The CBB
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/

Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye Finished 8/02/10
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=4419
Author:  Phil [ Fri Apr 25, 2008 9:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye Finished 8/02/10
Joey Bettany was not sure she wanted to return to England. She loved Tirol, she knew she would miss her new friends and secretly she was worrying both about her health and that of the Robin.

Joey remembered all those vicious chest infections and how she would be kept in bed, her mind only kept satisfied by her beautiful books; biographies of Napoleon were simply poured over by Miss Bettany and she could get through four a day.

Then there was the Robin. Joey eyed her rosy complexion and stroked the soft black curls of the sleeping baby. Joey loved her dearly and couldn't bear for the delicate child to suffer; and in Joey's view taking her to England with its horrid damp weather was a risk which should not be taken.

However, an invitation was an invitation. Miss Maynard had conveyed her parents' invitation to stay at Pretty Maids to Madge Bettany and it had been accepted.

"You can meet my twin Jack!" Mollie Maynard had said.

Joey had asked her sister whether she and the Robin could stay in Austria with somebody or even Simone in France, but Madge had been adamant.

"Mollie's got a nephew near your age, you might like him. His name's Rolf."

Rolf! Who was called Rolf in this day and age? Joey thought, and made up her mind not to like Rolf.

"We're nearly there!"

The weather did not look enticing. Dover was windy and Joey eyed the threatning clouds with a look of discontent.

"Brr it is sooo cold Joey!"

Robin had awoken and her complaint made Joey scoop her up and hold her close for protection.

Suddenly Mollie had spotted a man in his fifties waving to her.

"Father!" she ran to Mr Maynard and bestowed a big kiss on him.

"Mollie! Darling! And this must be Miss Madge Bettany, and Joey and Robin?"

Mr Maynard kissed Madge's hand and opened the door for her. He packed the luggage and made sure Joey and Robin were secure in the back with Mollie.

Mollie Maynard was full of questions regarding Bob, Lydia, Rolf, Mother, Father and Jack. The young man Jack came up as quite a subject and Mr Maynard appeared to disapprove of some of his younger son's Bacchanalian excesses at medical school.

Joey could not help getting more and more curious and started to think she might enjoy this little sojourn to England.

"Here we are, Pretty Maids!"

Finally after hours of driving, they were home.
Author:  Alison H [ Fri Apr 25, 2008 9:57 pm ]
Post subject: 
Looking forward to meeting Rolf - EBD's so mysterious about him!
Author:  abbeybufo [ Fri Apr 25, 2008 10:41 pm ]
Post subject: 
Intriguing . . .

Thanks Phil
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Apr 26, 2008 7:20 am ]
Post subject: 
Strange that, of course, Rolf would be near Joey's age. Love that Jack's excesses are mentioned! Can't see how Robin can complain of the cold after coming from the Alps - the damp though...


Thanks Phil
Author:  linda [ Sat Apr 26, 2008 5:42 pm ]
Post subject: 
abbeybufo wrote:
Intriguing . . .


My thoughts exactly!

Thanks Phil
Author:  JustJen [ Sat Apr 26, 2008 6:59 pm ]
Post subject: 
Very interesting Phil....
Author:  claire [ Sun Apr 27, 2008 9:03 am ]
Post subject: 
Maybe Rolf disobeys by trying to run away to go and see Joey and that's why Lydia blames Joey for his death?
Author:  Phil [ Sun Apr 27, 2008 9:19 am ]
Post subject: 
John Maynard Senior had a certain twinkle in his eye which betrayed a wicked sense of humour. He was tall, in his fifties and immaculately dressed, even in casual clothes. He had a powerful handshake and simply oozed confidence.

Mary Maynard, the same age as John was no less athletic for her age and diminutive stature. She had a ready wit and a very maternal nature. She was one of those people you could talk to in confidence. Madge and Joey felt an instant rapport with her.

Mollie Maynard was greeted with kisses and embraces and jokes from both parents and then she introduced her employer and her students.

Joey could not help but feel the imposing Tudor house to be somewhat oppressive. Although a homely place, she just didn't like its location. Still, that was the only thing about it she did not like.

The Robin was amazed at how different English houses were from the pretty chalets of Austria and other houses on the continent. Joey did her best to explain about the Tudors to her.

"Come and meet Bob, Lydia and Rolf!"

"My older brother, sister in law and nephew" Mollie explained.

Bob had his mother's features, but his father's build and good nature. He was on weekend leave from the army and had been chatting animatedly to Lydia when the party entered the sitting room. Joey just caught the end of what Bob had said,

"....the boy has got to learn Lydia, you have spoiled him!"

Lydia had a scowl, which quickly disappeared when she saw the Bettanys. She was thin and wiry. Madge, Joey and the Robin felt distinctly uneasy.

"Hello, I'm Bob Maynard, this is my wife, Lydia"

"How do you do, I am Madge Bettany, my sister Joey and my ward Robin Humphreys."

"Robin? That's a boy's name!"

A scruffy, freckled boy of about twelve with a shock of red hair stumbled through the French windows, muddy footseps on the carpet were placed as he approached the group, with a similar look of disdain on his face as his mother.

"Rolfie darling! You mustn't say things like that, it's rude."

Lydia twittered like a small bird.

"Oh sausage look! Who's got the carpet muddy? Mummy will have to clear that up for you and no sweeties at tea time!"

Bob looked like he was about to explode and Madge and Joey were thinking in unison,

"That boy needs a belt taken to him!"
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Apr 27, 2008 9:33 am ]
Post subject: 
Phil wrote:
Mummy will have to clear that up for you and no sweeties at tea time!"


Er, no, 'Rolfie' will have to clear it up - and Bob needs to do more than just moan at Lydia. :roll:


Thanks Phil.
Author:  Mona [ Sun Apr 27, 2008 9:34 am ]
Post subject: 
Hmm, what Lesley said.

Thanks!
Author:  abbeybufo [ Sun Apr 27, 2008 9:35 am ]
Post subject: 
Well you've certainly painted a nasty Rolf whom no-one will much miss when he dies :shock: - though it is pretty apparent that it's his mother's fault he's as he is :(

Thanks Phil
Author:  Alison H [ Sun Apr 27, 2008 10:35 am ]
Post subject: 
Sounds like Lydia needs to take a different approach.
Author:  Jennie [ Sun Apr 27, 2008 7:45 pm ]
Post subject: 
My sons learned that making a mess on the carpets meant some intensive cleaning - from them, notme.

What makes it worse is that it's her parents'-in law's home, not her own.
Author:  leahbelle [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 4:26 pm ]
Post subject: 
*echoes Lesley*

What a spoilt little brat!
Author:  Phil [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 6:27 pm ]
Post subject: 
Embarrassed, Mollie ushered Madge, Joey and the Robin away to another quarter of the house. As they went, nobody could help but hear a blazing row erupt.

"You clear that mess up at once boy!"

"Bob! How can you say that to my precious?"

"Waah! Don't want to clean it up! Mummy..."

John Maynard entered to take command of the situation whilst Mrs Maynard took charge of Mollie and her guests.

"I really must apologise Miss Bettany, I feel so ashamed..."

"Please, don't apologise Mrs Maynard, there is nothing for you to be sorry for."

Madge reflected that her brother Dick, whilst never a tidy child, wouldn't have dreamed of behaving like that at any age, never mind twelve!

"Please may we see the garden Mrs Maynard? You have such beautiful flowers, quite different to our Austria."

The Robin was the model of politeness and her good natured intervention was a heaven sent distraction from the still audible row.

It was in the garden that a strange rustling sound was heard. The Robin's eyes widened in horror.

"Do you have wolves here?" she asked, her face turning white.

"No." answered Madge, the rustling was too heavy to be a badger or a cat or a dog.

On instinct, Joey grabbed a branch, just as a very dishevelled man with fair hair appeared. Joey prepared to brain her future husband.
Author:  Liz K [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 7:00 pm ]
Post subject: 
Phil wrote:
On instinct, Joey grabbed a branch, just as a very dishevelled man with fair hair appeared. Joey prepared to brain her future husband.


Joey, that's no way to treat Jack!!!!!!!!!!

