the end of January," she faltered, uncertainty creeping into her voice, and beginning to feel a little perplexed. This quiet response was not what she had expected, and when he turned from her, his hands thrust into his pockets, she asked in dismay, "Aren't you pleased?"

"Pleased?" he answered quietly, looking back at her over his shoulder. "Pleased?" he repeated, half turning, and with a wild shout of joy swept her up in his arms and into a crazy dance of delight that left them both laughing and breathless as they collapsed together onto the bench beside the cottage door.

"Hush!" Mary commanded, laughing softly and lowering her voice. "You'll wake up the whole village - or Biddy at least!"

"I don't care," he grinned, pulling her to her feet and holding her close. "Ti amo, Mary Desti, e ti amo per sempre," he murmered softly, before leading her back inside.

["I love you, Mary Desti, and I'll love you for ever," he murmered softly]

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:11 pm; edited 2 times in total
#199:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 5:27 am
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Very Happy That was all so lovely! Thanks Frogize.
#200:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 5:33 am
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I know that I should be happy for them, but we know that Mary dies in childbirth, so I really cannot be.

It was a lovely scence however - Luigi is such a sweetheart.
#201: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 5:34 am
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Biddy had returned to school after the long Summer break thrilled with the knowledge of a new sibling to come after Christmas. Mary almost regretted telling her so soon, having been driven to distraction by endless questions, and she was quite pleased when school finally began again and she could have a little peace.

On Saturday February 3rd 1934 Mary woke early. She was lying curled beside Luigi, his arm thrown protectively over her swollen belly, and she smiled as she realized what had woken her and what the day would bring. Glancing towards the window, she judged that it was still too early to get up, and so pulled the covers closer and tried to sleep again.

An hour later, she felt Luigi begin to stir beside her. His hand caressed her belly and she felt his lips on the back of her neck.

"Good morning, amore mia," he whispered, his lips moving to her shoulder, then kissing her ear. "Ti amo."

"Good morning," she smiled, stretching luxuriously and trying, unsuccessfully, to turn and face him. For a moment she considered telling him right away that the day was finally here, but decided that it would be better to wait until both he and Biddy were clothed and fed. Since Biddy wouldn't be at school today they could keep each other company while she was busy!

"I'll go and light the fire," Luigi said, slipping from the bed and shivering a little in the cold morning air. Wrapping himself in the thick woollen dressing gown that lay on the chair by the bed, he left the room, and Mary heard the soft creak of the stairs as he went down to the kitchen. Moments later she heard the door open once again, and the patter of feet as Biddy crossed to the bed.

"Are you awake, Ma?" Biddy asked, in a whisper calculated to ensure that she was indeed awake.

"Yes, Biddy," she replied. "But don't stand about in the cold; come and get in here with me." Obediently Biddy trotted around the bed and wriggled beneath the covers. Wrapped in her mother's arms, she snuggled close to her bulky body and let out a happy sigh. Saturdays had become firmly established in Biddy's mind with all that she enjoyed most, and the more relaxed tempo of the day was much to her liking.

When Luigi returned Biddy scampered back to her own room, and shortly thereafter came the homely sound of happy chatter as the two prepared breakfast in the kitchen while Mary dressed. After breakfast they all set out together, along the path to the main house, Biddy and Luigi diverting to the coach-house while Mary made her way to the back door. She was relieved to find Molly seated at the table, drinking tea and contemplating her shopping list. As Mary entered she looked up with a smile.

"Good morning, Mary. How are you today?"

"Fine thank you, Molly," Mary replied, "but I'll need your help this morning. Are you shopping today?"

"I'll just be putting in the order. Do you want me to bring you something back?"

"Yes, please," Mary smiled. "Will you ask Granny Murphy to come right away? I'm going to need her soon." Granny was the local midwife, and had been present at the birth of virtually every baby born in the village for the past three decades.

"Merciful heaven!" Molly cried, springing to her feet. "Does Luigi know?"

"No, he doesn't," said Mary, firmly, "and don't you say anything until Granny gets here. It's not as though I haven't done this before." She paused, and gripped the back of a nearby chair, breathing deeply for several minutes before she continued. "Biddy's with him in the coach-house, and I'd rather they were out of the way for now."

"I'll be off right away then," said the cook, hurrying to find her coat and hat. "Will you be alright?"

"I'll be fine; but hurry will you?"

Some time later, Biddy saw her mother and Granny Murphy through the coach-house window, making their way back to the Destis cottage. Running to the door, she called out to them, but they continued on without answering.

"Papa! Papa!" Biddy called, hurrying back to Luigi.

"What is it, piccolina?" he answered, followed by an urgent, "Don't do that!" as she put out her hand and shook his arm.

"But Papa - Ma and Granny Murphy are going home!"

It is on record that, for the first and only time, Luigi abandoned his beloved engine and dashed after Mary. Catching them as they were about to enter the cottage, Granny frowned fiercely at him.

"Be off with you, now! This is women's work," she scolded. "You take care of Biddy, and I'll call you when we're ready."

Luigi looked helplessly at Mary, just as Biddy came to a halt beside him, and she smiled reassuringly at them both before grasping Granny's arm once more. As the two women entered the cottage Granny called to him.

"Tell that Molly I'll need her in an hour!"

Silently Luigi and Biddy wandered back to the kitchen of the main house, hand in hand. As they entered Molly opened her mouth, intending a flood of anxious enquiries, but instead clucked with disapproval.

"Luigi! Whatever are you doing with that child?"

Looking down, he saw Biddy's hand clutched in his own oily fist, and already she had a dark smudge across her cheek. Hurriedly, he sent her to wash, while he headed back to the coach-house to clear away his tools. As he scrubbed his hands clean his mind wandered back to Italy and the births of his nephews and nieces.

He thought of Luca, strong and dependable even with his crooked leg and marked limp; and of his brother Marco, elegant and unperturbable in any and every situation. Had they felt this way too? And what about Sean? He remembered when Biddy was born, and how he had admired Sean's calmness - though thinking about it now, Biddy was his third child. As he dried his hands, he remembered Granny's message for Molly and hurried back to the house.

He found Biddy happily assisting the cook with her Saturday baking. Enveloped in a huge white apron, she was busily producing circles of pastry to make jam tarts. Molly looked up and smiled at Luigi.

"I thought it best to keep her occupied," she said sympathetically. "It'll be a long day I expect."

"Thanks, Molly," he said gratefully, taking a seat by the fire. "I forgot to tell you, Granny said she'd need you in an hour."

"Well, that'll give us womenfolk time to finish up here then, won't it Biddy?" she smiled at her young assistant, and Biddy smiled and nodded in agreement before continuing with her work.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:12 pm; edited 1 time in total
#202: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 6:10 am
    —
It was shortly after five in the afternoon, as dusk was drawing in, that Molly finally returned to the kitchen. Luigi and Biddy were seated at the table, drinking coffee and sampling Biddy's culinary produce. At the sound of her entry, they both looked up expectantly.

"They're both fine," Molly informed him. "You go ahead, and I'll bring Biddy down later."

Luigi hurried from the room, and soon his running footsteps could be heard fading into the gathering darkness. Within minutes he was opening the cottage door, to find Granny Murphy seated by the fire, drinking tea.

"Go on up, then," she commanded, smiling gruffly at him as he closed the door, "but be quiet about it."

Climbing the stairs as quietly as he could, he entered the bedroom to find a radiant, if rather tired-looking, Mary propped up in bed and holding a small, soft bundle on her arm.

"Come and meet your son," she smiled at him, but at that moment Luigi was incapable of moving. He wanted that moment to last for ever - the way Mary looked, the sound of her voice, and the way he felt inside when he heard her words.

"A boy?" he whispered, hoarsely. "Really? A boy? We have a son?"

"Yes. Come and meet him," she repeated, smiling still, and he immediately crossed to the bed and knelt beside it, as Mary folded back the covering and he saw his child for the first time. So tiny, so perfect, he gazed from the baby to Mary and back again.

"Don't you want to hold him?" she asked, laughter in her voice, and as Luigi rose and seated himself on the end of the bed she handed over the precious bundle. Overflowing with emotion, Luigi tenderly kissed the dark, silken hair, then gingerly stroked the tiny cheek with one finger.

"Ciao, figlio mio," he whispered softly then, looking at Mary, "Figlio nostro, Mary - our son! Thank you! Thank you!"

The door opened, and they saw Granny usher Biddy into the room. Mary held out her hands to the little girl, who slowly crossed to the bed and climbed up beside her mother. Luigi smiled at her, as Mary held her close, and she leaned over the bundle he held. After staring intently for several seconds, she finally spoke.

"He's rather red," she stated matter of factly, and continued to gaze. "And he looks - crumpled," she added.

"You'd look crumpled, too, if you'd been curled up in a small space for any length of time," explained Mary, frowning at Luigi, who grinned back at her and stifled his laughter. "It won't last long."

"What's his name, Papa?" Biddy spoke softly, and looked at Luigi expectantly.

"Francesco," he replied, a touch of pride in his voice. "Francesco Desti."

"Happy birthday, Francesco," Biddy whispered, planting the gentlest of kisses on the baby's forehead.

At that moment he stirred in Luigi's arms, and turned his head before settling back to sleep.

"Oh!" said Biddy, looking up and smiling happily. "He looks like Papa!"

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:13 pm; edited 2 times in total
#203:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 6:41 am
    —
Thanks Frogize.

They would have been such a lovely family.
#204:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 7:07 am
    —
Oh, that's so lovely yet so sad. Knowing the future can be a terrible thing.


Thanks Frogize
#205:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Apr 07, 2007 8:04 am
    —
It's all so lovely ... and we know it can't last ... Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad
#206:  Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 12:07 pm
    —
As wonderful as ever Smile

I did particularly like Biddy's reaction to the baby - 'crumpled' is a perfect way to describe a newborn!!

Thanks!
#207:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 10:12 am
    —
Awwww that was so lovely! It's just so sad knowing what's going to happen...

Thank you
#208: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 2:13 pm
    —
That evening, after Biddy had gone to bed, Luigi had returned, content just to sit and watch Mary and Francesco. Granny had tried to insist that he leave when Mary nursed her baby, but Mary had been equally insistent that he stay, and Luigi had been delighted to do so. After Francesco had been fed and changed Mary carefully tucked him back into his basket, while Luigi stood and watched, entranced. As she stood upright, he gently lifted her in his arms.

"Oh no, Luigi," she laughed. "No dancing, please! I'm far too tired!"

"So am I, amore mia," he smiled. "So am I." Tenderly he tucked her into bed then, kicking off his boots, lay down beside her and enfolded her in his arms. With her head against his chest, Mary was soon asleep, and when Granny looked in half an hour later she smiled on the sleeping pair. Pulling the covers closer over them she clucked in disapproval at Luigi, sleeping in his clothes.

"At least he remembered to take his boots off," she thought to herself as she left the room.


Lying awake early the next morning, Mary listened to the sound of Luigi breathing and, reaching up, felt the roughness of his unshaven cheek. Staring into the darkness, she smiled as she contemplated how very much she loved this man sleeping beside her, and how much she was loved in return.

As she became aware of the sound of Francesco beginning to waken she quietly slipped out of bed and lit the lamp, before lifting the whimpering baby from his basket and settling with him in the old rocking chair. Wrapping them both in the large thick shawl she kept there she watched as Francesco fed, then looked across at his sleeping father.

"Biddy was right," she thought. "They're very alike."


By the time Luigi and Biddy set off for church later that morning, Mary and Francesco were both sleeping soundly, and Granny Murphy was dozing in a chair by the fire. Molly had lost no time in passing on the good news, and they were greeted on all sides by smiles and good wishes as they entered, though Mrs. Donovan was heard to sniff disapprovingly at "that foreign name they've given him." After the service Father O'Reilly added his congratulations, promising to visit the next day, if that was alright.

Molly had called early on Monday morning in order to collect the washing, which would be left with the laundry staff and returned in due course. By local custom, visitors were not expected until after the seven-day lying-in period but, in her somewhat privileged position, Molly had been allowed to both see and hold the baby while she was there.

After breakfast Luigi had walked a reluctant Biddy to school, though she had begged to be allowed to remain at home. She had been more or less reconciled to her fate when he promised to return for her after school, and had gone off happily enough in the end, surrounded by a group of girls anxious for details.

Father O'Reilly had duly called during the afternoon, and he and Luigi had walked back to the village together, discussing the future arrangements for Francesco's baptism, until they had parted outside the church and Luigi had walked on to the school to collect Biddy.

"Hello, piccolina," he smiled as she rushed through the gate, and several of the other pupils grinned at each other. Though Luigi had lived in the village for nearly ten years now, it was still a source of amusement whenever he spoke in Italian. However, he was never offended by the smiles and nudges he encountered, and grinned back at them cheerfully. Biddy chattered happily all the way home and, on learning from Granny that Mary was waiting to see her, she rushed upstairs to share the events of the day until Francesco demanded his mother's attention once more.

"Ma looks really tired," Biddy commented, as Luigi tucked her into bed that night.

"Well, having a new baby in the family is a very tiring business," he replied. "In fact, I'm rather tired myself."

"Me, too," said Biddy, snuggling under the covers. "Goodnight, Papa."

"Goodnight, piccolina," and Luigi kissed her gently on the forehead before blowing out the lamp.

He found Mary standing at the open window, watching the clouds in the dark sky.

"Aren't you cold, amore mia?" he asked, feeling that the room was decidedly chilly.

"A little," she admitted, "but my head aches and I thought some fresh air would be nice."

"Well, come back to bed now," he said, a protective arm around her shoulders as he guided her across the room. Having closed the offending window, he soon joined Mary under the covers, and in a very short time they were both asleep.

