A Second Chance - Part Four
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#1: A Second Chance - Part Four Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 8:39 am

Long Road Home
(for those who want to catch up on what happened pre-this sequel)

Archived for length 15/01/05 and again 14/03/05
A Second Chance Part One
A Second Chance - Part Two
A Second Chance - Part Three
~Ally~


Sitting on the bank, slightly apart from the melee, Evadne looked around her and heaved a sigh. It was the last week of her six weeks away, and today was the Coming of Age fete at her old school.

The previous five weeks had been spent in Paris having a wonderful time with her father and Veronica, and including five near-perfect days with Edgar that made her finally realise without doubt that her life was heading in the right direction at last. She had arrived in Interlaken three days previously, meeting Elsie at the airport, and the two of them made their way up to the Gornetz Platz where they had been reunited with so many old friends, and had so much fun catching up, that their heads were in a complete spin. But today had not been so much fun. She was exhausted, missing Edgar and home, and her mood had been finished off by her reunion with Margia a couple of hours before. She had planned out in her head exactly what she was going to say, but when the time had come she had stood to one side, not wanting a confrontation, simply desperate to get away. Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t hear Elsie come up behind her, and she jumped at the hand that lady placed on her shoulder as she sat down beside her on the grass.

“You okay?”

Evadne turned round with a grimace. “I was until you nearly scared me out of my own skin!”

“Sorry, I didn’t think I’d crept up that quietly!”

Evvy laughed. “Oh, you didn’t. Guess I was just thinking, that’s all.”

Elsie looked her in the face and gave her a wry smile. “Let me guess what about?”

Evadne rolled her eyes and looked down at an ant crawling across the grass. “She didn’t even seem to care, Elsie. No apology, no nothing.” She looked back up, the hurt evident on her face. “It’s funny, I thought I’d be cross but I’m not. I’m just real sad.” Elsie placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a squeeze, and Evvy gave a shrug. “Oh well, guess I never have to see her again after today.”

Turning to look back across the crowd of people, she suddenly spotted Margia making her way towards them and she hurriedly got to her feet.

“Say Elsie, I think I’m going to make myself scarce. I’ve had it with niceties today.”

Following her friend’s gaze, Elsie saw what had brought on her sudden need to depart, and she looked up, giving Evadne a sympathetic smile. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

Evvy grinned. “I’m fine. I’ll see you back at the Villa, okay?”

Elsie nodded, and Evadne turned and walked up the bank towards the School gates.

Strolling across the lawns towards her two old friends, Margia saw Evadne look directly at her, say something to Elsie, and then get up and walk away. Stopping in her tracks, she felt tears pricking at the back of her eyes, and blinked hurriedly to keep them at bay. She had been wracking her brain for the last hour or so, and she could not for the life of her work out what she had done so wrong.

That morning, on hearing from Joey that her friends were there, she had made it her first priority to hunt the two of them out with the intention of having a joyful reunion. She felt slightly guilty at how bad a correspondent she had been since leaving school, but her meeting with Cornelia the previous year had convinced her of the need to reconnect with her old friends, and she was not going to let this opportunity pass her by. She was particularly looking forward to seeing Evadne again. It was ten years since the two had last had any contact, and it had upset Margia over the years that they had drifted so far apart.

But things had not gone at all to plan. She had tracked them down fairly quickly, and as she exchanged excited embraces with them both, she noticed instantly that Evadne was holding back. As Elsie filled her in on all the news of her family, and asked Margia questions about her life on the road, Evvy had stood slightly to the side, occasionally making the odd comment, but not offering anything more unless directly asked a question. She also seemed reluctant to expand too much on how her life was going and what she had been up to. The last thing Margia had heard was that Evadne was engaged, and she was shocked to see her wedding finger devoid of any rings. However feeling that questions would be unwelcome, she had made no mention of it, and shortly afterwards, both Evvy and Elsie had made their excuses and moved on, Elsie promising that they would catch up again later.

Puzzled, and not a little hurt by Evadne’s attitude, Margia had made a point of asking Joey about her friend’s lack of wedding ring, and was dismayed to discover that Ralph had been killed during the war. Why had nobody ever told her? They had all been such close friends. It was clear that Evadne and Elsie still were. Did they really resent her lack of correspondence to that extent? She was sure she had sent Evvy a letter congratulating her on her engagement. Hadn’t she? She couldn’t remember for sure, maybe she hadn’t after all. Maybe that was the root of the problem. Determined to get to the bottom of it, she quickly finished her business at the sale, and then spotting her two friends sitting on a bank, she had begun to walk towards them. Now, as she watched Evadne walk out of the school grounds, she pulled herself together and continued her path towards Elsie. She had to know what was going on.

Elsie had seen Margia’s hesitation as Evvy walked away. She had previously decided it was not her place to interfere between the two of them, but catching the obvious look of hurt on Margia’s face, her original doubts about the whole letter business resurfaced, and she made a decision to try to find out exactly what had happened, why Margia had never replied. As that lady approached, Elsie gave her smile and patted the ground next to her.

“Here you are, Lady Opener, come and rest your weary feet!”

Margia smiled despite herself, and sat down on the bank, twisting around slightly to look Elsie in the face. “It’s so good to see you again, Elsie, it really is. I can’t believe it’s been so long.”

“It has rather, hasn’t it? It’s been good to see you too, Margie. You haven’t changed,” she added, grinning as she remembered Margia’s enthusiastic greeting earlier in the day.

“Well, neither have you. You’d never guess you were a proud mother of two!” Margia paused for a moment, staring down at the grass. “Elsie, can I ask you something?”

Elsie nodded, thinking that she knew what was coming.

“What have I done to upset Evvy? I know she was friendly enough when we first said hello, but after that it was like she couldn’t wait to get away from me. And I saw her make a run for it a minute ago when she saw me coming over.”

Elsie glanced at her, a bit amazed that Margia seemed entirely oblivious as to the cause of Evadne’s behaviour, and she decided to take the bull by the horns. “Well maybe that’s because after Ralph died she didn’t even get a word of sympathy from you, Margia. It took a lot for her to write those letters to the four of us. I know you were in Australia, but would a reply really have been so hard?”

Margia looked up, her face a picture of total incomprehension. “What letter? I didn’t even know Ralph had died until I asked Joey just now why Evvy wasn’t married! I can’t believe no-one told me!”

“What?”

“Honestly Elsie, I promise you!” Margia’s expression was a mixture of confusion and dismay. “I wondered why she wasn’t wearing any rings.”

“She wrote to us all, Margie, after he died, to tell us about what happened.”

“But I never got any letter! It never arrived!”

Elsie felt a sense of relief sweep over her body as she stared at her friend. “Oh thank god. I thought it was so out of character for you not to have replied. I couldn’t work out what had got into you.”

“Is that why I’ve not heard from her since?”

“Yes,” Elsie watched her face as Margia stared down at the ground. “Though have you ever written since either?”

Margia shook her head. “I figured we’d just drifted apart. I never realised. I thought it was strange when Corney was reluctant to say too much about her last year.”

Elsie filled Margia in on the whole story, explaining what had happened to Ralph, how devastated Evadne had been and how long it had taken her to put her life together again. When she finished speaking, Margia looked up at her friend, tears welling up in her eyes. “Why did none of you ever tell me?”

“We presumed you knew. It wasn’t our place to get involved.”

Margia shook her head. “God, Elsie, I feel awful. No wonder she hates me.”

“She doesn’t hate you, Margie, but she was hurt. Listen, she’s gone back to our room we’re staying at the Villa Caramie, it’s about a mile and a half down the Platz towards the San. Go and talk to her, sort it out. She’ll understand once she knows what happened, you know she will. It’s not your fault.” Taking her key out of her bag, Elsie put it in her friend’s hand. “Go on. No time like the present.”

Margia looked down at the key, then getting to her feet, she gave Elsie a smile. “Thank you,” she replied, and turning on her heel, she set off towards the School gates, following in Evadne’s wake.

Last edited by Josie on Mon Apr 11, 2005 3:22 pm; edited 40 times in total

 

#2:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 8:45 am

Thanks Josie -poor Margia, she must have been feeling so upset and confused. Hope she and Evvy can make up.

 

#3:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 10:19 am

*hugs Margia and Evvy* I hope they can finally clear the air after all this time.

 

#4:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 11:12 am

Poor Margia, hope Evvy listens to her.

 

#5:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 11:51 am

Thanks Jo - I hope Evvy is willing to listen to Margia and they can sort this out. Liz

 

#6:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 12:07 pm

That is so true to life and a really good explanation. I'd always wondered why Margia didn't seem to know when she had seen Corney before the reunion. It just shows how you can lose touch. Lovely, Jo! this just gets better and better.

 

#7:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 3:53 pm

*hugs both Evvy and Margia* (and bless Elsie for helping to sort it out!)

 

#8:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 4:30 pm

Thank goodness Elsie decided to get involved or this misunderstanding could have gone on forever! Hope Margia can make Evvy undersatnd what happened!

 

#9:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 7:12 pm

poor Margia, I'm really really convinced she genuinely didn't know - great writing!

 

#10:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Mar 06, 2005 2:02 am

Poor Evvy & Margia! I'm glad Margia had the sense to ask Elsie. *wonders how Thea and Miss McReadie are doing Laughing*

 

#11:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 7:23 am

Really hoping this works as I think I may actually cry if I manage to delete 41 pages of drabble, especially just having reparagraphed it all! Shocked Laughing

ETA: Phew!

Miss McReadie turned out to be a redoubtable Scottish lady, tall, grey-haired and of indeterminate age, who, despite being a little stricter than Amelia had been, was a very good teacher. Her first couple of weeks with the Watson family had proved to be a gargantuan battle of wills between herself and the two girls, during which time she found her cups of tea made with salt, worms in her desk draws and soot smeared on the seat of her chair.

This ‘settling-in’ period was not a new experience for her, having been a governess to various families for over twenty years, and rather than getting angry, she took all these practical jokes in her stride, continuing on with the lessons as if nothing had happened and refusing to rise. By the time a fortnight was up, Marcia had got thoroughly bored of following her sister’s lead, decided she really quite liked her new teacher and the two of them now got on perfectly well.

Thea, however, was a different proposition. Though not hugely extrovert unlike her siblings, she was a stubborn and headstrong girl at the best of times, and once she got it into her head that she did not like Miss McReadie it was going to be no mean feat to change her mind. Maura McReadie was not quite sure what to do with her. It wasn’t so much the practical jokes that were worrying her; they were silly and childish and easy enough to brush off. It was more the fact that she seemed to be totally disinterested in anything her new governess tried to teach. She was by some margin the most academically gifted of Edgar’s three children, and had always previously enjoyed her lessons and been keen to absorb and learn. But now she was refusing to listen at all, spending most of her time staring idly out of the window or around the room, and answering everything Miss McReadie said with “That’s not how Granny taught us” or “Granny didn’t do it like that.” She did the work she was expected to do, she knew what her father would have to say otherwise, but she refused to join in any discussion or explore subjects any further.

For Miss McReadie’s part, she had so far, perhaps unwisely, contrived to keep much of this behaviour hidden from Edgar. She enjoyed her new job very much, was fond of her boss, thought the girls were delightful, despite Thea’s attitude towards her, and she was anxious to keep her post.

Thea had tried complaining to her father, but when he asked her exactly what the problem was, she refused to expand on “I don’t like her, she’s horrid”. He instituted enquiries of his own, and finding Marcia saying that she liked her new teacher, and Miss McReadie insisting that she could handle the situation okay, Edgar simply told his eldest daughter that this was the way things were now and she would just have to learn to like it. Consequently, things had continued unabated for almost two months, with Thea getting more and more frustrated.

It was now the end of June, and after another day when she found her tricks thwarted, her sister unwilling to participate and Miss McReadie refusing to get angry with her, Thea was thoroughly disgruntled. Both girls were upstairs following their dinner, and stalking down the landing to Marcia’s room, she burst in without knocking, much to her sister’s chagrin.

“'Scuse me, this is my room. You have to knock!”

Ignoring this rebuke, Thea sat down on the bed and glared at Marcia with a disgruntled air. “I want to know why you won’t help me rag Creepy Creadie.”

Marcia stopped rifling through her draws and turned around to look at her. “’Cause it’s stupid, that’s why. Anyway, I like her.”

Thea snorted. “You would. Why do you have to like everyone, Marcia? You’re such a brown-nose. You even liked Donkey-face.”

At this insult to her dignity, Marcia’s temper flared up. “No I didn’t! And why can’t I like people? Just ‘cause I’m not nasty, doesn’t make me a brown-nose.”

“I’m not nasty either!”

“Yes you are! You’re nasty to Miss McReadie and she’s nice. And you always pick on me and that’s nasty.”

“I don’t pick on you, you cry-baby. And Creepy Creadie’s not nice.”

“She is too! You’re a stupid baby and I think it’s horrid and mean and I’m not going to stick up for you!” and with that she stormed out of her room, and down the landing towards the stairs, followed by Thea, who turned the opposite way and stomped down the corridor to her own bedroom.

 

#12:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:33 am

*g*
I have a feeling that young Thea is about to get "sorted" - but will it be McReadie herself or will they have to turn to Evvy?

But more importantly, I want to see the reconciliation between Evvy and Margia ...

Oh - and did I mention this is fab?!

 

#13:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:48 am

Thank you Jo! Still loving this! Poor silly Thea - who is it who will finally get through to her? And yes it would be good to see the reconciliation... Wink

 

#14:  Author: pim, Location: the Derbyshire wilderness PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:11 am

What Rachael and Nell said! Poor Thea, ooh although... maybe she's the one who's righ and Miss M is going to turn into another Tamara?

*weebles and SINCERELY hopes she's wrong*

Thank you hon Very Happy

 

#15:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:13 pm

Thank goodness the board is up again, and we can see what is happening now.
Maybe she thinks this lady is instead of Evvy, and is still mourning for her grandmother.

 

#16:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:20 pm

Thanks for the update, the argument between the two girls was very realistic! Very Happy

 

#17:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:34 pm

Just realised that I haven't said thanks for all your comments recently, so thanks! Very Happy

Lying on her bed, staring at the ceiling as the gentle breeze ruffled the curtains at the balcony window, Evadne was trying hard to tell herself not to be upset. She had two more days of this reunion to endure, and then they would be leaving for Interlaken and the plane back to England and home. Everything there was good, she was happy, that was where her life was these days. She had got along fine without Margia for the last ten years, why should things be any different now?

She was not doing a great job of convincing herself.

As she watched a fly crawl across the ceiling, and wondered if she could convince Elsie to leave a couple of days early, there was a knock at the door.

“Evvy, it’s Margia.”

Turning over onto her side so that her back was to the door, Evadne ignored her.

“Evvy, I know you’re in there, please open up.”

Evadne continued to keep quiet, hoping she would give up and go away. Suddenly there came the sound of a key in the door, and she jumped off the bed as it opened and Margia came into the room.

“What the blazes do you think you’re doing? Get out!”

“Elsie gave me her key.”

“Yes, well Elsie had no right.”

“Evvy stop it, please, I need to talk to you.”

“I’ve nothing to say to you Margia. Just leave, will you?” and turning her back, Evadne walked over to the balcony window and stared out across the Platz towards the San in the distance.

“Please hear me out Evvy. I didn’t…”

Spinning around, her hold on her temper finally giving way, Evadne faced her old friend with flashing eyes. “You didn’t what? Mean to upset me? Mean to ignore me? What’s your excuse? Too busy? Something better to do?”

“No, that’s not it, I never…”

“You know what? I don’t even care any more. You made it perfectly clear how much our friendship meant when you never replied to my letter…”

“Evvy, listen to me, I never got it…”

“…and I’ve survived without you this long. I don’t need you in my life any more…”

“Evvy, shut up!” Shocked, Evadne stopped in full flow. Margia was trying extremely hard to keep back her tears and her anger and hurt were evident in her tone as she shouted her words. “I never got any stupid letter. I didn’t know you’d even written one ‘til Elsie just told me. I found out that Ralph had died when I asked Joey two hours ago why you weren’t married. I’m a terrible correspondent, I admit it, but I can’t believe you think I’d do something like that, that I’d have ignored that letter. What sort of person do you think I am?”

Evvy was staring at her in shock, and Margia took her silence to be disbelief. She continued speaking, her voice quieter and somewhat choked.

“You know something, Evvy? I love my music, it’s my life, but you know what? It’s my entire life! I don’t have the stability, the friendships, that home life that you all do and that’s okay, that’s my choice, but it’s a lonely one. I realised just how lonely when I saw Corney and her family last year.” She paused, staring Evadne straight in the eyes. “Do you know how excited I was to see you and Elsie today? Do you have any idea how much I’ve missed you? And then I find out you think so little of me you believe I would be too busy to acknowledge your fiancé’s death?”

She stared at Evadne as that lady looked down at the rug, and there was an uncomfortable silence, before Margia spoke again, the tears now welling up in her eyes. “If that’s what you really think then maybe you’re right, maybe our friendship meant nothing. I just wish I’d never found that out. I wish I’d never come to this ghastly reunion,” and turning on her heel, she walked out of the door without looking back.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:49 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#18:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:42 pm

*Huggles Margia*

 

#19:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:46 pm

That was so sad.
ButI am sure you will make a happy one soon.

 

#20:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:46 pm

*huggles Margia and Evvy*
It's horrible seeing them at odds, just not right at all. Now go and apologise Evvy and make things up between you.

Thanks Josie

 

#21:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:47 pm

...and then Evvy chased Margia and they hugged and made up and were friends again....


Lovely posts Josie - it is so nice to have the board back and be able to read this again.

 

#22:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:50 pm

Oh I do hope so Chelsea! Poor Margia, well said though and I do hope Evvy chases after her...

Thank you Jo!

 

#23:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:54 pm

poor Margia Sad

hope they can sort it out

Thanks Jo!

 

#24:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:11 pm

Thanks Jo, I like seeing Thea and Marcia grow up and poor Evvy and Margia *pokes misundersatanding and lots letters*

I should now gloat that the next two posts are equally as wonderful

*wants the angel smilie back!!*

 

#25:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:57 pm

Thanks for the lovely updates Jo

Liz *feeling happy, because I can't imagine Evvy doing anything other than chasing after Margia and making up*

 

#26:  Author: pim, Location: the Derbyshire wilderness PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 4:06 pm

*hoping it's all going to work out okay* Peas, peas, peas Jo?

 

#27:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 6:00 pm

Lovely posts, Jo. Poor Thea has probably had enough upheavals to last her a lifetime, no wonder she's being so bad. She's probably scared that if she likes this new teacher, she'll lose her, too.

Please let Evvy and Margia make up soon.

 

#28:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 9:59 pm

this is so lovely - i really hope evvy and margia can make up.

an Rolling Eyes at thea - she's probably just attention seeking.

 

#29:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:05 pm

Poor Margia - hope Evvy runs after her. Crying or Very sad

Thanks Josie.

 

#30:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:58 pm

Oh gosh, I feel so sorry for Margia - you've written her so powerfully, Josie - that was a simply marvellous two-sided argument Very Happy And how realistic that behind the nice faces that everyone was putting on at the Sale there were all these tensions - so typical of reunions.

 

#31:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 4:29 am

Eeeble.

Wibble.

Gulp.

Make it OK!!! Please??? I really really really really want Evy and Margia to make up and be friends.




Of course I also want to see the Thea brat get sorted by the Govvy.




But when ever is good for you is good for me...






...as long as I don't have to wait too long!

 

#32:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 4:38 am

Whew! That's one humdinger of a misunderstanding!
Chelsea wrote:
...and then Evvy chased Margia and they hugged and made up and were friends again....
Please?

(Also wondering how Thea's vendetta will be resolved, but more concerned about Evvy & Margia just now....)

 

#33:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:33 am

Thea refused to come out of her bedroom for the rest of the evening, and the next morning saw her flouncing down to breakfast, her temper not improved at all. It was Saturday, so there were no lessons, but Mrs McReadie was still at breakfast, and Thea ignored her pointedly all meal, snapped at her sister, and was surly with Edgar whenever he asked her a question. Having had to ask her several times to sit up, apologise and stop being rude, Edgar finally had enough, and when the meal was over and they all got up to leave he remained in his seat.

“Thea, can I have a word, please?”

About to walk out of the room, Thea contemplated pretending that she hadn’t heard, but realising that this would only get her in greater trouble, she glared at her father and turned back to the table.

“Sit down.” He waited until she was back in her seat, her arms folded across her chest and a defiant look on her face. “Now, what’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing.”

“Fine, have it your own way, but you’re not leaving here until you tell me what’s going on,” and picking up his paper, he sat back in his chair and began to read, leaving her to think it over.

Experience had taught her that her father meant what he said and trying to outlast him would be a pointless exercise, so fixing him with a vicious glare she spat out, “It’s Miss McReadie’s fault.”

Edgar folded his paper up again and put it back on the table before replying. “Why? What’s she done?”

“I hate her!”

“Why?”

“Just ‘cause.”

“That’s not a reason.”

“Well, it’s my reason!”

Staring at his belligerent daughter, Edgar sighed and shook his head. He could not understand what had got into her over the past few months. Though quieter than Marcia and not quite as happy-go-lucky, she generally had a good reason if she was being confrontational. Now there seemed to be no logical explanation as to why she was being so quarrelsome and rude.

“You can’t just hate someone for no reason, Thea. That doesn’t make you a very kind person.” He paused to see if she had anything to say, but she just looked away from him and remained silent. “There’s nothing wrong with Miss McReadie, she’s perfectly nice. You decided you didn’t like her before she even got here, and I want to know why.”

“Didn’t”

“Yes, you did, and I want you to tell me what the problem is. And don’t try and blame Miss McReadie,” he added as she opened her mouth, “because you know as well as I do this is not her fault. Marcia gets on perfectly fine with her and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t as well.”

“Marcia’s a stupid brown-nose.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Well she is, and you’re stupid too!”

This was the final straw for Edgar. “That’s enough! I’m sick of this childish behaviour, Thea, you’re acting like a spoilt little madam and I’m not having it anymore. Go to your room, and you can stay there for the rest of the day. You can have your lunch and supper up there. Go on, go!”

Jumping down from her chair, Thea stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her, and ran upstairs to her bedroom, her mind racing as she went. It wasn’t fair, they were all so stupid. Why couldn’t they understand? Granny would have understood.

And therein lay the root of the problem. It would not have mattered how good a teacher Miss McReadie was, or whether she was a nice person, the fact was that she wasn’t Amelia. Of the three children, Thea had always been closest to her grandmother and she missed her tremendously, missed being able to talk to her, confide in her and tell her when she had a problem. She had been extremely unhappy ever since Amelia’s death five months previously, but had kept it all bottled up, her misery eventually translating to anger, which she had directed towards Miss McReadie.

Now, as she sat on her windowsill staring out across the gardens, she convinced herself that none of them cared about her anymore; that they didn’t want her there. Well in that case, she wouldn’t stay there any longer. Getting up, she took the blanket off her bed, putting it in a bag with her nightdress, hairbrush and a couple of books, and opening her door, she waited until she heard Edgar go into his study and shut the door. Then creeping along the landing and down the stairs, she headed for the kitchens, praying that she wouldn’t get caught. Providence favoured her for once, and she not only made it therewithout being seen but found them empty, Cook having gone into the village to buy some provisions. Taking a bottle of juice from a cupboard, and some cookies from the jar on the sideboard, she crept out of the back door.

Last edited by Josie on Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:44 am; edited 4 times in total

 

#34:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:40 am

Oh gosh what will happen next! Shocked

 

#35:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 11:03 am

uh oh! at least it's not switzerland so she can't be caught in a snow drift.
hope she is found soon and is ok.

thanks Jo! Smile

 

#36:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 11:11 am

No!! Thea!!! Come back!

Please let them find out quickly Jo!

Oh and thank you! But we would also like to know about Evvy and Margia.... Wink

 

#37:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 11:32 am

oh no,
somehow I am sure that only Evvy can save her, and help her solve her problems.

 

#38:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 1:59 pm

Poor Thea. Crying or Very sad

*Advice wanted*

Should I wibble, or trust Jo to get her back safely? Confused

 

#39:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 2:12 pm

Maybe both!

 

#40:  Author: pim, Location: the Derbyshire wilderness PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 2:24 pm

I;m just going to weeble... Jjjjjjjjjjjjooooooooooo!

 

#41:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 2:33 pm

Walking along the Platz towards her hotel, Margia was fighting a losing battle with her tears. She had been looking forward to this reunion so much, to meeting up with her old friends, and had been dearly hoping that at least one other member of the Quintette would be there. They had been, and she had been overjoyed, and then everything had gone so wrong. She’d meant what she had just said to Evvy; she really wished now that she hadn’t bothered to come. At least she’d had the belief in their friendship even if they hadn’t spoken for years. Now she felt like that belief was utterly destroyed. Though Elsie had been her chief friend at school, she and Evadne had always shared a special bond, and the thought that it had all meant nothing upset her deeply.

Suddenly she heard footsteps behind her, and Evadne’s voice calling her name. She quickened her step to try and get away, but Evvy broke into a run, and the next minute Margia felt her grab her arm.

Trying to wrench herself free, she scrubbed at her eyes with her other hand. “Leave me alone, Evvy.”

“No.” Evadne kept hold of her arm, preventing her from moving.

Realising she wasn’t going to get away, Margia turned around to face her, staring her straight in the eyes. Evadne stared back at her, and then reaching out, she wrapped her arms around her friend in a hug. Instinctively Margia began to pull back, but her resistance vanished instantly as she felt the warmth in her friend’s embrace, and burying her face in Evvy’s shoulder, she began to sob.

“I never knew, Evvy, I honestly never knew. You do believe me don’t you? I would never have hurt you like that.”

Evadne rested her head against her friend’s hair and hugged her tighter. “Of course I believe you, Margie. I’m so sorry, I should have tried to find out why you never replied, it was so unlike you” She closed her eyes, waves of guilt sweeping over her for thinking the worst for so long. “Your friendship means heaps to me; I guess that’s why it hurt so much when I didn’t hear back from you. I was so messed up at the time I just didn’t think and since then…well…I’ve no excuse really. I’m so sorry for ever thinking that of you.”

Pulling herself together, Margia lifted her head and took her handkerchief out of her bag to dry her eyes. “Please, Evvy, can’t we start over? This is so stupid, us not being friends. I miss you so much. I know I’ve been dreadful at keeping up, and most of this mess is my fault because of that, but you didn’t write either.”

“Of course we can start again, Margie.” Evadne reached out and took her hand. “And I’m so sorry I was such a beast just now. I didn’t mean what I said; of course I want you in my life.”

Margia smiled and shook her head. Putting her arms around her friend, she hugged her again and they stayed like that for several minutes before Evadne pulled free and grinned. “Thank god we came to this thing. We’re both so stupid this could have gone on forever!”

Margia laughed. “It probably would have done too!”

“I’m sure somebody said you get wiser as you get older. I think we’re case in point that you don’t!”

“Speak for yourself!” Margia looked at her affectionately and her voice softened as she continued. “I’m so glad I’ve got you back, Evvy. And I know it’s a little late, but I’m so, so sorry about Ralph. Elsie told me what you went through. You really didn’t deserve to have something like that happen to you, it wasn’t fair.”

“Thanks, Margia.”

Evvy’s face clouded slightly and she stared at the ground as she spoke. Margia hastened to move the conversation on. “So, how about now? Is there anyone else?”

Looking up, Evadne smiled. “Perhaps.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Tell you what,” Evvy returned with a wicked grin, “let’s go find Elsie, she can tell you all about it. It’ll make her day!” She slipped her arm through Margia’s, and they turned to head back towards the school.

“Why’s that?”

“Oh, she had a hand in the whole thing; or at least she likes to think she did!” and as Margia gave her a quizzical look, Evvy shook her head and chuckled. “You’ll see,” and refusing to say anything else, she changed the subject as she led her friend along the road.


(Well done Chelsea! Okay, so it was fairly obvious, but well done anyway! Laughing )

Last edited by Josie on Fri Mar 11, 2005 7:26 am; edited 2 times in total

 

#42:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:09 pm

Huzzah, Im sooooo glad they made up Very Happy

Now, back to Thea......*wibbles*

 

#43:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:21 pm

Hooray! Lovely I'm so glad they could make up and put the past behind them. Thank you Jo!

But Thea is going to be ok isn't she??? Please don't make me wait until tomorrow to find out...

 

#44:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:48 pm

Lovely Very Happy

 

#45:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:59 pm

So glad they've made up

Really worried about Thea - hope she gets found quickly (but long enough that the adults realise that this is serious and she needs some help)



Thankyou Josie for all your fabulous writing

 

#46:  Author: pim, Location: the Derbyshire wilderness PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 6:01 pm

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. Lovely! *fuzzy*

(But still weebling about Thea)

 

#47:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:23 pm

OK,
Now you hqve dealt with that one, we just have to hope Thea will be OK.

 

#48:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:41 pm

Thanks Jo - I'm so glad Evvy and Margia have both explained and made up.

Hope Thea is going to be ok - poor little girl

Liz

 

#49:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 9:27 pm

Even though I *knew* it had to turn out that way, I wasn't sure till you posted Rolling Eyes

Even though I *know* Thea will be OK, I still shan't be sure till you tell us so. Don't let the poor wee mite suffer too much. Please.