:D :shock: :lol: :P :oops: :roll: :wink:
Author:  abbeybufo [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 7:05 pm ]
Post subject: 
Phil wrote:
Joey prepared to brain her future husband


:lol: :lol: :lol:

Thanks Phil - what a way to treat poor Jack - and why was he skulking in the bushes anyway?
Author:  Jennie [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 7:44 pm ]
Post subject: 
Especially as she doesn't yet know whether he has a brain!
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 9:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
Wonder if he's in trouble at med school? :lol:


Thanks Phil
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Apr 28, 2008 9:48 pm ]
Post subject: 
So Lydia stops Bob keeping Rolf in check. No wonder there are problems.
Author:  Emma A [ Tue Apr 29, 2008 10:05 am ]
Post subject: 
This is interesting, Phil. Lydia sounds a bit like Petunia Dursley (though Bob is definitely not like Mr Dursley)! Spoiled rotten. Ah well, we know what happens to spoiled, disobedient boys...
Author:  leahbelle [ Wed Apr 30, 2008 4:06 pm ]
Post subject: 
What a shame Joey didn't give Jack a good whack!!
Author:  Phil [ Sun Jan 10, 2010 10:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 28/4/08 update
Jack Maynard had been on the receiving end of quite a rag.

On qualifying as a doctor, he was unable to resist the rush of power to his ego and promptly set out on wild parties with his friends and colleagues. It would be strange to think that in roughly thirty years time, his eldest daughters would be following in their father's shaky and unsteady footsteps in student revellry.

A branch made contact with his already sore head.

"Yeowch! Rolf you little monster! Was that you? You horrid little..."

Before Jack could release his invective and colourful language; he was confronted by his scolding mother.

"Jack Maynard, you utter rake! Is this any way to treat your sister and her guests? Why can't you use the front door? What has happened to you? Were you out drinking again? It's time you grew up instead of acting like an irresponsible wastrel! Your clothes and your hair are a mess! Get inside and get washed and changed this instant then you may return to apologise!"

Jack staggered away. The wages of his sinful indulgence of the fermented grape and his mother's furious tones made him feel very sorry for himself.

"I do beg your pardon Miss Bettany, my younger son and Mollie's twin brother. He's not usually like this."

Mollie Senior tailed off on this last comment, feeling sure she had not reassured Madge.

The Robin looked tearful.

"I didn't like the big smelly scary man Joey. He doesn't live here does he?"

Miss Maynard put her arm around the Robin and turned her to face her.

"but yes ma cherie, he is my twin brother. He has not shown you his best side yet. he does not mean to be foolish. You will soon see a much cleaner, sensible man and that is who he really is."

The Robin appeared calmed at this. Miss Maynard breathed a sigh of relief.

The calm was soon dispelled.

"Aargh! there's a snake in my bed!"

A man's voice wailed from a bedroom. Immature boyish laughter was heard.

"Rolf you little menace! Another prank! Wait till I..."

"Jack don't talk to Rolf like that!"

"Lydia if you would just keep your boy under control.."

"Nothing to do with the example his Uncle sets?"

"Maybe but you still need..."

"Jack leave Lydia and Rolf alone! I shall deal with it! Do you want to upset Dad and Mum?"

"Bob for goodness sake!"

"Rolf, apologise to Uncle Jack!"

"Rolfie!"

"Sorry Uncle Jack!"

Poor Mollie Senior buried her face in her hands. What was she to do with her dreadful family?

"Please do not worry Mrs Maynard. All families have their ups and downs. I would like to say what a pleasure it has been to know your daughter and what an outstanding mathematics teacher she is."

Madge's kind words washed away the embarrassment of the recent spectacle and Mollie Senior and her daughter glowed with appreciation.

"I am so looking forward to spending a few nights here and it is very kind of you to put us up. Robin has never been to England before have you Blumchen?"

As the conversation steered along more civilised lines, everyone relaxed. Mollie senior stiffened with reproach as an abject and woeful, but thankfully clean, son ambled across the lawn.

"Mother I am so very sorry for my entrance and i would like to apologise to everyone please."

Jack was so sincere in his apologies he was forgiven and he paid special attention to the guests, realising how frightening he must have seemed to the children.

"I like him. He has a certain silliness about him, but he's very like Maynie." Joey thought.

She wrote in her diary that night what she thought of her first encounter with Jack. he had appeared as a tramp and in order to defend he Robin, Joey had whacked him over the head with a branch; by the end of afternoon tea in the garden, she was seeing his funnier yet responsible side.
Author:  Lesley [ Mon Jan 11, 2010 6:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye updated 10/01/10
Considering how disreputable Jack is I wonder how he has the gall to be such a strict father? :lol:


Thanks Phil
Author:  jmc [ Mon Jan 11, 2010 6:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye updated 10/01/10
Interesting first meeting with Jack for Joey. Thanks Phil
Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Jan 11, 2010 12:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye updated 10/01/10
Lesley said
Quote:
Considering how disreputable Jack is I wonder how he has the gall to be such a strict father?

Is that why, because he does not want them to follow his example, and most definately does not want them to be like Rolf.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Jan 11, 2010 1:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye updated 10/01/10
What a brilliant introduction to Joey! Sets him up nicely for later life. :lol:

I love this already and can't wait for more soon, please? (How did I miss so much already?)
Author:  Phil [ Tue Jan 12, 2010 12:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye updated 10/01/10
Dinner was a most unpleasant affair. Jack was still feeling delicate and could barely eat any of the wonderful meal his mother had spent simply ages preparing. Normally he could eat a horse. John Senior and Bob glared at Jack with ferocity.

Even Madge Bettany was slowly but surely losing patience. It tok a lot to rile Madge and the end result was so terrifying you made sure it never happened again, but riled she was.

It was not Jack, but Rolf's appalling table manners that annoyed Madge. Joey and the Robin shot several worried looks at Madge. Joey noticed the long piercing icy stares.

"Oh please don't let Madge be in a bad mood! Oh help! Oh I know the signs! She's furious! Oh Madge darling I'm begging you! I hate it when you're angry!"

Joey started to shoot pleading looks at her sister.

Poor Joey was quaking in her shoes and not enjoying her lovely meal.

Another slurp from Rolf.

Madge was now simmering.

Slurp.

At this point the Robin accidentally burnt her mouth and ran crying from the room, Joey and Mollie in hot pursuit. Madge was totally wrong footed and distracted from her anger. She made her excuses and hurried from the room.

Bob turned on his son.

"Right young feller me lad! You are coming to your room with me now!"

"Owwww! Dad!!!!" wailed the brat who was about to get his just desserts.

On the way they passed the Robin who was clinging to a tearful Joey who was hugging on to Madge.

"Oh I knew we shouldn't have come back to England! All sorts of horrid things happen here! Please Madge don't be angry! Please!"

Madge truly felt awful. She had allowed herself to become annoyed (justifiably) but this had upset her dear sister and ward. She kissed and comforted them both. She knew Joey was quite right that once she was angry then all hell would break loose and it was all that wretched boy's fault!

It was as well that they were meeting Grizel tomorrow. That would take their minds off things. Madge took Joey and the Robin upstairs and put them to bed. As she drew the curtains she noticed some snails on the window ledge, but thought nothing of the molluscs.

Then she would have a word with that brat of a boy if her name wasn't Madge Bettany!

Grizel for her part was dearly wishing for tomorrow's meeting with Madame. She had been in floods of tears all evening. She had been allowed a rare break from Steppy and in town she slipped into the public gallery of the Crown Court to watch her father in a case. The nature of the case and what he had to say upset the girl deeply.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Jan 12, 2010 2:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 11th Jan update
Oh, dear, what's Mr Cochrane been saying? Now, that sounds like a part which will interest the Law student here!

Not, of course, that the rest is not interesting as well :lol: I feel sorry for Rolf, though, it's hardly his fault. I'd be quaking if Madge was that angry with me!

Thanks for the update.
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Jan 12, 2010 7:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 11th Jan update
The original snail incident is coming? Thanks for the update.
Author:  Phil [ Thu Jan 14, 2010 12:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 11th Jan update
As a snail one leaves a fairly mundane existance in the slow lane of life. There happened to be a window in the way of where two snails wanted to be as they set out on their travels.

