A Second Chance - Part two
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The CBB -> St Agnes's House
#401:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 5:13 pm

Thank you Jo!!! *waiting impatiently for the next post!!*

 

#402:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 5:16 pm

I'm glad that Edgar is making Ned apologise for his rudeness to Evvy, but I can see why Evvy and Edgar took three years to get engaged.

 

#403:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 7:15 pm

Thanks for the update, wonder how much to heart Ned will take those words?

 

#404:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 7:44 pm

donkey-face!!!!! i wonder if tamara knew, and if she didn't please can she find out?!

 

#405:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 8:00 pm

Kathy_S wrote:
Very believable! You can’t really expect Ned to fall over Evvy after Donkey-Face (such a good name Laughing). Pleased to see both Evvy’s & Edgar’s responses – though I’m sorry for Evvy. Imagine needing proper comfort reading and having only Catcher in the Rye available. Shocked
Well it would be a bit complicated for her to have CS books available for reading wouldn't it?

 

#406:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 9:39 pm

Thanks Jo, I too giggled at the 'Donkey Face' Laughing I hope Ned's old enough to understand that Evvy is different, hopefully what she said about Ralph and Edgar telling him that Elsie's known her for years will help with that. I'm guessing this means they'll have to wait for Ned's blessing though. JackieJ

 

#407:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 12:42 am

Poor Ned but it is understandable. Loved the way Edgar and Evvy handled it. Wonder if Evvy will tell Ned about Ralph dying in the war when he apologises?

 

#408:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 11:03 am

Susan wrote:
Wonder if Evvy will tell Ned about Ralph dying in the war when he apologises?

She will, but not just yet.

Two hours later, Edgar, Evadne and Thea were to be found gathered around the drawing room table trying to piece together a large jigsaw puzzle of a cottage garden that Thea had been given for Christmas. Amelia had taken Marcia into the village so that she could choose a new length of ribbon for her hair, her present ones being somewhat worse for wear due to her unfortunate habit of chewing the ends. Edgar and Thea were just in the middle of a debate as to whether a piece that Edgar had put in was actually in the correct place, when the door opened and Ned came into the room, causing them all to look up from what they were doing.

“Hello pig!”

“Thea!”

At her father’s tone of voice, Thea went bright red and stared down at the table. “Sorry, Daddy.”

“I should think so too! Now apologise to your brother, please.”

Begrudgingly, she turned round to face Ned and mumbled, “Sorry.”

Ned ignored her, continuing to stare at them all with discomfort, and seeing the look on his face, Edgar got to his feet and took his daughter’s hand, pulling her down from her chair. “Come on, young lady, let’s go and ask cook if she can make a start on tea. Granny and Marcia will be back shortly and I’m sure we’re all peckish by now.”

“But my puzzle…”

“Will still here when we get back. Now come along, get a move on,” and he began to tow her towards the door. As she passed Ned, she stuck her tongue out at him, receiving a glare in return. Edgar hurriedly steered her out of the room and as he closed the door behind him, his voice could be heard in the hallway scolding her once more.

Once they had gone, Evadne looked at Ned expectantly, but after a swift glance in her direction, he lowered his eyes to the floor and stared determinedly at his feet. Thinking it best to leave him to his own devices until he was ready to speak, she turned back to the jigsaw and pretended to be concentrating hard on finding a particular piece. After a couple of minutes, she caught a movement out of the corner of her eye, and looking up, she saw that Ned had taken a couple of steps forward and was now staring at her. “Can I help you with something, Ned?” she asked lightly, giving him a smile.

He scuffed his feet on the floor in discomfort. “Dad said I had to say sorry to you, so I’m sorry,” he muttered, not quite looking her in the eye.

Evvy felt almost as uncomfortable with the situation as the young boy in front of her, but knowing that it was important to Edgar that his son apologise for his behaviour, she nodded her head. “Well, thank you for saying sorry, Ned. Apology accepted.”

Relieved that his ordeal was over, Ned quickly turned on his heel and was just making his escape when he was brought up short by Evadne’s voice. “Ned, can we talk please?” He turned back to look at her. “It won’t take a minute, I promise.”

Hesitantly, he retraced his steps until he was stood in front of her once again. “Okay.”

“Thank you.” Evadne shifted in her chair until she was facing towards him, and bent down, her elbows resting on her knees, so that she was looking him in the eyes. “Ned, I want you to know that I’m not, in any way, trying to hurt your Dad, or take him away from you. I’m simply his friend, and your sisters’ friend and your Granny’s friend.” She paused for a moment, and he stared at her in silence. Seeing that he was paying attention to what she had to say, Evadne swallowed and continued to speak. “I’d like to be your friend too, if you’ll let me, but if not that’s alright. It’s up to you. But I promise I’m not trying to butt in on your family, okay?”

Ned maintained his stare for a moment, and then dropping his eyes from hers, he nodded his head. “I’m sorry I was rude.”

“That’s okay, Ned. I understand that you love your Dad and don’t want anyone to hurt him. I don’t blame you, he’s a very special man. Let’s just forget it ever happened, shall we?” He nodded his head again. “So, do you think we can be friends?”

Ned looked up at her, indecision written all over his face. He may have been ready to make peace with his father’s friend, but he was by no means sure that he was ready to be friends with her himself. “I…I don’t know.”

Evadne smiled. “Well, I’ll leave that up to you, shall I? You don’t have to decide now, in any case. You take your time. Just let me know if you think that we can be, okay? Because I’d like it very much.”

Seeing that he now had the opportunity to leave, Ned slowly turned around and began to walk towards the door. Taking hold of the handle, he pulled it towards him. “I’ll think about it,” he said, turning back to face her. Then he shut the door behind him as he disappeared into the hall.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:09 am; edited 2 times in total

 

#409:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 11:05 am

Thanks Jo, lovely Evvy! *hopes Ned will come round soon*

 

#410:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 11:07 am

Well that was definitely progress, anyway. Glad Ned's gradually coming round... and Evvy is so good with them! Thanks Jo.

 

#411:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 11:39 am

but a shame that she thinks she is everyones friend in the same way

 

#412:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 12:36 pm

Thanks Josie -like how Ned's apology was said originally without him meaning a word-it was only later that he repeated it and meant it.

 

#413:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 1:23 pm

That was lovely Jo. Hope Ned soon gets to know Evvy better and decides he wants to be friends. Wonders if Thea should be reminded that she didn't immediately make friends with Evvy when she met her! Liz

 

#414:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 2:41 pm

Ned is a sweetie being so caring of his dad. I'm glad that the apology passed off well and that Ned is beginning to realise Evvy is rather nice! Thanks Jo Very Happy

 

#415:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 2:47 pm

Thank you Josie. That was very realistic. Ned is such an honest little boy. When he does decide to be friends it will be real.

 

#416:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 3:01 pm

It does make me wonder what else 'Donkey Face' had done to the children before Edgar discovered the way she was treating them.

 

#417:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 7:45 pm

Thank you Jo!!! I'm glad Ned meant his second apology! Hope he and Evvy can be proper friends soon!

 

#418:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 8:32 pm

I hope that Ned and Evvy will be friends soon!Thanks for the post Very Happy

 

#419:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 9:55 pm

Wow! Lots of lovely posts have appeared all at once! Wonderful, thanks, Josie!

 

#420:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 10:59 pm

awww ((Ned))) glad he actually meant it the second time!

 

#421:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 11:30 pm

Walking up Pitt Street to her front door, Evadne began to shiver and tried to quicken her step. She had come down with a cold two weeks previously, and try as she might, she had not been able to shake it. If anything, it had actually been getting worse. She had felt shaky when she left her flat this morning to go and collect a parcel for her father, and she had been getting progressively worse ever since. Standing in the post office, she felt herself going hot and cold, her legs felt weak and she was worried that she was going to black out. Deciding to forget the shopping that she had been going to do, she instead collected what she had come for and headed for home. The relief at finally seeing her front door was palpable, and hurrying to try and get inside to lie down as soon as possible, she tripped over the bottom step. Putting her hands out to stay her fall, she let go of her father’s parcel and watched as it rolled into the road. Before she could react, a car came round the corner and ran it over. It was the final straw. Feeling like she couldn’t go another step, Evadne sat down, put her head in her hands and burst into tears.

Edgar was on his way to deliver some bits and pieces that Amelia had sent up for Evadne from Wiltshire, including a magazine with an article on life in Long Island that she had thought may be of interest, and some drawings that Marcia had done during lessons that she wanted Evvy to have. As he rounded the bend in the road, whistling nonchalantly to himself, he suddenly caught sight of the smashed up parcel lying in the road, and Evadne sitting on the doorstep, her head in her hands, and he immediately quickened his step.

“Evvy? Evvy, what’s wrong?”

At the sound of his voice, Evadne lifted a tear-stained face to look at him. “My package…”

He looked at the parcel lying squashed in the road, and walking over to pick it up, he returned to the step and sat down next to her. “What happened?”

“I went to post office and I didn’t feel well, I was rushing to get home and I tripped and…” As the tears began to flow again, Edgar put an arm around her, and she buried her head in his shoulder. Lifting his free hand, he put it against her forehead and was shocked to feel how hot it was.

“Evvy, you’re burning up! What are you even doing out?”

“I had to get the package for Pops, and there was no-one else to go,” she managed to choke out between her sobs.

Putting his other arm around her, Edgar gave her a hug. “Don’t cry, come on. It’ll be alright. I can’t believe you’re this ill and trying to do everything by yourself. Why didn’t you call?” She muttered something unintelligible into his shoulder, and Edgar made a decision. “Right, let’s get you inside. I’m going to pack you a bag, and you’re coming down to Wiltshire with me this afternoon. You can stay with us and let us look after you until you feel better.”

“You can’t do that…”

“I am doing that, no arguments. Do you really think I’m going to leave you here on your own in this condition? What kind of friend would that make me? Now come on, let’s get you in. Are you okay to stand?”

Shakily she got to her feet, and with her leaning heavily against his shoulder, Edgar led her up the stairs, took her keys, and let them both into the house. The relief of finally being home, with someone else to take charge of her, was too much for Evvy and she felt her legs buckle underneath her. Holding onto her tight, Edgar half-carried her into the salon and over to the nearest couch, where he laid her down and took off his coat, tucking it tightly around her.

“You just rest here a few minutes, okay? I’m just going to collect the car, it’s parked around the corner. I’ll be back as fast as I can,” and taking her keys, he disappeared out of the room, and Evadne heard the front door slam as he left the house.

Ten minutes later a key sounded in the lock, and he was back. Walking into the salon, he made his way to the couch and perched next to her on the edge of it, his hand feeling her forehead again. “How are you feeling now? Any better?”

Too weak to speak, Evvy shook her head, and he gave her a concerned smile. “I’m just going to pack you a bag, and then we’ll get going,” and brushing some hair off her face, he stood up and left the room again.

The first thing he did on entering the hall was make a phone call to his home, warning Amelia of the situation, and asking her to prepare a bed and call out the doctor to be there when they arrived. Then heading upstairs, he located Evadne’s bedroom and found a suitcase on top of the wardrobe. He gathered together some of her things, remembering her nightclothes and toiletries, but not paying a great deal of attention to what clothes he threw into the bag.

Once he was done, he gathered up a blanket from the bed and returned downstairs, heading straight out to the car to throw her case into the boot. Then going back into the house, he wrote a quick note for the housekeeper so that she would know where her boss had gone, left it on the table, and walked over to Evadne, gathering her up in his arms and carrying her out to the waiting car. Lowering her onto the back seat and tucking the blanket around her on top of his thick winter coat, he quickly returned to lock up the house, and five minutes later they pulled onto Kensington High Street, heading west out of London in the direction of his Wiltshire home.

It was late afternoon by the time they finally arrived at Whitlingford Hall, and Evadne had now slipped into a semi-conscious state, her temperature still burning and sweat forming on her brow. As Edgar pulled up in front of his house, the front doors were flung open and Amelia hurried down the steps. She was closely followed by Thea, whose welcoming cries to her father were silenced by the sight of him opening the rear door of his car, and leaning in to reemerge with Evvy in his arms.

“Daddy, what’s…”

“Thea, can you do me a favour, darling? Auntie Evvy’s case is in the boot of the car. Can you try and get it out for me and bring it into the house? Be careful, it’s quite heavy. If you can’t lift it, just wait and I’ll help when I come down, okay?” and as the little girl nodded and went to do his bidding, he began to walk up the front steps, his stepmother by his side. “Is the doctor here?”

“Yes, he’s upstairs. Edgar, what’s wrong?”

“I’m not sure, other than that she’s got a burning fever. My guess would be a bad case of flu, though not being a doctor I could be totally wrong.”

They walked into the entrance hall as he spoke, and at that moment Marcia emerged from the front room, a terrified look on her face. “Daddy, what’s happened to Auntie Evvy?”

Edgar looked down at his youngest daughter with a smile. “She’s not very well, poppet. We’re going to look after her, make her feel better, okay? No, you stay down here,” he added as she tried to follow him up the stairs, “let Doctor Bird look at her in peace.”

Carrying her up the stairs, he took her into the bedroom, lowered her onto the bed, and turned to give Doctor Bird a brief summary of what he knew. Then leaving her in the capable hands of his stepmother and the doctor, Edgar returned downstairs to greet his daughters and answer the questions he knew they were burning to ask.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:13 am; edited 3 times in total

 

#422:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 11:48 pm

awww - how sweet!!!! yay for Edgar and old English chivalry!

 

#423:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 12:34 am

Awwww!!! Bless Edgar!! Hope Evvy is better soon! (I want to see what Edgar has packed in that bag!!!)

 

#424:  Author: ravenseyes, Location: New Zealand PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 3:35 am

I'm not sure you do Smile

 

#425:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 4:51 am

Poor old Evvy! Also curious as to what Edgar has packed! Thanks Josie.

 

#426:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 9:21 am

Quote:
He gathered together some of her things, remembering her nightclothes and toiletries, but not paying a great deal of attention to what clothes he threw into the bag.
Oh dear!!! Laughing Well, I hope Evvy needs a nice long convalesence from whatever it is that she has Wink Lovely posts, Josie - Ned is a sweetie and I hope this is an opportunity for him and Evvy to bond ... And, of course, for Edgar to push things on a little further!! *draws Josie's attention to the fact that it's Valentine's Day today and thus an applicable post (or two!) would be most appreciated!!!!* Heart Kiss Heart Kiss Heart

 

#427:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 9:29 am

Seconds Rachael's request! Very Happy

 

#428:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 9:45 am

Maybe this will be the moment of realisation for Evvy... Only now I want an Edgar Very Happy Thanks Jo.

 

#429:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 10:28 am

And me! Thanks Jo Very Happy

 

#430:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 11:12 am

How lovely! Thank you Jo! Edgar is so sweet, hope Evvy's not too ill to appreciate it!

 

#431:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 11:41 am

lots of lovely posts to catch up on - thanks Jo Smile hope Evvy gets better soon. Definitely agree with Rachael that some nice lovely posts would be very appropriate today! Wink *looks hopeful*

 

#432:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 12:34 pm

pim wrote:
Maybe this will be the moment of realisation for Evvy... Only now I want an Edgar Very Happy Thanks Jo.
Get in line! Laughing That was lovely Jo, and I'm sure Evvy will find she has an interesting choice of what to wear when she feels up to getting dressed!
Rachael wrote:
*draws Josie's attention to the fact that it's Valentine's Day today and thus an applicable post (or two!) would be most appreciated!!!!* Heart Kiss Heart Kiss Heart
Well at least somebody's remembered what day it is!! Liz *distinctly disgruntled at this morning's post*

 

#433:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 12:43 pm

I got a phone bill and a leaflet from NTL... wowee Rolling Eyes

 

#434:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 2:37 pm

Rachael wrote:
*draws Josie's attention to the fact that it's Valentine's Day today and thus an applicable post (or two!) would be most appreciated!!!!* Heart Kiss Heart Kiss Heart
Cazx wrote:
Seconds Rachael's request!
Robin wrote:
Definitely agree with Rachael that some nice lovely posts would be very appropriate today!

Well, this is as fluffy as it gets today, so hope it'll do. Laughing And you're right, Valentine's Day would be quite appropriate. Maybe I should string it out to time their getting together with this time next year Wink Twisted Evil

This is the first of today's posts. There'll be another a little later on.

Edgar had been right Evadne was suffering from a bad dose of flu, made worse by her neglecting to look after herself when it had first taken hold. It was almost ten days before the doctor would allow her any visitors other than Edgar and Amelia, partly due to the fact that she was not up to it, and partly to protect the children from risk of infection themselves. Today, however, found her sitting up in bed in far better spirits. Doctor Bird had just called round to see his patient and announced that providing she looked after herself, there was no reason why she couldn’t now get up and about, and that in a few days time he expected her to feel as good as new.

Tucking her bedjacket round her to keep herself warm, Evadne had just picked up the cup of tea that Amelia had brought up to her when there was a tap at the door and Edgar came into the room. Seeing her sat up in bed, the colour returned to her cheeks, he gave her a beaming smile and made his way across the room to sit down on the side of her bed.

“I say, you look like a different person from the washed up specimen I dragged down here with me last week! I gather the doc’s said you can get up for lunch?”

Grinning, Evadne took a sip of her tea and placed the cup back on the bedside table. “Yes, thank goodness. I’d go totally nuts if I had to stay here for one day more! I know I love my bed, but even I have my limits!”

“Well, I’m very glad to see you so much better. You had us all a bit worried there for a while. Now, I have a favour to ask. I was wondering if you were up to a visit from my youngest little horror. She’s been nagging to come and see you all week.”

“Of course I’m up to it.”

“Excellent. I should warn you, by the way, that she may be a little exuberant. She’s been rather scared, I think, and the idea of seeing you has got her thoroughly overexcited. For some reason she got it into her head that you were on death’s door, and nothing we could say would change her mind. She even asked that her birthday present be that you get better.”

A look of distress formed on Evadne’s face. “Oh, the poor little mite! Wherever did she get that idea from?”

“No idea, but I thought I’d better warn you. Anyway, if you’re sure you’re up for it, then I’ll go and send her in.”

As he made a move to get to his feet, he was stayed by Evadne’s hand on his arm, and sitting down again he turned back to face her. Looking him in the eyes, she stared at him for a moment, and then leaning forward and clutching his arm, she raised her head to peck him on the cheek. He felt his face flush red and he had to swallow hard to get his voice under control when he spoke.

“What was that for?”

“Thank you.” She gave him a smile, and her voice was soft as she spoke. “For bringing me down here, for looking after me, for being such a wonderful friend.”

Edgar flushed red again, and gave a quick cough before he replied. “You’re very welcome. That’s what friends are for, as they say.” Returning her smile, he lifted his hand and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I’m just glad that you’re feeling better, that’s all.”

Evadne gave his arm a squeeze and then sat back on her pillows, gazing up at his face. “You’re a very special man you know, Edgar Watson.” Her mind flashed back to a conversation they’d had just a few months before. “If you ever do fall in love again, she’ll be one lucky lady.”

As he returned her gaze, the words were on the tip of his tongue. It was the perfect opportunity to tell her how he felt. But something stopped him. She had meant her words purely as a friend. A very dear friend, perhaps, but nothing more.

So instead of declaring his feelings, he smiled at her again, and merely said, “Thank you, Evvy. That means a lot.” Then getting to his feet, he turned to look back down at her. “You’re not so bad yourself,” he added with a grin. “Oh, before I forget, Ned’s home. His half-term began yesterday, and he’s brought his friend Harry down to stay too. I can’t see there being any problems, but I thought you might want to be prepared,” and with that, he left the room in search of his daughter.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:16 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#435:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 2:41 pm

Thank you Jo! Don't you dare string this out for another year!!!! Lovely - so did Evvy mean it just as a friend? Hope Ned is ready to be friends soon...

 

#436:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 3:10 pm

Hehe!! Loevly healthy does of romance, thanks Jo (and what an excellent idea about next year!!! Wink )

 

#437:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 3:53 pm

EVVY!!!!!!!!! OPEN YOUR EYES!!!!!! And Jo - next year??? Shocked Don't even joke about it! Evil or Very Mad Lovely though - thank you! Very Happy

 

#438:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 4:47 pm

Lovely Jo. I must say Evvy is being unaccountably thick! It makes for a good story, though Razz

 

#439:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 8:57 pm

patmac wrote:
Lovely Jo. I must say Evvy is being unaccountably thick!

I like to think she's just in denial! Wink Laughing

Next bit as promised...

A few minutes later there came the sound of childish feet running down the landing, and quite suddenly the door burst open and Marcia erupted into the room. She ran towards the bed with a cry of “Auntie Evvy,” and clambering up, she was about to throw herself on her brevet aunt when she suddenly remembered what her father had told her just before she came upstairs.

“Oops! Daddy said no getting excited!” she said, a guilty expression on her face. Then turning worried eyes on Evadne, she grabbed her hand. “Auntie Evvy, are you okay?”

Evadne smiled and closed her fingers around the little girl’s. “Yes, sweetie, I’m fine. I just got a little sick, that’s all. How’s my favourite six-year-old? Did you have a fun birthday?”

Ignoring Evvy’s question, Marcia looked her over with critical eyes. “I thought you were going to die, Auntie Evvy! They told me I was being silly, but I thought you would. I was really scared.”

“Oh, sugar-pie, I’m not going to die, I promise you.” Evvy’s voice was very gentle as she spoke. “Look at me, I’m fine. I’ll be right in no time, you’ll see.”

Marcia’s bottom lip began to quiver as she looked at her friend. “I didn’t want you to die, I love you.”

So touched was she at her words, that Evadne felt her eyes mist over, and she held out her arms to the little girl. “Oh sweetheart, come here.” Wriggling up the bed, Marcia curled up next to her, and Evvy wrapped her arms around her and hugged her as she snuggled close to her side. “I love you too, Marcia,” she said, dropping a kiss on the fair curls. They stayed like that for a couple of minutes, and then Evadne looked down at the little face below hers. “Now, how do you fancy helping me pick out something to wear? It really is high-time I was getting up and dressed. Lunch’ll be ready in a minute, no doubt, and I can hardly go down wearing my nightgown now, can I?”

Marcia giggled and shook her head. “You’d look very silly if you did!”

“Wouldn’t I just! Okay, my clothes are in my case, there’s been no time to unpack them yet. I’ll go take a wash, and you pick out my outfit for me, ready for me to put on when I get back,” and suiting her actions to her words, Evadne pushed back the covers and climbed out of bed, picking up her sponge bag and heading for the bathroom while Marcia clambered down and went to undo her case.

Half an hour later the gong sounded for lunch, and the rest of the family were all gathered in the dining room waiting when Marcia burst into the room, trying hard to stifle her giggles. They looked at her curiously as she took her seat, and Amelia was about to ask her what was going on when the door opened again and Evadne came in. They all turned to look, and the next second all four children had burst out laughing, whilst Amelia and Edgar stared at their guest, stunned.

Edgar was first to break the silence. “What in God’s name are you wearing?”

Evadne looked down at herself. She was dressed in a very glitzy evening dress that reached just below her knees, and the look was offset by stockingless legs and her walking boots, which she wore on her feet. Looking back at Edgar, she grimaced. “Well, apparently this is what you deemed suitable convalescence attire! Tell me, Edgar, what possessed you to pack five skirts, three pairs of pants, three evening dresses and one pair of shoes – my walking boots no less – and not one blouse, sweater, or anything else I could decently wear on the top half of my body? Seeing as I was unable to locate the clothes I arrived here in, this was the most decent thing I could find to put on!”

By now, even Amelia had given up trying to keep a straight face, and she laughed along with the children as Edgar replied, “Well…I…I…I wasn’t really looking at what I packed.”

“Clearly.”

“Well, frankly, I was far more worried about the fact that you were lying downstairs on the sofa rapidly descending into a state of delirium!” he shot back at her, trying to dig himself out of his hole.

Evadne grinned and came round the table to take her seat. “That’s right, play the guilt-trip card. It’s the only thing that’ll save you now, Watson,” she retorted with a twinkle in her eye.

Amelia laughed. “The clothes you came in are hanging in the laundry airing, Evvy, I’d forgotten all about them. I am sorry, let me go and get them for you and you can change.”

She pushed her chair back to get up, when Evadne stopped her. “Oh phooey, eat your lunch Amelia. Don’t worry about me, I can go get them myself when I’ve eaten. I’m too famished right now to care how I’m dressed, to be truthful. Aren’t you supposed to dress for dinner in these big country houses anyhow?” and so saying, she reached for the potatoes and began to serve herself some lunch.

Mid-afternoon found the two women seated in the front room, Amelia darning a hole in one of Ned’s school jumpers and Evadne, now changed into some more normal daytime attire, struggling with the crossword in the Times. Edgar had taken the girls to the village shop to spend their pocket money, and Ned and Harry were upstairs supposedly playing with some model aeroplanes of Ned’s. Ned himself had so far been polite and courteous to Evvy, though no hand of friendship had been extended as such. He had not been exactly thrilled to find out that she was staying in his home again, but true to his word from her previous stay, he had apparently suspended all animosities, and they were at least able to eat at the same table and be in the same room in a friendly enough manner, and Evvy was hoping that a breakthrough would not be too far off.

Now, reaching out to pick up her glass of water, Evadne caught her nail on the edge of the table and it split. “Darn it!” she exclaimed, then with a sheepish look at Amelia who merely smiled, “Sorry, broke a nail,” and getting up out of her chair, she left the room in search of her nail file.