 

#50:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 9:42 pm

Pleased for Evvy and Margia - now what about poor little mixed up Thea? Evvy's not going to be able to help - she's in Switzerland.

 

#51:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 10:26 pm

Yay! I'm so glad Evvy and Margia made up (mainly because Margia is one of my favourite characters and I've been waiting for her to make an appearance in this drabble!)

Thanks Jo!

 

#52:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 11:07 pm

Good to hear Evvy and Margia have put the past behind them, but what's happening with Thea?

 

#53:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 11:09 pm

Thanks for all the lovely posts!

But...where has Thea gone?

 

#54:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 1:48 am

dackel wrote:

But...where has Thea gone?


My (7 year old) nephew ran away from school the other day.
He went home. The principal followed him (its only a block or two) and told him he had to come back. The cheeky brat said "Nope, I'm relaxing!"


So maybe Thea is relaxing in her tree house or similar?

 

#55:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 4:35 am

More hurrahs for Evvy & Margia! And Elsie deserves a little gloat. Very Happy

Now, where has Thea gotten to? Shocked

 

#56:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 8:06 am

It was almost lunchtime and Edgar was in his study, busy preparing for a Monday morning meeting. He had almost finished when there was a tap on the door, and when he called ‘Come in’, Miss McReadie entered with a distressed look on her face. Putting his pen down, he looked up at her wondering what had happened now.

“Is everything okay? You look a little worried.”

“Sir Edgar, I was just wondering, did you give Thea permission to leave her room?”

“No, why? Isn’t she there?”

Miss McReadie shook her head. “No, I’m afraid not. I just took her lunch up to her and the room was empty. I checked the toilet just in case she’d gone there, but that was empty too.”

Furious that his daughter would disobey him like this, Edgar got his feet. “For goodness sake, I don’t know what’s got into that child lately! She is in so much trouble when we find her,” and leading the governess back into the hall, they split up and began to search the house.

Two hours later, their lunch was stone cold and they still hadn’t located Thea. The whole house had been searched, Edgar looking in every nook and cranny he could remember hiding in as a child, and his anger had evaporated to be replaced by concern. As he came back upstairs from the kitchens, Marcia was waiting for him in the hall, full of curiosity.

“Daddy, what’s going on?”

“We’re looking for your sister. Have you seen her?”

She shook her head, and at that moment the front door opened and a flustered Miss McReadie came back into the house. “No sign of her in the gardens. Any luck here?”

Edgar shook his head, feeling his heart sink. It was so out-of-character for Thea to disappear like this that he was starting to get very worried about her. “I’ll phone through to the Furlong’s, see if they’ve seen her, and if not then I think maybe we should call the police station. I think she’s run away,” and he was turning to go to his study to make the calls when he caught a shifty look on Marcia’s face.

Bending down, he took her by the shoulders and looked her straight in the eyes. “Marcia, do you know where she is?” She shook her head. "Okay then, do you know where she might be?

Marcia hesitated a moment, and then nodded.

“Where?”

“In the den.”

“Where’s that?”

“Can’t say.”

Gripping her shoulders tightly, Edgar said sternly, “Marcia, we’ve no time for this silliness, your sister’s missing.” She stayed silent and Edgar shook her slightly. “Marcia?”

“It’s in the woods.”

“Where in the woods?”

Marcia shook her head, “I can’t tell, Daddy, it’s a secret.”

Added to Edgar’s worry, this childish ‘honour’ was starting to make him angry and he was on the verge of shouting at her when he suddenly remembered a place where his younger brother Philip had hidden as a child when he didn’t want to be found. Releasing her, he stood up. “Never mind. I’ll talk to you later about when it’s right to keep a secret, young lady,” and turning, he headed down the stairs to the kitchens and out of the back door.

Ten minutes later, he climbed over a fallen trunk and pulling back the undergrowth and crouching down, he pushed his way into a small clearing. Emerging scratched, his shirt sleeve torn, his efforts were rewarded when he caught sight of his daughter lying curled up in a ball on a blanket on the far side. A pile of cookies, a half drunk bottle of juice and some of her belongings were scattered next to her and her face was red and tearstained.

Hearing him come into her den, Thea glanced up and quickly turned over so that her back was towards him. Walking over to her, he sat down beside her looking around at the sundry belongings, a slight smile touching his lips.

“Were you planning on staying here for a while?”

Keeping her back determinedly towards him, she replied, “I knew Marcia would sneak!”

“She didn’t as it happens, so don’t go accusing her of anything. I was a boy here once, remember, I know all the hiding places.” Looking down at her, Edgar could see the hard expression on her normally pretty face, and he reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Thea, we’ve been very worried about you. Miss McReadie and I have been looking for you everywhere.”

“Why? You hate me!”

“Of course I don’t! Why do you think that?”

“’Cause you do,” her lips began to tremble and her voice caught as she spoke, “I want Granny back.”

Tears began to run down her face again, and collecting her up in his arms, Edgar pulled her rigid little body into his lap and hugged her. “Oh sweetheart, is that what all this has been about?” She nodded, burying her face in his chest, her shoulders heaving as she sobbed. “Is that why you don’t like Miss McReadie? Because she’s not Granny?”

She nodded again and wrapping his arms tighter around her, Edgar stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head as he tried to soothe her, kicking himself for not having realised sooner what the root of all the trouble was. He could see this must have been building for months, and was dismayed at the thought of how much she must have been hurting and that she had kept it all to herself. After a few minutes she calmed down a little and pulling her head back, she looked up at him. “She does it all wrong, not how Granny used to.”

Taking his handkerchief out of his pocket and handing it to her, he brushed back the locks of hair that clung to her face. “That’s because she isn’t Granny. She does it her own way, but it’s a good way and she’s a nice lady, I promise you.”

“I miss Granny, Daddy.” Thea’s tears began again and she scrubbed her eyes hard with her father’s handkerchief. “I want her to be here, it’s not fair.”

“But God needs her now, and so does Grandpa.”

“I need her too.”

“She can’t be here, darling.” Rubbing her back as she tried to check her sobs, he had a sudden idea. “We can go and talk to her though, if you like.”

Swallowing hard and looking up at him, she gave him a sceptical look. “How?”

“Like Ned talks to Mummy, at the church. Would you like to go and do that?”

Nodding, Thea gave him a slight smile and taking his handkerchief from her hand, Edgar dried her eyes and kissed her on the cheek. Setting her on her feet, he gathered her possessions together, putting them in her bag, and then standing up and taking her hand, he led her out of the clearing.

They entered the churchyard via the little gate that led through from the edge of Edgar’s property, and making their way to the private Watson-family plots on the far side, they came to a stop in front of Amelia’s grave. Crouching down next to his daughter, Edgar put a hand on her back and pushed her gently her forwards. Then seeing her hesitate he left her to it, walking over to Madeleine’s grave to pull up some weeds and remove some dying flowers, and before long he was rewarded by seeing Thea sitting on the floor talking quietly.

Half an hour later, he was seated on a bench chatting to Reverend Furlong when he felt a tap on his shoulder, and he turned to see Thea standing behind him. The Reverend said a hasty goodbye and took his leave, and Edgar patted the bench next to him for his daughter to come and sit down.

She perched on the edge of the seat and looked up at her father with big brown eyes. “Can we go home now?”

Edgar smiled. “Of course we can. You feeling a little better?” She nodded and he reached out, putting a hand on her shoulder. “Remember you can come and talk to Granny any time you like; just tell me or Miss McReadie where you’re going, okay? And you don’t have to come here to talk to her either. She can hear you wherever you are.”

Thea gave him a slight smile and swallowed hard. “Daddy, I’m sorry I’ve been so horrid.”

Bending forward, Edgar kissed her on the forehead. “It’s alright, sweetheart, we’ll say no more about it. Just come and tell me next time you’re upset, okay? Don’t keep it all in. Or if you don’t want to tell me, then tell Auntie Evvy. You can always call or write to her if she’s not here. Then we can help you, instead of things getting so bad again.” Nodding, she leant towards him and snuggled up against his side. Edgar ran his hand over her hair. “One more thing; you need to apologise to Miss McReadie, and promise me you’ll be good in her lessons from now on. She’s going back to Scotland next week for the summer, but she’ll be back in September so let’s make that a new start shall we?”

Thea sat up and looked him in the eyes. “I’ll try, Daddy, but I might not be friends with her.”

“You don’t have to be, Thea, just behave yourself, be polite to her and do all your work as you would have done for Granny, okay?”

“Okay, I promise.”

“Good, good. Right, let’s get back shall we? They’ll be wondering where we’ve got to, and the sooner you say your ‘sorries’, the sooner we can start moving forward,” and so saying, he got to his feet.

Thea jumped down from the bench, her familiar grin on her face for the first time in weeks. “Race you home!” and she set off at a run towards the gate leading to the house, leaving Edgar trailing in her wake.

Last edited by Josie on Fri Mar 11, 2005 12:02 pm; edited 2 times in total

 

#57:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 8:33 am

Jo, you've reduced me to tears - again!

That was so moving. ((((Thea))))

 

#58:  Author: Grembles, Location: Norwich PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 8:37 am

Hurrah - a new episode before I go to work.
I now don't have to risk getting in to trouble by looking at non-work-related websites.
Oh and I won't embarass myself by sniffling on the shop floor.

This is wonderful.

 

#59:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 10:48 am

Glad Thea was found ok, and that she is willing to make a fresh start!

 

#60:  Author: pim, Location: the Derbyshire wilderness PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 11:59 am

*hugs Thea* Poor thing Crying or Very sad And Edgar is LOVELY Heart

 

#61:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 12:31 pm

Superb- so pleased Edgar was able to solve this on his own ...

 

#62:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 12:50 pm

Well done Edgar. Glad he found her and could help her. Lovely, thank you Jo!

 

#63:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 1:38 pm

Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

Josie that just made me cry so much



But really glad that Edgar worked out what was wrong - just hope Marcia understands when she gets back

 

#64:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 2:40 pm

glad they managed to sort that out.

And Jo, you've gained another star! In fact they seem to be multiplying all over the board - definitely deserved in this case!

 

#65:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 3:29 pm

Edgar was wonderful in that post.

Thank you Jo.

 

#66:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 4:02 pm

Here's a little bit to usher the weekend in with a smile. Apologies if it's a bit cheesy but hey, it's Friday and I'm in a cheesy mood! Very Happy Very Happy

And thanks Robin Embarassed Very Happy Hadn't even noticed the new star!

It was three days after the coming-of-age fete and Evadne stared out of the window as the shops of Kensington High Street flashed past. The taxi turned left heading up the hill towards her street and she smiled to herself, thinking how glad she was to be home.

She, Elsie and Margia had spent the two days after the reunion catching up and rebuilding their friendship, eschewing all invitations to other get-togethers, just wanting to make up for lost time by themselves. By the time they left the Gornetz Platz it was like they had never been apart, and they had parted company in Interlaken with the promise that they would all get together in October, when Margia next had concerts in England. As Evadne had hugged Margia goodbye, she’d thought to herself how pleased she was that she had gone to the reunion after all.

As soon as they got to the airport, however, her thoughts turned to Edgar and how much she was longing to see him. She knew the children’s summer holidays were due to start soon, so he would probably be down in Wiltshire. She would call him this evening and arrange to drive down first thing tomorrow.

The taxi drew up in front of her house, and Evadne climbed out and walked up to her front door, leaving the driver to follow with her bags. She took her keys out of her bag, and bending to open the bottom keyhole, she was surprised to find that it hadn’t been locked. She’d have to speak to Enid, her housekeeper, about that. Undoing the top lock, she opened the door and held it as the driver took her bags into the hall for her. Then handing over his money and thanking him, she closed the door behind him and sighed happily as she leant back against it, looking around her. She was home at last.

Her eyes fell on the dresser, and a curious frown furrowed her brow. On top if it stood a cut glass vase that she had never seen before, containing a bunch of beautiful red roses. She spotted an envelope propped up against the base of the vase, and walking across the hall she picked it up and tore it open. Taking out the small card from inside, her face broke into a wide smile as she read the words: Welcome Home. I love you.

A warm feeling swept through her body, as if she’d just been given an enormous hug, and bending her head to smell one of the roses, she said out loud, “I love you too.”

“Glad to hear it!”

Evadne nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of the voice. Spinning round, she saw Edgar standing just inside the salon, leaning against the door frame, a huge grin lighting up his face.

“Jeez, you…you scared the life out of me! What are doing here?”

“Your housekeeper let me in. Don’t I get a proper greeting?”

She returned his grin, and dropping the note back onto the dresser, she ran across the hall and threw herself into his arms. Edgar picked her up and held her tightly as she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him.

“Oh Edgar, I’ve missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed you too.” He lowered her to the ground and pulled back slightly, looking down into her blue eyes as she gazed back up at him. “Welcome home, darling,” and bringing a hand up to stroke her cheek, he bent his head and kissed her.

Last edited by Josie on Fri Mar 11, 2005 4:07 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#67:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 4:06 pm

Not cheesy at all Jo

That was lovely - and I'm so glad Thea was found and Edgar was able to help her.

BTW does Edgar give lessons in romance - I know of someone who could do with them!

Liz

 

#68:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 4:06 pm

Awwwwwww

thankyou Josie that was lufferly

 

#69:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 4:09 pm

*sighs happily*

That was luffly and fluffy, ty Jo Very Happy

 

#70:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 5:49 pm

Aww, that makes me feel like I just had a big hug, too, thanks Josie!

 

#71:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 6:23 pm

Awww why can't drabble men exist in real life?
Lovely post Jo! Very Happy

 

#72:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 6:51 pm

As everyone says, "luffly".

Not cheesy at all but warm and cuddly.

 

#73:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 7:52 pm

Thank you thank you thank you thank you Shiny Jo!!!!

 

#74:  Author: pim, Location: the Derbyshire wilderness PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 8:16 pm

Awwwwwwwwwwwwww fluffly and luffly. Thank you Jo Very HappyVery HappyVery Happy

 

#75:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 9:29 pm

That was lovely, thanks Jo. Laughing

 

#76:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 5:28 am

Yes indeed, a few more Edgars in the world would be a fine thing! So glad he was able to make Thea feel a little better, and being on hand to meet Evvy - Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy.

Also looking forward to Margia's promised visit!

 

#77:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 6:12 pm

awwwwww

that was just so romantic and (not to overuse the term) "luffly"

 

#78:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 9:52 pm

Examining the box of chocolates that she had brought back with her from Switzerland, Evadne decided on the dark-chocolate praline, her favourite kind. She was just about to take it out of the box when an arm appeared from behind her and it was snatched out of her grasp.

“Hey!” she exclaimed, glaring up over her shoulder into Edgar’s grinning face. Bending down to peck her on the cheek, he popped the chocolate in his mouth and made his way round the sofa to sit down on the chair opposite her.

“Right, that’s it, you’re not having any more!”

“Was worf i' vough,” he said with his mouth full, then swallowing, he began to choke as it went down the wrong way. It was a few seconds before he stopped coughing and sat back upright again, his face bright red. Taking out his handkerchief, he wiped his streaming eyes as Evadne grimaced at him.

“Serves you right!” she retorted, and making a second choice, she put it in her mouth and placed the box down on the small table next to her. Then turning back to face him, she sensibly swallowed before she spoke. “So what time do you have to get going?”

“In about an hour or so,” he replied, folding his handkerchief and putting it back in his pocket. “I want to get home by five at the latest so Mrs. Furlong can get back to the vicarage.”

Evadne’s face fell. “I do wish I could come with you, it’s been an age since I last saw the kids,” she pouted, and Edgar gave her a sympathetic smile.

“I know it’s hard, Evvy, I wish you could come too, but I do think we made the right decision. Anyway, you’ll be down next weekend with Paul and Elsie, so you’ll see them then.”

“I know, it’s just…oh never mind, ignore me, I’m just being an ass,” and she sat back on the sofa with a sigh.

A couple of weeks previously, Miss McReadie had gone to the village shop to buy some provisions when she’d overheard some of the locals gossiping about the amount of time Evvy was spending at Whitlingford Hall with just Edgar and the children there. They had stopped their conversation the instant they realised Miss McReadie was present, and she had not hesitated to give her unvarnished opinion of them and their wagging tongues, but the gossip had troubled her and she informed Edgar as soon as she returned home. Consequently, Edgar had talked the matter over with Evadne on her return to London. If it had just been themselves to worry about then they would have ignored the gossips, but neither of them were prepared to risk the children being upset by overhearing any remarks around the village. So after some debate, they came to the decision that it was best if she no longer made overnight visits unless other adults were also there. This discussion had taken place a week ago, the day after Evvy arrived home, and as Miss McReadie had left Wiltshire the next day to return to Scotland, Evadne had still not seen the children since she’d been back and she missed them badly.

Looking over at Edgar, she gave him a smile. “So how’s Thea doing, anyway?”

“Better,” he replied, a slight frown furrowing his brow, “She’s still not right, but at least she’s talking to me about it now. I still can’t believe I missed it for so long.” He sighed and stared down at his hands. “I wish Amelia was still around too, to be honest. Apart from anything else, I’m not sure I’m such a great father when left to my own devices, as all this with Thea rather glaringly shows.”

He heaved another sigh, his distress clear on his face, and getting up out of her seat, Evvy crossed the room and sat down on the arm of his chair, putting her arms around his neck and kissing the top of his head. “Don’t you even think that for a minute! You’re a wonderful father; you only have to look at how much your kids worship you to see that. These things are gonna happen sometimes, it’s how you handle them that shows how good a parent you are. I think the fact that Thea’s talking to you about it now speaks volumes in that department.”

Looking up at her, seeing the affection in her eyes, Edgar took one of her hands in his own and lifted it to his lips. “Thank you.”

She smiled down at him. “She’ll be okay, Edgar, she just needs time and support, that’s all,” and kissing the top of his head again, she stood up and made her way over to the bureau on the far side of the room. “Now, I have a question for you; have you decided what you're doing for a vacation yet?”

Edgar looked over at her, an amused expression on his face. “Don’t you think you’d know if we had? Why do you ask anyway?”

Opening the bureau, Evadne took out a letter and returned to her seat on the sofa before she replied. “Do you remember me talking about Corney?”

“Once or twice!”

Evvy grimaced at him. “Well she’s invited me out to Boston for a month in August, and I think I’m gonna accept. It’s been way too long since I last saw her.”

An expression of dismay crossed Edgar’s face. “Evvy, you’ve only just got back! Is this because you can’t come down to the Hall? ‘Cause we can come up to London as often as you like, you know, or we could all go away somewhere…”

Amused that he so clearly misunderstood where she was going with this, she gave him a quizzical look. “You mean you’d miss me if I went?”

“What do you think?”

Trying hard to keep a straight face, Evadne shook her head. “Sorry, Edgar, but I really do want to go.”

“Well, I can’t stop you,” he said, trying to put a brave face on things, “but I’ll miss you terribly, we all will.” Evadne gave a slight giggle, and he looked at her sharply. “What?”

“Well it’s a good thing Corney’s invitation includes you and the kids then, isn’t it?”

“Seriously?”

“Yes, you goose! Why else do you think I asked you what your plans were?” Taking the letter out of the envelope, she unfolded the sheets of paper and found the passage she was after. “In her own words, Corney’s ‘dying to meet the man I’ve finally fallen for so she can see if he’s nearly good enough for me’, and I don’t want to be away from you all again either; not so soon anyhow. I figure this is the perfect solution, what with me not being able to come down to Wiltshire nearly often enough. What do you say?”

Edgar looked doubtful. “I’m not sure, Evvy, I mean I’ll have to check with the children first of all, and then there’s the flights to book, and the house and farm to arrange for. I’m not sure I can do it all in time.” He saw her face fall and couldn’t suppress his grin any longer. The next moment, a cushion flew across the room and hit him in the chest.

“Edgar Watson, you…you…”

“Me what?”

“…you pig!”

“Oh come on, surely you can do better than that! I’ve heard it before remember!” and laughing, he got out of his chair and walked across to sit down next to her on the sofa. Grimacing, she tried to show him what she thought of his teasing, but he grabbed hold of her arms and twisted her round so she found herself leaning backwards against his legs, his arms wrapped around her to prevent her from exacting any revenge. Looking down at her, he grinned at the expression of outrage on her face. “You should know by now that I always win.”

“I’ll get you one day, mark my words!” she retorted, giving up her efforts at squirming out of his grasp.

“We’ll see,” he chuckled, “and going back to the holiday, I really should double-check with the children but somehow I can’t see any objections on that front, so yes, we would love to come with you. It’s about time I met this Corney character anyway. Do you think I’ll be deemed good enough for you?”

“Hmmm, I dunno, she’s quite protective of me. It depends what I decide to tell her,” she grinned up at him, “but I’m sure as long as you hide your terrible table manners, and keep your drooling habit under control you’ll be fine!”

“Keep my what under control?”

“You heard!”

“Yes, I did, and you’re asking for trouble!” and with that he started to tickle her.

Laughing, Evadne managed to wriggle free and sitting up, she reached behind her, grabbing off the table the first thing that came to hand. “Careful, I’m armed!”

Edgar burst out laughing. “With an orange? Gosh, I’d better not mess with you!”

“Precisely! You may find yourself juiced to death!”

He laughed again. “Okay, no more tickling, I promise.”

She put the orange back in the bowl, and turned around so that she was sat in his lap. “So, you’ll come then?”

“I think I can safely say that we’d love to.”

“Excellent! Right, I guess I’d better see to getting you some lunch if you’ve gotta head off soon. Sandwiches okay?”

“Perfect.”

Smiling, she kissed him on the forehead, and then getting to her feet, she took the tea tray from the table, piled their cups and saucers on top of it, and headed off to the kitchen in search of food.

Last edited by Josie on Sun Mar 13, 2005 10:41 am; edited 2 times in total

 

#79:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 10:04 pm

Great, another post.
I had just thought about that part,
Now Amelia died it was not "proper", for her to be staying with him unchaperoned, in that day and age, and I was wondering how they had coped with that.
So why don't they just get on and get married.

 

#80:  Author: pim, Location: the Derbyshire wilderness PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 10:21 pm

Hurrah for Corney! Thanks Jo Kiss

 

#81:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 10:59 pm

I'm really looking forward to seeing Edgar and Corney together. That is going to be fun.

Lovely to see their relationship developing. Thanks Josie.

 

#82:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 11:13 pm

Lovely Josie - Edgar and Evvy are so right together.

Thank you.

 

#83:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 11:59 pm

Yay we are going to see Corney again! Very Happy

 

#84:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 12:11 am

Ahh. Thanks Jo! Looking forward to seeing Corney again too Very Happy

 

#85:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 12:26 am

Awww bless them

They're so cute together!

 

#86:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 1:06 am

What a fabulous idea! Go, Corney!

 

#87:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 10:21 am

Thanks Jo - as has already been said, they are perfect together.

I'm looking forward to seeing Evvy win!

Liz

 

#88:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 11:50 am

Jo, I am in serious danger of turning into a mad scientist in an attempt to try and create the perfect SLoC - i.e. Edgar Wink

Thank you! Very Happy They are too cute together! And yay, we get to see Corney again!

 

#89:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 3:26 pm

Hee! Can't wait to hear Corney's opinion of Edgar (which better be good!)

How long before they get married?

Thanks Josie!

 

#90:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 10:46 pm

*pokes village gossips*

Thanks Jo, that was a lovely post. It's good to see the two of them having fun and enjoying each other's company.

 

#91:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 11:07 am

that was a lovely post, thanks Jo.
Although everything seems to be going a bit too well at the moment, which is scaring me slightly...

 

#92:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 12:54 pm

Lovely! Thank you Jo! Looking forward to seeing more of Corney!

 

#93:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 2:24 pm

Sorry this bit's so long - got a bit carried away! Embarassed

As Edgar predicted, there was no objection from the three children to their elders’ holiday plans, and July passed in the Watson house in a frenzy of excitement as flights were booked and the children set about trying to discover as much about Boston as they could before leaving. Evadne paid one visit to Wiltshire during this time, and was bombarded with so many questions by the excitable trio that by the time she returned to London on the Monday morning she barely knew which was up.

The first Tuesday in August saw them piling into Edgar’s car and driving up to London, where they stayed overnight in his flat, and at nine o’clock the next morning a taxi arrived to collect them and whisk them off to the airport. It had been decided they were to stay with the Van Alden’s for a full five weeks, returning to England a few days after Labor Day, as Cornelia had been insistent they remain in Boston for that holiday weekend.

Evadne was waiting for them at the terminal building when they arrived, accompanied by several suitcases, and having checked in their luggage they all made their way through to the first-class lounge, where they could relax prior to their flight. The room had a view over the runway, and Ned, his love of aeroplanes still as strong as ever, ran over to grab the seats nearest the window and was soon to be seen with his face pressed up against the glass, plying his father with questions and watching in awe as plane after plane took off.

Thea and Marcia sat opposite them with Evadne, who was being bombarded with as many queries as Edgar but on a different subject, namely their destination. As Thea unwrapped her bar of Fry’s chocolate cream and took a bite, she asked, “Do they have chocolate in America?”

Evadne smiled. “Yes, of course they do. Only it’s mostly Herschey’s, not the kind you’re used to. And it’s not rationed over there, so you can have as much as you like. Don’t you remember the big bag of candy I bought you back last year?”

“Why do you call it candy?” Marcia interjected, looking puzzled.

“Because that’s what we call sweets in America. We have different names for other stuff too, like the pavement is called the sidewalk and the rubbish is trash, that kind of thing.”

“Doesn’t that get confusing?”

Evvy laughed. “It can be at first, but you’ll soon get used to it. You can always ask me if you don’t know what something means.”

They were interrupted as the tannoy crackled to life and a voice announced that boarding was commencing for their flight. Gathering their belongings together, the five of them made their way out of the door and onto the small bus which was to carry them across the tarmac to the waiting plane.


Just over four hours into the long transatlantic flight, Ned came bounding down the centre aisle to where his family was sitting and flopped into his seat just across from his father. Careful not to disturb Thea, who was curled up asleep against his right side, Edgar turned to face him and grinned as he saw the look of excitement on his son’s face. “So, you enjoyed yourself then?”

“It was marvellous! They explained what all the dials and instruments and switches and stuff were and let me sit in one of their seats and everything, and Dad, you’ll never guess what?”

“Probably not. Why don’t you tell me,” Edgar replied, smiling at his son’s enthusiasm. Not long after take-off, he had had a quiet word with one of the air hostesses, who had subsequently spoken to the Captain and a couple of hours into the flight, young master Ned had found himself issued with an invitation to visit the cockpit.

Ned bounced up and down in his seat as he replied. “They gave me some big earphone things and let me listen when the Captain spoke to the ground control people, and then I could see him turning the steering and everything when they said he could change course. It was so cool!”

The occupant of the seat on Ned’s left hand side, a smart, expensively-dressed gentleman in his late fifties, had been listening with interest to this conversation and as Ned finished talking, he turned to look at the boy. “You keen on flying then, sonny?” he asked with a smile.

Ned turned round to face him. “Yes, I want to be a pilot. Who are you?”

“Ned, don’t be so rude!” Edgar interjected hurriedly. Then addressing the gentleman, “I’m sorry, he’s a bit overexcited.”

The man chuckled. “No need to be sorry, it’s a perfectly valid question. I’m Mr. Charles Schulstad of Boston, Mass. And you are?”

“I’m Ned Watson, and this is my Dad, Sir Edgar Watson. I’m named after him and we’re from Wiltshire in England.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” Mr Schulstad returned, shaking Edgar’s hand, and then turning back to Ned he asked with a grin, “So Ned, you want to be a pilot, eh?”

Turning his back on his father, Ned replied with enthusiasm, telling his new friend all about his ambition. Seeing that his son was happily occupied, Edgar smiled and turned his attention to the seats in front of him where Evadne was having a boisterous game of snap with Marcia, who was far too excited to follow her sister’s example and sleep, and had been chattering ten to the dozen ever since they had left London.


By the time they came to land in Boston, however, Marcia had been well and truly claimed by the Land of Nod and was now curled up fast asleep in her father’s lap. Edgar could hear Evadne pointing out landmarks to Thea, who had swapped places with her sister, and Mr Schulstad was doing the same for Ned, having swapped seats with the young lad so that he could see out of the window. Lifting Marcia off his lap and placing her in the seat next to him, careful not to wake her, Edgar fastened the seatbelt around his daughter’s lap and then leant over her to see the sea dotted with white yachts and the houses of Boston’s coastal suburbs looming into view as the plane made it’s final approach into the city. Before they knew it, the wheels had touched down, and they were there at last.


Marcia woke up when they reached the baggage hall. Edgar, who had carried her from the plane, set her down on the ground so that he could go and help the porter claim their bags, and she clung to Evadne’s side, tired and grumpy. Ned was continuing to chatter away to his new friend, and just as Edgar hauled the last suitcase onto a trolley, he felt a tap on his shoulder and he turned to look Mr. Schulstad in the face.

“Say,” that gentleman began, checking that Ned was out of earshot, “I live up near Worcester and have my own plane, and if you’d give your permission I’d be glad to take Ned up flying one day whilst you’re over here. I haven’t told him that of course,” he added, fishing in his wallet and pulling out a card, which he handed to Edgar. “Here’s my card. Perhaps we can make a day of it? You could all come up to us one Saturday or Sunday, your friends too. Would be a pleasure to have you all.”