"Not a problem. We'll just cross it."

Thought the snails (if they could).

mmmmrrrrrrppppp mmmmmrrrrrppppp mmmrrrrrrppppp mmmrrrp!

The Robin screamed.

mmmmmmrrrrppp mmmmrrrppp mmrrppp

Something was at the window, rubbing itself, perhaps it was a monster or a ghost!

"Au secours! Tante Guito!"

"Robin, Robinette!"

"Madge whatever is that horrid sound?"

Joey squealed as she hugged the shivering tearful Robin.

Joey had been reading a book of cautionary fairy tales before she went to sleep and her mind too was filled of ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night.

"Madge! Madge! Where are you?" wailed Joey as her sister burst in.

Madge ran to Joey and the Robin embracing them in a protective cacoon.

Jack, Mollie and Bob followed, the elder Maynards slowly emerging with Lydia holding a wriggling Rolf who was curios as to what the commotion was.

mmmrrrrppp mmmrrrpp mmmrrrrppp.

"Eeek! Help!"

"It's only snails! I had them on my window last night. We get a lot of them here!"

Rolf's comment caused a dead silence.

He had been about to make an unwise and foolish comment about girls being scared of little things; but such derisory comments were far from his mind after a painful lesson he had received from his Father which still hurt. he also noticed Madge's icy looks at him over dinner.

It appeared that Rolf had some common sense after all. he stopped his tongue just in time.

He wriggled his way past everyone.

"Rolf don't go near the window! Don't fall out!"

Everyone ignored Lydia.

Rolf drew back the curtains.

"See?"

The two snails continued their journey, totally unconcerned.

Laughter from all concerned.

"Now I feel like a complete ass!" wailed Joey.

Madge brought Joey and Robin to the window.

"Oooh I do not like them Tante Guito. Please take them away!"

"Oh I can do that!"

Rolf opened the window leaned out, despite Lydia's twitterings that he should not do such things, and he plucked both snails off.

The Robin still looked worried.

"The French says they are delicious. At school when we gave a shoe polish sandwich to our French teacher he made us eat snails and frogs' legs, they weren't bad."

Joey was about to retort that that sounded ideal food for such a vile boy, when the Robin relaxed and laughed.

"Ah yes I remember Maman talking about them. My mother was French Rolf."

"Well thank you Rolf for coming to the rescue! Now I suggest we all go back to bed. Goodness it's half past eleven!"

This from Madge. She could hear Lydia twittering about Rolf leaning out the window and Bob's exhausted replies contradicting her.

As she tucked The Robin and Joey in, she felt briefly sorry for Rolf. He just wasn't being brought up properly. There was a nice young man there waiting to get out of the brat.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye updated 14th Jan
Poor Rolf! At least he held his tongue - thanks!
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Jan 14, 2010 12:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye updated 14th Jan
Quote:
Madge...... As she tucked The Robin and Joey in, she felt briefly sorry for Rolf. He just wasn't being brought up properly. There was a nice young man there waiting to get out of the brat.


A pity Bob could not control Lydia, Rolf would have a chance then.
Author:  Phil [ Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye updated 14th Jan
"And be sure to thank Miss Bettany for taking you under her wing Grizel! Goodness knows how she manages with you! Now you may kiss me goodbye."

Grizel would much rather have kissed a saltwater crocodile. That particular reptile would have been much more friendly than "Steppy".

As soon as "Steppy" had gone, Grizel lashed out a booted foot at a brick wall in frustration. Oh when was that train going to arrive?

She yearned for Miss Bettany, she even yearned for the imaginative Joey and the frail Robin.

She knew she needed a shoulder to cry upon. She knew what she wanted to say to Madge.

She had slipped in to the public gallery to observe her father in his job.

Henry Cochrane KC had been the Prosecuting Counsel in a case of child neglect.

At first Grizel had been struck dumb at how powerful and handsome her father looked in his suit, wig and robes. his voice rang out loud and clear and as he was cross examining the defendants he kept looking to the jury as if to say, "Are you taking all tis in? it's all lies?"

He had been savage in his prosecution, the acid comments were so like Grizel's sarcastic put downs. Not an imaginative girl, Grizel was drinking in the whole theatre of the courtroom and adrenalin surged through her.

Then she concentrated on the case and her Father's words,

"And you never once saw fit to tell your daughter you loved her?"
"You just weren't interested in whether she was making friends at school?"
"You couldn't care less if your spouse hated your child!"
"Gentlemen of the jury! I ask you it is beyond belief that any parent in this day and age would treat their child so coldly and callously!"

This was no longer about her Father's good looks in his barrister's outfit, this was no longer about the drama involved in the legal process, Henry Cochrane in his prosecution had revealed problems that were close to Grizel's heart and touched a very raw nerve.

When did Father say he loved her?
Did he care about her school friendships?
Did he know or care that "Steppy" hated him?
Yes! Parents did treat their children coldly and in a callous way!

The worst of it was Henry Cochrane was guilty of all of those in relation to his daughter.

Grizel had only just escaped the public gallery before she was sick with despair and in hysterics.

At the memory of that dreadful moment, the train pulled in and the first thing Grizel did when she saw Madge alight from the train was run to her and hold on to her in floods of tears.
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Jan 14, 2010 11:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 15th Jan update
The barrenest of Grizel's life is really brought home in this paragraph
Quote:
When did Father say he loved her?
Did he care about her school friendships?
Did he know or care that "Steppy" hated him?
Yes! Parents did treat their children coldly and in a callous way!

No wonder she broke down in Madge's arms.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Jan 15, 2010 2:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 15th Jan update
Poor Grizel!
Author:  roversgirl [ Sat Jan 16, 2010 7:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 15th Jan update
poor grizel! i hope Madge can help her.
Author:  jmc [ Sat Jan 16, 2010 7:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 15th Jan update
Feeling very sorry for Grizel. Hope Madge can help her.
Author:  cal562301 [ Sat Jan 16, 2010 12:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 15th Jan update
Poor Grizel. Explains so much. Hope Madge can help her.
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Jan 16, 2010 5:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 15th Jan update
Poor Grizel - and I wonder at the insensitivity of her father that he didn't even appreciate the words he was saying. :banghead:


Thanks Phil
Author:  Phil [ Sun Jan 17, 2010 4:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 15th Jan update
The Bettany party had decanted to some tea rooms, where Joey and the Robin listened in sympathy.

Grizel swallowed the last of her buttered scone and sipped some tea. Madge eyed her carefully.

"Did you father see you in the public gallery Grizel?"

"No."

"You know you shouldn't really have been there don't you my dear?"

Grizel nodded. She had done wrong. She had slipped in behind a lady and gentleman and the lazy clerk had assumed she was their daughter. Grizel had also made herself look older so no questions were asked.

Madge decided against a complaint to the local court over slovenly clerks who let girls in without asking questions. She did this reluctantly, as to raise the issue would surely cause more trouble for Grizel and doubtless Henry Cochrane would hear of this. It would also provide a "hard lesson learnt" to the unhappy Grizel.

"It may also be that this case your father was working on is very different from your homelife and upbringing."

"Father doesn't love me."

"I know your Father and I know he regrets the fact he is worth so little in your eyes. He bears a heavy responsibility for that."

Madge knew Mr Cochrane had never got over the death of his first wife. Perhaps this was why he had farmed his daughter out to his mother and then got another wife solely to look after Grizel. maybe Grizel reminded him too much of his loss and as a result, he rejected her?

"He did look splendid in his suit and robes!"

Grizel said this in a rather pitiful tone of voice.

However, she was still deeply hurt.

Joey was sensitive to Grizel's pain, but she was dying to ask for details of the drama of being in a courtroom. She wanted to ask Madge if they coud go, but felt this was not appropriate.
Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Jan 17, 2010 7:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye updated 16th Jan
Thank you for Madge's gentle handling of Grizel.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Jan 17, 2010 8:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye updated 16th Jan
:lol: Typical Joey! Thankyou.
Author:  Phil [ Tue Jan 19, 2010 9:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye updated 16th Jan
The remainder of the day was spent in galleries, museums and parks. The Robin had waxed lyrical about Pretty Maids to Grizel.

