I've just spent the last couple of hours reading A Grey-Walled Paradise I&II in the SDL and I am really pleased to see another drabble starting
Intriguing start to the story!
| The CBB http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/ | |
| Three Remarkable Women - Complete! http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=6807 |
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| Author: | JayB [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 4:50 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
This was supposed to be a fairly short piece, but it's getting longer by the hour! I won't edit the title for updates, because the plan is to update frequently, probably more than once a day, to get it all up within the next few days. I will indicate when it's complete, so if people don't want to keep checking back, they can wait to read the whole thing. And I haven't forgotten Con, I promise! Here's a teaser: Vanessa looked at the words on the screen. Were they sufficiently attention-grabbing? Would people want to read on? She had to get it right. It had taken a lot of careful negotiation to reach this point. She had made use of every contact, called in every favour. If she pulled it off, it could be her first big break in her career in journalism. The editor had said he might even consider a double page spread. She could not, would not fail. People told her she was lucky to have any job on one of the big Sunday papers, but Vanessa had had enough of cutting and pasting from press releases to make it look as if she had actually interviewed this minor celebrity or that. She wanted the real thing, and this was her chance to get it. She turned back to her research - the brief biographical notes, the file of press cuttings, the articles printed out from the internet, the list of questions she wanted to ask - and began to read through one more time. She became so engrossed that she nearly jumped out of her skin when one of her colleagues spoke to her. ‘Thought you were going out for lunch. Shouldn’t you have left by now?’ Vanessa looked up, looked at the clock, and gave a gasp of horror. She was going to be late! A fine first impression that would create! She grabbed her folder of notes and her bag and raced for the lift. |
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| Author: | JB [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 4:58 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Excellent. A new drabble - and a very intriguing start. |
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 5:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Ooh! And where does Con fit in? Fellow journalist or celebrity to be interviewed? Or neither? Thankyou! |
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| Author: | aitchemelle [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 6:17 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
I've just spent the last couple of hours reading A Grey-Walled Paradise I&II in the SDL and I am really pleased to see another drabble starting Intriguing start to the story! |
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| Author: | JayB [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 7:53 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Con was the first to arrive at the restaurant. The maitre d' recognised her and escorted her to the table himself. He seated her and asked if he could bring her anything to drink while she awaited the rest of her party. Con studied the wine list and ordered a bottle of a crisp white that she knew all three of them liked. When the wine was served, she settled back in her chair to watch the comings and goings in the busy restaurant. Len arrived next. As Con stood to embrace her she thought her sister was looking fit and full of energy. ‘Still enjoying your so-called retirement?' she said. ‘Retirement?’ Len laughed. ’I seem to be busier now than I’ve ever been. I wonder sometimes how I ever found the time to go to work. Did I tell you I’ve signed up for some art classes? I never felt I really got to grips with oils when I tried them before.’ Con chuckled. ‘I remember that mishap you had in our last term at school. I had to sit on the Middles when they started spreading wild stories about what had happened! I heard you on Radio 4 the other day. I thought you dealt with that smug young politician very well.’ ‘Did I ? You know, sometimes I hear myself say something and think l sound just like Auntie Hilda. They've asked me if I'd like to go on Question Time, but I don't think l will. I find radio bad enough. They should ask you. You’re the tv star in the family. I saw you on BBC2 again last week. You were very polite to that patronising young man.’ ‘I don't think he'd read any of the books we were supposed to be discussing. I think they should have all three of us on Question Time. Margot wouldn't bother to be polite if someone annoyed her.’ ‘Isn’t she with you? said Len, looking around. ‘I thought she was spending the night with you.’ ‘She was going to, but her flight was delayed. She rang me when she landed and said she would go to a hotel and meet us here. She thought it was too late to be worth traipsing all the way to Oxford, just to come back again this morning. Margot arrived a few minutes later. As usual, she brushed aside enquiries about her health. Con thought she looked tired, but that was to be expected after a long journey. There was no doubt that Margot was at peace with herself and content with her life. 'How long are you staying?’ Len asked her. Both Len and Con knew it was futile to ask Margot about retirement. ‘Well, till after the fifth, anyway. After that, I don’t know. There are some people I need to see - funding and so on - so it will depend how long it takes.’ |
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| Author: | Mrs Redboots [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 7:58 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Sounds very intriguing! Looking forward to reading more of this. |
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| Author: | PaulineS [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 8:48 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Thanks looking forward to more. |
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| Author: | abbeybufo [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 8:56 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Woooooh! A new JayB drabble  Eagerly awaiting more
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| Author: | Abi [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 9:18 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
This looks most intriguing! Thanks JayB! |
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| Author: | Nightwing [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 10:00 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Great start - looking forward to reading more
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| Author: | aitchemelle [ Sat Oct 31, 2009 11:22 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Lovely update, thanks! Many questions buzzing in my head now! |
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| Author: | Liz K [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 7:32 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
This DOES sound good, thank you, also can't wait for more. |
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| Author: | Alison H [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 8:29 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Sounds interesting .
