Gabby goes to school
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The CBB -> St Agnes's House

#401:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:13 pm


Lovely study scene - but hope Cecil is not about to call on Joey as a help - poor woman must be in her 80's!

 


#402:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:17 pm


I love Cecil as Head - she does a great Abbess. I love that she still thinks of home as a sanctuary!

 


#403:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:22 pm


Thanks Kate I hope Cecil gets a break with Joey and Len, and can talk about non-school stuff Liz

 


#404:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:26 pm


I was wondering if Joey was still alive! Poor Nell and Jayne Sad Thanks for the update!

 


#405:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 11:13 pm


Ouch! That was swingeing. It wasn't as if their intentions were bad, after all (even if they were skipping prep, admittedly a heinous crime!)

 


#406:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 11:22 pm


i think Cecil could have been a little more understanding but then again the did skip prep, and lie to their classmates, so I don't know what else she could have done

 


#407:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:21 am


Ceci9l does make a good headmistress but I think she could have been a little more lenient with them - unless they have been really badly behave in previous terms. Thanks Kate.

 


#408:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 12:29 pm


Thank you Kate! Loving seeing Cecil as Head, poor Nell and Jayne!

 


#409:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 5:45 pm


Good to know Cecil is just as strict as any of the CS headmistresses though I really wouldn't like to be Jayne or Nell right now! Thanks Kate.

 


#410:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 6:40 pm


Whilst Nell and Jayne had made their way to the headmistresses study the rest of the girls had fled back to their dormitories to change before their walk.

“Partner me?” Mel asked Gabby as they almost fell through the dormitory door.

“Sorry, I’ve got a partner already,” Gabby replied with a smile as she turned towards her own cubicle to change.

“Who?” Mel stopped point blank with her hands on her hips in the centre of the dormitory.

“Rosemary,” Gabby replied quietly before ducking into the cubicle.

“What?” Mel asked astounded as until now none of them had gone out of their way to include Rosemary in their group, leaving her to partner whoever was left on their own. Admittedly Pippa, whose sheepdog duties were no longer required, tried to include the new girl but being snubbed and rejected had meant that she was left more or less alone.

“Mel, get changed!” Lizzy commanded from her own cubicle and Mel scurried away to her own domains were she quickly changed into their outdoor clothes of jeans, sweatshirt and thick walking socks.

“Pippa, who are you partnering,” Gabby heard Mel ask as she changed.

“I’m not, most of us haven’t sorted out partners yet,” Pippa’s reply was muffled as she pulled her sweater over her head as she spoke.

“Partner me then?” Mel asked

“Of course,” Pippa replied swiftly, the last thing she wanted was Mel and Gabby at odds because of Gabby’s decision to partner Rosemary. If Pippa was honest with herself she felt that she had failed as far as Rosemary was concerned, despite her best efforts she had not managed to get her to join in with the rest of the form, nor had she managed to break through the standoffish manner which Rosemary had, and which Pippa was sure was not genuine.

“What about you Abi?” Mel asked.

“Not bothered, I’ll see whose free, to be honest, I just want to get out for a bit. Being cooped up because of bad weather is nearly as bad as it was being stuck inside when my leg was bad.”

The other girls muttered their sympathies having watched Abi’s suffering over the last year. Despite her return to school over a year ago it was only in this last term that she had been able to join her friends in walks and rambles, the doctors having finally agreed that her leg was now, almost two years after the accident, recovered. She still suffered from some pain, but this was more to do with the fact that her muscles had weakened during her enforced rest period, however, she was determined not to let this stop her from joining in with the others.

The bell sounded and the girls made their way to their form room for registration, there was a general air of excitement and the volume as a result was somewhat higher than usual.


Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:49 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#411:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 7:55 pm


Lovely post Kate!!! I'd forgotten about Abi's leg!

 


#412:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 8:48 pm


Nice continuity bit - thanks Kate.

 


#413:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:04 pm


oooh lovely - hope Mel will understand. thank you Kate

 


#414:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Feb 22, 2005 9:51 pm


Worried about Mel's reaction...

 


#415:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 12:38 am


Thanks Kate. Hope both Mel and Pippa realise what Gabby is doing and that Gabby can help Rosemary.

 


#416:  Author: SophoifeLocation: down under Down Under PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 4:56 am


I too hope Gabby can help Rosemary...who seemed quite normal when they were in San! Hmmm...

 


#417:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:07 am


Thanks Kate Liz

 


#418:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:56 am


Thanks Kate!

 


#419:  Author: RobinLocation: London PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 10:21 am


thanks kate hope Gabby can make the most of the walk to get to the bottom of Rosemarys behaviour.

 


#420:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 1:21 pm


Lets hope Rosemary opens up to Gabby and Mel doesn't make trouble! Smile Thanks Kate

 


#421:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 6:41 pm


Only a short bit today - had a busy day at work yesterday and managed to write loads, they got home to find the file had corrupted (am blaming the freezing temperatures) and I have lost the lot. Have written some more today - but had to do some RL work too! Will try and post more later!

“Good morning girls!” Their form mistress said loudly from the door where she had appeared without notice.

There was a general scampering as the girls raced to their places, many of them blushing at having been caught out like this.

“Good morning Miss Williams,” the girls chorused back in response and then sat at their desks looking eagerly towards the front of the classroom.

“After registration you are all to go and line up at the side door on the lower corridor near the gym, Inter V will be joining us this morning and we are going to be walking to the to the Auberge where we will have Kaffee before returning the same way we came. You will of course be able to try out the echoes, however, I must warn all of you from messing about near the railing or from standing too close.”

This statement was received in silence as many of the girls remembered with horrible clarity the dreadful day when Abi, who had been standing at the railings of the Auberge, suddenly slipped down into the large crater below. Abi herself had little recollection of the accident, having, mercifully, been knocked out at the start of the fall. Pippa and Mel however, who had stood with her at the railings that fateful day, had both turned pale.

Miss Williams swiftly moved onto the register and when all were marked present and correct she ushered them out to their splashery to get into their walking boots.

“Are you ready?” Gabby heard Rosemary ask quietly by her side as she finished tying the laces of her boots.

“Yes,” she replied standing upright, “shall we go line up.”

The pair of them left the splashery, watched by the others in their form.

“What’s with Gabby?” Nicola West asked in shocked tones as the door was closing.

“Nothing at all,” Pippa replied quickly and with dignity, “she’s just partnering someone different. If were ready we’d better go,” she added linking her arm through Mel’s.

The two marched off with Abi directly behind them. Most of Inter V were already at the door by the time Upper IVa joined them. At the head of their queue came Lizzy with her best friend, and now dormitory prefect of Jonquil, Rebecca Morrison. The girls lined up, with Abi standing slightly to one side as she had still not obtained a partner. Shortly after the final girl had fallen into place Miss Williams and Fraulien Eisen, Inter V’s form mistress appeared with the Head girl and two of the sub prefects. Joanna, seeing Abi standing on her own moved swiftly to her side.

“Why don’t we lead off?” She suggested amiably and pulled Abi to the front of the line.


Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:50 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#422:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 6:43 pm


Thanks Kate - hits RL and stupid file.

 


#423:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 6:53 pm


poke silly file hope RL work is sorted soon so we can have more of this!

Last edited by francesn on Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:03 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#424:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 7:24 pm


Evil file! Thanks for the update!

 


#425:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 7:26 pm


*pokes file* I hope Pippa and Mel will be ok Thanks Kate Very Happy

 


#426:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 7:35 pm


Lovely update Kate Fingers crossed there'll be no more accidents at the auberge Do we get an extra posting on Saturday??

 


#427:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:05 pm


Thank you Kate!!! Hope everything will be okay on the ramble!

 


#428:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:08 pm


Ok, cos your all fab, and I've just managed to write a bit more.......... (oh and Dawn, sorry, no special posting over the weekend - my bedtime drabble has nothing to do with this story either!)

Behind Mel and Pippa moved in behind them, next to Lizzy and Becca. Gabby and Rosemary were around four places back.

“Merge into one line,” Miss Williams called out to the two forms, who obediently did as they were bade and, once they were in place she continued, “when your ready Joanna, lead off.” Joanna needed no further prompting, she pulled open the door and led the way out in to the grounds.

There was a brisk wind blowing which took all the warmth out of the weak autumn sunlight and at first took Gabby’s breath away. Joanna set a fairly good pace as the form marched out and Gabby found she was not able to talk.