Last edited by Frogize on Tue May 08, 2007 2:31 am; edited 2 times in total
#209:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 2:18 pm
    —
*starting to wibble*

Thanks Frogize.
#210:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 2:24 pm
    —
*Also wibbling.*
#211: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 3:04 pm
    —
(Author's note: I've included English translations of Luigi's Italian words. Thanks again, Miranda!)

Francesco's wailing woke them both in the dark early hours of morning, and Luigi watched as Mary once again gave all her attention to satisfying their son's needs. It gave him intense pleasure to see the quiet way she carried out the necessary tasks, but he was fast asleep again long before Mary returned to bed.

Later that morning, after walking Biddy to school once more, he decided it was time to return to work. Granny assured him that Mary and Francesco were both asleep, and he headed back to the coach-house, whistling cheerfully.

Returning to the cottage at midday, he smiled when Granny informed him that Mary was still asleep. A few minutes later the sounds of a wakeful Francesco drifted down to the kitchen, and as his wails increased in volume Luigi headed for the stairs. Opening the bedroom door, he was suprised to see Mary still lying in bed. Smiling weakly at him she began to sit up, while Luigi lifted Francesco from his basket and brought him to her.

"Are you alright, amore mia?" he asked, concern in his voice.

"Yes," she sighed. "I'm just tired - and I still have a headache - but nothing to worry about," she smiled reassuringly.

Granny appeared at the door, bearing a cup of tea, and Mary brightened considerably.

"Oh, thank you, Granny," she smiled. "Just what I need!"

After feeding and changing Francesco, Mary was soon asleep again. Luigi returned to the kitchen, and sat talking with Granny. It was obvious to him that she was not entirely happy, and as he left to collect Biddy from school he, too, was feeling uneasy.

Mary seemed more rested by the time he returned with Biddy, and the pair sat together chatting happily, while Luigi returned to the coach-house to clear away his equipment. He had already decided to spend tomorrow at home.

After tucking Biddy into bed that evening, he returned to Mary, who had just finished feeding Francesco. Taking the baby from her, and carefully tucking him into his basket, he carried Mary back to bed. He was worried to note that she felt quite hot, and hurried down to Granny, who immediately headed upstairs.

By morning it was obvious that Mary was really unwell, though she insisted on feeding Franceso throughout the night and into the following day. After leaving Biddy at school Luigi sought out Father O'Reilly and the two returned to the cottage in grim silence, to find Granny sponging Mary and trying to cool her.

During the afternoon, while Granny attended to Mary, it was necessary for Luigi to feed Francesco with a hurriedly acquired bottle. Under other circumstances he might have enjoyed the experience, but his concern for Mary made that impossible.

Father O'Reilly had collected Biddy from school and left her with Molly, who had done her best to calm the little girl. Biddy had spent the night with Molly and flatly refused to go to school next morning.

Mary had developed a high fever overnight, and by the time Molly was deciding that Biddy should stay home, she was becoming weaker by the minute, and Luigi was unable to hide his fear as Mary began to slip into a state of unconsciousness. Seated by the bed, Father O'Reilly at his side, he held her hand in both his own, and alternately prayed and begged for Mary's life.

"Ho bisogno di te, Mary," he pleaded. "Anche Biddy e Francesco hanno bisogno di te. Che cosa faranno senza la loro madre?"

["I need you, Mary," he pleaded. "Biddy and Francesco need you, too. What will they do without their mother?"]

Her head cradled against his shoulder, he stroked the hair back from her face, and spoke despairingly as she slowly slipped away from him.

"Mary, non lasciarmi - per favore non andare! Dai, Mary - resta con me! Ho bisogno di te! Come posso vivere senza di te? Mary - per favore!" and Luigi clung to her lifeless body, weeping, unwilling to believe what he knew was true.

["Mary, don't leave me - please don't go! Please, Mary - stay with me! I need you! How will I live without you? Mary - please!"]



Luigi's grief at Mary's death completely overwhelmed him; it engulfed him like a tidal wave, and swept him away on a gray ocean of despair and loneliness that nothing could ease.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:15 pm; edited 3 times in total
#212:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 3:09 pm
    —
Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad
#213:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 3:09 pm
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Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

So sad....just when they were so happy together it was taken away.
#214:  Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:06 pm
    —
Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

Poor poor Luigi, and Biddy and Francesco.
#215:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:12 pm
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Crying or Very sad This is heartbreaking. Poor little Biddy, what's she going to do?
#216:  Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:36 pm
    —
O-oh, sadness..... Crying or Very sad bawling
#217:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 6:02 pm
    —
*Crying*
#218:  Author: Elle, Location: Peterborough PostPosted: Thu Apr 12, 2007 6:42 pm
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Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad
#219:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 12:18 am
    —
((((((((Biddy and Luigi)))))))
#220:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Apr 13, 2007 12:48 am
    —
Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

That's so very sad....the poor children, and Luigi, to lose her like this.
#221:  Author: JustJen, Location: at a baseball game PostPosted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 3:29 am
    —
How sad....'Crying or Very sad'
#222: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 10:12 am
    —
The days immediately following Mary's death were just an incomprehensible blur to Luigi. Somehow he was trapped between one moment and the next, in a place where he couldn't hear and he couldn't feel, a place where nothing seemed right... If only he could make his mind work maybe it would make sense... but he couldn't... and it didn't... and he really didn't care anyway. He knew people were around him; they said things and did things... but they seemed such a long way away... and didn't seem to have anything to do with him... They came and went... and none of it mattered... because he was alone... and half his being had been ripped away.

And suddenly, Jack Yeats was there. Was Miss Honora back? He had to find Mary, and tell her!... But now it was Father O'Reilly, so it must be Sunday, and he knew Sunday was special... He wanted to remember why.... and now that he had, he wanted to forget again....because now he knew it was their wedding anniversary....and Mary was gone....and everything hurt....and he didn't know what to do.

He had to get out....out of the cottage...because everywhere he looked reminded him of her, and now that he remembered he couldn't not see - she was everywhere! Without a word he walked from the cottage, and just kept on going....faster and faster....until he was running and running....and he didn't know where....and he couldn't stop!



It was dark when Father O'Reilly found him and brought him back to the cottage. The lamps had been lit, and a fire burned in the grate. As he looked around he heard a sound overhead, and started up the stairs.

Opening the bedroom door he saw Biddy sitting cross-legged in the rocking chair, Francesco lying in her lap, and both enveloped in Mary's shawl. She lifted her head as he approached, and the look of sadness and longing on her face cut him like a knife.

"I'm sorry, Papa," she whispered, her tear-filled eyes glistening in the lamplight. "I'm sorry...we didn't mean to come back," and the tears spilled over, sliding silently down her cheeks. "We just wanted to come home, Papa...that's all," and she began to sob.

"Oddio!" he thought. "What have I done?" and, stepping forward, he gathered them clumsily into his arms, hugging them to him, while they cried their grief out together.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:17 pm; edited 3 times in total
#223:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 10:17 am
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Oh poor little Biddy - at least this has broken through Luigi's grief. Crying or Very sad


Thank you Frogize
#224:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 11:01 am
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Oh, this is so sad ... and it's going to get worse ... Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad
#225: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 3:20 am
    —
Very slowly Luigi began to pick up the shattered remnants of his world, and build a new life for Biddy, Francesco and himself. The first painful milestones came, and were endured - his own birthday in March, and Biddy's in May, but it was Mary's in June that was the hardest to bear.

He was glad that Biddy had been in school that day, and he had left Francesco with Molly. Carefully, he had planned just how he would spend the time, leaving not a moment unoccupied; but none of it had eventuated, and Luigi had found himself talking with Father O'Reilly for the greater part of the day, until it was time to collect Biddy from school and go home.

That evening, after putting Francesco and Biddy to bed, he walked outside and stood in the darkness, watching the rising moon and remembering the events of a year ago. Closing his eyes, he could almost smell Mary's presence, as he recalled the wonderful ending to that day. The excitement and exhilaration he had felt at her news, and the joy with which they had danced, right here in the moonlight.

Later, lying alone in the bed they had shared, he remembered the tenderness of their love-making that night, and wept into his pillow, wondering if his need for her, and the ache to hold her, would ever go away.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Apr 26, 2007 2:18 pm; edited 2 times in total
#226:  Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 4:47 am
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Oh poor poor Luigi Crying or Very sad But I am glad that he has Father O'Reilly there to talk to - he must be feeling so alone and alienated otherwise.

And poverina Biddy, unlike Francesco she is old enough to understand and to grieve for her mother.

I hope the three of them can hold together and help each other.
#227:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 6:05 am
    —
So terrible for little Biddy - especially as there's more to come. Crying or Very sad


Thanks Frogize
#228:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 6:57 am
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Poor everybody. Crying or Very sad
#229:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 7:16 am
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Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad
#230:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 7:55 am
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Poor Luigi and Biddy and little Francesco who'll never know his family.
#231:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 7:58 am
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This is just so sad. Thanks Frogize.
#232: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 7:33 am
    —
During August Luigi, like all the farm-workers, had been very involved in harvesting, and most evenings arrived home physically exhausted. It wasn't until the Saturday before Biddy returned to school that he became aware of how much she had changed.

Ever since the long summer break began she had taken charge of Francesco, now an active six months old and the proud possessor of three teeth. Luigi didn't know when she had moved Francesco into her own room, but it occurred to him now that it must have been some weeks ago, because he knew he hadn't been the one tending a fretful baby with sore gums in the middle of the night. As he began to take note of the competent way Biddy cared for her little brother, while also performing many tasks about the cottage, he was suddenly flooded with memories of his own childhood spent with his sister, Emilia.

Once Biddy returned to school he made a concerted effort not to allow too much responsibility to rest on her shoulders, while at the same time consciously spending more time with her. As the cold weather approached they often spent time just talking together in the evenings, and it became her favourite part of the day. Seated on Luigi's lap, his arms wrapped around her, nine-year-old Biddy would gaze into the flames of the kitchen fire, listening to tales of his boyhood in Italy, and building up pictures in her mind.

By Christmas Francesco had begun to stand, had a decidedly toothy grin, and a repetoire of a dozen words, though only about four were intelligible to anyone other than Biddy and Luigi. They had both laughed out loud at Molly's dumbfounded expression on being christened "Moo-moo" by Francesco, but neither had seen her tears later that day when she realized it was the first time she had heard Luigi laugh since Mary's death.

Francesco's first birthday, on February 3rd 1935, had fallen on a Sunday, and he had celebrated by taking his first independent steps along the pew where he had been seated with Biddy and Luigi. Only Luigi's swift action had prevented disaster when he fell, and Francesco had loudly demanded " 'gain Papa!", causing smiles all round, and Father O'Reilly to momentarily forget his sermon.

During the following week, as the anniversary of Mary's death approached, Luigi became more and more silent and preoccupied, and was thus unaware of Biddy's increasing sadness. On the fateful Friday he had taken Biddy to school, as was now his habit, but had not remembered to give her his usual "Ciao, piccolina," as he left her at the gate, and it was a very forlorn little figure who made her way inside. Neither of them had seen Kitty Donovan standing by the gate, or noticed that she had paid keen attention as they parted.

Biddy had suffered through a seemingly endless day, and now only wanted to go home and cry, so she was totally unprepared for Kitty's onslaught as she exited the school gates, her eyes searching for Luigi.

"If you're looking for your precious Papa, he's not here," Kitty had jeered at her, while her friends giggled at Biddy's unhappy face. "You must be in real trouble at home Biddy O'Ryan - he didn't even say 'Cow pickles' to you this morning!", and Kitty and her friends had burst into laughter at this witticism. Biddy knew that every child in the school could have correctly pronounced the phrase, having heard it on an almost daily basis, and knew it was meant to hurt her, but even Kitty was unprepared for the result of her taunting comments. In an explosion of fear, hurt, and anger Biddy had flown at her, fists flailing, and in moments Kitty was sprawling face-down in the mud while Biddy took to her heels and fled.

Last edited by Frogize on Fri Apr 27, 2007 8:41 am; edited 3 times in total
#233:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 9:18 am
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What's happened to Luigi? Sad
#234:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 10:55 am
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What a nasty little madam Kitty is - but how cute Francesco is.

Very worried about Luigi now ... Sad
#235:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 1:34 pm
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I can't believe how horrible Kitty was to poor Biddy. Biddy's a real trooper, caring for her brother the ay she did. It must have been so heartbreaking for her to be seperated from him when she was. Thanks Frogzie, this is fabulous
#236:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 3:53 pm
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Poor little Biddy. Have to say Kitty definitely deserved that.

Thanks Frogize
#237:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 4:08 pm
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There are, sadly, people like Kitty Donovan the world over - how nice it is to see one well and truly punished for it.


(Not looking forward to next bits. Crying or Very sad )
Poor Biddy.

Thanks Frogize.
#238:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 4:24 pm
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Just caught up with a lot of this, frogize, and wondering how I can bear to read the next pieces. Crying or Very sad

Thank you.
#239: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 9:25 am
    —
Luigi had set out early to collect Biddy from school. He knew he would have Francesco with him, so it was bound to be a long slow journey, and he didn't want to be late. If Father O'Reilly hadn't stopped them as they passed the chuch gate they would have arrived in plenty of time, despite Francesco's painfully slow progress - he wanted to examine everything he saw along the way, just as Luigi knew he would - but he had hurried out and called to them, and they had detoured into the church.

Father O'Reilly had told Luigi that he had received a letter from Jack Yeats, saying he had information about the new owner of Miss FitzGerald's estate. He had been asked to arrange a meeting of all the household and estate staff, and Luigi was the first he had seen.