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 9:04 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
I'm another one who's intrigued! |
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| Author: | Lesley [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 9:20 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Sounds really good - and it must be set around present day or close of they are retired. Thanks JayB |
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| Author: | JB [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 9:56 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Thanks, JayB. This is great. Looking forward to seeing how their lives have turned out. |
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| Author: | JayB [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 1:10 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
‘I’m still not sure this is a good idea,’ said Len, when they were all sipping their wine. ‘You know how journalists twist things round to make it sound as if you said something quite different from what you actually did say. I've been interviewed before, of course, but only professionally. This is personal.’ ‘We haven’t committed ourselves to anything,’ Con said. ‘This is just an exploratory meeting. We don’t have to go on with it if we’re not all happy about it.’ ‘What do we know about this Miss Johnson, anyway?’ said Margot. 'She approached me through my publishers,' Con replied. ‘I suppose she knew I'd started out in journalism and thought I might be sympathetic to her request. She said she'd been at university with a granddaughter of Connie Winter - you remember her? And with the grandson of an old Oxford friend of mine. And she’s met Alice Winterton - Lala, you know.' The other two nodded. Lala, sister-in-law to their cousin Peggy, had had a successful career as a foreign correspondent for one of the big daily papers. 'She - her name's Vanessa - read Media Studies at South Middlesex; graduated the year before last. She gave her tutor as a referee,’ Con went on. ‘So I rang him. He said she’s very bright, very ambitious, sure of herself almost to the point of arrogance.’ ‘A lot of young people are like that,’ Len said. ‘They think they know everything. She’ll learn. Most of them do.’ ‘She might decide we’re not interesting enough to write about, once she's met us!’ Margot said. ‘But I doubt if she’d risk upsetting us, not if she seriously wants a career in journalism. Look at all the people Con knows, and could introduce her to.’ ‘It looks as if she's going to be late,' Len commented, looking at her watch. ‘I gave her my mobile number. She could have called if she was delayed,’ Con said. ‘Is this her?’ said Margot, then, ‘Oh all right, is this she, if you're so particular.’ They all looked at the tall, slim young woman swiftly making her way between the tables towards them. |
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 1:15 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Hmm, intriguier and intriguier! So what are they being interviewed about? Thanks! |
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| Author: | Liz K [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 2:05 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
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| Author: | charli [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 3:07 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Yay an update! I am joining all the intrigued people. What are they being interviewed about ??? |
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| Author: | keren [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 4:07 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
being successful triplets? |
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| Author: | Emilyc [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 4:16 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Great start, I have a feeling this could be a very interesting drabble indeed. I'm hooked, hope the next installment won't be long. |
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| Author: | Becky [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 4:19 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Another one very intrigued and looking forward to the next update. Thanks, JayB |
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| Author: | shazwales [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 5:20 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Thanks JayB,looking forward to reading more of this. |
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| Author: | Joanne [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 7:16 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Thanks, this looks very interesting. I guess they've all been very successful women in their own ways? |
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| Author: | JayB [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 8:12 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Vanessa had prepared her story - problems on the Tube had made her late - she was sorry, but there had been nothing she could do. Then, as she met the steady grey eyes of the eldest triplet, who had risen to greet her, Vanessa found herself telling the truth. ‘I am sorry to keep you all waiting. I'm afraid I was so engrossed in my research for this meeting, I lost track of the time.’ Helena smiled at her. ‘Well, it's given the three of us a chance to catch up. And it's only a couple of minutes past the hour, so you're hardly late at all.’ As they shook hands, Vanessa took in Helena's appearance. With her greying hair, plain dark blue suit and shoes that verged on 'sensible', she looked the typical retired headmistress. Vanessa was beginning to understand why she had been such a successful one. She turned to shake hands with the other two. Constance was slim, her short dark hair touched with silver. Her black wool suit had a close fitting jacket and skirt that flared around her calves. A scarf flung round her shoulders added a vivid touch of colour. Soft leather boots completed her outfit. Margaret's hair was white and cropped so close as to be almost crewcut, her skin brown and lined. She wore faded jeans, an old t-shirt and a man’s check shirt. There was an old rucksack dumped on the floor beside her chair. They all sat and the waiter appeared with menus. Vanessa ordered a salad. She refused wine and asked for some mineral water. She noted the triplets' choices with interest. Helena took a pair of glasses from her bag and put them on to study the menu, then chose a traditional English meal. Constance conferred with the waiter, then ordered the chef’s special. Margaret barely glanced at the menu, ordering soup and a bread roll. When the waiter had left them, Vanessa placed her small tape recorder on the table. ‘Can I begin by asking you - ‘ she said. The three women looked at each other. ‘You certainly can - ‘ Constance began. ‘The question is, may you,’ the three of them finished in chorus, then giggled like schoolgirls. ‘I‘m sorry,’ Helena apologised. ‘It’s an old joke from our schooldays. What did you want to ask?’ 'I'm curious,’ Vanessa said, looking from one to the other. ‘Just why did you all agree to do this? None of you seem to be the publicity seeking type - quite the reverse, if you don' t mind me saying so.’ ‘We aren't doing it for ourselves,’ Helena said, ‘but for our work. 'Yours and Margot's,’ Constance said. ‘You can't pretend that what I do is anywhere near as important.’ ‘We won't be able to go on for ever - ‘ Helena went on. ‘I don't know about that - look at Mum!’ Margaret interrupted, and they all laughed. ‘Your mother is still alive, then?’ Vanessa said. ‘Very much so,’ Helena agreed. ‘She’ll be ninety-one at the end of November. She lives not far from me and my husband. She can’t be as active as she used to be, but she’s still very much on the spot. Nearly all her own old friends have gone now, and that saddens her, but she takes a great interest in the doings of the younger generations.’ Constance chuckled. ‘And she has a whole new interest in life, these last few years,’ she said. |
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| Author: | Mrs Redboots [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 8:17 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Oh yes, and what is Joey's new interest? JayB, this is really intriguing - I love the fact that in your universe the triplets have obviously had happy and fulfilling careers, but I'm not sure that I like the fact you're making us wait to find out what! (only kidding!). Thank you. |
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| Author: | Nightwing [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 8:17 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Thanks JayB! I wonder what that last line means - has Joey got herself a new gentleman friend?
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| Author: | Lesley [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 8:18 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Completely up-to-date then! Love the differences in how the triplets look - and I'm with Margot there! Thanks JayB |
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| Author: | cestina [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 8:18 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Ooh, this is great, can't wait......
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| Author: | Elle [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 8:21 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
This seems interesting! I am wondering why the trips are being interviewed??? I assume you will tell us soon?  *looks hopeful* |
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| Author: | JB [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 8:37 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
All of these updates are great - but each one builds up the anticipation further. Glad Joey is still alive. |
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| Author: | PaulineS [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 8:42 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Thanks for all the updates (which just give more questions than answers). Love the "Can I?" "Yes but the question is may you" response. |
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 8:49 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
What's Joey been doing to the doctors this time? 
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| Author: | shazwales [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 8:59 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Thanks for the update.Looking forward to seeing more of this. |
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| Author: | Abi [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 9:38 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
This is fascinating; I love the way they've all turned out. Also wondering what Joey is up to now! Thanks JayB .