A minute later, Amelia heard a piercing scream, and some hastily checked cursing, and hurrying from the room and up the stairs, she found Evadne stood in the doorway of her bedroom soaking wet, a metal pudding basin on the floor beside her. Her sensitive ears picked up the sounds of childish laughter and scurrying feet and she quickly put two and two together and worked out what had happened. Instead of playing with their aeroplanes, the two boys had decided to play a practical joke on Evadne, in Ned’s words to make sure she didn’t get too settled in. Filling a pudding basin with water, they had somehow conspired to balance it on the top of her bedroom door, with the result that when she opened it she was instantly deluged with it’s contents. Mindful that Evadne was recovering from a nasty illness, Amelia instructed her to get out of her wet clothes as soon as possible, and turned to head in the direction of Ned’s room when her progress was checked by Evvy holding her arm.

“Amelia, please, don’t go and bawl them out. Let me handle this one, won’t you?”

“Evvy, they can’t be allowed to get away with this.” Amelia was furious and not to be easily put off. “Not only is it a rotten trick to play in the first place, but Ned knows how ill you’ve been and he should have known better than to do anything that might set back your recovery. And apart from anything else, that pudding basin could have done you some serious damage. You’re lucky it didn’t land on your head.”

Thinking it best not to tell her host that it actually had landed on her head, Evvy maintained her grip on that lady’s arm. “I know, Amelia, but please, let me deal with this in my own way. Ned’s expecting to get scolded, and doing so will just give him something else to blame on me. I know because it’s exactly what I used to do as a kid when I didn’t like one of my folks’ guests. I’ll make sure he gets what’s coming to him, I promise.”

Amelia considered for a minute, and then relented. “Okay, I’ll let you handle it. But if whatever you do does not elicit an apology by the end of tomorrow, then I will take matters into my own hands. Agreed?”

“Agreed. Oh, and Amelia, don’t tell Edgar, whatever you do.”

“No, that I certainly won’t be doing, at least not yet anyway. Otherwise young Ned is likely to find himself strung up from the nearest telegraph pole.”

Evadne grinned. “Thanks Amelia, I appreciate this. Now, I’d better get out of these wet clothes. Do you by any chance have a sweater I could borrow? This was my only one, as you may remember,” and chuckling, Amelia went off in search of the required item of clothing, and Evvy set to thinking about how best to settle Ned.

The rest of the afternoon passed in relative peace. At Evadne’s request, Amelia insisted that the two boys play downstairs from now on, but no reason for this dictum was given, and rather than feeling smug at having got away with their joke, they were beginning to feel decidedly uneasy at the lack of repercussion. Ned, in particular, was feeling especially uncomfortable. He may have been naughty on occasion, but he had always been straight as a die. Expecting a thorough scolding for his behaviour, as he knew they would work out straight away who had been responsible, the lack of reaction with which he was greeted instead was serving to make him feel like he had done something very underhand. Even his father seemed to have nothing to say which shocked him, unaware as he was of his that man’s ignorance of the whole affair. As he went to get ready for bed that night, he made up his mind that first thing in the morning he would go straight to his father’s study and confess all.

Coming up to check on them half an hour later, Amelia was shocked to find that they were not even changed, let alone in bed, and opening her mouth to scold them, she suddenly realised what the problem was. Both boys were standing holding their pyjamas, the neck, arms and legs of which had all been sewn up. Ned had clearly tried to get another pair out of his drawers and discovered them all in the same state, as they were strewn all across his floor. For someone who detested the very sight of a needle and thread, Evadne had done a very thorough job.

Recognising the joke from her own schooldays, Amelia immediately realised who was responsible, and grinning, she turned on her heel, coming back two minutes later with a pair of scissors in her hand which she gave to Ned.

“Hurry up and unpick them, and then get into bed. And pick all these stray clothes up off the floor while you’re at it. Your father will not be happy if sees the room in this state when he comes to say goodnight,” and with that, she left them to it.

It took them another twenty minutes to unpick all the stitching and tidy away all the clothes. As Ned finally climbed into bed, his thoughts turned to Evvy, who he knew must have done this as revenge for his earlier joke. To his surprise, instead of feeling angry with her, he found himself viewing her with a newfound respect.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:22 am; edited 3 times in total

 

#440:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 9:10 pm

awwww - marcia is such a cutie and i LOVE the way Evvy is still schoolgirlish enough to sew up their pajamas!

 

#441:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 9:16 pm

What a glorious comeback! ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL

 

#442:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 10:15 pm

Yay for Evvy! Thanks again Jo, this is just lovely. More soon please! - a special valentine's day edition where Evvy ceases to be completely blind??! Very Happy

 

#443:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 11:57 pm

*giggles* Wonderful Jo!!! Love Edgar's packing, and Evvy's revenge on Ned!!! (probably the best thing she could have done!) And Evvy and Marcia were so lovely together!!!

 

#444:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:41 am

Thank you Jo! How wonderful that Edgr was there for Evvy. Can only hope this pushes things on a bit. Glad Evvy will tell Ned about Ralph as I am sure that will help him accept her. Love the way she dealt with his practical joke!

Last edited by Susan on Tue Feb 15, 2005 1:21 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#445:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:51 am

Just love Evvy's revenge on Ned and his friend - and I bet he regards her in a new light when he finds out that she's responsible, too. Here's hoping it will be the catlyst for the breakthrough in their relationship! Now if only the two adults could stop being so obtuse with each other!!!

 

#446:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 6:00 am

ROFL ROFL ROFL Good job, Evvy! And a belated thanks to Edgar for carrying her off to recuperate. Guess I'll let him off for the packing fiasco. Laughing

 

#447:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 8:53 am

I just love that the bowl did fall on Evvy's head!! Laughing Superb, Josie - thanks Looking foward to more fo the Ned/Evvy story ...

 

#448:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 9:15 am

Great posts! I'm so glad that Evvy was able to get revenge!

 

#449:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 9:59 am

Wonderful! That bowl would have actually hit her! Love the comeback! Thank you Jo!

 

#450:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 11:13 am

Thanks Jo - that was lovely as always. And I'd just like to say that I have no objection to this taking until Valentine's day next year, so long as you continue to post at this quality and quantity! Liz

 

#451:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 11:40 am

Ohh Ned and Evvy are so sweet together, just wait till you see what they get up to when there friends !!! Twisted Evil

Last edited by Kathye on Tue Feb 15, 2005 11:43 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#452:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 11:41 am

Thank goodness it was a metal pudding basin!
Quote:
it’s exactly what I used to do as a kid when I didn’t like one of my folks’ guests.
If I answered the phone & it was someone I didn't like, I would say my parents weren't home & go to tell the family it was a wrong number.

 

#453:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 11:51 am

Thanks for the comments everyone. And I promise I won't drag it out til next year - not quite anyway Wink

At breakfast the following morning, Ned kept throwing glances in Evadne’s direction, but if she reacted at all, it was only with a bland smile. Nothing had yet been said about the previous day’s events, and though Amelia watched the two of them with amusement and Harry did his best to make himself invisible, Edgar and the girls chatted on as if nothing had happened, confusing Ned even more.

Breakfast over, everyone dispersed to finish preparing themselves for the day ahead. Returning from the bathroom where she had been brushing her teeth, Evadne came face to face with Ned in the corridor, and the young boy followed her into her room.

“Did you tell Dad about the water?”

“No, that’s our secret,” she replied, walking over to the dresser. “Did you tell him about your pyjamas?”

“Noooo,” Ned sounded horrified at the thought, knowing full well that informing his father would not only be considered sneaking in the schoolboy code, but would also lead to some awkward questioning as to why the joke had occurred in the first place.

“So, it’s just between us then.” Sitting down on the stool and turning towards the mirror, she began to apply her makeup. In the reflection, she could see Ned still standing in the centre of the room watching her curiously. Pretending to ignore him, she continued on with what she was doing, and it wasn’t until she had finished and put all her bits and pieces away in her vanity case that she finally turned round to face him. “Did you want something else, Ned?”

Ned hesitated for a moment, then gave her a sheepish look. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Weeell…” he began uncomfortably, scuffing his foot on the floor as he spoke, “I just wanted to ask…”

“Yes?”

“Um, how did your nearly-husband die?” Ned went red as he finally blurted out the question, and Evadne smiled at his turn of phrase.

“He was a pilot during the war, and his plane got shot down by the enemy.”

Ned paused while he took this in. “What was his name?”

“Ralph.”

“Was he very brave?”

Evvy smiled again. “Yes. Yes he was, very brave. All the men who fought in the war were very brave.”

Ned nodded. “My Uncle Henry and Uncle Philip both died in the war too.”

“Did they?”

“Yes, they were soldiers. They were Dad’s brothers, but I never knew them.” He stopped for a moment to think, as Evadne digested this information. She had known from Elsie that Edgar’s brothers had both died, but he had never mentioned how, and she was genuinely shocked. Ned looked up again and cocked his head on one side as he stared at her. “Were you sad when he died?”

“Yes, Ned, I was. Very sad. I still am a little bit sad sometimes.”

“So’s my Dad. Sad about Mummy dying, I mean. He thinks I don’t know, but I heard him crying once after we’d been looking at some photos.” Evadne felt a lump come into her throat as she looked down at the young boy stood in front of her. Ned stared down at his feet, and his eyes were bright when he looked up again. “I miss her too sometimes.”

Evvy reached out and placed her hand on his shoulder. “Of course you do. It’s only natural to miss someone when they’re gone. You know that she’s looking down on you, don’t you Ned?” He nodded. “I think she’d be very proud of you.”

Ned stared down at the carpet again, and shook his head. “No she wouldn’t. She’d be angry with me today.” He raised his head again, and looked Evadne straight in the eyes. “I’m sorry for being so beastly to you.”

“Let’s forget all about it. We can start over again if you like?” Ned nodded and Evvy held out her hand. “Hello, I’m Miss Lannis.”

Ned giggled. “Hello, I’m Ned.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Ned.” Dropping her hand back to her lap, she gave him a curious look. “So, do you think that maybe we could be friends?”

He thought about it for a moment, and then gave her a grin that lit up his face. “Yes, okay.”

“Shake on it?”

They shook hands again, Evadne giving private thanks that her gamble the previous day as to how to handle him seemed to have paid off. Feeling suddenly more relaxed, Ned walked over and sat himself down on the bed. “Can I call you Auntie Evvy then, now that we’re friends?”

“Yes, of course you can. I’d like that.”

He smiled, his train of thought wandering and returning to a previous point in the conversation. “I think that I want to be a pilot when I grow up. An RAF one. I could fly a plane all day and pilots are so cool!”

Evvy laughed. “Well, I think you’d make a very good pilot, you’re certainly brave enough. Now, shall we go downstairs and annoy the others?”

Ned’s face lit up with enthusiasm. “We could play a joke on them!”

“Haven’t you had enough jokes for one weekend?”

Shaking his head, he grinned. “Let’s get Dad. Pleeeeease, Auntie Evvy.”

“You do realise that your father will never let me come and stay again if we do this?”

“Yes he will. He’ll have to ‘cause you can be my guest!”

Sighing, Evvy got to her feet. “Okay, you win! So, do you know where your Dad keeps his pyjamas?” and as Ned gave a gleeful exclamation and ran out the room to find Harry and collect his father’s pyjamas, she smiled and picked up the sewing kit, wondering what on earth Edgar was going to say when he found out.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:27 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#454:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:10 pm

Thanks Jo! Lovely lovely lovely. Very Happy

 

#455:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:12 pm

:laughing: ROFL :laughing: ROFL :laughing: ROFL :laughing: ROFL Wonderful!!!! Thank you Jo!!!! Am so looking forward to Edgar's reaction! A lovely post and I'm glad Ned felt he could ask and that Evvy could tell him - can see life being fun now their friends!

 

#456:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:22 pm

excellent! can see that there may be trouble ahead! Hope Edgar takes it well.... Laughing Laughing thanks Jo

 

#457:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:38 pm

Lovely to see Evvy and Ned palling up - I can see them terrorising the place with their practical jokes! Thanks Jo Liz

 

#458:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:53 pm

Quote:
she smiled and picked up the sewing kit, wondering what on earth Edgar was going to say when he found out.
Evvy and me both!! Laughing Well?

 

#459:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:56 pm

Hehehe!!!! Im so glad they are friends!!! (and Im vair glad the CS gave Evvy such a fully rounded education!!!) Thanks Jo Very Happy

 

#460:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 1:33 pm

Hehe looking forward to Edgar's reaction, I wonder who he will blame?

 

#461:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 1:34 pm

*giggling appreciatively* Thanks Jo, I think I just found my motivation now to go and finish the evil French essay of doooooooooooooooom.

 

#462:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 2:58 pm

Oh Jo!!!!!! What a WONDERFUL idea!!!!!!! PLEASE make Edgar's reaction funny!!!!!

 

#463:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 4:05 pm

Confused Confused Confused Well, I wasn't actually planning on writing Edgar's reaction, but seeing as you were all so insistent, have done the following - hope it's okay!

It was gone midnight before Edgar and Evadne finally made their way up to bed that night, as they had been sitting downstairs talking over a nightcap, not noticing how the time had flown by. Leaving Edgar to lock up, Evvy made her way up to her bedroom, and she was almost changed and ready for bed when she finally heard him come up the stairs and enter his room, which was next door to hers. Grinning to herself, she pulled back the sheets and climbed in between them, turning out the bedside lamp and snuggling down in anticipation of the joke to come.

She didn’t have to wait long. Ten minutes later she heard a couple of loud thuds that sounded like someone falling over, followed by the sound of curses being spoken in Edgar’s deep baritone. Burying her head in her pillow to stifle her giggles in case he could hear her through the wall, she listened as there was silence for a moment. Then came the sound of drawers being pulled out of the dresser and further none-too-polite exclamations which gave away the fact that Edgar was now searching, in vain, for a something to wear to bed that wasn’t fastened together at the neck. She, Ned and Harry had made their stitches as tight as possible and he was clearly having difficulty getting them undone. Evadne’s giggles were turning into mild hysteria as she imagined Edgar’s apoplectic expression, and she wished dearly that she could see for herself exactly what was going on.

Ten more minutes of muttering and banging followed, and then everything went silent as Edgar finally gave up and climbed into his bed. Realising that the entertainment was over for now, Evvy turned over, still chuckling to herself, plumped up her pillows and settled down to sleep.

Next morning, they were all seated around the breakfast table tucking in to toast and jam when Edgar finally emerged and took his seat at the head of the table. Fixing his son with a stern eye, causing that young man to choke on his mouthful, he greeted everyone pleasantly and helped himself to some food. It wasn’t until the meal was almost over that he finally brought up the previous night’s events.

“So, imagine my surprise when I went to bed last night and discovered that my pyjamas had been sewn up,” he said blandly, staring straight at Ned.

Ned and Harry started to giggle, whilst Thea and Marcia stared at their father as if he had gone mad. Trying very hard to keep a straight face, Evvy looked at Edgar with an air of innocence. “Had they? How extraordinary!”

Slowly turning his head to face her, Edgar raised an eyebrow. He was a bit shocked that she clearly knew exactly what had gone on, but was determined not to show his surprise. “Yes, isn’t it? One can only wonder how these things happen,” and so saying, he got to his feet and exited the room, leaving them all staring after him in silence.

Bemused, Ned turned to Evadne. “Auntie Evvy, I thought he’d be cross,” he said, a worried expression on his face.

Evvy was as confused as he was. “Well, I have to admit, it wasn’t quite the reaction I’d expected,” she replied, “I kinda thought he’d see the funny side of it.”

The girls and Amelia clamoured to know what had happened, and Ned was mid-way through telling them when the door opened again and Edgar came back in, the mending basket in his arms, and all his pairs of pyjamas and the sewing box perched precariously on the top.

Placing the basket on the floor between Harry and Ned, he picked up the box and walked around the table, placing it front of Evvy. “So I was thinking, there’s poor old Granny with this huge pile of mending to get through and so little time in the day to do it, and then as if by magic we find out that there’s three people in the house who seem to love needlework! It’s like manna from heaven for her!”

Evadne looked at the box in front of her and then up at his face. “Is it?” she asked uneasily.

Edgar gave her a supercilious grin. “It is indeed. I know how generous you people are, and that you won’t mind helping out, so I thought that if you made a start straight away you could be done by lunch. I know that, considering how much you all love sewing, you won’t think it a chore at all.”

Ned stared at his father aghast. “But Dad…”

“Yes, Ned?”

About to protest, Ned caught the look in his father’s eye and subsided, crushed. But if Ned was aghast, it was nothing to how Evvy felt. Ever since she was a small girl, the very idea of sewing anything had filled her with horror. Not only did she detest the act itself, but she possessed no talent whatsoever in that direction. Sewing up someone’s pyjamas for fun was one thing, but darning socks and mending tears in clothes was something else altogether. However there was no way she could get out of this, as Edgar knew perfectly well. By phrasing the ‘request’ in the way that he had, he had backed her into a corner.

Grimacing up at him, she replied through gritted teeth, “Only too happy to help.”

Chuckling, Amelia pushed back her chair. “Well then, now that’s sorted, how about we all go and get on with what we have to do. Girls, go upstairs and make your beds please, and when you’re done, the nursery needs tidying before you go outside to play.” She turned to face the boys. “You two take that basket along to the drawing room. Auntie Evvy will be along in a minute,” and with that, she ushered them all out of the room.

Left alone with Edgar, Evadne got to her feet and fixed him with a baleful glare. “Gee! Thanks for that one.”

Edgar merely laughed. “Never forget, my dear, two can play that game,” and with a grin and a wink he turned and walked out of the door.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:30 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#464:  Author: Katie, Location: London, but my heart belongs to Harrogate PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 4:09 pm

Ahhh, he knows her so well - that is possibly the worst punishment he could've given Evvy! Wonderful, Jo - thanks!

 

#465:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 4:22 pm

Perfect, Josie - poor Evvy .................... NOT!

 

#466:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 4:44 pm

Lovely, lovely, lovely posts! Thank you so much Josie! Kiss

 

#467:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 4:46 pm

Poor Evvy must admit I hate mending though I love sewing for pleasure. Have a feeling this may lead them on a bit further in their relationship.

 

#468:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 4:49 pm

LOL!!! Poor Evvy and what great revenge. However, I feel that Edgar might regret this when his newly darned socks are incredibly uncomfortable and itchy!!!

 

#469:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 4:50 pm

Absolutely wonderful!!! Thank you Jo!! ROFL

 

#470:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 5:23 pm

Fantastic! A house full of practical jokers is just perfect for Evvy Laughing Thanks Josie.

 

#471:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 6:00 pm

and her grand revenge will be......?Evvy and Edgar are just MADE for each other!

 

#472:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 6:48 pm

Jo, that was marvellous!!! Edgar couldn't have picked a better revenge!!!

 

#473:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 7:10 pm

Lol Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing

 

#474:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 7:19 pm

He's a lovely DAd and she's going to make a great stepmum - if the children survive the pranks! Great posts, Josie. Thank you.

 

#475:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 7:27 pm

Cant wait to see what happens next....... great posts Jo Wink

 

#476:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 7:51 pm

Class, thanks Jo! Very Happy

 

#477:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 9:01 pm

Loved Edgar's response! Laughing

 

#478:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 1:34 am

ROFL ROFL ROFL Classic!

 

#479:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:31 am

a definite case of 'hoist by her own petard' thanks Jo! Very Happy Very Happy

 

#480:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 3:57 pm

Following her recuperation, Evadne headed to Paris to stay with her father for a few months, and it was the end of May before she was back in London again. Her return coincided with a visit from Cassie, Andrew and family who had come across from New York to stay with her for a couple of weeks. They had been in town for a few days and so far their time had been spent seeing the sights of the city and, in the case of Evvy and Cassie at least, a great deal of gossiping and catching up.

It was now the fourth day of their visit, and they were all gathered in Evadne’s dining room having breakfast and trying to decide what to do with the day ahead, when the doorbell rang. Evvy got up from the table to answer it, and on opening the door, she was greeted by the sight of Edgar and the children on her doorstep, all grinning like monkeys.

“Morning!”

“Good morning. This is a nice surprise! What can I do for all of you?”

Edgar smiled. “Well, in honour of Ned’s half-term, we’re just on our way to London Zoo to see Guy the Gorilla, and then to Regents Park for a picnic as it’s supposed to be a glorious day, and we were wondering…”

“We want you to come too, Auntie Evvy!” burst out Thea, before her father could finish his sentence.

Edgar shrugged as the other two joined in with pleas for her to join them, and Evadne laughed. “Oh, I’d love to but I’ve got friends visiting from the U.S at the moment, and we’re not sure yet what we’re planning to do today.” Then seeing the disappointment on the children’s faces, she added “Tell you what, you come on in and I’ll go ask them. Maybe they’ll want to come too. Sam and Lauren are right around your ages, it might be fun,” and so saying, she ushered them all into the hallway and returned to the dining room to sound out her guests.

Cassie and Andrew were more than agreeable to the idea, and an hour later, laden with extra picnic baskets packed by Evadne’s housekeeper, the whole party set out, chattering and laughing as they went.

The visit to the zoo was a great success. Ned and Sam hit it off instantly, and spent the time there towing Evvy and Andrew around with them, the four of them making up voices and conversations for all the animals they went to see. Cassie and Edgar found themselves left in charge of the girls, and their time was taken up answering Thea and Lauren’s questions and retrieving Marcia from various people she decided to wander off and talk to. Curious about Evadne’s new friend, Cassie chatted away to him as she made the most of the opportunity to try and find out as much about him as possible.

By two o’clock they had exhausted all they wanted to see, and dragging Marcia away from Guy the Gorilla, with whom she was busy exchanging funny faces, they all made their way back into the park. Finding a nice shady spot under one of the large Chestnut trees, for the temperature was up in the high seventies and they needed a respite from the sun, they set down the baskets and Cassie and Andrew began to spread out the rugs they had brought with them to sit on. Bending down to unpack one of the large baskets, Evadne took the opportunity to speak to Edgar.

“Where’s Amelia? Didn’t she want to join you?”

Looking behind him to check that none of the children were too close, he turned back to her with a concerned look on his face. “She’s had to go to Harley Street. She’s not been feeling too well, and they wanted to perform some more tests. It’s actually why we’re up here today, though obviously the children have no idea.”

“Do they think it might be…” her voice trailed off, unable to say the words, but Edgar knew what she meant.

“They’re not sure, that’s why they wanted to see her. It could be just a setback, or it could be the beginning of the end. We don’t know.”

Evvy’s eyes were full of sympathy. “Oh Edgar, I’m so sorry.” She placed a hand on his arm as she spoke, and looking down at her, he gave her a weary smile. Before he could reply, they were interrupted by Thea grabbing her father’s sleeve and he turned to face her.

“Daddy, I’ve decided I want to be a vet when I grow up! Lauren says she does too.”

“Do you, darling? Well, I think that’s a lovely idea. You’ll have to work very hard at your studies though.”

“I know, it’ll be fun!”

“Fun?” Ned was looking at his sister incredulously. “Can’t think of anything more boring if you ask me.”

“Are you trying to tell me you don’t work hard at school, Ned?” his father put in, his eyes twinkling.

“No, I just think being a vet sounds boring!” came the indignant response. “I’m going to be a pilot.”

Evadne laughed. “Yes, well we all know what you want to do,” she teased, Ned being in the habit of informing people of his ambition at every opportunity. “What about you, Sam? What do you want to be?”

“A cop. I’d get to arrest mean people and tell them what to do, and drive cool cars real fast,” he replied.

Grinning, Evvy shot a look at Cassie. “Looks like your father’s lost another one, Cass,” she called over to her friend.

“Why’s that?” “Sam tells me he wants to be a cop.”

Cassie rolled her eyes. “Tell me about it. You can imagine Dad’s views on the subject.”

“I want to be a clown!”

They all turned to stare at Marcia, who was looking round at them with a beaming smile.

“Erm…that’s nice, poppet.” Edgar turned to Evadne with a pleading look on his face. “Please tell me she’ll grow out of it,” he said in a low tone.

Andrew, who was nearby and overheard, laughed. “Don’t worry, Lauren used to want to work in a candy store. She soon changed her mind.” Relieved, Edgar turned back to unpacking the basket, and before long they were all enjoying the picnic, all discussion of future careers shelved for now.

It was late before they finally got back to Evadne’s Kensington home that night, and the two children, tired out by the day’s events, were sent straight up to bed. Andrew followed them to see that they did as they were told, and Evvy and Cassie took the hampers down to the kitchen to unpack. As they were washing the crockery, Cassie turned to look at her friend.

“So, Edgar’s very nice.”

Seeing where this was going, Evadne rolled her eyes. “Yes, isn’t he?” she replied blandly, concentrating on the plate she was washing up.

“You seem to get on very well.”

Evvy turned to face her. “How did I know you were going to go down this line?” she said, grimacing.

Cassie wasn’t to be dissuaded that easily. “Well, he certainly adores you, anyway.”

“He’s my friend, Cassie!” Evadne’s voice had a despairing note to it, and Cassie just gave her a supercilious grin.

“Fine, believe what you want.” She finished drying up the final plate, and turned to hang the tea towel on the back of a chair to dry. “I know I’ll be proved right, you’ll see! Right, I’m off to bed. Goodnight Evvy, see you tomorrow,” and kissing Evvy on the cheek, she headed up the stairs.