Edgar smiled and took the card. “Well, we’d have to talk it over with our hosts, of course, but as long as they’re agreeable then that sounds like a marvellous idea. Thank you. And I’m sure my son will be delighted to accompany you in your plane, though I think I’ll keep that particular piece of information a secret for now, otherwise we won’t get a moments peace!”

Charles Schulstad laughed. “No doubt! Well, it’s was a pleasure to meet you all,” he said, shaking Edgar’s hand as Evadne came over with the children. “Goodbye, young Ned. Hope to see you again someday.” He bent to shake Ned’s hand, then stood up, looking from Edgar to Evvy and saying, “Fine children you have there, I must say.”

Evadne was about to reply that they weren’t hers when Edgar squeezed her hand and said quickly, “Thank you very much, Sir, we’re quite fond of them too.”

Charles Schulstad smiled and departed with a doff of his hat, and Edgar turned to Evvy with a grin. “It’s just easier that way,” he said, kissing her on the cheek, then turning to the children he added, “Come along you lot, let’s get a move on. We don’t want to spend our holiday at the airport,” and with Ned proclaiming that this sounded like quite a good idea, they made their way through customs to the arrivals area where Mike was waiting for them, two-year-old Terry in his arms.

Making her way across to her friend, Evvy hugged him and went to kiss Terry on the cheek, but that young lady quickly buried her head in her father’s shoulder, leaving Evadne both shocked and amused.

“Your daughter’s shy?” she exclaimed. “How did that happen?”

Mike laughed. “I know, rummy isn’t it? We’ve decided it must skip a generation or something; I know my mother can be shy on occasion. And yet she insisted on coming with me, so she can’t be that scared of people!”

Evvy chuckled, and as she turned to introduce Edgar and the children, Mike set his daughter down on the ground, where she instantly looked around her and grabbed hold of Thea’s hand, much to that young lady’s surprise. Mike grinned. “Well, looks like she’s made one friend anyway. Right, let’s get going. The car’s just out there,” and he turned and led the way out of the airport.


“Where’s Corney by the way?” Evadne asked as they loaded bags and children into the Van Alden’s large Chrysler.

“She wanted to come, but we thought it might be a bit of a squeeze trying to cram everyone in,” Mike replied, heaving one of Evadne’s cases into the boot. “Plus the Pertwees were off visiting their Mom this afternoon, so she had to stay and look after Meg. I can’t tell you how excited she is to see you though. She’s been a total scatterbrain all week – more than normal that is. She left all the groceries she’d just bought at the store this morning, said she was too busy thinking about things we could do over the next few weeks!”

Evadne grinned. “I thought you guys had a nanny?”

“We did, but Corney decided that the Pertwees can help out now, so we only have an au pair during the days when they’re at school. I think the idea was that it would help bring Yseult down a few pegs. Actually to be fair to her, she’s doing an amazing job; the girls adore her and she’s very good with them. Right, everyone in!” he exclaimed, slamming the boot of the car shut, and seeing that Evadne was in okay, he shut the rear door, climbed into the driver’s seat and they set off towards Everett and the Van Alden’s home.

The journey passed quickly, Mike and Edgar chatting in the front while Thea and Ned exclaimed over the large cars, the different clothes and everything else that was such a contrast to England, and Evadne tried valiantly to answer all their questions. Forty minutes later, they pulled up in the driveway, and as soon as Mike had switched off the engine and they began to climb out of the car, Cornelia came racing out of the front door to greet Evvy and be introduced to everybody. She grinned at her daughter who was still clinging to Thea’s hand.

“Have you made a new friend, sugar-pie?” Terry nodded. “Well do you want to take her in, show her where her bedroom will be?” and she laughed as her daughter made for the house, towing Thea behind her. Then turning back to Evadne, who had Marcia clinging to her side, she added, “Is she okay? Do you want anything to eat or drink, sweetie?”

The normally ebullient Marcia shook her head and said nothing, and Evvy raised her hand to ruffle her fair curls. “Actually, Corney, do you mind if we just get her to bed? She’s exhausted – she barely slept all flight, she was too busy being a chatterbox.”

“Sure. I think Mike and Edgar have just taken the cases upstairs anyhow. I’ve put the girls in together, if that’s okay, and then Ned’s in the dressing room off Edgar’s room, and you’re next to us in Val’s room – she’s moved in with Ronnie whilst you’re here. We’ve a full house these days with the Pertwees here and all.”

“Sounds perfect. Marcia, you run up and find Daddy, I’ll be up in a minute,” and as Marcia ran off, Evadne turned back to Corney and gave her a hug. “I can finally greet you properly now!”

Cornelia returned her embrace. “It’s so good to see you, Evvy. I’ve been wishing this week away wanting you to be here! Has Mike told you what an idiot I’ve been?”

Evadne laughed as she pulled back. “Something of it, yes. So what do you think?” she added with a grin, her eyes following the path Marcia had just taken into the house.

“The kids are beautiful.”

“Yes, well their mother was stunning and you’ve seen Edgar, so it’s not that surprising, I guess. And they’re absolute sweethearts, Corney, you’ll adore them. But what do you think of Edgar?”

“I’ve barely met him yet!”

“I know but come on, first impressions?” then seeing Corney’s expression, Evadne’s face fell. “Don’t you like him?”

“No I do, Evvy, honestly, he seems real nice.”

“But…?”

“Well…he seems bit stuffy, you know, like a British military-type, awfully straight. It’s just not who I thought you’d end up with that’s all.”

Feeling relieved, Evadne gave her friend a wide smile. “Oh, is that all? I know what you mean, its what I thought too when I first saw him, but you’ll see, he’s not like that in the least. For some odd reason he always has his work face on when he firsts meets people. You’ll like him, Corney, I know you will.”

Cornelia grinned. “Well, I’m sure I will. How could I not if you like him so much?” and linking arms with her friend, she led the way into the house.

Last edited by Josie on Mon Mar 14, 2005 9:16 pm; edited 6 times in total

 

#94:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 2:31 pm

Awwww! Lovely Josie - and even a little baby future cliff there with the flying lessons! Laughing

 

#95:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 2:39 pm

Don't apologise for it being so long Jo - that was lovely.

Have to admit I got a bit confused there at first and was thinking of Worcester in England!

Liz

 

#96:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 2:46 pm

Lovely post, looking forward to lots of American adventures! Very Happy

 

#97:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 2:47 pm

Lovely, thank you Jo! And definately not too long!

Loved Corney's reaction to Edgar and Evvy's description of his having his work face on!!

 

#98:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 2:53 pm

Jo, that was wonderful!!! And not too long at all!!
(although 4 other people DID post while I was reading it....... Shocked Wink )

 

#99:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 2:59 pm

never too long!
that was lovely, hope Corney and Edgar get on.

Thanks Jo

 

#100:  Author: pim, Location: the Derbyshire wilderness PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 4:28 pm

Aww, that was great! Thanks Jo! Very HappyVery HappyVery Happy

 

#101:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 4:30 pm

Wonderful - love the idea of Yselt being good with the kids ...

 

#102:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 4:36 pm

Loved the description of the flight - reminds me of the time my oldest, then 3, talked non-stop throughout an overnight flight, only to fall sound asleep while we were 'stacked' and circling, waiting for a landing slot at Heathrow!

Also echoes all those hoping Edgar and Corney will get on and that the family has a wonderful holiday.

 

#103:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 4:41 pm

It just couldn't be too long! Lovely description of the flight and also amused by Edgar's 'work face' Looking forward to this holiday and also meeting a reformed Yseulte!

Last edited by patmac on Mon Mar 14, 2005 7:18 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#104:  Author: Felix, Location: Bristol PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 4:43 pm

Gem wrote:
Jo, I am in serious danger of turning into a mad scientist in an attempt to try and create the perfect SLoC - i.e. Edgar Wink

Thank you! Very Happy They are too cute together! And yay, we get to see Corney again!


Ok - I am new to this and have been racking my brains to try and figure out what SLoC means. Can someone enlighten me? It is probably very straightforward.

Anyway, this story continues to be wonderful Josie. I liked the way the Pertwees came into it too. I have been wondering when they would show up.

 

#105:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 4:45 pm

Solid Lump of Comfort - what Joey calls Jack when they first get engaged.

 

#106:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 4:46 pm

Felix - it means Solid Lump of Comfort and comes from the bit in Exile where Joey says to Jack 'you're such a solid lump of comfort' (paraphrased)

 

#107:  Author: Guest,  PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 5:16 pm

Too long, what's too long? Now too short I can understand, but there's no such thing as too long!

Thanks, Josie, lovely post again as usual!

 

#108:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 5:29 pm

That was wonderfull!! I love the idea that Corney might have a shy child Laughing

Cant wait for more American adventures, thanks Jo

 

#109:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 6:33 pm

Apologising for length, Jo??! Definitely no need!

Thanks, was lovely. Looking forward to more American adventures! Very Happy

 

#110:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 6:33 pm

Wow what a fantastic long post!!

Thank you very very much, shiny Josie!

 

#111:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 7:15 pm

As the others have said, you never need apologise for being too long Very Happy

I lvoe Terry being shy, and that she claimed Thea as a friend at once. It's funny how little kids will do that sometimes.

Thanks Jo.

 

#112:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 9:54 pm

Can someone explain the link between the Pertwees and Corney?
THank You
Really enjoying it thanks Josie Very Happy

 

#113:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 10:15 pm

Thank you, Josie!
(The longer, the better, when it comes to this drabble....)

In Coming of Age, Mrs. Pertwee becomes very ill while on tour in America.
Quote:
But mercifully she was in Boston when the thing became urgent.”
“Why that?” Biddy o’Ryan asked, opening her eyes widely.
“Because Corney Flower—I mean Corney van Alten—lives at Everett, which is one of Boston’s suburbs. I cabled her at once, and she’s not only keeping us up to date with news. She’s taken in those three girls so that they can be near their mother and be in a family as well.”

The Pertwees are still with Corney in Trials and Ruey, and she mentions in Reunion that she'll be sending Ronny & Val back to the CS.

 

#114:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 10:35 pm

Thanks for the very lovely and long post!

I loved the bit with Ned and the cockpit - I loved going up there when I flew as a kid (one of the joys of being an UM, is that they often let you sit up there - once we were even there for a landing!)

 

#115:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 3:59 pm

“Well, that’s one way to get Marcia to go to sleep!” Edgar proclaimed as he came back out onto the terrace and walked around to his seat, having just kissed his daughters goodnight. “This must be the first time she’s ever been tucked up in bed asleep by seven-thirty. Though I’m not sure I can afford a transatlantic flight every time we need some peace and quiet!”

They all laughed, and Evadne looked over at him as he sat down next to her.

“Are they okay?”

“Both dead to the world. Hopefully it’ll mean they’ll be bright and breezy tomorrow morning.”

“They’d better be,” Corney interjected, “we’ve plenty planned, we need you all wide awake!”

Evadne turned to face her. “That reminds me, you promised once we were here you’d tell me why you were so desperate we stay for Labor Day. So come on, spill!”

Cornelia grinned. “Didn’t I tell you?” then laughing at Evadne’s glare, she relented, “Cassie, Andrew and the kids are coming up for the weekend. I got onto her as soon as I knew you’d be here.”

“She told me they were going to Chicago!”

“They are, but they’re coming back early ‘specially for you! We were gonna to keep it a secret ‘til they arrived, but I knew I’d accidentally spill at some point so thought I might as well tell you now.” Then as Ned gave a whoop of excitement, Cornelia laughed. “Well, somebody’s happy anyhow.”

“’Cause Sam’ll be here and then I won’t be the only boy! There’s too many girls here.”

Mike looked at him in amusement. “What are your Poppa and I then?”

“You don’t count!”

“I reckon I should be offended by that! Or are you trying to tell me I’m a woman and should be wearing Aunt Corney’s dresses?”

Ned laughed, and Cornelia rolled her eyes at her husband. “Don’t even think about it!”

Grinning, Edgar watched his son as he tried to stifle a yawn. “Isn’t it time you were in bed?”

“I’m not tired!”

“Not what it looks like to me.”

“I’m not!”

“Well, I don’t care. You will be tomorrow and none of us will be in the mood to deal with your sulks, so off to bed with you, young man.”

“That’s not fair! Auntie Evvy?”

“Don’t look at me!” Evadne exclaimed, putting her hands up, “I’m not getting involved.”

Realising that he wasn’t going to win, Ned glared at his father, then pushing his chair back, he flounced across the terrace and through the open doors, refusing to say goodnight. As the others laughed, Edgar shook his head and leant back in his chair. “Oh what a joy the next few years will be!”

Mike grinned. “How old is he?”

“Turned eleven back in March. He’s actually pretty good most of the time, just occasionally decides he needs to remind me he’s growing up!”

“Just think,” put in Evadne, “he’ll just be coming out of it, and then other two’ll start!”

“Thank you for that, dear,” and Evvy grinned complacently as he grimaced at her.

The other two laughed, and the conversation switched to other subjects as Mike got up to refill their glasses. It was nine o’clock before the Pertwees returned home, having stayed at the hospital with their mother until she went to sleep, and seeing how tired Ronny and Val were, Cornelia sent them straight up to bed. Yseult only paused briefly to introduce herself to Edgar and Evadne and to answer the van Alden’s questions as to her mother’s welfare, before she said goodnight and took herself off to her bedroom to read.

Watching as she disappeared through the terrace doors, Evadne turned to Mike. “Well, she’s a bit of an odd one, I must say.”

“If you think she’s odd now, you should have seen her when she first got here! I’ve met some freaks in my time, but she was something else!”

“Mike, that’s not fair!” his wife admonished him.

Mike shrugged, and Edgar looked from one to the other. “I have to say, I think it’s wonderful of you to take them in the way you did.”

The van Alden’s looked at each other, and Cornelia sat back in her chair with a sigh. “Well truth be told, we were pretty fed up when Rosalie first cabled, but we couldn’t say no really. And then when we met them they were so wretched, the poor things, that we couldn’t not help them out. We decided to have them here as they really needed a family around them, and I don’t think they’ve ever had a proper home life to speak of. It was dreadful at first, especially with Yseult, but even she’s settling in now. I think it’s helped her looking after the girls; she’s mad about them, which I find a mite strange when you think what she’s like, but it seems to bring out her maternal side or something.”

She paused for a minute and smiled across the table at her guests. “I’m real sorry for her, if I‘m honest. She’s a good girl underneath, but she has this odd sophisticated veneer – it reminds me a little of Stacie in a way,” she added, addressing her last comment to Evadne, “and myself a little too. Not the sophisticated stuff,” she said, seeing the look on Evvy’s face, “but more what a horror I was when I first got to school.”

“I can’t believe that,” said Mike, looking at his wife in surprise.

“Believe me, it’s true! Evvy’ll tell you what a spoilt brat I was. And I remembered all the chances Mademoiselle and Madame gave me and figured if I could change, so can Yseult.”

Evadne looked over at her friend with affectionate eyes. “Oh there was always way too much good in you to stay rotten for long.”

Cornelia smiled, and then deciding that the subject had run its course, she turned to Edgar. “So Edgar, is this your first time in the good ole U.S of A?”

He shook his head. “No, I’ve been to Washington D.C. and New York before with work. It’s my first time in Boston though.”

“Excellent, well it’ll be a pleasure to show you our fair city.”

“I look forward to it. Thank you so much for including us all in your invitation, by the way. You’ve actually solved a big problem for Evvy and I this summer.”

“Really? What?”

“Oh, Evvy’ll tell you later, I’m sure,” he said, placing his hand briefly over Evadne’s. “And it’s certainly about time I met you, anyway, I’ve heard about you often enough!”

“Well that makes two of us!” Cornelia replied. “So, tell me all about yourself then. What do you do for a job? And don’t you know Elsie & Paul? Isn’t that how you met Evvy? How did you meet them then?”

Edgar grinned. He had been expecting this questioning, having gathered something about Cornelia from all that Evvy had said, and reaching into his pocket he pulled out a piece of paper and unfolded it. “I may be able to save you some time here,” he replied, as Evadne leaned over to see what he held and then sat back up with a huge grin on her face. “I think you’ll find everything’s there, though obviously I’ll be pleased to answer any other questions you may have.”

Puzzled, Cornelia took the proffered sheet of paper and looked down at it. Mike peered over her shoulder to see what it was and then burst out laughing. Edgar had written out a full application for his role in Evadne’s life, including his assets, his bad points and his aspirations for their relationship.

Momentarily stumped, Cornelia read it through, and then folded it up with a smile. “Well, that seems to all be in order. I may have to address further questions to you in the future you understand, but we’ll take them as they come.”

“Of course.”

Still laughing, Mike got to his feet. “Right, top-ups all round I think,” he said, gathering their glasses together.

“I’ll give you a hand,” and Edgar stood up to follow Mike into the house. Cornelia noticed him place his hand lovingly on the top of Evadne’s head as he walked past her, and she watched her friend’s face as her eyes followed him towards the house. Seeing him disappear through the doors, Evadne turned back to face her.

“What?”

Cornelia smiled. “Okay, you understand I reserve the right to make a full judgment at end of the vacation?”

“Obviously! So?”

“Well you’ll be pleased to know I was totally wrong.”

“Told you so!” Evadne replied, grinning.

“It’s not nice to gloat!”

“I think I’m entitled right now!”

“Okay, I’ll give you this one,” Corney replied with a grin, then her voice softened as she continued, “I like him a lot Evvy, he’s fabulous. And he well and truly got me there!”

“I know.” Evadne laughed as she spoke. “As he reminds me frequently, he always wins!”

Cornelia sat back and regarded her friend with a smile. “You really love him, don’t you?”

Evvy blushed and nodded. “I’m so happy, Corney. I never, ever thought this could happen again, but it has. We understand each other completely – I think ‘cause of everything we’d been through before we met.”

Getting to her feet, Cornelia walked around the table and hugged her friend. “I’m so glad for you, Evvy. I guess my bouquet worked!”

“What’s going on here?”

Grinning at her husband as he came back out carrying two Martinis, Corney returned to her seat. “None of your business!”

Evvy smiled at Edgar as he sat down beside her, pushing her drink towards her, and she reached out and took his hand. “We were just discussing you.”

He grinned and turned to face Cornelia. “So, do I past muster then?”

She looked him up and down with a critical expression. “I suppose you’ll do, but you treat her right you hear me? Or you’ll have me to answer to and I won’t be pretty!”

Mike laughed. “I’d be afraid if I was you, she’s terrifying when she’s roused!”

“Excuse me, I am your wife,” she retorted indignantly, “you’re supposed to love and support me, not scare people away from me.”

He grinned, and leaned over to kiss her cheek. “You do that all on your own, sweetheart.”

“You’ll keep ‘til later,” she retorted, grimacing at him. “Evvy, I'm warning you, if Edgar ever shows signs of this behaviour, trade him in or you’ll be stuck with him as I am with this one!”

Laughing, Evvy shook her head. “You don’t fool me, Corney.” She took a sip of her drink and then pushing it away, she got to her feet. “I’m really sorry, guys, but I think I’m gonna have to turn in. I’m about to fall asleep.”

Edgar nodded in agreement. “Same goes for me, I’m afraid. My body is convinced it’s three in the morning. Thanks for a lovely evening, both of you. See you tomorrow,” and to a chorus of goodnight from their hosts, the two of them made their way into the house.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Cornelia turned to her husband. “So, what do you think?”

Mike smiled. “He’s a good man, I like him - and I’ve never seen Evvy happier since I’ve known her.”

“She is happy, isn’t she? I’m so glad, Mike. I was so worried she’d end up with no-one, and that would have been so unfair, she deserves so much more than that.” She grinned at him. “You know I’d have made her come live here if that’d happened, don’t you?”

Laughing, he took hold of her hand. “I know, and that’s why I love you, Corney, you’ve the biggest heart in the world.” Standing up, he reached out and pulled her to her feet. “Come on, let’s go to bed. This can wait ‘til tomorrow,” he said, waving his hand towards the table, and putting an arm around her shoulders, he led her across the terrace and in through the doors, shutting them behind him.

 

#116:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 4:04 pm

Lovely Evvy & Edgar

Lovely Corney & Mike

Lovely Jo for writing such a lovely drabble Laughing

Liz

 

#117:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 4:12 pm

Agreeing wholeheartedly with Liz!

Thank you Jo, that was lovely!

 

#118:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 4:13 pm

Josie - what a lovely post - never wonder whether your posts are too long when you can produce ones like the last two! Reading this last one gave me goosebumps - of the nicest sort, you understand - and Mike's comment about Evvy clearly says it all.

You've really made me feel good about the rest of my day, even though I'm still looking out on snow and we're flirting with lower than normal daytime temperatures and definitely frigid nights - the fact that the sun is shining is about the only redeeming feature there! I'm just glad I found this latest piece before logging out.

Looking forward to hearing how they all enjoy the holiday and watching Edgar's and Evvy's relationship deepen still further.

 

#119:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 4:19 pm

Lovely, perfect family posts - thank you Josie. Laughing

 

#120:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 5:09 pm

That was utterly perfect.

I loved Ned, I loved Edgar's 'application', I loved Corney and Mike, I loved.... you get the picture!

 

#121:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 5:22 pm

wonderful, excellent, lovely, etc. Very Happy
The application to Corney was a particular stroke of genius. Laughing

 

#122:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 5:24 pm

Do you think it might be possible to 'see' it?

well I can but hope... Laughing

 

#123:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 6:59 pm

Jo, that was just perfect!!! Thank you hunny!!!! Very Happy

 

#124:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 7:21 pm

That was brilliant, thanks Josie!

 

#125:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 8:27 pm

Thank you Jo. A most satisfying post.

I'm so glad they all got on. Edgar must have been nervous. Being introduced to your intended's oldest friends is more scary than meeting the inlaws.

Looking forward to hearing more of their holiday.

 

#126:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Mar 15, 2005 11:51 pm

Lovely post Josie, I love Corney so much!

 

#127:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 9:57 am

Totally wonderful - you#ve captured all the different relationships bee-yew-tifully ...

Thanks, Jo Very Happy

 

#128:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 11:29 am

I have a big smile on my face, that was very lovely!
thanks Jo

 

#129:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 12:50 pm

Nell wrote:
Do you think it might be possible to 'see' it?

well I can but hope... Laughing


Seconds Nell's proposal

Jo? Please?

Liz

 

#130:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 8:20 pm

Nell & Liz, sorry, probably not to be honest, unless I have a sudden flash of inspiration!

The next day they were all up and about early, even Evadne. Once they had finished a delicious breakfast of pancakes, strawberries and maple syrup, Cornelia announced that they would be heading into the city for the day to see the sights and have a picnic in the famous Boston Common Public Gardens. Following this pronouncement, there was a flurry of activity as chairs were scraped back and they all rushed off to get ready. By nine thirty, after a few false starts when they had to go back for various things they had forgotten and once because Mike had neglected to lock the house, they finally drove south out of Everett towards the city itself.

First stop was Charlestown and the Bunker Hill Monument, which recognised The Battle of Bunker Hill, a battle during the American Civil War, when a rebel commander famously warned his men not to fire until they saw the whites of British eyes. Monument Square itself was lined with restored Colonial and Federal houses, and as Mike related the story of the battle to Thea, who was fascinated by the history of it all, Evadne and Cornelia walked around the square arguing over which houses were which, much to the amusement of Edgar, Marcia and Ned. They made their way from there down past the USS Constitution, America’s oldest serving warship dating from 1774, which caught Ned’s interest, and then on to the warehouses of Quincy Market, where Cornelia picked out some fish for their supper, asking for it to be put aside for collection later. That done, they walked back through the centre of the city to Boston Common, crossing the vast open space to the very far side where the Public Gardens were situated.

Evadne had been pushing Terry around in a pushchair all morning, but once they arrived at the Common, she clamoured to be let out and as soon as she was set down she latched onto Thea, having decided that she had definitely found a friend. Thea was equally taken with the little girl, and promptly bent down, allowing Terry to clamber onto her back, and then set off running across the grass, both of them laughing as they went.

Edgar turned to Evadne with a smile. “Well Thea seems much happier, I must say.”

“Yes, I’d noticed,” she replied, slipping a hand through his arm as they strolled along a little behind the others. “Terry’s attention seems to be helping take her mind off Amelia a bit. Could be the best thing for her, you know.”

“I do hope so.”

Seeing his face cloud slightly, Evadne gave his arm a squeeze, and decided to change the subject. “So, you enjoying yourself then?”

“Very much so,” she said, grinning down at her, “I like Mike, he’s a good chap, and Corney is just as I expected her to be.”

“What did you expect?”

“Oh, funny, charming, mad as a hatter – pretty much as you’d described.”

Evadne burst out laughing. “Well that sums her up pretty well!”

“Even if she wasn’t all those things, I’d like her anyway, just for her loyalty to you.”

Looking ahead to where her friend was chattering away to Marcia as she walked, Evvy smiled. “Yes, she’s a friend in a million. She’s been a rock over the years, you know. Come on, let’s go catch them up,” and taking hold of Edgar’s arm, she towed him forwards.

The first thing they did on reaching the Gardens, was to lay the picnic blankets out near the lagoon, open up the hampers and make a start on their lunch. Cornelia had done herself proud, and the baskets that Edgar and Mike had been towing around with them all morning were filled with sandwiches, cookies, cakes, apples and delicious flasks of fruit punch, into which they all tucked with great gusto.

Marcia sat on the edge of the blanket, tucking into her fourth sandwich and throwing crumbs to the seagulls that were hopping about nearby looking for food. Suddenly one of them swooped forward, grabbed what was left of her sandwich out of her hands, and took off into the sky, closely followed by his companions who were determined not to miss out on their share. Marcia got such a shock that she shrieked and jumped suddenly to her feet, overbalanced, and fell on top of Ned who was sitting next to her, causing that young man to yell in pain and shove her roughly onto the grass. The pair of them had been niggling at each other on and off all morning, starting at breakfast when Ned had helped himself to the last of the strawberries that Marcia had also had her eye on, and this was the final straw.

“Ow, that hurt! Don’t be such a bully, Ned Watson! I didn’t do it on purpose.”

“Stop being such a baby. You’re not hurt at all, you’re just putting it on.”

“Am too!”

“No you’re not. Anyone would think you were four, not seven.”

At this insult to her dignity, Marcia got to her feet, grabbed the Red Sox baseball cap off Ned’s head, and ran towards the lagoon before anyone could stop her. When she got there, she turned to see Ned fast approaching her, and sticking her tongue out at him, she flung the cap onto the water as far as she could throw it.

The cap was Ned’s newest acquisition, having been given it by Mike that morning when he had told his host how they didn’t have hats like that in England. Although it was several sizes too big, he had done it up as tight as it would go and had worn it all day with great pride. Now, seeing it floating in the water, he saw red and turned to his sister with flashing eyes.

“Go and get it!”

“No! If you want it, you can get it yourself. Serves you right for being so mean.”

“Get it now, you little pig!”

“No!”

“Right, you asked for it!” and stepping forward, he gave his sister a shove, sending her flying into the shallow water bottom first, just as his furious father appeared behind him.

“Get back to the blankets now!” Edgar said, and although he kept his voice low, his tone was full of a cold fury that made Ned instantly do as he was told. Seeing his son do his bidding, Edgar waded into the water, hauling the sobbing Marcia to her feet and picking up the baseball cap with his free hand. “Stop crying this instant, it serves you right.”

Marcia hurriedly checked her sobs, and dragging her back to the others, where she stood next to the blanket, dripping wet, he turned to Ned. “Get your stuff together now, we’re going home. There’s taxis over there we can take, there’s no need to spoil everybody’s day.”

The two children fixed horrified eyes on their fathers face.

“Oh Dad, no! It’s not fair!”

“Please, Daddy, I’m sorry!”

“Don’t look at me like that, you’ve only got yourselves to blame.”

Dejected, they turned to pick up their things, tears coming into Marcia’s eyes again, and watching them do so, Cornelia got her feet and moved to Edgar’s elbow.

“Edgar, please let them stay. I know they were stupid, but it’s such a shame to ruin the day. It’s so hot Marcia will soon dry out. You will let them stay won’t you?”

Hearing her speech, both Ned and Marcia turned around to look at their father, and seeing the pleading looks on their eyes, Edgar relented.

“Fine, they can stay. You two are lucky Aunt Corney’s here. Don’t think you’ve got away with it though,” he added, seeing the looks of joy on their faces, “you’re both going straight to bed when we get home, and I’m not backtracking on that one so don’t even think about it! I’m thoroughly ashamed of the pair of you, behaving like that in a public place.”

Mike got to his feet, and fishing into a big bag he had been carrying around, he pulled out a kite that he had dug out of the attic that morning and turned to Thea. “How would you like to come and help me fly this?”

“Yes please!” and she jumped to her feet and followed him towards an open expanse of grass.

Ned looked at his father. “Can I go too?”

Edgar was about to say no, when he realised it was probably a wise idea to split Ned and Marcia up. “Yes, okay. But if you misbehave once more, we’re going straight home.”

“Thanks! I’ll be good I promise,” and getting to his feet, he ran after Mike and his sister. Marcia made a move to follow him, but Edgar was too quick for her and grabbed her round the waist.

“Oh no you don’t, young lady,” he said, pulling her down on the towel that Cornelia had spread out next to the blankets. “You can just stay here until you dry off,” and ignoring the sulky look on her face, he turned back to the others, keeping a hand on her arm just in case.

“Sorry about that, Corney, they really are nice kids, I promise!” Evadne said with a wry smile.