After about ten minutes of silent walking the pace slowed slightly. Around her Gabby could hear the other girls chattering away, she guessed that, in all probability, Rosemary would not start a conversation yet she didn’t want to jump in with both feet with questions and queries which could get her back up. Eventually she asked,

“How is your hand feeling today?”

“Not too bad,” Rosemary replied, “nurse changed the bandage this morning and said it was starting to scab over.”

“That’s good, it’s lucky you didn’t need stitches, last time I cut myself I had to have seven in my finger.”

“Ouch!” Rosemary replied with feeling before adding, “what were you doing to cut your self?”

“Oh, nothing much, I was hungry and trying to make a sandwich, we didn’t have any cut bread so I put my hand in the draw to get the bread knife and picked up the carving knife by the blade instead.”

“Your lucky you didn’t loose your hand!” Rosemary gasped.

“I know,” Gabby laughed, “I never thought I’d hear the end of it. It’s so frustrating though, not to be able to do even little things, things my younger sisters can do,” she finished with a sigh and for a moment the conversation faltered.

“How many sisters do you have?” Rosemary asked after a short while.

“Two, Charlotte and Laura, they’re ten.” Gabby replied

“Twins?” Rosemary asked

“Yes, mum and dad call them the terrible twins!” Gabby laughed, “they go to the Chalet School too, only to the English branch. What about you, have you got any sisters or brothers?”

“Yes, two brothers, but they are years older than me,” Rosemary replied her voice sounded wistful, “I suppose really I might as well be an only child. I was an afterthought!”

“An afterthought?” Gabby had never heard the term.

“Yes, my brothers were twenty and eighteen when I was born, my mother was in her late forties and dad was over fifty!”

“What about other family?” Gabby asked, “I have stacks of cousins and aunts and uncles, and of course my granny and grandpa.”

“Not really, my brothers are both married but they haven’t got any children. Dad has a brother but he never married. My grandma died when my dad was just a kid. We did have a great aunt, she lived with us till I was seven.” Rosemary’s voice changed as she finished her sentence from the friendly light tone she had been using back to the more formal icy tones that Gabby had been used to hearing from her previously.


Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:50 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#429:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:11 pm


Yet another mystery to torment us. Thanks Kate.

 


#430:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:20 pm


Is the great aunt part of the mystery?

 


#431:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:24 pm


was the great-aunt blind? maybe..... thank you Kate

 


#432:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:36 pm


francesn wrote:
was the great-aunt blind?
That was my thought too!

 


#433:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 9:42 pm


Sorry not a post but you are welcome to keep guessing what rosemary's problem is!! I find it quite amusing!!! Your close, but still a way off base!

 


#434:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 10:15 pm


Did the great aunt go blind and have to stop living with them?

 


#435:  Author: DonnaLocation: Liverpool PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 11:06 pm


maybe the great aunt was blind and used Rosemary as a fetch and carry slave? This is great Kate (not sure if I've commented before or not). Hope RL starts behaving! Smile

 


#436:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 11:15 pm


Maybe all her family are blind but her? Maybe she used to be blind but can now see?

 


#437:  Author: MarianneLocation: Lancaster PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 1:02 am


hmm...mysteries mysteries

 


#438:  Author: RobinLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 10:33 am


hmmm intriguing.... thanks Kate

 


#439:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 2:48 pm


Thanks Kate. Lovely post. My guess would have been that the Great Aunt is blind. Now I wonder if her Mum or Dad has gone blind and that is why the GA had to go away and why Rosemary now has to go to school as they cannot cope with her at home.

 


#440:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 2:55 pm


Perhaps GA was one of the whiney-piney type who wanted everything done for her, and had refused the training that would let her lead an independent life, so she was a burden on the family.

 


#441:  Author: EmilyLocation: Land of White Coats and Stethoscopes. PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 4:10 pm


I reckon Rosemary used to be blind and had a guide dog wanted to go to school but the GA put her foot down she somehow became able to see and for some reason had to give up the dog/ dog died. Um. Yes. Well that's my guess.

 


#442:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 8:18 pm


oh dear, nothing like! oh and for your information - i am not susceptable to bribes of any form for information at the gathering!!! Laughing

Not wishing to pry further Gabby said nothing and the pair walked on in silence. As they walked Gabby could hear the friendly chatter of the girls all around her and part of her wished that she had left Rosemary alone and joined with her own friends. The winter sun had become warmer but a chill wind was blowing, lowering the temperature significantly. Both girls un-used to walking any great distance were beginning to tire.

Suddenly Gabby felt Rosemary’s arm on her elbow,

“What is it?” She asked.

“The path is becoming quite uneven and there is quite a drop down one side,” Rosemary advised, “you might want to keep quite close.” Gabby nodded her acknowledgement and concentrated on walking forward, noting that Polo was pressed into her hip and that Rosemary’s had remained on her elbow. Eventually she said,

“we are passed the worst of it now aren’t we?”

“How did you know?” Rosemary replied

“The wind,” was Gabby’s succinct response, “back there the wind was quite high, now it’s dropped again, as though the path is shielded, by pine trees judging by the smell.”

“Your right,” Rosemary admitted, “there are pine trees on each side of the path, now you mention it, I can smell them too.”

“It’s a smell I like, it always reminds me of Christmas because we have a real tree in the house.” Gabby grinned, “tell me what the rest of the place is like,” she urged.

Rosemary complied and as they walked along she described everything she could see, from the high snow capped mountains to the distant lakes, just visible thanks to the clear weather. Eventually she said,

“Ahead of is a medium size chalet, it wooden, and has planters all round the windows, there empty though. In front of it is a hardstanding with picnic tables and to one side is a railing running along the edge of something. There seems to be quite a drop on the other side of the railings. Opposite the railings is a small, well, the only way I could describe it is a cliff, which goes straight up from the depths.”

“This must be where we are going to,” Gabby replied,

“I think it must be, yes, we appear to be stopping.”

The girls came to a halt and from behind Gabby she heard her form mistress,

“Can you all hear me?” she asked, her voice ringing out clearly. Once they had all assured her that they could she continued. “Miss Maynard has arranged for us to have elevenses in the upstairs room so if you want to go in, slowly in small groups, and sit yourselves down.”

No sooner had she finished than Gabby heard footsteps approaching above the chatter of the girls.

“You are coming with us aren’t you,” Mel asked, slipping her arm through Gabby’s and effectively separating her from Rosemary.

“Yes,” Gabby replied as she was whisked away. Rosemary watched her disappearing into the crowd, a wistful look on her face. Suddenly an arm was tucked through hers,

“Come on,” Abi urged, “you as well, Mel can be so dizzy at times!” Abi gave a small laugh and then pulled Rosemary forward, unsure whether or not she wanted to resist joining them she allowed Abi to tow her along.


Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:52 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#443:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 8:38 pm


Well done Abi! But I'm worrying about her leg... My guess: Rosemary's next-door neighbour & best friend since they were tiny is blind so Rosemary's used to guiding her & seeing for her. The friend has been sent to a specialist school for children/girls with visual impairments, and they both wanted to go to the CS. That's why Rosemary was so anti Gabby, as she could see there was no apparent reason for her friend not to be there too when Gabby could be.

 


#444:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 9:12 pm


Glad to hear you are not succeptable(sp?) to bribes, Kate. Thank you for the post - feeling a bit sorry for Rosemary now.

 


#445:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Feb 24, 2005 10:12 pm


i thought almost exactly the same, lyanne!!!! except it was cousin rather than best friend.

 


#446:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 12:11 am


Thank you Kate. Rosemary is very definitley used to dealing with someone who is blind.

 


#447:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 1:00 am


Lovely post Kate! Thank you! Please put us out of our misery soon!!!

 


#448:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 9:16 am


ok folks, final posting before Monday - enjoy!

When they got upstairs she noticed that Pippa had saved a seat not only for Abi but for her as well and she gave the girl a shy smile as she sat down. Not only were there the five from their own form at the table but Lizzy and her friend Becca had joined them.

“How was that for a first proper walk?” Lizzy asked.

“Not bad,” Gabby replied with a grin, “I’m a bit tired though!”

“You won’t be the only one, anyway, we will have elevenses here and then rest for half an hour before we head back.”

“Thank goodness,” Abi said with a sigh, “I am so out of condition.”

As she said this Gabby heard a sharp in take of breath from Mel and Pippa, who were sitting each side of her.

“Is your leg hurting?” Pippa whispered

“A little,” Abi replied in the same hushed tones. “Don’t say anything, please, I can make it back if I have a rest now.”