Chuckling, Evadne finished rinsing down the sink, and then followed her friend upstairs. Cassie had it all wrong, Evvy knew that. She was just misreading the situation as usual. Edgar really was just her friend, nothing more. Convincing herself that she was right, Evvy changed and got ready for bed. But Cassie’s words had planted a seed in her mind. As she climbed between the sheets, her thoughts returned to the topic once more, and she found herself drifting off to sleep considering the possibility that maybe her friend was not so wrong after all.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:35 am; edited 3 times in total

 

#481:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 4:04 pm

Lovely. I remember going to London Zoo when I was a kid. You could have a ride on an elephant then, or a camel. There were Llama carts too, and the famous Chimpanee's Tea-party.

 

#482:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 4:10 pm

Ahh. More please Jo! I used to want to be a train driver (thank you Thomas), a cowboy and a fireman (Fireman Sam!) And yep, my opinion has definitely changed!

 

#483:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 4:15 pm

Good for Cassie, Evvy needed someone to set her thoughts in the right direction. Love Marcia wanting to be a clown. THanks Josie.

 

#484:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 4:15 pm

Three cheers for Cassie!!! Hip ... hip ... This is sooooo good, Josie - I love the way you move effortlessly between pathos and humour :worthy:

 

#485:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 4:16 pm

That was great Josie. I wanted to be a balloon seller Embarassed

 

#486:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 4:33 pm

Well done Cassie!! Thank you Jo - lovely. I wanted to be a vet! Confused

 

#487:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 4:49 pm

*waters the seed Cassie planted* Sounds like a lovely day out. Asking kids what they're going to be when they grow up is always fun (though I never quite got over one of my brownies announcing, aged 8, that she wanted to be an underwater archaeologist Shocked ) Thanks Josie.

 

#488:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 5:06 pm

Yay for Cassie! Laughing

 

#489:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 6:22 pm

Excellent, glad Cassie has planted the seed! Laughing

 

#490:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:04 pm

Another excellent post, I always wanted to be an Architect even before I knew what the proper word was, and I still do......One day, maybe, when all the having kids stuff is done and I have time to train for 7 years Shocked

 

#491:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:08 pm

Sarah_K wrote:
Asking kids what they're going to be when they grow up is always fun
My Daughter wants to be a Grandma!Thanks fo another lovely post Josie

 

#492:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 8:09 pm

Great Josie. That is the London Zoo I remember when I was about Thea's age. A Llama ate my hair ribbon.! I cried! I think it is so fitting that Cassie should awaken the possibility that this might be more than a friendship. Thank you. PS *wibbling about Amelia*

 

#493:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 8:39 pm

awww lovely - pity London Zoo isn't like that now, I took the kids and their friends there and it was really really disappointing! *smirks, knowing that Cassie has it all exactly right*

 

#494:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 8:46 pm

That was a WONDERFUL post!!! Thank you Jo!!!

 

#495:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 9:22 pm

Echoes whoever it was who said that this was the London Zoo she remembered - I remember the fun it used to be too. Shame it isn't the same now. Joins the 'wibbling' about Amelia, and nudges Evvy and Edgar to make their move soon.

 

#496:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:57 pm

Thanks Josie - I love it that Cassie has seen what is going on and is nudging Evvy's thoughts in that direction. Liz

 

#497:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 12:03 pm

Sounds like the London Zoo I don't remember but "know" from reading the first two Wells books! Laughing Joining the wibbling about Amelia...

 

#498:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 1:15 pm

A few days later, Evadne had managed to convince herself once again that Cassie had been wrong. She acknowledged to herself that she was attracted to Edgar after all, he was a good looking man, a physical attraction was inevitable. She had felt that the first time they met. But any other feelings were just a sign of their deep friendship, nothing more. Frustrated at Evadne’s obvious blind spot where this matter was concerned, Cassie had given up trying to persuade her friend to consider the possibility, and Evvy put the matter completely out of her mind.

Today found them all down in Hampshire visiting Paul and Elsie. Cassie had been desperate to get out of the city for at least one day, so Evvy had contacted her friends who extended a ready invitation, and they had all piled into their hired car and headed for the countryside. They had just finished lunch, and Elsie and Cassie were in the kitchen clearing up, staring out of the window as Evadne and Lauren played hide-and-seek with two year old Lily on the lawn.

Watching as Evvy found Lily behind a tree and swung the laughing little girl up in her arms, Cassie turned to her host. “Elsie, I hope you won’t think me a poke-nose, but would you mind if I asked you a question?”

Elsie smiled and shook her head. “Not at all, ask away. Can’t guarantee to be able to help you, mind, but you can give it a try!”

Cassie glanced out at Evadne again. “Well, you know Edgar, don’t you?”

“Absolutely! I’ve known him almost as long as I’ve known Paul. Edgar’s his oldest friend. Why do you ask?”

“I was just wondering about your take on his and Evvy’s friendship.”

“Well, they’re very close, if that’s what you mean.”

“Not quite.” Cassie paused as she tried to think best how to word her thoughts. “It’s just, well, when we were all out last week I couldn’t help noticing how much he seems to adore her. Just from the looks he gave her, the subconscious ways he attended to her, that kind of thing. D’you know what I mean?” Elsie nodded, and Cassie continued. “I think he’d be really good for her, she needs someone like him, but she seems utterly oblivious to it, keeps telling me I’m reading too much into it. I just wondered if she’s right, or whether you’ve noticed it too.”

Elsie looked at her guest, a smile of relief crossing her face. “Oh, thank God! I’m glad someone other than me can see what’s going on!” She paused for a moment as she perched herself on the kitchen table. “You’re right, he does adore her. Or at least, I think he does. He has almost since the day he met her.”

“How do you think she feels?”

“Not got an earthly! I’ve been trying to work it out myself for ages. She’s very fond of him, but so far I’ve not seen anything more than that. You any idea?”

Cassie shook her head. “Beats me. She’s impossible to figure out when she gets like this. Sometimes I just want to give her a good shake and tell her to open her eyes, but I can imagine how well that would go down. She’s so stubborn it’d likely make her do the exact opposite of what I was trying to achieve!”

Elsie laughed. “I see you know her well!”

“D'you think there’s anything we can do?”

“Like try and push it on you mean?” Elsie looked skeptical as she considered this. “I’m not sure. If she found out, it could blow up in our faces, and I’m not sure Edgar would thank me too much for that! Part of me’s tempted to just ask her straight but…”

At that moment Lauren burst into the kitchen. “Mrs Rodwell, Aunt Evvy wants to know what that plant is you have in the flowerbed there, and whether it can be replaced.”

Elsie was instantly suspicious. “Why? What has she done?”

Lauren giggled. “Weeeelll, she kinda tripped and fell into it. She’s totally squished all the flowers, and she accidentally pulled it up a bit.”

Rolling her eyes, Elsie headed for the door. “I might have known she’d destroy things somehow if I left her alone,” she exclaimed, as Cassie and Lauren giggled at her words. “Honestly, Lily’s more mature than her sometimes and she’s two!” and so saying, she walked out into the back garden to inspect the damage Evadne had done to her precious plants, the matter of her and Edgar shelved for now.

But later that evening, when their visitors had gone and their children were in bed, Elsie returned to the topic as she and Paul were in their lounge relaxing together before they turned in.

“Paul, I was talking to Cassie earlier about Edgar and Evvy,” she began, as he turned to her with interest. “She thinks that Edgar rather adores her.”

“Oh I could have told you that,” Paul replied, regarding his wife with a smile. “He talks about her whenever he gets the opportunity. I’m not even sure he realises he’s doing it half the time!”

“Do you think I should ask Evvy how she feels?”

Paul put down his paper, and gave her a stern look. “No, I don’t. I told you before, it’s none of our business. Don’t go interfering.”

“But…”

“I’m serious, Elsie. If you go barging in and telling Evvy how things stand, and it turns out she’s not interested, it could completely ruin their friendship, and it’s very good for both of them. If things are going to happen, let them sort it out in their own way.”

“But that’ll be forever!”

“Then forever it’ll have to be. I’m not doing anything that could cause Edgar to get hurt, and you shouldn’t either.”

Elsie subsided, a disgruntled look on her face, but she acknowledged her husband was right. Seeing that she understood where he was coming from, Paul picked up his paper again and they fell into silence. A few minutes later, Elsie gave a whoop, causing her husband to slop his cocoa down his front.

“What the…”

“Oh never mind that,” Elsie exclaimed, ignoring the look he threw her. “I’ve had a fabulous idea!” Paul regarded her skeptically, having been on the receiving end of his wife’s ‘ideas’ before. “We should invite Evvy on the camping trip with us! That’s not interfering, not really anyway, and then they’ll get to spend a whole two weeks together. It’s perfect ‘cause Amelia’s going to Italy instead, so we could do with someone else to look after the kids anyway. What do you think?”

Paul continued to mop the cocoa from the front of his shirt as he considered his wife’s words. It certainly made sense. The two families were going on a camping trip to the Verdun Gorge this summer, but Amelia had bowed out, having received an invitation from some old friends to go and relax in their villa by Lake Garda. Inviting Evadne in her stead would not seem suspicious at all she was great friends with Edgar’s children, and four sets of hands were certainly better then three.

“I think it’s a great idea. Ask her by all means.” He laughed as his wife bounced up and down excitedly in her seat like a child. “You look no older than Marcia right now! Just promise me you won’t do anything else beyond this one plan, okay?”

“I promise!” Elsie jumped out of her chair and came across to her husband to give him a kiss. “You’re the best husband in the world, did you know that?”

“Glad you know it!” he shot back at her with a grin. Standing up from his chair, he put his arms round her and gave her a hug. “Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m all in,” and kissing her on the forehead, he released her and went to check the doors were locked before they headed up to bed.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 1:46 am; edited 2 times in total

 

#499:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 1:32 pm

Lovely relationship Paul and Elsie have - nice plotting Elsie. Laughing Thanks Josie.

 

#500:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 1:41 pm

Yay! Thanks Jo. I've logged onto the CBB four times this morning just to check if this was updated yet! Embarassed

 

#501:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 1:52 pm

Evvy has some great friends and I love Elsie and Paul Very Happy Thank you for the luffly long posts Josie!! (and the camping trip is very amusing!!) Wink

 

#502:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 1:57 pm

Well done Elsie that is a splendid plan. Thanks Josie for another lovely long piece of a wonderful story.

 

#503:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 2:05 pm

Thanks Josie I think Paul is very wise - I have a horrible feeling Evvy might try to run a million miles in the opposite direction at the moment - and their friendship should be left to develop in its own way. *remembering what Evvy got up to on a previous camping trip and looking forward to this one* Liz

 

#504:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 2:06 pm

aha cunning plan Elsie. Lots of wine, romantic starry moonlit nights (and, knowing Evvy, lots of mishaps!)...... thanks Jo - loverly long bit

 

#505:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 2:13 pm

Hurrah for Elsie! Thank you Jo Very Happy

 

#506:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 3:49 pm

Oh, yes! Looking forward to the camping trip. And I don't mind this courtship taking a few more years. Lots more to read -- and anyhow, I'd like to put off losing Amelia as long as possible.

 

#507:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 4:48 pm

Feeling generous, so here's the next bit...

Evadne happily accepted the invitation to join their holiday, and mid-August saw them all relocating to the South of France for two weeks camping by the Lac de Saint Croix in the Gorges de Verdun. It was late afternoon on the Sunday before they arrived, and by the time they had found their spot, put up their tents and unpacked there was just time to get a fire going, cook their dinner of corn beef hash and then, exhausted with the long journey, they all retired straight to bed.

Dawn broke at five-thirty the next morning, and by six the majority of them were up and dressed, ready for an early morning dip in the lake before having breakfast and making their plans for the day. They had pitched their four tents in a clearing about fifty yards back from the lake, which shone azure blue in the morning sun. Elsie and Paul had one tent with Lily in with them, Ned and Tom shared another, Edgar and Thea a third, and Evadne and Marcia in the final one. Paul had already taken Tom, Thea and Lily down to the lake where the children were splashing around, and the others were standing by the tents waiting for the emergence of Evvy and Marcia.

Elsie was just about to go and hunt them out, while Edgar attended to Ned’s sandal off which he had managed to pull a strap, when Marcia suddenly appeared from between the tent flaps, a disgruntled look on her face.

“She won’t come.”

Elsie realised that the little girl meant that Evadne was refusing to get out of bed. “Why’s that?”

“She says that ‘no good Christian gets up at this time of the morning when they’re supposed to be on vacation’,” Marcia replied, repeating Evadne’s speech verbatim and causing Elsie to splutter.

“Since when’s she been a good Christian?”

“Who’s that?” Edgar had managed to secure the strap back on his son’s sandal, and the two of them came over to see what the fuss was all about.

“Evvy. She’s refusing to get out of bed, apparently, says it’s too early for decent Christians, or something.”

Edgar grinned. “Is she indeed? Well, we’ll see about that,” and striding over to the tent, he bent down so he could speak through the flap. “Evvy?”

“Can’t a girl be left to sleep in peace?” came the muffled and indignant response from behind the canvas.

“Not on a glorious day like this, no.” Edgar bent down and beckoned Ned over to him. “We’re all going swimming. Either you get up and join us of your own free will, or I’ll force you to,” he said with mock severity.

“How exactly do you propose to do that?”

“I’ll carry you to the lake and put you in there myself.”

A snort of laughter sounded from inside the tent. “You wouldn’t dare!” and safe in the knowledge that it was not like Edgar to do anything like that, Evadne turned over and snuggled down under her blankets. The next minute she felt somebody grab hold of her feet, and before she knew what was happening, she was being dragged out of the tent.

“What are you doing? Get off me, you great oaf,” she exclaimed, struggling as she tried to free her feet from Edgar’s grip. Ignoring her, he signified for Ned to grab her blanket from her, and dodging her kicking feet and paying no attention to the names she was calling him, he moved round and picked her up his arms.

“Put me down, you pig!” she shouted, trying to wriggle free. “I'm up, okay, you’ve got what you wanted. Now leave me alone!”

“Too late, I’m afraid,” Edgar replied imperturbably. “You should have listened to me in the first place,” and with the children cheering him on and Elsie doubled up with laughter, Edgar turned and made his way down towards the small jetty that jutted out into the lake near their camp, where the small rowing boat they had hired the night before was moored. Walking past the boat, ignoring her kicking and screaming, grinning at Paul who was watching from the water with great amusement, Lily in his arms, Edgar continued up to the end where he knew the water would be deep enough and stopped.

Realising that anger was going to get her nowhere, Evadne fixed him with her sweetest grin. “Okay, joke’s over. Let me down, please. I’ll go and get my bather on.”

Edgar looked at her with a bland smile. “Sorry, I told you it was too late,” and even as her eyes opened wide as she realised he meant what he said, he let go of her, tipping her into the lake, into which she disappeared with a tremendous splash.

A moment later she resurfaced, spluttering, and swimming over to the jetty, she hauled herself out. She turned to face him, furious. “I can’t believe you did that! You idiot! I could have drowned!”

Her indignation set off Elsie’s giggles again, and she was soon joined by everyone else as Edgar calmly replied, “You can swim, can’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Well, then, you were in no danger of drowning, were you?” Her expression became more apoplectic and she struggled to string a sentence together to berate him, instead emitting outraged squeaks. Edgar grinned at her. “It’ll teach you to tell me I wouldn’t dare. And it serves you right for being so lazy.” He looked her up and down, taking in her soaking nightclothes. “Bit of advice you may want to change into your swimsuit before going into the lake next time,” he added, keeping a completely straight face.

This was just adding insult to injury, and Evadne’s temper was about to explode. Opening her mouth to tell him exactly want she thought of him, she remembered the children just in time. “You…you….you…YOU!” she fumed, unable to locate any word in her vocabulary that she could use in present company, and turning on her heel, she stormed off back to the camp, followed by the laughter of the rest of the group.

Elsie turned to face Edgar, wiping away her tears of mirth. “Oh God, that was so funny,” she said, trying hard to get her giggles under control. “It’ll be a wonder if she forgives you for that.”

Edgar chuckled and shook his head. “She’ll be fine, I’m sure. Ned, stop it!” he exclaimed, and turning back to the water, he dived in and swam towards his son who was trying, in vain, to dunk his youngest sister, much to her chagrin.

Edgar’s prophecy proved to be correct, when thirty minutes later Evadne returned to the water, dressed more appropriately, her temper vanished. Spreading her towel on the jetty, she sat down, trailing her feet in the water, and fixed Edgar with a severe stare as he swam across to her.

“So, you calmed down now?”

”Perfectly, thanks.”

“So, am I forgiven?”

“Oh, I forgive you. Doesn’t mean I forget though,” she added with a wicked grin, “you’ll get what’s coming to you, don’t worry,” and with that, she lay back on her towel to soak up the morning sun.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:04 am; edited 3 times in total

 

#508:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 5:00 pm

Oooh goodie. Am very much looking forward to her revenge! Although I would have been far moodier than that if someone threw me into a lake at 6 in the morning! Shocked

 

#509:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 5:15 pm

Don't think i would have been able to control my language either! Lovely thanks Josie. Laughing

 

#510:  Author: JenniferG, Location: Durham PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 5:17 pm

Goodness, I can't believe they still end up getting married after that! Shocked As Laura said, if anyone threw me into a lake at 6 in the morning, far from considering them potential husband material I'd do my very best to avoid them for the rest of their life.. Enjoying the story though! Smile Just out of curiosity, are you setting this to a specific time? (I know the courtship isn't mentioned in the books, but it's nice to get a feel for where it fits in.) If so, where in CS chronology are we now?

 

#511:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 6:06 pm

I hardly hoped for another post today. On the one hand I want to see more posts about this, on the other, I don't want the story to end.

 

#512:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 6:25 pm

*g* i wonder what Evvy will do to get her revenge!

 

#513:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 9:24 pm

I would be fuming if I was thrown into a lake at six in the morning! Surprised Evvy didn't decide to leave and go to a hotel!

 

#514:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:34 pm

Keren wrote
Quote:
On the one hand I want to see more posts about this, on the other, I don't want the story to end.
But it doesn't need to end even after they're married, I'm sure Josie would like to tell us all about the practical jokes they play on each other throughout their married lives... Wouldn't she? Looking forward to seeing Evvy's revenge Smile

 

#515:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:39 pm

Hilarious. In the books, he just gets mentioned as 'Sir Edgar' and I imagined a stuffy, rather older gent who was a definite second best to her fiance from the war. This Edgar is great and 3 dimensional - though I think I belong to the ranks who would probably have been utterly furious about being thrown in the lake in my nightclothes Rolling Eyes . I'm definitely looking forward to Evvy's revenge!

 

#516:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:49 pm

Brilliant Jo!!!!! Lots more soon please!!! (Evvy's revenge would be good!!!!)

 

#517:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:49 pm

patmac wrote:
Hilarious. In the books, he just gets mentioned as 'Sir Edgar' and I imagined a stuffy, rather older gent who was a definite second best to her fiance from the war.
So did I! A sort of 'Well, I suppose I'll have to make do with the best I can get' situation. And I always thought Evvy deserved so much more than that - and she got it! Honestly though, your Edgar is wonderful. I'll be so sad when this drabble ends (although hopefully it won't! Embarassed ) We could go on to - 'Marcia of the Chalet School', and 'Edgar and Evvy: Ten Years On' and so forth! Very Happy Very Happy Rolling Eyes

 

#518:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:29 am

Edgar is going to be very, very sorry. Twisted Evil Or he would be if I had anything to do with it....

 

#519:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 5:24 am

6AM??!!!! Isn't it still dark then? Brrrrr. Kill them all. I would definately be checking into a hotel. And sulking the rest of the day. I wanted to be a cement mixer. My mother said I could be anything I wanted to be - and those trucks were soo cool.

 

#520:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 5:46 am

Miss Di wrote:
6AM??!!!! Isn't it still dark then? Brrrrr. Kill them all. I would definately be checking into a hotel. And sulking the rest of the day.
Not in Summer - far higher latitude remember! Laughing Wink

 

#521:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 7:47 am

Miss Di wrote:
6AM??!!!! Isn't it still dark then? Brrrrr. Kill them all. I would definately be checking into a hotel. And sulking the rest of the day.
It is really because she loves him that she does not (but she doesn't realize that yet).

 

#522:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 9:54 am

*giggles* Thanks Jo!

 

#523:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 10:13 am

Poor Evvy - hope her nightgown was of good thick material! Shocked Looking forward to her getting very throrough revenge. Thanks Jo Liz

 

#524:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 10:26 am

LizB wrote:
Poor Evvy - hope her nightgown was of good thick material! Shocked Liz
I was thinking that - hope it wasn't too flimsy and see-through! Brilliant post (and as someone who has also been forced to jump into a freezing lake at 6am, I can completely emphasize with Evvy!) thanks Jo Very Happy

 

#525:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:24 am

JenniferG wrote:
Just out of curiosity, are you setting this to a specific time? (I know the courtship isn't mentioned in the books, but it's nice to get a feel for where it fits in.) If so, where in CS chronology are we now?

Am trying as best I can to keep the story within EBD's timeframes so it runs alongside the series and fits in with when Evvy makes appearances in the books (not often, I know!). We're currently in the summer of 1952, the year before Coming of Age - think book-wise that's around Problem/New Mistress.
LizB wrote:
Poor Evvy - hope her nightgown was of good thick material!

She had a sweater on cos she was cold in the night Laughing
Patmac wrote:
Hilarious. In the books, he just gets mentioned as 'Sir Edgar' and I imagined a stuffy, rather older gent who was a definite second best to her fiance from the war.

Funny how we all see different things, isn't it? Very Happy I always thought (as you may have guessed) that the fact it took her so long to find someone else, and that she's so gushingly happy when she tells Joey (comes across better in the hb) that she'd found the second love of her life
Laura wrote:
I'll be so sad when this drabble ends (although hopefully it won't! ) We could go on to - 'Marcia of the Chalet School', and 'Edgar and Evvy: Ten Years On' and so forth!

Another sequel is planned! Very Happy Have even written the first part!! Embarassed Could be a while before it emerges though! And there's still another four years of this one to go yet (drabble years not real years!), as am bringing things round full circle, well past the wedding to tie in with the first four posts.

Anyway, on with the show...

“Daaaaadddddddy, tea’s reaaaaadddddy!”

“No need to shout, sweetheart, I’m here!”

The sound of her father’s voice directly behind her made Thea jump, causing her to slop his tea, and she turned around to fix him with a glare. “That’s not funny. My heart could have attacked!”

Laughing at her turn of phrase, he raised his eyebrows. “What, with swords and guns and everything?” he teased as he took his tea, “That could have been nasty!” Chuckling as she uttered an indescribable sound and stalked off to get her own drink, he strolled over to where they were all gathered and sat down, taking Marcia in his lap. “So, are we decided that we’re going to Frejus tomorrow?”

Paul nodded. “Yes, we thought so. It’s an hour and half or so away, so if we leave about 7’ish, we could get there before the sun gets too hot, then we can get the kids out of the midday heat rather than still be walking around the ruins.”

“Sounds like a plan to me. Sure you can be up by seven, or do need my alarm call again?” he asked Evadne with a grin.

Refusing to rise, Evvy simply shook her head. “It’s a very thin line you’re walking today, Watson, I’d watch what you say if I were you.”

Edgar laughed and took a sip of his tea. The next moment he spat it straight out again, only just missing Marcia, and choking and bright red he turned and fixed Evadne with a glare. “Oh, very funny!”

Innocent for once, Evvy looked at him in genuine surprise, “Nothing to do with me. What’s wrong with it, anyhow?”

“Soap shavings, would be my guess,” he retorted, still choking, and grabbed a mug of water to try and get the taste out of his mouth. “And don’t come all innocent with me. How much of a fool do you think I am?”

“I promise you, it wasn’t me!” Evadne was indignant at the unwarranted blame thrown in her direction. “Not that you don’t deserve it.”

He opened his mouth to reply, when Thea came over and stood next to Evvy, her hand on her hips and a satisfied look on her face. “It wasn’t her, was me and Marcia.” Edgar looked from one to the other, and noticed that his youngest daughter was sat in his lap giggling suspiciously. Smiling, Thea continued, “We’re getting you back to help Auntie Evvy, just like Ned helped you this morning. We decided it’s boys against girls!”

“Aha, it’s like that is it?” Raising an eyebrow at his daughter, he peered round her to look at Evadne. “Are you teaching my children bad habits, Miss Lannis?”

Evvy simply looked blandly at him. “Well, if I am, they’re learning from the master.”

“No kidding!” Elsie interjected.

Edgar grinned. “You think so, do you? Well, we’ll see about that,” and winking at her behind Thea’s back, he passed his mug to Elsie, who rinsed it out and refilled it with a proper cup of tea.

Evadne smiled, and turned to face Elsie, pulling a face at her friend. “You can talk! Pray tell, who was it who got their head stuck through a chair back at school?”

“You what?” Paul choked on his drink and stared at his wife, who blushed bright red.

“I was trying to prove that you could fit your head through the back of one of our school chairs. We got them through okay, but then couldn’t get out again. We had to be cut free by the handyman. It made sense at the time!” she added defensively as Paul laughed, and she turned to Evadne with a grimace. “Thanks for that. I’ve tried to keep my school exploits hidden from my husband so he doesn’t think I’m completely mad! I was quite successful ‘til you came along!” Evvy grinned back at her, and Elsie added, “Anyway, at least I didn’t blow up the science lab!”