Edgar looked at his daughter. “I’m not so sure about that - you’ve not done much to prove it so far have you?”

Marcia stared down at the ground and mumbled, “Wasn’t just me.”

“I know that.”

Cornelia laughed. “Terry’s been a gem so far, but I’m sure we’ve got some good old rows to come when they get older. In fact, she’s been so good, I’m a little worried Meg’ll turn out to be a total pain just to make up for it! You wouldn’t do that to Momma, would you sugar-pie?” she said to Meg, who was sitting in front of her on the rug playing happily with the tassles and oblivious to the row going on around her.

At the sound of her mother’s voice, she looked up and gurgled happily.

“Isn’t she a little cutie?” Evvy exclaimed, leaning forward to smile at her. Meg took one look at Evadne’s face and started to cry. Corney and Edgar both burst out laughing, not least because she stopped as soon as Evvy sat back up again. Meg had been doing exactly the same thing to Evadne all day, and she was starting to get a complex. She bent down again, and as soon as the baby saw her, she screwed her face up, and Cornelia reached forward to pull her child into her lap. "Awww, is Aunt Evvy scary, sweetie?"

Evvy sat up, an indignant look on her face. “I don’t believe it! Your daughter hates me! What is it about me that kids don’t like?”

Edgar laughed. “Don’t be silly. My kids love you, don’t you Marcia?”

“Yes.”

“See?”

“Yes, but they’re not babies. I’m a baby repeller!”

Edgar chuckled and leant forward to kiss her on the head. “ Never mind, darling, we all love you.”

At that moment, the others returned dejected, kite in hand. “Not enough wind,” Mike said, throwing the kite down on top of the bag and plonking himself down on the blanket.

“Well how do you fancy going on the swans then?” Edgar said, referring to the swan boats that made their way slowly round the lagoon. Thea let out a shriek of excitement at this, and even Ned looked interested, realising the alternative was sitting talking to the adults. “Come on then,” and he and Mike got to their feet to go with them, Mike picking up Terry who wanted to come along too.

From her seat on the towel, Marcia looked sheepishly up at her father. “Can I go too please, Daddy?”

Edgar looked down at her with a wry smile, “Do you promise to be good?” She nodded. “Okay then, it is your holiday after all,” and he smiled as she scrambled to her feet and ran off after the others. “Honestly, sometimes I’m too soft for my own good!” he said resignedly, and with a roll of his eyes, he turned and followed his daughter down to the water.


Edited so many times because my spelling's so crap!! Embarassed

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 16, 2005 10:08 pm; edited 7 times in total

 

#131:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 8:37 pm

That was lovely. I bet Quincy Market has changed quite a lot betweent hen and when I saw it 5 years ago. There was a Macdonalds there then!

 

#132:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 8:42 pm

wow - 2 really really long posts for me to catch up on

and so lovely!

***I Love Edgar***

 

#133:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 8:56 pm

Ohh - I love Quincy Market and Feuniell Hall, one of my favourite parts of Boston.

I loved the scence with Ned and Marcia - so very realistic!

Thanks for the lovely long post.

 

#134:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 9:45 pm

That reminded me of the times I longed to bang my children's heads together! Extremely realistic.

I love the way all the children are showing up as individuals, even little Meg!

 

#135:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 10:40 pm

*wants to go to Boston*

*g* at the family scene

Thanks Jo ~ you need to start an Edgar cloning factory Wink

 

#136:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 10:56 pm

That was brilliant as usual Jo! Thank you!
and I LOVE Evvy the baby repeller!!! Wink

 

#137:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 11:15 pm

Great post!
I pushed my brother into a river once, so the Ned/Marcia lake incident made me chuckle!

 

#138:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 11:37 pm

Edited 7 times, Jo!! Shocked

Thanks, that was lovely. And you've completely destroyed my thing about the name Edgar! (I think it had something to do with an evil character in the famous five at some point..) Embarassed

 

#139:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 12:29 am

Thanks Jo - love all the kids as well as the adults in this

Liz

 

#140:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 6:04 am

Can just picture it! Laughing

*Hopes they get a copy of Make Way for Ducklings to commemorate their visit.* 1942 Caldecott Medal winner, so it wouldn't be an anachronism! Ned will probably consider himself too old, but put him in charge of quacking "Jack Kack Lack Mack Nack Oack Pack and Quack" at appropriate intervals. Very Happy

*wonders if the duck dance was around then* Twisted Evil

 

#141:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 7:40 am

Such a lovely, typical family scene!

Thanks Jo!

 

#142:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 9:59 am

Superb, Josie

You've brought Boston alive and the family squabbles are spot on!!

 

#143:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 11:04 am

Lovely thank you Jo!

Truly realistic family scenes.

And I wasn't really expecting to see it...but ever the optimist!

 

#144:  Author: pim, Location: the Derbyshire wilderness PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 12:04 pm

Aww, lovely thanks Jo! I was terrified when Edgar was using that VERY low tone on them... it's my mother's tactic and it still scares me senseless!

 

#145:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 6:33 pm

Another lovely post, thanks, Josie!

 

#146:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 8:30 pm

The next few weeks passed in a hive of activity. The van Alden’s had pulled out all the stops, and Evadne, Edgar and the children found themselves whisked to every corner of Massachusetts as their hosts made good on their promise that they would have a good time. An overnight visit to Salem, home of the infamous witch trials, was on the agenda, as was five days spent down in Mike and Cornelia’s holiday home in Nantucket, and a trip down to Plymouth, where the Pilgrims first came ashore on 21st December 1620 at Plymouth Rock. One day, thanks to a contact of his, Mike managed to get hold of tickets for a Red Sox game, much to Ned’s excitement, and he and Edgar took the three Watson children, Ronny and Val off for the evening. It gave Evadne and Cornelia some time to catch up properly without any distractions, as Yseult had remained behind to look after Terry and Meg.

About half-way through the holiday, Edgar contacted Charles Schulstad, who immediately extended an invitation for them all to visit for a couple of days, and the Watson’s and Evadne took themselves off to Worcester. Edgar and Evvy had talked it over and decided not to invite the van Alden’s, thinking that their hosts could do with a few days break from their visitors to enable them to spend some time together as a family while Mike was still on vacation from work. They found the Schulstad’s to be welcoming hosts, and enjoyed getting to know their new friends. Ned got to have his flight in Mr Schulstad’s plane, and was so thoroughly overexcited by the affair that he had not stopped talking about it since, and Thea and Marcia soon adopted Mrs Schulstad as a new brevet grandmother, much to that lady’s delight.

With all this activity going on, the time passed quickly, and before they knew what had happened, it was Labor Day weekend. It was now Saturday morning, and Evadne and Cornelia were stood in the kitchen, watching out of the window while they refilled jugs of ice cold juice and fanned themselves with tea towels in an effort to keep cool. The temperatures, which had continued to be hot all throughout August, had peaked today at eighty two degrees, unusually hot for Boston, and with humidity levels high, it was all they could do to try and keep comfortable. Through the open windows they could hear shrieks of laughter coming from the garden, where the children were playing in the sprinkler and every so often Mike’s voice could be heard bemoaning the state of his beloved borders as they got trampled yet again.

“Anybody home?”

The unexpected voice made the two women jump, and spinning round, they saw Cassie’s face grinning at them from the doorway.

“Cass!” Evadne threw her tea towel down on the table and ran across to catch her friend in a hug. “Oh, it’s so good to see you! I’m so glad you’ve come!”

Cassie laughed as she returned her friend’s embrace. “Well what did you expect us to do when we heard you’d be here? Wild horses wouldn’t have kept me away, as Andrew was well aware! Hope you don’t mind me barging in like this Corney,” she added, pulling apart from Evvy and turning to her host, “we did knock, but you mustn’t have heard us and the door was open so I thought I’d come on through.”

“Of course I don’t mind!” Cornelia replied, coming forward to greet her guest. “Where are the others?”

“Unpacking all our junk from the car. We’ve not travelled light, I’m afraid. Sam insisted on bringing all his toy planes to show Ned, and Lauren seems to have brought half of her bookcase with her!”

As the other two laughed, the rest of Cassie’s family appeared behind her and Cornelia led them all outside so that they could be greeted by the rest of the household, before Evadne took them off upstairs to show them where they’d be sleeping.

“It’s a bit of a squeeze, but I’m sure we’ll be fine. Yseult has gone to stay with a friend, though she’ll be back for the barbeque on Monday, and everyone else is kinda shoehorned in wherever they’ll fit!” she announced, as they walked through the kitchen, and Cornelia, who had come inside to get more glasses, laughed as she heard her friend’s speech.

Returning to the terrace, she sat down next to her husband at smiled at Edgar who was sat on the other side of the table. “I keep forgetting that you already know Cassie and Andrew. I was about to ask if you were okay.”

Slightly distracted by Marcia, who had fallen over and was rubbing her knee, he replied, “Yes, we met them in the spring of last year when they were over in London. Evvy and I weren’t together then, but we all had a fun day out at the zoo.” At that point Marcia decided she was fine and got to her feet, running back to join in the game, and Edgar turned his full attention to Corney. “Why wouldn’t I be okay, anyway?”

“Well, considering who Cassie is, I though it might have been a bit awkward that’s all. I have to say, I think it’s great her and Evvy have stayed such close friends after everything that happened. I guess it forged a tight bond between them or something.”

Edgar gave her a confused look. “What do you mean?”

“’Cause Cassie’s Ralph’s sister, of course!”

“She’s what?”

Edgar was staring at her, an expression of shock on his face, and Cornelia cringed as she replied. “Didn’t you know?”

“No. No, I didn’t know.” His voice had gone very quiet, and there was an awkward silence for a minute before he pushed back his chair and got to his feet. “Excuse me,” and walking round the table, his face like stone, he headed into the house through the kitchen door.

Cornelia turned to her husband, a stricken expression on her face, “Jeez, what was she thinking not telling him?”

Mike shook his head, looking equally worried. “I’ve no idea, but I don’t think this is gonna be too pretty.”

“I guess I’d better go warn Cass,” his wife replied, and getting to her feet, she followed Edgar’s path into the house.

Evadne had just reached the bottom of the stairs as Edgar came out of the kitchen, and she grinned as she caught sight of him. “Hey! Guess what I...what’s wrong?” she exclaimed as she saw the look on his face.

Edgar said nothing, but took hold of her arm and led her off the hall into the front room. Closing the door behind him, he turned to face her. “When were you going to tell me about Cassie?”

“What about her?” Evvy replied, confused and wondering what had happened to make him so annoyed.

“Oh, just the small matter of her being Ralph’s sister.”

Evadne was horrified and a sick feeling came into her stomach. She had genuinely forgotten to inform him. “I…I…I just, I dunno, I didn’t think about it. You’d already met before and I totally forgot…”

“We weren’t together when I met her before, in case you don’t remember.”

“Yes I know, Edgar, but honestly, it’s not a problem. She doesn’t care about all that stuff, she likes you.”

“I care Evvy. I like her too, but I would have appreciated some forewarning that she’s the sister of the love of your life. Were you just never going to tell me?”

“But you’re the…”

“How would you feel if I’d introduced you to Madeleine’s brother without telling you who he was and you found out by accident?”

“I…I would have been upset, but you don’t understand, you’re…”

“Precisely! So how do you think I feel?”

“Edgar, please…”

“I’m really not in mood to talk to you right now, Evvy. Have you any idea how difficult this is for me? What sort of position you’ve put me in? It’s hard enough meeting your friends without this,” and turning on his heel, he left the room, closing the door firmly behind him. Evadne stared at the door for a few moments, feeling mortified, and then sitting down on the couch, she put her head in her hands.


She had no idea how long she’d been sitting there when the suddenly door opened again, and Cassie came into the room. Evadne looked up at her friend, her eyes suspiciously bright, and Cassie came across to sit next to her on the couch. “Corney told me what happened outside. Come on, Evvy, don’t cry,” she said, as she saw her friend lift a hand to wipe a tear from the corner of her eye.

“What was I thinking Cassie? I totally forgot! It’s been so long and we’ve been such friends that I didn’t think about it. You were so accepting of Edgar, and I just didn’t think how he might feel. He’s so angry.”

“He’ll calm down, Evvy, you know he will. Just give him a bit of time.”

“But it’s not just that Cass,” Evadne replied, wiping away another tear. “He called Ralph the love of my life, which he sort of was, but so is Edgar. And he more or less said Madeleine was his, so where does that leave me? What am I?”

Putting her head back in her hands, she began to cry in earnest, and Cassie put her arm around her and hugged her briefly before getting to her feet.

Evadne looked up at her. “Where are you going?”

“To put this straight.”

“Cassie…” but Evadne was talking to thin air as her friend walked out of the door, and shaking her head, she lay down on the sofa, resting her head on a cushion and wiping her eyes with her hand.


It didn’t take Cassie long to track Edgar down to the kitchen, where he was stood chatting to Andrew who made himself scarce as soon as he saw his wife. Edgar turned to face her and she gave him a smile.

“Can we have a word? I think we need to clear the air.”

Edgar returned her smile. “Of course,” and pulling out a chair at the table, he indicated for Cassie to sit down, before walking around and sitting down opposite her.

Cassie took her seat, and looked across the table at him. “Look Edgar, I’m not really sure what to say, so I may as well just jump right on in. It really doesn’t matter that Ralph was my brother, you know. I would have loved for Evvy to have married him, but that wasn’t meant to be. It never happened and it was a very long time ago. My concern for her now isn’t as a potential sister-in-law, but as one of my best friends.” She paused for a moment and sat back in her chair. “I like you Edgar. You’re a good man and you make her happy - happier than she’s been in a very, very long time. She loves you so much and I more than welcome you into my family’s life because of that. All I care about is seeing her happy, don’t you see?”

He nodded. “I know, Cassie, I never doubted that for a second. That’s not what I was upset about. It was just a bit of a shock finding out who you were, that’s all. It’s not the fact itself that bothered me, but more that she didn’t tell me, give me a little forewarning. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for you to be dragged into this.”

“Don’t be. I can’t imagine how awkward it must have been finding out, but I want us to be okay, for Evvy’s sake. Can we forget who my brother was please?”

Edgar smiled at her, “Of course we can.” Pushing back his chair he got to his feet. “Thanks Cassie.”

He was about to walk out of the room when Cassie’s voice called him back. “One other thing, Edgar. I know it’s none of my business, but she is in the front room crying her heart out right now, because she doesn’t know where she fits into your life.”

“What do you mean?”

“She loves you every bit as much as she ever loved my brother.”

“I know,” he replied, confused.

“Do you? Because she doesn’t think you do. And I’m not sure what was said, but she thinks Madeleine was the only love of your life and she doesn’t know where she fits in. That’s what she said to me, anyhow.”

“That’s ridiculous! I love her just as much as I did Madeleine.”

“Well she needs to know that,” and leaving him rooted to the spot while he digested this information, Cassie stood up and headed back into the garden.


Evadne had moved from the couch and she was now standing staring out of the window, her mind racing as she thought about what had happened. She had stopped crying, but her eyes were red and swollen. Hearing the door open behind her, she turned as Edgar came into the room and relieved to see him, she gave him a thin smile.

“Hey.”

“Hi.” He returned her smile, and walking across the room, he took hold of her hand and led her back to the couch, sitting down next to her as she took a seat. Biting her lips, she stared up into his soft, green eyes, a little scared as to what he’s going to say.

Deciding to come straight to the point, Edgar cleared his throat. “I love you very, very much, Evvy, you do know that don’t you?”

Her lip trembled as she looked at him. “But you said…”

“I know what I said, but I didn’t mean it the way it came out, I’m sorry. Of course Madeleine was a great love in my life, but so are you, darling. Along with the children, you’re the most important thing in the world to me, please believe me.”

She felt the tears springing up in her eyes again, and she blinked hard to try and keep them at bay. “Same goes for me, Edgar. About you and Ralph, I mean.”

“I know.” He put his arms around her and hugged her as she leaned against his shoulder.

“I’m so sorry, Edgar, I didn’t not tell you on purpose, I promise. I just forgot.”

“I know that too. I’m sorry, I overreacted.”

“No, you didn’t, I’d have felt the same.”

“Well I’ve spoken to Cassie and it’s all okay now. She made me realise how silly I was being, I should have known you wouldn’t do it on purpose. And I’m sorry I shouted at you.”

“It’s okay, I deserved it.”

He hugged her tighter and kissed top of her head. “You do realise we’ve just had our first argument don’t you?”

She smiled. “It’s our second; we fought in January, and I seem to remember crying then too!”

Edgar chuckled. “Well that one doesn’t count - this was our first proper one. We should celebrate, we’re a proper couple now. The first argument makes it official!

Laughing, she looked up at him, holding his gaze for a couple of seconds before reaching up to kiss him on the lips. Then pulling back, she ran her thumb over his lips to remove the red stains she’d left behind. “You’ve got lipstick on you.”

“Very fetching I’m sure,” he retorted, grinning down at her. “Now, much as I’d love to sit here all day with you in my arms, I think we’re going to be missed so we’d better get back. And you might want to go and check yourself in a mirror before you head back outside!” he added, smiling and wiping away one of the black streaks under her eyes. “Come along, let’s go and join the fun,” and getting to his feet, he pulled her up and pushed her gently towards the door.

Last edited by Josie on Fri Jun 03, 2005 12:29 pm; edited 4 times in total

 

#147:  Author: Beth, Location: Back in Durham...nearly finished a whole year!! PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 8:34 pm

Awww...ooooh....awwww.

There you go, that was my reaction to it all!!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - I love this drabble! You're such a good writer, Josie.

*takes hat off*

 

#148:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 8:38 pm

((((Edgar and Evvy))))

The problem is, when you love someone so deeply, you can hurt them so easily.


Thanks Josie.

 

#149:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 9:18 pm

Thanks Josie!
I do like Edgar don't get me wrong, but there was something extra special about Ralph *sigh*

 

#150:  Author: pim, Location: the Derbyshire wilderness PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 9:19 pm

Fabulous, thank you Jo Very HappyVery HappyVery Happy

 

#151:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 9:22 pm

When you said Cassie was coming I had this feeling that it could be a bit tricky!

 

#152:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 9:35 pm

I really didn't see that coming. I'd somehow assumed he would know who Cassie was. Just like Evvy did I suppose.

I'm glad they sorted it out. Every time they clear the air on something, it makes them stronger.

This is incredibly good Jo! thanks

 

#153:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 10:47 pm

I wanted to slap Corney just then for putting her foot in it like that!!!

But it all turned out well in the end *sighs happily*

 

#154:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 11:12 pm

I must admit I had forgotten who Cassie was for a moment until Corney blurtedit out - in typical fashion, I might add!!

Echoes PatMac's comment about the feelings between Edgar & Evvy strengthening with every spat!

 

#155:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 1:49 am

I find it easier to sympathize with Evvy on this one -- it didn't really occur to me, either, that Edgar didn't know. I was actually rather shocked to see Edgar concluding that Evvy was keeping Cassie's identity from him on purpose. Realistic situation, though, both of them assuming automatic knowledge/understanding.

Three cheers for the rapid reconciliation!

 

#156:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 9:35 am

Thanks Jo

I'm so glad they talked and are stronger for the argument.

Love the fact they now consider themselves a 'proper couple'

Liz

 

#157:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 11:21 am

aw, that was lovely
am hungover and hormonal so got quite upset when they were arguing - really glad you posted the making up part too!

thanks Jo!

 

#158:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 11:56 am

Aww, thank you Jo!

Typical Corney! And i can totally relate to Evvy just forgetting. As LEsley said when you love someone it can be so easy to hurt them unintentionally.

Thank you for the lovely reunion too.

 

#159:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 4:05 pm

Thanks for all the comments people Very Happy

Hope the hangover's a bit better, Robin Laughing

Once the air had been cleared, the atmosphere in the house relaxed again and the rest of the weekend passed in relative peace. True, Cornelia scalded herself on the oven as she put a pie in to cook, Lauren got her toe stuck in the bath tap whilst taking a bath, and Marcia managed to break a vase when she was sliding down the banisters and overbalanced into a table as she shot off the end and landed on the floor. But as the burn was easily treated, Lauren’s toe was successfully removed once Cassie had stopped laughing, and the vase was a hideous one that Corney and Mike had been given as a wedding present and had been rather hoping would get broken anyway, no real damage was done.

Monday dawned bright and sunny, with a welcome breeze in the air. The three women spent the morning in the kitchen, filling rolls with ham and cheese, and packing the two large hampers with salads, fruit, cookies and other assorted goodies, while Mike filled the large coolers with beers, soft drinks, burgers and steaks. By midday they were done, and collecting everyone together, they locked up the house and made their way out of Chestnut Place and through the suburban streets towards the park for the neighbourhood Labor Day barbeque.

They were nice and early, enabling them to reserve one of the large picnic tables, next to which they spread their rugs. While Mike, who was in charge of organising the softball tournament along with a couple of other men, dragged Edgar and Andrew off to help him, the others unpacked the rolls they had made for lunch and settled themselves down for the rest of the day.

Half an hour later, Yseult arrived along with her friend Susie and Susie’s family, and shortly after that the three men returned in search of food and a cold beer. As Andrew opened the cooler to find the drinks, Mike was busy fishing through the hampers trying to find the rolls that Cornelia had put aside for them. Having rifled through both baskets for several minutes without any joy, he looked up at his wife, a little irked.

“I thought you said they were in here, Corney.”

Interrupting her chat with Susie’s mother, she turned round to face him. “They are. There’s two for each of you.”

“No, they’re not. I’ve been right through everything and I can’t find them anywhere.”

“Well try the other hamper then, I might’ve put them in there.”

“I already have, I’m not thick! They aren’t in there either.”

“They must be. You’re just not looking properly,” she retorted, rolling her eyes at him and getting up from her seat on the bench to come and look for herself.

Sure in her mind of where she’d tucked them away, she opened the first hamper and had a quick rifle through. Not finding them, she opened the second basket, but they did not appear to be in there either. She began to unpack, looking in every pocket and fold, and ten minutes later all the content of both hampers were spread across the two rugs and there was still no sign of the missing rolls.

“Told you so! Maybe you’ll give me a little credit next time,” Mike said indignantly.

Confused, Cornelia sat back on her heels. “That’s odd. I’m certain I put them in here.”

At that moment, Yseult happened to glance over at a nearby tree, and she turned back to Corney with a grin. “Um, Mrs. van Alden, I hope you won’t think me a snitch but I think I may have found them.”

“Where?”

She pointed over at the large tree, and Corney looked round to see Marcia and Lauren sitting against the trunk, brushing crumbs off their fronts as they chewed their final mouthfuls. Evadne happened to look over at the same time and trying not to laugh, she got to her feet and walked over to the two young girls. They both looked up as her shadow fell over them and smiled as they saw who it was.

“’Ello, Aun’ie Evvy,” Marcia said through her mouthful.

“Hello Marcia. Were you hungry by any chance?”

She nodded and swallowed. “Starved!”

“What are you eating there?”

“Rolls. Lauren found them in the basket.”

“I see. And why do you think they were there?”

“Dunno. Just left over I ‘spose.” Lauren answered.

“Really? You don’t think maybe they were there so your Poppa’s and Uncle Mike might have some lunch too?”

At this, both girls opened their eyes wide and looked at each other in horror, before turning back to stare at Evadne in silence. That lady was trying hard not to laugh as she caught the expressions on their faces and she bit her lips to pull herself together.

“So instead of asking, you decided to just help yourselves?” No answer. “We’ll take that as read then shall we?” Still nothing. “Okay, well in that case, I think it’s only fair that later on you give them your burgers and pie, don’t you?”

“That’s not fair! We didn’t mean to!”

“Oh, I think it is. Surely you’ll both be too full from the five rolls you’ve each had to eat anything anyhow, don’t you think, Cassie?”

“Absolutely!” Cassie replied with a grin.

“Well, there we are then. Problem solved,” and leaving them staring after her in dismay, she returned to the bench and sat down next to Edgar, who grinned and put an arm around her shoulders.

“You’re a genius! No better way to get to Marcia than through her stomach!”

“Lauren too,” Andrew said with a smile, as he munched on an apple in lieu of his sandwiches.

Evvy laughed. “Yes, I rather thought that might be the case. So,” she said, turning to Mike. “When does this tournament of yours start then?”

“Two o’clock,” that gentleman replied. “You gonna play?”

“Of course! Can’t guarantee I’ll be any good, but I’m willing to give it a go. How do you pick teams?”

“You enter a whole team. We need ten people. So far we’ve got me, Edgar, Andrew, Ned, Sam, Marcia, Lauren, Val and Cassie, and now you, so that’s us done!”

“You not playing, Corney?”

“No fear! I can’t hit anything for toffee, as we found out last year. And who’s gonna look after the little’uns if I do? No, Thea, Terry, Meg and me’ll be your cheerleaders, won’t we, Thea?” she said, smiling as Thea confirmed that to be the case.

“What about you, Yseult?”

“Ronny and I are on Susie’s father’s team.”

“You’re playing softball?” Mike exclaimed in surprise.

“Yes, why?” she retorted indignantly. “I can play as well as the next person.”

“Just didn’t think it was your thing.”

“Well that’s all you know!” she said haughtily, getting up and going to join her sisters as his wife nudged him hard in the ribs.

“Leave it, will you!”

“I was just saying!”

“Well don’t! You know what she’s like even if she is much better these days.”

Unperturbed by his wife’s admonishment, he shrugged and checked his watch. “Right, seeing as we’ve no food,” he said, looking at Marcia and Lauren with twinkling eyes as he spoke, “I’m gonna go see to making sure everyone’s signed up. Either of you coming?” he added to Edgar and Andrew.

“I will,” Edgar replied, getting to his feet.

“Okay, I’ll meet the rest of you by the diamond at a quarter to two. Bring the ball, bat and glove and don’t be late!” and having issued his orders, he departed, followed by Edgar. Corney grinned as he went.

“I’m warning you, he’s a little competitive when he gets going!” she said to Evadne, Andrew and Cassie. “You’d better be up to scratch or prepare for a tongue-lashing! I’m lucky I had any scalp left after last year.”

Evvy laughed. “He can’t be worse than Edgar. He’s so calm and placid until it comes to anything to do with sport, then this monster comes out!”

“Well, this will be fun then!” Cassie replied with a grin, picking up the ball that was lying on the table and looking at Evadne. “Fancy a practice?”

“Sure,” that lady replied, picking up the bat, and getting to their feet, they walked over to a clear bit of grass, determined they were going to put on a good show.

Last edited by Josie on Fri Mar 18, 2005 4:17 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#160:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 4:08 pm

*g* Thank you Jo.

This looks like being fun...
Another wonderful family occassion.

 

#161:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 4:15 pm

Lovely scene - Evvy's treatment of the two girls was wonderful!

 

#162:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 4:26 pm

Brilliant - I love the mishaps in the Van Alden household (and the ugly vase Laughing)

Thank you muchly!

 

#163:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 4:37 pm

much better thanks Jo, it's amazing what a kitkat and diet coke will do... Embarassed

thanks for update, am cheering for evvy's team in the tournament!

 

#164:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 4:44 pm

A lovely description of a family and friends enjoying themselves *basks in the sunshine* I loved Evvy handling of Marcia and Lauren Very Happy

Thanks Jo!

 

#165:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 6:48 pm

Yay! Thanks Jo

Evvy was spot on dealing with Lauren and Marcia

Am looking forward to seeing these competitive streaks in action!

Liz

 

#166:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 1:47 pm

Eight teams entered the tournament in all, and they were spilt into 2 groups of four with the winners of each due to meet in the final. In Group A, Susie’s father’s team cruised to victory, as was to be expected from a team led by a man who had been a high school baseball star in his day. Much to everybody’s surprise, especially Mike’s, Yseult proved to be a remarkably competent fielder, and the van Alden party cheered her on loudly from the sidelines as she took a couple of difficult and vital catches.

In Group B, the path was not quite so smooth for the Van Alden Vanquishers, as Mike had named his team after it was pointed out to him by his wife that the name Van Alden Victors was perhaps a little too presumptuous. It has to be admitted that things would have been a great deal easier had it not been for Mike and Edgar’s attempts to ‘help’. Though a fair batsman and a so-so fielder, Mike was by no means as good as he thought he was, and despite Edgar having been something of a sports star in his schooldays, he had never played softball before in his life. Not remotely put off by this, the two of them designated themselves team coaches, with the supreme cheek of the overly-competitive sporting male, and insisted on shouting out instructions from their positions when fielding and from the sidelines as their team members stood up to bat. As they spent most of the time giving conflicting advice and then arguing about it among themselves, they only succeeded in putting everyone off.

Edgar was easily dealt with by Evadne. Striking out, thanks to him shouting instructions as she was trying to concentrate, she turned and marched purposefully towards where he was standing. Then glaring up at him, she proceeded, in a quiet, sweet voice, to tell him that if he didn't stop trying to coach everybody then she would show him precisely how the bat should be held and exactly where it would be put. The spectators were unable to hear what she said, but getting the general gist of what was going on, they all fell about laughing, and Edgar subsided, a little shocked and in no doubt that if he persisted then she would do exactly as she threatened.

Mike was not so easily put off, but they found it easier to ignore one person as opposed to two and largely thanks to Ned and Val, who were proving quite the stars of their team, they scraped through their first match and won the other two comfortably, setting up a final between themselves and Rick’s Rovers, as Susie’s father’s team were called.