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| Author: | Cath V-P [ Sun Nov 01, 2009 11:21 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Fascinating - Len, Con and Margot are very believable and their relationship seems strong. |
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| Author: | jmc [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 6:41 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
It's lovely to see the triplets still close after so many years, but what is Joey up to? Thanks JayB |
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| Author: | alicat [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 10:43 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Bet Joey has discovered the internet!!! can just imaginng her running a Chalet website chasing down all the connections of all the old girls..... |
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| Author: | Carys [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 10:45 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
This is a very intriguing read and I'm looking forward to more! |
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| Author: | Jennie [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 1:49 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
I bet Joey's found the internet. Wonder if she's a CBB member? |
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| Author: | JS [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:12 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Just found this and enjoyed it with lunch - looking forward to more 
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| Author: | Elder in Ontario [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:33 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Have been reading this with interest since you started it, JayB, but no chance to say so until today. Clearly the triplets have each enjoyed a satisfying career, and it's good to see that they've maintained such close contact with each other. And I loved the 'you can, but may you' flash back!! Am eagerly looking forward to more of this. Thanks, JayB. |
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| Author: | MaryR [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 4:30 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
You've delineated them well, Jay B, and one can sense their charisma. Thank you. |
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| Author: | JayB [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:28 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Then Helena continued, serious again. ‘As I said, we’re doing this for our work. There's so much to do. We've barely scratched the surface. We want people to know about what we do, in the hope that they'll want to help, so that the work will go on even when we have to give up.' ‘I see. So can - may I begin with you, then, Dame Helena?' Vanessa opened her folder and referred to her notes, although she almost knew them by heart. She looked up again to see Helena rather pink, and the other two looking at her with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. ‘You should be used to it by now,’ Margaret said severely. 'It was last New Year's Honours - nearly a year ago now.' ‘You don’t think Uncle Jem blushed every time someone called him Sir James, do you?’ Constance said. ‘Or that David did, when he first inherited the title?’ ‘We’ll have to go on calling her Dame Helena until she is used to it,’ Margaret said, grinning. ‘You will not. I’ve had to tell the grandchildren to stop calling me Dame Grandma. I don’t need you to start.’ Helena turned to Vanessa. ’I do apologise. What would you like to ask me?’ Vanessa had decided to ask about the triplets’ professional lives first, thinking that they would be more relaxed when she went on to ask more personal questions. 'You started your teaching career in the state system?’ ‘Yes. I stayed at home for a few years while the children were small, then went back to work when they were old enough to go to school.’ ‘Wasn’t it unusual to be a working mother in those days?’ ‘Perhaps. But our mother had always been a working mother, so it didn’t seem very unusual to me.’ ‘You rose to be head of department, then deputy head. Why did you leave?’ ‘There was so much administration, I had less and less time for what I really love to do, which is teach. And languages are given such low priority in the state education system. I began to feel I wasn't achieving anything.’ ‘So you switched to the private sector.’ ‘Yes. It was a good time to make the move. Our children had left school and my husband had decided to retire from practice and focus on research and writing, so we were free to move wherever we liked.’ Vanessa made a note to check Helena's husband's qualifications and career. ‘When I was young, my ambition was always to teach at my old school in Switzerland,’ Helena continued. ‘I never did, for a number of reasons. But in the end I went to the School's English branch, Glendower House.’ Vanessa looked at her notes. ‘In Armishire?’ ‘Eventually, yes. The School was in Armishire during the War, and we lived there when we were little. Then the School had to move. It went to South Wales, and that's where I joined it. The then Head, Miss Randolph, was leaving. I was persuaded to apply for the post, and rather to my surprise, I was appointed. I was well into my forties at the time. I had expected that the Board would want someone younger. There was still a lot of paperwork to do, of course, but I had much more administrative help than I would have had as Head of a similar sized school in the state system, and I managed to timetable some teaching for myself most days of the week.’ ‘But you didn't stay in South Wales?’ Vanessa said. ‘That's right. It was very remote. It was difficult to take the girls to concerts, exhibitions and so on. Parents couldn't easily attend School events and it meant a lot of travelling for the girls when they went home at half term. So the decision was taken to move, and we ended up back in Armishire. The School did keep a house in South Wales. They use it for outdoor activities - walking, boating, bird watching and so on.’ |
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| Author: | Lesley [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:33 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Fancy Len being a dame! Well done. Thanks JayB |
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| Author: | JB [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:34 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
"Dame Grandma" - love it. |
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| Author: | Mrs Redboots [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 8:56 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Well done Len! "Dame Helena" indeed.... |
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| Author: | PaulineS [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 9:00 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Thanks for the regular updates. Like the idea of moving the school nearer to concerts and exibitions. |
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| Author: | shesings [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 9:16 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Could have got somewhere near Cardiff! I'm glad the English Branch did finally get to England though - EBD's landgrab has annoyed me for years! |
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 9:21 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
I'm really pleased that Len - sorry, Dame Helena - made it back to the CS in the end! Thankyou. |
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| Author: | JayB [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 11:25 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Their meals were served. They ate in silence for a while, then Helena continued. ‘The independent sector was becoming very competitive. I felt we needed something to set us apart from other girls’ schools. Languages had always been an important part of the curriculum at the School’s Swiss branch. The Board agreed that we should really promote Glendower House as a specialist language school. I think we managed to do it without neglecting other areas of the curriculum.’ Helena stopped speaking to concentrate on her meal. Constance took up the conversation. ‘Have you seen the appreciation the TES published when Len retired as Head?’ she asked Vanessa. ‘They said that under her leadership, Glendower House had established a reputation as a leader in modern language teaching.’ ‘Yes, I have it here.’ Vanessa sorted through her collection of cuttings, and moved that one to the top of the pile. ‘But it’s for your work since your retirement, isn’t it, Dame Helena, that you were awarded the D.B.E. for services to education? Can we talk about the language schools and scholarships?’ ‘Well, as I said, I really felt that languages were being neglected in state schools,’ Helena said. ‘I had the idea of holiday schools, where girls can come for a week or two for intensive language tuition. The Board has been extremely supportive. We have the younger ones at Glendower House. The older ones - fifteen and over - go to the Chalet School in Switzerland. The schools started the summer after I retired as head, so this summer was the tenth year.’ ‘And you lead the schools yourself?’ Vanessa asked. ‘Yes. I look forward to it every year. As I said, I love to teach. It’s wonderful to hear children who barely know half a dozen words in a foreign language when they arrive carrying on simple conversations in French or German or Spanish by the end of the fortnight. They gain so much else, too. Confidence, ability to express themselves, meeting other children from all over the country. We don’t neglect English, either. Con has been a tremendous help there. She comes down every year, or goes to Switzerland, to run writing workshops and give talks. The girls love looking at Anglo Saxon and Middle English and seeing how the language has developed. We do drama, too. Jane Carew has been, among others.’ ‘What she won’t tell you about is the amount of time she spends drumming up grants and sponsorship for these schools, so it costs the families little or nothing to send their children,’ Constance said. ‘I know you spend hours on the phone or in meetings,’ she said to her sister. ‘Well, you help a lot with that, too,’ Helena said. ‘In fact, people are often more eager to talk to you than to me, because you’re so well known. But people have been amazingly generous,’ she said to Vanessa. ’Thanks to various individuals and businesses, as well as running the holiday schools, at the moment we’re in a position to offer scholarships to children who show particular promise, that enable them to go to Glendower House or the Chalet School in Switzerland, and on to university.’ |
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| Author: | jmc [ Mon Nov 02, 2009 11:35 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
What a brilliant idea of Len's. Wish someone really would establish this kind of program. Thanks JayB. Really enjoying this. |
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| Author: | Elder in Ontario [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 12:18 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