For his part, Luigi was glad to have this opportunity to speak with Father O'Reilly. He was worried about Biddy, partly because he felt that she had too much responsibility and he was stealing her childhood, but lately because she reminded him so much of Mary that he felt he was avoiding her, and he wasn't sure what to do about it. Having someone to voice his thoughts to helped, and Father O'Reilly had a very ready ear.

While the two men were talking little Francesco had set off to explore this strange new place. Whenever he had been here before it was always full of people, and Papa had kept a firm control on his movements, but today it was empty and he was free to wander at will.

Having thoroughly examined the floor and under-side of the nearest pews, his eye was attracted by a hymn-book someone had left out. Never before had Francesco had free access to this thing that he knew everyone played with, and he had patiently searched for whatever they found so interesting within. While turning individual pages was completely beyond him, he had enjoyed the sound they made as he crumpled them beneath his fingers, and had then discovered that "nice sound" did not necessarily mean "nice taste".

Abandoning this find, he had set off towards the front of the church, his attention having been caught by the lighted candles on the altar. What might have eventuated here was avoided by a cat, which had been sleeping contentedly on the front pew, making a fast getaway as Francesco approached. It had streaked past him, disappearing behind the pulpit, then racing for the open door. Unable to turn quickly enough, Francesco had plumped down near the pulpit and watched it go, but had then spotted the steps that led to the mysterious interior of the pulpit.

Having slowly manouvered his way to the top, Francesco had found himself standing in what appeared to be a very tiny room, with no roof and not much light. It suddenly occurred to him that he couldn't see Papa anywhere, and he began to try climbing down from this scary place. Even then disaster might have been avoided, but at that moment he heard Papa call him and, losing his footing, he fell headlong down the steps, to crash onto the tiled floor below.

Francesco's terrified screams brought Luigi and Father O'Reilly running, and the sight that met their eyes was not pretty. The little boy was lying in an untidy heap, blood streaming from a severely bumped nose and the inside of his lower lip, which he had bitten as he hit the ground. The left side of his face was already beginning to bruise, especially along the cheekbone and along the brow above his eye; even as they hurried towards him they saw the lump developing, and the beginning of a rather spectacular black eye.

It had taken some time to calm Francesco and clean him up, before setting out once more to collect Biddy - this time with Francesco perched happily on Luigi's shoulders. They were halfway to the church gate when they saw Biddy race past, pigtails flying (one having lost its ribbon and beginning to unravel), with tears streaming down her face, and with a heavy heart Luigi sighed and followed her home.
#240:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 9:45 am
    —
Oh dear, poor Francesco - it's so hard with little ones of that age when you have to watch them all the time, and poor Luigi must be feeling that he's struggling to cope.
#241:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 11:12 am
    —
Poor little family - they are all like a ship without a rudder now Mary has gone. Crying or Very sad


Thanks Frogize
#242:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 11:52 am
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It's so difficult for Luigi and made harder still if he's feeling guilty about Biddy.

Thanks Frogize.
#243:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 12:06 pm
    —
Poor all of them. Glad Francesco didn't get too hurt and wonder if Biddy got into trouble at school for fighting Kitty. Hope Biddy's teachers is as understanding as the Priest has been
#244:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sat Apr 28, 2007 2:09 am
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Oh poor all of them, trying to cope without Mary.
#245:  Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Thu May 03, 2007 1:16 pm
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I just want to hug the lot of them!! Crying or Very sad
#246: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2007 2:48 am
    —
Once again, Molly took charge of Francesco. She had been horrified at his prize-fighter appearance, and had decided that freshly made shortbread was the appropriate treatment - a diagnosis in which Francesco had heartily concurred! Luigi had continued on to the cottage, where he found Biddy lying on her bed, weeping.

At the sound of his entry Biddy raised her head from her pillow, and within a very few minutes the two were to be found together in their favourite fireside chair, Luigi holding Biddy close on his lap, stroking her hair - oh, so like Mary's - until she was calm enough to speak. Then the words came tumbling out, falling over each other in the rush to be heard - about how much she missed her mother, and how he'd been so distant during the past week ("Just like when Ma first died, Papa!"), and how he hadn't spoken at all that morning, and he hadn't been there after school, and ending with Kitty's hurtful remarks.

"And what did you say, piccolina?" he asked gently.

"Nothing," Biddy had replied, wriggling uncomfortably.

"Then what did you do?" he pressed, knowing Biddy far too well to believe that was the end of the affair.

"I...I pushed her," Biddy confessed quietly.

"And?" he continued.

"And she fell in the mud," Biddy finished in a whisper, her head drooping.

For about the thousandth time that day Luigi wished Mary were there - she would have known exactly what to say and do. With a sigh, that hurt Biddy far more than any angry words would have done, Luigi lifted her face to meet his gaze.

"You know you'll have to apologize to her, don't you?" he said, looking into Biddy's troubled blue eyes.

"But Papa...." she began, in injured tones.

"Yes, I know she was unkind to you, piccolina," he continued, hoping she would understand, "but that doesn't excuse your behaviour, does it?"

"No, Papa," Biddy sighed. She knew Luigi was right - and it was what Ma would have said, too - but that didn't make it any easier to accept.

"And I owe you an apology, too, piccolina," he added. "I should have been paying attention to what was happening, instead of feeling sorry for myself. I miss your mother very much, too," he finished, hugging her.

"I love you, Papa," Biddy whispered, returning his hug. "Will you come with me to see Kitty?"

"Of course - but I think that will have to wait until tomorrow. It's getting dark now, and we have to pick up Francesco," and as they set out for the main house together he told her about Francesco's exploits in the church that afternoon.

Last edited by Frogize on Fri May 04, 2007 4:51 am; edited 1 time in total
#247:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2007 4:38 am
    —
Poor Biddy; I hope Kitty apologises, too.
#248:  Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2007 4:50 am
    —
They have such a lovely relationship those two! I hope Biddy's words will help Luigi to recognise how distant he had been for that week - she's rather perceptive, but still just a child...
#249:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2007 7:48 am
    —
Oh, Luigi tried so hard to help Biddy see where she was right and wrong. And he apologised to her himself....
#250: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2007 8:02 am
    —
At ten o'clock on Saturday morning Biddy, with a quick glance back at Luigi who was standing a few paces behind her, had knocked on the Donovans' door, and Kitty herself had answered.

"What do you want?" she demanded, and Biddy's heart sank. This looked like being every bit as bad as she had anticipated.

"I...I came to say I'm sorry, Kitty," Biddy had begun, blushing furiously and searching for words, but before she could continue Kitty jumped in.

"Huh! Sorry are you? Well, if you think you're sorry now - just you wait! You're going to be a lot sorrier, Biddy O'Ryan!" and with that Kitty had shut the door with a resounding bang. Biddy turned and looked at Luigi once more. He smiled wryly and held out his hand, which Biddy took thankfully, glad to have escaped with no more than that.

At church the next morning the whole village was abuzz with news of the meeting planned for Monday afternoon. Jack Yeats was going to speak to all Miss Honora's employees, and rumours were flying thick and fast. The new owner was reputed to be coming to see his property, and everyone was anxious to know their future.

When she arrived at school on Monday morning Biddy was relieved to discover that Kitty was absent that day, though no-one seemed to know why, or where she was. Having watched Biddy enter the school gates Luigi had hurried home with Francesco in his arms. He hoped fervently that no-one remembered that today was his second wedding annivversary, wanting only to reach home without the necessity of conversation with others. He'd felt depressed since waking that morning, and it had taken all his self-control to get through the normal morning routine without distressing Biddy, who already had enough to deal with. Now he wanted only to be alone with his thoughts. He knew he'd have to attend the meeting that afternoon, but by then everyone would be thinking of their own concerns and he would be left in peace.

At eleven o'clock Luigi answered a knock at the door with a sinking heart. He really didn't feel up to polite conversation with anyone. Francesco had hurried to the door with him, and was peering around Luigi's leg at the two people standing on the doorstep, who took careful note of his battered appearance before they spoke.

They were there, they said, to make official enquiries into the home situation of Bridget Honora O'Ryan, aged nine, since they had received a complaint that she had attacked another girl (un-named) as a consequence of - and here the man consulted a paper from his briefcase - "the undisciplined life she leads, living alone with a foreigner who is not even related to her!"

Luigi was stunned! How had a schoolgirls' quarrel come to this? When the couple informed him that Biddy and Francesco might be removed from his care, and placed in an industrial school and orphanage respectively, he felt a combination of panic and anger - he would never allow anyone to take them from him! They were his children, and he would do whatever it took to keep them!

The moment the couple left, vowing to return having seen Francesco's "condition", Luigi set off for the village, hugging the little boy to him. The meeting was due to begin shortly and he hoped he would be able to speak with Jack before it began. However, when Jack arrived he was immediately surrounded by people asking questions, and Luigi had to try to give his attention to the future plans for the estate.

Last edited by Frogize on Tue Aug 28, 2007 9:25 am; edited 3 times in total
#251:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2007 8:12 am
    —
Kitty has a great deal to answer for.....
And of course the officials weren't interested in finding out just what had happened because Luigi is a 'foreigner'.
#252:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2007 2:25 pm
    —
Poor little Biddy.

Thank you Frogize
#253:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2007 4:45 pm
    —
Poor Luigi doesn't need this to deal with on top of everything else. I hope Biddy gets another chance to have a go at Kitty though!
#254:  Author: Elbee, Location: Surrey PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2007 4:51 pm
    —
This just gets more and more sad Crying or Very sad

Thanks Frogize
#255:  Author: JustJen, Location: at a baseball game PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2007 5:08 pm
    —
Evil or Very Mad at kitty!
#256:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 12:59 am
    —
Oh poor Luigi and Biddy and Francesco. No wonder they end up in Europe. Hope all goes alright for them
#257:  Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sat May 05, 2007 11:34 am
    —
Double, triple, quadruple Evil or Very Mad at Kitty and her family (i'm assuming she didn't mastermind all this herself)
#258: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2007 7:48 am
    —
Francesco had slept on Luigi's lap during the meeting, but was rudely awakened by the noise as the meeting closed. Pandemonium had broken out, and Luigi gave up all attempts to speak with Jack. The new owner of the estate was returning from America, and would arrive next week. When he did it was most likely the estate would be sold, and all future employment would depend on the needs of whoever might buy the property.

After the meeting Molly had carried off Francesco. Luigi had sought out Father O'Reilly and was pouring out an account of the morning's proceedings when Jack Yeats finally came in search of him.

"There you are, Desti," he exclaimed. "Someone said you wanted to see me. What can I do for you?"

Together, Luigi and Father O'Reilly explained the current situation in the Desti household, while Jack's expression became more and more grim.

"Bloody woman!" Jack hissed when they finally came to a halt. "Sorry, Father," he added as an afterthought, though truth to tell he didn't look particularly penitent. "What are you going to do, Desti?" he asked, looking at Luigi.

"Right now I'm going to pick up Biddy from school, but after that....I don't know," he admitted looking, and feeling, somewhat defeated.

"We'll talk later, after you've picked up Biddy," Jack said, getting to his feet and preparing to leave. "Is the car ready to drive?"

"No," Luigi answered "but it won't take long to put it in order. Why?"

"I've got a bit of an idea, but I need to think it out. You get the car ready - by tonight, mind - and I'll see you this evening," and with those parting words Jack hurried out.

As soon as they arrived home Luigi had left Biddy and Francesco with Molly, who had a hot meal ready and waiting, and headed for the coach house to work on the car. He hadn't worked on it for some time, but it had always been well-maintained and he knew it would only take him two or three hours to have it in top working order. By the time Francesco was ready for bed, the job was done and Luigi headed home with the two children. Shortly after Biddy had been tucked in for the night Jack arrived at the cottage and sat down with Luigi to make plans.

"If this young FitzGerald sells up, as seems most likely, you wouldn't have a job here for much longer anyway, Desti," he had begun, which was not at all reassuring news. "Is there anywhere you can go?"

"I could look for work, I suppose," Luigi had replied.

"Well, if you stay here I think it's only a matter of time before they take the children," Jack continued.

Luigi sprang to his feet and began to pace around the cottage, rather like a caged animal. "How can they do that?" he had asked angrily. "They didn't even ask how Francesco got hurt....and they haven't seen Biddy!"

"I agree it's damned unfair, but you wouldn't be the first man to lose his children to the authorities....and I don't suppose you'd be the last either!"

The two men remained silent for a while, Luigi continuing to pace while Jack sat lost in thought. After a few minutes he looked up.

"Would you consider going back to Italy?" Jack asked, watching Luigi's face. It was obvious he hadn't thought about it before, but he thought about it now.

"I suppose I could," Luigi admitted, though less than enthusiastically. "It wouldn't be ideal, but I'm sure my sister would help with Biddy and Francesco," he added, warming to the idea. "But how on earth would I get there, especially with the children in tow?"

"I can help with that," Jack said, hoping Luigi would agree to his idea. "I have an artist friend living in Vienna, a chap called Oskar Kokoschka." He looked up in time to see the grin on Luigi's face. "Yes, people always react like that to his name, poor fellow. Anyway, he's planning to move to Prague soon - doesn't like the way things are going in Austria - and he'll need help to do it. If I can get you and the children to Europe, you could help him move...and where you go after that is none of my business. You won't be employed here any longer so there's no reason for me to be expected to know where you've gone," and he looked enquiringly at Luigi.

"When would we have to leave?" Luigi asked.

"The sooner, the better, I should think," Jack had replied. "Those damned people won't leave you alone now; and you know what orphanages and industrial schools are like - bloody awful places! You'll be lucky if you see either of the children again."

Luigi thought about what it would mean to leave....and what might happen if he didn't. There was really very little choice.

"How will we be able to travel overseas? I still have my passport, but what about Biddy and Francesco?" was Luigi's final question.