"And then a scruffy, big, smelly man appeared and Joey hithim with a branch. She was protecting me. She thought he was a tramp. Bet you'll never guess who he really was!"

"Who?"

"Miss Maynard's twin brother!"

Grizel's eyes widened.

She was amused at the incident with the snails, Joey must have been out of her mind! She did not like the sound of this Rolf boy. If he thought he was better than her, well, just let him try and say that! Thought Grizel.

Grizel was to stay at Pretty Maids until the end of the holiday as Mr and Mrs Cochrane were on prior engagements. Her luggage had been sent on in advance and as they clambered wearily into the train carriages, Grizel reflected on the home life of her favourite teacher, Miss Maynard.

Rolf Maynard meanwhile, was confined to his room. He had been rude to the gardner. Mother was convinced it was the gardner's fault. Father thought otherwise. Rolf didn't mean to deliberately ruin the gardner's carefully manicured work on the lawn and flowerbeds with his football. No malice was intended. He just didn't realise that "no" meant "no". He had answered back and the gardner had quite rightly complained, that he was unable to do his job with such interference.

It always seemed to be this way. Mother would take his side and father, whenever he reappeared from the army, would say Rolf was in the wrong. Rolf missed his perpetually absent father a great deal. Every time they eventually met, there always appeared to be an outsize of rows. Grandfather was very good to talk to, so was grandmother, father had said not to worry them. Then there was Uncle Jack; always so mischievous and being scolded even at his age. He was fantastically clever and could be a good listener; but even he told Rolf off occasionally.

Only mother would stand up for him.

He fancied a walk on the clifftops.
Author:  PaulineS [ Tue Jan 19, 2010 10:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 20/01/10 update
Poor Rolf the following is chilling
Quote:
Only mother would stand up for him.

He fancied a walk on the clifftops.


He is so mixed up. A pity he does not have consistant treatment.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Jan 20, 2010 11:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 20/01/10 update
Poor, poor Rolf - I just hope that he doesn't cross Grizel!
Author:  Phil [ Thu Jan 21, 2010 12:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 20/01/10 update
The wind howled into Rolf's face, toussling his fair hair. Not too close to the cliffs. He knew they were dangerous, but sometimes curiosity and confidence got the better of him.

He thought about lots of ambitions he had: being a pilot, or a sailor. Something to do with exploration? He would love to go on a submarine!

"Rolf! Here you are, you naughty boy! How dare you go off without telling anyone? we've been worried sick about you! i've told you before about these cliffs! They are out of bounds! If your father were here..."

Rolf rolled his eyes as he listened to his scolding Aunt.

"Don't roll your eyes at me, young man!"

A smack on the leg brought Rolf to his senses.

Auntie Mollie meant business.

"I'm sorry Auntie Mollie! But Mummy says I can go where I like, she says I am a young man now."

Mollie was aghast! Poor Bob and family saying one thing and Lydia another. It was enough to drive you mad!

"Rolf! Listen! We are not treating you like a baby! I would tell my employer Miss Bettany not to walk on these clifftops; she would have the common sense to realise that anyway, but it is irresponsible not to advise people of danger.

You will be going to school next term and you will soon find out the importance of rules. They are there to protect you! Unfortunately your Uncle will be unable to help keep an eye on you. He has a job in Austria near me now. You have some growing up to do!"

Rolf was marched back home.

Mollie made him apologise to all for the distress he had caused. Lydia tried to downplay it

"It doesn't matter Rolfie dear.."

"Lydia, it does! This boy is my nephew and he has no concept of danger thanks to you!"

"How dare you insult me..."

Lydia began a stream of vindictive, spiteful invective.

Into this storm, Madge Bettany returned with Joey, the Robin and Grizel.
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Jan 21, 2010 6:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye update 21 Jan 10
Lydia should be shot! :devil:
Author:  jmc [ Thu Jan 21, 2010 9:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye update 21 Jan 10
Poor Rolf didn't have much of a chance did he with a mother like Lydia.

Thanks Phil
Author:  PaulineS [ Thu Jan 21, 2010 11:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye update 21 Jan 10
Lydia is a danger to Rolf and unpleasent to be near to others. :evil: :evil: :devil: :evil: :evil: :evil:
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Jan 21, 2010 2:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye update 21 Jan 10
Oh, dear! What a first impression for Grizel - who is a stormy petrel at the best of times!
Author:  Phil [ Sat Jan 30, 2010 12:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye update 21 Jan 10
Rolf knew he could not bear the rows any longer. He hated home life, he knew he would hate school and he hated himself. He always seemed to be in the wrong about something. He loved his family, but they seemed to be ganging up on his beloved mother. He had nobody of his age to talk to, there were no boys he could go and play football with.

He stormed out of the room, tears of frustration and despair rolling down his face.

"Now see what you have done!" seemed to chorus from the room.

Madge gave a little pretend cough to inform everyone that company was present.

"We seem to be intruding?"

Madge meant this question to have the effect of calming everyone down. It did. Even for Lydia.

"Miss Bettany, I am so sorry!"

"Madame! I can't begin to apologise enough!"

Madge waved aside the apologies and was pleased to focus the conversation elsewhere; she did resolve to speak to the troubled boy. She would have some tough things to say to that young man as well as some gentle things.

She spoke of what her party had been up to during the day and was about to introduce Grizel when she noticed the girl was missing.

"Grizel?"

Madge looked at Joey enquiringly, who hungonto the Robin for comfort.

"She went after Rolf! I think she wanted to help Madge! I think she can understand his feelings of frustration."

Perceptive Joey had hit the nail on the head and Grizel had pursued the unhappy Rolf to his room.

"I don't want some strange girl interfering with my little boy!" shrieked Lydia.

Madge gave her a quelling look. Grizel's heart was in the right place and she did have vague flashes of responsibility from time to time; she might be able to help Rolf. They both had the same pent up frustration.

"Rolf is not so little Lydia." was Madge's only comment as she went up to Rolf's room.

It was locked.

Silence reigned inside.

"Grizel, are you in there?"

"Yes Madame."

"Are you with Rolf?"

"Yes Madame, but I want to help! Shall I unlock the door?"

"I would prefer that!" There was a certain tone in Madge's voice.

The door was unlocked with alacrity.

Both Grizel and Rolf looked a little flushed.

Madge looked keenly at the pair. She took the key away.

"We are all downstairs if you need any help."

Grizel turned to Rolf, who eyed her warily. What was this strange girl doing?
Author:  cal562301 [ Sat Jan 30, 2010 12:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 30th Jan 2010 update
Well, that's not a very conventional approach, but I hope it works!

I doubt whether Madge would have left Rolf and Grizel together, if she had known what had really gone on.

Thanks for the update.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Jan 30, 2010 3:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 30th Jan 2010 update
:shock: A slightly different way of dealing with things! I hope that she can help, though. Thankyou.
Author:  Phil [ Wed Feb 03, 2010 10:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 30th Jan 2010 update
Rolf and Grizel came out calmly after ten minutes.

Madge Bettany was there waiting for them.

"I had to be sure nothing would happen."

Grizel nodded. "Yes Madame."

"Well?" asked Miss Bettany.

"Grizel has been telling me about her own trouble with anger and frustration."

Rolf's voice wavered.

"I find it a relief to know I am not the only one who has this pain."

"I had a feeling Grizel may be able to help you."

Both Grizel and Rolf nodded.

"And now, I would like a little word with you Rolf, alone!"

Madge's voice was so soothing, Rolf allowed himself to be led into his room again.

"There's a good young man inside there with a strong character; who just needs to be allowed out.

I'm sure you are sick and tired of people telling you to 'grow up' you must be aware of that."

Rolf nodded.

"I'm sure you know what things like proper table manners are for example!"

Rolf nodded.

Gently Madge said, "You know right from wrong Rolf! ry to hold on to the good things your family tell you and don't carry on their battles for them. Learn from the good advice Rolf, that's all I want to say. I can see you are a bright young man with a good heart. I look forward to hearing more from that bright young man for many years to come!"