How did I manage to miss these two updates - I *know* I looked at this earlier in the day!! This is a fascinating 'take' and I'm really enjoying it. Will look forward to hearing more about Dame Helena's successes, and then to hearing about what Constance and Margaret have accomplished. Thanks, JayB |
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| Author: | Cath V-P [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 4:59 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Lovely to hear how successful Len has been - and also how fulfilling she seems to have found it. |
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| Author: | Lesley [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 5:50 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Len really has done magnificently well, hasn't she? Thanks JayB |
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 7:51 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
That sounds like a lovely programme - good on Len! Thankyou
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| Author: | shazwales [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 8:31 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Really enjoying reading this Thanks JayB |
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| Author: | cestina [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 8:40 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Lovely drabble. I'm interested to note that whilst I have no problem at all in accepting Helena and Constance for Len and Con, my brain can't compute Margaret for Margot. I don't understand why not 
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| Author: | JB [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 9:25 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Good for Len. What a brilliant idea. |
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| Author: | JS [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 10:26 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Well done Dame Len. Also looking forward to hearing what the others are up to. |
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| Author: | PaulineS [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 5:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Good to hear Jane and Con are supporting Len in her work. Wish the courses really happened. |
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| Author: | JayB [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 7:55 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
The waiter arrived to clear their plates and offer dessert menus. While the triplets debated their choices, Vanessa glanced at her notes and jotted down a few reminders of points she wanted to follow up. She turned to her notes on Constance. Most of the middle triplet’s career was well documented, but Vanessa had found little on her life in the few years after she had left Oxford. Constance had always conducted her private life discreetly. As far as Vanessa had been able to discover, she had never been married. Over the years, there had been rumours of liaisons with well known figures in academia and the arts world. Recently she had been seen accompanied by a well known Shakespearean actor. Helena had decided on ice cream and Constance opted for the cheesecake. Margaret, after some persuasion by her sisters, asked for the cheeseboard. Vanessa ordered a coffee, then turned to Constance. ‘You’ve had two successful careers - as a novelist, and as a writer of works of literary criticism. How did that come about?’ Constance laughed. ‘By accident, really. When I left Oxford, my plan was to work in journalism for a while, until I could make a living as a novelist. I was quite idealistic and unrealistic in my expectations - thought I would be published at my first attempt and so on. Meanwhile I was a very junior member of staff on a women’s magazine, paid a pittance, being the general dogsbody in the office, occasionally being allowed to write a filler piece for the magazine if no-one else wanted to do it. I expect you’ve been in a similar position, haven’t you?’ she said to Vanessa. ‘Anyway, one of my old Oxford tutors was working on a major new translation of Anglo Saxon poetry, with a long critical introduction. He had a serious illness and needed a research assistant to help him finish the work. He asked me if I’d like the job. I was very fond of him, and it was a great compliment to be asked. I was living in a bedsit in London at the time, working on the magazine and writing my first novel. Not quite starving in a garret, but definitely insalubrious!’ ‘You two never saw that room, did you?’ she said to her sisters. ’Looking back, it was quite dreadful - mould growing on the walls, a small electric fire for heating, mice in the kitchen, and a railway line just feet from the window. Mamma and Papa would have been appalled if they’d seen it, and dragged me back to Switzerland on the spot. But I was determined not to go back to live at home after finishing at Oxford, and that was all I could afford. I was very happy to accept the professor’s job offer, and the room in college that went with it! ‘Sadly the professor never did completely recover his health. I ended up doing most of the work, with him advising - which meant he regularly tore apart my arguments, my interpretations and my writing style! Then when the book had been published I still had a lot of material that hadn’t been used in the book, so I published a couple of articles on my own account. Then I was invited to speak at conferences. It just grew from there.' She paused to sip her wine, then continued, 'Currently I’m working on some letters and diaries written by a couple of obscure Elizabethans that I came across while researching a novel. I‘m not sure there’ll be enough material for a book, but I’m certainly hoping to get a couple of articles. The papers give a fascinating insight into the way language was used by people who weren't very highly educated, and the sort of reading material they had access to.' |
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 8:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
 Should I wonder at Con's liasons?Thanks for the update! Can't wait to hear if Margot ever made it to where EBD intended her to be... |
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| Author: | Lesley [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 8:14 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
That all sounds so realistic - and I'm not surprised that Con leapt at the chance of the job from the professor! Thanks JayB |
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| Author: | JB [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 8:51 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
What a fascinating career Con's had, not to mention the liaisons. Good for her. She's my favourite triplet. |
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| Author: | Mrs Redboots [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 9:34 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Oh, I am so enjoying this drabble! Thank you so much. |
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| Author: | Abi [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 10:23 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Love seeing what their lives have been like - they are certainly remarkable women! |
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| Author: | shazwales [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 10:34 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Thanks JayB |
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| Author: | JayB [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 10:58 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Their desserts were served. Vanessa sipped her coffee in silence for a few minutes while the others ate, then asked, ‘And what about the first novel?’ ‘That was rejected - quite rightly. It was far too ambitious. I had so many ideas, and I tried to cram them all in, and I just didn‘t have the experience to handle something so complicated. But one of the editors I sent it to gave me some very good advice, along with the rejection. My next attempt was rejected too, but the third one was accepted.’ ‘Was it published under your own name?’ Vanessa had not been able to trace Constance’s early published work. ‘No, I wanted to keep my fiction writing separate from my academic work. I used the name Mary Clare. I had several historical romances published under that name, mostly set in the Victorian period. The plots weren’t very original, but the publishers liked my voice. I didn’t make a fortune, but what I earned from the novels and some freelance journalism was enough to live on. Academic writing doesn’t pay, of course! ‘Then I wanted to switch to mainstream historical fiction. My then publishers didn’t want them, but by that time I had an agent, and she found another publisher willing to take me on. They suggested I use a different name.’ ‘So that was when you became M. M. Constant?’ ‘Yes. My first big success was my second book as M. M. Constant, The Flowing Stream. Of all my books, that one was perhaps the easiest to write. I’d done quite a lot of research on the early Victorian period by that time, for my Mary Clare books, and the story just seemed to write itself.’ ‘Then you really hit the bestseller lists with your Nicholas Warrender series.’ ‘The reviewers call them scholarly yet entertaining,’ Margaret put in. ‘I should hope so,’ Constance retorted. ’The scholarly part, anyway. I spend long enough researching. That’s why there are such long gaps in between books.’ ‘Mike says that’s just a marketing ploy, so you can have reviewers talking about how eagerly anticipated each new book in the series is,’ said Helena. ‘Why did you choose the Elizabethan period as the setting for the series?’ Vanessa asked. ‘I’d been fascinated by the sixteenth century for a long time. I thought the reign of Henry VIII had been pretty well covered by novelists and historians, so I decided to focus on the later period. There was so much going on, there’s no limit to the adventures I can think up for Nicholas, and so many interesting people for him to meet, from the Queen herself down.’ ‘The last two books have had Nicholas foiling a plot against the Queen and spying for Sir Francis Walsingham in the Netherlands. Where will you send him next?’ ‘That’s what we’d all like to know,’ Helena said. ‘But it’s always a deep secret until the book is actually published. |
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| Author: | Fiona Mc [ Tue Nov 03, 2009 11:28 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Thanks JayB. This is really fantastic |
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| Author: | JayB [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 12:52 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