It was Evvy’s turn to blush, and Edgar put his hands on his head in mock horror. “They’ll be nothing left of my house with you teaching my children all you know!”

“From what I’ve seen, they manage well enough without my help!” Evvy retorted. “And I don’t believe for one moment that you were a plaster saint at school either. Anyways, I’m perfectly safe so long as no-one gives me a Bunsen burner!”

“So Evvy,” put in Paul, who was still grinning at Elsie, “what other tales can you divulge about my wife’s nefarious past?”

The next hour was spent recalling tales of Elsie and Evadne’s schooldays, each story getting increasingly more outrageous. Paul and Edgar had tears of mirth running down their faces by the end of it, whilst the children listened eagerly, especially Ned and Tom, who was due to join his friend at Dragon School next month. The stories had inevitably included their friends, in particular the other three members of the redoubtable ‘Quintette’, and as Elsie finished recalling the day in Oberammergau when they had made themselves up as Red Indians, Paul sat up, holding his sides.

“I can’t believe you’ve never told me this before!” he exclaimed, wiping the tears from his eyes. “I can’t imagine what it’d be like to be faced with you five en masse!”

Evvy laughed. “Oh, we’re all responsible adults these days, have no fear.”

“Really?” Edgar raised an eyebrow at her and she turned and stuck her tongue out at him.

“Yes, see? Okay, enough of this malignment of mine and Elsie’s fine characters, I think. Ned, Tom, I believe it’s your turn to help me with dinner, so let’s go do our worst," and so saying, she got to her feet and went to invade their food stores, followed by the two boys.

Marcia twisted round to face her father. “Daddy, can you take me and Thea out in the boat like you promised?”

“I did promise, didn’t I? Come on then, we’ve about an hour ‘til dinner,” and the three of them stood up and set off towards the lake.

Watching them go, Paul put an arm around his wife’s shoulders. “I believe your plan may be working, oh wise one,” he said with a grin, “They do seem to be getting closer, don’t they?"

Elsie returned his smile. “See, I am a genius after all!” Leaning in to give him a quick kiss, she got to her feet and held out her hands. “Come on you, how about we take our daughter for a paddle,” and pulling him to his feet, she turned and picked up Lily and they headed down to the lake.

Edited - to add in a missing word *g*

ETA: Oi, King, hands off my story!!!!! Shocked Evil or Very Mad Wink

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:09 am; edited 8 times in total

 

#526:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:29 am

Ahh. Bless 'em. Thanks Josie.

 

#527:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:39 am

Yay for revenge!!! The girls had better win though!! Wink I imagine I would have had a serious sense of humour failure if I had been tosssed into a lake at 6am, Embarassed so good for Evvy for taking it so well!! Thank yea Jo

 

#528:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:53 am

Lovely as always Jo. Liz *giggling madly and rooting for the girls*

 

#529:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:01 pm

Josie wrote:
ETA: Oi, King, hands off my story!!!!! Shocked Evil or Very Mad Wink
Well if you would post without waiting for me to proof it for you !!! Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Wink

 

#530:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:06 pm

Kathye wrote:
Josie wrote:
ETA: Oi, King, hands off my story!!!!! Shocked Evil or Very Mad Wink
Well if you would post without waiting for me to proof it for you !!! Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Wink
*mutters under breath*

 

#531:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:15 pm

If anyone asks :Stupid: *g*

 

#532:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 1:01 pm

Lovely, Josie. I do hope they survive the holiday!

 

#533:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 2:28 pm

Thank goodness I was alone in the department when I read that! Must say I am with Evvy on not getting up that early! Lake water at 6:00am even in summer - no thanks. Edgar and Evvy have a wonderful relationship. I would like to se more of it (hint hint.) Wonder how many pranks played at Dragon House School next term will be down to Ned and Tom listening to this conversation?

 

#534:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 2:29 pm

I wonder what else they will get up to on this holiday!

 

#535:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 7:03 pm

I just had to tell you, the next post is soooooooo sweet :love:

 

#536:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 7:10 pm

UTO!!!!! *points an accusing finger at Kathye* when do we get to find out?!

 

#537:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 8:37 pm

Jo, that was a WONDERFUL post!!! PLEASE let the Paul and Edgar be faced with the quintette en masse at some point!!!!!!!!! Wink

 

#538:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 8:39 pm

Awwww! That was sooooo lovely. Laughing

 

#539:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 12:02 am

Most cheering, Josie! Very Happy

 

#540:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 5:18 am

“Right, I’m off to bed before I fall asleep here and the mosquitoes devour me!” and Elsie got to her feet, holding out her hand to her husband. “Coming?”

Taking her hand, Paul let her pull him to his feet. “Certainly am. I can’t believe I’m so tired and it’s only nine o’clock! That’s what fresh air does for you, I suppose.”

“That, and the fact that we we’ve been walking around Roman ruins all day!” his wife retorted, then turning to Edgar and Evvy, “What are you two doing?”

Evadne held up her mug. “Just going to finish my drink first, I reckon. Keep me company?” she asked Edgar, who was lying beside her on his back in a manner suggesting he had overeaten.

“Will do,” came the lazy reply, as he yawned. “Don’t think I could move just yet even if I wanted to.”

Standing over him, Elsie looked down and rolled her eyes. “Well, that serves you right for being such a pig at dinner!”

Unperturbed by her insult, Edgar merely smiled, his eyes still closed. “I’m a growing boy, I need my food.”

“Yes, growing outwards at the waist if you continue in that manner! Well, Mr Tubbs here is all yours, Evvy, we’re turning in. Sleep well, both of you. See you in the morning,” and to a chorus of goodnight, she and Paul walked down the jetty towards their tent.

Taking a sip of her drink, Evadne stared out across the lake. The water was already black as the sun had long since disappeared behind the high walls of the gorge, and the sky was a mass of reds and oranges as nature bade goodbye to one more day. It was the end of their first full day of holiday, and they had spent it at Frejus, on the coast, visiting the remnants of the old Roman settlement, and eating lunch at a local restaurant in the narrow cobbled streets of the medieval town centre. They had returned to their camp in the early evening, and despite having devoured an enormous lunch, Edgar managed to put away three helpings of dinner, as both of his daughters had fallen asleep having had barely a mouthful and he declared it a shameful waste of food. The children then having gone to bed exhausted, the four adults had spent the last hour sitting on the jetty having a nightcap, talking and soaking up the beauty of their surroundings. Evadne couldn’t help thinking it had been an almost perfect day.

Turning to look down at Edgar, who was still lying beside her with his eyes closed, she gave a smile. “I’m having a wonderful time, Edgar. Thanks so much for inviting me to come with you all.”

Opening his eyes, Edgar looked up at her with a grin. “Well, it was Elsie’s idea really, but you’re welcome all the same.”

“Well here’s to Elsie then,” she replied, raising her mug. Then staring back over the lake, she gave a sigh. “This is lovely, you know. I feel like I’m part of my very own big family. I never thought I’d feel like that. I do wonder sometimes what I’ll do when Pops is gone. I’ve no-one else,” she added wistfully, looking down at her lap.

Sitting up, Edgar turned to look at her. “That’s absolute rubbish,” he said sternly, “you’ve got us. You’re part of my family now, the children wouldn’t have it any other way. Neither would I,” he added quietly, gazing across the lake.

Evadne lifted her head and stared at him, so touched by his words that a lump formed in her throat. Leaning forward, she pecked him on the cheek. “You’re wonderful, you know that?” she said with a smile. Edgar gave thanks for the dusky sky making it hard to see, as he thought he had never gone so red in his life. Evvy turned her gaze back to the opposite shore, and took another sip of her drink. “It’s funny how life works out, isn’t it? Who’d have thought we’d be sat here one day. Our lives were both headed in such different directions and all.”

Edgar glanced at her as he considered this. “Do you regret that life not working out?”

She gave a shrug. “Yes and no. Sometimes it makes me boil that things never happened the way they should have. But then if they had, I’d never have got to have this life instead, and it’s not so bad. That’s fate for you, I guess. How about you?”

“Pretty much the same, really. It certainly doesn’t hurt like it used to, anyway.”

There was silence for a few seconds, then Evadne laughed. “Listen to us, pair of miseries! We’re supposed to on vacation, having fun!”

Well, surely we’re allowed to wallow occasionally?”

Still chuckling Evvy turned to face him. “Well, at least one great thing came out of it all, anyhow. I get to have my friendship with you.”

Edgar looked her in the eyes for a moment and she smiled at him as she held his gaze. Then putting his arm around her, he pulled her towards him and kissed the top of her head. “That’s the truest thing you’ve said all day.”

“Are you trying to tell me I’ve not talked the truth all day?” came the indignant reply, as she pulled back and glared at him.

Edgar grinned. “Depends if you count telling the children the amphitheatre was used for the Oscars in Roman times as an accurate portrayal of ancient history!” he retorted and Evvy laughed.

“Well, I had to tell them something! I couldn’t admit I didn’t know!”

“Just remind me not to engage you as their history tutor any time soon.”

“Well you can’t talk! I don’t think they were really chocolate trees we passed on the way home, were they? Maybe I should go wake up your kids and tell them their father’s been leading them up garden paths!”

“Do you want another impromptu dip in the lake?”

Evvy fixed him with a glare. “Don’t even think about it. You’d be straight in there with me, mister. I’d be wise enough not to let go this time.” She gave a huge yawn, and draining the last of the liquid from her mug, she got to her feet. “I’m about to drop where I stand, so I’m heading to bed. Are you staying here?”

“For a little while, I think. Need to finish letting my food go down.”

“Okay, well, goodnight. Don’t let the ghouls get you if you sit here too long.”

Edgar chuckled. “Go to bed, woman, stop pestering me! Can’t a man digest his food in peace for goodness sake?”

Laughing Evvy looked from him to the lake and back again. “Careful, it would only take one shove!” She grinned as he looked mildly worried, “Night, Edgar.”

“Night Evvy, sleep tight,” and he smiled as he watched her walk away. Waiting until she was out of earshot, he looked up at the sky. “You know, if there’s any justice in this world of yours, she’ll fall for me one day. Just a thought,” and with a sigh, he lay back down again and closed his eyes.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:13 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#541:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 6:50 am

Yes, she's taking her time over it!!! Rolling Eyes Lovely post Josie - but what are you doing up at 5.18??? Shocked

 

#542:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 7:24 am

Thanks Josie. A lovely scene and one step closer to the inevitable even if she doesn't realise it. *Echoes Leslie's query*

 

#543:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 8:47 am

Wonderful thanks Jo. *poke ing Evvy and Edgar in the right direction*

 

#544:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 9:21 am

Lesley wrote:
Lovely post Josie - but what are you doing up at 5.18??? Shocked
Agreeing with Lesley - on both counts!

 

#545:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 9:26 am

Josie wrote:
“You know, if there’s any justice in this world of yours, she’ll fall for me one day. Just a thought,”
Never spoke a man so truly! I'm so glad for Edgar that he can be philosophical about this.... but COME ON, EVVY!

 

#546:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 9:52 am

Thanks Jo! Please let them get together soon, I can't take the suspence much longer! Very Happy

 

#547:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 10:36 am

That was lovely - Thanks Jo Liz

 

#548:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 11:33 am

That was beautiful Jo! Thank you!!!

 

#549:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 1:23 pm

Catherine B wrote
Quote:
Josie wrote: “You know, if there’s any justice in this world of yours, she’ll fall for me one day. Just a thought,” Never spoke a man so truly! I'm so glad for Edgar that he can be philosophical about this.... but COME ON, EVVY!
Hear, hear! Edgar is just so lovely.

 

#550:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 10:36 pm

That was so nice Jo. Glad Edgar is not rushing Evvy I do wish she would hurry up and realise!

 

#551:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:15 am

Lesley wrote:
Lovely post Josie - but what are you doing up at 5.18??? Shocked

I woke up at some god-awful hour of the morning and couldn't get back to sleep. Evil or Very Mad Still, when better to write drabbles, eh? Laughing

They were having so much fun that the rest of the holiday passed by in a flash and before they knew it, it was their final day. Coming out of her tent, where she had been trying to pack together some of the things that her family wouldn't need again, Elsie caught sight of Edgar sitting on a small bank staring down at the lake, a rapt expression on his face. Following his gaze, she smiled as she saw what had caught his eye. For the past hour or so, Paul and Evadne had been playing with the children in the water. Clearly Marcia had fallen and hurt herself, because her childish sobs could be heard as Evvy sat on the edge of the jetty and cradled the little girl in her lap, hugging and soothing her as she cleaned away the dirt from the graze on her knee.

Walking over towards Edgar, Elsie stopped behind him at looked down with a smile. “So, when did you fall in love with her, exactly?”

Edgar started, having not heard her come up behind him. “You’re enough to give a man a heart attack!”

“Sorry!” Elsie grinned down at him. “So, you didn’t answer my question.”

He went bright red and stared straight ahead of him. “Am I that obvious?”

“Only to me and my powers of perception! Don’t worry, Evvy hasn’t got a clue,” she added, catching the slight look of panic that crossed his face. Checking that the grass was dry, she sat down next to him and watched as his blushes slowly faded. Eventually, he took a deep breath and turning to face her, he shook his head.

“I’m not really sure when it happened.” He paused for a moment, feeling slightly awkward talking about something so intimate, then looking at Elsie’s sympathetic face he changed his mind. She had already worked it out for herself anyway, and he could do with getting some of his pent up feelings off his chest. “I liked her from the very start, you know, from that that New Year's Eve party. Something about her just got me. I suppose it’s all just been building since then, and before I knew it I’d fallen in love. It finally hit home when that Richard bloke came to visit her last year.”

His blushes had returned as he’d been speaking, and he stared down at the grass, mildly embarrassed. Elsie watched him with a growing smile on her face. She was so overjoyed that he’d finally admitted how he felt about Evvy, that she wanted to throw her arms around him and give him a big hug, but knowing how little he was likely to appreciate that, she contented herself with a nod of her head. “So, what are you going to do about it?”

Edgar shrugged. “Nothing just now. I can’t say anything to her, and don’t you either, Elsie,” he added sternly as that lady opened her mouth to speak. As this was exactly what she had been about to suggest, Elsie shut her mouth again and Edgar continued. “There’s a lot of barriers there, you know. She has this whole notion that there’s only one real love per person, that Ralph was her one and only and that she’ll never meet anyone else.”

Elsie was surprised as he said this, realising just how close her two friends had become. “Really?”

“Yes, really. So I don’t think me wading in there and declaring my intentions would be the wisest move at this juncture, do you?” Pausing to mop his brow with his handkerchief, he gave a wry smile. “It’s funny, I never thought I’d love anyone else the way I did Madeleine either, but Evvy’s totally captivated me. She’s an amazing woman, Elsie.”

Elsie smiled. “Maybe you should take a chance, try and change her mind?”

He shook his head. “Not just yet. Aside from my children, her friendship is the most important thing in the world to me right now. I’m not prepared to do anything to risk losing it. If I have to suffer in silence then so be it,” he added, trying to keep his voice light and airy, but the look on his face as he gazed towards the lake gave his true feelings away.

Elsie stared at him for minute, his obvious longing tugging at her heartstrings. Then following his gaze to the jetty, where Evvy was now playing pat-a-cake with Marcia, she slipped her hand through her friend’s arm and gave it a squeeze. “You know what? I have a feeling that things might just work out for you after all.”

Looking down at her, Edgar smiled. “That your powers of perception talking again?”

Elsie grinned and got to her feet. “Just call me Mystic Elsie! Right, I have packing to finish, so I will see you later,” and giving him a warm smile, she made her way back towards the tents. Edgar watched her go, and then getting to his feet, he walked down towards the lake where he was met with wild shrieks by his children, who promptly towed him into the water to join in their fun.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:15 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#552:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:27 am

Lovely Josie! Now we just have to wait for Evvy to realise!

 

#553:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:39 am

*Wanders up to Evvy and whispers in her ear - 'Edgar loves you!'* How long do we have to wait for her to realise? *Presents Evvy with award for Ignoring the Obvious* Thanks Josie.

 

#554:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:42 am

Hoping Evvy will realise the significance of she and Edgar becoming so close.

 

#555:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 11:16 am

I can't bear this for much longer! And I can't imagine how Edgar is bearing it! PLEASE can they get together soon - please please please?! Laughing

 

#556:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 1:40 pm

Lovely Elsie, speaking to Edgar and giving him some encouragement. They are all such good friends to each other. Thanks Jo Liz *wonders idly if Jo will ever tell us Elsie & Paul's story*

 

#557:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 4:57 pm

A lovely scene between Elsie and Edgar Very Happy C'on Evvy and wake up!!!

 

#558:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 7:14 pm

In most stories, the girl becomes aware of her true love, either if he has another girlfriend, which edgar will not do, or if he is dangerously ill, near death's door, (see Anne of the Island and Sue Barton etc.). so is that what you are going to do to Edgar?

 

#559:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 7:29 pm

I'm thinking back to the last story where we saw Evvie finally get everything in perspective many years down the line. She has to get this sorted in her mind at her own pace and Edgar is very wise to realise it. *Nudges Evvie to get on with sorting herself out and becoming ready to love again.*

 

#560:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 7:33 pm

Sorry for this question but how do you pronounce Elsie I always said LC is that correct?

 

#561:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 8:01 pm

keren wrote:
Sorry for this question but how do you pronounce Elsie I always said LC is that correct?

Yep, that's right keren. Very Happy

“Bye Evvy, see you tomorrow night. Thanks again.”

Evadne smiled as Amelia turned to kiss Thea and Marcia goodbye and then headed slowly out of the house and down the front steps. Watching her go, it tugged at Evvy’s heart to see how much frailer and older she looked, the spring in her step now almost completely gone.

A voice behind her brought her attention back into the hall. “Right, now, I think you’ve everything you need. Everything for lessons is in the schoolroom, so it’s up to you what you do. Let Cook know what time you want meals set for, and she’ll sound the gong when they’re ready. Bedtime is eight-thirty for Marcia, nine for Thea. Don’t let them con you into giving them any longer, they’ll…”

“Edgar, calm down, we’ll be fine. Won’t we girls?” A chorus of ‘yes’ greeted her question, and Edgar laughed and bent down to kiss his daughters. “Okay, you two be good for Auntie Evvy, wont you? Go to bed when she tells you, and no monkey tricks. Granny and I’ll be back tomorrow night,” and giving them one more hug, he stood up and looked at Evadne. “Amelia’s left a list of numbers and things by the phone. You’ve got the number of the flat if you need me…”

“Edgar, will you just go! Scram! Vamoose! You’re never going to make it to London by two o’clock otherwise.”

Smiling, Edgar stared down into her eyes. “Thanks so much for doing this, Evvy. You’re a gem, you really are,” and bending his head, he pecked her on the cheek and gave her a brief hug. “Remind me that I owe you one.”

“Oh, I think I’ll give you this favour for free,” and pulling back, she pushed him the direction of the front door.

Standing on the top step, she watched with the two girls as he ran down the steps, threw the last bag into the boot, slammed it shut, and climbed into the car, starting the engine. They waved as the car drove up the driveway and disappeared through the gates, and then as the girls ran back inside the house, Evvy leant against the doorframe and closed her eyes.

Despite what Edgar believed, she had been aware of her feelings changing ever since Cassie’s visit back in May. At first she had been inclined to dismiss Cassie’s comments, putting her joy at being around him down to their ever-deepening friendship. She knew she was extremely fond of him that was surely all that it was. But the seed that Cassie had planted in her mind, that day of their visit to the zoo, had slowly began to grow, and over the next few months she gradually found herself wondering more and more if her friend had been right. Was she starting to feel something more than friendship? She wasn’t really sure.

Then had come the holiday. Spending so much time with Edgar and his children day in day out in a proper family environment had left her in no doubt as to where her feelings lay. The butterflies in her stomach were becoming a more frequent presence when she was around him, and she realised that she was falling for him. And she was fairly certain that he was feeling the same way about her.

But at that point her conscience kicked in. This wasn’t right. Ralph was the one she was meant to have been with, there was only one soulmate for everyone, and she had been promised to him. Surely any relationship with Edgar was fated to go nowhere, just as those with Richard and others before him had done. That in turn would mean the end of their friendship, and that was the one thing Evadne felt she could never risk. And what if by chance it did work out, and she fell in love with him and then lost him? She didn’t think she had the strength to go through anything like that again. So in the struggle of head over heart, her head had won, and she did everything she could to keep her emotions hidden, to make sure he never knew how she felt. It was a charade that she was finding increasingly difficult to keep up.

Heaving a sigh, she stood up straight and turned to follow the girls into the house. As she closed the front door behind her, her thoughts turned away from her feelings for Edgar to the reason that she was down in Wiltshire at all.

The previous afternoon she had been sat in her salon catching up with her correspondence, when there had been a knock at the door, and on answering it, she had found Edgar on her doorstep, looking a little distressed. Amelia’s health, it seemed, had taken a turn for the worse and her consultant in London wanted her to come up to the city the following day for overnight observation. Refusing to let her travel up alone, Edgar was going to drive her up and stay in London overnight, and he wanted to know if Evadne would mind coming down to Wiltshire with him and staying with his daughters. Evvy didn’t have to think twice. Running upstairs to her bedroom, she had quickly packed some things in an overnight bag, left a note for her housekeeper, and forty-five minutes later they were driving out of Kensington and heading for Whitlingford Hall.

Her thoughts were brought suddenly back to the present as she heard Thea’s voice calling her from upstairs. Checking her watch he saw that it was eleven thirty. An hour left for her to familiarise herself with the girls’ lessons before lunch. Saying a quick prayer that everything would go smoothly for Amelia that afternoon, she climbed the stairs and headed for the schoolroom.


It was gone ten o’clock the following night before Edgar and Amelia finally made it home, as the hospital had not released her until the sky had already begun to turn dark. Entering the house, Edgar was surprised by its silence, and failing to find Evadne in any of the downstairs rooms, he climbed the stairs to go and say goodnight to his daughters, figuring that Evvy must have opted for an early night. Going into Thea’s room, he was alarmed to find the bed empty, and on finding the same thing in Marcia’s room, he headed for Evvy’s bedroom door, gripped by a slight feeling of panic.

There was no answer to his knock at the door. Turning the handle and slowly pushing it open, he saw that the light was on and he stopped, smiling, as he saw the sight before him. Evadne lay on her back in the middle of the bed, a storybook open next to her on the pillow, and his two daughters curled up fast asleep on either side of her. The three looked so peaceful that Edgar almost didn’t have the heart to disturb them, but realising he needed to get the two girls into their beds, he walked over and collected Marcia up in his arms.

The little girl barely stirred as he carried her from the room and took her into her own, tucking her up tightly in her bed and turning out the light. He did the same for Thea, and once he was sure that both girls were still sleeping soundly, he made his way back to Evadne’s room, a blanket in his arms, which he lay over her where she slept in order to keep her warm. Fighting the impulse he felt to reach out and stroke her hair, he stood beside the bed, watching her sleeping face for a few moments, smiling as he thought how peaceful and beautiful she looked.

With a sigh, he whispered goodnight to her under his breath, and turning to leave the room, he was startled by the sight of Amelia stood in the doorway watching him. He jumped, only just managing to suppress a yell of surprise, and walking over to her, he exited the room, closing the door quietly behind him, and turned to face her in the corridor.

“Goodness you startled me then! I very nearly yelled my head off!”

Amelia gave a weary chuckle. “Sorry. I thought you knew that I was there.” Then, as Edgar shook his head, she smiled and clutched his arm. “Edgar, I think I’m just going to head straight to bed, okay? I’m pretty exhausted after the journey and everything that’s gone on.”

Edgar nodded, giving her a concerned look. “Okay. Do you have everything you need?”

“I think so.”

“Alright, well, call me if you need anything in the night. You know where I am.”

“Thanks, I will. Well, goodnight then.” She squeezed his arm and inclined her head towards Evadne’s closed door. “And Edgar, don’t give up on her, okay? She’s worth the wait.”

Reddening slightly, Edgar stared at his stepmother in silence for a moment, then smiling, he bent down to kiss her on the cheek. “Goodnight Amelia, sleep well.” He watched her as she walked slowly down the corridor towards her room, and then turning, he made his way back down the stairs to lock up before retiring to bed himself.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:19 am; edited 2 times in total

 

#562:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 8:08 pm

Josie that was lovely, but sad news about Amelia's coming isn't it? Crying or Very sad

 

#563:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 9:18 pm

More beatiful posts! Thank you Jo!!!

 

#564:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 9:41 pm

I really would like Amelia to know they will be together. Even if it's just a hint? She's so nice and deserves that comfort. Please? *carrots for good bunnies*

 

#565:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 9:46 pm

Thanks Jo. Poor Amelia! Crying or Very sad

 

#566:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:39 pm

Crying or Very sad Oh damn EBD killing people off! Lovely post Josie!

 

#567:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 11:46 pm

Confused Confused Confused Confused Confused I guess that's good news about Evvy... she's not as blind as we thought... but I don't like the fact that she's trying to suppress her feelings (poor lass!). Please Josie, let her be brave, she deserves to be happy Kiss

 

#568:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 11:57 pm

I've just caught up on this (all 29 pages, plus some that had been archived - it's been a marathon session!) and Evvy and Edgar STILL haven't got together! Shocked It's fantastic Josie, absolutely rivetting and I'm sorry I fell so far behind.