Rolf felt comforted. Yes, it was time to mature. Time to realise himself and not be a baby. Something about Miss Bettany and that tough girl Grizel made him trust them.

The remaining days of the holiday saw leaps and strides by the young man Rolf as the spoilt boy disappeared. There were still occasional flashes of disobedience, but you could almost see the internal struggle within him.

Grizel would often take him by the hand and walk in the garden with him. Would Madame allow her to write to him she wondered? She hoped she could have a future friendship with Rolf.

It was heartbreaking for him to see them disappear back to Austria and that his beloved Uncle Jack was going out there too. Auntie Mollie would be off to New Zealand soon!

It was a week after the Bettany party had departed that Rolf had an almighty row with his mother.

It was over something so silly.

Just a lost dog lead.

That was all.

"You care more about dog leads than you do me!"

"Rolfie that's not true! Where are you going?"

"For a walk! I've got my first day at school tomorrow! I might as well have a last run around before going to the prison you are sending me too!"

"Rolf Maynard, you come back here and find that dog lead! Rolf! Rolf! You are not going for a walk!"

Lydia's attempt to discipline her son now that Jack, Mollie and the Bettanys had gone was not going to work overnight. Rolf had only ever known his mother give in to his demands. He was NOT going to look for that dog lead!

He stormed off.

"Rolf Maynard! Come back here! You have been told not to walk down there! Rolf! Rolf! ROLF!"

Rolf was about to scream that, "You don't love me anymore, I hate you!"

When he fell.

He heard a scream.

It was his own and that of his mother.

He loved his mother. He loved his father, his uncle, aunt, grandparents, he loved Grizel.

The cruel force of nature hurtled him to his death. he was powerless and terrified and it was all over in seconds.

He lay motionless at the bottom of the cliff, his mother screaming hysterically from above.

A husband and wife ran to her aid and realised with horror what had happened.

Some fishermen down below ran to Rolf's body, looked up and shook their heads.

-------------------

A phone rang at the Sonnalpe Sanatorium.

Dr Jem Russell picked it up not knowing he was about to deliver the worst day of his life to his new staff member, Dr Jack Maynard.
Author:  Liz K [ Thu Feb 04, 2010 6:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 03/02/10 UPDATE
:shock: O.M.G. :shock:

:cry:
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Feb 04, 2010 6:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 03/02/10 UPDATE
That's so sad - especially when he was trying.


Thanks Phil
Author:  shazwales [ Thu Feb 04, 2010 6:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 03/02/10 UPDATE
Wow! Thanks for the update.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Feb 04, 2010 12:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 03/02/10 UPDATE
:shock: :cry: What an awful thing to happen!
Author:  Phil [ Thu Feb 04, 2010 6:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 03/02/10 UPDATE
"Dr Russell? My name's Maynard, Major Bob Maynard I am Jack's lder brother. Please may I speak with him? it's urgent, we've had a bereavement here, his nephew, my son..."

Jem could detect the older man on the phone was crying.

Jem hurried out of his office and located Jack Maynard in the pathology lab.

"Jack...phone call from your brother...my office."

Jem's face was drained of all colour.

Jack was mystified. He looked at his boss with curiosity.

"I'm so sorry Jack, I am so sorry."

Something clicked in Jack's head and a look of horror took hold on his face.

Jem stumbled out after him as he sped upstairs to the office.

"Bob, is it mother or father....ROLF? An accident? No....No....I shall tell her...we are coming out to you now."

Tears ran down his face which was now as white as a sheet.

"Dr Russell, Jem.. My nephew is dead...I must tell Mollie..I must go to my family...please."

Jem shook his head.

"You don't have to ask Jack, my boy. You must go. I shall phone the school and get Madge to give Mollie some compassionate leave. I am sure she will agree."

Jack nodded.

"Is there anything else I can do for you? Do you need to talk?"

"I just want Mollie. I want Mollie...I want..."

Jem supported the young man to a chair whilst he made a call to Miss Bettany.

--------------------------------

"Dr Russell! To what do I owe this pleasure? nothing is wrong is it?"

Madge had answered the phone.

"Yes, of course, I shall tell her immediately and thank you Dr Russell."

---------------------------------

Mollie Maynard was pulled out of her lesson with the upper school, Nell Wilson took over.

"Whatever's wrong?" Mollie queried.

"I am afraid your nephew Rolf died as a result of an accident. Dr Russell is bringing your brother down from the San. You may both take the first train you can. Take as much time off as you want Mollie."

Madge had prepared everything; a testament to her caring nature.

"I am so sorry Mollie. He had a lot of good in him!"

"How did he die Madge?"

"Apparently he had some argument with his mother and he went for a walk along..."

"Along the clifftops?" Mollie finished, she could not keep the emotion out of her voice and torrents of tears ran down her face.

Madge nodded.

The cliff path Rolf had so often been warned about and which he had been so fascinated by, was his undoing.

--------------------------------

The Maynard's GP looked around him with displeasure. He had been with the family for years, encouraged Jack to take up medicine and known Rolf since he was a baby. Now that baby had died.

The boy had been an obnoxious, spolit brat, but there was all the goodness of the Maynards in him just waiting to escape.

Dr Willis had never been impressed by Lydia.

She had pampered the boy and shown him no clear boundaries. Disobedience had become an art form for him.

"My poor baby! My boy! My boy! My boy!" sobbed Lydia.

Irritated, Dr Willis lost his reason and snapped back,

"If you had taught him the true value of obedience, none of this would have happened!"

A pause.

"I'm sorry Mrs Maynard."

"Get out! How dare you! How dare you! get out at once! get out!"

Dr Willis fled.

-------------------------------

As soon as Jack and Mollie saw each other at the station, they ran to each other and held themselves in an embrace of tears.

"Oh Jack, why? He had so much to give! he was only a boy!"

"We must go home, we must go."

Brief farewells were said to Madge Bettany and Dr Russell who watched the train depart in a stony silence.

Jem escorted Madge back to a curious Joey and Robin.

"Madge! Your face is as white as a sheet! What's happened?"

"Madge! Is it Dick? Has something happened to Dick?"

"I had to send Miss Maynard away."

"Madge you haven't dismissed her have you?"

Joey was shocked.

Madge shook her head a brief smile at Joey's exclamation broke her saddened visage.

"No. Joey there has been an accident at Pretty Maids. Rolf Maynard, Miss Maynard's nephew, he is dead. He fell off a cliff. It was an accident. Miss Maynard and her brother Dr Maynard are flying back to England tonight."

"Oh poor Maynie! Oh Madge I am so sorry!"

"I too am sorry Tante Guito. I shall pray for Rolf, Mlle Maynard and all her family."

Madge hugged and kissed the Robin.

"That's all we can do my little Angel."

"But yes, and we must pray for Grizel too!"

"Grizel?" queried Joey.

"But yes, she was becoming most amiable with Master Maynard. Did you not notice over the holidays?"

Perceptive Robin had noticed something Joey had not.

Madge got up and sent orders for Grizel to be summoned.
Author:  Lesley [ Thu Feb 04, 2010 8:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye updated 4th Feb 2010
How terrible - and that GP should hand in his shingle - horrendous way to act toward a grieving mother. :evil:


Thanks Phil
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Feb 05, 2010 9:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye updated 4th Feb 2010
Poor Grizel. I hope that she doesn't take the news too badly.
Author:  JellySheep [ Fri Feb 05, 2010 9:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye updated 4th Feb 2010
What's "hand in his shingle"? This is a good story. Feeling sorry for Grizel.
Author:  Phil [ Fri Feb 05, 2010 8:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye updated 4th Feb 2010
Grizel considered her life. She knew that the Chalet School would one day end for her. All good things come to an end.

She considered her lonely prospects in England.

During her brief ten minutes with Rolf she had told him she could for the first time in her life empathise with somebody. This was a revelation to her! She didn't do empathy. She understood anger and pain, but that there were good people like Madame to lead you to be a better person.

Rolf had never had anybody say, "I understand" to him before.

He had even hugged Grizel in relief.

She had cheered him up with a few jokes and he had replied in kind.