The triplets had finished their desserts and ordered coffee. Vanessa asked for a second cup. She hoped the restaurant staff were not waiting for the table; there was a lot of ground still to cover. ‘Did you always know you wanted to write?’ she asked Constance. ‘Oh, yes. I never imagined doing anything else. It just took me a while to discover exactly what it was I wanted to write.’ ‘Were your parents supportive? I mean, being a novelist isn’t a secure job like teaching, is it?’ ‘Oh, enormously supportive, especially Mamma. It helped that she was a writer herself, of course. Not just that she encouraged me, although she did - she always read everything I wrote, and asked me to make copies of her favourites for her to keep. But as well as that, it showed me that it was possible, but it also meant I had no illusions. I knew it was hard work.’ Vanessa had not researched very far into the triplets’ family background, preferring to focus on their lives and careers. But if their mother had been a strong influence on Constance when she was young, it was worth following up. ‘What name did your mother write under? What did she write?’ ‘Josephine M. Bettany - that was her maiden name. She wrote school stories and historical novels - what I suppose would be called ‘young adult’ fiction these days,’ Constance replied. ‘She was very successful from late 1930s to about 1970, then her work gradually fell out of fashion and eventually her publishers dropped her.’ Vanessa had seen old fashioned girls’ books of the kind she supposed the triplets’ mother had written. She was not surprised Ms Bettany, or Mrs Maynard, had been dropped by her publisher. There had been a module on publishing on her degree course. The tutor had talked about the trend towards greater realism in children’s books, with settings and issues which were relevant to the lives of their readers. But Helena was speaking. Vanessa focused on what she was saying. ‘Lately, though, there's been a revival of interest in Mother’s school stories in particular. A small independent publisher is reissuing them and they're selling quite well.’ ‘And,’ Constance said, obviously amused, ‘there are internet forums and mailing lists devoted to discussion of her work. Mamma loves it. She answers e-mails from fans and has even taken part in an internet chat, with one of the younger generation sitting with her to read the questions off the screen and type in her replies. I expect she'd give you an interview, if you asked her.’ ‘She loves to keep in touch with all the family by e-mail too,’ said Helena. ‘She can't sit at the computer for long, but we print out all the messages for her to read and keep. She writes out her replies by hand, and one of us types them for her.' |
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| Author: | Miss Di [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 3:32 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
That's just brilliant. I can just see Joey adapting to the new millenium and new ways of keeping in touch with family, friends and fans! |
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| Author: | JB [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 8:27 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Two updates, thank you Jay B. Love this: Quote: Vanessa had not researched very far into the triplets’ family background, preferring to focus on their lives and careers. But if their mother had been a strong influence on Constance when she was young, it was worth following up.
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 8:43 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
I'm pleased that Joey found her fans =) I can also imagine her adapting very well to all the changes going on! Thankyou. |
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| Author: | JS [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 9:06 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Joey sounds quite a character in this - and I love your idea of Con's career. Will we hear more about the liaisons?? |
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| Author: | Carys [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 11:38 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Yes that's what I am also wondering! |
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| Author: | leahbelle [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 1:24 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
I can see Joey just loving the internet! |
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| Author: | Mrs Redboots [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 2:57 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
I can just see Joey adoring the equivalent of this forum, although would she have approved of the fanfic, I wonder - lots of RL authors don't like it, or see it as something one does privately before graduating on to "real" writing. |
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| Author: | MaryR [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 3:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Just caught up, JayB. It's lovely that they can come together like this and have their long lives put under the microscope. I wonder what anyone would say about each of us at the close of our working lives and beyond? Makes me shudder at what I might have wasted of myself and my talents, unlike these three. Thanks, Jayb |
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| Author: | cestina [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 3:49 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Mrs Redboots wrote: lots of RL authors don't like it, or see it as something one does privately before graduating on to "real" writing. Really? I find that very short-sighted and snooty of them in that case. I have been astonished and delighted at the quality of both the plotting and the writing of so many of the contributions on here, and archived. It's extraordinary. |
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| Author: | shazwales [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 5:49 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Two updates in one day,you're spoiling us  love the idea of Joey and the internet.This is fascinating thank you. |
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| Author: | sealpuppy [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 5:50 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
cestina wrote: Mrs Redboots wrote: lots of RL authors don't like it, or see it as something one does privately before graduating on to "real" writing. Really? I find that very short-sighted and snooty of them in that case. I have been astonished and delighted at the quality of both the plotting and the writing of so many of the contributions on here, and archived. It's extraordinary. I'm with you, Cestina. There are some terrific writers on here. As for fanfic, I'm a RL author and would be chuffed to bits if anyone played with my prose!Though I doubt they'd get madder than what was described by a (rejecting) publisher as 'geriatric erotica with OAPs having sex' - or my latest effort which includes mad Victorians with wooden legs and unhealthy graveyard obsessions! Only just spotted this Drabble and loving it. |
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| Author: | brie [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 6:12 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
This is great jayb. |
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| Author: | JayB [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 7:01 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Margaret had had the least to say so far. In many ways, Vanessa found her the most interesting, and also the most difficult to understand, of the triplets. 'Dr Maynard,' she said. The three women looked at each other, smiling. Helena said, 'I know it sounds silly, after all this time, but Dr Maynard still means Papa to us.' 'He died about fifteen years ago,' said Margaret. 'He was a good age, and he had a good life, and he went to God peacefully, in his sleep, so we couldn't grieve too much.' 'Mother still misses him dreadfully, though,' said Helena. 'She says there isn't a day when she doesn't think about him, and she longs to see him again.' Vanessa was surprised at the simple faith expressed so unselfconsciously. It was a little embarrassing and she did not know quite how to respond. ‘Most people call me Dr Margot anyway,’ said Margaret. ‘You can call me that, or Margaret or Margot.’ ‘You were a nun for a while after you finished medical school, weren’t you, Dr Margot?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Why did you choose to do that?’ As well as needing the information for her article, Vanessa was genuinely curious. She could not imagine why a young woman - at the time Margot must have been around the age Vanessa herself was now - would want to give up her life in such a way. ‘I thought it was what God wanted me to do. I wanted to do some good in the world, to be of some service. Becoming a doctor was part of that, but it wasn’t enough for me. ‘How did your parents feel about it?’ ‘My father was, and my mother is, a devout Catholic. They knew other people, including a family member, who had made the same choice, so they understood why I felt as I did. And they supported my right to make my own decisions about my life. But I think my mother did regret that my choice would take me away from the family - although I wasn’t joining an enclosed Order. ‘But you left the Order after several years. Why was that? Did you have some disagreement with the Order? Or with the Church?’ Margaret looked uncomfortable, but replied, ‘I left for two reasons. Yes, it was partly due to - not disagreement, but differences. I found my own beliefs were increasingly at odds with the teaching of the Church. But my main reasons for leaving were personal.’ She paused, then continued, ’I realised I had become a nun for the wrong reasons. I was very self centred as a child, quick tempered and lacking in self control. I struggled with those faults throughout my schooldays and to some extent through university as well. When I was a child, I didn’t take responsibility for my faults. I blamed them on ‘my Devil.’ I realised that in becoming a nun, I had done the same thing, in reverse. I wasn’t taking responsibility for overcoming my faults, I was expecting God to do it for me. I was looking to the Church for discipline because I couldn’t discipline myself. I realised that was not what God wanted, and it was wrong of me to use the church to hide from my difficulties instead of facing up to them. So I left.’ ‘It wasn’t an easy decision,’ she said, speaking now more to her sisters than to Vanessa. ‘I thought about it, and prayed about it, for a long time. In the end I realised it was pride as much as anything which was keeping me from leaving the Order. I didn't want to admit that I had made a mistake. After that, of course, I had no choice. I had to leave. I know our parents were hurt by it - I was breaking promises I had made to God, after all. But eventually I think they did come understand. And of course they never stopped loving me, any more than God did.' |
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| Author: | Lesley [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 7:39 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
((((Margot)))) Cannot have been easy for her to come to that decision. Thanks JayB (Oh and as another RL author - as far as my writing is concerned, while I'm alive and kicking I would appreciate it if people ask me before using any of my situations and characters. But once I've gone - help yourself!!!! )
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 7:45 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
What a lovely update! I'm really pleased that Margot found happiness in the end, even if it took her a long struggle to realise it. ((Whereas I just wish I could become a RL author!)) |
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| Author: | sealpuppy [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 7:58 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
This is lovely, can't wait to find out what happens next.