 

#569:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 1:29 am

Poor Evvy but I can sympathise with the way she feels. Hope it is not too long before her heart wins.

 

#570:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 3:37 am

Yay! Despite her head being tougher than her heart at the moment, Evvy's finally got to the right understanding! Now...

 

#571:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 4:07 am

I do love the way this is going! Except for Amelia's health, that is. Crying or Very sad Hope she lives to see their engagement. (Wouldn't mind a remission long enough to perpetrate an EBDism, either.)

 

#572:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 4:59 am

Good thing Evvy got to pack her own bag this time. Hope she comes to her common-or-garden-senses soon. Wibbling about Amelia

 

#573:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:16 am

*Sends hugs to Evvy and hopes she can discover she can love freely again* *Gets in supply of tissues as I have a premonition they're going to be needed very soon* Thanks Jo Liz

 

#574:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:55 am

Well, I caught up with this with some trepidation - not wanting to become eve more emotional after reading JOW!! Wink Thanks goodness you've not written Amelia's demise yet - I'm not sure I would have been ready for it! Josie -superb I love the way E&E's relationship continues to develop and how you're allowing Evvy to slowly realise that "he's the one" Loved the camping Laughing (and still sniggering at a llama eating one of patmac's hair ribbons!!!) megaphone EVVY!!! FOLLOW YOUR HEART, GIRL!!!

 

#575:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 11:37 am

LizB wrote:
Liz *wonders idly if Jo will ever tell us Elsie & Paul's story*

I will indeed, but it may be a little while yet.

“You promise you’ll tell Daddy?”

“Yes, Marcia, I promise I’ll tell Daddy if you promise me you’ll go to sleep!”

“Okay then, ‘night Auntie Evvy.”

“Night sweetie, sleep tight,” and withdrawing from the room, she turned off the light, gently closed the bedroom door and turned to make her way downstairs.

She had been staying down in Wiltshire now for almost a month, ever since Amelia’s overnight hospital stay in London. The consultant had told Amelia that though she may still have several months, even a year, to live, her heart had weakened considerably, and if she was to prolong her life then she needed to avoid any unnecessary strain. This included the looking after of two active young children, three in the school holidays, and Edgar had put his foot down, much to Amelia’s distress, and insisted that he would be hiring a nanny to help out. On hearing his decision, Evadne had nagged and argued with him until he had finally agreed that she should move down to help instead, at least in the short-term. She was due to head to the U.S. with her father towards the end of November to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with the van Aldens and it had been agreed that she would stay with the Watsons until then. So she had travelled up to London for one day, four weeks ago, to pack up some suitcases and arrange with her father for the house to be locked up for the next two months, and had driven back down again that evening and been at Whitlingford Hall ever since.

Relieved of some of the stresses of her everyday life, Amelia had rallied a little, regaining a modicum of her old spark and joie de vivre. Indeed, it was Edgar who was presently giving Evadne more cause for concern. He found that looking after a terminally ill person again, watching them deteriorate, was triggering all sorts of memories for him, and as time went on it became clear that he was struggling to cope. He was withdrawing into himself somewhat, refusing all Evvy’s attempts to get him to talk about it. For the past couple of days she had seen his feelings bubbling just below the surface, and tonight, under Marcia’s endless stream of questions as to what was wrong with Granny, he had finally cracked and snapped at his daughter to shut up. He had apologised immediately, and given the little girl a hug and kiss goodnight, but had then turned on his heel and left the room, leaving Evvy to finish putting her to bed.

Now, as she descended the staircase to find him, she was wishing that she were able to postpone her trip. She was leaving tomorrow morning to fly to Boston, and her offers to stay having fallen on deaf ears, she had instead arranged with Mrs. Furlong, the vicar’s wife, to come in each day and help with the children until she got back to England, and a nurse had been engaged to look after Amelia if needs be. But she hated the idea of leaving Edgar alone to cope.

Opening the door to the front room, she saw him sitting in one of the large chairs, his face buried in his hands. He looked up as she came into the room, and though he forced a smile onto his face, she could see that his eyes were unusually bright.

“Is Marcia okay?”

Smiling as she shut the door, Evvy nodded her head. “Yes, she’s finally agreed to go to sleep. I told her you were grumpy ‘cause you were tired, just as she gets, and she said I was to tell you to make sure you had an early night.” She was gratified to see a smile flicker across his face. “Thea’s already asleep. How’re you holding up?”

His face clouded over again. “Not so good to be honest,” he gave a hollow laugh, “I’m not sure I can go through all this again, Evvy, the whole-long term illness thing. I’m not sure if I can cope. I desperately want to support Amelia and the children, to answer all their questions, but I can barely support myself. I’m so worried I’m going to crack,” his voice choked as he spoke, and he returned his face to his hands.

Walking over to the chair, Evadne crouched down in front of him, taking one of his hands in her own. “That’s what I’m here for, Edgar. You support Amelia and the kids, and I’ll support you.”

Lifting his face to look at her, he hastily brushed away a tear that was threatening to fall, and taking hold of her elbow, he pulled her up and into his lap. Evvy wrapped her arms around his neck as he buried his face in her shoulder, and she stroked his hair as he clung to her, drawing strength from her, trying hard to regain control of his emotions.

After several minutes he finally managed to pull himself together, and lifting his head, he leant back in the chair, pulling her to him, her arms still wrapped around his neck. Resting their heads together they sat like that in silence for a long while, Edgar’s hand gently twisting the fair curls at the nape of her neck. Eventually he turned his head around and kissed her on the cheek.

“Thank you so much for everything, Evvy, for being here in the past few weeks, for all you’ve done. I don’t think I could have coped without you you’ve been a rock.”

Lifting her head, she shifted position slightly so she could look him in the face. “You don’t need to thank me, Edgar, that’s what friends are for.” Lifting her hand, she ran it through his thick, dark-blonde hair and gave him a smile. “And listen, I know I’m going tomorrow, but I’m here for you whenever you need me, wherever I happen to be, okay? If you need me before Christmas, call me, I will come back for you, I promise.”

Edgar just stared at her, and lifting his hand to her face, he gently stroked her cheek. They were gazing deep into each other’s eyes, and Evadne could feel her heart pounding in her chest as he softly brushed away a lock of hair from her face. Then cupping the side of her face with his hand, he gently drew her towards him for a kiss.

Their lips had barely touched when Evvy suddenly baulked, and pulling away from him and out of his arms, she stood up, looking at him, her hand over her mouth and a distressed look on her face.

“I’m sorry, Edgar, I can’t do this. It’s not right.”

Edgar stared up at her, utterly bewildered. “I don’t understand. What do you mean it’s not right?”

“It’s just…I can’t, Edgar, I just can’t,” her voice was shaking now as she tried hard to hold back her tears. “You’re my best friend, I need you, I can’t risk that. It would never work.”

“Why?”

“It just wouldn’t, I don’t know why! But I’d hurt you, and lose you, and I can’t do that.” More tears welled up in her eyes as she saw the mixture of shock, hurt and confusion on his face, and hating herself for causing him this pain, she said, “I have to go pack,” and turning on her heel, she left the room.

Running across the entrance hall and up the stairs, she went to her bedroom, closed the door, flung herself face down on her bed and began to cry. She was absolutely furious with herself. Why did she do that? How could she be so stupid, to jeopardize everything like that? What had she been thinking? It was never going to go anywhere, she knew that, and now she’d risked losing his friendship as well. It was a long time before exhaustion got the better of her, and she finally dropped off to sleep.


Just after breakfast the next morning, Evadne left to go to the airport. Both Evvy and Edgar had done their best to keep the atmosphere at the meal table as light as possible for the sake of the girls, but it had not escaped Amelia’s notice that something was wrong. Once the children had said their goodbyes to their brevet aunt, she hurried them back inside, telling them that the schoolroom had to be tidied before Mrs. Furlong arrived, leaving Edgar and Evvy to say their goodbyes alone.

“So, we’ll see you just after Christmas then, around the 29th. If you still want to come back that is?”

“Of course I do!” Evvy looked up at his face, seeing the hurt in his eyes, and feeling sick at the knowledge that it was her who had caused it.

“Okay, well, have a safe flight and a nice time with your friends, and send my regards to your father. Oh, and Merry Christmas,” and bending his head, he gave her an awkward peck on the cheek.

He refused to look her in the eyes, and feeling that she couldn’t leave things like this, Evadne grabbed his hand as he turned to head back towards the house.

“Edgar, I’m sorry.”

He stopped with his back to her and took a deep breath, before slowly turning round to face her. “Just tell me why, Evvy.”

Closing her eyes, she bit her bottom lip to get a hold on herself before she spoke. “ Please try and understand, it’s because I can’t risk losing you that it can’t happen, not just now. You mean too much to me, Edgar. Am I making sense?” He nodded, not really understanding at all. “I’m still here for you, please remember that I’m still the same friend I was before.”

Edgar looked down at his feet as he tried to take in what she had just said. He still didn’t understand what had happened the previous evening, and was angry with her for her reaction and with himself for revealing his feelings, for pushing things when she wasn’t ready. He had not slept a wink the previous night, thinking that he had blown things for good. But one phrase she had just said gave him a glimmer of hope. The words ‘not just now’ meant that maybe, just maybe, things were not completely lost. Lifting his head, he saw her looking anxiously at him, waiting for a reaction, and his heart melted a little. He still loved her, she was still his best friend, and he was going to do his best not to let that go.

Reaching out, he pulled her towards him and wrapped his arms around her in a hug. “I know you are, Evvy.” He paused for a moment as she hugged him back, then he bent to kiss the top of her head. “I’ll see you in a few weeks, okay. Go and have a good time.”

Pulling back her head, she swallowed hard to clear the lump in her throat, and reaching up, she pecked him on the cheek. “Merry Christmas, Edgar. I’ll see you soon,” and releasing herself from his grip she turned, climbed into her car, started the engine and drove away. Edgar watched her go until he could no longer see her car, and then turned and walked back towards the house, his heavy heart lightened just a little.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:23 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#576:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 11:44 am

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhh! *Speechless* bawling Your writing is perfect, Josie, and I've no doubt that it's exactly how it happened - but it's so hard to handle!

 

#577:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 12:08 pm

EVVYYYYYYY! You fool!!! want to shake her, but realise that she is rather fragile at the moment, so am contenting myself with a vicious finger wagging! it is just very lucky that edgar is such a sweetie. thanks jo, loads of lovely updates over the weekend. maybe corney can talk some sense into her over christmas? Smile

 

#578:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 12:37 pm

Richard is Mike's brother isn't he? Maybe he will tell her or Corney that he thinks that she is really in love with Edgar and help her resolve things.

Last edited by keren on Mon Feb 21, 2005 12:44 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#579:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 12:44 pm

Silly Evvy!! and poor Edgar, it must be so hard to watch Amelia go too. Thankfully Evvy is off to see Corney, who no doubt will tell her some things plainly!!

 

#580:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 12:47 pm

Evvy is such a silly billy! Rolling Eyes

 

#581:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 12:58 pm

I don't think Evvy is being silly. I think she is a more complex person than appears on the surface and also very lonely.She's really enjoying her friendship with Edgar and the family life she's experiencing which she has never had before and is scared of committing too deeply in case she gets hurt again - in a way just as Edgar is finding it difficult to cope with Amelia's illness because he's been there before.((((hugs)))) them all. They are so real.

 

#582:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 1:00 pm

Poor Evvy, she doesn't know her own heart because she's afraid to, in case she loses someone else she loves.

 

#583:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 1:46 pm

:crying: *kicks self for being stupid enough to read this in the office and now hoping nobody asks me what's wrong* Thanks Josie - although sad that was lovely - I'm so glad Evvy gave Edgar some hope and maybe the time apart will help her to see that some risks are worth taking. Liz

 

#584:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 1:56 pm

Catherine_B wrote:
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhh! *Speechless* bawling Your writing is perfect, Josie, and I've no doubt that it's exactly how it happened - but it's so hard to handle!
Ditto

 

#585:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 2:09 pm

Thank you Jo!!! *hugs Evvy and Edgar and Amelia!*

 

#586:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 3:01 pm

Poor Evvy! I can just see this happening. They must both feel so awful she afraid to commit again in case she loses him and he having to go through long term illness again. Hope nothing happens to Amelia whilst Evvy is away. Also that whilst they are apart Evvy realises that being away from Edgar is the worst thing that could happen yo her.

 

#587:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 6:13 pm

Small confession on my part - have been informed that Corney's first daughter was called Terry, so have changed the name accordingly in the last post she appeared in! Embarassed

Sitting at the kitchen table, Evadne looked on as her friend took her daughter’s mug from her hands, wiped her mouth and then opened the door, calling for her husband to come and fetch his child. Evvy and her father had arrived two days previously at the van Alden’s new home, in the Boston suburb of Everett, and were greeted with a surprise Cornelia was six months pregnant. Now, as Mike came into the room, collecting two-year old Terry up in his arms and kissing his wife affectionately on the nose before leaving again, Evadne watched as Corney shut the door and made her way back over to the table.

“I still can’t believe you didn’t tell me!”

“I told you, I wanted it to be a surprise! It’s so much more fun telling you in person, then I get to see the look on your face and boy, was it some look!” Corney chuckled as she pulled out a chair and sat down. “Why are you grinning at me like an idiot?” she asked suspiciously, as she saw the wide smile on her friend’s face.

Evadne laughed. “I love seeing you with a bump, that’s all! I missed it last time. You suit it,” she added, as Cornelia rolled her eyes.

“You mean fat and bloated? It’s a special time, believe me.” “You're not fat and bloated at all! You look glowing and blooming and beautiful, just as you should.”

Cornelia stared at her for a second, and then gave a wry chuckle. “Well, beautiful’s one thing I’ll never be,” she said with a philosophical air, “I leave that kind of thing to you.”

Evvy grimaced at her. “That’s absolute tosh! Apart from anything else, I’ve always thought you have the most stunning eyes I’ve ever seen, even more so than Joey, and I’ll bet my bottom dollar that Mike thinks you’re the most beautiful woman in the world.”

Corney laughed. “Yes, but he’s biased! I mean, I think he’s the handsomest man on the planet, and let’s face it, though he’s hardly ugly he’s no Clark Gable!”

“Oh rot!” Evvy joined in her friend’s laughter, “Mike’s handsome because he’s ‘Mike’ and you know it, in the same way you’re beautiful because you’re you. And,” she added, her mind wondering a little, “who knows why we fall in love with who we do not just looks, that’s for sure!”

“That’s true enough!” Cornelia paused, giving her friend a thoughtful look, then getting up out of her seat, she went to the cupboard, took out two glasses and filled them water. Returning to the table, she set one down in front of Evadne, and sat down, taking a sip of her own before she continued. “Talking of which, what’s this I hear about Edgar?”

Evvy turned bright red. “What do you mean? You know about Edgar, he’s my friend, I’ve told you about him plenty of times in my letters.”

She was talking a little too quickly and defensively, and Corney grinned, raising an eyebrow, and took another sip of her drink. “Just your friend? Really? Funny, that’s not what I heard.”

“What have you heard?” Evadne asked indignantly.

“Well, I saw Cassie a couple of months ago…”

“Yes, well Cassie’s talking rot!”

“…and Richard…”

“Richard?”

“Yes, Richard.” Evadne looked totally bemused by this, and Cornelia smiled, “He told us all about him coming to London by the way. Mike was not impressed. Told him he had no right to put you in that position.”

“He didn’t do anything wrong, Corney, it was my problem. He was a perfect gentleman.” She had a sudden thought, “Is that why he’s not here? Because of me?”

Corney shook her head. “Not in the slightest, don’t worry. He’s actually got a new girlfriend, and her family have invited him to go to them for Thanksgiving. He has to be back at work again almost right away and they live in L.A. so it makes sense. You’ll see him at Christmas, for he’s coming to us then. Anyhow,” she returned to the original topic, “he told me about you and Edgar.”

“What about me and Edgar? He only met him for one night, and even then only for a couple of hours.”

“Well, apparently that was long enough to see how you felt about him.” Then as she saw Evvy’s face fall and her eyes drop to the table, her voice became softer as she asked, “What’s happened Evvy? What’s wrong?”

Looking up at her friend’s face, seeing the concern in her eyes, Evadne blurted out everything how her feelings had been building, how she’d realised on the holiday, the decisions she’d come to and finally what had happened a few nights previously. As she finished, she looked back down at the table. “But it can’t happen, Corney.”

“Whyever not?”

“Because it’ll never be the same, that’s why!” Lifting her head again, she looked at Cornelia with tears in her eyes. “It won’t be true love, you only have that once.”

Corney looked at her incredulously. “What complete and utter rot! Stop being so stupid!” Her matter-of-fact tones had the desired effect of stemming Evvy’s emotions, and as that lady stared at her in shock, Cornelia softened her voice again. “Of course it won’t be the same, Evvy, but it could be just as good, maybe even better, and it could certainly be true love. Just go with where it wants to go, don’t let stupid worries about things that may never happen get in the way of it.”

"It’s not that easy, Corney, I…”

“D’you know what, Evvy? It is that easy.” She sat back in her chair and fixed Evadne with a stern glare. “I reckon you’re making excuses. You really like him, in fact you’re probably in love with him, even if you don’t know it, and you’re scared. Scared of opening your heart to anyone in case it gets broken again.” She watched as tears began to fall from Evvy’s eyes, and reaching forward, she put a hand over the slender one resting on the table. “Don’t do it to yourself, Evvy, don’t be afraid to be happy.” She waved her free hand around her, stopping at a picture of her family that stood on the dresser, “You see all this? I wouldn’t give it up for the world. It’s brought me happiness I never thought possible. But that’ll never happen for you unless you take a chance.”

Evadne lifted her eyes to look into her friend’s. “But what if it all goes wrong, Corney? What if I ruin the friendship? If I lose him?”

“You’ve already crossed that line, Evvy. Your friendship changed the minute you almost kissed. You both let slip you wanted something more.” She paused for a minute and leant back in her chair again, letting go of Evvy’s hand. “Just answer me something, okay? Has there been one day – no, scrap that – one hour since you’ve been here that you’ve not thought about him?” Evadne stared at her for a moment, then shook her head. “And is not being with him making you happy?” She shook her head again. “Then you need to go sort it, Evvy, the minute you get back,” and with that she fell silent, letting Evadne take in what had just been said.

After a minute, Evvy raised her eyes from her lap. “Thanks, Corney.”

Cornelia smiled. “Well, you’re welcome. Now just make sure you actually pay some attention to what I said!”

Evadne returned her smile. “When did you get so wise, anyhow?”

“I have absolutely no idea! Frankly, I think I’ve just scared myself a little!” Evvy laughed and Corney drained her glass, slamming it down on the table. “Right-o, let’s go join the others shall we?” and as Evvy got to her feet, she held out her hand. “Pull me up, will you? I’m feeling too lazy to make the effort myself!”

Evadne pulled her to her feet, and glared at her with mock severity. “I hope that just ‘cause you’re pregnant, you’re not expecting to be waited on?”

“In this house? You’re kidding me, right? Mike’ll have me fetching and carrying for him ‘til the day it arrives!” and with that patent untruth, she slipped her hand through her friend’s arm and they left the kitchen in search of the man himself.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:27 am; edited 6 times in total

 

#588:  Author: Felix, Location: Bristol PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 6:17 pm

I read half of the one where they almost kissed at work, but then the phone rang and after that it was time to go home and I thought they were going to finally get together! Very Happy Then I got home and read the end. Crying or Very sad Poor Edgar. I want to take him home, look after him and give him lots of hugs. Not sure my husband would appreciate that though. Poor Evvy too and poor Amelia - so sad. I am so glad though now I have read the next bit, that Corney is talking some sense into Evvy. Hooray. Is there light at the end of the tunnel?

Last edited by Felix on Mon Feb 21, 2005 6:25 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#589:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 6:22 pm

You are too nice, two posts in one day (or were there 3?). I thought Richard might have had a part to play in this.

 

#590:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 6:49 pm

Awwww,that was so lovely - and how right that Corney be the one to talk some sense into her! Laughing

 

#591:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 6:52 pm

Yay for Corney and her straight-speaking Thanks Jo Liz

 

#592:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:41 pm

Corney's the best! Very Happy

 

#593:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:44 pm

Corney's fab. Thanks Jo.

 

#594:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 10:14 pm

I love to see that friendship so strong Razz Here's hoping Evvy will think that through and take it on board. *cross fingered smiley*

 

#595:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 10:47 pm

Thanks Jo, that was lovely. *giggles at Corney's last sentence* JackieJ

 

#596:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 10:55 pm

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! Cheers for Corney's good advice, and I'm looking forward to a happy reunion soooon!

 

#597:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 11:09 pm

yay! I love Corney!!!! and Evvy - it really is that simple, just do it!

 

#598:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:12 am

Go Corney! I just hope Evvy follows her advice!

 

#599:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:53 am

Thanks Josie , that was classic Evvy and Corney. Hope Evvy takes in all Corney said and at least she is in America for a while so she has time to get used to the idea before seeing Edgar again.

 

#600:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 4:36 am

Evvy's fears seem perfectly natural to me -- but yay for Corney, helping put them to rest. Very Happy *hopes for a Merry Christmas for all* After all, they have a month to work things out. (and Amelia can make it that long, surely... Confused )

 

#601:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:42 am

echoes the yays for Corney! Glad she is so well and happy. thanks Jo - i love their friendship - so good to see them together. Very Happy Very Happy

 

#602:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:55 am

I love Corney's straight-talking - just what Evy needed!! And about time too ... Goody -goody - looking forward to Evvy getting back to Edgar .... Thanks Josie!

 

#603:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 11:26 am

Hooray for Corney!!! This is wonderful - am really quite glad I got to read all of that in one go though! Thank you Jo!

 

#604:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:36 pm

“Auntie Evvvyyyyyyy.”

Evadne looked up as she shut her car door, just in time to see Marcia come running across the forecourt and holding her arms out, she collected the little girl to her, picking her up and kissing her on the forehead, before lowering her back to the ground.

“Ouuf, you’re getting too big for me to do that any more!”

Marcia grinned up at her. “I’m six and three quarters now!”

“Are you indeed? That makes you practically a grown-up!”

“I know! I’ll be seven soon!”

Evadne smiled. “So, did you have a good Christmas?”

“Yes, was good,” the blonde curls bobbed as she nodded her head vigorously, “but not as good as if you’d been here. Thank you for my dolly, she was my bestest present!”

“Well, you’re very welcome, sweetie. I’m glad you liked her. What have you called her?”

“Polly.”

“That’s a pretty name.” She took Marcia’s hand, and they began to walk towards the front steps. “Why Polly?”

Marcia looked up at her in exasperation. “'Cause it rhymes with dolly, of course!”

“Of course! Silly me!” Trying not to laugh as Marcia shook her head in despair, Evvy suddenly realised that nobody else had appeared from the house. “So, where is everyone?”

“Granny’s having a rest, and Daddy’s upstairs with Thea 'cause she shut her fingers in the door and they hurt, so he’s making them better, and Ned’s gone to London to stay with Harry and is coming back this afternoon and Millicent Mary’s in the front room,” she paused to take a breath and they walked into the entrance hall, shutting the front door behind them. “Millicent Mary can walk now!”

Evadne was a little bemused by the final statement. “Can she?”

“Yes, Daddy put her on a board with some wheels so now we can take her for walks. She’s been outside and everything!”

Evvy laughed. “What a great idea! You’ll have to show me later. Shall we go find Daddy and Thea then?” Marcia nodded, and still chattering, she led the way up the stairs to the nursery.

The room’s occupants looked up as they entered, and Thea jumped off the chair on which she was sitting, almost overturning her father who was crouched in front of her winding up a bandage, a length of which he had used to bind his daughter’s damaged fingers. Running over to Evvy, she threw her arms around her waist, and Evvy smiled and crouched down, stroking the dark bobbed hair and looking at the tearstained face.

“Did you hurt yourself, Thea?”

Thea nodded. “I hurt my fingers in the door, but Daddy made them better.”

Evvy glanced up at Edgar, who gave her a smile. Turning back to Thea, she took her handbag off her shoulder. “Tell you what I have some candy in here, all the way from America, that might make you feel even better. Would you like some?” Thea nodded, and reaching into her bag, Evadne pulled out a brown paper bag and handed it over. “Here you go. How about you and Marcia take it down to the front room and investigate what’s inside,” and she laughed as Thea grabbed the bag out of her hand, and with a quick thank you, the two girls ran out of the room.

Standing up, she turned to face Edgar, and they looked at each other awkwardly for a moment, neither quite sure what to say. Eventually Evvy broke the silence.

“How’s Amelia?”

“A bit better, actually. She’s been less tired, able to get up and about and do things. And she’s insisting on staying up tomorrow night. Says it’ll be the last New Year she’ll see and she wants to enjoy it.”

He gave her a sad smile, and they lapsed into silence again, both staring down at the carpet. Then looking up, they began to talk at the same time.

“Evvy, I…” “Edgar…”

They stared at each other for a second then both started to laugh. Chuckling, Evadne looked up at him. “This is stupid. Go on, you first.”

Edgar looked into her eyes, then smiled. “Evvy, I’m so sorry. I had no right to try and kiss you like that, to expect you to let me. I knew you weren’t ready, it wasn’t fair.”