“Do you need to put it up?” Mel asked.

“It would help, but I can’t do that without anyone noticing.”

“You can,” the girls were startled by Rosemary’s sudden interruption into the conversation. “This table is pretty much against the wall, if Abi sits at the end, kind of sideways, we can slip one of the stools in at the back and she can put her leg on it. There are enough of us to crowd round her so no one notices.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than the girls quickly rearranged themselves as suggested. When they had re-settled Abi said with a grin,

“Thanks Rosemary, that’s much better.”

“Are you sure that you are going to get back okay?” Mel asked.

“Yes, it’s not to bad, just a bit achy, I’m sure that Rosemary and Gabby’s legs feel the same if they are not used to walking. Change the subject,” the tone in her voice indicated that she meant what said.

Conversation lapsed but eventually a general chatter resumed as they discussed school work, hobbies club and whether or not any of them had a chance of making the select choir of 24 for the carol concert.

Eventually Joanna appeared with a tray of mugs, each containing hot chocolate, flavoured liberally with cinnamon, and a plate of spiced biscuits. The mugs were shared out and as Joanna turned to go Rosemary called out to her,

“Please, can we have a bowl of water for Polo?”

“Of course,” Joanna replied with a smile, pleased to see that Rosemary was starting to join in with the others. As she left them Gabby, who had blushed at her own forgetfulness turned to Rosemary,

“Thank you, I’d forgotten,” she admitted.

Rosemary gave her a small smile and picked up her mug with both hands. Joanna returned, with Polo’s water dish and for a short while they sat in silence, warming themselves with the hot drinks.

Elevenses over the girls chattered amongst themselves until Miss Williams clapped her hands together for silence, Gabby fingered the Braille watch she wore on her left wrist, sure that the designated half hour could not have passed already.

“Girls,” Miss Williams voice held a hint of urgency about it. “I’m afraid we must cut short our afternoon, the weather is changing rapidly and we must hurry back to school. Unfortunately, we must leave the echoes for your next visit. Please gather your belongings and then make your way outside.”


Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:53 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#449:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 9:55 am


Oh a lickle cliff -wonderful!Thanks Kate.

 


#450:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 10:26 am


Eek! Thankyou Kate - still hopeful of a little bribery working at FG

 


#451:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 10:55 am


Thanks Kate. Rosemary is certainly thoughtful whan she wants to be. Wonderful place to leave it!

 


#452:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 11:35 am


*wibbles at the cliff edge* Thanks Kate, good to see Rosemary joining in more

 


#453:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 11:46 am


I do hope we'll have a shepherds' hut scene.

 


#454:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 12:56 pm


Thank you Kate!! *wonders if Kate can be bribed with gluten free chocolate brownies.....* Wink

 


#455:  Author: Alix PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 2:07 pm


Thanks Kate - love the updates. I am quite convinced by Lyanne's theory so far but am looking forward to seeing how it develops! Are you sure you want to go gather?? I think you might have a far better time staying home writing lots of this!! Wink

 


#456:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:48 pm


Well, I suppose all this abseiling practice this weekend will come in useful. I hope someone's throwing people of cliff's in their bedtime drabbles, they deserve it Twisted Evil JackieJ

 


#457:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 5:42 pm


Is it compulsory now for any author going away for a weekend to leave us with a cliff :S Thanks Kate, enjoy your weekend whilst we're wibbling back here.

 


#458:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 8:10 pm


Jennie wrote:
I do hope we'll have a shepherds' hut scene.
with chocolate and melted snow?

 


#459:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 8:34 pm


i hope abi's leg doesn't give out on her in the rush back *starts to like rosemary a little* monday can't come soon enough!!!!

 


#460:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 9:10 pm


Agreed frances, if only I didn't have work on Monday it would be perfect. Thanks though Kate JackieJ

 


#461:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2005 9:24 pm


Thanks Kate, this is fab! Gabby is very likeable and looks set to be a leader in the CS in years to come! I have no idea about Rosemary, so will not try to guess, just to wait patiently till Monday. Well, as patiently as I can manage, anyway...!

 


#462:  Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Sat Feb 26, 2005 12:15 am


Have just read about 10 pages of this in one go - Gabby's calm acceptance of her blindness continues to impress me. I just loved the way Cecil dealt with Jayne and Nell, though think their punishment a little heavy.As for Rosemary, she seems to take one step forward emotionally with the others only to jump two back - but her gentle guiding of Gabby from time to time definitely suggests an earlier acquaintance with someone who is blind. Not joining the throng of guessers, but I'll be interested to learn the true story.Also betting that in the end, Gabby will make the breakthrough and the two will become great friends.

 


#463:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Sat Feb 26, 2005 10:40 am


Elder in Ontario wrote
Quote:
Also betting that in the end, Gabby will make the breakthrough and the two will become great friends.
Of course they will, this is the Chalet School! I think, when Rosemary's got over her problems, she has the potential to become a leader too. I don't think that Cecil will have far to look for prefects when this group are old enough.

 


#464:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 6:40 pm


Good evening!!! Well, I'm home, slightly kippered but very happy in my post gathering exhaustion. So before I return to the kitchen (yep cos I haven't done anything all weekend I have to make tea in a bit) I thought you might like this wee little update!

No sooner had she finished speaking than the girls hurried to act. Within three minutes a trim double line of girls was standing in the forecourt and upon Miss Williams’ command the two sub prefects led the way down the footpath to the school.

Gabby, who had fallen in beside Rosemary towards the back of the line, could the change in the weather, the weak sunlight no longer fell on her face and the wind had become stronger. The head of the file of girls picked up speed, leaving Gabby and Rosemary with no breath for chatter as they walked along, occasionally, usually when the path became uneven, Rosemary would take Gabby’s elbow and ensure that she didn’t loose her footing.

The temperature continued to drop and Gabby felt the first raindrops on her face, gasping slightly she turned to Rosemary,

“tell me what the sky looks like,” she pleaded.

“Dark,” Rosemary spoke quickly, “there is no blue sky left now and the clouds are very grey.”

“How far have we got left to go?”

“I don’t know, not far I don’t think, I can see lights, in the distance.”

Both fell silent and lent all their energies to keeping their places in the line of girls. The first few drops of rain Gabby had felt increased so soon she could hear the raindrops falling around her. Miss Williams and Fraulien Eisen occasionally called out instructions to the girls as they walked, mainly to do with everyone keeping up. At the rear of the line Joanna and Abi were falling behind, Abi’s leg was hurting badly by the enforced pace she was having to walk at.

“I can see the school,” Gabby heard Mel who was walking just in front of them call out with relief. As she spoke the rain seemed to suddenly intensify and the droplets falling on Gabby’s exposed skin stung as they landed. The leading pair picked up the pace so that by the time they reached the perimeter of the school’s grounds they were almost running. From around here Gabby could hear the hard breathing of the other girls, there was no chatter as each girl concentrated upon reaching safety as quickly as possible.

The sound of the footsteps in front of her changed as the girls moved from the gravel pathway outside to the wooden corridors of the school. As Gabby herself moved into the building she heard Miss Maynard call out,

“Straight to your cloakrooms all of you and get out of your out door clothes, they go immediately to your dormitories. Anyone who want’s a hot shower can have one, but please be sensible and don’t all try to go at once. The bell for mitagessen will go in an hour.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than Gabby felt the crowd of girls around her start to disburse, breathing heavily she leaned over, resting her hands on her own knees. As she stood there she heard footsteps behind her as Joanna and Abi finally made it back into the building.

“Goodness, your soaked to the skin,” she heard Miss Maynard say, “I think we had better get you two straight to the health centre,” she added and Gabby heard the two girls swept away quickly by their headmistress.

As she straightened up, her own breathing now recovered to it’s normal rate, Polo shook vigorously to remove the excess rainwater which had settled in his coat.

“I need a towel for Polo,” she said out loud, although she was not sure who was still standing in the hallway.

“If you can manage for half an hour, I’ll take him and dry him off for you,” she heard the school secretary’s voice from close by.

“I can, if someone helps me,” Gabby sounded dubious.

“I’ll help,” Rosemary placed her hand on Gabby’s elbow as she spoke. Gabby nodded and handed over Polo’s harness to Miss Richards before Rosemary bore her away first to the splashery and then to her dormitory. When Polo returned to her, dry and with his coat brushed out, Rosemary relinquished her job as guide, which she had done faultlessly for the previous hour


Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:54 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#465:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 7:20 pm


Rosemary does seem experienced. Confused

 


#466:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 8:21 pm


Thanks Kate - very impressed at you posting tonight! Glad you're back safely.