All his troubles had flown away and they both exited his room to meet Madge.

Grizel smiled to herself as they ad spent the last few days talking about the most silly and inconsequential things in the garden of Pretty Maids.

She could see a keen intelligence and adventurous spirit. If they were allowed to be friends, maybe he would make life tolerable for her in England in the near future?

"Grizel!"

Grizel groaned. It was Joey. What did she want now? Grizel had no mood to be press ganged into another sing a long or writing competition. Besides, she would only have to endure the evil looks of Simone who guarded Joey jealously.

"Grizel!"

Grizel pretended to be invisible; very difficult with a determined Joey after you.

"Grizel! I wonder if she has fallen down a rabbit hole like in 'Alice in Wonderland'? It would do wonders for her lack of imagination if she did!"

Joey sniggered to herself.

"Allright I'm here!" fumed Grizel crossly.

Grizel tried to maintain a superior air, as she was Joey's elder.

Annoyingly it never worked.

"Madge wants to see you. It's urgent."

Grizel frowned. Was this another rag of Joey's?

Grizel nearly recoiled in shock at the look in Joey's eyes.

The younger girl was deadly serious and her eyes had a look that something absolutely terrible had happened.

Madge hoped that Grizel would take the news stoically, she knew the girl was fond of Rolf and must be told, but they had only known each other a few days, so she hoped Grizel had not formed any attachment to him. It was unlikely and would be out of character for Grizel.

Grizel knocked on the door, was bidden to enter and performed a neat customary curtsey when she did so.

"Joey sent me to see you Madame."

Madge nodded.

"I have some bad news Grizel my dear. Come and sit down next to me on the sofa."

Grizel was really puzzled now.

"You remember that boy Rolf, whom we met at Miss Maynard's home, Pretty Maids?"

"Oh yes!"

Grizel's face lit up, but she saw the gravity in Madge's eyes and remembered Joey's own expression. Madge had also specified "bad" news.
Author:  Liz K [ Fri Feb 05, 2010 8:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 5th Feb update!
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear!

:shock: :cry: :(
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Fri Feb 05, 2010 9:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 5th Feb update!
Oh dear, Madge has underestimated this one!
Author:  Liz K [ Fri Feb 05, 2010 9:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 5th Feb update!
But then how was she to know?

Poor Grizel's probably thinking "foiled again, in my life!"
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Feb 06, 2010 5:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 5th Feb update!
Poor Grizel - another blow to crush her spirit.

'Hand in his shingle' - me probably being influenced by something I read recently - not even sure if it applies in UK as it was an American author :roll: - doctors would hang out a shingle (notice) when starting in a new town and ready to start seeing people. Could also apply to lawyers.


Thanks Phil
Author:  Phil [ Sat Feb 06, 2010 9:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 5th Feb update!
"I know you and Rolf were becoming friends Grizel, but I have to tell you that there has been an accident. Rolf went for a walk along the cliffs near Pretty Maids. He fell to his death my dear. It was only an accident. I'm so sorry. It must have been over very quickly."

Madge expected the odd tear or Grizel to struggle against any tears with a gulp of her throat; but she was shocked to see Grizel's eyes stare at her in wide eyed disbelief and a torrent of tears flooding down her face.

"No Madame, say it isn't true, I beg you."

"I'm afraid it is."

"We were friends! For once in my life I could feel what somebody else was going through; I could talk to him and he could talk to me! Oh Madame, why him? Why?"

Grizel was now sobbing into her handkerchief.

"I...I...I..."

Madge was shocked and edged towards the telephone with a view to calling Dr Russell.

"I loved him Madame!"

Madge wondered whether to quiz Grizel as to whether the girl knew what love really was. She was far too young to be involved in that. She didn't consider that Grizel might have secret feelings that were so well hidden even Grizel forgot she had them.

Then again, Madge thought, with the lack of love from her father and step mother, perhaps Grizel was looking for love and looking for it now through any outlet she could find.

Grizel's stormy reaction appeared to be subsiding just as Madge was reaching for the telephone.

"Grizel, listen to me. Although you had a special bond with Rolf, do you think you would have been allowed to see each other? And what if Rolf met other girls? I know life has thrown you a hard deal, but things do get better, you learn to cope with them, you learn to be strict with yourself and able to cope with all sorts of misfortunes. There's plenty of time for love later on. Enjoy your youth for the time being. There are other things to enjoy. Remember there are others here who are fond of you: Juliet for one."

Grizel nodded.

"Madame, please don't..."

"Yes?"

"Please don't tell Joey you saw me crying like this?"

Madge smiled. Of course not. As Headmistress of the Chalet School she could not divulge everything to her inquisitive little sister.

It was sheer bad chance that Joey was in the next room on an errand for Mademoiselle and could quite clearly hear Grizel ask this of Madge.

Joey loved her sister and if Madge did not want her to know, then she would not let on to Grizel or Madge that she did. She hurried away before she could overhear anything else, respecting Grizel's right to privacy.

"Poor Miss Maynard Madame!"

Madge nodded. At least Grizel was focussing on somebody else.

"You could write her a short letter of condolence. I know she would like that."

"Joey might like to write something as well, Madame! We could do this together!"

Madge nodded happily.

"Then wash your face, and get your writing materials together. I shall get Joey to write a letter too."

Grizel sped to her locker where she kept her writing paper and pen.

As she rummaged through her possessions she saw something that reminded her of someone else she had loved from afar.

It was her collection of cigarette cards of the young, dashing, Prince of Wales. She remembered when she had initiated the Hobbies Club how all the girls had brought out little collections of their own. This had been her contribution.

She felt a sudden scorn for them. Silly girlish dreams! As if handsome Princes really exist! Pah! There was never going to be a handsome Prince for Grizel Cochrane and she knew it! Fairytale romances! Hah! leave that to Joey! It never happens in the real world!

She was about to hurl the cigarette cards down the length of the corridor into the bin at the far end, when she saw Kitty Burnett approach.

Kitty eyed the senior girl warily. She looked as if she were in one of her moods. She would simply get her reading book and run back to her friends as quickly as possible. She wouldn't even speak to Grizel. It would not be a wise move. Even Kitty new that!

But Grizel's eyes were on Kitty, she remembered Kit had a similar collection of cigarette cards given to her by her own father. Kitty was susceptible to dreams of Princes, Princesses and Palaces and she had been very impressed by Grizel's collection. Grizel knew this.

"Kitty! Kitty Burnett! Come here Kit!"

Kitty's heart nearly missed a beat, a chill went down her spine and er blood ran cold. her hair prickled on the back of her neck and she slowly sunk into despair. Now what was she going to be hanged for by the big girl?

For once Grizel was smiling. Oh dear was this some terrible cruel punishment for some imagined slight? Then there was her big sister Mary who would no doubt kill her for annoying Grizel. Was there nothing a little girl could do where she didn't bring down the wrath of big sisters and their friends?

"You like cigarette cards of the Royal Family don't you Kit? Do you still collect them?"

Kitty nodded.

"I am having a spring clean and I want to start collecting something else. Would you like to have these?"

Grizel could see that she would indeed, but Kitty appeared reticent.

"Don't worry, I shall tell Mary, so she won't think you have just taken them from me. I mean it Kitty, I am quite happy to let you have them, I really don't need them anymore."

Grizel really didn't want them. It was her way of turning her back on any thoughts of love she entertained.

Grizel bent down to Kitty's level and put a reassuring arm around her. Kitty allowed Grizel to put the cards in her hand.

"Thank you Grizel. That's very kind of you." she croaked.

Grizel smiled at the astonished junior, making a mental note to tell Mary of the gift as she knew Kit was absolutely petrified of her older sister. Grizel reflected that she too would probably be a beast if she were an older sister.

She wouldn't be any good with a sister, maybe a brother? She had had a good friendly relationship in Taverton with the young Trevanion boys, before Steppy had banned her from seeing them; and Rolf she felt was a most eligible...

She felt a stab of pain.

Rolf.