Evadne shook her head. “Don’t think like that, Edgar, please. It was my fault, not yours. I didn’t know what I was or wasn’t ready for. I should never have run off like I did.” She stopped and swallowed hard before continuing, “I never meant to hurt you. I’d never want to do that.”

They’d been holding each other’s gaze as they spoke, and now Edgar reached out a hand and gently touched the side of her face. “I’ve missed you, you know.”

“I’ve missed you too.”

Edgar stared at her for a moment, then taking her arm, he pulled her towards him and into a hug and they stood in silence for several minutes, their arms around each other. Eventually Edgar looked down at her, his hand stroking her hair. “So, where does this leave us?”

Pulling her head back, Evvy looked up at his face. “I’m not sure. How about we start back as we were before that night, and just see where we end up?” She smiled up at him as he nodded his head in agreement. “The most important thing is I don’t want to lose what we already have, this friendship. It’s the best thing in my life right now, it keeps me going.”

Edgar returned her smile, and bent his head to kiss her gently on the forehead. “I agree.” Then releasing her, he said in much brisker tones, “Right, I suppose we should go and find out how much damage my children have done to your bag of sweets. Have you seen Millicent Mary’s new addition, by the way?”

Evvy laughed. “No, but I’ve heard all about it.”

“Well, in that case I think it’s about time she went out for a walk! Come along!” and with Evvy still laughing, he took her hand and led her out of the room.


(Next posted added on as has gone missing in move again!)

“Do you think we should help him out yet?”

Amelia turned to Evadne with a stern look on her face. “Absolutely not! He’s a big boy, he can looks after himself! Besides,” she added, her face breaking into a mischievous grin, “it’s far too funny to put a stop to!”

It was New Years Eve, and Edgar’s party was in full swing. He had decided to invite everybody in the village to his house, and most people had accepted with pleasure, including Mrs. Symington, a wealthy widow of indeterminate age who had taken quite a shine to her host and was pursuing him with a vim which could only be admired. Despite his pleading looks, Amelia and Evadne were doing nothing to help, preferring to stand at the side and laugh.

Now Evvy returned her friend’s grin. “Still at least he’s found someone to kiss him at midnight!”

Amelia gave her a sideways glance. “Yes, I suppose he has.” Before she could say anything else, Ned and Harry appeared to drag her off to join their game of charades, and Evadne watched her go, thinking how good it was to see her spirits back again.

“You, come with me, now!” Feeling someone grab her hand, she turned to see Edgar next to her with a desperate look on his face, and laughing, she let him drag her out of the room and into the summer room next door, where he unlocked the patio doors and ushered her outside. A blast of icy air hit her, and as the snow crunched under her feet she wrapped her arms around her chest and shivered.

“What are we doing out here? It’s freezing!”

“Precisely! That means this is the one place dear old Mrs. Symington is unlikely to venture. She’ll be afraid she might turn into an ice sculpture!”

“So might I!”

“Well come here then, let me keep you warm,” and reaching out, he pulled her towards him and wrapped his arms around her, rubbing his hands up and down her back in an effort to warm her up. “I hope you and Amelia realise just how much trouble you’re in! Couldn’t you see my desperate pleas for help?”

Evadne laughed. “Yes, of course we could, but it was so much more fun watching you try and fight her off! She’s very keen I must say! She’ll miss you at midnight, you know,” she added with a twinkle in her eye.

Edgar looked at her for a second, then lifting his hand, he checked his watch. “Speaking of which, we have precisely two and a half minutes to make our three wishes. You first.”

“Okay.” Evvy screwed her face up in thought. “I wish for at least one huge bunch of flowers, for someone to teach me how to park properly, and for a rich and handsome man to come and sweep me off my feet! You?”

Edgar grinned. “I wish for someone to teach you how to park properly so that my flowerbeds last a bit longer, for keys that I can never lose, and…,” he paused for a second, and swallowed hard, looking down into her eyes. Should he take the chance?

“Yes? Hurry, you’ve only about thirty seconds left.”

Taking a deep breath, he continued, “I wish that this time you won’t mind if I kiss you.”

Staring back up into his eyes, Evadne could hear the countdown begin from inside the house, and as she gazed at him, Corney’s words rang in her head; ‘just go with where it wants to go’. It seemed an eternity before the countdown reached zero. As cheers finally rang out indicating that 1953 had begun, she swallowed hard and smiled.

“This time I won’t mind if you kiss me.”

Edgar’s hand was shaking as he lifted it to her face, slowly tilting her chin upwards. Then lowering his head, he gently kissed her on the lips. Pulling back, he moved his hand to tuck her hair behind her ear, and as he stared deep into her eyes, Evadne thought her heart was about to melt. Leaning down, he kissed her again, properly this time, and as she wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed him back, Evvy felt like nothing else mattered in the world except this kiss at this moment.

When they finally broke apart, Edgar hugged her to him, and resting her head on his chest she realised how right it seemed, how safe she felt stood in his arms. Smiling, she snuggled closer and said, “Suddenly I don’t feel so alone at New Year any more.”

Edgar tightened his hold on her and bent his head to kiss the top of hers. “You’re not alone anywhere any more.”

They stood there for a little while in silence, both just soaking up the moment, and then Edgar pulled back and looked down at her with a grin. “I suppose we should probably head in before we’re missed and Mrs. S comes out in search of me! Plus the kids will be looking for us by now.”

Evadne laughed. “I guess you’re right,” then looking into his eyes, her voice softened, “Happy New Year, Edgar.”

Edgar smiled. “Happy New Year, Evvy.” Bending his head, he kissed her again, then taking her hand, he led her in through the french doors and back to the party.


From the other side of the patio, Amelia watched them go. She had come to get some fresh air herself, and had been about to open the doors leading out of the dining room when she had seen them stood in each others arms and stopped, not wanting to intrude. Now as she saw them step back through the open doors, closing them behind them, laughing as they disappeared behind the long curtains, she smiled to herself and turned to go and wish them Happy New Year.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:35 am; edited 3 times in total

 

#605:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:42 pm

Mmmm Smile That was just lovely. For once no stress or strain, a nice gradual progression to what will hopefully be blissful happiness in the end! Thank you Josie! Kiss

 

#606:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:53 pm

Agreeing with Cathy!! Thank you Jo. Lovely!

 

#607:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:54 pm

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee New Years approaches *dances happily* *is sad about Amelia* *luffs Corney* Thanks Jo Very Happy

 

#608:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 1:16 pm

Glad things are back to normal for them!

 

#609:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 1:20 pm

They really are a lovely couple. Thank you.

 

#610:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 2:16 pm

I want MORE! Please ...

 

#611:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 2:25 pm

Rachael wrote:
I want MORE! Please ...
Oh the joy of being able to gloat to Rachael ROFL Mexican Wave

 

#612:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 2:36 pm

Awwww, yay, lovely. I'd like more too, peas but not til later cos I have to go to silly Frog now, but that's just set me up lovely for surviving it. Thank you Jo Kiss

 

#613:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 3:52 pm

Awwww, that was completely perfect, Josie - I've gone all spine-tingly ... *heart melting* *blows raspberry to Kathye - I've still seen more JOW than you, madam!!! Wink * More of the same please! Very Happy *greedy*

 

#614:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 4:08 pm

Thank you Josie, that was just perfect.

 

#615:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 4:10 pm

Aww thank you Jo that was perfect!

 

#616:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 4:15 pm

Yes! Mr. Green

 

#617:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 4:25 pm

Rachael wrote:
*blows raspberry to Kathye - I've still seen more JOW than you, madam!!! Wink *
and I've seen more of ASC than you.... Though shouldnt that be JaOW ??? Confused

 

#618:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 5:10 pm

Technically - yes Rolling Eyes But it's easier to refer to as JOW

 

#619:  Author: Felix, Location: Bristol PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 5:13 pm

There were butterflies fluttering madly inside my tummy when I read that! It was so sweet.

 

#620:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 5:15 pm

now now girls, your squabbling is threatening to ruin my warm tingly feeling... that was so beautifully done Jo, thank you so much.

 

#621:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 5:31 pm

That was lovely Josie!

 

#622:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 6:00 pm

Quote:
he moved his hand to tuck her hair behind her ear,
That was sooooo real. It sent goosebumps down my spine! It seemed to mean more than any kiss. I'm so glad Amelia was witness to what is going on. She really deserves the reward of seeing her nearest and dearest happy. That was so real. Thank you.

 

#623:  Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 6:03 pm

Josie, this has been one of the BEST and most looked-forward-to kisses I've ever read. It's an absolutely fantastic story, you have really, really, really done justice to this relationship. Thank you Smile Ray *very eager for more*

 

#624:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 6:18 pm

*searches desperately for hankie* Jo that was so lovely - thank you Liz

 

#625:  Author: Rebecca, Location: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 7:08 pm

That was so right, thank you Jo!

 

#626:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 8:07 pm

Jo, I have one word! - PERFECT!!!! Thank you hunny!

 

#627:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 8:27 pm

They have finally got there. Now I hope all goes smoothly.

 

#628:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 8:38 pm

Beautiful Josie - sublime. Thank you.

 

#629:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 8:43 pm

That was beautiful. Thank you Josie. Very Happy

 

#630:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:19 pm

Thanks Jo, that was lovely. JackieJ

 

#631:  Author: Matthew, Location: Birmingham, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:34 pm

That was lovely, just how I'd dream such a moment would happen.

 

#632:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 3:45 am

So romantic. All goey and mushy. (how long till they have a fight and are estranged for months)

 

#633:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 4:50 am

Awww that was truly beautiful Josie - and as someone else already said, lovely that Amelia saw...

 

#634:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:04 am

Am I being paranoid to think it's not all smooth sailing from here - for some reason Tamara just popped into my head! Liz

 

#635:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 11:11 am

Vikki wrote:
Jo, I have one word! - PERFECT!!!! Thank you hunny!
^^ What Vikki said! *trying VAIR hard not to cry happy tears (only not doing so cos I'm in the lab... ))* Thank you Jo Very HappyVery HappyVery HappyVery HappyVery Happy

 

#636:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 1:27 pm

Perfect. I'm all gooey now. They'e so lovely together and I'm so glad they've got each other. Thank you Josie!

 

#637:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 4:02 pm

Well done Liz!

Thanks to Kathye for beta'ing this one! Very Happy

It was two weeks into the New Year, and Edgar was on his way to collect Evadne for their first date. She had left Whitlingford Hall on New Year’s Day, travelling up to London and then on to Paris for a week, and this was the first time Edgar had seen her since then. There had been no big discussion about their kiss on New Year’s Eve, no big analysis of where they were going, both of them preferring, after everything that had happened, to just let the relationship take it’s natural course. But the one thing that Edgar had insisted on was doing things properly, and as soon as she was back in England, he had asked her out on a date.

As the taxi turned into Pitt Street and pulled up outside number fourteen, Edgar could not believe how nervous he felt. Opening the taxi door, he quickly spoke to the driver, and then made his way up the steps to the front door and rang the bell. He stared back up the street as he waited, whistling, trying to calm the butterflies in his stomach, and then as the door opened and he turned back to face her, his nerves evaporated on the spot. Nervous herself, she had spent the last three hours getting ready, making sure everything was as perfect as possible, and now, as she gazed up at him with a shy smile, the look on his face told her it had been worth every minute.

“You…you look beautiful!”

“Don’t sound so surprised!”

“Oh…no…Evvy, I didn’t mean…,” then seeing the mischievous grin on her face he grimaced, “Ha ha, very funny.” She laughed, and smiling, he bent down to kiss her on the cheek. “You really do look beautiful, you know.”

“Thank you.” She returned his smile with another shy one of her own, and Edgar reached down and took hold of her hand.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes, let’s.” She turned to lock the door, then slipping her hand back into his, she let him lead her down to the waiting car.

The evening began as perfectly as Edgar had hoped that it would. He had booked them one of the circular booths at Oriel, ensuring them a little privacy, and the good food and atmosphere helped to create the perfect mood. Evadne started out uncharacteristically shy, which he found both amusing and endearing, especially given how long they had known each other. However she soon relaxed and they were presently chatting and laughing as always, enjoying each others company and putting the world to rights. They had just finished their main course, and as the waiter took their desert order and refilled their glasses, Edgar turned to Evadne and took her hand in his, gazing into her eyes.

“Are you having a good time?”

Evvy smiled. “I’m having a wonderful time. Thank you, Edgar.”

“You’re welcome.” Leaning in, he kissed her gently on the lips. “Good wine, good food, perfect company makes for a fabulous evening in my book too.”

She was just about to reply when a loud, braying laugh reverberated around the room, and with a look of horror on his face, Edgar turned to peer over the top of the booth.

“Oh, please God, not tonight, of all nights.”

Leaning round to look over his shoulder, Evadne saw a tall, striking woman with long, dark hair, standing talking to two men at a nearby table, and she recognised her instantly. Sitting back upright again, Evvy was about to tell him to just ignore her when the woman suddenly looked up and spotted him. A derisive smile appeared on her face, and the next minute she excused herself from her conversation and came across to stand in front of them.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Sir High-and-Mighty himself. Out on a date, are we?”

“Leave us alone, Tamara.”

“What? Leave without warning this poor woman what she’s letting herself in for? I don’t think so!” She gave a mocking laugh and turned to face Evadne. “You want to watch yourself, my dear, he’s not nearly as charming as he appears on the surface.”

Feeling Edgar squeeze her hand under the table to warn her to keep her temper, Evvy merely looked up at her with a contemptuous smile. “Thanks, but I think I’ll take my chances. I trust my own opinion more than I trust yours.”

Tamara drew her mouth into a straight line. “You are aware that he only wants you to look after those infernal brats of his, aren’t you?”

“And which brats would they be? I presume you’re referring to his three delightful, charming children - one of whom you slapped, I believe?”

People in the restaurant were now turning to stare at them, as neither woman was bothering to lower her voice, and at Evadne’s last comment, Tamara turned bright red. “Well, I guess that’s all we can expect of an American I suppose. You people don’t hold much store by manners and good behaviour, do you?”

Evadne was furious, and despite Edgar’s attempts to intervene and stop her, she got to her feet. “How dare you, you jumped-up, gold-digging snob! You’re pathetic! Just because Edgar saw right through you, you think you have the right to come over and ruin our evening? Well let me tell you, he’s worth a million of you, and if you ever try to say otherwise you’ll have me to answer to!”

Tamara stared at her, and then threw her head back with a scornful laugh. “You! What exactly do you think you could do to harm me?” and she went off into a peal of laughter.

At that moment, that waiter came across to the table with their desserts. Evadne’s blood was now boiling, and she’d ceased to care about the scene they were creating. Picking up the dessert nearest to her, she turned back to face Tamara. “Don’t you recognise me?

“No, why should I?”

“Well, maybe this will help refresh your memory!” and before Edgar could move to stop her, she dumped the bowl upside down on Tamara’s head. Turning to pick up her purse, she said to Edgar, “I’ll see you outside,” and she walked out of the restaurant to laughter and not a few cheers.

Edgar got to his feet, and taking a wad of money from his pocket, he threw some notes on the table to cover the bill. Then, after asking the maitre d’ to retrieve their coats, he turned around to face Tamara.

“Maybe you’ll learn your lesson now.”

Tamara was still wiping the dessert from her hair, and rounded on Edgar, her face apoplectic with rage. “That common...worthless…spiteful little…”

Edgar shook his head and looked at her in disgust. “What is it that annoys you most, Tamara? Is it that she’s so much more beautiful than you? That she has more class in her little finger than you have in your entire body? Or that even at her absolute worst she’s a far, far better person than you’ll ever be?”

Tamara looked up at him with a sneer. “Fond of her, are you?”

Edgar laughed. “No, Tamara, I’m not fond of her. I’m in love with her,” and turning round to leave, he suddenly stopped dead. Evadne had come back in to see what was taking him so long. She had heard his final words and was standing in the doorway in front of him, her mouth open, staring at him in shock.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:40 am; edited 3 times in total

 

#638:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 4:13 pm

ok Jo, you really can't leave it there! but great update - glad to hear Evvy and Edgar telling tamara what they really think of her! Very Happy Very Happy

 

#639:  Author: Katie, Location: London, but my heart belongs to Harrogate PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 4:13 pm

Ooooh. Is that a good or a bad thing? Go Evvy! Tamara got what she deserved there!

 

#640:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 4:18 pm

Yay for Evvy Very Happy Glad to see the evil Tamara getting her just desserts ( Embarassed sorry couldn't resist that pun Embarassed ) Yay for Edgar for standing up for Evvy. Thank you Josie. Looking forward to seeing Evvy's reaction

 

#641:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 4:30 pm

Oh wow - that was totally fantastic! ROFL Laughing at Tamara's comeuppance and loving Edgar's speech He's in love with you Evvy!! He's in love!! Heart Heart Heart

 

#642:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 4:48 pm

Wonderful! Well done Evvy!! But what is her reaction going to be - once she gets past the stranded goldfish moment!!!! Thank you Jo!

 

#643:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 4:49 pm

Yay! Go Evvy! Best line :
Quote:
and she walked out of the restaurant to laughter and not a few cheers.
Who hasn't wanted to do that at least once Twisted Evil

 

#644:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 4:51 pm

Well done Evvy - Tamara certainly got her comeuppance. Hope Evvy responds well to what she overheard. Thanks Liz.

 

#645:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 4:51 pm

Hurrah for Evvy! Yah boo sucks to Tamara! *joins in the cheering*

 

#646:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 4:51 pm

And what will Evvy say to that? Shocked

 

#647:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 4:52 pm

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!! *bounces* Jo Im mighty glad you went with it, it was mighty superb and highly amusing Laughing Thank you

 

#648:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 5:08 pm

Very HappyVery HappyVery Happy Go Evvy! Now just smile at Edgar and don't freak out, please... Thanks Josie

 

#649:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 5:11 pm

Thanks Josie - go Evvy! But do I worry correctly that this isn't the last we've seen of Tamara?

 

#650:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 5:37 pm

Yay Evvy! You put that stuck-up cow in her place!I hope Edgar's declaration isn't too much for her to take. They HAVE to get engaged soon!

 

#651:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 5:38 pm

Thanks Jo - pure class from Evvy - perfect gentleman from Edgar and total cat from Tamara Plus Edgar's involuntary declaration - please let Evvy respond positively Liz

 

#652:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 6:04 pm

how brilliant!!!!! you are so very shiny! but you have also left us balancing precariously on a rather nasty cliff.... what is she going to say?!

 

#653:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 6:18 pm

Beautiful, wonderful, perfect. Couldn't have been better. Now Evvy reply in kind - you know you want to! (Thanks Josie.)

 

#654:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 6:42 pm

That was fabulous I got to read it after throwing my son off the computer! and the children wanted to know now what I was laughing at!

 

#655:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 7:23 pm

Yay Evvy!

 

#656:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 7:32 pm

I could just picture the restaurant scene so clearly You are such a talented writer Josie But what does Evvy say to Edgar?

 

#657:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 7:44 pm

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh! *punching the air* That was MARVELLOUS, Josie. I LOVE this story, I don't want it to end EVER!

 

#658:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:13 pm

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful Jo!!! Thank you!

 

#659:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:20 pm

Well, if Edgar doesn't do something, Evvy will never twig on! Loved the scene with Tamara decorated with pudding. Pity they don't serve semolina in posh restaurants.

 

#660:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 11:11 pm

Edgar may have been the one to use the L-word, but Evvy's outburst sure sounded like someone staking a claim!

 

#661:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 11:18 pm

Echos what Kathy S said
Quote:
Evvy's outburst sure sounded like someone staking a claim!

 

#662:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 6:16 am

:crying: I've just caught up on this and it's been absolutely amazing, Josie. Thank you Kiss *eebles at cliff* *giggles at Kathye's gloating*

 

#663:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 1:04 pm

Taking their coats from the Maitre d’, Edgar ushered her outside and looked at her nervously as she continued to stare at him. He handed her coat over, and she put it on, gazing around her, still looking a little shell-shocked, and then walked over to the edge of the pavement and held her hand out for a taxi.

“Um, Evvy?” Edgar swallowed hard as she turned round to look at him. “I was...er…I was thinking maybe I could walk you home?”

She stared at him for a second, then looked down at the ground. “It’s cold, Edgar, let’s just get a cab,” and turning, she opened the door to climb in. “You coming?”

Seeing nothing else for it, he walked over and climbed in behind her, and the cab pulled away, turning right around Sloane Square. It was a fifteen minute drive back to Pitt Street, and the journey passed in complete silence. Edgar cast a few nervous glances in her direction, but she sat staring steadfastly out of the window, not looking at him once. As the taxi drew up outside her house, she opened the door and climbed out without a word, leaving Edgar to sort out the fare, and walking across to the bottom of her front steps, she leant against the low wall and waited. A minute later he slammed the door, and as the car pulled away, he turned and came across to stand in front of her, reaching out and taking hold of her hand. She let him, but kept her eyes fixed firmly on the pavement. Placing his hand under her chin, he lifted her face to look at him, and as she held his gaze, he lowered his head to kiss her. Suddenly, she turned her face sharply, causing him to kiss her on the ear instead, and pulling her hand out of his grasp, she sat down on the wall and looked up at him.

“Did you mean what you said?”

He swallowed hard and nodded. “Yes, I did, I do.”

Evadne stared at him for a moment, and then shook her head. “I can’t deal with this right now,” and standing up, she turned to walk up the steps.

Feeling sick that what had started out as such a perfect night had come to this, Edgar grabbed hold of her hand to stop her. “Evvy, wait. We have to talk about this.”

Yanking her hand out of his grasp, she spun round to face him. “Talk? Fine, let’s talk about it. I can’t believe you said it, I can’t believe you’re putting this pressure on me…”

“Pressure? I’m not putting any pressure on you. I didn’t mean you to overhear that…”

Evadne ignored him and continued on, working herself up into an irrational rage. “I can’t handle this. I don’t even know how I feel about you. I don’t know what I want from this, from anything.” In her panic at being forced to face up to her emotions, she was starting to blurt out whatever came into her head without thinking. “I don’t even know if it’s you I’ve fallen for, maybe I’ve just fallen for the kids, I mean, it would be easy to mix the two up, surely…”

Whatever else she may have been about to say remained unsaid, as she caught the look of hurt on his face and fell silent. Edgar just stared at her, his stomach churning, half-devastated, half-furious at what she’d just said. Then, taking a deep breath to calm his voice, he shook his head and set his mouth in a straight line.

“You know what, Evvy? I’m sick to the back teeth of playing these stupid games. I am in love with you. There, now you know.” He swallowed hard before continuing, “I’m now going to leave and go home. Tomorrow I’m going back down to Wiltshire. You know where I live. When you’ve made up your mind how you feel, please have the courtesy to let me know one way or the other,” and turning, he began to walk away down the street.

“You’re doing it again! You’re forcing me into a decision!”

Angry at her words, and trying hard to conceal the emotions welling up inside him, Edgar stopped and turned back to face her. “No, Evvy, I’m not. I’m not now, and nor have I ever forced you into anything. I’ve just had enough of all of this. How do you think it makes me feel?” She stared at him, shocked at his tone. “You know exactly how you feel about things, you’re just too scared to face up to it. Maybe it’s about time you started being honest with yourself!” and so saying, he spun around again and continued his way down the street, not looking back. Evadne watched him go, her lip trembling, then she sank down on the low wall next to her front door and burst into tears.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:43 am; edited 2 times in total

 

#664:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 1:19 pm

Thank you Josie, that was lovely. Hopefully Evvy will face up to her feelings now. *slaps Tamara for causing the row* JackieJ

 

#665:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 1:24 pm

(drunken?) arguments in the street - so true to life! hope this wakes evvy up - poor edgar, he is going to have a horrid time waiting for her to make her mind up. thanks Jo - was keeping an eye out for your lunch time up-date!

 

#666:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 1:31 pm

Thank you Jo! Poor Edgar! Hope Evvy realises how she feels soon but that she doesn't feel pressured into it!

 

#667:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 2:58 pm

Well, she can't complain that Edgar hasn't made his feelings clear, now can she? It's about time that she started to think about their relationship seriously, and started listening to her own heart. ETA: yes, I know, visions of Evvy using a stethoscope on herself - can you imagine what a mess she'd make of it?

 

#668:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 3:26 pm

Edgar switched on the bedside light and looked at the clock five-thirty a.m. It was now a week since he had last seen or heard from Evadne, and he had barely slept a wink for the last seven nights. The evening of the date, when he had got back to his flat, he was too furious and upset to think rationally, but driving back down to Wiltshire the next day, he had begun to worry that walking off and leaving her in her fragile state might not have been the wisest thing to do. Was she right? Was he putting her under too much pressure by forcing her to face up to her feelings? On the one hand he realised that it may be the only way to break down her barriers, to get her to accept their situation, to live her life fully again. But on the other hand, he couldn’t help thinking that this time he may have blown it for good.

Looking at the clock again, he saw that it was now five-thirty-two. This was stupid, he couldn’t lie here any longer. He was wide awake may as well get up and have a cup of tea. Sitting up, he swung his legs down from his bed and put on his slippers, and then standing up, he grabbed his dressing gown from the bedpost and made his way downstairs.

Opening the kitchen door, he almost jumped out of his skin. Amelia was sitting at the kitchen table, cup of tea in hand, her face looking lined and grey. She looked up and smiled as he came into the room.

“I take it you couldn’t sleep either?”

He shook his head, looking at her with concern. “Amelia, are you all right? You look exhausted. What on earth are you doing up at this hour?”