 


#467:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 10:14 pm


So how much damage has Abi done to her leg?

 


#468:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 10:15 pm


Thank you Kate!You're VERY shiny!*sits in corner gloating VERY quietly*

 


#469:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 10:45 pm


Shiny shiny shiny Kate! and Uto? Vikki's gloating....

 


#470:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:35 am


Thank you Kate!! Rosemary definately knows what she's doing...hope Abi's ok!!And as for you doing nothing all weekend...

 


#471:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 3:04 pm


In a big (CS worthy) coincidence - a doggy (named Ziggy) is moving onto my floor at the Graduate Residence (along with it's owner). Nina will be the first blind (is that the correct term) student to live in our building, and I fear that a few of her suitemates (it is a four bedroom apartment/suite) may be Rosemaryish - they aren't pleased with having her move in (though they don't want anyone to move in). Ziggy, by the way, is a hero - http://www.pulse24.com/News/Top_Story/20050223-018/page.asp. The fire is why Nina is moving into our building.

 


#472:  Author: RoseaLocation: Edinburgh PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 4:20 pm


Clever doggy!! Thanks Kate.

 


#473:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 6:35 pm


Vikki - now what were you told about gloating!!! Wink Nell - no I didn't do anything over the weekend, particularly not any cooking or washing up! Wink Anyway - your next installment!!!

Mitagessen was eventually served three quarters of an hour late and Cecil, noting the tired faces before her, decreed that once it was over the girls should all return to their common rooms where they should relax for the afternoon. The girls were not the only ones whose faces clearly reflected the morning’s race against the weather as several of the staff were looking a little the worse for wear.

The two girls worst affected by the morning’s activities were Abi, whose leg was aching badly, and Joanna, for whom the morning’s adventures culminated with the shock she had had the night before, had resulted in an uncharacteristic emotional outburst. The pair of them had been whisked away to the health centre by Cecil, where nurse arranged for hot baths followed by bed, and in Abi’s case some pain relief mediation, which would reduce any swelling and help her to sleep.

Picking up the box of biscuits her sister had given her that morning Cecil made her way down the deserted corridors to the staff room.

“Any coffee going?” she asked as she pushed open the door. “I’ve got biscuits!”

“Well in that case,” Miss Phillips, the young games mistress replied with a grin, “your more than welcome.”

Cecil helped herself to coffee and settled herself into one of the comfortable chairs, around her the staff we either reading or talking quietly amongst themselves. She noted that whilst a few appeared tired only Miss Williams and Fraulien Eisen showed any other sign’s of the morning’s adventure, which was probably due to the fact that their forms, having walked the furthest we the last back to the safety of the school.

“Are all the girls all right?” Miss Redmond, the school’s senior mistress and in effect Cecil’s second in command asked.

“Yes, I spoke to nurse before I came down here. Only Abi and Joanna are suffering anything other than tiredness, she’s spoken to the doctor who advises that the best thing for both of them is to rest.”

“No real harm done then,” Miss Redmond added with a smile.

“Now, I want to pick your brains!” Cecil declared. Once she had everyone’s attention she continued. “As you know I had Nell and Jayne in the study this morning, following their antics yesterday.”

“What exactly were they doing?” Gennie Phillips interrupted. “Neither said a word this morning in registration.”

“One of them, and I’m guessing it was Nell, suggested that the try and see what it was like for Gabby by using a blindfold. The other was to act as the guide dog. In their experimenting they got a little too close to the stairs and Nell fell down them.”

“She is not hurt?” Mlle Mercier asked anxiously.

“A slight concussion but that seems to have cleared this morning, she is under instructions that if her head aches she will go straight to nurse.”

“I take it this occurred when they should have been in prep?” Jayne Chadwick said grimly causing Gennie to moan weakly,

“Why my form, why is it always my form!” she said dramatically.

“Trust me,” Cecil replied, “it’s not always your form.”

“I take it that they got a dressing down this morning, young Nell was extremely subdued when you sent her to me,” Anne Ferdinand’s eyes twinkled as she spoke.

“I think I impressed upon them that I was not happy with their actions,” Cecil replied blandly. “Actually, I feel that their curiosity regarding blindness is not to be faulted, nor is their method of experimentation. Choosing to absent themselves from prep however is another matter,” she finished in a grim tone.

“So what do you intend to do with them?” Gennie asked tentively.


Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:55 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#474:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 6:44 pm


Yes, what is Cecil going to do?? Poor Abi and Joanna, I hope they are ok. Thanks Kate, you are a star Very Happy

 


#475:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 7:18 pm


Thank you Kate. Laughing

 


#476:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 7:45 pm


Wow Shocked impressed at the dog. Maybe the girls could have blind training?

 


#477:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 7:59 pm


Thanks for all the lovely updates! Very Happy

 


#478:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 8:51 pm


nikkie wrote:
Wow Shocked impressed at the dog. Maybe the girls could have blind training?
Only if I can push them down the stairs. When I was told about their feelings - one told me herself - I said to my roommate (who is the floor advisor) "At least B will be nice about it". It turns out that B, is the most vocal objector. Apparently, the Dean sent and email to the 3 in the apartment to inform them of the move it. B sent a reply to her suitemates titled "umm...the F-word, which I somehow cannot bring myself to type even with spacings". What she didn't realise was that she hit 'reply all' - so the Dean also got the message Evil or Very Mad I, on the other hand, have been singing "Ziggy is coming" to myself all day. And even offered my suitemate's room to Nina and Ziggy - my suitemate wasn't quite so excited about my proposal Rolling Eyes Back on topic - Yay for Cecil for distinguishing between missing prep (bad) and trying to get a feeling of what life is like for Gabby (good).

 


#479:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:06 pm


See for how i am so nice to you all! actually lots to post today as boss is still away in Dubhai - and i handed my notice in today and didn't feel like doing any RL work!!!

“Well, they have had the whole day in solitary to think about their actions, I will see them tonight and when I’ve heard what they have to say for themselves will make a final decision. I don’t intend to punish them too harshly. They will have to apologise though, to the prefect who was taking their prep and to Joanna, who got quite a shock when she discovered Nell at the foot of the stairs.”

“What about Gabby?” That young woman’s form mistresses asked.

“What about Gabby?, oh, you mean an apology. No, I don’t think so, she knows what they were doing but I don’t think she has been upset by it. Nell was so embarrassed that she had found out, after all that was why they decided to try their experiment during prep, specifically so Gabby wouldn’t know.”

“I don’t think they are alone in their curiosity regarding Gabby,” Miss Williams advised.

“I agree,” Gennie replied, “My form have all asked questions.”

“Mine too,” was the general consensus from the rest of the form mistresses.

“What the girls were doing reminds me of the trust games that they used to make us play in college as part of team building exercises.” Miss Redmond said suddenly.

“What about letting the girls try what Nell and Jayne were doing, only in a controlled environment?” Jayne asked.

“Go on,” Cecil said cautiously.

“Well, perhaps if we used the gym or the hall, the girls could pair off and take turns as both the blindfolded person and their guide. It would give them at least an idea of what it was like for Gabby.”

“A very small idea,” Cecil said with a frown. “I agree it’s a good way to stem their curiosity but I am not sure how Gabby herself would take it. I don’t think it should be done as part of a lesson either.”

“How about as guides?” Miss Redmond, the senior guide captain suggested. “We could use the guide meeting to meeting to do team building exercises within their patrols, this exercise could just be part of it, rather than making a point about it.”

The rest of the staff voiced their agreement to this suggestion and Cecil promised that if they could come up with a programme she would consider it. Talk then turned to less serious matters as the staff relaxed.

The school as a whole did not do much in the way of work for the rest of the day, preparation was cut to half an hour for the middles and an hour for the seniors. After Kaffe und Kutchen Cecil called Nell and Jayne to her study. Both had had more than ample opportunity to consider their conduct during a long and boring day in supervised solitude.


Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:56 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#480:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:21 pm


Good ideas about the trust games - and glad that they could think of ways of doing them without making Gabby feel funny about them. Thanks for all the lovely long posts today Very Happy

 


#481:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:32 pm


wow - clever dog!!! back to drabble - i really like the way that the staff are taking the girls seriously in their quite understandable curiousity but also thinking about Gabby's feelings well done Kate!