The final was an exciting and close-run affair. The Vanquishers were fielding first, and Rick was first up to bat. Andrew pitched a good ball and Rick skied it, setting off at a run and praying that no-one would be under it. It soared into the air and out in the field, Sam was perfectly positioned underneath it when he heard a shout of “Mine!” and looked up to see Mike tearing towards him from his position at second base. The young lad moved hurriedly out of the way and for a moment it looked like Mike was actually going to catch it. Then suddenly he tripped over his own feet and sprawled flat on his face as the ball bounced down just out of reach.

There was a roar of laughter, not least from Cornelia who had stopped cheering and was standing clutching her sides. Mike got to his feet, his face scarlet and was cheered back to his base as Rick scored a home run. After that, he left his fielders to their own devices, and they got the Rovers out for just four runs. Now it was the Vanquishers turn to bat.

Cassie, Lauren, and Sam were all out first ball, and came over to the sidelines to join Cornelia and co and watch the fun. Andrew, and Val scored home runs, as did Marcia, to everyone’s great surprise, after she actually managed to hit the ball and shocked the boy at first base so much that he forgot to run after it and instead, stared at her open-mouthed as she ran round the diamond. Next up was Evvy, fresh from scrapping with Edgar who was telling her she would be out first ball. She wasn’t the greatest of batters, but she was a very fast runner, and connecting bat to ball, she set off at a sprint and found herself making it home as Ronny and Susie tripped over each other in the outfield. Pulling an ‘I told you so’ face at Edgar as she passed home plate, she neglected to look where she was going, slipped on the spare bat, and turned somersault in the air before landing ignominiously on her backside. The spectators were already laughing at the two fielders who were still trying to untangle themselves, and Evvy’s effort finished them off. Cornelia slid to the ground, tears of mirth pouring down her face, and holding his sides, Edgar walked over, hauled her to her feet, and checked she was okay before hugging her, still laughing, as she hid her red face in his chest.

After that, the Rovers began to get the upper hand and before long only Mike and Ned were left in with the score still tied at four all. Mike was up first and as he walked up to bat he gave Rick some backchat about how he was going to win in style. Next moment he had skied the ball, and setting off at a run, asking for some divine intervention, he was dismayed to hear a call of “Out”. Turning around to see who had caught it, he found himself looking straight at Yseult’s grinning face as she held the ball aloft and shrugged her shoulders at him. So now it was down to Ned to save the day. Talented at all sports, it was cricket that he most excelled at, being the star of his school’s team, and though this was a different bat and a different game, that talent seemed to have translated itself to softball as well. He connected bat soundly with ball, and set off, the cheers from the Van Alden camp carrying him round as he scored the winning run.

He instantly found himself mobbed as Sam, Lauren and Val grabbed him, all jumping up and down. For the next five minutes he found himself patted on the back, head and shoulders as people came up to congratulate him, and when the trophy was presented, his team insisted that he be the one to go and collect it, which he did with a beaming grin on his face.


The softball over, everyone returned to their picnic spots to get ready for the barbeque. Cornelia, Evadne and Cassie were busy unpacking all their salads and pies when Corney looked up and spotted Mike. One of the organisers had made some badges for the winning team, and although he had his pinned to his chest, with his glum face and dust all over his front it was hard to imagine anyone looking less like a winner. They all began to laugh again as he approached them, and Corney turned to face her husband with a smile.

“Should you be wearing that pin?” she enquired sweetly.

“I suppose you think that’s funny?” he retorted, glaring at her.

Trying not to laugh, she looked up at him and brushing some dust from his front, she put her arms around his waist. “Aww, come here.”

“I know you’re laughing at me too, don’t pretend you’re not.”

“I may be laughing at you, baby, but I can still give you a hug. Still, you’ve got to admit, that was a spectacular fall!”

Gazing down at her face, Mike chuckled and put his arms around her. “I’m not going to live this down am I?”

“Sadly not,” she replied, grinning up at him. “I really think you should give me this one anyhow, it’s not often I get something to hold over you.”

He laughed. “Okay, but no gloating while the pain's still so raw.”

“I promise,” and pecking him on the lips, she released him and turned back to the table again. “We’ve got Evvy to make fun of in the meantime, so don’t you worry.”

At that moment, Yseult came over to join them and Mike grimaced as he saw her. ”Don’t you say a word.”

Giving him a supercilious grin, she shook her head and picked a piece of tomato out of a salad, popping it in her mouth. “I don’t believe I need to, do I?”

Cornelia smiled. “She’s got you there!” and seeing them all grinning it him, he uttered an indescribable sound, took three beers out of the cooler, and went off in search of Edgar and Andrew.

They were all sitting around, tucking into their barbeque, before he returned again. Marcia and Lauren had been relegated to one end of the table with their plates of salad, and had been very subdued up until this point, but as they looked up and saw their brevet uncle coming towards them, they both began to giggle, causing the others too look around. Mike’s shirt-front was drenched with something, and as he came nearer, they could tell from the smell that it was beer. As he bent down to fish in one of the bags for a towel, Cornelia gave him a look of despair and rolled her eyes.

“Honey, I’m so proud of you right now.”

Mike looked down at himself and then pointed at Cassie. “Blame her son. He and Ned thought it was funny to shake up all our beer cans and guess who was first to open theirs? Still,” he added, finding a towel and getting to his feet, “you should see Edgar. He was standing next to me and it’s gone in rather an unfortunate place.”

At that moment, the man himself appeared.

“God, I love my children,” he said through gritted teeth, as he came across to claim the towel from Mike. Staring over at him, everyone at the table burst out laughing as they saw the front of his trousers.

Wiping her eyes, Evadne tried to stifle her giggles as she said, “Really Edgar, the bathrooms are just over there you know?”

Edgar glared at her and Mike chuckled as he came to sit down next to his wife. “Well all I can say is thank god we never had boys!”

Evvy gave him an amused look. “Have you not learnt from Thea and Marcia these past few weeks that it makes no difference?”

“I can vouch for that!” Cassie put in with a grin.

“Well, ours will be little angels or they’re off to reform school!”

“You’re not sending my babies to any reform school, Michael van Alden!” his wife exclaimed.

“Just watch me!” and ignoring the indignant noises she was making, he picked up his burger and took a huge bite.

Last edited by Josie on Sun Mar 20, 2005 3:57 pm; edited 5 times in total

 

#167:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 1:54 pm

Oh lovely, lovely, lovely!!! Laughing Laughing Laughing I can just picture the entire episode!

Thank you Josie - bet you had fun while writing that bit! Laughing

 

#168:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 1:58 pm

Thanks Jo side-splittingly funny

*wonders if Mike's burger has been tampered with*

Liz

 

#169:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 2:41 pm

This is just so so brilliant Jo - how do you find the time to write so much?

But I'm really really pleased that you do Very Happy

 

#170:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 4:27 pm

That was lovely - and brings back many memories of playing softball.

Little quibble - it is home plate, not fourth base.

 

#171:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 4:55 pm

The picnic sounds great fun! Laughing

*agrees about home plate, but prefers to stay on the sidelines*
(The last time I was foolish enough to try, I had another pair of glasses smashed. Softballs are NOT soft!)

 

#172:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 7:56 pm

Thanks Jo! And thanks for it being a super long bit too! Very Happy

 

#173:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 9:01 pm

So funny Laughing
So realistic, thanks Josie

 

#174:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 10:52 pm

This is wonderful Josie. May we have some more please?

 

#175:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 11:27 pm

Great Jo. So realistic!

I have to echo Dawn though - do you get any sleep at all? Wink

That is NOT a complaint!

for the UK people on the board, if you really want to upset your North American friends, just exclaim. "Oh, it's just like rounders."

 

#176:  Author: Beth, Location: Back in Durham...nearly finished a whole year!! PostPosted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 12:31 am

Thanks Josie, that was brilliant!!

Josie wrote:
with the supreme cheek of the overly-competitive sporting male


...and how familiar that sounds... Wink

 

#177:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 1:30 am

patmac wrote:
for the UK people on the board, if you really want to upset your North American friends, just exclaim. "Oh, it's just like rounders."

How can a game no one's ever heard of be upsetting? *seriously doubts many people read the sort of books in which it appears*

On the other hand, you might get a rise by using an effete term like "batsman" instead of "batter." (*continues ever-so-subtle efforts to get previews of this shiny drabble Laughing *)

 

#178:  Author: Guest,  PostPosted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 12:59 pm

Absolutely loving this, I am a huge fan.
Good to see the women actually doing some of the work in the house instead of leaving it all to the 'faithful maids'.

I am interested to know what happened at the house of the old guy they met on the plane - as he thought Edgar and Evvy were a married couple with all those kids I imagine they had a bit of explaining to do, or did they still put married couples in separate bedrooms in those days? It would be quite a nice scene I think.

 

#179:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 1:00 pm

Lots of lovely long posts Very Happy Thanks Jo!

 

#180:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 3:55 pm

Dawn wrote:
how do you find the time to write so much?

This would be done when I'm supposed to be working Embarassed . Advantage of working for myself I guess! And each update only takes about half an hour to write, providing I'm not interrupted, so it's not all that long really.

Chelsea wrote:
Little quibble - it is home plate, not fourth base.

Knew I'd get something wrong! Laughing Have changed, thanks. Very Happy

Kathy_S wrote:
On the other hand, you might get a rise by using an effete term like "batsman" instead of "batter." (*continues ever-so-subtle efforts to get previews of this shiny drabble *).

*g* Nice try Kathy. I believe bribery works quite well on that front!! Wink *looks around innocently*

And 'Guest' - I tried to write that scene, but wasn't happy with how it was going and cut it - sorry about that! I've no plans to try again. Just presume they explained their situation and it was accepted by the lovely Schulstads (who will turn up again at some point in the future). Very Happy

Thanks for all the lovely comments folks, glad you're enjoying it.

As the engines roared, and the aeroplane soared into the air above Boston, Evadne looked out of the window at the sprawling city below and swallowed hard to clear a lump in her throat.

It was the Wednesday evening after Labor Day weekend, and the holiday in Boston had finally come to an end. The Markhams had returned to Long Island the previous day, with a promise from Cassie that they would be over to England again the following Spring, and Evvy had felt her heart strings tugging as she hugged her friend goodbye. They had then spent a quiet final evening at the Van Aldens’, with a simple dinner out on the terrace and an early bed for all as they were still worn out from the excitement of the previous day.

Today they had spent the time gathering all their belongings together and packing their bags – several times over in the case of Marcia, who not being the tidiest or most organized of children would close her bag, only to find yet more things she had left lying around the house. As the day wore on, Evadne became more and more subdued, and although Edgar tried his best to cheer her up, nothing he said seemed to make any difference. Evvy loved her life in England, was very happy there, but her one big regret was that Cornelia and Cassie, her two closest friends, lived so far away. Spending so much time with them both, Corney in particular, over the past few weeks had brought this home to her, and she was inclined wallow in the fact that it was likely to be at least a year before she saw her friend again. Cornelia was in much the same frame of mind, and in the end the two men left them to it, accepting there was little they could do other than offer a shoulder to lean on if needed.

By late afternoon it was time to go, and as Mike and Edgar packed the bags and children into the Van Aldens' car, the two women said their goodbyes. Cornelia had opted not to make the journey to the airport, knowing that it would be hard enough to say goodbye in private, and as they hugged each other tight, they both fought hard to keep back the tears that were springing up in their eyes. Thankfully, Marcia sat next to Evadne in the car and talked to her non-stop all the way to the airport, and in answering some of the little girl’s questions, Evvy forgot her woes for the time being and was feeling a little happier by the time they checked in.

Now, as she stared out of the window, she did her best to push her feelings of sadness to the back of her mind and to focus on her return to London instead.

“You okay?”

Edgar’s voice cut through her reverie and she turned to face him with a smile. “I will be.”

He returned her smile and shifted slightly in his seat, putting an arm around her shoulders. “You know, I’ll understand if you want to come over here as often as you can.”

“Thank you.”

“And you can come and cry on my shoulder whenever you’re missing her, okay?”

Evvy gazed up into his green eyes, thinking how much she loved this man who was sitting next to her. Then with a chuckle, she put her head on his shoulder and snuggled up against his side. “I’m so glad I’ve got you.”

“Finally she appreciates me!”

“Excuse me! When have I not appreciated you?” she replied indignantly, pulling back to look at him, and Edgar grinned and shook his head.

“Even after knowing me for almost three years, you still rise every single time!” Evadne laughed and he bent his head to kiss her on the nose. “That’s better. I’ve been trying to get a smile on your face all day.”

Evadne returned his kiss, and then pulled back, turning in her seat so she was sat facing him as he removed his arm from round her shoulders and took hold of her hand. “So tell me truthfully, did you really have a good time?”

“Yes, of course!”

“And do you really like Mike and Corney?”

“Very much so. Couldn’t you tell that?

“Well yes, but I just wanted to make sure. They mean a whole lot to me, you know; as much as Paul and Elsie do to you.”

“I know.” Edgar smiled and squeezed her hand. “I liked them very much, same goes for Andrew and Cassie. And I’m very glad we got all that sorted out with Cassie too,” he added, as Evadne looked a little sheepish, “I intend to be around in your life for a very long time, Miss Lannis, and it’s good to get these things ironed out now.”

As she looked up at him, Evadne felt her heart melt. She was about to reply when they were interrupted by the sound of squabbling from behind them, where Thea and Marcia were having a game of snap, and Evadne jumped suddenly as she felt a foot kick the back of her seat.

She grimaced at Edgar, who rolled his eyes in return. “Couldn’t we have left them there?”

Evvy laughed. “Sadly not, no.”

At that moment, Ned’s voice was to be heard telling his sisters to grow up and stop being little brats, invoking shrieks from the pair of them, and with a sigh, Edgar got to his feet. Without saying a word, he moved into the aisle between Ned and Thea, and reaching down, he undid Thea’s seatbelt and put his hands under her arms, lifting her up and depositing her into his seat next to Evadne. Then leaving that lady to see that his daughter was strapped in, he pulled his copy of Time Magazine from between her and the arm of the chair, smiled at Evvy and sat down next to Marcia. Ned and Marcia looked at each other, a little apprehensive, as their father simply ignored the pair of them, opened his magazine and began to read. Scared of what he might say if either of them chose to utter anything, they both sat back in their seats, busying themselves with their own activities, and by the time the cabin lights were switched off, all three children were fast asleep and peace reigned for the remainder of the flight.

Last edited by Josie on Sun Mar 20, 2005 6:56 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#181:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 4:26 pm

Thank you Josie! Laughing

 

#182:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 4:32 pm

Lovely - thanks Jo

So typical that the children interupt the romantic moment! But loved the way Edgar dealt with them without comment.

Liz

 

#183:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 6:17 pm

Poor Evvy and Corney, but bless Edgar and his skill at handling his children Laughing

Thanks Jo

 

#184:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 6:36 pm

Lovely Jo. I do like Edgar!

 

#185:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 8:17 pm

awww - really lovely, Josie!

 

#186:  Author: pim, Location: the Derbyshire wilderness PostPosted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 8:24 pm

Thanks Jo Very Happy

 

#187:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 9:02 pm

Josie wrote:
Kathy_S wrote:
On the other hand, you might get a rise by using an effete term like "batsman" instead of "batter." (*continues ever-so-subtle efforts to get previews of this shiny drabble *).

*g* Nice try Kathy. I believe bribery works quite well on that front!! Wink *looks around innocently*

Ah well -- It was worth a try. Mr. Green
And thanks for another lovely post.
*hopes Evvy & Corney get to visit back & forth lots*

 

#188:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 9:19 pm

Thanks Josie.
I find Evvy as a grown up so funny,it's so easy to picture her like this.

 

#189:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 11:49 pm

Thank you Jo!!
Those were wonderful posts!!!

 

#190:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 12:34 pm

Thank you Jo! Wonderful posts - loved the softball match and Edgar is just so lovely!

 

#191:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 4:08 pm

Mid-October saw Margia arrive in London for three days of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. Evadne, Ilonka and Elsie, along with Paul and Edgar, had tickets to attend on the second night, and that lunchtime the four girls got together for something to eat before Margia had to be back to prepare for the evening’s performance.

Elsie, Margia and Lonny all arrived at midday as arranged and taking a table in the corner of the restaurant, they sat chatting amongst themselves, awaiting Evadne’s arrival. It was no great surprise to any of them that she was not on time; punctuality had never been one of her strong points. It was almost one o’clock before she finally arrived, and she came across the restaurant floor looking hassled and out-of-breath, hair all over the place and clothes a little creased, in contrast to her normally immaculate appearance. Elsie glanced up and seeing her coming towards them, she looked her up and down, a big grin on her face.

“Well, you’ve outdone yourself this time - almost an hour late!”

“I know, I’m sorry, had a bit of a crisis,” Evvy gasped, greeting Margia and Ilonka before pulling out her chair and flopping down into it.

“What have you been doing to yourself? You look like you’ve gone four rounds with Rocky Marciano!”

Evadne looked at her in surprise. “What do you know about boxing?”

“Oh, Paul’s a bit of a fan, I hear him talking about it. But never mind that, what on earth have you been up to? What crisis?”

Evadne flushed a little as she took a sip of water. “I…er…locked myself out!” She took another sip from her glass and put it back on the table before continuing. “I answered the door to sign for a delivery and it accidentally shut behind me, left me stuck on the doorstep without my keys! Thankfully I’d left the salon window open, so I had to climb from the wall, along the windowsill and in through that way, and by the time I’d got in I was already running late, so I just grabbed my bag and came out.” She paused and looked down at her crumpled clothes, “Guess I look a bit of a sight!”

As they all laughed, she reached into her bag and pulling out a hairbrush and compact mirror, she proceeded to try and put her hair back in place. “So how are you all anyway?” she asked, as took out her hairpins and began to brush out her fair curls. “How’s the family, Lonny? How come Reon’s not coming tonight?”

“Good thanks. And Reon’s in South Africa visiting his family. We were all supposed to have gone, but Maria’s not been too well so plans had to change.”

“Nothing serious I hope?” Margia asked, as Evvy twisted her hair up, put her hairpins back in place and checked her reflection in her mirror as Ilonka watched her, fascinated.

“Nothing serious, just chicken pox, but there was no chance she could go on the flight of course. She’s much better now though. Seriously Evvy,” she added, changing subject, “how the devil do you do that so quickly?”

Evadne grinned. “Practice! It’s not the first time I’ve had to throw myself together at the drop of a hat!” Putting her compact and brush back in her bag, she turned to face Margia. “So where are you off to next then, Margie? Somewhere glamorous?”

Margia laughed. “Nowhere, actually. I’ve these three nights, and then I have a month off, thank goodness! I’m off to see Amy and her family for a couple of weeks, then on to Norway to see Mother and Father before the next tour starts. I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to the rest – I’ve had it with globe trotting for a while.” She gave a sigh and sat back in her chair. “Anyway, can we talk about something else? I’ll have enough of being the centre of attention tonight, I really don’t want it now too.”

Ilonka smiled. “Of course we can. How’s things with Edgar, Evvy?”

“Oh yes, that’s much more interesting!” and the next moment, the pair of them began to quiz her on how the relationship was going and how the holiday in Boston had been. After a few minutes, Evadne threw her hands up in surrender, and looked at them both with mock despair.

“Enough already! What’s with the inquisition?”

Lonny laughed. “Well, Elsie and I are married and frankly bored of talking about our husbands and children for now, and it’s not quite so exciting asking Margia about her latest compositions. No offence,” she added, looking at Margia who grinned at her.

“None taken!”

At that moment, the waiter came over to take their order, and the subject was shelved as they chose what they wanted to eat. Once that was done, and the waiter had collected their menus and left them alone again, Elsie turned to Evadne with a curious smile. “Okay, I have a question for you. When’s he going to ask you to marry him?”

Evadne stared back at her as if she had gone mad. “What sort of question’s that?”

“A good one! I’m very disappointed in him, you know, I was so sure you’d come back from Boston engaged. I can’t believe he hasn’t asked you yet!”

Evadne shook her head and sat back in her chair, a look of disbelief on her face. “Well he hasn’t okay? What’s the rush anyhow – we’ve not been together a year yet. And how do you know he’s even going to ask me?”

“Oh please, he adores you, you know he does. If he’s not going to ask you soon then I’m the Pope! You wait you two,” she said, looking across the table at them, “you meet him tonight, then tell me I’m wrong.” Ilonka and Margia both laughed, and Elsie turned back to face Evadne. “You’ll see, I’ll be proved right!”

Evadne pulled a face at her. “Well, even if you’re right, which I’m not saying you are, you’ll probably know before I do anyhow. Oh come on, you know what he’s like,” she added, as Elsie looked confused, “if he is going to ask me, then he’ll probably drag you out to help choose the ring!”

Elsie opened her mouth to ask another question, but Evadne preempted her, placing her hand on her friend’s lips to prevent her from speaking. “Right,” she said, looking around the three of them, “you get ten more questions and then I’m refusing to answer any more.”

“But I thought the game was twenty questions, not ten,” Lonny retorted with a grin.

“Don’t you think you’ve had enough already?”

“No!”

“Well that’s how it’s gonna be. Accept it, or you get nothing more!”

“Okay, fine. Margia, you first.”

“Oh, um, how about do you love him?”

Evvy grinned. “Yes. Next?”

“Do you want to marry him?”

“I’ll come back to that one later.”

“That’s not fair!” Elsie exclaimed indignantly.

“Tough luck. Come on, Margie, next one.”

“Okay, are you happy?”

“Yes, very.”

“Could you imagine being the children’s stepmother?”

Evadne considered this one before replying. “Yes I think so. I really do adore them, you know. You should meet them, Margie, they’re wonderful.”

“Have they accepted you okay?” Lonny put in.

“Yes, at least they have now. Ned wasn’t so keen to start with!” She recounted the tales of her early encounters with Ned, and as they laughed as she told them about sewing up his pyjamas, she sat back in her chair with a smile. “I’m pretty sure we’re there now though, he certainly has no problems with me being in Edgar’s life anyhow.”

“How old are they, by the way,” Margia asked, and as Evadne counted the question off on her fingers, Elsie looked at her friend with disgust.

“What sort of question’s that, Margia Stevens? Don’t waste them!”

“Sorry, but I don’t know!”

Evvy grinned. “They’re eleven, eight and seven. Actually, Thea’s nearly nine,” she added as an afterthought.

“Okay, I have one,” Lonny said, leaning forward and putting her elbows on the table, “Could you live with his bad habits?”

“How do you know he has any?”

“Oh please, all men do. Reon clips his toenails in the lounge which drives me crazy, and he never replaces the toilet roll if he finishes it!”

Elsie laughed. “Paul always screws the dishcloth up on the side after using it so it smells, no matter how many times I tell him not to, and he leaves dirty socks everywhere – he just takes them off wherever he feels like and then leaves them there for me to pick up!” They all laughed. “Oh, and he never puts juice and milk and stuff back in fridge when he’s finished with it. I find it on the side three hours later, all horrid and warm!”

“Reon does that too.”

“Well I’m pretty sure I could live with Edgar’s habits,” Evvy answered with a grin.

“What are they?”

“Lonny! You’ve used another question!” Elsie exclaimed.

“Sorry! Don’t answer that.”

Evadne shook her head. “No, you’ve asked it now!” She raised her eyebrows at the indignant sound that Elsie made and then turned back to Ilonka. “I know he leaves wet bath towels on the floor, Amelia always complained about that. And he bites his nails, and he mumbles under his breath when he’s reading something he’s concentrating on. But I could easily live with those last two, and believe me, he’d soon learn to pick up his towels! Okay, next question.”

Elsie gave her a sideways glance. “Alright, if you do marry him will you want to have children?”

“Gee, um, dunno, not thought about it.”

“Oh come on, you must have.”

“No, I haven’t,” Evadne looked Elsie straight in the eyes, the smile gone from her lips. “I may be too old anyway, even if I did want kids.”

“Don’t be silly, of course you’re not.”

“You don’t know that, Elsie. I accepted that I may never have kids of my own a long time ago.” Elsie fell silent, and Evvy shook her head. “Sorry guys, but I’m taking the fifth on this one. I really don’t want to talk about it.”

There was silence for a moment, and Margia reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “Okay, how about this one. Has your father met him?”

Evadne nodded, the smile returning to her lips. “Yes, they met through work before we even got together.”

“Does he like him then?”

“Yes, very much. They get on like a house on fire. It would have been hard to be with him otherwise.” She looked down at her fingers and grinned. “Right, that’s all ten I’m afraid! Subject over!”

“Hang on, you never answered the second question. Do you want to marry him?”

“Sorry, that’s the eleventh question. I said ten.”

“That’s not fair and you know it!”

“Rules are rules, and as it’s my game, I get to make those rules!”

They all glared at her, and Ilonka rolled her eyes. “That’s just like you, Evvy Lannis, you haven’t changed one bit!”

Evadne smiled complacently. “Well it’s my business and I’m not divulging.”

“Oh come on, Evvy, we’re your oldest friends. If you can’t tell us, then who can you tell.”

Elsie sat up in her chair as the waiter brought their starters over. “Of course she wants to marry him.”

“So you can read my mind now?” Evadne retorted indignantly. “Oh silly me, I forgot you were psychic!”

“Yes, and I’d thank you to remember that.”

Ilonka stared incredulously at Elsie. “Since when have you been psychic?”

“I am I’ll have you know. Back me up Evvy.”

“Sorry, no can do,” that lady replied, swallowing a mouthful of soup and reaching for the bread. “I missed that momentous occasion remember, you’ll have to ask Edgar.”

Margia laid her fork down on her plate. “Alright, if you’re psychic what am I about to do now?”

“It’s not that kind of psychic,” Elsie replied haughtily, trying not to laugh, “I can just tell things about how people feel. It’s more a power of perception.”

“Well go on then.”

“I can’t just call on it whenever I choose. It’s a special and selective gift!”

“Really?”

“Yes!”

“So you’re not just a big phoney then?”

Elsie spluttered in indignation and as they continued with their banter, Evadne congratulated herself on how successfully she’d deflected the conversation away from her and Edgar and turned back to her soup with a grin.

Last edited by Josie on Mon Mar 21, 2005 7:14 pm; edited 3 times in total

 

#192:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 4:22 pm

Lovely! I can just see that grin on Evvy's face!

 

#193:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 4:35 pm

So can I! Well handled Evvy.

Thank you Jo. Lovely.

 

#194:  Author: pim, Location: the Derbyshire wilderness PostPosted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 4:58 pm

*giggles appreciatively* Thanks Jo Very HappyVery HappyVery HappyVery Happy

 

#195:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 6:32 pm

Thank you Jo! I love this drabble so much. Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#196:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 6:40 pm

Lovely and so natural! I could just see them sitting there, laughing and teasing. Frienships like that are so special!

Thank you Jo.

 

#197:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 7:26 pm

Thanks Jo - lovely conversation

Liz

 

#198:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 12:42 pm

That afternoon, sitting in a large armchair in the inner room at White’s, Sir Edgar Watson folded his newspaper and placed it on the table as he watched his oldest friend walk across the floor towards him.

“Here you are,” he said, pushing a tumbler of whiskey across the table as Paul took off his coat and sat down with a sigh, “a tot of Scotland’s finest to cheer you up. How was the meeting?”

“Hideous,” Paul replied, picking up the glass and taking a swig, his body visibly relaxing as he felt the warming effect of the liquid on his body. “Remind me again what possessed me to think that a Home Office job was a good idea.”

“Because firstly, the Home Office was a very different place in 1944, and secondly you were engaged to be married, carrying a nasty leg wound and it was the best job on offer at the time you were discharged.”

Paul grimaced. “Well, aren’t you just a mother’s comfort?”

“You did ask! I thought you were looking elsewhere anyway?”

“I will be; I just haven’t had time to make a start yet!”

“Well there may be a couple of openings in my place if you’re interested,” Edgar replied, holding up his hand and indicating to the waiter to bring them two more glasses of scotch. “I’ll ask around, see what’s going next time I’m in.”

“Are you ever in your office?” Paul asked in an amused tone, and Edgar simply gave him a complacent smile.

“As much as I need to be. That’s the beauty of being able to write my reports at home. It’s just easier. I’ve a million and one other things to do, especially with the children, and it helps being in Wiltshire as much as possible.”

“Yes, that reminds me,” Paul drained his glass and exchanged it for the fresh one that the waiter brought over, “Tom said he saw you up at Dragon last week. What’s going on? Everything okay?”

Edgar chuckled and sat back in his chair. “Just Ned being Ned, as per usual. He managed to pick up a choice selection of new slang when we were over in America, and he keeps coming out with it at the worst possible moments of course. I think the final straw was asking the Headmaster “What’s buzzin’ cuzzin’?” when he’d been called to the study for a dressing down.”

Paul roared with laughter. “He really said that to Joc?”

“I know. They hauled me up to the School to ‘talk’ about the situation, and it was all I could do not to laugh when they told me. Not that I’d let Ned know that of course. And he got a week’s worth of detention and had to miss that Saturday’s rugger match for his pains, so I think he’s learnt a lesson.” He took a sip of his drink and gave a sigh. “I do wish he’d at least try and keep out of trouble this year, though. It’s his last year there before going to Harrow, and I’d like him to leave on good terms. I’m trying to get him to understand the importance of balancing his sport with his schoolwork at the moment. It’s just so frustrating; he’s not like Marcia, he’s plenty of brains when he chooses to use them.”