"Leave that to me" Jack said, rubbing his hands together. "Meanwhile, you need to pack. It'll take a little time to organize the travel documents, but in the meantime I think you should get out of here. I know a safe place you can go to, for several weeks if necessary. I spent several years of my boyhood not too far from here, in Sligo, living with my grandparents. I still have access to several cottages in the area; you must go to one of those."
#259:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2007 9:37 am
    —
Glad Jack has a plan but if only someone could have strangled Kitty's mother! Hope the Priest puts the fear of God into them! Poor Luigi it be driven to that
#260:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2007 3:24 pm
    —
Poor Luigi, having to flee like this. Travelling with children isn't easy at the best of times.
#261:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2007 9:59 pm
    —
Just caught up on the last few posts - thanks Frogize.
#262:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue May 08, 2007 12:39 am
    —
Poor Luigi - at least he has people who are willing to help him.
#263:  Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Tue May 08, 2007 3:33 am
    —
Luigi must be feeling so helpless - I'm so glad that there are people willing to help and support him. It's so sudden, he'll now have to become so much more careful about what he says, who he sees - and he'll be scared that he might make the mistake that would lose the children forever.

Thanks Frogize!
#264:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 08, 2007 11:00 pm
    —
So sad that it doesn't end well - but I suppose Luigi couldn't help dying! Do hope Kitty Donovan and her mother get what's coming to them!


Thanks Frogize.
#265:  Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Wed May 09, 2007 9:05 am
    —
I'm looking for specific feedback here!

Two questions:

1. Should I include why Kitty and her mother are so awful to Luigi and
Biddy? (I'm thinking about writing that as a separate drabble anyway
since it's a whole other story - or should I include it here?)

2. Should I include Patrick's ordination (which doesn't happen for ages
anyway!) here? or do it as a separate drabble? (I don't want to bore
anyone with an EBD-type description - but I, as a non-Catholic, found
the process very interesting.)
#266:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed May 09, 2007 4:32 pm
    —
I'd like to know why Kitty and her mother were so horrid; they must have had a good reason to be so nasty. Not sure about the ordination...sorry!
#267:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed May 09, 2007 4:43 pm
    —
I'd be inclined to put it all in here, but that's just my humble opinion - I'm sure whatever you decide'll be great Very Happy .
#268:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed May 09, 2007 8:36 pm
    —
I'd put both in. I'm very very intrigued about Kitty and her mother, and would like to know a bit more about Patrick as well.

*wants the drabble to last for as long as possible*
#269: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Fri May 11, 2007 3:12 am
    —
Biddy woke to the sound of voices, as Jack Yeats left the cottage promising to return early the next day. Quietly she slipped out of bed and, pausing only long enough to see that Francesco was still sleeping soundly, made her way downstairs to the kitchen. Luigi was in his usual seat, staring into the fire, and lost in thought. He was startled when she placed a hand on his arm, and Biddy jumped in turn at his reaction.

"What is it, piccolina?" he smiled. "Can't you sleep?" and he drew her onto his lap.

"What did Mr. Yeats want, Papa?" Biddy asked anxiously. "He never comes here to see you."

"He came to tell me we have to leave here," Luigi began. "The new owner isn't going to need a chauffeur, but Mr. Yeats has a job for me to do, and then..." Luigi paused for a moment, wondering how she might react to what he meant to say next.

"And then what, Papa?"

"How would you like to go to Italy, piccolina? Back to the village where I grew up?" he asked tentatively.

"And see Aunt Emilia?" Biddy questioned enthusiastically.

Just for a moment Luigi felt a sharp pang of loneliness, knowing Biddy's first thought had been for people, just as Mary's would have been. Aloud he said, "Yes, of course we'll see Aunt Emilia!" and smiled at the thought.

"Oh, good!" exclaimed Biddy, wriggling closer.

"Why's that?" he asked, intrigued at her response.

Sitting straighter in order to see his face, she grinned as she replied, "I want to ask her if you were as bad as Francesco when you were a little boy."

"I'm sure I was much worse," he laughed. "And you should be in bed. We have to leave early in the morning."



Jack Yeats returned before dawn, and was pleased to find that Luigi had already packed what little they would be able to take with them. Biddy and Francesco were seated at the table, finishing a hearty breakfast, as he entered. He smiled at them, then quickly turned to Luigi.

"Are you ready to go?" he asked.

"I think so," Luigi replied. "I just need to get the children into their outdoor things."

"Then I'll wait here with them while you fetch the car."

Francesco began to whimper as he saw Papa leave, while the stranger seated himself in Papa's chair, but Biddy quickly comforted him and led him away to wash his hands and face. He grudgingly allowed her to brush the dark curls that covered his head, but protested loudly when she picked up a comb. Deciding not to insist, Biddy was in the process of helping him into his coat when Luigi returned. He smiled at her, and she smiled back before hurrying off to get her own things.

Within a very short space of time everything was in the car, and Luigi took a final walk through the little cottage. He didn't want to leave this place where he had been happy; it was Mary's place, and everything about it reminded him of her. Lifting her shawl and folding it over his arm, he turned to the dresser and took a flat white box from a drawer, slipping it inside his overcoat.

Luigi had never considered tears to be unmanly, but now he brushed them away impatiently. Biddy and Francesco were what was important now; they were all he had left of Mary, and he would do everything in his power to keep them. Closing the cottage door for the last time, he forced a smile to his face as he turned to the car and handed Mary's shawl to Biddy. Francesco was already beginning to nod sleepily in the corner, and Biddy wrapped the shawl around him.

The sound of approaching footsteps startled Jack and Luigi, but they relaxed when they recognized the figures of Molly and Father O'Reilly. Without a word, Luigi hugged Molly, who smiled at him tearfully before opening the car door and handing Biddy a tin of her own freshly made shortbread, knowing it was the children's favourite. Father O'Reilly grasped Luigi's out-stretched hand and then, with a murmured blessing on the little family, had stood aside while Luigi and Jack took their seats. In moments the car began to move, and they set off towards the village.

Biddy sat silently in the back of the car. Part of her was wildly excited - she had never ridden in a car before, and now they were all going on an adventure in one - but she was also feeling afraid. At that moment they drove past the Donovans' house, still enveloped in silence and darkness, and Biddy had relieved her feelings by making a hideous face in what she hoped was Kitty's direction. Feeling considerably better, she curled up beside Francesco and was soon sleeping as soundly as he was.
#270:  Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Fri May 11, 2007 3:17 am
    —
That was a lovely post! I'm so glad that Biddy is excited to be going to Italy and that she obviously hasn't had the chance to fret about leaving home. You've given Francesco so much character, even though he's such a small person Very Happy Luigi must be torn - looking forward to being back in Italy, yet having to leave the place with all Mary's presence and their happy memories. Not to mention the kindness of Molly and Father O'Reilly!
#271:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri May 11, 2007 6:40 am
    —
There is so much hope and potential there - so sad that it wasn't realised. Yet if things were different Biddy might have ended up in Italy during WWII....


Thanks Frogize.
#272:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri May 11, 2007 7:48 am
    —
I wish we didn't know that it was all going to go wrong ... Crying or Very sad
#273:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Fri May 11, 2007 11:35 am
    —
Frogize wrote:
I'm looking for specific feedback here!

Two questions:

1. Should I include why Kitty and her mother are so awful to Luigi and
Biddy? (I'm thinking about writing that as a separate drabble anyway
since it's a whole other story - or should I include it here?)

2. Should I include Patrick's ordination (which doesn't happen for ages
anyway!) here? or do it as a separate drabble? (I don't want to bore
anyone with an EBD-type description - but I, as a non-Catholic, found
the process very interesting.)


re 1 do a take out to not disturb the story
re 2 yes
#274:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri May 11, 2007 1:14 pm
    —
Yes, they seem to be setting out so bravely; poor Biddy, it's a wonder she wasn't in bits when the middles rescued her.
#275:  Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Mon May 14, 2007 4:55 am
    —
Frogize wrote:

2. Should I include Patrick's ordination (which doesn't happen for ages
anyway!) here? or do it as a separate drabble? (I don't want to bore
anyone with an EBD-type description - but I, as a non-Catholic, found
the process very interesting.)


Just realized I didn't explain very well here.

What I meant was a description of the actual ceremony, which may or may not interest anyone other than me. What's the concensus? Would it be a boring EBD-type description (as in the plays/tennis/lacrosse etc) or should I include it anyway? (The head of our local seminary is arranging for me to attend their next ordination in July, so it will be authentic!)
#276:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Mon May 14, 2007 4:59 am
    —
My attitude is include the whole lot. You can always write parts like everyone else does and I would love to read it all as one story
#277:  Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sun May 20, 2007 4:55 am
    —
Sorry I haven't updated this for a while but life is not going well here at the moment. I have one niece with a recently discovered brain tumour, and my nephew's wife of less than two years just died from an anuerism on her aorta. The funeral was on Tuesday, and the prospect of killing off Luigi was a bit much. Anyway, I've updated a previous post (highlighted in blue - not the last one but the one before). It doesn't change the story at all, but it would have been out of character for Luigi to let it pass unnoticed. I'm going to post the story about Kitty's mother as a new drabble - it's turning out quite differently from what I planned originally!
#278:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun May 20, 2007 8:31 am
    —
So sorry to hear your sad news, Pat.
#279:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun May 20, 2007 8:42 am
    —
(((Pat)))

So sorry to hear about real life.
#280:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sun May 20, 2007 8:52 am
    —
I'm so sorry to hear about your news. Hope things get better soon
#281:  Author: Karoline, Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire PostPosted: Sun May 20, 2007 11:17 am
    —
Sorry to hear your news (((Pat)))
#282:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun May 20, 2007 2:15 pm
    —
I'm so sorry to hear that, Pat.
#283:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun May 20, 2007 8:23 pm
    —
Oh Pat! I'm sorry RL is being evil at the moment.
*hugs*
#284: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Mon May 28, 2007 11:57 pm
    —
It had taken two days of slow travel before they finally arrived at the cottage that Jack Yeats had provided for them. At first Luigi had been disturbed to find another cottage very close by, occupied by an elderly couple, but Jack had assured him that they were friends who could be trusted. Indeed, old Tom and Sarah had been most helpful, and were delighted to entertain the children whenever Jack and Luigi were busy. Biddy and Francesco had been especially fascinated as they watched Tom carve small animals from the pieces of wood he invariably carried in his pockets, and had happily secreted away the donkey and lamb he had handed to them as each was completed.

At first Biddy had enjoyed the unexpected break from school, but as the days passed she began to be bored, and Luigi became concerned. He knew how bright Biddy was, and also her tendency to get into mischief when she was bored. They couldn't afford to attract attention now, and in order to occupy at least some of her time he began to teach her to speak a little Italian.

There were some words he had used habitually, and both Biddy and Francesco knew them well, but now he began to speak more and more in Italian, partly so they might increase their meagre vocabulary but also so they would at least be used to the sound of the language when they finally arrived in Italy. Though he expected Francesco would learn in the way children naturally picked up language Biddy needed something more specific to begin with, and so they spent time every evening practicing what she might say.

"Ciao, Zia Emilia. Ciao, Zio Luca. Come stai? Mi chiamo Biddy. Questo e' il mio fratellino. Si chiamo Francesco."
(Hello, Aunt Emilia. Hello, Uncle Luca. How are you? My name is Biddy. This is my little brother. His name is Francesco.")

Biddy enjoyed learning and saying the words, but found that "Ho fame. Posso prendere qualcosa da mangiare, per favore? Ho sete. Posso prendere qualcosa da bere, per favore? Grazie." (I'm hungry. May I have something to eat please? I'm thirsty. May I have something to drink, please? Thank-you.") would be quite as useful to know!

Late in March they left for the Yeats home in Dublin, and on Luigi's birthday Jack handed over the precious travel documents. These included Luigi's passport, now endorsed to cover Francesco as his legitimate son, and papers naming him as Biddy's guardian, with permission to take her from the country. Within a matter of hours they were aboard a ferry, heading for Liverpool and on to the Yeats' London home where they were able to rest for a few days.

Last edited by Frogize on Wed May 30, 2007 11:36 pm; edited 1 time in total
#285:  Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Tue May 29, 2007 4:50 am
    —
Biddy will find it very strange to live in Italy, having spent all her life in Ireland. I'm glad that Luigi has thought to give her some Italian lessons. I wonder how much English Luigi's family speaks? Will he and Biddy try to teach them a bit? Hopefully Biddy will learn enough Italian to be able to find some friends her own age.

Thanks Pat!!
#286:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue May 29, 2007 6:38 am
    —
This is all so sad - because it would have worked - they would have been a lovely family - but then Luigi became ill...


Thanks Pat.
#287:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue May 29, 2007 7:45 am
    —
It's all going so well ...
#288:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue May 29, 2007 4:42 pm
    —
Yes, it's good to teach them Italian, so they don't find their new life so strange. He's such a lovely man, it's a shame it all goes wrong.
#289:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Thu May 31, 2007 1:44 am
    —
I know the inevitability of the story but I keep hoping it will end differently as well. Luigi is so lovely Sad
#290:  Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Fri Jun 01, 2007 5:06 am
    —
By the end of the first week in April they were on their way to Paris, accompanied by Jack Yeats. There they were to meet with Oskar Kokoschka, when Jack would return home while they went on to Vienna. Luigi had found Paris strangely familiar, though it was almost eleven years since he had been there, and his mind was flooded with memories when they booked in to the same hotel where he had first met Miss FitzGerald and Jack Yeats.