 


#482:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:41 pm


Thanks Kate. Laughing

 


#483:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 10:47 pm


Thanks for all the new posts, Kate! I'm glad Cecil doesn't plan to punish them too harshly. For a while there it sounded as though they'd be supervised indefinitely! After all, they did have good motives, even though they were quite foolish to sneak off during prep. Good idea about having Guides try trust-building exercises, too. I'm likewise impressed by Ziggy -- and as for the nitwit who sent expletive e-mail to the dean! Rolling Eyes Twisted Evil

 


#484:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 11:19 pm


Thank you Kate - glad you managed to hand in your notice and use your day so productively! Glad the girls got back to school safely. Hope Abi is OK and well done Miss Redmond. By the way what is it about people called Nell and stairs?

 


#485:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 1:55 am


Well done on all the updates Katarzyna. Nice that Cecil is understanding of Nell and Jayne's motives.

 


#486:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 2:49 am


Katarzyna wrote:
[color=blue]Vikki - now what were you told about gloating!!! Wink
It was oly an ICKLE gloat Kate....... (and I wouldn't DREAM of revealing what I'm gloating about!) And these posts are EXTREMELY shiny, thank you hunny!!!!!

 


#487:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 3:01 am


Katarzyna wrote:
Good evening!!! Well, I'm home, slightly kippered but very happy in my post gathering exhaustion. So before I return to the kitchen (yep cos I haven't done anything all weekend I have to make tea in a bit) I thought you might like this wee little update!
No, just done lots of baking before you left home (including some to leave at home), then lots and lots of organising food cooking/clearing up/food parcelling up while at the Gather Rolling Eyes And made sure that I got lots and lots of very very yummy food I could eat :worthy: :worthy: :worthy: :worthy: :worthy: And then you have posted lots and lots and lots of excellently good drabble (even if you haven't told us why Rosemary is as she is poke ) So thankyou lots and lots and lots

 


#488:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 9:34 am


Ta very Muchen! Very Happy

 


#489:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 2:35 pm


Katarzyna wrote:
Vikki - now what were you told about gloating!!! Wink Nell - no I didn't do anything over the weekend, particularly not any cooking or washing up! Wink Anyway - your next installment!!!
So I noticed! Wink
Susan wrote:
By the way what is it about people called Nell and stairs?
I can't think! At least i didn't get concussion although as a friend kindly pointed out I could have killed myself! Thank you Kate! Lovely posts! Well done Cecil!

 


#490:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:44 pm


Would just like to point out that I am in no way responsible for encouraging people called Nell to try falling down stairs!

Standing in front of the large walnut desk Cecil thought to herself that she hadn’t seen two more dejected looking girls for a long time.

“Well,” she began, “I trust that you two have had an opportunity to think over your conduct during the day.”

“Pup..please,” Jayne said with a gulp, “I am very sorry that I missed preparation. I won’t do it again.”

“Very well Jayne,” Cecil smiled at the girl, who from the state of her face had obviously been crying. “You will need to apologise to the prefect who was taking preparation, and to the Head Girl, but after that we will say no more about it.”

“Thank you,” Jayne smiled weakly, “May I go and do it now?”

“Of course, I think the prefects were having a brief meeting in their room.”

Jayne made her exit rapidly, leaving Nell alone in the study.

“Well Nell, have you anything you wish to say.”

“I, well, erm, yes,” Nell said eventually.

“What would that be then?” Cecil said with a smile at her niece, who was twisting the edge of her sweater between her fingers.

“I am sorry, about skipping prep and everything,” the words came out in a tumble now that she was finally able to speak. “I will apologise too, you know, too the prefects only, do you think I should apologise to Gabby, I don’t want her to think I was being horrible or taking the mickey, I just wanted to see what it was like.” Nell coloured deeply as she talked.

“I will not ask you to apologise to Gabby, but if you feel you want to speak to her about it then I am sure that she would listen to you.”

“Okay,” Nell said with a sniff.

Cecil sat back in her chair and looked long and hard at the girl in front of her, a sudden smile crossed her face, disappearing as fast as it had arrived. Nell, in both looks and character, of all her nieces was the most like Cecil herself at this age. Her straight black hair framed her face, falling to her shoulders and clipped back with slides to stop it falling into her face. Even at the age of thirteen Cecil didn’t think that Nell would reach the lofty heights of some of her cousins, rather like Cecil herself who was a good few inches shorter than any of her sisters.

It was around her own 13th birthday that Cecil herself had been standing where Nell was now, in front of the then headmistress Hilda Annersley. A bright child Cecil had bored of lessons, which to be honest she found too easy, and had taken to amusing the rest of the class by making her watch reflection shine around the room, dancing onto the other girls work and across the big blackboard which stood behind the mistresses desk. It was only after she was caught on no fewer than three occasions on one day that she found herself in the study trying to explain her conduct. To this day she would never repeat what transpired in the study but when she did return to her class she had been a very subdued and attentive pupil, taking care not to disrupt anyone else’s studies.

“Nell,” she said quietly, “I am going to say something to you now that my own headmistress said to me.” Nell looked up at her aunt as she spoke. “You are a very bright child and a leader amongst the girls in your class, that leadership and your intelligence are special gifts, you must learn to make use of your gifts and to use them wisely. In years to come your gifts will lead you onto many different things, but let them lead in the right direction, lead by example and lead fairly. Do you understand what I am saying?”

“I think so,” Nell said her brows creasing slightly as she thought about it. “Aunt Cecil, I am sorry, truly, I won’t skip prep again.”

“I am sure you wont, but please, in future, try to think before you act. You could have been very seriously injured when you fell, when you are at school I am responsible for your welfare, what on earth would I have told your parents had you been seriously injured?”

“Oh!” Nell gasped turning pale.

“Please try and think before you act Nell, your thirteen not a baby. We shouldn’t need to supervise you all the time but the amount of freedom you have is down to you, think about it.” Cecil smiled again at her niece, “now, why don’t you run a long to the splashery and wash your face then go to the hall, I know choir practice has been cancelled but the staff have arranged progressive games and I just know how much you like threading needles!”


Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:57 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#491:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:59 pm


Thanks for that lovely update - though I'm wondering if you are encouraging people not named Nell to try falling down the stairs Shocked Cecil did a great job.

 


#492:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 8:07 pm


Thank you Kate. Nice study scene. I quite like threading needles - though not as many in succession as one has to do in progressive games.

 


#493:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 8:11 pm


Thanks Kate, that was a lovely scene! Cecil is a great headmisstress! Very Happy

 


#494:  Author: KatieLocation: London, but my heart belongs to Harrogate PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 8:25 pm


Cecil is indeed a great headmistress. Ahhh, the fun of threading needles... (And pssst, Kate - it's 1/3, not 29/2 Wink)

 


#495:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 8:26 pm


In my world it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Laughing Laughing

 


#496:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 8:29 pm


thanks Kate I'm glad Cecil turned out to be bright as she's portrayed as the rather dull, ungifted, singleton daughter in other drabbles

 


#497:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 9:20 pm


Thank you shiny Kate! that was a lovely post!!!!

 


#498:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 10:26 pm


Thank you Kate - lovely post.

 


#499:  Author: SugarplumLocation: second star to the right! PostPosted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 10:40 pm


Lovely Kate - thanks for the update

 


#500:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 2:19 am


Well done, Cecil! (and Kate Smile) But - threading needles! Anyone proposing that had better provide needle-threaders and large-eyed needles.... Course Gabby may have more skill than I do.

 


#501:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 12:18 pm


Katarzyna wrote:
Would just like to point out that I am in no way responsible for encouraging people called Nell to try falling down stairs!
No I appear to be quite capable of thinking of ways to do that all on my own!! As for threading needles I'm scared at the aptitude I seemed to have for it! But the progressive games were fun! Thank you Kate, a lovely post. Great to see Cecil so understanding and so wise in her advice!

 


#502:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 5:22 pm


Thanks Kate. I love Cecil as headmistress, she's got all of Miss Annersley's understanding plus we can actually see her as a naughty school girl from the past. I love the sense of tradition as she passes on words from her school days to Nell.

 


#503:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 7:14 pm


Next installment!!!

The quiet evening playing some of the school’s favourite progressive games help to calm some of the more nervous girls, for whom racing the storm might not have left any outward signs but could have left them edgy and unsettled.

By the next morning the rain was over but, as Mel reported as she looked out the dormitory window, the whole place looked like it needed a week in the tumble dryer! There would be no going outside and the school day ran as usual, with the girls working hard to make up for the lack of lessons yesterday.