“Just a little pain keeping me awake, that’s all. It’s nothing, honestly,” she added, seeing the look on his face. “Anyway, enough about me. How come you’re up so early?”

Getting a cup from the sideboard, Edgar pulled a chair out, sat down and poured himself a cup of tea from the pot on the table. Then looking at his stepmother, he gave a sigh had poured everything out to her – the argument before Christmas, the kiss on New Year’s Eve, what had happened on the date a week previously, and the fears that were now consuming him that he had lost her for good.

As he finished speaking, Amelia looked at him across the table and gave him a smile. “For what it’s worth, Edgar, I think you did the right thing.”

He looked up in surprise. “You do?”

“Yes, I do.” She sat back in her chair and took a sip of her tea. “You needed to do something, to make your feelings clear to her.” As he stared at her, she grinned at the expression on his face. “Don’t look so surprised. I may be old, but I’m not blind. I’ve known for a while now that you’re in love with her. Things couldn’t stay as they were, they had to move one way or the other.”

“Yes, but what if they move the wrong way?”

He looked down at his hands as he spoke, and Amelia could see how upset he was by the whole thing. Reaching across the table, she placed a hand briefly over one of his. “Have faith, Edgar, have faith. I think you’ll find it’ll all come good.”

==

Tossing and turning in her bed, Evadne finally managed to get herself completely tangled in her sheets, and wide-awake and uncomfortable, she leaned over and switched on the light. She felt like the ticking from the clock on her bedside table was mocking her, and picking it up and looking at the hands, she gave a sigh five-thirty a.m. Putting it back down again, she lay back against her pillow and stared up at the ceiling.

She had not left her flat all week, had barely slept, had not returned anybody’s calls except a brief one to her father, and had hardly touched any food, her appetite totally gone. Now, as she stared at the light fitting above her, she was wrestling with herself in her mind, as she had been doing all week. Should she or shouldn’t she take the chance and let herself feel what she knew she could, and indeed did, feel for Edgar. Was Corney right? Could there really be a second love of her life? She still didn’t know, she felt like her mind was spinning, overflowing with the thoughts that raced around it constantly, the fears that kept playing Devil’s Advocate to every positive thought she had.

She watched a speck of dust, floating in the beam of light from her bedside table, and suddenly she realised that there was only one concrete thought that had remained constant in her head all week that she couldn’t bear to be without him in her life. She needed to talk to him, to see him as soon as possible. Clambering out of bed, she got dressed as quickly as she could, threw a few things into a bag just in case, and scribbling a quick note for her housekeeper, she made her way downstairs, leaving the note by the phone, grabbed her keys, and made her way out of the front door.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:44 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#669:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 3:32 pm

Yay well done Evvy!!! And I'm glad Edgar could talk to Amelia about it all! Thank you Jo!

 

#670:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 3:42 pm

HURRAY!! Finally ........ BTW How long does it take to get from London to Wiltshire with one '50s car and one erratic driver Knowing Evvy she'll stop concentrating, drive on the right and end up in a ditch!! Laughing

 

#671:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 3:47 pm

No because she'll be so desperate to get there she'll drive better than she ever has before - and probably faster too Shocked and there'll be no other traffic at that time in the morning...say its about 85 miles at an average speed of 50 mph...that means she'll take about an hour and three-quarters and arrive not long after 7am just in time for breakfast!!!

 

#672:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 4:00 pm

Good to see these 2 posts! As it got near afternoon, I was worried I would not see anything today. Now let's hope it all comes right.

 

#673:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 4:13 pm

yay hurrah hurrah go evvy (but don't get arrested for speeding!) glad she knows that she does feel something for him Very Happy Very Happy thanks Jo!

 

#674:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 4:55 pm

*speeds Evvy onwards* Im glad Edgar revealed his feelings at last, any chance of the next post very very soon?? (ie before the weekend!!!) Wink

 

#675:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 5:07 pm

Thanks Jo! Very Happy Good for Evvy but please don't let her get arrested! Shocked

 

#676:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 5:59 pm

Well done Edgar. Let's face it he was going to blurt it out sooner or later. Drive carefully Evvy! Thank you Jo. It's still gripping.

 

#677:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 6:02 pm

Oh hurrah!!! Now could someone please tell me where Wiltshire is so I know how long I have to worry about Evvy for? Smile

 

#678:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 8:26 pm

I looked at theaa.com They said Wiltshire is South-East of Oxford... Based on a journey from Greater London to West Wiltshire, they said it would take 2.38 hours. (I avoided motorways & toll roads because I didn't think they would have been there then.)

 

#679:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 9:11 pm

Lyanne wrote:
I looked at theaa.com They said Wiltshire is South-East of Oxford... Based on a journey from Greater London to West Wiltshire, they said it would take 2.38 hours. (I avoided motorways & toll roads because I didn't think they would have been there then.)
LOL! I mentally worked out the journey and estimated the time! I can't believe either of us did that!

 

#680:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 9:26 pm

Lovely posts, Josie - Edgar needed to say that, and Evvy needed to hear it -now let's hope they can finally both be honest.

 

#681:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 9:45 pm

I know I'm greedy, but more...more!

 

#682:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 9:51 pm

hurry Evvy!!!!!! glad she's got things straight in her head...but did she air the bed properly?!

 

#683:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 11:49 pm

Go Evvy go! Glad she has seen sense at last. Thanks Jo.

 

#684:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 11:52 pm

patmac wrote:
Lyanne wrote:
I looked at theaa.com They said Wiltshire is South-East of Oxford... Based on a journey from Greater London to West Wiltshire, they said it would take 2.38 hours. (I avoided motorways & toll roads because I didn't think they would have been there then.)
LOL! I mentally worked out the journey and estimated the time! I can't believe either of us did that!
Ah and my estimation at the top of the page was from a combination of knowing the roads and the AA!!

 

#685:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 12:47 am

Thank you Jo!!! So glad Evvy has FINALLY worked out her feelings!!!

 

#686:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 10:07 am

nah, shouldn't her take that long. I've done Stonehenge to Fulham in 45 minutes before.... Shocked Shocked (would like to point out I wasn't driving) Although cars probably go a bit faster now than they did when evvy was driving and even if the motorways weren't there, the routes they go on definitely were (can you tell I come from that part of the world!) I reckon no more than 1 1/2 hours which means she should definitely be there by now..

 

#687:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 10:30 am

so if she is there, where is the next part of the story?

 

#688:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 12:52 pm

I don't think there'll be anymore til Sunday night at the earliest, since Josie is Gathering this weekend!

 

#689:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 12:54 pm

As long as I know not to go into the computer all the time.

 

#690:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 1:22 pm

Thanks Jo - I hope Evvy can get to Edgar without being stopped by police, having an accident or any other mishaps. Liz

 

#691:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 10:22 pm

Jo!! Please can we have some more... it's been a whole day already! Sad

 

#692:  Author: jacey, Location: Ireland PostPosted: Sat Feb 26, 2005 8:23 pm

Really, really enjoyed catching up with this. Hope you come back from the Gather full of lots of new drabble, to be posted ASAP. Please??! Laughing

 

#693:  Author: Felix, Location: Bristol PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 5:48 pm

I am back from the Gather and really want to know what is happening in Wiltshire! Please can we have the next installment tonight??!!! Friday seems a very long time ago.

 

#694:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 10:20 pm

I can tell you the next installment is on its way and is as wonderful as always - have tissues handy as well Wink

 

#695:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 10:35 pm

It was seven forty-five and Edgar was walking across the entrance hall to his study, having just finished breakfast, when he heard a crash and a grinding of gears from outside the front of the house. Hurrying to the front door, he opened it and almost burst out laughing. Evadne was climbing carefully out of her car, which was parked in one of his flowerbeds, a statue of a nymph lying decapitated next to it.

Watching her tiptoe her way out of the mud and then walk across the forecourt towards him, a feeling of immense relief flooded through his body at the sight of her and he fixed her with a stern glare. “You do realise that statue is almost two hundred years old? And I don’t think Evans is going to be too pleased at the state of his plants – again!”

Dismissing his words with a wave of her hand, she came up the steps towards him. “Edgar, we need to talk.”

Staring at her, he saw the look of urgency on her face and relented. “Okay, come on,” and taking her by the arm, he turned and led the way into the drawing room, closing the door behind them. Waving his hand towards the sofa, he said, “Take a seat.” She shook her head, and he shrugged, walking over and taking a seat himself.

Evadne stood by the door, looking down at her hands, twisting her fingers together. Edgar watched her for a while, a slight smile touching his lips, and then realising she wasn’t going to say anything, he decided to make the first move.

“What did you want to talk about, Evvy?”

Looking up at him, she hesitated for a moment. Then, inwardly steeling herself, she swallowed hard. “Did you really mean what you said last week? About loving me, I mean?”

Edgar smiled. “Yes, I did. I still do, even after what you said to me that night,” he added dryly, and she reddened under his gaze.

She fell silent again, and stared down at her feet. He could see that she had her eyes closed, and was taking deep breaths, obviously preparing herself for what she had to say next. When she finally looked up, she looked extremely nervous, he could see the emotion in her face, and she bit her lip hard to try and calm herself down.

“I’m scared, Edgar.”

She gave him a slight smile as he looked up at her, and feeling his heart soften, he held out his hand.

“Come here.”

Walking over to the sofa, she sat down next to him, her body turned towards him, and taking her shaking hands in his own, Edgar looked tenderly into her eyes. “I know you are I do realise how big a step this is for you.” She gave him a slight nod, and he continued, “Why don’t you talk to me about it? It may help.”

Lowering her eyes to her lap, Evvy removed her hands from his clasp, and began to twist her fingers together again. “It’s just…” She paused for a second, then taking a deep breath, she began again. “When Ralph died, I was so sure that that was it for me, that my shot at happiness had gone. It took me a real long time to come to terms with that, with it all being taken away from me, and where it left me. I’m still not sure I’m really over it, even now, but I learnt to deal with it, even the feeling so alone. It was okay, you know, at least I knew what life held for me.”

She swallowed to clear the lump in her throat, and Edgar watched her, his hand clasping her knee.

“And then you came along, and I met your family and fell in love with them, and it showed me what I was missing. But then I got okay with that too, because we were such good friends and that became my crutch. And now I’m terrified of what’s happening here, of getting in too deep, in case I lose you, in case something goes wrong. I honestly don’t think I could survive something like that again, it would finish me. And if I lose you, then I lose pretty much everything that’s good in my life.”

Raising her head to look at him, her eyes brimmed with tears, and Edgar brought a hand up to cup the side of her face, wiping away a falling tear with his thumb and watching her in silence for a few moments before he spoke. “I am so very much in love with you, Evvy. If we have to be just friends, I’ll do my best as I don’t want to lose you, but it’ll never be enough for me. Most people are lucky if real, true love comes along once in their life. Somehow I’m lucky enough for it to have come along twice, and I’m not walking away from this without a fight. I love you far too much for that."

Pausing, he looked into her eyes to try and gauge her reaction, but she simply stared back at him, the tears now falling down her cheeks, so he carried on talking.

“I’m a little scared too, as to how this could change things, but I’m far more scared of losing you right now, so it’s a risk I’m willing to take." He saw the hesitation in her eyes and moved swiftly on. "I’ve no plans to go anywhere, Evvy. I can’t promise that nothing will ever happen to me in the future, but as far as is humanly possible, I will make sure you never lose me. I’m not asking you to be in love with me today, next week or even next month, we can take it as slowly as you like, but do you think you can go forward with this? That’s all I need to know.”

Gazing back into his eyes, Evadne finally felt her resolve slip and letting her emotions go, she felt an intense surge of love towards him. Smiling up at him through her tears, she nodded her head. “I’m already in love with you, Edgar.”

Edgar wasn’t sure whether to believe his ears, and he stared her, eyes wide in shock. “Really? You mean it?”

Evvy laughed, wiping her eyes on her sleeve. “Yes you big fool, really. I love you.”

“Wh…why are you still crying?”

“’Cause I’m happy, idiot!”

Edgar sat stock still for a moment, and then still in shock, her words still sinking in, he grabbed her hands and began to laugh. Evvy looked up at him with a wide smile. “You do realise you’re stuck with me now?”

Taking her face in his hands, he stared down into her blue eyes, and smiled. “I think I can cope with that,” and leaning in, he kissed her on the lips. Then pulling back again, he gave her a wicked grin. “My flowerbeds may not cope with it, but I think I can!”

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:47 am; edited 5 times in total

 

#696:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 10:41 pm

YAY!!!!!!!!!! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#697:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 11:04 pm

Thank you Jo!!! That was SUCH a beautiful post!!

 

#698:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 11:19 pm

At last!!!!!

 

#699:  Author: Sophoife, Location: down under Down Under PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 1:42 am

Calloo! Callay! Oh frabjous day! or words to that effect. Thank you thank you thank you!!!

 

#700:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 2:13 am

Hurrah! Glad she got there in one piece (except for the nymph Laughing), and VERY glad they understand each other.

 

#701:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 3:31 am

FINALLY!!!!! Thanks Josie!

 

#702:  Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:06 am

Beautiful post Jo - and well worth the wait. (Also, LOVE Edgar's line about the flowerbed at the end!!!) Ray *grinning widely*

 

#703:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:21 am

Well Jo you already knew I thought it was great! *and it made a lovely intelude from folding raffle tickets on Friday morning* Thank you! ANd hooray - well done Evvy!

 

#704:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 12:04 pm

HOORAY! oh joy and rapturesthanks jo Soooo happy! that has muchly made my morning! Very Happy Very Happy

 

#705:  Author: Rebecca, Location: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 2:05 pm

HUZZAH!!! I was hoping you'd have posted the next bit - thank you!

 

#706:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 4:38 pm

Evadne and Edgar hurriedly pulled apart as the drawing room door flew open, and Thea and Marcia burst in, running across the room to throw themselves on “Auntie Evvy”, Amelia following behind, uttering apologies for not being able to stop them. Edgar laughingly brushed her apologies off, and got to his feet.

“Now then, you two, shouldn’t you be getting ready for Mrs Furlong to arrive? She’ll be here for lessons soon, it’s already gone eight.” They started to plead to be allowed the day off, but Edgar just smiled and shook his head. “No, you don’t get out of it, even for the honour of a visit from Auntie Evvy!” he said with a wink at Evadne. “Come on, that’s enough. She’ll still be here at lunch, you can see her then,” and so saying, he shoo’ed them out of the room, following in their wake to make sure they went to do as they were told.

Amelia watched them go, grinning to herself at the glow she had noticed on her stepson’s face, then walking over to the sofa she sat down next to Evadne and gave her a smile. “Sorry about that, Evvy. I did try and stop them, but they’re a bit fast for me these days.”

Evadne smiled and shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. You know how much I love them, anyhow.”

Amelia gave her a sideways glance, then reached out and placed a hand over one of the slim ones lying in Evvy’s lap. “I do. Just as I know how much you love their father.”

Evadne went bright red. “How did you…”

“I can see it in his face.” Amelia smiled, and leant forward to kiss her friend on the cheek. “Thank you for making him so happy, Evvy.”

“Well, he makes me very happy too.”

Evvy blushed again as she spoke, and Amelia squeezed her hand. “I know, I can see that too. So tell me, how was your trip to Paris?”

Thankful for the change of subject, Evadne answered her, telling her all about the time she’d had with her father and Veronica, and they chatted away for twenty minutes before Amelia stifled a yawn and got to her feet.

“Sorry, Evvy, I think I’m going to have to excuse myself. I’m a little sleepy all of a sudden.”

“Please, go rest. Don’t worry about me. We can catch up later.”

Amelia smiled down at her. “It’s a deal, to borrow one of your phrases! I’ll see you later,” and she turned and walked towards the door. Closing it behind her, she looked up to see Edgar just coming down the staircase, having finally managed to get his daughters settled in the schoolroom to wait for their teacher to arrive.

“You okay?” He grinned as he saw his stepmother, and she walked across to greet him.

“Yes thanks, just tired. I’m going to go and lie down for a while, Edgar. I think I should be able to get some sleep now, the pain’s subsiding somewhat. Wake me up for lunch, won’t you?”

He nodded sympathetically. “Of course! Oh, and by the way,” he added, a wide smile appearing on his face, “you were right.”

“I know,” she put out a hand to clutch his arm, “and I’m glad, Edgar, so very glad.”

Edgar stared at her for a few moments, then reaching out, he enveloped her in a hug. “You’ve no idea how much it means to me to hear you say that.” Amelia hugged him back, and they stood like that for several seconds before she pulled back.

“You get back to her, go on. I’ll see you later,” and she turned to go upstairs. Edgar watched as she made her way slowly, holding onto the banister as she went, and when he had seen that she was safely in her room, he made his way back into the drawing room.

Evvy looked up as he entered. “They settled at last?”

“Yes, just. I think I may have to give them the afternoon off though. Apparently Auntie Evvy being here makes it impossible to concentrate on geography!” As Evvy chuckled, Edgar looked down at his watch. “Right, madam, how about we go and grab you some breakfast? The things are still out from our meal earlier, I believe. Then we can get your car back where it should be and inspect the damage to my property, and then I am giving you some parking lessons!”

Evadne grinned and held out her hands for him to pull her up. “About time! I’ve been dropping hints for long enough!”

Edgar pulled her to her feet and wrapped his arms around her. “Yes, I know, but frankly I was too terrified to get in a car with you!”

“Oi!” Laughing, she hit him on the chest. Then, gazing up into his green eyes, her voice became more sober. “Edgar?”

“Hmm?”

“I love you!”

He looked down at her with a smile. “Yes? Well, it so happens I love you too,” and bending his head, he kissed her gently. Then pulling back, he touched her affectionately on the nose. “Come on,” and taking her hand, they walked out into entrance hall.

It was one o’clock by the time the gong sounded for lunch, and Evadne had almost mastered the art of reverse parking, remarkably with very little fuss. She and Edgar made their way back into the house, to be greeted by the girls running downstairs. Evadne took them off to wash their hands whilst their father had a quick word with Mrs Furlong about canceling the afternoon’s lessons, and saw that lady out with a cheery goodbye.

Thea came out of the cloakroom as he closed the front door and turned around. “Has Granny come down yet, Thea?” She shook her head. “Then run upstairs and wake her up, will you, tell her lunch is ready?” and as she ran back upstairs to do his bidding, Edgar made his way into the dining room and took his seat at the head of the table. Ten minutes later, they were still waiting for Thea and Amelia to appear. Edgar gave Evadne a puzzled look and pushed back his chair. “Think I’d better go and see what she’s up to!”

He had just stood up, when they heard the sound of feet running across the entrance hall, and the door was flung open admitting Thea into the room, looking a little scared. “Daddy, Granny won’t wake up.”

Evadne put her hand to her mouth and looked across at Edgar, who glanced back at her, then turned to his daughters, a stern expression on his face. “Thea, you sit down make a start on lunch, all of you. Both of you are to stay with Auntie Evvy, okay?” He looked from one to the other, and they nodded at him, his severe tone of voice worrying them, then seeing that they understood, he turned on his heel and hastily left the room.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:51 am; edited 3 times in total

 

#707:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 4:44 pm

Noooo!!!! I knew it was coming but so soon? Poor Thea and Marcia and Edgar and Evvy! But at least she knew. Thank you Jo! Wonderful as ever.

 

#708:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 4:56 pm

*wibble* I had a horrid feeling that was coming when Amelia said she was tired Sad

 

#709:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 4:58 pm

Vikki wrote:
*wibble* I had a horrid feeling that was coming when Amelia said she was tired Sad
Me too, oh dear.

 

#710:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 5:04 pm

wow, what a rollercoaster - twas very happy and now methinks is going to be very sad *joins wibblers in the corner*

 

#711:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 5:13 pm

*admits to also having had a horrid feeling. Perhaps she put in earplugs before going to sleep and she didn't hear Thea?? Or perhaps not

 

#712:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 5:14 pm

Noo! *also joining wibblers* But I guess at least she knew they were together and Edgar was happy. Crying or Very sad

 

#713:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 5:19 pm

*sniffs* I was happy and now Im sad, though I knew this was going to happen *hugs the Watson family tightly* Thanks Jo

 

#714:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 5:24 pm

Like everyone else, I had dire forebodings when Amelia said she was tired! If it is the worst, I'm just so glad she knew and that she saw Evvy again. The scene with Edgar and Evvy getting straightened out was beautiful. thank you. Josie, please come back and put us poor little wibblers out of our misery one way or the other.

 

#715:  Author: Felix, Location: Bristol PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 5:30 pm

I too am glad that Amelia knew she wouldn't be leaving Edgar alone. It would have been terrible if she hadn't had those conversations with Evvy and Edgar.

 

#716:  Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 5:35 pm

keren wrote:
Vikki wrote:
*wibble* I had a horrid feeling that was coming when Amelia said she was tired Sad
Me too, oh dear.
Me three :'( Ray *sniffling*

 

#717:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 6:53 pm

Oh, no! Crying or Very sad *hopes for a few more years' remission* (also glad Evvy & Edgar were straightened out before this!)

 

#718:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 7:11 pm

First post - beautiful. Second post - Crying or Very sad Like everyone, fearing the worst, just glad Amelia knew.

 

#719:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 8:15 pm

driving -very Evvy ROFL Evvy and Edgar- :love: Amelia- Crying or Very sad Josie poke more please to stop this rollercoaster.

 

#720:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 8:18 pm

Great posts Josie! Very Happy But nooooooooo about Amelia. Crying or Very sad

 

#721:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:38 pm

No, Josie, why Crying or Very sad Please, make it better, somehow. JackieJ

 

#722:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:39 pm

Ray wrote:
keren wrote:
Vikki wrote:
*wibble* I had a horrid feeling that was coming when Amelia said she was tired Sad
Me too, oh dear.
Me three :'(
Me four!!!!!!!!! Glad we saw the happy post with Evvy and Edgar first. They were so lovely, typical Evvy. Glad she did tell him before whatever has happened to Amelia.

 

#723:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:53 pm

Me five!!! ((Thea)) just what they can say about Granny not waking up I don't know

 

#724:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 11:00 pm

bawling I dread to think what sort of state I'll be in after the next post if this is how distressed I am now!

 

#725:  Author: Rose in Toronto, Location: Toronto PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 11:05 pm

Me six...or seven...or eight. It's so very EBD. "I'm tired now I think I'll rest" And when the pain seemed less...Thinking of Jessica Wayne's stepsister, and Julie Orange (Janie's mother-in-law - is that the right name). It's as if she'd been holding on until she knew that Edgar and his family would have someone to take care of them, and then when it happened she could release herself. Sad

 

#726:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 11:12 pm

Arrrrrrrrrghhhhhhhhh, oohhhh noooooooooo Jo!!! You meanie! I've gone from bouncing off the walls to weeping.

 

#727:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 11:33 pm

Argh, missed the moment to be gleefully happy about Evvy & Edgar. OK, I have to express the sentiment anyway. YAY! And now joining in the prayers for Amelia.

 

#728:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 2:18 am

Too sad to make an comments. Those poor little girls. But at least Amelia knew that Edgar and Evvy were sorted out.

 

#729:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 2:27 am

Josie as ever you have managed to make me both laugh and cry within a few lines of your superb writing I'm so glad you have long term plans for your writing And I wasn't knitting Wink

 

#730:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 9:24 am

*g* at Dawn I'm so pleased I've caught up with this - I'm thrilled for Evvy and Edgar and at least Amelia knows that they've found each other properly so she can die in peace and leave her pain behind ... and as we all know, death is "just falling asleep to wake with God" ... Wonderful writing Josie - thanks

 

#731:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 6:57 pm

I think she was holding on till she knew Edgar and the girls had someone, and now they have Evvy she can let go....

 

#732:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 11:48 pm

Jo - you have me in tears again. So beautiful with Evvy and Edgar and then so sad with Amelia, even though we knew it was coming. Liz

 

#733:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 1:38 pm

This drabble reminds me of the story told about the episodes of OLd Curiousity shop arriving to america. As the boat comes in, people are waiting for it onthe shore, and asking "Is little Nell dead?" Did the worst come to happen, what is happening, how will they cope? We would really appreciate the next bit

 

#734:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 2:53 pm

I made the mistake of starting on page 38, not 36, which took the edge of my pleasure at Evvy & Edgar. Sad Prehaps she's in the bathroom, running a bath? Lyanne, clinging onto hope till it's ripped away from us.

 

#735:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 4:55 pm

It wasn’t long before the doctor arrived to confirm Amelia’s death she had suffered a heart attack in her sleep, and he assured Edgar that she would have felt no pain. Reverend Furlong arrived shortly afterwards with his wife, who offered to have the two girls for a few hours. Not wanting to leave them alone and needing to explain to them what had happened, Evadne went with them, arranging that Edgar would call once the formalities had all been dealt with and Amelia’s body had been removed from the house.

It was late afternoon before they returned home again, Evvy having broken the news to them as gently as she could that Granny had gone to be with Grandpa and their Mummy. Thea, in particular, was inconsolable, convincing herself that if she had tried a bit harder maybe Granny would have woken up, and it took every ounce of persuasion Evvy had in her to calm her down and make her realise there was nothing she could have done.

Edgar came out into the hall to greet them as they walked through the door, and the two girls ran towards him, bursting into tears again as they both flung their arms around his waist. Bending down, he hugged them to him, taking out his handkerchief to dry their tears and answering a couple of Marcia’s questions before getting to his feet. With an arm around each of them, he turned to face Evadne.