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| Author: | PaulineS [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 8:14 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Loving the way all three triplets have developed. |
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| Author: | Abi [ Wed Nov 04, 2009 9:48 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
That was very courageous of Margot - both making the decision and talking about it so openly. This is wonderful, JayB - so plausible! |
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| Author: | jmc [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:49 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
This is so lovely JayB. They way the have all developed is so plausible and I love Joey finding the net. And it is so typical of many people I know that she expects others to type up her replies. We have staff at work who get their children to type up their reports. |
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| Author: | Sarah_G-G [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:45 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
I've been readng this since the beginning but have a feeling I haven't commented yet, so just a quick note to say I'm really enjoying this! I love the way you've developed the triplets and the setting is really clever. Thank you! |
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| Author: | JB [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:50 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
That was a beautiful explanation from Margot. I think that's such a realistic take on her situation. Thanks, JayB. |
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| Author: | JayB [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:50 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
The waiter was hovering. The triplets all ordered more coffee. When the waiter had gone, Margot continued, ‘By the time I left the Order, I had several years’ experience of working as a medical missionary in different parts of Africa. I didn’t want to waste that experience, and I still believed that was the right work for me. I joined a small, low profile relief organisation - I’ve got their details here somewhere.’ She rummaged in her rucksack, then handed Vanessa a somewhat dog-eared card. ‘That’s their website, you can look them up. They’re a Christian organisation, but non-denominational, and the focus is on medical aid and education, rather than missionary work. I’ve done famine relief work in Somalia - ’ ‘I once went to a talk given by one of the directors of the organisation,’ Constance interrupted. ’He was just back from a tour of their various projects. When I introduced myself over the coffee and biscuits after the talk, and told him Margot was my sister, he told me how he’d watched her single-handedly see off the local warlord, accompanied by a lorry load of soldiers, armed to the teeth, who were intent on stealing their supplies.’ Helena chimed in, ‘I’ve heard the story about how when she was working in - well, I’d better not say where it was - she stormed into the Health Minister’s office, past his armed bodyguard, and demanded that he do something about the corruption in the country.’ Margot had gone rather red, but she said, ‘Our medical supplies and equipment were continually going missing between the airport and the villages where we were working. Either they were stolen, and would end up being sold on the black market, or we’d be asked to pay hefty bribes to get them back. I was pretty sure the Minister himself was in on the racket. Anyway, there was an American camera crew filming something or other just down the road. I threatened to go and get them and ask him about the missing supplies in front of them. Things did improve for a while after that. I think I frightened him. Every time he’s seen me since, he’s scuttled away as fast as he can in the opposite direction!’ They all laughed, then Margot continued, more seriously, ‘Most of our work these days is long term projects helping people with HIV and AIDS. We offer treatment where we can, palliative care, support for their families. We also run health education programmes especially aimed at girls and women, in the hope that they’ll put what we teach them into practice in their own families, and also pass on the knowledge within their communities.’ The waiter brought the fresh cups of coffee. 'You know, hearing the two of you talking like this makes me feel my life has been rather useless in comparison,' Constance said, as she stirred in cream. ‘I don’t see why you should,’ Helena said. ‘Writing is your vocation, just as much as teaching was mine and medicine was Margot’s. Remember how we used to have the Parable of the Talents at Prayers on the first night of every term at School? Our talents are gifts from God, so obviously He must want us to use them in the best way we can. Not to use a God-given talent would be wrong and wasteful.' |
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:00 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
| I love Margot! Good for her. Thankyou. |
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| Author: | JS [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:11 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Love the idea of Margot terrifying ministers - thanks. |
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| Author: | Liz K [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:14 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
I can just see her doing it! 