The week rolled towards the weekend without any surprises and by the following Thursday’s guide meeting the staff had devised a full programme of team building exercises, these were done on a rotation basis, with each patrol having a go at each of the exercises. The exercises included, building a catapult able to fire ping pong ball 5 metres, designing a flag which best described the patrol and of course the trust exercise inspired by Nell and Jayne’s antics.

The guiders had decided that it would be better to discuss this exercise with Gabby before the guide meeting, she was aware of what Nell and Jayne had been doing, not only from their conversation over tea the night it happened but from Nell’s rather halting confession a few days later. Nell had sought Gabby out on the Sunday and was somewhat surprised after she had explained to what had happened that Gabby laughed out loud.

Gabby explained that Nell was by no means the first person to try this and, in fact, her own twin sisters had done this same, only in their cases the experiments had resulted in a black eye and a fractured wrist when Laura had walked into a tree and Charlotte had stumbled and fallen onto her outstretched hand.

After discussions it was decided that a short obstacle course would be set up for the guides to lead their ‘blind’ person through. When Gabby’s patrol rotated onto this exercise the guiders arranged for her to be paired with Nell, much to the younger girl’s embarrassment.

“Place the blindfolds on the one of each pair,” Miss Phillips requested, “then we will change the course slightly. Once one of you has had a go then change over and the other person can lead”

“I don’t think I need a blindfold!” Gabby whispered to Nell who coloured further as she silently lead Gabby quickly and successfully through the obstacle course, Polo having been left on the sidelines.

“Well done Nell,” Miss Phillips congratulated them as they finished, “swop over please and move to the back of the line.”

“I’ll need Polo,” Gabby advised and called the dog to her. Nell, who had been somewhat confused as to how Gabby could lead her through the obstacle course realised that she would be relying not only on Gabby but Polo as well. Gabby’s left hand held on the handle of Polo’s harness and she told Nell to hold onto her elbow with her left hand. She then commanded Polo forwards and confidently followed where he lead. Nell, slightly hesitantly at first, followed listening carefully to Gabby’s voiced commands. The first indication that they were through the course was when she heard loud applause from each side of the room. Taking off her blindfold she realised that the whole of the company had stopped to watch, making her blush yet again.

“See,” Gabby whispered to her, a smile lighting up her face as she spoke “that wasn’t too hard, was it?”


Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 3:59 pm; edited 2 times in total

 


#504:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 7:55 pm


Go Gabby!!!! Thank you very much, Kate

 


#505:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 8:06 pm


Ahhhh, how lovely! Laughing

 


#506:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 8:12 pm


Thanks Kate Very Happy *is worried but the idea that progressive games can be thought calming* Wink

 


#507:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 8:54 pm


Gabby rocks! Very Happy

 


#508:  Author: claireLocation: South Wales PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 9:20 pm


Thanks for this Kate, just found and read the whole drabble so far. Personally I'm going with the theory of best friend being blind and not being able to go to the school (or possibly friend has died) (if it's just the friend is at another school maybe she could borrow Gabby's laptop and braille printer to send her friend letters. It is possibly for someone to be blind and regain their sight (I was blind in my left eye from when I was two (I had keretitis and it caused bad scarring) until I had a corneal graft when I was 9 - sights not wonderful in that eye if I don't wear my glasses, but (according to the surgeon) that is due to the young age I was when it happened, had I been older my sight would have developed and gone back to better than now. Talking of guide dogs though I saw the teeniest guide puppy the other day - a golden labrador, being carried as he was so tiny (think it may have been first trip out along a road to get used to traffic) wearing a jacket with 'Guide Dog Puppy in Training' written on it - so sweet, I'd only seen grown dogs before - not balls of fluff

 


#509:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 9:26 pm


Glad your enjoying this Clare. BTW it would have been a yellow labrador, labs come in yellow, black or chocolate - not any other colours, golden retrievers however are golden! - sorry personal bugbear!

The bad weather that had plagued the term so far continued and the girls became increasingly frustrated with being cooped up in the school. Whilst the staff tried their best to run off some of their excess energy by arranging dancing, indoor sports and other similar events all agreed that both pupils and staff needed fresh air and a break from school.

“I am so fed up with this weather!” Mel said with a sigh as she flopped down into one of the arm chairs scattered around the common room.

There was a general chorus of agreement from the other girls.

“Well we can’t do anything about it,” Abi snapped back at her friend, whilst she had recovered from racing the storm quite quickly and returned to school the constant damp weather was making her leg ache badly at times.

“I know,” Mel replied mournfully, “I’m just so bored.”

“Of course the rest of us aren’t bored at all!” Pippa said raising her eyebrows.

“Well, yes, I’m sure you are,” Mel admitted, “only, I just want to do something. We haven’t even got anything to look forward too!”

“What do you mean by that?” Gabby asked quietly from her seat at one end of the longest sofa, Pippa and Abi were also sat on the sofa and Rosemary perched on it’s arm, as usual now she was with Gabby and the three friends, though she still said very little.

“No Christmas play, no going out, nothing!” Mel said dramatically.

“What about the carol concert?” Rosemary asked

“What about it? I don’t sing, or at least not well enough to be chosen to go.” Mel’s tone was grumpy, the school’s decision not to have a Christmas play had upset quite a few of the girls.

“But your in the choir for the actual carol concert the school’s doing!” Pippa reminded her, “not like me, I don’t sing at all.” The others laughed at this, despite the fact that she came from a highly musical family Pippa’s singing voice was terrible, no matter how hard she tried she was always just very slightly off key. As a result she had chosen instead to play the Cello, as had her grandmother before her, and was becoming fairly proficient.

“When do you think we will find out who’s in the choir?” Gabby asked, as she had told Cecil when she first arrived at school she enjoyed singing and had they had found that she had a good voice, not particularly strong but able to hold just about any tune, which of course she learnt by ear. The other girls had been amazed at Gabby’s method of learning music, she simply had to listen to a song once or twice to be able to sing it and although she carried a Braille song book containing the words she rarely needed to use this.

“Not a clue!” Mel replied, “maybe not till after half term now. Which reminds me, when are they going to tell us where we are going?”


Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 4:01 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#510:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 9:32 pm


So why didn't they have a Play to look forward to then? Thanks Kate.

 


#511:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 10:11 pm


Thank you Kate!!! They were extremely shiny posts!!!

 


#512:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 10:15 pm


*Also wonders why there is no Christmas play*

 


#513:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 12:13 am


Thanks Kate - lots of lovely story. Hope their weather improves soon.

 


#514:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 2:51 am


Cazx wrote:
*Also wonders why there is no Christmas play*
Maybe Kate has figured out that many people simply skip the plays (and sales and pantomimes) and doesn't want to risk that happening in her drabble? Wink Lovely shiney posts though!

 


#515:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 11:08 am


Lovely posts - thank you Kate. Progessive games are definately not calming - at least they weren't on Saturday morning!!! Poor nell being so embarrassed but hopefully that will be it now. Still intrigued by Rosemary though!

 


#516:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 12:37 pm


no christmas play?!no fair!!!!!!I love Pippa being "slightly off-key" even though her family are musical!

 


#517:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 8:19 pm


Okay guys, Kate's computer has decided to be evil and won't let her post on the board! BUT, she has shinily sent me the next post to put up, and here it is...... “They are late with that this term,” Abi agreed, “half term is the weekend after next.” “What sort of thing do you usually do for half term?” Rosemary asked. “Well, excursions really, we normally finish school on Thursday and then leave early Friday for whatever town is to be our base. We come back on Sunday night. Sometimes, if term is really long, we get a few more days.” “What sort of things do you do?” Gabby asked curiously, sightseeing held little interest for her for obvious reasons. “Oh all sorts, we have been to big towns and seen cathedrals, museums and suchlike. We’ve also been on walking weekends in the alps, though that’s normally in the summer when the weather’s better.” “Does everyone go?” “No, those with family locally go home, some take friends with them too. For some reason last year that many people went home there were no expeditions, we stayed at school.” “Yes, do you remember Aunt Joey coming over and telling us about her school days and about becoming an author?” Abi asked and her two other friends giggled at the memory. “Who is Aunt Joey?” Rosemary asked shyly. “Well she’s really Pippa’s great granny, oh and Lizzy’s gran,” Abi advised. “She’s also Miss Maynard’s mum, and Mrs Entwistle’s, they live next door in one of the wings of the guest house”. “Her husband was the head of the hospital for ages before he died.” “She’s really old now, and not very well. We haven’t seen her all term.” “She was the first pupil of the school as well, and was head girl.” “She used to write kids books too, though not under her married name, she wrote as Josephine M Bettany.” “Oh!” both Rosemary and Gabby gasped simultaneously, stopping the three girls who were bombarding them with information mid speech.