It was mid-April when they finally arrived in Vienna, and Biddy and Francesco were heartily sick of travel by that time. Biddy had at least understood the necessity of it and had tried to occupy her time, but Francesco had found it an endless frustration and Luigi had been at his wits end trying to pacify him. Though Biddy had been a great help, spending time playing with her brother and allowing Luigi time to sleep and plan, the little boy had cried loud and long on several occasions. They had spent Easter in Vienna, but were anxious to be finished now, and Luigi had promised Biddy that they would be with his family in Italy by the time her birthday came around, in five weeks time.

Oskar had proved a most impractical man, and by the time everything was packed up and ready to be sent off Luigi was more thankful than he cared to admit. By the middle of May they had all travelled together to Salzburg, and it was here they finally parted from Oskar; he was to travel north to Prague while Luigi, Biddy, and Francesco would at last begin their journey south to Italy.

Having seen Oskar into his train, Luigi had taken Biddy and Francesco for a meal before they returned to the station to make their travel arrangements, and it was then that Biddy realized the bag containing her personal effects was missing. Oskar had volunteered to carry it, along with his own case, while Biddy had taken charge of Francesco - Luigi being occupied carrying everything else they had - and it was obvious that Oskar had carried off the missing bag.....and Biddy's travel documents along with it!
#291:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jun 01, 2007 5:15 am
    —
It's so difficult entertaining small children when travelling, especially in places where people think children should be seen and not heard. I really feel for Luigi here.

Thanks Frogize.
#292:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jun 01, 2007 7:11 am
    —
Stupid Oskar! Bet this is going to cause problems.


Thanks Pat.
#293:  Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Fri Jun 01, 2007 7:15 am
    —
Oh no!!!! That will thoroughly mess everything up! Is he going to try to smuggle Biddy in I wonder?

Thanks Pat Very Happy
#294:  Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth PostPosted: Fri Jun 01, 2007 3:28 pm
    —
Arghh they're so close now...

Thanks Pat
#295:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jun 01, 2007 3:32 pm
    —
Oh dear Shocked .
#296: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 7:26 am
    —
Luigi sat dejectedly on a bench outside the station, Biddy beside him and Francesco beginning to fall asleep on his lap.

"What are we going to do now, Papa?' Biddy asked hopefully.

"I don't know, piccolina," Luigi answered, looking around for inspiration. "I don't think we'll be leaving today, so at the moment what we need is somewhere to stay for the night."

"Maybe there's someone at the church over there who can help us," Biddy suggested, pointing. "Father O'Reilly always helped people."

Luigi tried to look in the direction she indicated, but found his movement restricted by Francesco's presence.

"I'll go, Papa!" Biddy exclaimed and, before Luigi could do anything to prevent it, she had stepped over and around their luggage and was running across the street towards the church.

Pushing open the heavy door Biddy entered the silent building. It was pleasant inside after the heat and noise of the street and she looked around hopefully. After several minutes of fruitless searching she took a seat in a nearby pew and prayed fervently for assistance, then turned to leave, sure that help would come.

As she put out her hand to open the door again it was suddenly flung open and Biddy fell heavily to the floor, banging her head as she did so. Sitting up, and trying very hard not to cry, Biddy found herself looking into the worried face of a young man, who had a very firm grasp on a boy of about six and a very active dog.

"Oh, no! Are you alright, Miss?" he asked anxiously, trying to keep the dog under control, since it seemed determined to give Biddy a thorough wash with its tongue. "I'm so sorry! Here, Pieter, take Mitzi and sit over there - and don't dare move again!"

Turning back to Biddy he helped her to her feet and began a stumbling conversation in very halting German, which came to an embarassed halt as he saw her grin.

"It's no use," she said, smiling. "You'll have to stick to English if you want me to understand you."

"Thank heaven for that," he grinned back at her. "Are you alright? I'm sorry you were hurt - but what's an Irish girl doing here alone anyway?"

"Asking God for help," was Biddy's surprising reply, "and here you are!"

"Me?!" He looked at Biddy with an astonished expression. "Well, I haven't been much help so far!" he laughed. "Are you sure you're not hurt?"

"Just a bit bruised," Biddy assured him, "but we really do need your help."

"We?" he answered, looking round. "Who's we?"

"Me, my Papa, and my little brother. They're outside," and Biddy set off through the door once again. Reclaiming his companions the young man followed her outside and across the street to where Luigi was anxiously waiting, Francesco sleeping in his arms.

"Papa! Papa! This man can help us!" Biddy called confidently as she approached, but her face fell as she saw the expression on Luigi's face.
#297:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 7:41 am
    —
I'm intrigued now, and a bit worried as well ...
#298:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 8:35 am
    —
Hmmm, what does Luigi see that Biddy doesn't?


Thanks Pat.
#299:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 10:13 am
    —
Biddy's faith is so touching.

But I am worried about the new arrival...
#300:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 10:16 am
    —
Alison H wrote:
I'm intrigued now, and a bit worried as well ...


So am I. Glad to see this back and hope all is going ok for you Pat
#301:  Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth PostPosted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 11:28 am
    —
Is it the man who is the problem or can Luigi see something else?

Thanks Pat
#302:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 4:28 am
    —
Oh, this sounds worrying.
#303: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sat Jun 09, 2007 7:48 pm
    —
On seeing Biddy return across the street Luigi was overcome with a wild mixture of anger, exasperation, frustration, relief, and concern, and had stumbled backwards onto the bench while making a desperate attempt to keep hold of Francesco.

"Papa!" Biddy called fearfully, belatedly remembering that she had been expressly forbidden to leave Luigi's side unless instructed otherwise.

"Papa! Are you alright, Papa?" Biddy gasped, almost in tears, as she climbed over one of the bags and sat down beside him.

"Yes, piccolina," he sighed, though still looking rather ashen-faced. "I just wish you'd remembered what we decided. If you go running off when I can't easily follow you.....Well, I get worried."

"I'm sorry, Papa," she replied contritely. "I didn't mean to worry you."

"I know," he said, with a faint smile, and looking more like himself, "but please try to remember in future."

At this point Francesco decided that it was time to make his presence felt, and what began as a startled whimper very soon became a noisy yell of protest. In their attempts to soothe Francesco neither Biddy nor Luigi noticed that the two strangers disappeared with the dog. Looking for them several minutes later, Biddy couldn't understand why they had left. "Perhaps they weren't God's answer after all," she thought, and sat glumly on the bench beside Luigi and Francesco, thinking that adventures were all very well in books but in real life they left a lot to be desired.

At that moment a car pulled up near them and a man stepped down from the driver's seat closely followed by the young man Biddy had met in the church.

"There they are, Dad," the young man said as they approached, and the older man smiled at Biddy before introducing himself to Luigi.

"How do you do, sir?" he said rather formally, while holding out his hand. "My name is Philip Harrison and this is my son, Ian. He seems to think you are in need of assistance."

"He's quite right," admitted Luigi glancing at Biddy, who was looking back meaningfully,"but it's rather a long story."

"Well, you can tell me about it later. For now we'll get you away from here." Turning to his son he continued, "Put the luggage in the boot, Ian, and I'll get them into the car. Come along, young lady," he said to Biddy, and helped her up into the car.

Once she was settled Luigi climbed in, carefully seating Francesco between them. Ian and Mr Harrison returned to their seats and they were soon moving steadily through the late afternoon traffic. Ten minutes later they were all standing outside a large building, being welcomed in by a smiling Mrs Harrison.

"Oh, you poor things!" clucked Mrs Harrison sympathetically, later that evening, as Luigi wound up the story of their travels thus far. Biddy and Francesco were already fast asleep in bed after a meal shared with the little boy, Pieter, and a warm bath which they had both enjoyed. Luigi was hoping that it wouldn't be long before he could follow them.
#304:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Sat Jun 09, 2007 7:59 pm
    —
Thanks, Pat.
#305:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jun 09, 2007 9:18 pm
    —
Hope the Harrisons are as good as they seem. Don't like the 'ashen faced' Luigi.


Thanks Pat.
#306: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sun Jun 10, 2007 10:50 am
    —
As Luigi dressed the next morning he realized how loosely his clothes now hung, and half smiled to himself as he imagined the way Emilia would fuss. He certainly felt better after a decent night's sleep, and a hot bath and shave had made a marked improvement in his appearance.

Making his way downstairs a short time later he heard the excited yelps of the dog, Mitzi, and the sound of the childrens' laughter. Opening a door he found Biddy and Pieter under a table, trying to persuade Mitzi to come out, while Francesco stood nearby in anxious anticipation of the dog's re-appearance.

"Papa! Dog!' he cried delightedly, flinging himself on Luigi, who swept him up in his arms just as the dog dashed from under the table and made good his escape through the open door. Biddy and Pieter raced after him while Luigi stood aside, holding Francesco, and wondering if he ought to call them back. Hearing footsteps in the corridor he looked out and saw Mrs Harrison approaching.

"Good morning, Mr Desti," she smiled. "You're certainly looking more like you ought this morning. Did you sleep well?"

"Very well, thanks," Luigi replied, smiling back. "It was very kind of you to take us in."

"Think nothing of it," she replied. "Breakfast will be ready in five minutes, if you'd like to take this young man along to the dining room," and she turned her attention to the little boy, who was smiling at her from the safety of his father's arms. "Would you like some milk, Francesco?"

"Latte per favore, Papa," he replied, hugging Luigi's neck.

.........

After breakfast the chidren rushed outside to play with Ian and Mitzi while the adults lingered at the table, drinking coffee and talking.

"My sister and her husband should be home before midday," Mrs Harrison was saying as she refilled Luigi's cup. "This is really their home, although Ian's been staying with them for the past two months. It's the first time he's met them, you see, but I think he'll be glad to go home now. I'm afraid Pieter is something of a handful, and since Ian is an only child he finds it all rather trying."

"Any sensible person would find young Pieter rather trying!" Mr Harrison laughed from the other side of the table. "He doesn't keep still for more than five seconds at a time, and has no idea what the word 'quiet' means."

"Well, that's as may be, Philip," Mrs Harrison admitted, " but it's not helping Mr Desti, is it?"

"No, it's not," he agreed, and turned his attention to Luigi. "We're returning to England in a few days time, Luigi, but Pamela and Johan will be more than happy to help, I'm sure. I know Johan has a brother, a priest actually, living near Innsbruck. Perhaps he'll be able to pull a few strings and sort this mess out. I'll certainly suggest it to Johan, anyway."

"Thank you," said Luigi. "You're very kind, and I really appreciate your help."

"You're extremely welcome," Mrs Harrison smiled. "Now, if everyone's finished I'll clear these things away," she added, getting to her feet.

Luigi stood up, and began to make his way out to the garden where Biddy and Francesco were playing. He'd have to explain to Biddy that they wouldn't reach his home until after her birthday, and he hoped she wouldn't be too disappointed.

As he walked outside and felt the warmth of the sun things didn't seem so bad after all; it was only as he sat down on the grass and called Biddy to him that he shivered again, and felt once more the strange sensation in his chest that made him feel the need to cough. He'd shrugged it off before as just a reaction to the stress, but it bothered him that it had come back again. Even so, he refused to even consider the possibility of becoming ill - he just didn't have time for that right now.
#307:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Sun Jun 10, 2007 12:32 pm
    —
Poor Luigi. As if he doesn't have enough on his plate without worrying that he might be ill, too.

Thank you.
#308:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Jun 10, 2007 3:09 pm
    —
And it's going to be a nasty illness, too, isn't it. Crying or Very sad

Thanks Pat.
#309:  Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sun Jun 10, 2007 3:44 pm
    —
Oh no, the first hints of more trouble to come. Sad

Thanks Pat
#310:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jun 10, 2007 9:12 pm
    —
Poor little Biddy - it's a wonder she was able to survive it.


Thanks Pat.
#311:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Jun 10, 2007 10:27 pm
    —
Sounds like Luigi's in a bad way Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad .
#312: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 6:45 am
    —
Biddy had accepted the news of a further delay philosophically. There was little to be done about it, and as long as they stayed together she didn't mind waiting. The Kaufmanns had arrived home late in the morning, and had been every bit as welcoming as the Harrisons, inviting Luigi and the children to stay longer, but Luigi was anxious to continue as soon as possible. The gypsy life they had been leading was not what the children needed, and he would be happier when they were finally settled.

Mrs Harrison and Frau Kaufmann had both expressed concern that Luigi seemed to be developing a heavy cold and the cough he'd tried to suppress was becoming more noticable. Even so, they had departed for the little town of Hall two days before Biddy's birthday, Luigi carrying a letter for Johan Kaufmann's brother, Father Stefan, requesting his assistance. The two sisters had been quite tearful at their departure and had hugged both Biddy and Francesco repeatedly, while Mr Harrison had promised to post Luigi's letter to Father O'Reilly as soon as they arrived back in England. Luigi had found it difficult to write more than a brief note, his written English being not nearly as fluent as his speech, but he knew the old priest would be glad to know they had made the journey in safety.

Arriving in the little town in the early evening, after travelling all day, they had gone directly to the church but had been disappointed to find that Father Stefan was away and was not expected back for several days. Luigi left the letter with Father Adolphus, who acted as secretary, and who assured him it would be handed to Father Stefan immediately upon his return.They had had a meal in the church hall, where a soup kitchen was regularly held, before walking the short distance to the home of one of the Kaufmanns friends. After that it had simply been a case of waiting for Father Stefan's return.

Luigi's cold seemed to be developing into something rather worse, while the cough was becoming painful and breathing more difficult. He was thankful that it was possible to rest a good deal, but Biddy and Francesco were becoming very restless, and Biddy's birthday on Wednesday passed virtually unnoticed.

They had returned to the church on Friday and Father Adolphus had informed them that Father Stefan would return that evening. It was obvious that Luigi was far too unwell to travel, and he had fainted during the meal that night and had been taken to the hospital wing by Father Adolphus, while Biddy and Francesco were left in the care of Sister Maria.