She had to put aside her desires for love. It only meant getting hurt.
Author:  Lesley [ Sat Feb 06, 2010 9:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye update 6th Feb
(((((Grizel))))) :cry:
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Feb 06, 2010 10:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye update 6th Feb
What a horrible but natural way of thinking about things.
Author:  cal562301 [ Sat Feb 06, 2010 12:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye update 6th Feb
(((((((((Grizel))))))))))))) It certainly explains the way she was later.

I don't think Madge handled her very sensitively, dismissing her feelings for Rolf so lightly.

Thanks Phil. Looking forward to more of this.
Author:  shesings [ Sat Feb 06, 2010 1:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye update 6th Feb
(((((Grizel)))) and I agree Madge came in there with all the delicacy and finesse of a rabid polecat!
Author:  Phil [ Sat Feb 06, 2010 11:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye update 6th Feb
Jack Maynard had seen the body.

An eerie silence gripped Pretty Maids and the air was thick with tension.

Jack sadly walked from the room where Rolf's coffin was and where he had been made up to look so peaceful.

Jack never expected this. He expected Rolf to become a fine young man one day.

He caught sight of his reflection on a wall. The Jack Maynard of his reflection was haggard and appeared to have aged twenty years.
Mollie approached him, eyes red with crying.

"Jack, Bob cannot stop crying, neither can mother or father. Lydia is still sobbing in Rolf's room refusing to have anything to do with anyone. Oh Jack! It seems as if it is the end of the world!"

Mollie broke down in Jack's arms and Jack's face was soon wet with tears. Death within the family was horrific, but the death of a child...

Jack steered his twin to the outside and a favourite part of the garden they had used as youngsters.

If only Rolf had been taught to follow instructions!

"Should I cancel my wedding do you think?"

"No Mollie! You musn't do that!" Jack implored his sister.

Jack swore he would never repeat the mistakes which led to poor, tragic Rolf's character flaws and his ultimate end.

No member of the Maynard family ever approached the path to the cliffs again.

Jack did want children but he promised himself that there would be strict rules; very strict rules to follow.

The funeral went quietly by and Rolf was buried in the Church grounds.

Jack and the family could not bear to look at the headstone:

ROLF ROBERT MAYNARD

1920 - 1933

Much loved son, grandson, nephew

Rest in Peace

You are in the Lord's hands now

Jack had had to do all the administrative work: his father was too old for it and Bob had to comfort Lydia. It was Jack who had to organise the funeral, interrment, headstone and death certificate. It was Jack who had to go to the school and inform them that his nephew would no longer be coming. The Headmaster looked shocked at the tragedy which had befallen the Maynards.

By the time compassionate leave was up for Jack and Mollie he was ready to collapse and Jem prescribed some sick leave for him.

He would go to visit Mollie to see how she was. He was happy to see so many happy children in the Tirol and the emphasis of obedience at the Chalet School.

Recovery for all the Maynards was slow.

Lydia could no longer bear to be at Pretty Maids (she had disliked it anyway) and badgered Bob to take up residence at his barracks in Chelsea where she could join him. Jack and Mollie became immersed in their jobs and the poor Maynard grandparents were rather left to cope on their own, despite frequent visits from Bob.

They yearned for the day Mollie and Jack would have children.

On her return Mollie was presented with flowers and letters of condolence. Grizel presented hers separately. Mollie Maynard saw the tears in her eyes and new at once.

"He meant a lot to you, didn't he my dear?"

Grizel's expression betrayed her true feelings for Rolf, but she answered,
"Nothing more than a silly schoolgirl's crush Miss Maynard. The main thing is that we are thinking of you."

Grizel broke down. Mollie Maynard knew what Grizel was thinking and quite simply hugged her. No words could help. Nevertheless she did whisper,

"He felt the same way too Grizel. He had never behaved like that before with anyone. I know he loved you too."

Mollie managed to get Grizel excused from lessons and took time to grieve with the girl who had lost her first boyfriend.
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Feb 07, 2010 8:40 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 7th Feb update
Lovely Mollie - at least she could see just how much it has affected Grizel - makes the fact she will be leaving in only a few years even more sad.


The death of a child tends to either bring families closer or tears them apart - seems that it's the latter with the Maynards. And here you can see why Jack was so strict - and the reason he was so angry with Mike. :cry:


Thanks Phil.
Author:  cal562301 [ Sun Feb 07, 2010 10:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 7th Feb update
Loved Mollie in the scene with Grizel. At least she tried to understand.

How tragic for the whole family. Explains some of Jack's later attitudes too.

Feel sorry for the grandparents, who seem to have been left in the background. Having lost a young nephew myself, I empathise with those who grieve on the periphery. Their needs tend to be forgotten in the necessary focus on the immediate family.
Author:  Phil [ Sun Feb 07, 2010 10:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 7th Feb update
It was only in later years, when Joey realised that her future lay with Jack that Joey really thought about Rolf. On Mollie's return to the Chalet School, she had been sorry the boy met an untimely end, but what could she do? Her first impressions of him were bad she admitted, but these soon changed.

She too would lay stress upon obedience to any children of hers. In that she was in total agreement with Jack.

Secretly she dreaded any return to Pretty Maids. Just the thought of Rolf's terrible death from those cliffs!

On fleeing from the continent and then the Channel Isles, they had briefly visited Pretty Maids. Joey found the house dark and oppressive now. Jack could tell she did not like it. Even he felt there was a certain emptiness about it.

Joey wanted to be home, with her sister and the school! Her baby triplets enjoyed the attentions of their grandparents and their uncle, Bob.

Jack and Joey felt moved when on their first sight of the new baby Maynards, Bob and Mr and Mrs Maynard Senior burst into tears of joy.

Lydia was in London. She knew of the Maynard triplets and had pleaded with Bob for her not to come down from London. The lack of her own baby, who would no doubt have children of his own by now, was too distressing for the lady and she sank into a deep depression.

Joey felt guilty when it was time to leave as she gathered her three bundles of joy up from their grandparents and uncle. She couldn't bear to look at Mrs Maynard Senior as she took a sleeping Con from her. Joey did not want to see the old woman's pain as she had to let go of her grand daughter.

The Senior Maynards knew Joey no longer liked Pretty Maids and that it would only be on rare occasions that Jack and Joey would visit. Then there was the war. Bob and Jack had been called up. They could be lost as well. Then there was Mollie, far away in New Zealand and they had not met her babies yet.

For the once jolly Maynards, family life now seemed to be a tragedy.

Mrs Maynard Senior passed away peacefully in her sleep. Grief stricken Mr Maynard Senior followed a fortnight later. Major Bob Maynard died of his wounds and for a terrible while it seemed that Jack Maynard was lost at sea, missing, presumed dead.

Jack had resurfaced. Those terrible moments when he was in the sea, nobody around, no ship in sight, his head bleeding profusely and his realisation that his hour had come, all brought Rolf's death to his mind and he gave way to despair, he would soon be overcome by the watery force of nature as Rolf was left to the cruel force of gravity as he fell to his death. Jack's dying thoughts were for his wife and babies. Jack never knew of the Sumatran fishing vessel which found him quite by chance and saved his life, until he was conscious again.

It was many years later that Rolf would be talked about so openly.

-------------------------------------------------------

"Stephen, it's in one of my boxes in the attic! Can you get it down please? There's a good boy."

"Is it the red one Dad?"

"I think so."

CRASH! Stephen missed his footing and came tumbling down the attic stairs, his father's papers flying around him. Dazed, he got up and was picking up the papers just as his father and assorted family members were coming to see what the fuss was about.

A certificate caught his eye, Stephen stared at it in horror and his blood ran cold.

Certificate of Death

ROLF ROBERT MAYNARD

date of birth 6th May 1920
date of death 14th April 1933

cause of death multiple injuries sustained from fall from cliff

verdict accidental death

Stephen was aware of his father looking at him.
Author:  Liz K [ Sun Feb 07, 2010 11:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 7th Feb update X2
:shock: Oh my! :shock:

Is this the end of this drabble, or will there be more please? TY.
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Feb 07, 2010 2:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 7th Feb update X2
Oh my indeed!
Author:  Phil [ Sun Feb 07, 2010 10:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 7th Feb update X2
Margot's eyes widened as she peered over her brother's shoulder.