 


#518:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 9:13 pm


More Joey fans? Thanks Kate and Vikki! Wink

 


#519:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 10:25 pm


Loved Gabby and Rosemary's reaction! Smile

 


#520:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 10:40 pm


Wait til you see the next bit!!It's brilliant"!!!

 


#521:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 12:11 am


And here it is! Spree, spree spree! (thank you for the sneak preview and for letting me post it for you Kate!!!!) “Why Oh?” Pippa asked curiously. “I, well, it’s kind of embarrassing,” Gabby began. “My mum used to read them too me, I have some on tape too, Aunt Jack did them. I haven’t listened to them for ages though.” “I’ve read them all too,” Rosemary admitted, “Actually, I was left a full set of hardbacks.” “A full set?” Abi’s jaw dropped, “I’ve only got a few and that’s because my granny bought them for my aunts when they were kids. You are so lucky, most of us just have paperbacks anyway.” “They aren’t in print anymore,” Pippa advised. “Apparently they aren’t popular enough.” “I don’t know,” Rosemary said, “I was looking for something on the internet and I came across this site where everyone talks about her books, and her life and, well everything really.” “No!” Pippa exclaimed. “Can you remember the address? Granny would love to know about it.” “I think so,” Rosemary replied, “but I’m not sure about telling your nan Pippa.” “Why ever not?” “Well, they aren’t always respectful and they write their own version of her stories, you know sort of like alternative endings and sequels and stuff. I don’t think she’d approve of some of them.” “You haven’t met Granny have you,” Pippa said with a grin, “She pretty much approves of everything!” “Who left you your set of books?” Abi asked suddenly a frown crossing her brow. “I, well, my great aunt,” Rosemary replied, almost as soon as she’d said it Gabby realised that the defensive wall Rosemary used to keep people at arms length was back. As term had progressed Rosemary and Gabby had formed an friendly alliance of their own but all the time Gabby felt like she was being held at a distance, no matter what she tried she could not break through Rosemary’s defences and find out why she was so unhappy. “Was she a fan?” Mel asked curiously, “she must have been kind of old to start reading school stories when they were written.” Rosemary didn’t answer and the chattering ceased. Gabby picked up one of Polo’s grooming brushes from the floor by the sofa. “Come on, who is going to help me do this?” she asked generally and until the bell rang the five girls were concentrating hard on reducing Polo’s now two inch long curly coat to some form of order.

 


#522:  Author: MarianneLocation: Lancaster PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 12:37 am


aww, yay! Very Happy

 


#523:  Author: Elder in OntarioLocation: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 2:23 am


*When* are we going to find out what's troubling Rosemary - we're still seeing the one step forward, two back sequence with her. I'm sure she's a really nice person at heart, too. Two great posts here, Kate - and thank you, Vikki, for posting them for her. Kate, good luck with getting your computer fixed.

 


#524:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 3:07 am


That was so totally cool!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cool

 


#525:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 5:15 am


Wonderful, Kate! Thank you so much for outwitting the evil computer and getting this posted (you too, Vikki). Maybe Joey could straighten things out with Rosemary. Very Happy

 


#526:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 9:13 am


*walks straight into a alternative universe* That was extremley clever and amusing Kate, thanks Laughing

 


#527:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 9:40 am


Hehe! Thanks Kate, that was great! Hmm was Rosemary's Great Aunt an old girl then?

 


#528:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 9:59 am


My thoughts exactely Cazx! I wonder who though?Thank you Kate very clever poke evil computor but thank oyu to Vikki for posting it!

 


#529:  Author: RobinLocation: London PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 10:17 am


very clever Kate!and amusing Laughing hope your puter fixes itself soon

 


#530:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 11:45 am


Katarzyna wrote:
The other girls had been amazed at Gabby’s method of learning music, she simply had to listen to a song once or twice to be able to sing it and although she carried a Braille song book containing the words she rarely needed to use this.
I used to be in an orchestra where the timpanist was blind - he used to listen to tapes of whatever music we were practising and go through his part separately with the conductor, and then remembered his part - it was amazing! I loved the bit about the JM Bettany forum Laughing Thanks Kate Liz

 


#531:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 12:57 pm


Wonderful Kate, I can't imagine where you got the idea of the forum from though Rolling Eyes *Also curious about Rosemary's Great Aunt* Thanks for posting this Vikki JackieJ

 


#532:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 3:09 pm


I'm imagining a forum of JMBers just like us now Very Happy Thanks Kate (and Vikki for posting it)

 


#533:  Author: DonnaLocation: Liverpool PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 5:08 pm


Brilliant Kate! Thank you for getting it posted, even though your computer is being silly * poke computer* (and thanks to Vikki for posting it on Kate's behalf). I loved the forum - can't even begin to think where you might have got that idea from! )

 


#534:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 5:53 pm


Fantastic - thanks Kate (and Vikki for posting!) Please oh please tell us about Rosemary soon!!!!

 


#535:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 8:27 pm


Love the forum with disrespectful drabbles - how terrible! Wink Thanks Kate (and Vikki)

 


#536:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 8:38 pm


Is Rosemary's Great Aunt someone sacked from the school? Like Betty Wynne-Davis? So she knows about Auntie's disgrace from when Auntie lived with them, & out of misplaced loyalty is playing up?

 


#537:  Author: claireLocation: South Wales PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 8:38 pm


The JMB board - couldn't we do one, someone want to do a take on Cecily holds the Fort or another of her titles. Liss could set up a seperate forum

 


#538:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 8:55 pm


I'm guessing that Rosemarys great aunt is either a friend or relation of Joeys who was given the books by JMB herself.

 


#539:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 9:20 pm


Im Back! Thanks Vikki for posting last night for me! If anyone thinks they've worked out who rosemary's relative is then please pm me. Next installment below - might not be too much more this weekend a certain white fluffy gentleman arrives tomorrow morning!!!

Miss Maynard laughed and dismissed Gabby who urged Polo to move at speed back to the common room. She could hear the excited chatter from inside long before she oepend the door.

“Gabby!” she heard Mel exclaim, “isn’t it exciting, hardly any of us have actually been to Zurich before. It’s going to be such fun.” Mel linked her arm through Gabby’s and almost dragged her to the corner of the room where Abi and Pippa were waiting for them.

“I’m not going!” Gabby replied

“Not going? Why ever not? Won’t they let you?” Mel’s voice betrayed her shock. “You aren’t in trouble or anything are you?”

“It’s nothing like that,” Gabby giggled at her friend as she spoke, “my aunt’s going to be in Switzerland for half term and I am going to stay with her. We are staying with Miss Maynard’s sister at the guest house next door.”

“Lucky you!” Pippa replied, “Staying with Aunt Len is always fun, you might get to see granny too, if she’s well enough.”

“I hope so, I am allowed to take a friend with me too.” If Gabby could have seen her friend’s faces she would have noticed that they appeared torn, each of them would have gladly given up their half term excitement in Zurich to stay at Freudeshiem, if they could have stayed together.

“Look,” Gabby continued quickly, “I don’t want you to think I’m ungrateful for all that you three have done for me, but I’ve asked Miss Maynard if I can take Rosemary with me for half term.” As she finished speaking she swallowed nervously unsure how the three girls would take this news.

“Rosemary?” Mel sounded surprised, “why?”

“Mel,” Pippa’s voice held a warning tone, “it’s Gabby’s decision.”

“Oh, I know that, I just don’t know why on earth she’d chose Rosemary. Half the time she never says a word and the rest she’s either snapping at you or looking like she’s going to burst into tears.”

“That’s probably why,” Abi guessed.

“That’s one reason,” Gabby admitted.

“The other being?” Pippa asked

“I didn’t know which of you to ask!” Gabby finished with a grin, fairly sure that the boundaries of their friendship remained in place.

“Oh well, we all wanted to go to Zurich anyway!” Mel said airly, “actually I was sure that you would want to go too, being as it’s your first half term.”

“Well, I would like to, but museums and stuff are ok but not much fun if you can’t see the exhibits.”

“Hadn’t thought of that,” Mel admitted.

“Not all museums are like that though,” Pippa added, “I’ve been to a couple which have exhibits you can touch.”