“Evvy, I’ve got to go to Oxford to get Ned and bring him home. He doesn’t know yet, I want to tell him myself. Will you be okay here? I think everything’s taken care of.”

Evadne gave him a smile. “We’ll be fine. Are you okay to drive up alone though?”

Edgar nodded, and taking his coat from the stand in the corner, he picked his keys out of the bowl on the dresser and bent down to kiss his daughters. “I’m just going to collect Ned from school, okay? I’ll be back as soon as I can. Auntie Evvy’ll look after you while I’m gone.” They both nodded, Thea clinging to him for a moment before letting him get to his feet again. Walking over to Evvy, he put his hand on the back of her head and looked down at her. “Hopefully we’ll be back in about three hours, traffic permitting. Go ahead with dinner, just leave mine and Ned’s aside.” Evadne nodded at him, clasping his arm, and he bent to kiss her on the forehead before walking out of the door, closing it behind him.

It was gone eight before he returned, accompanied by a pale and quiet Ned, who gave Evadne a hug and kiss before stating that he wasn’t hungry and just wanted to go to bed. Evvy raised her eyebrows at Edgar and he shook his head. “Let’s leave him be. I’m not sure it’s really sunk in yet. He’s been very brave, only had one slight wobble when I told him, but he’s barely said a word all the way home.” He hung his coat up before turning back to face her. “Are the girls in bed?”

Evvy nodded as they turned and began to climb the stairs. “They’d just gone up when you arrived back. Marcia’s exhausted, she’ll be asleep in no time. Thea’s in a terrible state though, Edgar. She’s barely stopped crying since you left.”

Edgar swallowed hard but said nothing, and walking along the landing, they entered Marcia’s room first. She was already in bed, very tired and still a little weepy, her doll clutched in her arms. Edgar sat down next to her, giving her a hug and a kiss and saying a few words before he left her to Evvy and went to find his other daughter. Evadne sat down on the bed, and looked down at the little face below her. Marcia gazed back up at her with tears in her eyes.

“At least Polly won’t ever die, Auntie Evvy,” and she hugged the doll tighter to her.

Running her hand across the blonde curls, Evvy bit her lip as she bent down to kiss the little girl on the cheek. “No, sweetie, she won’t ever die. Will you be okay to go to sleep, or do you want me to stay with you?”

Marcia shook her head and yawned. “I’m sleepy, I’ll be okay.” and snuggling down, she closed her eyes. “Night.”

“Goodnight, sweetheart.” Evadne bent down to give her one final kiss before standing up and leaving the room, closing the door gently behind her. Walking along to Thea’s room, she peered round the door to see Edgar sat on the bed, his daughter in his arms, still sobbing as he cuddled her and tried to comfort her. Leaving them to it, she quickly checked on Ned, who had his light already off and was lying in bed, though Evvy could tell he was still awake. She shut the door again, and turning back along the corridor, she made her way downstairs to call Paul and Elsie to let them know what had happened.

An hour later she was sat in the front room, and Edgar had still not come down. Heading back upstairs, she finally tracked him down to Amelia’s room, where he was sat on the bed holding a picture of Amelia and his father which that lady had kept on her bedside table. He lifted his head as she entered, and looked at her with eyes that were suspiciously bright. Evvy gave him a smile.

“Is Thea asleep?”

He nodded his head. “She finally exhausted herself with her crying and dropped off.”

Evadne walked over to the bed, and sitting down next to him, she rested her head on his shoulder. Looking down at the photo again, he gave a sigh. “She knew she was going, you know.”

“How do you know?”

Edgar shook his head. “It’s doesn’t matter. But she did know.”

Deciding not to pursue it, Evvy reached out and took hold of his hand as she looked at the picture. “At least she’s with him now, Edgar.”

Nodding his head, he smiled wearily. “She was such a wonderful person. It was such a waste, her being alone for all those years.”

“But she had you recently, Edgar, all of you.” Evvy tightened her clasp on his hand as she spoke. “You made her last years so happy, right ‘til the end.”

Edgar closed his eyes for a minute and swallowed hard before replying. “Even in just these last four years she was more of a mother to me than my own ever was. I’m going to miss her so much, Evvy.”

He was struggling to keep his composure, and Evvy reached her hand up to stroke the back of his head. Putting his arms around her, he rested his head on hers and held her tightly for a few minutes, before releasing her and placing the photo back on the nightstand. Then turning towards her, he took her face in his hands. “I think I’m going to go to bed.” Looking down into her blue eyes full of compassion, he smiled slightly and kissed her on the forehead. “Goodnight, darling.”

Evadne looked back up at him, her eyes beginning to mist over. “Night, Edgar,” and bringing her hand up to his face, she gently stroked his cheek. He smiled again, then getting up, he left the room to go to his own. Evvy watched him go, wishing she could do more to help him but knowing that he had to work through his grief in his own way. Turning back to the nightstand, she picked up the second photograph, a picture of Amelia with Edgar and the children, and as she stared down at it, she raised her hand to wipe away a tear that ran down her cheek.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:55 am; edited 1 time in total

 

#736:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 5:07 pm

Oh Jo that was beautiful - thank you. :crying:

 

#737:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 5:22 pm

i have a big fat lump in my throat. just as well it's time to go home now. thanks Jo. Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 

#738:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 5:31 pm

Oh... *grabs for the tissues*

 

#739:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 5:38 pm

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

 

#740:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 5:47 pm

So sad, thank you Josie. Crying or Very sad

 

#741:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 6:01 pm

So sad, Josie, and so lovely at the same time. May I step into your drabble briefly and hug them all? Liz

 

#742:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 6:18 pm

Thank you Jo Crying or Very sad Even though I knew it must be coming soon so desperately sad. Sending hugs to Edgar, Evvy, Ned, Thea and Marcia.

 

#743:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 6:25 pm

oh Josie that was beautiful but so so sad. poor Edgar especially - he's really going to miss her.

 

#744:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 6:39 pm

So sad especially
Quote:
“At least Polly won’t ever die, Auntie Evvy,” and she hugged the doll tighter to her.
Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 

#745:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 6:46 pm

Everything I could say has been said. Thank you Josie. It was so real. I could see the room with Edgar sitting there and I even saw the photographs. Very vivid.

 

#746:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 8:02 pm

I'm actually now shivering! Yes, everyone's summed it up very nicely. Jo, it was beautiful. Thanks.

 

#747:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 8:22 pm

Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad poor kids poor Evvy and Edgar.

 

#748:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 8:47 pm

Poor everyone Crying or Very sad

 

#749:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 8:50 pm

*sobs* That was beautifully written Jo, thank you

 

#750:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 9:52 pm

*sits in the corner and bawls!* Thanks Jo! Beautifully handled!

 

#751:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 9:54 pm

Thank you Jo, that was beautiful. There's a lump in my throat. Glad that Evvy's there for them. JackieJ

 

#752:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 10:20 pm

That was so sad, but beautiful at the same time. Thanks, Josie.

 

#753:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 12:23 am

Josie that was a really lovely piece of writing feel so sorry for them all.

 

#754:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 3:10 am

Beautifully written but Crying or Very sad :crying:

 

#755:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 11:22 am

So poi gnant ..... Sad

 

#756:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 1:07 pm

Thanks to Kathye for beta'ing yet again! Very Happy

Amelia’s funeral took place a few days later, the service being held in the small church in Whitlingford village. She was to be buried in the churchyard, next to her husband in the Watson family plot.

Sitting in the front pew, Edgar was flanked by Ned and Thea, his arm firmly around Thea’s shoulders, the little girl having begun to sob quietly at the sight of her grandmother’s coffin. On the other side of Ned sat Evadne, with Marcia curled up in her lap. Edgar had initially not wanted the children to be present, worried that it might upset them too much, but Ned had insisted, his example followed by the other two once he had told them, and Evadne had eventually convinced their father that it would probably do more harm to try and shield them by leaving them at home against their will. Directly behind them sat Paul and Elsie, who had left their children with Elsie’s sister Lilias and travelled up from Hampshire to be there. The rest of the church was filled to the brim with members of Edgar’s extended family, friends from throughout Amelia’s life, and locals from the village, all of whom had known and been very fond of the lady herself.

Edgar delivered the eulogy, talking about what a special person Amelia had been and of the love and joy that she had brought into the lives of his family. Returning to his seat, he was struggling to keep control of his emotions and as he sat down again, Evadne reached across Ned to squeeze his hand. From her vantage point in the pew behind, Elsie watched the interaction between her two friends and wondered what was going on.

The wake was held back at Edgar’s house, and with everyone gathered around talking and often laughing about their memories of Amelia, it was gone seven in the evening before the last guests departed, leaving just the Watson family, Evadne, Paul and Elsie in the house. Edgar took himself off to his study to sort through some bits and pieces, and leaving Ned in the capable hands of Paul, Evvy and Elsie took the two exhausted girls upstairs to get ready for bed.

Perched on the edge of the bath, watching as Marcia cleaned her teeth and Evadne helped Thea to unfasten her necklace, Elsie regarded her friend with a curious smile.

“Evvy, do you mind if I ask you a question?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“Are you and Edgar together?”

Blushing to the roots of her fair hair, Evvy concentrated hard on the clasp at the back of Thea’s neck and said nothing. Elsie watched her, a wide grin on her face.

“How long?”

Taking the necklace from round Thea’s neck and placing it in the girl’s hands, Evvy sat back on her heels and looked at her friend with a shy smile. “Not long at all, only a week. Well, maybe a few weeks in total actually, what with one thing and another.”

At that point, Marcia finished cleaning her teeth, and putting her brush back in the mug on the shelf, she turned around to face them. “Daddy loves Auntie Evvy. I heard him tell her so!”

Elsie burst out laughing as Evvy turned bright red again, and the two girls giggled, clearly entirely comfortable with their father’s new girlfriend. Getting to her feet, Evadne looked down at Marcia.

“Do your ears just flap at the side of your head, young lady?” she said, ruffling the blonde curls. Then turning back to Elsie again, she continued, “Speaking of Edgar, can you finish getting the girls into bed for me? I need to go and see how he is he went to check through some of Amelia’s papers and he’s been gone a long time.”

Elsie nodded. “Of course I can. You go and find him.”

Evadne smiled and looked over at Thea and Marcia. “You two be good and do as Aunt Elsie tells you, okay? I’ll be back in a little while to kiss you goodnight,” and she turned and headed out of the door.

Elsie followed and caught up with her just as she was about to close it, giving her friend an affectionate smile. “Evvy, I’m so glad.” Evadne stared back at her and Elsie reached out to clasp her arm. “It’s what Paul and I so hoped would happen. We couldn’t wish for a better person than you for Edgar, and you deserve someone as good as him too.”

Evvy smiled and laid a hand on her arm. “Thanks, Elsie. I’m really glad too.”

A wide grin spread across Elsie’s face. “I knew it would happen you know! I told Edgar it would. I‘m psychic, in case you hadn’t heard!”

Evadne burst out laughing. “Who knows, maybe you are! You should really charge for it in that case,” and still chuckling, she made her way along the landing towards the stairs.

Edgar was still in his study. He had been looking though some of Amelia’s papers, making sure that everything was in order, and now he was leaning back in his chair, staring up at ceiling. He looked around and smiled as Evadne came in, closing the door behind her. “How are the children?”

“They’re fine. Ned’s playing marbles with Paul, and Elsie’s just finishing getting the girls into bed.” She walked over to stand in front of him, noticing with concern his pale, tired face. “How are you doing?”

“I’ve been better but I’ll survive.” Reaching out his hand, he took hold of one of hers and gazed up into her eyes. “Thanks for being here this week, Evvy.”

Evadne grinned. “Isn’t that part of my job now?”

Getting to his feet, he took her face in his hands, looking deep into her eyes and kissing her on lips, before hugging her to his chest. “What did I do to deserve you, eh?”

Lifting her head to look up at him, Evvy laughed. “You must have been very good in a former life!”

He joined in her laughter, lowering his head to kiss her on the nose. “Come on you, let’s go and say goodnight to my daughters,” and putting an arm around her shoulders, they left the room.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 2:58 am; edited 2 times in total

 

#757:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 1:18 pm

Thank you Jo. I love Elsie's reaction - you'd almost have thought she'd acheived it herself! Evvy and Edgar as so sweet! And so are the children!

 

#758:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 1:33 pm

Lovely post! Smile

 

#759:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 2:11 pm

Bless!!

 

#760:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 2:32 pm

Awwwwwwwwwww, thanks Jo Very Happy

 

#761:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 3:17 pm

They're so lovely together - long may it continue Laughing at Elsie!!!!

 

#762:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 3:35 pm

glad the children seem to be so cool about it all. and Laughing at elsie's 'I knew it!' (having done just the same a couple of weeks ago to to friends of mine who had just announced their engagement!) Laughing thanks Jo

 

#763:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 4:11 pm

Pretty please be prepared to suspend disbelief a little here people - the following posts are the only way I could think to explain why Margia would know about Evvy having been engaged but not about her fiance dying and need to ask Joey! Grrrrrr at EBD! Rolling Eyes

“So what do you think? Are you up for it?”

Evadne glanced down at the invitation she held in her hand, and then looked back up at her friend, a slight grimace on her face. “Yeah, I guess so, if you are. I’ve not seen Jo for a couple of years now, so it’ll be good to see her at least, and I’m sure the rest of her gang and lots of the others from the old days’ll be there. It could be fun.”

Elsie looked down at her own invitation, a considered look on her face. “Lonny can’t make it, they already have plans for that weekend. Is Corney coming?”

Evvy laughed. “Hardly likely! She’s still breastfeeding Meg, so they can’t be parted and there’s no way she’d want to do that trip with a tiny baby!”

“That’s a point, I’d forgotten about that!” Throwing the piece of paper down on the table, Elsie sat down opposite her friend. Earlier in they week, they had both received invitations to the Chalet School Coming of Age fete, and they were now sitting in the Rodwells’ kitchen trying to decide whether or not they wanted to go. “Well, I’m game if you are. You do realise who’s opening it though, don’t you?”

Evadne gave her a wry smile. “Yes, I heard. It’s what’s putting me off to tell you the truth, otherwise I wouldn’t think twice.” She paused for a moment, then gave a sigh. “Oh well, it won’t kill me to see her I guess. Maybe I’ll get some explanation anyhow.”

Elsie stared across the table at her. Shortly after Ralph’s death, Evadne had written letters to her four closest school friends telling them what had happened. Elsie, Ilonka and Cornelia had all responded with love and sympathy, and despite the physical distance that now separated their everyday lives, they were still as close as they could be. But there had been no response from Margia whatsoever, not even a letter of condolence. It had hurt Evadne deeply, though she rarely mentioned it, and the two women had had no contact ever since. Evvy had confided in Elsie about it a couple of years before, and it seemed such an out-of-character thing for Margia to do, that the whole episode had puzzled Elsie ever since. Now she gave her a slightly confused look.

“You know, I still think the whole thing’s really weird. It’s not like Margie at all.”

Evvy shrugged. “Yeah, maybe. People do change, though.”

“Yes, but I don’t think she has. I mean, I know she’s a terrible correspondent but from the once or twice I’ve heard from her over the years she seems exactly the same, and Corney enjoyed seeing her when they went to her concert last year, didn’t she?”

“I guess.” Evadne stared down at her fingers for a moment and then looked up with a smile. “Oh well, we’ll see I suppose. Okay, I’ll book our flights tomorrow, and we’ll stay at Villa Caramie.” As Elsie started to protest the cost of this, Evvy raised her hand to silence her. “No argument, it’s my treat. I need a roommate.”

Elsie laughed. “Fine, you win! Another cup of tea?” and as Evadne nodded, she got up to refill the pot.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:00 am; edited 2 times in total

 

#764:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 4:16 pm

Loved Elsie's reaction to the news. So did the letter go missing then?? Rolling Eyes at EBD

 

#765:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 4:24 pm

Must have done! Thank you Jo!

 

#766:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 4:25 pm

Was that only in the coming of age hb then? Can't remember Evvy in the pb! Looking forward to Margia's explanation.

 

#767:  Author: Robin, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 4:44 pm

Ally wrote:
So did the letter go missing then??
war time post I guess it's likely thanks Jo

 

#768:  Author: Terry, Location: DUNDEE PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 4:46 pm

Wasn't Margia the Lady Opener in Chalet School Fete rather than Coming of Age. And didn't Evadne tell Joey about her engagement about then too.

 

#769:  Author: keren, Location: Israel PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 4:49 pm

I think that it was Elisaveta in Fete

 

#770:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 4:51 pm

Terry wrote:
Wasn't Margia the Lady Opener in Chalet School Fete rather than Coming of Age. And didn't Evadne tell Joey about her engagement about then too.
No, she opened the fete in COA. And she told Joey about her engagement in Trials, which is still almost a year away.

 

#771:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 4:55 pm

Elizaveta opened the sale in Fete
Quote:
And she told Joey about her engagement in Trials, which is still almost a year away.
*Tries to hurry Edgar up* *fails*

 

#772:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 5:11 pm

I'm glad you put the funeral in. It would have been disrespectful to Amelia if we hadn't seen that. She's another character who must have a tale to tell, someday. Wink Loved Elsie's reaction - I've done that too. It's nice to know the girls are happy and I do hope Ned will not be upset. As for trying to tie EBDs timeline in with anything :dontknow: . What you are doing seems as reasonable as anything you can do except rewrite some of the books. It could well have been like that and since the whole drabble is coming across as so true to life and what we know of the characters, it will probably become canon in my own view. Thank you, Josie.

 

#773:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 6:38 pm

Lovely posts Josie - and hope you don't have too much of a headache from where you were banging your head against the brick wall of the EBDisms!

 

#774:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 7:39 pm

EBDisms can be so annoying, especially changing ages: sometimes they get YOUNGER!

 

#775:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 9:43 pm

Brilliant posts Jo! Looking forward to the explanation of Margia!

 

#776:  Author: Miss Di, Location: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 3:38 am

dackel wrote:
EBDisms can be so annoying, especially changing ages: sometimes they get YOUNGER!
Gosh how can I arrange for one of those EBDisms in my life? Brilliant post Jose. Am looking forward to Margia's explanation...

 

#777:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 5:29 am

Thanks again, Josie! Love the juxtaposition of the funeral Crying or Very sad and Evvy's conversation with Elsie and the little girls. And Edgar and Evvy. *looks forward to the scenes with Jo & Margia* I'm sure Margia didn't mean to hurt Evvy! Though sometimes you can put off a difficult letter for so long that it never gets done -- and then you're too embarrassed to write.

 

#778:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 10:01 am

I'm quite convinved it was wartime post and Margia will be mortified when she finds out, bless her ....And I am quite prepared to suspend my disbelief as much as you need me to Josie because this is fab!

 

#779:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 10:39 am

Thank you Jo Kiss *hoping that there is a perfectly nice explanation to Margia*

 

#780:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 11:50 am

Thanks Jo - more lovely posts. I hope that Evvy is able to understand whatever reason Margia has for never responding. If she never got the letter from Evvy maybe she's feeling hurt that Evvy hasn't bothered to contact her for years. Liz

 

#781:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 3:01 pm

We manage to suspend our disbelief for EBD so we can do it for this too Smile Thanks for the funeral scene, it's nice to know hom much Amelia was loved and just how well Evadne fits into the family. Marcia's comment was so precious *huggles the girls*

 

#782:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 3:29 pm

patmac wrote:
I'm glad you put the funeral in. It would have been disrespectful to Amelia if we hadn't seen that. She's another character who must have a tale to tell, someday. Wink

Pat, don't encourage the bunnies!!!! Shocked Shocked Shocked

Cazx, this is the Margia and Jo bit about Evvy from the hardback of COA, so the upcoming stuff makes more sense for you! Very Happy
Quote:
Only I’ve so many people to see. I’ve just had a session with Elsie Carr and Evvy Lannis. Why hasn’t Evvy married, Jo? She was engaged.” “He was shot down over the Western Desert, and she doesn’t seem to have found anyone else. You knew that Corney was married and had a family, didn’t you?” “Yes I met them during my last concert tour in America. She had only the one then, but we’ve kept in touch since, so I know her news.



It was the last Sunday of the Easter holidays, the first weekend in May as it had been a late Easter, and Evadne and the Watson family were collected in the front room at Whitlingford Hall. Edgar was seemingly sleeping off his roast dinner in one of the big armchairs, Evadne and Ned were sitting on the floor nearby having a game of backgammon, and Marcia was seated at the big table in the corner with her colouring book and crayons.

Bored of reading her book, Thea got up off the window seat on which she was perched and walked across to stand to the side of her father’s chair, looking critically at his head. “Did you know Daddy has grey hairs?”

“Let’s see!” and throwing down her crayon, Marcia jumped out of her seat and ran across to have a look. Standing on her tiptoes to see over the back of the chair, she joined Thea in pointing and giggling as they inspected his head.

Ned looked up from his game. “He’s had grey hairs for ages. It’s 'cause he’s getting old!”

“Excuse me! He’s not much older than me!” Evadne put in indignantly, and Ned gave her a mischievous grin.

“But it’s different for ladies.”

“How do you figure that?”

Ned was about to reply, when Thea suddenly piped up again. “Shall we pull them out for him so he won’t look old anymore?”

Looking at her incredulously, Ned shook his head. “If you do that, he’ll be going bald instead!”

At that moment, Edgar opened his eyes. “I hope you’re aware that I can hear you all!” They burst out laughing at the resentful look on his face, and he turned to fix Thea with a stern glare. “And if you pull out my grey hairs then I’ll scrub off your freckles.” She giggled at the idea of this, and he turned back to address them all again. “Anyway, why are you all attacking me, you ungrateful whatsits! Who do you think feeds and clothes you?”

Ned grinned at his father. “We’re just saying that you’re getting old that’s all! You always said you’d go old and grey one day and now you have!”

Edgar forced a look of hurt on his face, and chuckling, Evadne got up and came over to stand behind him, putting her arms around his neck “Aww!” she said in mock sympathy, “Well I think it makes you look distinguished.”

Edgar tilted his head back and grimaced up at her. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”

“Okay, handsome and distinguished then,” she replied, and bent to give him a peck on the lips.

“Euuurgh!”

Edgar looked over at his son, and grinned at the disgusted look on his face. “What?”

“That’s nasty!”

“What is?”

“You kissing! It’s horrid!”

“Well, you’ll do it someday too, and then you won’t think so.”

Ned screwed up his face. “Not likely! I’m not kissing a girl!”

Edgar laughed and raised his eyebrows. “Ever?”

“No, never!”

“Care to wager on that?”

Ned stuck his tongue out at his father, but said no more. Bored of talking about her father's hair, Marcia decided to return the conversation to one that Evadne and Edgar had been having at lunch regarding Evvy's forthcoming holiday. “Aunty Evvy, when are you going away?”

“Week after next, sweetie. I’m off to Paris to see my Poppa, then to Switzerland to my old school.”

“How long are you away for?”

“Six weeks in all. Why?”

“S’not fair! Why do you have to go? You won’t see any of us.”

“Yes I will, your Daddy’s coming to Paris for a week at the beginning of June.”

“Why can’t we come?”

Edgar grinned at her. “Because we want a few days away from you horrible lot, that’s why! Anyway, you have lessons.”

At the mention of this, Thea, who had returned to the window seat, looked over at her father. “Who’s our teacher going to be now?”

“You’re getting a new governess. You’ll meet her next week.”

“Why can’t Mrs. Furlong do it like before?”

“Because she has other things to do, and you need someone more full time. She has Reverend Furlong to look after. This new lady will be living here with us.”

“What’s her name?”

“Miss McReadie. She’s very nice, you’ll like her.”

“Why can’t Auntie Evvy come and live here and teach us?”

“Because Auntie Evvy has better things to do!”

Evadne grinned. “Anyhow, I don’t know nearly enough about things to teach you everything.”

Thea pulled a sulky face and crossed her arms across her chest. “Well I’m not going to like her!”

“Nor me!” put in Marcia, imitating her sister’s actions.

Evadne looked down at Edgar again with a chuckle. “Good luck!” Looking back up at her, Edgar just shook his head and rolled his eyes, thinking how little he was looking forward to the battle ahead.

Last edited by Josie on Wed Mar 09, 2005 3:04 am; edited 2 times in total

 

#783:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 3:39 pm

Thank you Jo! I love the relationships between the children and Edgar and Evvy!

 

#784:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 4:15 pm

Thank you Jo Very Happy I feel very sorry for Miss McReadie as Thea and Marcia have got it in for her before she even starts Twisted Evil

 

#785:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 4:18 pm

Awww! Poor Miss McReadie! Although I was really expecting it to be someone rather random but from the Dark Ages - ie Amy Stevens or something! Thanks Jo Very Happy

 

#786:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 4:21 pm

Thanks for posting the info from Coming of Age Jo Very Happy Great post too!

 

#787:  Author: Beth, Location: Durham, apparently... PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 4:26 pm

I *LOVE* this story. I read all of it up to about four posts ago, having just read the first one, and I *LOVE* them!! It's so ace to fill in the gaps for such a central and lovely character, and you do it so so so so so so so well, Josie. :red: <-- me, bouncing cos I love the drabble so much! P.S - did I mention that I like this story? P.P.S - sorry, forgot to say thank you for the lovely story P.P.P.S - I know it's really greedy, but when's the next bit.......?

 

#788:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England<