Father Stefan had read the letter from his brother as soon as he arrived back, and rang for Father Adolphus. Upon being told of Luigi's illness he went straight to the hospital wing to see him. The two men talked late into the night and Father Stefan promised that first thing next morning he'd try to contact Luigi's sister through the church in Milan.

It had been a week before Emilia arrived, and during that time Biddy and Francesco had remained nearby since they were Luigi's greatest concern. Biddy particularly had worried a great deal, remembering her mother's final days, and had insisted on visiting him frequently. During the day she played with Francesco but several times, while doing her nightly rounds, Sister Maria had discovered Biddy - and on one occasion both Biddy and Francesco - curled beside Luigi, fast asleep.

Biddy had loved those final times spent with Luigi, curled beside him and listening to the dearly-loved voice as she slowly fell asleep. She had promised to help Aunt Emilia with Francesco, especially at first when neither of them would be able to understand much. He had told her of all his secret places - the places he had gone to when his brothers were being particularly difficult, or when he'd just felt the need to hide away from life for a while. She could hardly wait to discover them for herself, and later show them to Francesco.

Emilia, too, had spent time talking with him - though there had only been that one day. She knew how much he had loved Biddy's mother, and how precious his children were to him. She had made him laugh when she told him about her own large brood, the youngest being a year older than Francesco, and he had even wanted to know about his brothers.

Luigi knew he was dying. No-one said it, but he knew it all the same. Sometimes, when his chest hurt and it was nearly impossible to breathe, he was glad, but he'd worried about what would happen to Biddy and Francesco. He told himself that now Emilia had arrived and had promised to look after the children he would be able to relax, but in truth he knew that he would finally submit. He liked the idea of seeing Mary again, and smiled as he thought of dancing with her once more. He could hear the music already, and as he took his final breath he could see her smiling at him as he opened his arms.

Luigi's funeral had been one of the saddest Father Stefan had ever conducted. After her initial stoic reaction, Father Stefan had hoped that Biddy would not be too upset, and it was true that she had stood in absolute silence throughout the service, her face as pale as marble, holding Francesco's hand; but afterwards she had been inconsolable, sobbing into her pillow and refusing to speak with anyone. It wasn't until much later that Father Stefan learned that the day of the funeral was her mother's birthday - no wonder she had become so distressed that they'd had to sedate her! Francesco had been much easier to deal with since he was too young to comprehend the enormity of what had happened, and he had spent time with Emilia happily enough.

When Biddy had learned that Emilia had left with Francesco, but that she was to remain at the orphanage run by the church she had been in total despair. This wasn't what Papa had planned at all - they were meant to be together! Though Father Stefan had tried to explain the situation to her, it had been two days before she had been in a fit state to transfer to the orphanage, and even then he had not been happy about it, but what else could he do?
#313:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 7:16 am
    —
Oh that's so sad - poor little Biddy - it's a wonder that she ever felt able to trust another adult again. Crying or Very sad

At least Luigi is with his Mary.


Even though we know that Biddy's life turns around this is so tragic.

Thanks Pat.
#314:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 7:16 am
    —
Oh I just want to cry! Poor, poor Biddy Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad .
#315:  Author: Elbee, Location: Surrey PostPosted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 9:02 am
    —
Sad This is so sad Sad

Beautifully written, Pat.
#316:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 9:14 am
    —
oops, that last post came so fast,
You have really tied the ends so well, and made the story fit together and filled the gaps.

Biddy was indeed lucky that she found the CS even though they treated her a bit strangely at first
Whatever we say about Joey today, she looked after her nicely in her later days (Carola etc.)

I am just not clear about what did Biddy do when the school evacuated from Austria, who looked after her?
#317:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 10:11 am
    —
This is so beautiful. I love the sentence that the Nun found Biddy and Francesco curled up beside Luigi at night just to be close to him and the fact the Luigi was going to be with Mary again
#318:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 3:28 pm
    —
But how awful for Biddy to rouse from her misery to find that Francesco had gone and that she had been left behind. Didn't she even get the chance to say goodbye? Crying or Very sad
#319:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 4:54 pm
    —
Oh, how sad.
We knew it was coming, but -- Crying or Very sad


And just walking off with Francesco without explaining to Biddy? How could she?
#320:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 4:59 pm
    —
That's so sad. Poor Biddy. Bad enough to have just lost her father, but to lose Francesco as well when Emilia took him must have been awful for her.
#321:  Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth PostPosted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 10:48 pm
    —
Sad Oh poor Biddy even though we knew it was going to happen it is still so sad to read about.

Thanks Pat
#322:  Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 2:49 am
    —
Don't pick on poor Emilia!

If you look back you'll see that she did try to talk to Biddy before she left with Francesco, but Biddy was sedated and so not conscious - and Emilia had no choice about when to leave, or taking Francesco with her! Gosh, I'm feeling quite guilty now! Poor Emilia!

FYI: If you check the "Post Subject" box at the top of each section you'll notice that there was "Emilia's Story" first, and the current part is "Biddy's Story". ie Biddy didn't know Emilia's side of the story!

Also, for anyone who has problems working out who's who I'd advize that you draw a family tree as the story goes along because there are some strange complications coming up. Actually I've got the the whole thing worked out, and if someone can PM me and tell me how to post it I'll do that - I'm sure that will be easier for most people! Where would I post it though? Any suggestions?

Last edited by Frogize on Wed Jun 13, 2007 7:19 am; edited 1 time in total
#323:  Author: JustJen, Location: at a baseball game PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 4:14 am
    —
Oh poor poor Biddy Crying or Very sad
#324:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2007 10:30 am
    —
I think post the family tree in this story that way it's altogether. Am really enjoying this. It certainly makes Biddy's life seem more real
#325: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Fri Jun 15, 2007 8:00 am
    —
It was Sunday evening, and Biddy was lying in her bed at the orphanage waiting for the other girls to fall asleep. She had cried so much since arriving here on Friday afternoon that her face felt stiff and awkward and her eyes were sore but now she lay quietly, listening carefully for Sister Maria's footsteps as she made her final round before retiring for the night. Twice since her arrival Biddy had started up in fright as the stern, unsmiling face peered at her out of the darkness, and she was determined it would not happen again. Eventually she heard the footsteps approaching and closed her eyes, waiting until they retreated once more, then slipped quietly from the bed.

Noiselessly she made her way past the row of beds and peered out into the corridor. Stepping across to the bathroom she quickly removed her nightdress to reveal her fully-clothed body underneath. Hurriedly stuffing the nightdress behind the waterpipes of a nearby handbasin she carefully opened the window and, climbing onto the sill, swung her feet out and began to climb down the drainpipe.

She smiled to herself as she remembered how annoyed Ma had been the day she found Papa teaching her to climb. They had been together, half-way up the tree behind the old coach-house when Ma saw them, and Biddy had laughed as Papa started guiltily and fell back to the ground. But she had never forgotten what he taught her, and now it stood her in good stead as she hurried across to the wall surrounding the garden and started up it.

Within minutes she was dropping to the ground on the far side of the wall and, pausing only long enough to get her bearings, set off at a steady pace along the main road. If only she could find her way back to the Kaufmanns and tell them what had happened to Papa she was sure they would help her to find Francesco and Aunt Emilia.

By the time the sun was fully risen Biddy was limping. Going bare-footed always looked so comfortable, but she quickly found that feet that were used to shoes and stockings didn't cope well without them, and she had had to make frequent stops. Also she had found it necessary to keep out of sight as much as possible, not wishing to be found and returned to the orphanage.

However, by far the greatest difficulty had been the language. During her time at the orphanage Biddy had not understood a single word anyone said to her, and resented the way they had seemed to assume that she was somehow mentally lacking because of it. She knew her lack of understanding would make her stand out and thus make it easier to track her down when the authorities came looking for her, as they surely would.

By Friday she had travelled almost as far as Spartz, and was sitting on the grass beside the road feeling decidedly empty. Wondering how she might manage to find something to eat she didn't hear the car approaching, and when it pulled up beside her she was delighted to note that the voice of the woman who spoke to her proclaimed her to be American.
#326:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Jun 15, 2007 8:34 am
    —
She was so vulnerable wasn't she? Anything could have happened to her.

Thank you frogize.
#327:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jun 15, 2007 8:54 am
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Yes, it's awful to think of her wandering around in a strange country, unable to speak or understand the language, and so young, too. At least we know she's going to fall into good hands.
#328:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jun 15, 2007 8:58 am
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Poor Biddy - anything could have happened to her Sad .
#329:  Author: JustJen, Location: at a baseball game PostPosted: Fri Jun 15, 2007 5:49 pm
    —
Thank you Frozie
#330:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jun 15, 2007 6:27 pm
    —
She was only ten, wasn't she? So very lucky to find the CS. And what about the orphange - couldn't they have been a little more sympathetic? Evil or Very Mad


Thanks Pat.
#331:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Sat Jun 16, 2007 11:12 am
    —
Oh poor Biddy
#332:  Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sun Jun 17, 2007 4:27 pm
    —
I can't believe I missed Luigi's death!!! Crying or Very sad

And then poor poor Biddy to be suddenly thrown out of her safe(ish) little world into a seemingly uncaring orphanage - where she feels that trekking across countries is her best option in the circumstances Sad
#333: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Wed Jun 20, 2007 8:42 am
    —
Biddy stood up and was just about to answer the woman's question when she realized that to admit a knowledge of English would certainly give away her identity. With a swift prayer of thanks to Papa for his foresight she spoke in her best Italian. "Buongiorno, Senora," she said.

"Ho fame. Posso prendere qualcosa da mangiare?" she continued, thinking that if the woman did understand Italian at least she might get something to eat. With a blank look the woman turned back to the car, and Biddy heard a man's voice speaking.

"Italian? I told you she couldn't be the one. Even I know that these church orphanages don't turn out kids as grubby as that one. They always look as if they'd just been scrubbed."

Indignation arose in Biddy's breast, but she managed to keep her face smiling, and waved to them as they drove away, calling "Ciao!" as she did so. Looking down at herself as she entered Spartz a short time later she had to admit there was some justification for the man's comments. She hadn't had even a wash for several days, and she couldn't really remember when she had last done anything to her hair. Still, it was obvious that she needed to leave the town, and quickly.

Looking up she saw that the little mountain train was just about to leave and, since she still had two schillings in her pocket, she hurried over and paid her fare. A few minutes later she was sitting in the train beside the window trying to make out the words on her ticket. Apparently she was going to a place called Seespitz.

Once arrived there she climbed down with the other passengers and followed them as far as the little steamer waiting to cross the magnificent blue lake she had seen from the train. She didn't know if her ticket would allow her to join them and so she set off on foot around the lake until she found herself standing outside a large hotel called the Kron Prinz Karl.

Deciding that there were far too many people around she made a bee-line for the nearby pinewoods and it was here that she spotted a fence and discovered that she could go no further. Sinking to the ground Biddy allowed herself to contemplate just what a mess she was in and, wishing she could curl up on Papa's lap, she began to weep loudly.
#334:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jun 20, 2007 9:00 am
    —
Crying or Very sad Poor Biddy - but at least we know she's about to find friends.
#335:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Wed Jun 20, 2007 10:25 am
    —
Poor Biddy. So alone and so afraid, and yet very brave at the same time. Thanks, Pat.
#336:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Jun 20, 2007 2:35 pm
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She's a quick thinking girl, speaking Italian there! Well done, Biddy.
#337:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jun 20, 2007 4:40 pm
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Poor little girl - still, at least she will be found soon.

Wonder who the Americans were? They were obviously expecting to find a church orphan.


Thanks Pat.
#338:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Thu Jun 21, 2007 1:29 am
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Poor Biddy Sad Am looking forward to your take on the first meeting with the Chalet School
#339:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Jun 21, 2007 1:48 am
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Poor Biddy, to feel so alone.
#340: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 6:46 am
    —
According to the sign on the door Jem Russell and Jack Maynard were "In Conference", but in reality they were enjoying a well-deserved break in Jem's office while they discussed the Chalet School's latest protege.

"They seemed to think they could just take her or leave her, as if she were a stray kitten instead of a sensitive little girl who'd been through some pretty horrible experiences," Jack said, leaning back in his chair in a strictly forbidden manner and resting his feet on the edge of Jem's desk. Jem, similarly seated on the opposite side of the desk, was contemplating the dregs in his cup and wondering whether the pleasure of a second coffee was worth the effort of getting up.

"Yes, I agree," he said, "but I think we've finally got everything sorted. Thank heaven Donal O'Hara came along when he did. It's a pity about the aunt, of course, but that's really out of our hands. Can you imagine being married, with ten children, and willingly taking on another? Or even two?"

"I can't even imagine being married," Jack replied, stretching luxuriously and placing his hands behind his head.

"Liar," laughed Jem knowingly, and Jack grinned back at him sheepishly.

"Well, you have to admit that imagining is as close as I'm likely to get for the foreseeable future," he said. He spoke ruefully, but both men knew where his thoughts lay and that he was prepared to wait for the time being. It wasn't a topic for discussion.

It was a little over a month since the day the Middles had found Biddy weeping in the pinewoods, and decided to adopt her. Maria, Cornelia, Evadne, Elsie, Margia, and Ilonka had been a more than sorry sight the day Jack Maynard had been summoned to the Chalet School to examine the little Irish girl they had taken under their collective wing, and after hearing the story from Joey and her fellow prefects over Kaffee und Kuchen that afternoon he wasn't at all surprised. To be honest, very little that the Middles did surprised Jack - except perhaps that they somehow always seemed to survive whatever retribution they brought down on themselves, and then went on to even worse deeds!