“How rude! Poor Marcia,” Paul said with a chuckle, and Edgar smiled.

“Oh, she’s not stupid by any means, just not particularly academically proficient. She’s never going to be a study and exams type of child, she much prefers her art and craft. I have to say, I know I’m biased, but she really is very good for a seven year old. She found an old Brownie Box camera of Madeleine’s recently, and she’s become rather taken with photography. If she’s still that interested by the time she turns eleven, I’ll invest in a decent camera for her. But the problem with Ned is it’s pretty rare he bothers to apply his brains to his work properly, and that really won’t make the grade at Harrow.”

“I remember someone like that when I was at school!”

Edgar grimaced. “I don’t remember you being much better!”

Paul laughed. “Too true. We soon learnt though, didn’t we? I’m sure he’ll get the same short sharp shock. Anyway, maybe he’ll end up playing rugger or cricket for England and then you won’t need to worry! He’s really very good you know.”

“Yes, I know. Oh well, we’ll see. How’s Tom doing by the way?”

“Very well, actually. He’s turning out to be quite the maths whiz. I suppose he gets it from me, though I gather Elsie was always more sciences than arts too. She wanted to study them at one point before choosing PT instead. And Lily spends her entire time turning somersaults and cartwheels, so either she’s going be a gymnast or an acrobat!” Edgar laughed, and Paul sat back with a smile. “Who’d ever have thought it, eh? That us two reprobates would grow up to be responsible fathers discussing our own children’s future careers.”

“I know, funny when you think about it, isn’t it?” Edgar put his glass down on the table and sat up straight. “And I’ve some news for you, as it happens. We may be off to pastures new.”

“What?” Paul choked on his drink in surprise, and it was a minute before he managed to clear his throat and sit up, wiping his eyes. “When?”

“Well, not for a few months yet, at least. But I’ve been short-listed to be a British rep. on the F.A.O Council, and the elections start around January, with the handovers in July.”

“F.A.O?”

“Food and Agriculture Organisation. The U.N.” he added, seeing the incomprehension on Paul’s face.

“Ah, got you. Wow! Well, congratulations,” Paul raised his glass and chinked it against the side of Edgar’s. “So what will it mean for you?”

“Well, the job I’ve always wanted, for starters! And if it all comes off, we’ll be moving to Geneva middle of next year.”

There was silence for a moment, as Paul sat back and regarded his friend, then clearing his throat, he said, “Well, we’ll miss you if you go.”

“You can come and visit you know. We wouldn’t be moving to Timbuktu!”

Paul chuckled. “No, I realise that. Still, it’s not the same is it?”

“No, it’s not, you’re right.”

“Have you told Evvy yet?” Paul asked, eyeing his friend curiously.

“No, not yet.”

“Am I correct in presuming you’ll be asking her to…er… go with you?”

Edgar reddened slightly and smiled. “Yes, yes I will be,” then as a wide grin crossed his friend’s face, “but make sure you keep it all under your hat, okay? Don’t even tell Elsie. She won’t be able to hold it in, and I want to wait ‘til everything’s far more settled before I ask her. That could be quite a few months off yet.”

“Of course I’ll keep it to myself old chap.” He ordered two more drinks, and then turned back to Edgar with a beaming smile. “Well, this is worth a celebration don’t you think?”

Edgar laughed. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea, we’ve got this concert to go to remember? I don’t think we’ll be forgiven if we turn up a little worse for wear! And anyway, I haven’t asked her yet. How do you know she’ll even say yes?”

Paul snorted, refusing to dignify this with an answer, and instead, raised the fresh glass that the waiter brought over. “Well, congratulations anyway. Here’s to 1954 and it all coming off just as you hope.”

“Thank you” Edgar chinked his glass against his friends and took a large gulp. “And that’s the last word on the subject of Evvy for now, okay?”

Paul nodded. “If you say so, you’re the boss! So,” he said, changing the subject as he put his glass down on the table, “tell me about these election thingies. How do they work?” and as Edgar launched into a description of how the selection process worked, the two men settled down for the rest of the afternoon.

Last edited by Josie on Tue Mar 22, 2005 12:51 pm; edited 2 times in total

 

#199:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 12:49 pm

Not entirely sure the not telling Evvy until it's a bit more sorted is entirely a good thing...love the assumption she'll say yes too when her reaction to Elsie and the girls was almost that she still wasn't thinking that far ahead...

Could be fun!

Thank you Jo - love Paul and Edgar's friendship.

 

#200:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 1:01 pm

*chuckles at the men in their club*

Good to have some background on how Edgar got to Switzerland Very Happy

Thanks Jo

 

#201:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 1:02 pm

oooh, a proposal, how fun. I do love the way that we know this is all going to end happily so no real need for concern but still you have enough ups and downs and mishaps to keep it all interesting in the meantime!
Some highly amusing scenes there, thanks Jo!

 

#202:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 1:45 pm

Oooooh!!!
Thank you Jo! Lovely posts, and a real twist in the tale!

 

#203:  Author: pim, Location: the Derbyshire wilderness PostPosted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 2:07 pm

*eagerly awaiting the next bit* Thank you Jo Very HappyVery HappyVery HappyVery Happy *perches carefully on the edge of the seat to hear Evvy's reaction*

 

#204:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 3:20 pm

I wonder what Evvy's reaction to that will be? He obviously doesn't discuss work or his plans with her. It's about the only old fashioned thing about him.

Now will Paul be able to resist Elsie's questions. She's sure to ask him if Edgar is any nearer to proposing.

 

#205:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 3:40 pm

*giggles at Edgar and Paul*

I can just picture the scene!

 

#206:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 6:10 pm

Thanks Jo - lovely conversation between the men.

Nice to have a little hint more about Paul's background as well - thanks Very Happy

Liz

 

#207:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 8:27 pm

Lovely scenes! Don't think it's a good idea for Edgar to keep Evvy in the dark so much - she's liable to tell him to get lost! Laughing

 

#208:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 9:56 pm

Does this mean we'regoing to get some of Evvys temper and interesting language?

 

#209:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 12:25 pm

“So what do you say, Evvy? Want to spend Christmas in England with Veronica and her family? Hell-oo-oo! Is there anybody in there?”

Her father's final words cut through Evadne’s thoughts and she turned around in her chair to look at him, a guilty look on her face. “Sorry Poppa, I was miles away. What did you ask me?”

“Yes, I could see that,” he replied dryly. “I was asking if you were interested in going to spend Christmas with Veronica’s family in England. She’s been talking to us about it for the past half hour!”

Evvy turned towards her father’s friend with a sheepish smile. “Sorry Veronica, I didn’t mean to be rude, honest. My mind’s just wondering a bit today. Thanks, that sounds neat. I’d love to come.”

Veronica smiled. “Wonderful. I’ll look forward to it. And I ought to be going now, Arthur,” she added, getting to her feet, “I’ve some bits and pieces I need to sort out. You still meeting me for shopping and lunch tomorrow, Evvy?”

“Absolutely. Around twelve-thirty at Pierre’s sound good?”

“Perfect. See you then.”

“’Bye,” and as her father got up to show his friend out, Evadne shifted her position so that she was staring out of the window again.

The six weeks following Margia’s concert had passed quietly. Mid-November saw Edgar depart to spend a few weeks in Geneva for work and knowing that he wouldn’t be around, Evadne had decided to head to Paris to spend a month with her father. She’d been full of life and having a good time up to now, but today Arthur had noticed that she was a little out of sorts. She was very quiet and preoccupied, her mind clearly not in the here and now, and he was wondering what was wrong.

As he came back into the room, he saw her staring out of the window again, a faraway look on her face, and shutting the door, he walked over to position himself on the windowsill, blocking her view. “So, are you gonna tell me what’s wrong?”

She glanced up at him in surprise. “Nothing, I…”

“Evvy, I’m not a fool.”

Looking him straight in the eyes, she sighed and pulled her legs up onto the chair, resting her arms on her knees “No, but you’ll think I am.”

“Why don’t you let me be the judge of that? Come on, out with it.”

Evadne hesitated for a second, then replied, “It’s just…today’s the anniversary of when Ralph proposed to me. I guess I kind of think of it as our proper anniversary, seeing as we never got married and all.” She leant back in the chair and began to examine one of her fingernails intently. “I guess you think I’m a mite stupid, still marking these things in my head after all these years.”

Arthur gazed at his daughter, his eyes full of affection, and shook his head. “Of course I don’t think you’re stupid, Evvy. I still do it too, you know. So does Veronica, for her husband.”

Evadne swallowed and looked up at him. “For real?”

“Yes, for real.”

“And you don’t think it’s wrong? That I’m being unfair to Edgar, thinking of Ralph like this?”

Arthur smiled. “Does it change how you feel about him?”

“No, of course not.”

“Then no, it’s not unfair. You’re doing nothing wrong in thinking about Ralph, Evvy. In fact, you’d be a hard person if you didn’t.” He paused for a second and watched her face closely. “Do you remember what you said to me when I told you I’d met Edgar, when you were trying to tell me there was nothing between the two of you?”

“Well there wasn’t then!”

“Whatever you say,” he retorted, giving her a sceptical look. “Anyhow, do you remember?”

“No, not really.”

“You told me that he understood.”

Evadne thought for a minute. “That’s right. I remember now.”

“Well, why do you think that will have changed? I’m sure he thinks about his wife at certain times too, it’s only natural. But he doesn’t love you any less for it, and nor do you love him any less for thinking about Ralph either, he knows that.”

Shifting her gaze from his face and staring at her knees, Evadne bit her lips. “But it still hurts so badly to think of him, Pops.”

Arthur felt a tug on his heart strings as he looked at her. He’d had no idea this still affected her so much. “Does it hurt when you’re with Edgar?”

“No, I never think of Ralph then, or only very occasionally. But he can tell when I am doing it – I’ve seen it in his face.”

“Well have you caught him thinking about Madeleine.”

“Yes, once or twice, but it’s okay, I don’t mind.”

“Well don’t you think he feels the same way?”

Evadne shrugged. “I guess.”

“Well don’t feel bad then. Just try and focus on the future instead of the past. He’s a wonderful man for you, Evvy, and I say that as a very protective father! And he loves you very much. Don’t blow it by getting tied up in the past again.”

She looked back up at him and smiled. “No, I won’t.”

Arthur stared back at her curiously. “So is he 'The One'?”

Evadne went red, and nodded. “Yes, I think so. In fact I know so, but don’t you go saying anything!”

“What do you take me for?”

Chuckling at his reaction, she made a sudden decision to bring up something that had been troubling her ever since the day of Margia’s concert. She’d not been able to talk about it with anyone, but maybe her father would understand.

She took a deep breath. “I’m scared of him asking me to marry him though, Poppa. Elsie’s sure he’s going to soon, and I’m not sure I’m ready.”

Arthur was taken by surprise. “Don’t you want to then?”

“No, I do,” she said hurriedly, seeing the expression on his face, “I want to be with him for the rest of my life, you know, but it’s just, well…oh this sounds so dumb.”

“Try me.”

“Well,” she swallowed hard, “I’m scared I won’t be able to get past not marrying Ralph. No matter what I try, I can’t reconcile myself to it, ‘cause I hate that it never happened.” She paused for a moment to collect her thoughts. “It sounds dreadful but I’m so scared of how my gut’ll react if Edgar asks me. I keep trying not to think about it, hoping it’ll all go away and be okay, but I’m so worried it won’t be.”

Arthur looked at his daughter, concern written all over his face. “Evvy, you really need to deal with this. This is serious, sweetheart,” he continued as she stared back at him, “you could hurt him very badly if you don’t sort it out for yourself soon. Remember, he’s been through just as much as you. And you have the kids to think about also.”

“I know, that’s what scares me more than anything. I’d never forgive myself if I hurt him or them like that.”

Leaning back against the window, Arthur took a few moments to think before replying. “Okay, you say you want to be with him for the rest of your life right?” Evadne nodded. “And can you see yourself as his wife?”

Evvy closed her eyes for a moment. “Yes. Yes I can.”

Arthur smiled. “So you do want to marry him then?”

“I do when I think about it, Pops, but it’s how I’ll feel if he actually asks that scares me.” She twisted her fingers together, avoiding her father’s eyes, and Arthur fixed her with a stern glare.

“Are you sure you’re not just making obstacles for yourself again?” He paused for a second as Evvy drew her mouth into a tight line. “I think this is less about you never marrying Ralph, and more about you feeling guilty for being happy with someone who isn’t him. You’re convincing yourself in your mind of things that aren’t really there. I’m right, aren’t I?” Evadne looked determinedly away from him, making sure not to catch his eye, and Arthur could tell that his instincts were correct. “I don’t know what it’s gonna take to help you move on from this, Evvy, but you have to at least try.”

“I am.”

”No you’re not, not properly. Whenever you’re scared, it all surfaces again and you use it as an excuse, like part of you doesn’t really want to move on at all.”

“That’s not fair! I don’t, I…I…” Her protests subsided under her father’s stare, and she crossed her arms tight across her chest. “I can’t help still being bitter, Pops. I’ll never think it was fair what happened.”

“But that’s part of life, Evvy, it is unfair sometimes.” Getting up from his perch on the windowsill, Arthur walked over to sit on the arm of his daughter’s chair, putting an arm around her shoulders as she rested her head against him. “You’re so happy right now, don’t wreck it. What happened was tragic, honey, but you can’t change it, and you deserve to be happy as much as the next person, so please stop thinking you don’t.”

He stroked her hair as she put an arm around his waist and buried her face in his side. “Look, sweetheart, when Edgar does ask you, and I’m sure he will you know, if you feel yourself panicking then don’t answer right away. Take a deep breath, think about what I’ve just said and about how much you love him and want to be with him, okay?”

Evadne swallowed hard and lifted her head to look him in the face. “I will, Pops, I promise. I really do love him, you know.”

“I know you do, Evvy.”

“I don’t know what I’d do without you sometimes,” she said, hugging him tightly around the waist.

Arthur looked down into her blue eyes. “Oh you’d manage, I’m sure.”

Evvy smiled and pulled back, sitting up straight. “And what’s this about you being a protective father? Have you had words?”

“No, should I?” he replied, grinning at the look of horror on her face.

“Don’t you dare!”

He laughed and hugged her. “Well of course I’m protective, are you kidding me? You’re the most precious thing in my life. You don’t give your precious things away to just anyone who comes along, you know,” and releasing her, he stood up and stretched his arms. “Right, I think it’s about time for coffee and cakes, what do you reckon?” and as she answered affirmatively, he winked at her, and went to call his housekeeper to see what that redoubtable lady could rustle up.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 23, 2005 2:41 pm; edited 4 times in total

 

#210:  Author: pim, Location: the Derbyshire wilderness PostPosted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 12:28 pm

Awwww, Evvy's father is LOVELY. Thank you so much Jo.

 

#211:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 12:30 pm

Aww Arthur is such a lovely Dad. Glad he's there to talk some sense into Evvy! He can say things that she wouldn't take from anyone else.

Thank you Josie!

 

#212:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 12:43 pm

fantastic advice from Arthur - really hope Evvy manages to act on it!

Thanks jo

 

#213:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 1:01 pm

Ooh I love the relationship between Evvy and Arthur

Thanks Jo Very Happy

 

#214:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 2:20 pm

Isn't he the most gorgeous father!

Thanks Josie Razz

 

#215:  Author: Jodi, Location: Glasgow most of the time PostPosted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 2:25 pm

I want a dad like that! Very Happy

 

#216:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 3:12 pm

Arthur is AMAZING!

(So is this post.)

 

#217:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 5:38 pm

Good job Arthur's there to help her but I'm still more than a little worried about how she'll react to Edgar.

Thanks Josie

 

#218:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 6:58 pm

Just what Evvy needs!

Thanks Josie. Kiss

 

#219:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 9:01 pm

Awww! sweet father/daughter moment

 

#220:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 9:55 pm

Thanks Jo - that was lovely advice for Evvy

Maybe she could face up to her fears and have some control over the situation by proposing to him

*would like to see the shock on Edgar's face if she did*

Liz

 

#221:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 11:28 pm

awwww how sweet!!!!!

*sighs*

I wish my dad was more like Arthur (not that I don't love my daddy, but Arthur is so lovely and sensible!)

 

#222:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 4:00 pm

Christmas with Veronica’s son Charles and his family proved to be a wonderful affair, and Evadne was pleased to see how well her father fitted into his friend’s life and how close the two of them had become. The thought of Arthur being lonely when she was so content with Edgar had troubled Evvy for a while now, and on Boxing Day, when he and Veronica announced that they were engaged to be married, she was overjoyed that he had so clearly found love and companionship once more. The wedding was to be a quiet civil affair, to be held in Paris at the beginning of February and attended by family only, and Evadne and Veronica instantly went into a huddle with Veronica’s daughter-in-law to begin planning for the Bride-to-be’s big day. In addition, Evadne was thrilled that she would finally get to have the brother she had longed for all her life, albeit in the form of a stepbrother. She got along famously with Charles and his wife, and was extremely touched when they told their two young sons that she was to be their new Aunt.

The end of December saw them bidding farewell to Veronica’s family and the three of them headed down to Wiltshire, as Edgar had invited them to join him and the children in ushering in the New Year. Although Arthur knew Edgar quite well by now, having frequently got together with him when the younger man was in Paris for work, he had never met the children before and Evadne was a little on edge, anxious as she was that they should all get along.

She needn’t have worried. The three children warmed instantly to the big, kindly bear of a man who was more than ready to joke and play games with them, and for his part, Arthur adored them, declaring them to be the ‘cutest kids he had ever set eyes on’. By the end of their first day at Whitlingford Hall, the two strangers had become ‘Grandpa Arthur and Granny Veronica’, roles that they were only too pleased to take on.


Sitting in the salon that evening, watching as Marcia sat on Arthur’s lap talking ten to the dozen, Thea showed Veronica her book of pressed flowers, and Ned told Evadne all about the Christmas play at his school, Edgar smiled to himself, thinking how everything seemed to be falling into place. He idly wondered what time it was, and glancing at the clock on the mantle and seeing that the hands said almost ten o’clock, he couldn’t believe how quickly the evening had passed by. A quick check of his watch proved the clock to be right, and getting to his feet, he clapped his hands to get his children’s attention.

“Come on you three, time for bed.” As they began to protest, Edgar laughed and shook his head. “I’m not having arguments, so there’s no point in trying. I think ten o’clock is quite late enough for you, especially as you’ll be up ‘til midnight tomorrow night and I don’t want you all grouchy,” he added, directing his final comment at Marcia who was apt to become grumpy when she didn’t get enough sleep.”

“Auntie Evvy, please can you come and read me a story?”

Evadne glanced at Edgar, who nodded and then looked at Marcia with a grin. “She can read you a short one, providing you get ready for bed with no messing about, and you go straight to sleep once it’s finished.”

“I promise.”

“Daddy, can I have a story too?”

He turned to face Thea. “Yes, of course you can. Same conditions though.”

She nodded and turned to Veronica. “Will you read it to me?”

“Will you read it to me what, Thea?” her father put in.

“Will you read it to me, please,” she corrected, and Veronica laughed.

“Of course I will.”

Evadne got to her feet. “Right, come on then scamps, upstairs with the pair of you. Last one to the top of the stairs is smelly!”

As they ran from the room, followed at a much more sedate pace by Veronica, Ned turned to his father. “Why do I have to go too? I’m older than them.”

“I know that, Ned. I want you to get changed into your pyjamas, but you can keep your light on ‘til eleven if you like.”

“Can I do my models?” Ned’s current obsession was building model aircraft.

“Not in your room, no. You’ll get glue all over the carpet.”

“Oh, but…”

“No buts, you’ve plenty of other things you can do.”

“It’s not fair you never let me do anything,” and getting to his feet, he flounced out of the room, ignoring his father’s reply that he could turn his light out straight away if he liked.

Arthur grinned. “I have such vivid memories of Evadne doing just that!”

“I can imagine!” Edgar replied, laughing, “I bet she was a treat as a teenager.”

“Oh she could’ve been worse I guess. She was a demon for mischief though. And she could twist me round her little finger; still can if I’m honest. She got her own way far more often than she should have. Still, don’t think it did her any real harm, and she learned to do as she was told at school.”

Edgar smiled. “I try and be strict with them, but it’s hard to resist those fluttering eyelashes and pleading faces sometimes! Now, can I get you another drink, Arthur? I was hoping to pick your brains if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. And another scotch would go down a treat,” Arthur replied, grinning as he handed over his glass.

Edgar refilled it and poured another one for himself, and when they were both seated again, he began to talk to Arthur about the position he was up for at the U.N. and the forthcoming elections and subsequent selection panel. Arthur knew many of the men that Edgar would be coming up in front of, and he was only too happy to hand over some advice and tips on how best to handle things. As he finished answering Edgar’s final question, he picked up his drink, taking a sip, and looked curiously at his host.

“Does Evvy know?”

Edgar shook his head. “Not yet. I want things to be a bit more finalised before I talk to her.”

Arthur sat back in his chair, a wry smile touching the edge of his lips. “Edgar, do you actually know my daughter?”

“What does that mean?” Edgar looked up in surprise at this comment, and Arthur took another sip of his drink and put it down on the table before replying.

“Well, it may be none of my business, but can I give you some advice about Evvy?”

“Um, yes, of course.”

“She’s very independent, Edgar, she’s had to be.”

“I know that.”

“And she likes to know things. I can guarantee you the reaction will not be so pretty if you don’t let her know your possible plans.” He paused and Edgar began to understand where this was going. Arthur smiled and continued. “I know she’s utterly disinterested in our work, but I don’t think that extends to you possibly moving to another country. I think it would be prudent to give her a hint of what’s going on. At least let her know you’re up for the elections.”

“But it may not even happen.”

Arthur shrugged his shoulders. “Doesn’t matter. She'll not appreciate it if you keep her so much in the dark, I can promise you, and I certainly wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of that temper. She’s not going to be that amused as it is, but at least she’ll appreciate you telling her and she’ll get used to it and it gives her a chance to think of her own plans.”

Edgar smiled and shook his head. “Thanks Arthur, but I’ve got it all under control, I promise.”

“Okay, if you say so.” Arthur looked a little sceptical at Edgar’s calm self-assurance that he knew how to handle things, but what else he might have said was never known, as at that moment the door opened and Evadne and Veronica came back into the room. As they closed the door behind them and Veronica came to sit next to him on the sofa, he looked across at his daughter with a grin. “Talk of the devil!”

Evadne grimaced at her father and moved to stand behind Edgar’s chair, putting her arms around his neck as he looked up at her and clasped her arm. “Whatever he’s been telling you it’s all lies. I never did it,” she said, bending to kiss him on the forehead.

Arthur laughed. “Oh, you have such little faith in your old man, kiddo.”

“Well can you blame me?” she retorted, looking over at him and pulling a face, “I grew up with you remember!”

They all laughed, and as Arthur continued to protest his innocence, Evadne walked around to perch on the arm of Edgar’s chair. He slipped an arm around her waist, more to stop her falling off than anything else, and looked up at her with a smile.

“They in bed okay?”

“Yep, ready and waiting for you to go say goodnight!”

Edgar got to his feet, almost upsetting her onto the floor in the process, and held out a hand to her as she positioned herself more securely. “Come with me.”

“I’ve already said goodnight.”

“Well come and do it again. I want us to say goodnight to them together, we don’t get much chance to do that.” She grinned at him, taking hold of his hand and he pulled her to her feet. “Won’t be long,” he said to his guests, and then placing his hand on her back, they left the room.

Arthur watched them go, thinking how wonderfully well this man treated his daughter and how pleased he was that Edgar clearly meant for her to be part of his future life. Then sitting back on the sofa, he gave a chuckle.

“What’s wrong with you?” Veronica asked, turning to face him suspiciously.

He looked at her with a smile and placed his hand on top of hers. “Oh just thinking, that’s all.”

“What about? I know you, Arthur Lannis,” she said accusingly as he chuckled again, “you’re up to something.”

“Oh not me, my dear, I’m innocent as they come. It’s Edgar who’s up to something.” He grinned maddeningly at the confusion on her face. “I’ve just had a very…er…interesting conversation with him.”

“What’s he up to?”

Arthur shook his head. “I don’t think I’m at liberty to say,” he replied, chuckling again at Edgar’s naivety, “but let’s just say that I’d wager he’s in for some fun times with Evadne unless he wises up!” and despite her pleading, he refused to say any more.

 

#223:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 4:08 pm

Looking forward to when Evvy finally gets to know!






Yes, that is a hint!

 

#224:  Author: pim, Location: the Derbyshire wilderness PostPosted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 4:20 pm

Awwwwww, Arthur is fab! Am also looking forward to Evvy's reaction Very Happy Thank you Jo.

 

#225:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 4:50 pm

Very sensible advice!
Listen to him, Edgar!

(not that Evvy fireworks wouldn't be fun.... . Twisted Evil
so long as it all works out in the end.)

 

#226:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 5:17 pm

Sometimes the dear man can be dense!

More fun that way for us though Twisted Evil

 

#227:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 5:19 pm

Edgar, Edgar, Edgar! *Shakes head sorrowfully* Haven't you learnt anything about Evvy in the time you've known her?


Looking forward to Edgar's lesson - hope it's a sharp one! Laughing

 

#228:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 5:25 pm

Oh dear... Sad *worried*

As long as it all works out in the end! Incidentally, are Thea and Marcia going to go to the Chalet School?

 

#229:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 6:54 pm

That was wonderful Jo!!!
Arthur is such a love!!!

 

#230:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 9:21 pm

Laura wrote:
Incidentally, are Thea and Marcia going to go to the Chalet School?

They do indeed! Very Happy Evvy talks in Reunion about how they'll be starting that autumn. That's all part of the sequel though, got to finish this one yet! Laughing


“By the way, Evvy, I’m off to Switzerland on the thirteenth and I’ll be gone for a week.”

It was ten days into January, and Edgar was sitting in Evadne’s salon, lounging in a big armchair and reading his paper while she sorted through the big dresser in the hall, trying to find the empty photo album that she was sure she had put in there. In a couple of days, the elections were due to take place for the new F.A.O. council, and Edgar was trying to relax and take his mind off it all. He was as prepared as he could be for this stage of the process, and he had decided that a couple of days' relaxation was the best thing for him now.

As he spoke, Evadne appeared at the doorway into the hall, a grim look on her face. “Are you telling me you won’t be here on the fifteenth?”

“Yes, I won’t be back ‘til the twenty first, and I should really head straight down to Wiltshire after that. Come if you want, Miss McReadie’ll be there so it’ll be okay.”

“But you’re away on the fifteenth?”

“Yes, I just told you that!”

“Well that’s just great!”

Edgar put his paper down and stared at her in surprise. “What’s eating you?”

“I can’t believe you’re going to be away!”

“I have to be, it’s for work! I’m not off on some jolly, you know.”

“Oh, just leave will you!”

“I beg your pardon?”

“I’ve got things to do, Edgar, go home!”

He got to his feet, bewildered. “What’s brought this on?”

She gave an exasperated exclamation, and started sheparding him towards the door. “If you don’t know, I’m certainly not telling you! Come on, hurry, I’ve not got all day!”

Bundling him into the hallway, she took his coat off the stand as he almost fell over the contents of the dresser that she had strewn all over the floor. As she thrust the coat in his direction, he looked at her, utterly confused. “Evvy, I have to go. It’s very important that I’m in Geneva next week,” he said, as he took hold of his coat and picked up his briefcase from beside him.

“Geneva, Geneva, you spend all your time there nowadays!”

“That’s not true! And you’ll understand soon, Evvy, I promise,” he pleaded, as she opened the front door and manoeuvred him onto the doorstep.

“I don’t care, Edgar, just go away and leave me alone! I hope you have a wonderful time!”

“Evvy, my paper…”

“Buy another one!” and as she slammed the door in his face, he stood on her top step for few seconds in shock, before turning and walking slowly down to the street, shaking his head, wondering what on earth had just happened.


Two days later he was down in Hampshire at the Rodwells’ cottage, having called in after dropping Ned back to school, and he was still none the wiser as to the cause of Evadne’s behaviour. To make matters worse, she was refusing to tell him what he had done, hanging up the phone as soon as he tried to ask her what was wrong. Now, sitting at the kitchen table, cup of tea in hand, he poured the story out to his friend and as he finished speaking, Paul sat back in his chair, a thoughtful look on his face.

“Well have you forgotten something? That’s normally what makes Elsie go like that. Is it her birthday?”

Edgar shook his head. “No, that was the beginning of December.”

“Well what else could it be? Think – what were you doing this time last year?”

Edgar closed his eyes and furrowed his brow, trying hard to think back twelve months, and the next moment he bolted upright, slopping his tea all over the table. “Oh Christ!”

“Language! Lily might hear you!”

“Sorry!” he cast a guilty look in Paul’s direction. “It’s our one year anniversary on the fifteenth. Well, of our first date anyway. We decided to make that the anniversary ‘cause Amelia died the day we finally got together.” He sat back again, berating himself for being so stupid. “Damn it, no wonder she’s so upset.”

At that moment, the kitchen door opened and Elsie came into the room giving them both a stern look. “What’s going on? We can hear you from the front room. Hear everything I might add!” she said, glaring at Edgar who gave her an apologetic smile.

“Sorry Elsie. I just realised that I forgot all about mine and Evvy’s anniversary, I’m going to be away.”

