The CBB :: View topic - A Second Chance

A Second Chance - Part two

The CBB -> St Agnes's House

#401: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sat Feb 12, 2005 5:13 pm

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

#402: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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)

Posted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 11:05 am

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

#410: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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!!

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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!!!

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 10:59 pm

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

#421: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: 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

Posted: 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!!!

Posted: 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

Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 3:35 am

I'm not sure you do Smile

#425: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 4:51 am

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

#426: Author: Rachael,

Posted: 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

#427: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 9:29 am

Seconds Rachael's request! Very Happy

#428: Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach)

Posted: 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)

Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 10:28 am

And me! Thanks Jo Very Happy

#430: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Well at least somebody's remembered what day it is!! Liz *distinctly disgruntled at this morning's post*

#433: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

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

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

Posted: 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!!

Posted: 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,

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

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

Posted: 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

Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 9:16 pm

What a glorious comeback! ROFL

#442: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: 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!!!

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 6:00 am

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,

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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)

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:10 pm

Thanks Jo! Lovely lovely lovely. Very Happy

#455: Author: Nell, Location: London, England

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:12 pm

: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

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:22 pm

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

thanks Jo

#457: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: 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,

Posted: 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!!

Posted: 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

Posted: 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)

Posted: 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!!!

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 2:58 pm

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

#463: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 4:05 pm

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

Posted: 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,

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 4:22 pm

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

#466: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 4:44 pm

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

#467: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: 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!!

Posted: 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

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 4:50 pm

Absolutely wonderful!!! Thank you Jo!! ROFL

#470: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester

Posted: 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

Posted: 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!!!

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 6:48 pm

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

#473: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 7:10 pm

Lol

#474: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: 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

Posted: 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)

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 7:51 pm

Class, thanks Jo! Very Happy

#477: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Tue Feb 15, 2005 9:01 pm

Loved Edgar's response! Laughing

#478: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 1:34 am

Classic!

#479: Author: Robin, Location: London

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 10:31 am

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

#480: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: 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

Posted: 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)

Posted: 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

Posted: 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,

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 5:06 pm

Yay for Cassie! Laughing

#489: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 6:22 pm

Excellent, glad Cassie has planted the seed! Laughing

#490: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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!!!

Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2005 8:46 pm

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

#495: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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)

Posted: 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!!

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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)

Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 2:13 pm

Hurrah for Elsie! Thank you Jo Very Happy

#506: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: 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

Posted: 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)

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 6:25 pm

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

#513: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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!!!

Posted: 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)

Posted: 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

#518: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

#521: Author: keren, Location: Israel

Posted: 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)

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 9:54 am

*giggles* Thanks Jo!

#523: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:24 am

JenniferG wrote:

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

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

#526: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:29 am

Ahh. Bless 'em. Thanks Josie.

#527: Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!!

Posted: 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

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:53 am

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

#529: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:01 pm

Josie wrote:

ETA: Oi, King, hands off my story!!!!! Shocked

Well if you would post without waiting for me to proof it for you !!! Rolling Eyes

#530: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:06 pm

Kathye wrote:

Josie wrote:

ETA: Oi, King, hands off my story!!!!! Shocked

Well if you would post without waiting for me to proof it for you !!! Rolling Eyes

*mutters under breath*

#531: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 12:15 pm

If anyone asks :Stupid: *g*

#532: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 1:01 pm

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

#533: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle

Posted: 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

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 2:29 pm

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

#535: Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham

Posted: 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

Posted: 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!!!

Posted: 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

Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 8:39 pm

Awwww! That was sooooo lovely. Laughing

#539: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 12:02 am

Most cheering, Josie! Very Happy

#540: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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)

Posted: 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)

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 10:36 am

That was lovely - Thanks Jo Liz

#548: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2005 11:33 am

That was beautiful Jo! Thank you!!!

#549: Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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!!

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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

Posted: 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!!!

Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2005 9:18 pm