On this occasion, Jack had spoken with Matron before seeing the little girl and she had informed him that, apart from the obvious scratches and bruises, Biddy seemed to be physically well. However, her emotional state was another thing entirely. The distress of losing her father and brother in such unusual circumstances, and the treatment she had received, however well-intentioned, had left her feeling that she couldn't rely on anyone and she had retreated into herself in a most alarming way. The aforementioned Middles had been summoned and Jack had interrogated them thoroughly before sending them back to their lawful pursuits and making his way thoughtfully to the San.

He had entered Biddy's room quietly and his heart had gone out to her as he saw her staring forlornly out of the window, an untouched tray on the table beside her bed. With a bright smile firmly in place he crossed the room and sat on the end of the bed, glad that she was awake and, hopefully, prepared to listen.

"Hello, young lady; I'm Dr Maynard," he had introduced himself, while taking careful note of the lack of interest in her eyes. "The girls here usually just call me Dr Jack, so you may as well do that too. I'm afraid I'll need to examine you first, just to be sure that everything's okay, but then we'll have Nurse bring us something hot to drink and have a little chat."

Biddy looked back at him without comment or apparent interest, and he realized that this was going to be harder than he had anticipated.

Last edited by Frogize on Fri Jun 22, 2007 7:27 am; edited 1 time in total
#341:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 6:57 am
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Quote:
Can you imagine being married, with ten children, and willingly taking on another? Or even two?"


Absolutely love that line - especially as it was addressed to Jack! Laughing

So good to see Jack and Jem so at ease with each other - and the use of Donal O'Hara is inspired.


Thanks Pat.
#342:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 7:46 am
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I loved the comment about the 10 children too!
#343:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 10:41 am
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Thanks, Pat. I hope Jack can get through to Biddy.
#344:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 12:19 pm
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Poor little Biddy; after all that's happened to her, she must be feeling so abandoned.

Loved that comment to Jack....hmm, I think he should have remembered that remark!
#345:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans PostPosted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 7:35 pm
    —
I absolutely love seeing Jack and Jem just chatting like that, especially to see Jack so oblivious of his future (and so sweet on Joey Smile )

I hope Biddy decides to trust Jack a bit but I wouldn't blame her if she didn't poor kid!
#346:  Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 11:51 pm
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Jack definately spoke to soon there Laughing Poor Biddy I hope she can talk to Jack.

Thanks Pat
#347: Biddy's Brother cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 6:45 am
    —
Confused (Patrick specifically states at the beginning of this drabble that his father died years ago, but I've had so many requests for Biddy and Francesco to meet that I've decided to do that! It requires a little rearranging of what I'd originally planned and I'll have to make a minor adjustment to the beginning of the drabble - immediately after Joey's letter on p2 if you're looking! - but if you can't be bothered to go back and read it, it won't matter in the least!)


Biddy had allowed him to do a thorough examination, and on its completion he was in full agreement with Matron's assessment. After ringing for Nurse he'd tried again to get Biddy to talk.

"Would you rather have your drink outside?" he'd asked. "It's still pretty hot and stuffy in here, and sure to be cooler in the garden - especially after yesterday's rain!"

Biddy, after a week's periodic incarceration in the games shed, was glad of the opportunity to be outdoors and nodded in agreement. Jack smiled again, encouragingly; her nod was the sign of response that he'd been looking for, and hopefully he could build on it. Nurse arrived at that moment and he had requested coffee for himself then looked enquiringly at Biddy.

"Would you prefer a cold drink? Lemonade, perhaps?" he'd asked, and again the little nod had been evident. "Would you bring them to the garden, please?" he'd continued, turning back to Nurse who was removing the tray from the bedside table.

"Of course, doctor," she had replied, and left with the tray.

Wrapping Biddy in a light cover from the bed he'd carried her out to the garden and settled her in a seat beneath a shady tree, seating himself beside her. As they sat in silence together, awaiting their respective drinks, they had seen a group of Seniors leaving by the side door and heading for the gate in preparation for an evening stroll. They were led by Joey Bettany, and Jack watched them go, a small smile playing across his lips. Turning to Biddy he'd been amazed to see the angry glare she had bestowed on Joey and had determined to get to the bottom of it.

"That's Joey Bettany, the head girl, and her friends," he began, and then had been silenced by the vehemence of Biddy's response.

"Huh!" she had said with great emphasis, and he'd looked back at the group of Seniors wondering if he'd missed something.

"I know she's the one who found you in the games shed," he'd begun again, "but she could hardly have left you there, you know." And finally Biddy had spoken.

"Rude creature, she is," Biddy muttered angrily. "She said I needed a keeper!"

"What?!" Jack had exclaimed, but at that moment Nurse had arrived with their drinks and all talk had ceased while she arranged a table for them. Once she had departed, however, Jack turned once more to Biddy. "When did she say such a thing to you?" he asked, inwardly wishing that Jo would learn to hold her tongue once in a while.

"Last week," Biddy answered grudgingly. "She was walking by the lake with the other young lady - the pretty one with the very fair hair and dark eyes."

"Miss Carrick?" he'd queried.

"I don't know her name, but she's very tall and pretty. Why she'd want to spend time with that rude Joey person I can't imagine!" Biddy finished in disgust.

"Probably because they're more or less sisters," Jack answered, not daring to look at her for fear he might laugh. Now it was Biddy's turn to look amazed. "Well, sort of adopted sisters," he'd tried again. "You'll have to get them to explain it to you."

Biddy sipped her lemonade and remained silent. After another lengthy pause Jack tried changing topics.

"I was told you had a brother," he'd begun.

"I have a brother," Biddy interupted, knocking over her glass. "I have a brother - I just don't know where he is!" and she had begun to sob heart-brokenly.

Mentally kicking himself for being all kinds of a fool, tender-hearted Jack had tried to comfort her.

"I'm sorry, Biddy," he'd spoken quietly. "I didn't mean to upset you. Here, use this," and he had pulled his handkerchief from his pocket. As he did so, the rosary beads he'd owned since boyhood fell to the ground, and he'd quickly retrieved them. Holding them loosely he'd unconsciously begun to let them fall through his fingers, until he'd suddenly become aware that Biddy was silently watching him. He'd smiled at her and waited for her to speak.

"I used to have Ma's rosary beads," she'd said, in a voice hardly more than a whisper. "They were in my case, with her shawl, when Mr Kokoshka took it. Papa didn't know I lost them."

Silently he had taken her hand and dropped the beads into it, closing her fingers over them.

"You can keep these for now," he'd said. "Until I can get you some new ones."

"Thank you, Dr Jack," she'd smiled tearfully. "I think I'd like to go back inside now, please," and he'd carried her back to her room feeling that at last he'd made some headway.

Last edited by Frogize on Thu Jun 28, 2007 8:39 am; edited 1 time in total
#348:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 7:15 am
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Very clever
I went back and read the appropriate parts of & JO, after reading the previous episode.
#349:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 7:48 am
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Jack was so sweet there.
#350:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 9:09 am
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Oh the poor child, not even anything of her mother's.
#351:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 1:02 pm
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Poor child, she's lost absolutely everything that was ever important to her. Crying or Very sad
#352:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 1:35 pm
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Jack was lovely there. How nice of him to give his rosary to Biddy.
#353:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 6:34 pm
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Poor little girl - EBD never dwelt on just how terrible it must have been for her.


Thanks Pat.
#354:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2007 6:52 pm
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Lesley wrote:
Poor little girl - EBD never dwelt on just how terrible it must have been for her.


Thanks Pat.


I bet EBD never thought of that.

One of the interesting parts of many drabbles is that the writers take facts or situations that EBD presented and show us (or ask) what the situation really meant. e.g. What did a little girl really feel being abandoned like that,
What was it like for Anna being at Joey's beck and call.
How the Russel children really felt,
and so on and so forth
#355:  Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 2:55 pm
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I'm hoping these links will work for everyone:

Kelly Family Tree

Desti Family Tree
#356: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 6:00 am
    —
The next day had been Sunday and Biddy, waking early, had reached under her pillow and drawn out Dr Jack's rosary. There had been something enormously comforting in the feel of it, as the beads passed through her fingers and the familiar prayers ran through her mind. She wondered when he'd return - perhaps she could talk to him after all - and turning over, the rosary still clasped in her hand, she'd drifted back into the first peaceful sleep she'd had in weeks.

Later that morning, during the service at the little Catholic church where Vater Ambrosius presided, Joey had noticed that Jack Maynard was without his rosary. She'd particularly noticed it because she knew that the rosary of cornelian beads with silver links had been a boyhood gift from his mother and was therefore precious to him - in fact she couldn't remember his ever having been without it before.

When he arrived at the school that afternoon Joey had been surprised that Jack hardly said more than hello before setting off for the school san. She'd become quite used to the fact that normally he'd stop and talk with her - in fact she quite enjoyed it! - and she was rather put out by the way he'd more or less ignored her today. She supposed it was that Irish kid taking up his time again, and frowned to herself. The Irish seemed to be giving her cause for many less than pleasant thoughts just lately; it really was the outside of enough!

Jack had been extremely pleased to see that Biddy was already looking happier, though Matron had remarked that she still had a very poor appetite. As a result, Jack had struck a bargain with Biddy - she was to follow all his instructions regarding eating and sleeping, and he would do everything he could to discover the whereabouts of Francesco and Aunt Emilia - a bargain Biddy had happily agreed to.

That evening he'd put the final part of his plan into action. He had called at Die Rosen, ostensibly to speak with Jem, but in reality he was in search of Juliet Carrick. They were all aware that something was troubling her, but since she was not inclined to confide in them Jack hoped to be able to distract her a little by enlisting her help with Biddy. Finding her alone in the rose garden, an unopened book in her lap, he'd seized his opportunity.

"Just the person I was looking for," he'd said cheerfully as Juliet looked up at his approach. "I wonder if I might enlist your help with a little problem, Juliet."

"Of course I'll help - if I can," she'd smiled.

"Good. It's about that little Irish girl," he'd begun, taking a seat opposite her.

"Oh, you mean Biddy O'Ryan?" she'd asked. "How is she? She must be so unhappy, poor little girl."

"Well, I'm hoping to see some improvement now, and if you can help me I'm hoping that it'll be sooner rather than later."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Well, you know how busy we always are at the Sanatorium; hardly have time to breathe some days! And what Biddy really needs right now is someone who has time to spend with her - and unfortunately that's not me! So, really, I just want you to visit her, spend some time with her, see if you can get her to talk to you. I don't mean to open old wounds, Juliet, but...but , well, it seems to me that you'd understand better than anyone. At the moment Biddy has absolutely nothing and nobody, and I thought that...um..having been in a similar position yourself you might...well, you might know how she feels...and, um..." he'd wound up rather awkwardly.

"I'd love to help," Juliet had assured him. "When do you want me to begin?"

"As soon as you could possibly manage it, please," he'd smiled in relief. "But are you sure you want to do it? It could take up rather a lot of your time, you know."

"Well, I've got rather a lot of time to spare, just at the moment," she'd replied wistfully. "It should work well for all concerned, don't you think?" and Jack had left her to her own thoughts after that.

Having undertaken to visit Biddy, Juliet had begun that very evening, introducing herself as an old girl of the school and one time head girl. She had only stayed a few minutes, and had spoken only of the school, but she had aroused Biddy's interest in her surroundings and had promised to return the next day. During the days of the following week Jack had been delighted at the improvement in Biddy, and equally pleased to see that Juliet looked happier, too. On Thursday evening Juliet had phoned him with a request.

"Jack, does Biddy really need to be in the san any longer?" she'd asked. "Apart from being incredibly boring for her, it's beginning to feel as much a prison as the games shed - for me as well as her!"

"Not if that's the way you feel about it," he'd laughed. "What do you suggest?"

"Well, first of all I'm going to take her to Innsbruck to buy some clothes. It's very depressing spending every single minute of the day and night wearing nothing but someone else's pyjamas, you know!"

"Excellent idea," he'd agreed. "But don't let her know how close you'll be to Hall. Father Stefan is still trying to find out where Emilia and Francesco went, but it's not looking good. The Italian authorities won't tell us anything."

"I'll be careful," Juliet had promised. "She'll have lots to keep her mind occupied anyway. And I thought that afterwards we might try visiting Le Petit Chalet; I'm sure she'd enjoy meeting someone her own age for a change. She might like to attend their Brownie meeting on Saturday, as well."

"Good heavens, Juliet," Jack had commented, most impressed at her industry. "You're doing a wonderful job, you know."

"Thanks," she'd replied. "It's good to have something useful to do," and she'd rung off.

Last edited by Frogize on Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:49 am; edited 2 times in total
#357:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 6:36 am
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That was a good idea, setting Juliet onto Biddy. It's nice to see that they are getting along and helping each other in the process. Thanks Frogize.
#358:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 6:53 am
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That was so heartening - Biddy's loneliness and the loss of everyone in her life so mirrors what happened to Juliet herself, that she really can understand.

Thank you Frogize
#359: Biddy's Story cont. Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 7:19 am
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While Juliet had been busy with Biddy, Jack had found time to visit his old friend Frank Hillis, and had been introduced to his young brother-in-law Donal O'Hara.

"Don't know what's wrong with the fellow," Frank had confided in him as Donal approached. "Woman trouble of some sort, I believe. Been as miserable as a wet weekend almost since the day he arrived."

After the introduction was made Jack had been pleased to hear that Donal was at Oxford and was to read for the Bar. He had soon put Biddy's case before him, asking his advice in establishing her legal status. Donal had undertaken to contact Jack Yeats and thought that, if he was still in contact with Oskar Kokoschka, it might still be possible to retrieve Biddy's papers. If they could do that, then it ought be a fairly simple matter to regularize Jem and Madge's current informal guardianship of the little girl, especially if she had no other living relatives to intervene.