Elsie pulled a spare chair out and sat down, giving him a disparaging look. “I know.”

“How?”

“Do you think we women don’t talk? It’s so typical of a man to forget something like that,” she added scathingly, and Paul turned around to face her, looking affronted.

“I take offence at that, when did I last forget something?”

Elsie simply stared at him, her face expressionless. “My birthday, last year.”

“Oh.” Paul fell silent and Edgar looked from one to the other with despair.

“This is not helping me fix this!”

Elsie raised an eyebrow. “Easy, don’t go.”

“I have to. There’s no way I can miss the meeting that day.”

“Well when is it? What time, I mean?”

Edgar thought for a moment. “That morning, but I have another the next day.”

“When the next day?”

“Afternoon.”

“Right, well even though you don’t deserve my help, I have an idea…”


It was the evening of the fifteenth, and Evadne was feeling cross and sorry for herself. Edgar hadn’t even sent any flowers – she couldn’t believe he hadn’t figured it out. It was only seven thirty, but seeing as she wasn’t going to be seeing anybody else that day, she had changed into her nightclothes, pulled her big winter dressing gown on, and was now curled up in a chair in the salon in front of a roaring fire, reading a book and eating peanuts.

She jumped as the doorbell rang, but decided to ignore it. Whoever it as would soon go away. It rang again, and then again, and realizing that whoever it was had no intention of giving up, she heaved a sigh, uncurled her herself from the sofa, and made her way into the hall.

“One second,” she said as it rang again, and grabbing her coat from the stand, she pulled it on and did it up before opening the door. She was shocked to find Edgar standing on the doorstep, a basket in his hand.

“What are you doing here?” she asked grumpily as she glared at him. “I thought you had some urgent thing in Geneva that you just couldn’t get out of.”

“I did. I’ve just got back here, and I have to go back there again tomorrow morning. Can I come in?”

She stared at him and thought for a moment. “I’m not sure, why are you here?”

“To grovel. And to try and make amends.”

“And?”

“And to tell you how much I love you and how absolutely wonderful the last year has been and how I want it to be the first of many, many more.”

“Well that’s not bad, I guess.”

Reaching out, he ran his hand out down side of her head, stroking her hair. “Evvy, I’m so sorry. I forgot the date with everything going on at work.”

“I know.” Her face still betrayed no emotion as her gaze moved down to his other hand. “What’s in the basket?”

“Can I come in, then I’ll show you?”

She hesitated for a moment, then stepped back, allowing him to enter the hall. “Go on then. I have to go get dressed though,” she looked down at herself, “I wasn’t quite expecting you.”

Edgar grinned. “So I see. Or do you normally dress in your nightclothes and coat when I’m not around?”

Evadne was trying to keep a straight face, but she could not stop the corners of her mouth twitching as he spoke. “Careful, I’ve not decided whether to forgive you yet.”

He smiled. “Well why don’t you go and dress while I work out how to try and persuade you.”

She looked at him slightly suspiciously. “Okay, but no funny business while I’m upstairs.”

“Would I?”

She glowered at him, but he could see now that it was in pretence, and she turned to make her way upstairs to change.


When she reemerged fifteen minutes later, she walked into the salon to find that Edgar had placed a blanket on the floor, laid up with two places, a bottle of champagne standing between them. Nat King Cole was playing on record player, and as Evvy watched him from the doorway, he lit the candles that she had standing on the mantelpiece, and then turned to light another that he had stood on a nearby table, burning his fingers on the match as he did so.

“Damn!”

Trying not to laugh, Evadne walked forward and took the matches out of his hand. “Let me,” and lighting the two remaining candles, she put the matches in a china dish and turned to face him. “Okay, you’re forgiven. Did you do all this yourself?”

He looked offended for a moment, and then laughed as she raised her eyebrows. “Okay, maybe Elsie helped with some of it. Well most of it actually. Paul dropped the basket off at my flat this morning when I was still in Switzerland. I’m not so good at this sort of thing.”

Evvy grinned at him. “You could have lied you know, I might’ve believed you.”

“No I couldn’t,” he said, grinning back at her, “but the words at the door were all mine if that helps?”

She looked at him for a moment, and then moving towards him, she put her arms around his waist and gazed up at him. “They were the best bit.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really.”

He gazed into her eyes, running his hand gently through her hair, and then he pulled out of her arms and bent to pick up the champagne. The bottle had been well-shaken as he’d carried the basket to her house, and as he opened it, the cork shot across the room, thankfully not breaking anything, and the liquid poured out onto the floor. Cursing under his breath, he bent down and grabbed a glass, trying to catch the liquid, as Evadne disappeared from the room, giggling, and came back with a cloth and water and proceeded to mop up the mess. It only took a minute, and as she took the things back to the kitchen again, he poured her a glass and handed it to her as she came back and sat down on the rug. Then topping up his own, he put the bottle out of the way and sat down next to her.

“Sorry about that.”

“Don’t be,” she said, still chuckling. Then looking him in the eye, she raised her glass. “Thank you, Edgar.”

“What for?”

“For this, for everything. I’ve been so happy in the past year and it’s all down to you.”

He smiled, chinking his glass against hers and they both took a sip. “Well thank you too, Evvy.”

“For what?”

“For putting the light back in my life.”

Unable to stop herself from smiling at his words, she reached out and took his glass from his hand. Then setting both glasses down on the low table behind her, she shuffled closer to him, putting her arms around his neck and gazing up at him, her blue eyes very soft.

“You know, you may need a little help with the gestures and the memory, but you have the words just right,” and leaning towards him, she kissed him gently on the lips. Edgar wrapped her in a bear hug as he kissed her back, one hand on back of her head, twisting her hair around his fingers.

After a few moments, Evadne pulled back, and releasing herself from his arms, she turned her attention to the remaining contents of the basket. “Right, let’s see what Elsie’s culinary skills have stretched to shall we? Does any of this need heating?”

Edgar laughed. “I’ve no idea. Probably. Your stomach really does rule you, doesn’t it?”

She turned back to look at him with a grin. “Yep! I’m just like your youngest in that way!” and as he laughed again, she began to unpack the various dishes that Elsie had prepared for their dinner.

Last edited by Josie on Thu Mar 24, 2005 9:49 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#231:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 9:34 pm

Awww!

Now come on, Edgar, 'fess up about Geneva! If you ask her, she'll say 'yes' if you tell her she'll say 'no'.

 

#232:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 9:43 pm

Awwwww!! That was sweet Jo! Thank you!

 

#233:  Author: pim, Location: the Derbyshire wilderness PostPosted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 10:36 pm

I have one word: awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. But silly Edgar in the first place! *g* Thanks Jo Very HappyVery HappyVery HappyVery HappyVery Happy

 

#234:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 10:46 pm

Awwwwwwwww they are so lovely, but its a good job Edgar has Paul and Elsie!!!!

Glad to see a few accidents though, it woundnt be the same with out them!!

 

#235:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 12:03 am

Very lucky he has Paul and Elsie! Laughing Still waiting for Evvy's response when he tells her...


Thanks Josie.

 

#236:  Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool PostPosted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 12:10 am

yay, there's going to be a sequel! Very Happy Edgar can be such a sweetie, but it will be interesting to see if he's learned anything from this little lesson. Thanks Josie!

 

#237:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 9:12 pm

Lovely long post,Thanks Josie

 

#238:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 5:11 am

Thank you, Josie!

Good save, Edgar (and Elsie)! But you'd better explain about Geneva very, very soon -- and very, very carefully.

 

#239:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 7:37 pm

that was very cute, and got me laughing!

 

#240:  Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 27, 2005 10:02 pm

I've just caught up on more of this than I care to confess to - I had no idea I'd got so far behind!! Embarassed

It's all fab, Josie - there's too much for individual comment, but I will try to keep up to date now, promise!

Am delighted there's going to be a sequel, too Very Happy

 

#241:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 5:02 pm

As the lift doors opened and Evadne walked into the vast lobby, she spotted Edgar leaning against a wall, staring around him with a bored look on his face. She walked across to stand in front of him, and watched with a grin until he finally came back to earth and noticed her presence.

“I didn’t think I’d taken that long to come down!”

Laughing, he bent to greet her with a peck on the cheek. “You didn’t. I’ve just seen enough hotel lobbies recently to last me a lifetime! Come on, let’s get out of here,” and with a hand on her shoulder, he steered her out of the door and down the steps to the large car that he had left parked outside.

It was now mid-February, and this week was the first proper time they had spent together since the New Year had begun.

The month since their anniversary had seen Edgar travelling back and forth to Geneva with increasing regularity, and on the occasions when he was back in England, he tended to go straight down to Wiltshire to see the children. For her part, Evadne had been kept busy helping with the arrangements for her father’s wedding, which took place in the first week in February. Consequently they had seen very little of each other in recent weeks and had been missing each other badly. What little time they had managed tended to be snatched evenings here and there, as their anniversary had been, and Evadne was finding it especially hard to deal with.

Her frustration with it all had eventually reached a peak ten days previously, when Edgar had been unable to attend Arthur and Veronica’s wedding due to yet another meeting and when she finally saw him a few days later, she had taken him to task in no uncertain terms. Edgar felt terrible about missing the wedding, and after apologising profusely for his recent absence from her life, he invited her to spend the week of Valentine’s Day with him in Geneva, an invitation which she gladly accepted.

It was now Valentine’s Day itself. Evadne had specifically asked that they just spend it quietly together and as Edgar had promised her a day entirely to themselves, she was very much looking forward to whatever it was that he had up his sleeve.

“So what’s the plan?” she asked as she climbed into the passenger seat and pulled her coat around her to shield her from the cold February air.

Edgar closed the door just as she asked her question, and she had to wait until he appeared on the opposite side of the car and climbed into the driver’s seat before she got a reply. “Well…,” he said as he shut the door and made himself comfortable.

She looked at him askance. “Well what? What are you up to?”

He turned slightly in his seat so that he was facing her, and took hold of her hand. “I’ve got something planned just as you asked, I promise, but I was wondering if we could just do one quick thing first?”

She stared at him for a second and then rolled her eyes. “Let me guess, another house?”

“Would you mind awfully? It’s only one more.” he replied, having the grace to appear a little sheepish as he did so.

“Do I have any choice?”

“Well we don’t have to, it’s just I really want you to see this one, I know you’ll like it. Please?”

On her second day in Geneva, Edgar had announced that as he was going to continue to be in the city frequently for work, he was thinking of buying a house. At present, it was costing him a fortune in hotel bills, as he didn’t have private suites as he did in Paris, and a house, he argued, could also be used as a holiday home for himself and the children. It had taken a little persuasion, but he had eventually convinced Evadne to come looking with him, saying that he valued her opinion and that sometimes a woman’s eye could pick up things that he might otherwise miss.

She had enjoyed herself immensely for the first day. It was fun going into other people’s houses to look around and passing judgment on the often questionable décor. They had been looking at sizeable properties, and as they took in a variety of marble statues, ‘interesting’ artworks, and questionable colour schemes, they were reminded time and time again that money does not necessarily buy taste. Evadne was also imagining as they went from place to place that they were looking for somewhere together, and was picturing in her head how each house would look if it was theirs. Not that she would ever admit to Edgar that these thoughts were going through her mind, but she was enjoying imagining it all the same.

However the novelty soon wore off after they had looked at several places, none of which had jumped out at Evadne as somewhere she would like to live. She kept reminding herself that the house was for Edgar, not her, and had been relieved the previous evening when after two days of looking he had finally found a place he appeared to like. Now it seemed he hadn’t quite made up his mind after all.

As he turned pleading eyes on her, she shook her head and laughed. “Okay, one more, but then that’s it. If you want to look at any more you’ll have to wait ‘til I’m gone. This is supposed to be our day and I don’t want to spend it all looking around houses and having to make nice with people. I want you all to myself.”

“Thank you!” He leaned over to peck her on the cheek. “You’re a gem! And this is the last one, I promise, and then I’m all yours. What’s up?” he added, concerned as he saw her face fall.

“All this means I’m going to see even less of you doesn’t it?”

He shook his head. “Not necessarily. It doesn’t take much longer to get here than it does to get down to Wiltshire and at least there’s no gossiping neighbours, so you can come out whenever I’m here if you like.”

“Maybe you should just employ me as your housekeeper, at least I’d get to see you occasionally that way,” she muttered, with not a little sarcasm, and Edgar laughed.

“Well it’s not quite what I had in mind, but if you want to.” She glared at him. “Okay, not funny, clearly.”

“Can we just go? I’m still in a good mood right now, but it’s likely to disappear if we sit here talking about this any longer,” and seeing that she meant it, he squeezed her hand, and then turned on the engine and pulled away from the kerb.

Her mood brightened considerably as soon as she saw the house. In her opinion it was far and away the best they had seen. In fact, she thought it was absolutely perfect. While Edgar was not entirely convinced, still being quite fond of the one they had looked at the previous afternoon, Evadne went from room to room, exclaiming over the layout, the room sizes and what she called the ‘feel of the place’. But it was when she went into the large room at the rear of the house and caught sight of the view that she really fell in love with it.

Opening the French doors, letting a blast of icy air into the room, she called out excitedly, “Oh Edgar, come and see this!” and ran out onto the large terrace, entranced by the vista before her. The house was located on a gentle hillside next to the lake, the gardens running down to the lakefront itself. From the terrace, the view stretched out across the shimmering water to the magnificent mountains on the far side, and following the lakeshore around to the right, there was a beautiful view across the city of Geneva itself, lying three miles to the West of where the house was situated.

Edgar appeared at the doorway a moment later, and smiled as he saw the enraptured look on her face. “Beautiful isn’t it?”

“It’s more than beautiful.”

He followed her gaze as she stared straight ahead of her at the towering peaks of the Alps, and walking across to where she stood, he put an arm around her shoulders. “You really miss them, don’t you? The mountains, I mean.”

She looked up at him with wide eyes that looked full of dreams. “When I think about it, yes. The Alps were such a huge part of my childhood, I guess I can’t help but feel an affinity to them, even if it’s not exactly the same mountains that I grew up around.”

Gazing down at her, Edgar smiled. “So I take it you like this place then?”

“Are you kidding me? It’s wonderful. Please say you’ll get this one.”

Edgar grinned. “Well I’ll certainly think about it anyway. I’m back out here the week after next, so I’ll look at this and the one from yesterday again, and then come to a decision after that I think.”

“So are you here a lot in next few weeks then?”

He nodded. “Yes. I’m back in England next week for Ned’s half term, and then straight back out here again the following week. After that I’ll be here pretty much through to the end of March and then that should be it for a while. I’m going to try and get home at the weekends to see the children though. They’re starting to get fractious about me being away so much.”

Evadne gave him a wry smile. “I can sympathise with that.”

“I’m sorry, darling,” he said, tightening his arm around her shoulders, and she shook her head.

“It’s okay, I’ll survive. I know you have to see them when you’re back in England. It’s just a bit hard being apart from you so much, that’s all. I miss you.”

Putting his other arm around her and pulling her into a hug, he bent his head, placing a kiss on the top of her hair. “I miss you too.”

Evvy leaned into him for a second and then pulled back, drawing her coat around her for warmth. “I was thinking, I could go and see my friend Jo for a few weeks if you’re gonna be away.”

“Your friend from school?”

She nodded. “She lives over near Interlaken, and I haven’t seen her for a while now. I’ll call her tomorrow, I think, see if she’s free. Then maybe I can meet up with you back here on my way home. What d’you think?”

“Sounds like a good idea to me.” Taking his arm from round her shoulders, he turned back towards the house. “Come on you, let’s get going. It’s almost ten thirty, we’ll be late if we don’t get a move on.”

“Where are we going?”

“Montreux.”

“Why?”

“That would be telling wouldn’t it?” and ignoring her pleading questions, he steered her back in through the open doors.

Last edited by Josie on Mon Mar 28, 2005 5:19 pm; edited 4 times in total

 

#242:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 5:04 pm

Joining Helen in catching up more than I care to admit!

It's SO GOOD!!!!

 

#243:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 5:11 pm

Well, now they've found what I'm hoping will be the marital home and that she loves Switzerland. PLEASE Edgar Ask the girl to marry you!

Lovely Jo!

 

#244:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 5:22 pm

Lovely Jo!!

But PLEASE tell Edgar to get his finger out!!!!

 

#245:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 5:26 pm

Awww the house sounds lovely!!!

Please ask her, it is an awfully interesting proposal!! Twisted Evil Wink

*joins in gloating*

House sounds wonderful - I want it!

 

#246:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 5:51 pm

Vikki wrote:
But PLEASE tell Edgar to get his finger out!!!!


What??! Confused Shocked

Thanks Jo! Looking forward to more... Very Happy Very Happy

 

#247:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 6:13 pm

Lovely Jo, but need to see the rest of it! Laughing

 

#248:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 6:18 pm

Thanks for the updates Jo

Poor Edgar - I have a feeling it's not going to be the smooth sailing he imagines.

Liz

 

#249:  Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 8:33 pm

But if Edgar asked Evvy to marry him now, he might think she was only after the house if she said yes! Very Happy

Still... go on Edgar!!

 

#250:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 12:30 pm

Beautiful - I seem to have missed loads somehow so really enjoyed catching up! poor edgar - what a lot of explaining and sorting he has to do!

 

#251:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 1:31 pm

Shortly after crossing the county border from Berkshire into Wiltshire, Edgar swung the car sharply off the main road and into the country lane that led the long way round to Whitlingford village. As he drove slowly down the tree-lined road, sounding his horn at the bends to warn oncoming traffic of his presence, Ned turned round in the passenger seat to look at him, a little confused.

“Dad, why are we going this way? Is the main road blocked?”

Edgar smiled and shook his head. “No, not as far as I know. I just thought we could go for lunch at the Leather Bottle on the way home, have a bit of a man-to-man chat. What do you think?”

Ned raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Um, yeah, okay. What do you want to chat about?”

“Oh, this and that. Let’s wait ‘til we get there shall we?” and as he fell silent and turned his concentration to the road ahead, Ned realised he was going to get no further answer to his questions and sat back in his seat, wondering what on earth his father was up to.


It was now four days after Valentine’s Day, and the first day of Ned’s half-term.

The rest of the week in Geneva had turned out to be full of organisation and planning. Evadne had phoned Joey, only to discover she was unable to visit Freudesheim, as the school and the Maynard family were still in the throes of a scarlet fever epidemic that had been raging on for well over a month. During their conversation, Joey had informed her that her old friend, Rosalie Dene, had suffered especially badly and was still very weak, even now. Big-hearted and resourceful as ever, Evadne had instantly called the school and offered to take Rosalie off to recuperate. A couple of days and several phone calls to her father later, Arthur had made all the necessary arrangements and Evvy had set off for the Chalet School to carry Rosalie off to Bordighera to recover in the mild climate and relaxed atmosphere of the Italian Riviera.

Edgar had taken her to the railway station and waved her off, promising to call her as often as possible, and the next day he had boarded a plane for England, preparing himself for some important conversations that he knew lay ahead. He’d spent the previous night in London before driving via Oxford to collect Ned on his way home, and he was now trying to collect his thoughts as they drove down the winding lane towards the Leather Bottle Inn. He knew that this could potentially be the most difficult conversation of all.


Thirty minutes later, he and Ned were sat in a corner of the restaurant, their food in front of them. As Edgar finished asking his son about his latest rugby match, Ned put down his knife and fork and looked at his father with a stern expression. “Dad, why don’t you tell me why you brought me here? I know it’s not to talk about rugger, so what is it?”

Edgar hesitated for a moment, and then realising that now was as good a time as any, he took a deep breath. “Okay, you’ve got me. I didn’t bring you here to talk about rugby. I want to talk to you about Auntie Evvy.”

Ned stared at him for a second and then nodded his head. “Thought so. Are you going to ask her to marry you?”

Edgar was completely taken aback by his son’s reply, and dropped his fork on the floor in his surprise. Bending down to retrieve it, he hit his head on the table on his way up again and suppressing a cry of pain, he sat back in his seat, rubbing the rapidly emerging lump and watching his son’s grinning face. “How did you know?”

“Be serious, Dad, you couldn’t be more obvious if you tried!”

Opening and closing his mouth several times, bearing passing resemblance to a goldfish, Edgar stared at him incredulously. “Well I…um…er…I…I…,” he stammered, before shaking his head and giving a wry chuckle. “Well I don’t need to break that bit of news to you then.”

“No, I know that much!”

“And you’re okay about it?”

Ned took another mouthful of his steak and kidney pie, and then leaned back in his chair with a shrug oh his shoulders. “Yeah, I think so. I like her a lot. Anyway, she’s sort of like our Mum already, she just doesn’t live with us. If you marry her, we’ll be a proper family and we’ll get to see her all the time. It’ll be good.”

Edgar was momentarily speechless at the way his son was handling the news, and he looked across at him, his eyes full of pride and respect. “Thank you, Ned.”

“What for?”

“For being so mature about this. I’m so proud of you, son.” Ned smiled and Edgar continued, “You know I would never go through with this if you three didn’t want me to, especially after what happened with Tamara. Much as I want to marry Auntie Evvy, you being happy is the most the important thing in all of this.”

“But you know how much we like her, Dad. Of course I’m okay with it, why did you think I wouldn’t be?”

Edgar swallowed hard before replying. “I just didn’t want you to think that she’d be taking the place of your mother, that’s all. It’s different for the girls, they don’t remember her, but I know how important those memories are for you, and I didn’t want you to think I was trying to replace her in any way.”

Ned looked down at the table for a moment. “I don’t think that, don’t worry. There is one thing, though.” He took a deep breath. “I won’t have to call her Mum, will I? I don’t think I could call anyone else that.”

“No, of course not. Not if you don’t want to.”

“Well I’m really glad then, Dad, honestly.” He gave his father a beaming grin. “What did Thea and Marcia say?”

“They don’t know yet, I haven’t seen them. And don’t you go telling them either,” he added hurriedly, catching the expression on his son’s face, “I want to do that myself.”

“I won’t, I promise. But you know they’ll be happy about it! Can you imagine Marcia saying no to having Auntie Evvy here all the time?”

Edgar chuckled. “No, I see what you mean. Well, I certainly hope they’ll be pleased. Right, come on, eat up. Then we can get home and let them know,” and the pair of them turned their attention back to their food.


It was two in the afternoon when they finally reached Whitlingford Hall. The girls were having their final lessons before their half-term began, so Edgar was able to get the bags into the hallway before he heard the clattering of feet and his daughters came running down the stairs to greet them. Thea gave her father a hug and a kiss, and then ran back upstairs on his instruction to tell Miss McReadie that lessons could be finished for the day. Meanwhile Marcia greeted her brother and then turned to face Edgar with a scowl.

“Daddy, you missed my birthday.”

Feeling a little guilty, Edgar crouched down and looked at her cross little face, giving her a sheepish smile. “I know I did, poppet, I’m sorry. I told you I’d be away, remember?” She nodded, not looking any happier. “Did you get my present? Did you like it?”

Marcia gave him a slight smile. “Yes, thank you. I like it lots. I rode it all day, ‘til I fell off and cut my elbow,” and pulling up her sleeve, she showed him her wound. “It hurt lots when I did it, but it feels better now.”

Edgar grinned. “Well, I’m glad to hear it. And listen, I spoke to the Birthday Fairy, and she said that just for this year you can have two birthdays, so we can celebrate tomorrow too. Would you like that?”

She screwed up her eyes and gave him a suspicious look. “I never heard about the Birthday Fairy before.”

“Well she’s real, isn’t she Ned?”

Ned looked horrified at being drawn into the discussion, and muttering something about needing to get things upstairs, he picked up the nearest bag and headed off as fast as he could.

Suppressing a chuckle at his son’s horror, Edgar turned back to Marcia. “Well I saw her and that’s what she told me, so shall we make tomorrow your day? We can take your bike out for a ride, and have a special birthday tea, and I’ve got some more presents in my bag for you to open. What do you say?”

“Yes please!” Grinning, she walked forward and gave him a hug before pulling her sleeve up again to reveal her graze. “Daddy, will you kiss my elbow better for me? It won’t get better properly ‘til you do that.”

“Of course I will, poppet.” He kissed the wounded elbow, and then her nose. “There, you should be better in no time. Now,” he added, getting to his feet, “will you go and call your sister for me? I’ve something to tell you both.”

“Something nice?”

“Yes, I think so.”

“Okay!” and walking two foot towards the stairs, she put a hand either side of her mouth and yelled “Theeeeaaaa!” at the top of her voice, and then turned back to face her father with a grin.

“You know very well I meant you to go upstairs and get her,” he said, grimacing.

“But you said call her,” Marcia returned, her green eyes wide and innocent, and Edgar shook his head with a chuckle.

“Okay, you’ve got me there. Come along, let’s go and wait for her in the salon.

When Thea appeared two minutes later, they were sitting on one of the large sofas, talking animatedly. “What did you want, Marcia, I'm clearing up the schoolroom. You should be helping me too, not sitting with Daddy.”

Edgar looked up at the sound of her voice. “It was me who wanted you, sweetheart, I asked Marcia to call you. I need to talk to you both.” He patted the empty cushion next to him. “Come and sit down for a minute.”

She walked across and sat down, and once they were all comfortable, Edgar looked from one to the other. “I need to talk to you about Auntie Evvy.”

“What about her? Is she okay?”

“Yes, she’s fine. Tell you what, how about you keep quiet ‘til I say what I have to say, then I can answer all your questions. Deal?” Marcia nodded, and Edgar sat back with a smile.

“Okay, now you know Auntie Evvy and I have been together for a while now?” They both nodded. “Well, I’d like to ask her to marry me, but I need to make sure you’re all fine about it first. I’ve spoken to Ned already, and he’s happy about it, so now I want to know what you two think.”

There was silence for a moment, and then Marcia looked up at him wide-eyed. “So if you marry her, then she’ll be our new Mummy?”

“Yes, poppet.”

“And she’ll come and live with us properly? Forever?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Really truly?”

Edgar laughed. “Yes, really truly.”

Marcia cheered and began to bounce up and down in her seat, and Thea grabbed her father’s arm, a beaming smile lighting up her face. “Daddy, will she really be our new Mummy? Please say she will.”

“Yes she will be, providing that she says yes, of course.”

At this, Thea opened her brown eyes wide in concern, “Might she say no?”

“Well it’s always possible, but I hope very much that she won’t.”

Marcia stopped cheering and fixed horrified eyes on her father, and they were both quiet for a second, before Thea said. “But she’ll want to marry you if she loves you won’t she? And if she loves us?”

Edgar smiled. “Well, she certainly loves you three very much, so you don’t need to worry about that, and hopefully she’ll say yes. darling. I’m sure it’ll be fine,” he added, seeing the concern still in their faces. “Who wouldn’t want to be Mummy to you three, eh?”

“Not Donkey-Face!”

“Well no, not Donkey-Face,” Edgar said with a chuckle, “but then we don’t want her anyway, do we?”

“No!” Marcia looked appalled at the thought.

“Well there you are then; we don’t need to think about her. We want Auntie Evvy.”

“When are you going to ask her?” Thea wanted to know.

“In a few weeks time, when she’s back from her holiday with her friend.”

“Who’s her friend? Auntie Corney?”

Edgar shook his head. “No, not Auntie Corney, she’s in America. This is a different friend, one you’ve never met. Auntie Elsie knows her though, they were all at school together. Her name’s Miss Dene and Auntie Evvy’s taken her off to rest so she can get better as she’s had scarlet fever.”

“Does that make you scarlet?”

Ned came into the room as Marcia asked this, and gave his sister an incredulous look. “Durr! Of course it doesn’t! You’re so thick sometimes, Marcia!”

“Am not!”

“You are too! Bet you don’t even know what scarlet is!”

“Do too, it’s red, so there Ned Watson!”

“Okay, that’s enough, both of you. Ned, stop winding her up.” They subsided under their father’s stern looks, and Edgar turned to his youngest daughter. “You are sort of right, darling, it does give you a red rash.”

“See!” She stuck her tongue out at her brother, who pulled a face in return, but was wise enough to refrain from saying anything.

Edgar grinned and put an arm around each of his daughters. “So you’re all happy if I ask her then?”

“Yes!”

“I am!”

“Very happy, Dad.”

He looked at each of his children in turn, swallowing to clear the lump that had suddenly risen in his throat. “I couldn’t have asked for better children than you three, could I? Thank you, all of you, so much,” and kissing each of his daughters in turn, he got up from his seat and walked across to Ned. Trying to suppress a grin, he bent down and hugged him.

“Gerrroff me!”

Edgar laughed. “What? I’m your father, I can give you a hug if I want to!”

“No you can’t!”

Resisting the temptation to wind his son up still further, Edgar returned to his seat with a smile. “So, what do you all want to do this half-term then? Tomorrow’s Marcia’s birthday day, but you have me all to yourselves for the whole week, so we can do whatever you like for the rest of it.”

All three began to shout at once, and Evadne forgotten for now, they settled down for the rest of the afternoon to plan the holiday that lay ahead.

 

#252:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 1:50 pm

Thanks Jo - that was lovely

I'm so glad Edgar spoke to the kids about it first - I hope they don't ruin things by giving anything away.

Liz

 

#253:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 2:40 pm

Thats right,
What happens if Marcia tells Evvy, "you are going to be our Mummy" before he asks her.
she won't half be mad at him.