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| Author: | JayB [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women |
Final instalment. Thank you all so much for the comments. I'm glad everyone has enjoyed the story. ‘Triplets are very unusual,’ Vanessa said. ‘Especially among - ‘ She hesitated. ‘People of our generation?’ Margot finished the sentence for her. ‘That’s quite true. I’m not an obstetrician, but I’ve delivered my fair share of babies, often in less than ideal conditions. I know all the things that can go wrong. I know that even with the most up to date neo-natal care facilities, the survival rates for multiple births are much lower than for singletons, and the chances of developmental difficulties, or disabilities, are higher. We, and our mother, were very lucky.’ ‘It’s even more unusual - unique, even - to find triplets who are all so well known and successful in their own fields. That’s why I wanted to interview all three of you together,’ Vanessa said. ‘But what is it like to be a triplet? How would you all describe your relationship? Do you think you’re closer than ordinary brothers and sisters?’ ‘That’s a difficult question,’ Helena said. ‘We don’t know what it’s like not to be triplets, so we have nothing to compare it with.’ ‘Obviously, we see other sibling relationships in our families, and among our friends,’ Constance said. ‘But we don’t know what they’re like from the inside, as it were.’ ‘I think it took us longer to branch out and make our own friends when we were at school,’ Helena said. ‘Yes. I think for quite a long time we did come first with each other - after our parents, of course,’ Constance agreed. ’Even after we made our own friends, we were still close. If we had a problem, or just wanted to talk things over, we’d turn to each other first. Things changed when we grew up, of course. Len has her family, who obviously come first for her now. Margot’s Order was the most important thing in her life for a while. But I think we all still know that if one of us was in trouble, or needed anything, the other two would drop everything instantly to help.’ They had finished their coffee. Vanessa knew it was time to bring the meeting to a close. She could telephone or e-mail if there was anything she needed to clarify later. She just had a couple more questions to ask. ‘Do you have any regrets? Anything you wish you’d done differently?’ Helena spoke first. ‘Well, obviously, there are some things I wish I had done or not done. Situations I might have handled differently, or better. But overall, no. No regrets. My life has been everything I could have wished for - and more.’ ‘Regrets? I don’t think so. Not big ones, anyway,’ Constance said. ‘My tutor at Oxford wanted me to go on and do a D.Phil. I sometimes wonder how my life would have turned out if I had. It would have been nice to be able to call myself Dr Maynard when I’ve got Dame Helena on one side and Dr Margot on the other!’ She grinned at her sisters, then was serious again. ‘If I had done that, my life would have been different, but I don’t know whether it would have been better. So no, no regrets.’ There was a longer pause before Margaret spoke. Then she said, ‘Yes. There are things I wish I hadn’t done, or done differently. I wasn’t a very nice person at certain points in my life. I know I made mistakes, and hurt people.’ She glanced at her sisters. ’But you can’t spend your life looking back at past mistakes, can you? You have to accept them, learn from them, and move on. And I do regret that I didn’t learn that lesson earlier.’ ‘One final question,’ Vanessa said. ‘You’ve all been very successful in what you’ve chosen to do. Do any of you have any advice for young women today?’ The three of them looked at each other. Then Helena said, ‘The world was a very different place fifty years ago, when we were just starting out. Young people today face challenges and difficulties we could never have imagined.’ ‘Yes,’ Constance agreed. ’I know it’s much harder for young writers these days. But I think the best piece of advice I can give you is to be passionate about what you do. You can’t hope to succeed without that passion.’ The other two nodded in agreement. Back in her office, Vanessa reflected on the meeting. She had gone into this project in a somewhat cynical spirit, thinking only of how she could use these women to her own advantage. But she had come away from the meeting impressed. These women had all, in their different ways, made a real contribution to the world in which they lived. Their achievements would be lasting. She hoped she could do them justice in her article. She turned to her computer and began to type. In her bungalow in Armiford, Joey Maynard read to the end of the article, then turned back to the beginning to look at the accompanying illustrations. Now she realised why Len had asked to look through the old family photos on a recent visit. There was one of the triplets as toddlers, still with their red curls. Daisy had taken it in the garden of Plas Gwyn, on a sunny day during the Easter holidays, Jo remembered. Then the three of them as small schoolgirls in brown and white checked gingham, the differences between them becoming apparent. Joey did not remember the photograph, but it must have been taken after their return from Canada, before the move to Switzerland. Then there was a photograph of them as teenagers, taken at the Tiernsee one summer. Len was in a cotton frock, her curly pony tail hanging over one shoulder, the other two in shorts and t-shirts. Joey smiled as she recalled how much she had disliked that pony tail. It seemed such a small thing now, compared to all the things that young people did these days. Then she looked at the big colour photo at the head of the article. The triplets today. Len sitting on a sofa, Con perched on the arm, Margot standing behind, leaning on the back of the sofa. Such different paths their lives had taken, sometimes in directions that Joey could not approve of, yet there they were, happy, healthy, still as close as when they had been babies. She read the opening words of the article again. This week, three remarkable women celebrate their seventieth birthday. She looked up and smiled at her old friend, sitting opposite with her own copy of the newspaper. ‘Well, Anna. Who shall we telephone first?’ |
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| Author: | ChubbyMonkey [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 3:56 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Awww, what a lovely ending! Thankyou for such a touching drabble, I loved hearing about all of the triplets and the paths that their lives had taken - each so different, but successful. |
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| Author: | Carys [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 4:04 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Thank-you for writing this, I've really enjoyed it. Can just imagine Joey phoning every single person she know's to tell them to buy the paper in question! |
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| Author: | abbeybufo [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 4:08 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
That was absolutely beautiful JayB - what a wonderful 70th birthday present for the Trips
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| Author: | Alison H [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 4:14 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Thank you - that was lovely. |
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| Author: | shazwales [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 4:25 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Thank you for a beautiful drabble,that was lovely
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| Author: | JB [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 5:10 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Thank you. This has been such a lovely drabble. The ending brought tears to my eyes. |
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| Author: | cestina [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 5:19 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Oh such a great drabble, completely in character for each of them. And a brilliant, touching ending. Thank you so much JayB
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| Author: | JS [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 6:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Tears in my eyes too - thanks JayB. |
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| Author: | Clare [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 6:28 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
That was so lovely - thank you for that! I especially loved Margot's story, I knew that one was going to be powerful. |
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| Author: | andi [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:23 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Wow - both inspirational and very moving. Thanks. |
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| Author: | Mrs Redboots [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:31 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
I really, really enjoyed that. Thank you so much. And happy 70th birthday to the Triplets! |
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| Author: | LauraMcC [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:32 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
It was great to see how successful the triplets have been in their lives, in their very different ways. Thank, JayB. |
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| Author: | Lesley [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:35 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
That was lovely - a perfect birthday present for the three of them. Thanks JayB |
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| Author: | linda [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Thank you JayB, that was a lovely drabble. Happy 70th Birthday to the triplets. 