Friday morning had seen a much happier Biddy - dressed in borrowed clothes for the occasion - and Juliet on their way to Innsbruck, where they had spent an exciting time purchasing new clothes and footwear for Biddy, before meeting Jack Maynard for Mittagessen. After their meal they had piled everything into the car, and Jack had deposited them back at the school before heading off to the San.

Having spent the rest of the day quietly with Juliet, to whom she was forming a very firm attachment, and meeting one or two members of Le Petit Chalet for Kaffee und Kuchen, Biddy had gone to bed early and woken next day looking forward to the Brownies meeting. Juliet had worried about leaving Biddy alone with the other girls, and had remained nearby throughout the Pack Meeting in case of need. However, all had gone well and Biddy had returned to school with the other girls, happily joining in their afternoon activities.

On Sunday morning Biddy had begged to be allowed to attend church, and Jack Maynard had duly called at the school to collect her. She had thought of sitting with the girls she had met yesterday, or even the Middles who had first befriended her but, seeing Joey Bettany sitting in their midst, had instead been content to remain quietly beside Jack.

If she closed her eyes she could almost believe that she was back at home in Ireland, seated with Papa and Francesco - but when Vater Ambrosius began to speak the spell had been broken and Biddy allowed the silent tears to slide, unheeded, down her cheeks. Glancing down at the little girl beside him Jack was not at all surprised to see her tears and had put a comforting arm around her while handing her his handkerchief once again.

After the service was over, while the girls from the Chalet School filed past on their way out, Biddy had remained seated beside Jack. She was not anxious to be questioned about her tears by a lot of inquisitive schoolgirls, however friendly they might be, and had shrunk back in her seat until they had left the church. Just as she gave her eyes a final wipe Jack had handed her a small parcel and, returning his handkerchief - not at all the pristine white square she had received! - she had opened it and removed a beautiful rosary.

"Thank you, Dr Jack," she had said, offering him a watery smile, and searching in her pocket for the rosary he had lent her. As she handed it over Joey Bettany had walked past, returning a hymn book an absent-minded Junior had taken by mistake, and she had stared in amazement.

"Wherever did you get that, Biddy?" Joey had asked, unthinkingly, and then had fled in embarassment at the look she had received from Jack, while Biddy had looked at him in confused silence.

"Did I do something wrong, Dr Jack?" she had asked, wonderingly.

"No, Biddy; of course you didn't!" Jack had replied quietly. "I'll have a word with Jo later, but for now we need to return you to Miss Carrick at the san and get ready for Mittagessen. I don't know about you, but I'm starving!" and he'd taken her hand and led the way out, while inwardly fuming at Jo.

After Mittagessen, which Jack, Juliet and Biddy had eaten together in Biddy's room in the san, Jack had gone to Mademoiselle's study and asked to speak privately with Jo, and Mademoiselle, unaware of what had occurred, had smilingly sent for Joey before leaving them alone in her study. Jo had stood a little nervously, remembering the look Jack had given her and wondering what he was going to say.

"Well, Jo," he'd begun, "what have you got to say for yourself?"

"I'm sorry, Jack," she'd answered. "I was just so surprised to see Biddy, of all people, with your rosary. I know how precious it is to you, and I couldn't understand why you'd give it to a kid like her. She might have lost it, or broken it, or....." and Jo had come to a sudden halt as she realized just how angry he was.

"What I choose to do with my personal property has absolutely nothing to do with you, Jo! And just what do you mean by 'Biddy of all people'?"

"Well, we don't know anything about her really, do we? - except that she's obviously Irish! I certainly wouldn't have trusted her with anything of mine!" Jo had answered hotly, becoming angry herself. "She's only a kid after all!"

Jack took several deep breaths in an effort to regain control of himself, and when he finally spoke Jo shivered inwardly.

"A year ago that 'kid', as you call her, lost her mother. Only a couple of weeks ago she lost her father and her brother, along with everything else she possessed. She has no family, and nowhere to go. I know you're feeling rather bitter towards the Irish right now - heaven knows why! - but that's between you and Donal O'Hara as far as I can see, and nothing at all to do with Biddy. As far as I'm concerned that little girl is worth more than any rosary, however precious, and I'd risk losing it a million times over if I thought it would help her! If this is an example of your so-called love and compassion, Jo, then all I can say is thank heaven I'm unlikely to ever be on the receiving end of it!" and he had stalked from the room, leaving behind a dumb-struck Joey whose cheeks burned with shame and horror.

Moments later several Middles had been amazed to see the head girl running along the corridor and up the stairs, something they all knew was forbidden, even to Joey. However, Jo had ignored the looks she received and hurried to her cubicle, where she quickly drew the curtains and threw herself on her bed in a storm of weeping most unlike her.

"As if I care what Jack Maynard thinks!" she had thought furiously to herself some time later. But it was no use - she did care, she realized, and she was mortified to think of how she had behaved towards Biddy, as Jack had so bluntly pointed out. Some head girl she'd turned out to be! Whatever would Madge say?

Last edited by Frogize on Tue Jul 17, 2007 1:44 am; edited 2 times in total
#360:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 7:27 am
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Jo isn't being very nice here.
#361:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 7:34 am
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Well done to both Jack and Juliet - and Joey deserved every word of what Jack said to her. Glad that Biddy is starting to trust some people and blossom.


Thanks Pat - excellent way to bring Juliet into the picture.
#362: Biddy's Story (final part - at last!) Author: Frogize, Location: Perth, Western Australia PostPosted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 9:02 am
    —
As it turned out Madge didn't say anything at all, because she never heard anything about it. By the time Jo reappeared downstairs Jack had already removed Biddy and Juliet from the school san up to Die Rosen and no-one within the school ever knew that Joey spent the next week suffering pangs of guilt over it.

The boat race against St Scholastika's had been held the following Saturday and, even though the Chalet School had won, Jo had kept a very low profile throughout the proceedings. The walk she had taken the following afternoon, resulting in the re-uniting of Juliet and Donal, had certainly helped to relieve Jo's feelings and she had been as delighted as the rest to see Juliet so happy, though she loathed the idea of losing her.

Jack had spoken to Biddy in the rose garden at Die Rosen while Juliet and Donal were in Innsbruck buying the ring. He had explained to her that it had been impossible to discover where Aunt Emilia and Francesco had gone and, as was only to be expected, Biddy had been very upset. However, as they talked together during the afternoon he had helped her see that, since she knew Papa had been more or less raised by Emilia and he had been anxious to have them in her care, it was probably safe to assume that she would look after Francesco well. Most importantly, Biddy herself could pray that that would be so, and that Francesco would have a happy life, wherever he might be. Finally, Jack had promised to pray for both Biddy and Francesco, which had been a great comfort to her.

Donal O'Hara had better news for Biddy when he arrived back with Juliet. Jack Yeats had been contacted, and had informed them that Oskar, with the most abject of apologies, had returned her entire case to him with the contents just as she had left them including her mother's shawl and rosary as well as her papers. As a consequence, when the Hillises, Donal and Juliet had left for Ireland Biddy had gone with them to spend several weeks with Jack and Cottie Yeats while her legal situation was sorted out, and Madge and Jem made her legal guardians. She would return with Juliet in September, a fully-fledged member of the Chalet School.

For Biddy, apart from the return of her mother's things, the best part had been the flying visit they paid to Miss Honora's former property in County Kerry. Father O'Reilly had been delighted to see her again, though saddened to hear of Luigi's death. Molly had left her position as cook and was now happily married to the postman, Joe Rafferty, but she wept openly when she heard that Luigi had died and Francesco had been lost, and had promised that she, too, would pray that all would be well for both Biddy and Francesco.

The only person Biddy hadn't wanted to see was Kitty Donovan and she had smiled with satisfaction when Molly told her that the Donovan's had left the village shortly after Biddy herself. They were now living in the small market town nearby, and never ventured back to the village at all.

Once the term was ended Joey had returned to Die Rosen, where she had endured a stern lecture from Jem.

"Jack's been going around like a thundercloud for days, Jo," he told her in no uncertain terms. "He's one of my most senior doctors - and a damned fine one at that! - and I won't have my staff upset, by you or anyone else! Do I make myself clear?"

"Perfectly," she had answered briefly, and escaped to her room.

She had encountered Jack once or twice after that and things had been decidedly cool between them. However, with the arrival of Elisaveta and, more especially, her father King Carol several days later Jem and Madge had been made aware that all was not well with Jo, and it was only with the prospect of the upcoming Guide camp that she began to recover and become herself once more. Eventually, she had requested a private talk with Jack that had lasted all afternoon and into the evening, which had seemed to clear the air between them, and they had finally returned to their usual bantering relationship. (See "Joey and Jack's reconciliation")

Jack was suddenly aware of Jem's eye on him and looked up with a start, almost kicking over the coffee that sat on the desk near his feet.

"Welcome back," Jem smiled slowly. "Your coffee's probably nothing more than lukewarm at best, by now," he added, draining his own second cup and getting to his feet. "Honestly, Jack - I make the obliquest possible reference to Jo and you disappear into a reverie for," and he looked at his watch before adding, "seven and a half minutes this time - something of a record, even for you!" and Jem had grinned at Jack's embarassment. "Well, at least you know that she cares what you think of her now, and that's a step forward, surely?" he'd asked. "Though, knowing Jo, that's probably still pretty shaky ground!"

"Don't I know it!" Jack had replied with a rueful grin, quickly downing the almost cold coffee before getting to his feet reluctantly and straightening the tie he had loosened when he first sat down. He was due to hand over to Gottfried Mensch in an hour's time and needed to check his notes before then. As he prepared to leave Jem spoke again.

"Don't forget Madge is expecting you for dinner tonight," he said, and Jack nodded his acknowledgement as he opened the door.

"I'll be there," he replied, his mind already back on the task ahead. As the door closed behind him he heard Jem call.

"Joey'll be there!" and, smiling to himself, Jack had set off towards his own office and desk, looking forward to the evening.

........

"So, you see, there was nothing more to be done," smiled Biddy, taking Emilia's hand again. "They'd exhausted every possible avenue of enquiry, and just couldn't discover where you were. Of course, it really wouldn't have changed anything if they had. There was no way I could come to you, and you wouldn't have been allowed to come to me....and now we've found each other again, anyway," she finished, and gripped the frail hand a little tighter.

"And now we'd better leave before Reg discovers we're keeping Emilia awake so late," Joey added. "We'll be back tomorrow, Senora Guazza," she said to Emilia and the group of visitors quietly left the room, while Emilia smiled contentedly and prepared to sleep.

_______________

This story continues with the next section "Emilia's Story (2)", telling what happened in Italy when Emilia arrived home with Francesco.
Many thanks to Miranda for taking time during uni mid-year break to create the family trees for this story. It's much appreciated Miranda, and I'm sure it will save someone's sanity before this story is finished - probably mine!

Last edited by Frogize on Fri Aug 24, 2007 11:42 pm; edited 3 times in total
#363:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 9:03 am
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Joey deserved every bit of that - her lack of compassion and tact is quite extraordinary.

But at least Biddy is starting to feel a little safer and more trusting towards some people.
#364:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 12:15 pm
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Jack was so good to Biddy. I'm glad she had the chance to go back to Ireland and see people she knew, and that she got the case back.

Thanks Frogize.
#365:  Author: lizziearrnet, Location: Coulsdon, Surrey PostPosted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 9:41 pm
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Thanks Pat...great to know more, especially about Biddy and her background, and the family's background!!!!

And a very very very big thanks to miranda for the family trees they help immensly in the following of who is who here!!!! lol Wink

liz
xxx
#366:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Jul 16, 2007 12:09 am
    —
I somehow managed to miss that last bit - presumably it arrived while I was responding to the prevous part. Sorry.

But at least they managed to recover Biddy's papers and the shawl and rosary. And Jo and Jack were able to mend their fences as well.

Thank you Frogize.
#367:  Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia PostPosted: Mon Jul 16, 2007 1:58 am
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Oh Pat that was goergous. I really like how you explained Biddy's entry into the school and the bond between her and Juliet and the exchange between Joey and Jack. I couldn't believe Joey was so rude about Biddy. All of it was fabulous. I'm looking forward to hearing about about what happens to Emilia and Francesco and seeing Francesco and Biddy reunite.
#368:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Jul 16, 2007 5:29 am
    —
Joey's been quite as snobbish as Kay O'Hara/Hillis here. Shocked Glad to see she's been shown that and straightened things out with Jack.

Poor Biddy! She's been through such a lot. Hope she Juliet, the visit "home," and the retrieval of her mother's things brought her a little more security.

And now, of course, we're back with Emilia...

Thank you, Frogize-Pat.
#369:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Mon Jul 16, 2007 7:13 am
    —
Thanks
Cleverly linked in with the exact place in the CS.

(and Jo wold not be too young here really for Jack to be thinking about as in Camp there is a conversation where Marie already talks of Eugen, and also there a hint that Jack is thinking of Joey, so this really, really fits into the series so well)

You tied it all up so nicely

thanks
#370:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 16, 2007 7:21 am
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Thanks for that Pat - glad all was resolved.
#371:  Author: Elbee, Location: Surrey PostPosted: Mon Jul 16, 2007 10:03 am
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That was lovely, thanks Frogize.
#372:  Author: Karoline, Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 16, 2007 11:39 am
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That was lovely, thanks Pat
#373:  Author: JustJen, Location: at a baseball game PostPosted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 5:01 pm
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That was wonderful Frozie. Off to read the next part
#374:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock PostPosted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 5:07 pm
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That was a wonderful story. thank you.
#375:  Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK PostPosted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 9:23 pm
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Thank you - I have just caught up with the end of this.
#376:  Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth PostPosted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 4:43 am
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Thanks Pat and I get to start on the next bits as well. Smile
#377:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 1:03 am
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Thanks Pat Very Happy .
The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


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