 

#254:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 3:13 pm

Awwwww! That was just lovely. Thanks Jo! Very Happy But I'm going on a wretched geography field trip tomorrow morning and won't see any more of this for a whole week!! Crying or Very sad

 

#255:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 3:25 pm

aw this is lovely and the kids are spot on.. really realistic! I have a big smile now!
Please can we have some more!? Wink

 

#256: A Second Chance, part 4 Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 4:16 pm

Echoes the pleas for more story - but p-p-please let Edgar ask Evvy before one of the children blurts out his intentions to her!!

 

#257:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 4:55 pm

Edgar is such a good dad! Very Happy

 

#258:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 5:18 pm

Yay! This is progress!

 

#259:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 7:18 pm

Think Edgar should hurry up and ask Evvy! Laughing

Thanks Josie.

 

#260:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 7:47 pm

Awww! the kids are so sweet about it but Edgar better ask her soon.

 

#261:  Author: pim, Location: the Derbyshire wilderness PostPosted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 7:54 pm

Awwwwwwwwwww, lovely thanks Jo! The kids are SO sweet, just hope Edgar gets to tell them before one of them blurts it out, but I won't weeble about that just yet.

 

#262:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 8:29 pm

That was marvellous Jo!! Thank you!!!!

 

#263:  Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 9:16 pm

Wonderful!! As everyone else has said, the kids are absolutely spot on. I can picture them bouncing up and down in glee!

Edgar, go and find Evvy and ask her NOW! Even if she is in another country!

 

#264:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 29, 2005 9:45 pm

Edgar, ask her QUICK! I can just imagine the girls writing her a letter: Dear Aunty Evvy, please say yes when Daddy asks you to be our new Mummy...

 

#265:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 4:50 am

I hope that the kids DON'T get that letter through Lyanne! Maybe Edgar needs to check the mail bag before it goes for the next few weeks.


I'm starting to understand why it took them so long to get married...talk about alarums and excursions!

 

#266:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 7:05 am

Yay! Progress!

wibbling slightly about how soon and from whom Evvy will find out though!

 

#267:  Author: JoW, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 10:01 am

I am enjoying this story SO much. As I'm new and have plenty to read on the site I only found it yesterday and have been busy cathing up. Can't wait for the proposal.

 

#268:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 11:55 am

Miss Di wrote:
I'm starting to understand why it took them so long to get married...talk about alarums and excursions!

It's not so long really - they've only been together a year. Only in EBD's world is that a long time to be together before getting engaged! Wink Laughing

Proposal is on its way soon - I promise...

After three weeks of rest and relaxation in the fresh air and sunshine of Bordighera, Rosalie was almost back to her normal self. She was still a little on the thin side, but keeping up with Evadne’s voracious appetite was rapidly putting paid to that. The dark circles under her eyes had all but vanished, and thanks to the constant sunshine – unusually for this time of year they had only had one day of rain – her previously pallid skin had turned to a healthy golden brown.

By now, Evadne, who was not famed for her patience or ability to sit still for too long, was beginning to tire of Bordighera, and she called her father to see what other arrangements he could make. As a result, they had found themselves packing up and moving thirty miles or so up the coast to a villa in the French resort of Cap Ferrat. They had arrived first thing this morning, unpacked and settled themselves in, and now Rosalie was lounging beside the swimming pool while Evadne made a phone call. She looked up as her friend came out of the french doors, two drinks in her hands and a wide smile on her face.

“This is the life. I could get used to this, you know. You may never get rid of me!”

Evadne chuckled. “Not bad, is it? I don’t live like this all the time though, you know. I’m still a humble soul at heart!”

Rosalie laughed, and as she watched Evvy set one of the drinks on the table next to her sunbed and then walk across to sit down on her own, she said, “I know I’ve already said this a thousand times, but thanks so much for these past few weeks, Evvy. It’s done me the world of good.”

“Well, you’re very welcome. It’s been my pleasure. It's been fun spending time with you again and you’ve given me something to do too, I was at a loose end for a few weeks anyhow!” She took a sip of her drink and then sat back, her grin still plastered across her face.

Rosalie looked at her curiously. “So, have you been telephoning Edgar again?”

Evvy blushed and said nothing. She had been very cagey about him, merely saying to Rosalie that he was a good friend, but Rosalie could see straight through the façade, and was intrigued.

“Come on Evvy, isn’t it about time you told me a bit more about him? I may not know that much about relationships, but I can tell that he’s more than just a good friend!”

Evadne sat up and removed her sunglasses, a guilty look on her face. “Rosalie, I didn’t mean to imply…”

“I know. They were my words, not yours. I simply mean that I can see straight through this front that you’re putting on! You certainly seem happy, anyway.”

Evvy smiled, and took another sip of her drink. “Yes I am, very happy. They’re the most wonderful family in the world.”

“So who are they? Tell me more about them, how did you meet him?”

“He’s a friend of Elsie and Paul’s. You remember Elsie Carr don’t you?”

“Of course!”

“Well, he’s an old friend of her husband’s. I’ve known him for three years, but we’ve only been together for the past year. He’s a widower, his wife died years ago, and he has three gorgeous kids. Here, I’ve got a photograph somewhere. Back in a second,” and getting up off her sunbed, she disappeared in through the french doors, reemerging a minute later with a frame in her hand which she handed to Rosalie.

That lady studied the picture for a minute, before handing it back to her friend with a grin. “He’s very handsome. And the children look lovely.”

Evvy looked down at the photograph in her hand and smiled. “They are. I adore them.”

“Who’s the lady with them?”

“His stepmother Amelia. She died last year. She was an absolute dear,” she added, looking wistfully at the image of that lady in front of her.

“So who knows?”

“Only my own group, and now you. I want to keep it a secret from school people for now. I know how everyone talks – I do myself – and I don’t want it being gossiped about just yet, so don’t mention it, will you? I know I can trust you.”

“Not a word, I promise. Are you not even going to tell Joey?”

“Well I haven’t yet, though more ‘cause I haven’t seen her to tell her to be honest. But I know Jo, she’ll want me to be getting married and everything – I know how much she wants me to be happy after Ralph. I’d rather keep it simple for now, just let things take their natural course.”

“Do you think you do want to marry him though?”

Evadne paused for a moment and then grinned. “Yes, I do. I can’t imagine not being with him. But I’m not in any great rush, I’m very happy as things are just now.” She put her sunglasses on again, and lay back on her sun lounger. “You’ll meet him in a couple of weeks, as it happens, for we’re going to Geneva from here before going to the Platz to take you back, and he’ll be there. Bill’s sent us some tickets for the pantomime – I asked her to send them to his hotel – and I thought we could pick them up on the way if you think you’re interested.”

“Of course I’m interested.”

“Excellent. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some sun worshipping to do!” and with that, she pulled her hat down a little to shield her face, and nothing more was said by either of them until it was time for lunch.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 30, 2005 12:25 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#269:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 12:16 pm

Thank you Jo! Just caught up with loads of this! Now as Evvy's engaged at the pantomime the proposal must be coming very soon...

 

#270:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 12:22 pm

Thank you Jo Very Happy

Yay the engagement is on its way........

 

#271:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 12:26 pm

yay for the post! Josie..... Mexican Wave

Quote:
I am enjoying this story SO much. As I'm new and have plenty to read on the site I only found it yesterday and have been busy cathing up. Can't wait for the proposal.


Believe me JoW it WILL take over your life! (but in a good way) Very Happy

 

#272:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 1:43 pm

JoW wrote:
I am enjoying this story SO much. As I'm new and have plenty to read on the site I only found it yesterday and have been busy cathing up. Can't wait for the proposal.


If you're enjoying this Jo, then I also highly recommend The Long Road home - which tells the story of Evvy and Ralph. You can find it here
http://www.chaletian.co.uk/forum/archive/CD_the_long_road_home_150105.html
- Stock up on tissues before you begin.

Thanks for the update Josie

Liz

 

#273:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 4:26 pm

Arthur Lannis was sitting in his study, poring over some new business propositions, when the clanging of the doorbell sounded throughout the apartment. Hearing his wife come out of the salon to go and answer it, he returned to his papers again and ignored the low voices he could hear out in the hall. The next moment, there was a tap at his study door, and he put his papers down with a sigh.

“Come in.”

The door opened slowly and a familiar face appeared around it, grinning. “Hello, Arthur. I was just passing and wondered if you had a few minutes to spare!”

Arthur’s face broke into a broad smile and he got up out of his seat, holding out his hand to shake that of his visitor warmly. “Good lord, Edgar! I’m sure I can manage to find a few minutes for you, come on in! Have a seat. What the heck brings you to Paris? Work?”

Edgar laughed, and gratefully accepting the seat that his host pulled up for him, he took off his coat, throwing it over the back of the chair, and sat down. “No, not work. I’ve actually come specifically to see you. I have to leave again in an hour or so, I’ve a flight to Geneva at one o’clock.”

“To see me? Sounds interesting,” Arthur replied, with a fair inkling of exactly what had brought his guest to visit. “Can I get you a drink?”

“Scotch please, straight up. So how have you been? How was the honeymoon? I’m so sorry I couldn’t make the wedding, by the way.” he added, as Arthur walked across to the sideboard and poured them both a tot of whiskey from the decanter, handing one to Edgar and returning to his seat.

Arthur smiled. “The honeymoon was wonderful, thank you. Nothing like a little Amalfi sunshine at this time of year. And don’t you worry yourself about the wedding. I completely understood why you couldn’t make it, even if my daughter didn’t!”

“Yes, I heard all about that, I can assure you!” Edgar grimaced as he spoke, and Arthur laughed.

“That’s my Evvy! Anyhow, ‘bottoms up’ as you Brits say. It’s good to see you.” He raised his glass, took a sip, and then sat back in his chair. “I guess we’d best get down to business if you’re in a hurry. What is it you wanted me for? Did you get the post at the U.N. by the way?” Arthur already knew the answer to this through his contacts, but he wanted to give Edgar the chance to tell him so himself.

Edgar nodded and grinned. “Yes, I found out last week. I start in July.”

“Congratulations!” Leaning forward, he grabbed Edgar’s hand and shook it vigorously before sitting back again. “Well deserved, if I do say so myself. I’m a mite biased, of course, but I do believe the best man won in this case.”

“Thanks Arthur, I appreciate that.”

“We’ll raise a glass or two to that the next time I see you. Now, what can I do for you?”

Edgar stared at the wall above his host’s head for a minute, trying to compose himself, and Arthur leaned back in his chair, watching his face with wry grin.

Taking a deep breath, Edgar began. “I was…um...that is, I wanted to talk to you about Evadne.”

“What about her?” Arthur knew exactly what was coming, and precisely what his answer would be, but he wasn’t going to let Edgar get away that lightly. He remembered how nervous he had been when he’d spoken to his own father-in-law all those years ago, and he had been looking forward to this opportunity to be on the other side of the fence. Ralph had asked him by wire, due to the situation at the time, and that just hadn’t been the same.

Edgar swallowed hard, and tried to pull himself together. He’d done this once before, and he had presumed that it would be easier than this, that he would not be so nervous the second time around.

Taking another deep breath, and going bright red, he said, “I’ve come to ask your permission to ask your daughter to marry me.”

Trying hard to keep a straight face, Arthur shook his head. “Well, now, I’m not sure about that. What have you got to offer her?”

“I…wha…what?” Edgar looked up in shock, and then seeing the smile twitching on Arthur’s mouth, he relaxed, and trying not to laugh himself, he sat back and put his glass down on his host’s desk. “”Well, I have a shed that’s in pretty good order that I can keep her in – it only leaks in really torrential rain - and with three young children, there should be plenty of washing, ironing and mending to keep her happy.”

Arthur burst out laughing. “Oh how I would love to see her face if you told her that!”

Edgar’s eyes opened wide, a look of pretend terror on his face. “I get the feeling that it would be more than my life is worth to bring that up!”

Still chuckling, Arthur nodded his head. “You sure are right there. Well, I give my permission gladly. You just make sure you treat her right, okay, or you will have me to deal with, and believe me, you won’t want that.”

“You know Corney said the almost the exact same thing to me at one point! And like her, you’re only half-joking, aren’t you?”

“Very true.”

“Well, I promise to treat her like a queen.”

“Oh she’ll make sure of that herself, I can promise you!” They both laughed, and Arthur downed the remainder of his drink and got to his feet. “Just take good care of her, Edgar, that’s all I ask.”

Getting to his feet himself and picking up his coat, Edgar smiled. “I will.”

“Thank you. Now,” Arthur glanced at his watch, and then opened the door leading back into the hall, “you should really get a move on. Can I get my driver to take you?”

Edgar shook his head. “No, my man’s waiting downstairs for me, thanks all the same.”

“That’s right, I always forget you’ve those suites here.” They had reached the front door by this time, and Edgar pulled on his coat and turned to shake his host’s hand. “Thank you, Arthur. Hopefully I’ll be seeing you again shortly.”

“I hope so too. When are you planning to ask her by the way?”

“Next week. She’s coming to Geneva on the way back up to the Gornetz Platz.”

Arthur smiled. “Well, we’ll see you some time shortly after that then!”

Edgar nodded. “Thanks again, Arthur. Goodbye. Bye, Veronica,” he called out, getting a muffled ‘Bye’ in return, and with that he turned to walk down the stairs.

Veronica came out into the hallway just as Arthur closed the front door, and she looked up at him with a curious smile. “Was that what I think it was?”

Arthur nodded. “Right in one.”

“You said yes, I presume.”

Looking down at her, Arthur grinned. “I certainly did. I think he’s very good for Evvy, and he’ll treat her just right, I needn’t worry about that. Now,” he continued, changing the subject and putting an arm around his wife’s shoulders, “it’s just about lunchtime, so how about we head out and grab a bite to eat.”

 

#274:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 4:58 pm

Edgar really is doing this right, isn't he!

Lovely post, Josie.

*Plumps up the cushions on the sofa. There'll be a crowd in here waiting soon.*

 

#275:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 5:00 pm

Yay!! Grinning at Edgar being embarrassed! Looking forward to the proposal!

 

#276:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 5:26 pm

Another perfect scene!! thank you Jo!!!

 

#277:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 6:13 pm

*Grabs a space on the sofa next before they all disappear*

*Puts lots of bubbly on ice in preparation*

*hands round some chocolate*

Thanks Jo - we're all ready for the next bit now Very Happy

Liz

 

#278:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 6:32 pm

Awww! Lovely scenes - and they've all gone so well! Wonder if that bodes ill for the proposal itself! Laughing

Thanks Josie.

 

#279:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 6:54 pm

Those last two updates were lovely, Jo! Thank you! Very Happy Wonderful build up to the proposal itself... Wink Twisted Evil

 

#280:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 7:07 pm

Josie wrote:
”Well, I have a shed that’s in pretty good order that I can keep her in – it only leaks in really torrential rain - and with three young children, there should be plenty of washing, ironing and mending to keep her happy.”


ROFL! Thanks Josie!

 

#281:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 7:19 pm

I really hoped you would give us another update today.
caught the first part just before I left work, and this instead of putting kids to bed (I am 2 hours ahead of England here)

 

#282:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 8:20 pm

Lovely scene between Arthur and Edgar Smile
Edgar-go and propose NOW!

 

#283:  Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Mar 30, 2005 9:23 pm

Did I ever mention that I LOVE Arthur? (Well, maybe once or twice... Very Happy )

 

#284:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 10:37 am

wow, just caught up on loads of this at once - some great moments there, thanks Jo Very Happy

although am also slightly nervous about him telling the girls before he's asked Evvy. Looking forward to seeing her reaction! Smile

 

#285:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 11:55 am

Thanks Josie - I tell you what though, Edgar better hurry up and talk to Evvy - someone's gonna let it out...!

 

#286:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 2:22 pm

“Are you absolutely sure it’s alright for me to tag along tonight, Evvy? I’d quite happily stay in the hotel if you wanted some time alone you know.”

Thanking the taxi driver as she handed over the money for their journey, Evadne turned around to face her friend, rolling her eyes as she did so. “For the hundredth time, Rosalie, it’s fine, and you’re not tagging along! Edgar knows you’re coming – in fact, he invited you to come! There’s no way we would leave you sitting alone in the hotel on your first night in Geneva. Now stop being an ass and come along,” she added, slipping her hand through her friend’s arm and walking up the steps to the restaurant. “I don’t know about you, but I’m famished.”

Turning her head sideways, Rosalie looked her friend up and down. “I’ve no idea how you manage to stay so slim, Evvy Lannis. I’ve never known anyone who eats like you! If you’re not careful it’ll catch up with you when you’re about sixty and you’ll be the size of a small house!”

Evadne grinned as they walked through the door and stopped to hand their coats to the Maitre d’. “Probably, but who cares, at least I’ll have enjoyed myself!” Then seeing Edgar rise from his seat on the other side of the restaurant and wave his hand, she smiled and took hold of Rosalie’s elbow. “Now, come and meet Edgar. I know you’ve been dying to,” and she steered her across the floor towards their table.

When they reached him, Edgar gave Evadne a peck on the cheek and shook Rosalie’s hand before pulling out their chairs for them to sit down. It did not escape Rosalie’s notice that Evadne moved her chair slightly towards him, and she smiled as she saw him reach out surreptitiously and take hold of her friend’s hand.

“So, how was the Riviera then? I trust she took good care of you, Rosalie?”

“Very good, thank you. I’ve been thoroughly spoiled. I’m not sure I can return to the drudgery of my everyday life now!” she added, smiling.

“Oh tosh! You know you love your job, don’t pretend otherwise,” Evvy retorted with a grin. “We did have fun though, didn’t we? Poppa found us the most gorgeous villa in Cap Ferrat, Edgar, we’ll have to go again some time.”

“Sounds like an idea.” He nodded at the waiter as he brought over the wine that Edgar had already ordered, and once they all had a drink, he raised his glass. “Welcome to Geneva, Rosalie. It’s a pleasure to meet you, and hopefully we can show you a good time while you’re here!”

Rosalie smiled. “It’s very nice to meet you too. I’ve heard a lot about you in the last couple of weeks.”

Edgar raised his eyebrows at Evadne, and gave her a stern look. “Have you been talking about me behind my back again?”

“Of course! I had to warn the poor girl what she was in for when she met you.”

He grinned back at her, and Rosalie chuckled. “It was all good, I promise.”

“Well that’s alright then. Now, I already know what I’m having, so how about you two have a look at the menu? I highly recommend the pork by the way, it’s delicious,” and the table fell silent for a few minutes as the two women turned their attention to the fare on offer.

An hour or so later, as the waiter cleared away the plates from their main course, Rosalie’s eyes wondered around the room as she took a sip of her wine. They were having a highly enjoyable evening; the food was excellent, the atmosphere pleasant and the conversation flowing. She had warmed immediately to Edgar, and she thought that he was perfect for Evadne, knowing precisely how to handle her, and it was clear that they were very fond of each other. She was just debating in her head whether she should make her excuses and leave them alone for the remainder of the evening, when she was called back down to earth by Evadne’s voice.

“Say, Rosalie, wake up!”

Turning to look at her friend, Rosalie gave her a guilty smile. “Sorry! I was miles away then!”

“Well you just listen up!” Evvy replied with a grin. “I was asking you what you wanted to do tomorrow.”

“Oh, I hadn’t thought really. Explore the city I suppose – I don’t know it at all.”

“Excellent! Well then, we’ll be your tour guides, won’t we Edgar? Or have you got to work?” she asked, looking at him with a slight grimace.

Edgar chuckled. “No, I’m all yours this week, so don’t give me that look.” He ignored the face she pulled at him, and turned his attention to Rosalie instead. “Rosalie, I hope you don’t think me rude, but I was wondering if you’d mind awfully if I steal Evadne away tomorrow morning. There’s something I need to show her. We’ll be back to take you around in the afternoon though.”

“Edgar, we can’t leave her on her own, that’s not fair on her!”

Rosalie laughed. “Don’t be so stupid, it’s perfectly fair on me! I’m a big girl, I’m sure with a map and some good walking shoes, I can manage to entertain myself for one morning! I quite enjoy exploring new places by myself, anyway. You two go and do whatever you need to do, and we can meet up tomorrow afternoon.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course I’m sure!”

Evvy turned round to face Edgar again. “Well I guess you’ve got me tomorrow morning then! What do you need to show me anyhow?”

“You can just wait and see! I have to do something first thing, so I’ll get a car to pick you up from here.” he replied with a twinkle in his eyes, and despite her cajoling, he refused to say anything further on the subject, turning his attention to the dessert menu instead.



The car arrived at nine-thirty sharp the next morning, and bidding goodbye to Rosalie, having made arrangements to meet for lunch, Evadne walked down the steps of the hotel. Climbing into the back seat, she sat back against the soft leather, trying to work out exactly what it was that Edgar had to show her. As the car turned onto the main road heading north out of the city, past the Palais des Nations in the direction of Chambesy and Bellevue, she stared out of the window, wondering where on earth she was going. After a while, they turned off the main road and headed down towards the lake, and though it all looked a little familiar, she still couldn’t work it out.

It wasn’t until the driver slowed the car, and turned right into a long driveway, that Evadne realised where she was. It was one of the houses that she had looked at with Edgar; the one with the view that she had loved so much.

She was almost wild with curiosity as the car pulled up outside the front of the house, the driver getting out and opening her door for her. She recognised Edgar’s hired car parked in the driveway, and she walked slowly towards the front door and rang the doorbell, feeling a little nervous, though she had no idea why.

The next moment, the door opened and Edgar appeared, a wide grin on his face.

“Good morning!”

“Morning to you too! Why am I here?”

Edgar laughed. “You’ll see. First things first, can I please have a proper greeting? I haven’t seen you for five weeks remember!”

Grinning, Evadne put her arms around him, raising her face for his kiss. Then pulling back, she looked around her. “So did you buy this house then? Is that what you wanted to tell me?” she asked excitedly. “It really is the perfect holiday home for you all, you know! And I can come out with you for vacations too!”

Edgar laughed. “Yes, I did. I picked up the keys this morning, and then came straight here.” Reaching around her and pushing the door closed, he took hold of her hand. “Come on, it’s a beautiful day. Let’s go and look at that view shall we?”

 

#287:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 2:36 pm

Why can't he just ask her? And tell her what he's doing in Geneva too!!!!

 

#288:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 2:45 pm

I did have visions of Edgar having to ask her with Rosalie sitting there!

 

#289:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 2:53 pm

Tee hee hee, I think there may me a squall before its all sorted out, oh, and have I mentioned enough that its a very good proposal?? Wink

 

#290:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 2:53 pm

Thank you Jo! Please can we just get to the proposal though....

 

#291:  Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 3:13 pm

thank you Jo!
still gonna gently nag for more Very Happy

 

#292:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 3:15 pm

you are certainly keeping us in suspense

 

#293:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 3:28 pm

We know that he has to ask her soon - Evvy tells Joey at the Pantomine.


This is great Josie and I'm very much looking forward to him 'popping the question'

 

#294:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 5:01 pm

Wonderful post Jo!! And I'm waiting for fireworks from Evvy!!!

 

#295:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 6:12 pm

Can't believe that he's FINALLY going to ask her - bout time too Wink


Really looking forward to it Josie



and the fireworks from Evvy

 

#296:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 9:41 pm

Thanks Jo

*on the edge of my seat*

*ooops*

*fell off*

Ally - are we going to have to report you to Uto? Wink

Liz

 

#297:  Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 9:47 pm

Are you going to post the proposal tonight Josie?

Please?

*camps out in front of the computer with endless cups of tea and Bounty ice creams (well, they were on offer in Tesco...!)*

 

#298:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 9:56 pm

Helen P wrote:
Are you going to post the proposal tonight Josie?

Please?

*camps out in front of the computer with endless cups of tea and Bounty ice creams (well, they were on offer in Tesco...!)*

*joining the camp with mint cornettos(morrisons offer)*
Josie we are not leaving ,give in now!

 

#299:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 12:18 am

Unlocking the patio doors, Edgar opened them and stepped back for Evadne to make her way out onto the terrace, before following behind her. She walked to the edge of the lawn, and stopped for a minute, taking a deep breath, inhaling the fresh, clean air and looking around her with a joyous expression on her face.

“It’s just as beautiful as I remembered – in fact, even more so with the sun shining I think!”

Edgar smiled and walked over to join her. “It really is, isn’t it? Come on, let’s walk down the lake, we didn’t make it that far last time. It’s got its own private jetty and boathouse too!”

“Really? It just gets better, doesn’t it!” she replied, as they set off across the sloping lawn, making their way down to the water’s edge.

When they reached it, they stopped and looked around, taking in the scene. Much of the shoreline where the garden met the lake was lined with large rhododendron bushes, shielding the edge of the property from prying eyes, but there was a gap about fifteen feet across, allowing access to the water and the jetty and boathouse. Standing in this gap between the bushes, Evvy gazed across the lake at the mountains and sighed. Edgar watched her with a smile on his face.

“So do you think you could live here then?”

Evadne span around to look at him, confused. “Yes, of course, but what’s that got to do with anything? It’s your house, not mine.”

“Well, I was rather hoping that it could be your house too.”

Evvy’s eyebrows shot up, and her eyes opened wide. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Taking a deep breath to compose himself, Edgar reached out and took hold of her hand. “Evvy, this house isn’t a new holiday home for me and the children; it’s our new home, full-stop. I’ve been offered a position out here in Geneva, at the U.N, starting in July.”

There was silence for a moment as Evadne stared at him, her face betraying her shock. Then as his words began to sink in, she shook her head to try and clear her mind.

“Out here? But how come…when..?” She paused for a moment as realisation dawned. “Wait a moment! Is that why you’ve been back and forwards so much recently?”

Edgar nodded. “Yes, that’s right.”

She continued to stare at him incredulously. “So let me get this straight. You’ve known about this job all that time, that this was a possibility, and you’ve not told me?”

“Yes but I…”

“So when were you going to tell me? The day you move?”

“No, I’m telling you now!”

She felt a wave of anger sweep over her body and she swallowed hard to try and calm herself down, without much success. “Well I’m glad to know I mean so much to you that I don’t even factor in your decisions!”

“Don’t be silly, Evvy, of course you do!”

“Really?” Her voice was becoming higher and louder, the angrier she got. “Well why hadn’t you told me then?”

“Because I wanted everything to be settled, to be right.” Edgar tightened his grasp on her hand, which he still held in his, and he tried hard to control the nerves that were evident in his voice. This wasn’t going quite as he had planned. “Evvy, I don’t get to see enough of the children back at home, what with dividing my time between London and Wiltshire, and I certainly don’t get to see enough of you. This is a wonderful career opportunity for me, I won’t deny that, but I also wanted the position because out here I can have a proper family life, we all can.”

Snatching her hand from his clasp, Evadne shook her head and gave a scornful laugh. “Well that’s just great for you and the kids, but what about me? I’m going to see even less of you if you’re here! But clearly that’s not a problem, I can just fit in with whatever your life is. Doesn’t matter if I have to travel back and forth does it? I don’t do anything else!”

She could feel tears pricking at the back of her eyes, and she fought hard to keep them at bay. Edgar could see how furious she was, though she was trying to control it, and he hastened to try and dispel her fears.

“Evvy it’s not like that, I...”

“I can’t believe you didn’t even consult me over this.” Evadne’s voice shook as she interrupted. “I realise how important the kids are to you, but I thought I meant a little more than this.”

“You do, you mean the world to me!” There was a pleading note beginning to creep into Edgar’s voice. “That’s why I want you to come with me, with us, as my wife.”

“What?”

Getting down on one knee, he reached into his pocket and took out a diamond ring. “Evvy, I love you more than I can say. I didn’t tell you before because I wanted to know what I had to offer you. I wanted to be able to give you a proper family life, like you’ve always dreamed of. That’s why I got you to come and look at the house, to make sure it was one you wanted, one that you could live in. I...”

Looking up at her, he saw her shaking her head and his voice petered out. He felt a sick feeling appear in the pit of his stomach. Evadne’s jaw shook as she looked back at him, her fists clenched and her nails digging into her hands.

“Edgar, how can I marry you when you don’t even trust or respect me enough to tell me the most important things going on in your life?”

“Evvy it’s not like that at all! Of course I trust and respect you, you must know that.”

“I thought I did, but I guess I was wrong.”

“You weren’t I promise, Evvy.” He was beginning to panic now. “I was just trying to get everything right, I wanted it to be perfect for you…”

He broke off as she suddenly reached forward, snatching the ring from his hands. “I guess Tamara was right all along, you did just want someone to look after the kids!”

“You know that’s not true!”

“Do I? I loved you and I trusted you and this is what I get in return?” Her voice was raised again now as she held the ring between her fingers, waving it in front of him. “You know, you giving me this one day, it was a dream for me. Now it’s just turned into a hideous nightmare!” and throwing the ring into the bushes, she turned on her heel and began to walk away.

Darting forward, Edgar grabbed hold of her arm. “Evvy, wait!”

“Get off of me!” She span back around, wrenching her arm from his grasp, tears welling up in her eyes. “Just stay away from me, you lying scum! I never want to see you again, we’re through!” and turning on her heel, she ran back up the garden and in though the French doors.

Last edited by Josie on Fri Apr 01, 2005 9:11 am; edited 2 times in total

 

#300:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Fri Apr 01, 2005 1:50 am

Oh Edgar! Why didn't you listen to Arthur...

*prays that Evvy comes round soon and that Edgar apologises properly*

Thanks Josie.

 

The CBB -> St Agnes's House


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