"Steve, that will upset Dad..."

She made a move to grab the certificate, but Jack made a motion for her to stop.

"No Margot, thank you for your concern. It's just a shock to see it again. You see I quite forgot that when I sold Pretty Maids I took all the family papers including that of your late uncle Bob.

I have never really talked to you about your cousin, but he seems to have jumped into our lives. These are all the papers and photos of him. Look Margot, there's a photo of him just by your foot. Let's pick these things up and go to the Speisesaal."

With one accord, Jack's children picked up the family papers and photos and took them to the Speisesaal to hear more of their late mysterious cousin. Jack's original errand to find his medical school certificates was quite forgotten.

The Maynard children assembled as an attentive audience. When Papa had something to say, it was worth listening to him. Jack sat in his chair and looked at the eyes of his children staring with interest and affection at him.

"Do I ever tell you that I love you? All of you? Well I do. It is so hard to be a good parent. Most of the time you end up saying 'no' to your children even when they are in their late teens. I am sure you know what I mean.

Unfortunately, your Aunt Lydia, who was Rolf's mother, hated to say 'no' to the child she loved. He became wilful and uncle Bob decided to move his family from London to Pretty Maids where your grandparents might have a more appropriate approach.

It didn't work and Rolf became torn apart. He grew to be disobedient and shortly after your mother visited Pretty Maids with Auntie Madge and Auntie Rob, Rolf had a blazing row with Auntie Lydia and went where he had been told not to on a dangerous footpath on top of some unsafe cliffs. He fell to his death."

Jack passed around photographs of the boy, including Rolf's death certificate. The Maynard children were shocked. This was their whole cousin's life: all in this one box. It was very sad. They also saw the melancholic look in their Father's face. His younger children clambered upon him to comfort him.

Mike huddled himself at the foot of the sofa where his brothers sat. He held the death certificate in his hands. Tears automatically rolled down his cheeks. A lot of things were becoming very clear in his head. In his mind's eye he saw the name change to that of his mother's and that of his own. He was unaware of the silence around him and that his siblings and father were all staring at him with concern.

Jack called gently to him,

"Mike, Mike, Mike, it was all over a long time ago. I know what you are thinking about...now come to me, come to Papa.

Mike allowed Con to take the certificate from his hand, he allowed Margot to lift him to his feet and he allowed Len to lead him to his father.

He held on to his father tightly.

"It's all over, it's all over, it's all over."

"There's something else."

croaked the boy.

Mike pointed to the funeral service sheet which Con had.

"The school took us on a trip to that Church last Summer, something about a rare Saxon Church or something, one of my friends said there was a grave with my name on it. I looked at it and it was Rolf's grave Papa! I didn't make the connection until now! Really I didn't! And then the time I made Mama ill..."

"Sh sh sh I can't have you upset like this! Your mother will think I have been terrorising you, come on!"

Mike controlled himself valiantly and seated between Len and Steve he soon recovered.

Jack went on to talk about the good side to Rolf, the sense of humour, the sense of honour and fair play and his ambitions to be an explorer.

"He was always ready to help, a litte restless perhaps, he couldn't sit still! A bit like some of you!"

Jack laughed.

"You know it's all part of being a Maynard! there's plenty of things you lot have done that I am sure Rolf would have done! He's with God now and he has his grandparents and his father with him too! I am sure they are looking down on us every day and every night."

Jack was touched that night as all his children mentioned cousin Rolf in their prayers.

He put the papers back in order, and was just about to put the last photograph away, when he paused. Rolf's photo should be out with the rest of the family! Why hadn't he done that before?

Jack found an old picture frame of a suitable size and went to the display table where he and Joey kept all the family photographs. There was one of himself, Bob and Mollie. Jack smiled as he remembered the day that photo was taken. He moved the photo of Col and Mrs Bettany aside and made a space for Rolf. The young carefree countenance of the thirteen year old (his last ever taken) smiled out at his uncle.

Jack smiled back.

"Good night Rolf, God Bless You Lad."

-----------------------------------------------

Jack was to realise what Rolf meant to Grizel when she chose to visit the next day.
Author:  Lesley [ Sun Feb 07, 2010 10:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 7th / 8th Feb updated
About time Jack - but well done. :cry:


Thanks Phil
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Mon Feb 08, 2010 5:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 7th / 8th Feb updated
I can understand why Jack struggled to talk about it. My older sister died 40 years ago and my parents rarely discuss it and they don't have a photo up. For some it's too hard and for others it easier not to. Glad though the kids can know what happen to understand why their father has been so strict over the years

Thanks Phil
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Feb 08, 2010 11:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 7th / 8th Feb updated
What a lovely update. Thankyou.
Author:  Phil [ Mon Feb 08, 2010 8:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye 7th / 8th Feb updated
Grizel Sheppard made her way to the Speisesaal where she was met by a giggling Joey who seemed to be tickling Bruno.

"Grizel my love! Do sit down, Bruno say 'hello' good boy!"

Bruno made his way to Grizel where he was greeted with prompt affection.

He plumped his St Bernard weight upon Grizel's feet and she pulled her ankles out from under her.

Joey laughed and went to organise more coffee and cakes.

Something caught Grizel's eye on the family photo table. Was that a new photograph? A picture of Stephen? It looked like Stephen. A handsome boy in his early teens. She picked up the photograph.

She recognised the boy.

"Rolf! Oh you poor darling! If only..."

Grizel held the photograph to her chest and tried in vain to force down the tears.

She heard Joey coming back.

Startled , she put the photo down and ran to wash her face.

Joey rolled her eyes at the absent visitor. Well, at least she wouldn't have run off up the Tiernjoch. Well, you never know...Joey eyed the Jungfrau from a window.

Grizel came back, her face clearly washed.

Joey thought nothing of it until she noticed the photograph of Rolf had been misplaced. Joey had an eye for that sort of detail. Grizel appeared a little flushed. Conversation was somewhat stilted until Joey decided to jump right in with the obvious.

"Have you seen this photo of Rolf? Jack found it the other day. He has been able to talk to the children abot him. Poor Rolf. I wonder what he would be like today? I suspect he would have turned out allright. He was a decent Maynard lad underneath all that disobedience. You remember when we met him?"

Grizel moved over to Joey who had moved to the table and was examining the photograph of Rolf.

"He was my first crush, my first boyfriend if you like. I know we weren't supposed to have boyfriends but he was just that, in the short time I knew him. Oh Joey! Why did he have to die?"

Grizel looked mournfully at the happy face staring out at her.

"But you have Neil now Grizel."

"I know, but for Rolf to be taken away like that, to die like that, it was so cruel."

"He could have been called up to fight in the war and lost his life then. Remember how I was when I believed I had lost Jack."

"Anything could have happened."

It was Jack Maynard's voice.

"I'm sorry to intrude, I jsut came back for some papers and I overheard. I had no idea Grizel. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. It was just never considered."

"Oh Jack! Please don't mention it! As Joey says I have Neil now, but I shan't ever forget my first love."

Grizel gazed fondly at Rolf.

Although no lover of English literature lessons, Grizel felt the following to be appropriate,

"Goodnight sweet prince, may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
Author:  cal562301 [ Mon Feb 08, 2010 9:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye Finished 8/02/10
Thanks, Phil. That was very moving.

Glad that Grizel's loss was finally acknowledged and that she had the chance to grieve.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ Tue Feb 09, 2010 2:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye Finished 8/02/10
Thanks Phil, have really enjoyed this drabble
Author:  Lesley [ Tue Feb 09, 2010 6:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye Finished 8/02/10
((((Grizel))))


It was a truly deep loss for her, wasn't it? :cry:


Thanks Phil
Author:  ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Feb 09, 2010 12:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye Finished 8/02/10
That was a lovely drabble, thankyou.
Author:  shazwales [ Tue Feb 09, 2010 4:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye Finished 8/02/10
Thank you Phil,really enjoyed that drabble.
Author:  jmc [ Wed Feb 10, 2010 7:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Meeting Rolf and saying goodbye Finished 8/02/10
Thank-you Phil. That explained so much about Jack.
All times are UTC
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/