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| Author: | sealpuppy [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:44 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
I've been wiping away the tears too, thank you so much for this. |
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| Author: | Nightwing [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:04 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
As everyone has said, gorgeous story - and I loved that little epilogue, it's fantastic to think of Anna and Joey still living together after all those years
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| Author: | Karoline [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:19 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Thank you, that was lovely |
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| Author: | Amanda M [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:29 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Thank you for a wonderful story Jay B. I had tears in my eyes at the ending. |
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| Author: | PaulineS [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:40 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Thank you JayB A lovely tribute to the triplets on their 70 birthday. It was good to read it on what would be the 70th in EBD time as well. |
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| Author: | Sarah_G-G [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:58 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
That was beautiful. I also finished reading that with tears in my eyes! Thank you for sharing that with us. |
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| Author: | Abi [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 11:24 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Thanks JayB, that was a wonderful ending and I love Joey being so proud of them, and also her thoughts about the ponytail! |
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| Author: | Fiona Mc [ Thu Nov 05, 2009 11:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
That was lovely, thank you |
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| Author: | Miss Di [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 2:22 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
I too had tears in my eyes as I read the closing lines. Thank you. |
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| Author: | keren [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:19 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
PaulineS wrote: Thank you JayB A lovely tribute to the triplets on their 70 birthday. It was good to read it on what would be the 70th in EBD time as well. Clever Pauline I did not notice the date. |
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| Author: | jmc [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 6:45 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Thanks JayB this has been lovely. |
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| Author: | JellySheep [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:53 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Thanks for this story- it's been good to see how the trips develop after the series. |
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| Author: | shesings [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:57 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Absolutely perfect! |
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| Author: | Dansmum [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 10:36 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Ah, that was quite delightful! |
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| Author: | MaryR [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 10:46 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Exactly how I imagined the three of them developing, but I could never have written it so beautifully. Thank you, JayB. |
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| Author: | Emma A [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 11:16 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Only discovered this drabble after you'd completed it, JayB, and really enjoyed it. I did love the absolutely right way their lives had developed, remaining themselves but growing up so well. And I did like the effect they'd had on Vanessa, too. Thank-you. |
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| Author: | Chatelaine [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 12:24 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
keren wrote: PaulineS wrote: Thank you JayB A lovely tribute to the triplets on their 70 birthday. It was good to read it on what would be the 70th in EBD time as well. Clever Pauline I did not notice the date. Same here - I only noticed when I tried to work out when the Triplets would turn 70, and realised that it was yesterday! Lovely story. I particularly like the idea of Margot seeing off soldiers, warlords and ministers - surely someone at school could have predicted that for her?!
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| Author: | dackel [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 1:02 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
I've really enjoyed this - thanks JayB! It was lovely to see what the triplets had done with their lives - and to see, just at the end, how proud Jo was of them. |
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| Author: | Celia [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 2:44 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Thanks JayB that was a lovely picture of the three of them on their 70th birthday, I really enjoyed it. |
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| Author: | Elder in Ontario [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:28 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Thanks, JayB - I've really enjoyed this, though I don't think I've posted before. It's a fascinating take on 3 very successful lives, showing the triplets functioning very well as individuals, yet never losing that special bond of their tripletship. And how clever of you to end it on the birthday itself...!
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| Author: | Carolyn P [ Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:21 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Just read this all the way through and it was lovely. Thanks so much. |
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| Author: | Kyrrie [ Sat Nov 07, 2009 12:06 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Thank you so much JayB. I just read this through and am all choked up now. That was beautiful. The triplets developed in such a natural, realistic way that was so true to their characters. Loved the ending with Joey and Anna. |
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| Author: | coddle [ Sat Nov 07, 2009 10:06 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
JayB, Maybe you could carry this on to interviewing the rest of the Maynard sisters? It would be 'tophole' to hear what happened to Felicity, Cecil and Phil .. and Ruey, Erica and Marie Claire if you were so minded 
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| Author: | aitchemelle [ Sat Nov 07, 2009 11:20 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Thank you JayB, I really enjoyed reading this.
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| Author: | Kathy_S [ Sun Nov 08, 2009 4:41 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Thank you, J.B. Enjoyable and timely! (Much more timely than I am.) |
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| Author: | Elbee [ Sun Nov 08, 2009 9:22 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
This has been so lovely to read. Thanks, JayB. |
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| Author: | Smile :) [ Mon Nov 09, 2009 8:06 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Thanks Jay B the ending brought a tear to my eye as well, how lovely that Anna is still with Jo after all these years. Happy 70th to the triplets
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| Author: | 2nd Gen Fan [ Tue Nov 10, 2009 12:13 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
This was lovely - just how you would hope the triplets would turn out. And I loved the bit about Joey and the internet!
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| Author: | JayB [ Wed Nov 11, 2009 9:16 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Thanks for the comments, everyone. Re: the suggestion that I should do the same for the other Maynards - this was only intended to be a one off to mark the triplets' 70th birthday - hence posting the final part on the day itself! The others were still children when the series ended and I don't think we know enough about their personalities and ambitions to say how their lives might have turned out, fifty years later. However, Vanessa might at some point in the future take up Con's suggestion that she ask Joey for an interview ... |
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| Author: | cal562301 [ Thu Nov 12, 2009 3:56 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Only just found this, so had the advantage of reading it from start to finish. Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed it. I agree with other posters that your portrayal of how the triplets turned out is both realistic and sympathetic. |
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| Author: | Thursday Next [ Thu Nov 12, 2009 4:36 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Thank you. Read most of this before I went off to Prague but caught up with the last two instalments just now. I have thoroughly enjoyed it, thank you so much. |
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| Author: | cestina [ Thu Nov 12, 2009 4:38 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
It's lovely isn't it - hope Prague was too
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| Author: | Len [ Thu Nov 12, 2009 6:04 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Well that was just perfect. Utterly convincing, uplifting and so beautifully written. Thank you, JayB. I hope you enjoyed writing it as much as we all loved reading it. |
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| Author: | Thursday Next [ Thu Nov 12, 2009 7:14 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
cestina wrote: It's lovely isn't it - hope Prague was too Prague was beautiful - I thoroughly enjoyed it. On my last evening I went to a concert in the Spanish Synagogue and it was absolutely wonderful - something I will remember for the rest of my life. |
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| Author: | Mora [ Fri Nov 13, 2009 3:04 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
This was wonderful. I read this the other day and meant to comment but ran off in a rush. It took me till last night to realise the connection to the triplet's actual 70th birthday. It's just such a great, lovely idea that I had to comment. Thank you JayB. |
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| Author: | Chris S [ Sun Nov 15, 2009 3:51 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
I really enjoyed your story, and was very happy to find that Margot was no longer a nun. I always felt that her strong will could be put to greater use outside the order. |
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| Author: | Cath V-P [ Thu Nov 19, 2009 12:29 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
I've only just finished reading this and it's wonderful. At first I thought Vanessa might be too sure of her own point of view to appreciate the triplets fully, but it was lovely to see her stance changing as the interview progressed. And the depiction of the triplets' lives was splendid - they matured into fascinating women whose contributions to life and society were significant. Thank you JayB |
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| Author: | YorkshireTeaDrinker [ Sat Dec 19, 2009 12:57 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Just found the CBB and have read the whole of this thread. Thank you, JayB, this was wonderful; such a convincing continuation of the triplets' lives, uplifting and beautifully written. |
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| Author: | Millie [ Tue Dec 22, 2009 9:46 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
So lovely JayB, thank you. |
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| Author: | SMG [ Thu Dec 24, 2009 5:59 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Three Remarkable Women - Complete! |
Thank you for this drabble-what a pleasure.I loved reading it! It really read like real life!And I loved the sideways references to the CBB and the 'small specialist publisher' too .
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