“I’ve been to a few of those,” Gabby said, what she didn’t add was that many of the exhibits which allowed you to touch were set up for small children who might become bored with their visit, not for an intelligent teenager. “Anyway, I am going to ask Rosemary if she will come with me for half term. Someone point me in the right direction!”


Last edited by Katarzyna on Thu Mar 10, 2005 4:04 pm; edited 1 time in total

 


#540:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 9:25 pm


Thanks Kate - and bet you're looking forward to young Ivan! Laughing

 


#541:  Author: MarianneLocation: Lancaster PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 9:53 pm


yay! good for gabby!

 


#542:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 10:12 pm


*hugs Kate* Thank you hunny! Another wonderful post! (and I'm so glad the computer is fixed!)

 


#543:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 10:47 pm


thank you for such a brilliant post - hope rosemary's grateful! we'll excuse you being distracted this weekend....have fun!!!!

 


#544:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 12:09 am


Thank you Kate for such lovely posts and Vikki for posting them. Haven't a clue who Rosmary is related too! Have a fun weekend with little Ivan Kate.

 


#545:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 12:25 am


Another excellent post Kate Wonder whether Rosemary will actually want to go with Gabby - could be very interesting Now you've got the computer fixed I hope you won't let Ivan near it just in case he lives up to his name Very Happy

 


#546:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 10:40 am


Thanks Kate - looking forward to seeing half-term at the Maynards and hope Gabby and Rosemary get to meet Joey. Hope Ivan soon settles in Liz

 


#547:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 11:27 am


Thanks for the update, maybe Joey will shed light on Rosemary's mystery!

 


#548:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Sat Mar 05, 2005 9:32 pm


Rosemary+JMB(unexpected meeting, of course)=the mystery solved and everyone goes back to being good little chalet school girls Though this could be like 1+1=3

 


#549:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 2:14 pm


Welcome back!!!! Ok, sorry brief postings as busy Ivan sitting and preparing for Crufts! Anyway, bit more.....

Rosemary was standing in the corner of the room gazing out onto the rain soaked grounds, she was so lost in her own bleak thoughts that she didn’t hear Gabby’s approach and jumped and the sound of her voice.

“Rosemary,” Gabby repeated, “earth to Rosemary.”

“Sorry,” Rosemary turned to Gabby and gave a weak smile, “miles away.” The tone of her voice was melancholy, more so than usual.

“Are you all right?” Gabby asked gently, not wishing to cause further upset.

“Oh, yes, fine,” was the off hand reply, which Gabby did not feel was at all sincere. “Did you want me for something?”

“Yes, look, do you desperately want to go to Zurich at half term?”

“Well, I don’t know, I suppose,” was the unhelpful reply. “Why?”

“I’m not going,” Gabby explained. “My aunt, well she’s my great aunt really, is coming up here and she has booked us into a guest house for the weekend, she said I could bring a friend with me and, well, I would like you to be that friend.”

“I,” Rosemary stuttered looking at Gabby in amazement, although since she cut her hand Gabby had been the closest thing she had to a friend more often than not she kept her own company whilst Gabby hung around with Abi, Mel and Pippa.

“Go on, say you’ll come,” Gabby urged, she was encouraged by Rosemary’s first response as secretly she had thought that her invitation would receive an outright refusal.

“Why me?” Rosemary asked eventually, “why not Mel or one of the others.”

“Because I want you to come, oh please do, Aunt Jack’s ever so much fun, not all old and stuffy at all.”

“Well, okay,” Rosemary replied uncertainly.

“Oh good, I’m going to e-mail Aunt Jack and tell her your coming with me.”

Rosemary watched in with a frown as Gabby, lead by Polo, made her way back across the common room and out into the corridor. As the door closed she turned back to the window, resuming her pose of looking out the window.

For the life of her Rosemary couldn’t work out why Gabby had invited her to spend half term weekend with her. Whilst on one hand she was pleased to receive the invitation as of all the people in her form and in fact, the school it was Gabby to who she had taken a real liking. On the other hand, she was worried about Gabby’s great aunt, Rosemary’s own great aunt, a daunting figure from her early childhood, had terrified her and she wondered whether truthfully Gabby’s great aunt would be any different.

 


#550:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 2:36 pm


Thank you Kate! Intrigued by Rosemary's great-aunt...hope she can have fun with Gabby and Aunt Jack, maybe they will be able to get to the bottom of things.

Have fun with Ivan and hope Crufts goes well!

 


#551:  Author: DawnLocation: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 2:36 pm


Think that Jack will be a bit different to Rosemary's Great Aunt Very Happy

Good luck with Crufts - is Ivan being puppy sat while you're away?

 


#552:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 6:15 pm


Thank you Kate!!
*looks smug*
Good luck at crufts sweetie!!!

 


#553:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 6:35 pm


Thanks Kate

Still wondering who the great aunt could be and looking forward to finding out.

Liz

 


#554:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 7:34 pm


Was Aunt Jack from the CS?
sorry to lazy to look back if this has already been said:oops:

 


#555:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 9:25 pm


Gabby's Aunt Jack is Jack Lambert.
Great to have the update! Daunting CS girls anyone?

 


#556:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 9:31 pm


So Rosemary's Great-Aunt isn't thought of with great affection then.....Hmmmmmmmm


Thanks Kate - hope Crufts goes well.

 


#557:  Author: Miss DiLocation: Newcastle, NSW PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 12:58 am


Well Aunty Jack (any other Australian CBBers falling around and giggling wildly at the thought of Aunty Jack at the Chalet School?) was pretty cool in the earlier episodes of this so I expect the girls will have a marvellous time!

 


#558:  Author: Rose in TorontoLocation: Toronto PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 1:31 am


OK, so this great-aunt of Rosemary's is the same one who "left her" a full set of Josephine Bettany hardbacks? Maybe a contemporary of Jack Lambert? But then, Mel said,
Quote:
“Was she a fan?” Mel asked curiously, “she must have been kind of old to start reading school stories when they were written.”


But if she's a contemporary of Jack Lambert, why would she be "kind of old?" Hmmmm. Curiouser and curiouser. Confused

 


#559:  Author: NinaLocation: Peterborough, UK PostPosted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 9:37 am


Miss Di wrote:
Well Aunty Jack (any other Australian CBBers falling around and giggling wildly at the thought of Aunty Jack at the Chalet School?) was pretty cool in the earlier episodes of this so I expect the girls will have a marvellous time!


*giggling as charged!* My cousins spent two years in Australia in the 70s and came back with an Aunty Jack record - one of those with pictures on too! -which we played to death. Never seen the TV prog though Sad

Also wondering greatly about the identity of Rosemary's Great-Aunt. It did cross my mind that Kit from the Lorna books had a set of JMBs given to her as they came out but I can't work out the age thing! And Kit was nice anyway.

 


#560:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 12:49 pm


Really appreciating all the guesses as to Rosemary's great aunt, (there are some major clues littered throughout the story!) but so far none of you are right! Anyway, have a little bit more to keep you going!

After seeing off the rest of their form, both those going home and those going to Zurich, Gabby and Rosemary rushed to collect their own cases and get into their coats. Miss Maynard was to meet them at the main doors and escort them the short distance to Freudeshim, once her own family home but now a guest house.

The long period of wet weather seemed to be over and the morning had started with a sharp frost, giving way to the weak sunshine typical in early winter. Polo, enjoying his first proper walk out in almost a week was somewhat skittish and almost bounced as he guided Gabby across the grounds.

“Oh here,” she said with a giggle as she released Polo from his harness. “Rosemary, can you guide me?” She added.

“What if I said no?” Rosemary asked as she took hold of Gabby’s elbow.

“Never considered that you wouldn’t!” Gabby exclaimed with a grin. “He’s full of fidgets, I can’t expect him to work hard all the time and he’s not had a decent leg stretch in ages.”

Cecil laughed at the two younger girls and the now mud splattered dog who was taking long bounding leaps through the wet grass and mud of the lawn.

“Come along you two, can’t keep people waiting,” she added as she lead the girls along the pathway and through the small gate which had been place in the hedgeway separating the school and Freudeshiem. Gabby and Rosemary followed with Polo reluctantly bringing up the rear as Gabby called him back to her.

The first thing Gabby noticed as she entered the guest house was the strong smell of clean polished wood.

“Describe it,” she commanded impatiently to Rosemary, who obligingly did so. Cecil led the two girls up to the reception desk and rang the small hand bell that rested on it.

“Hello there,” a new voice said, “it’s not like you to use the front entrance Aunt Cecil.”

“I’ve bought official visitors,” Cecil replied with a laugh, “these are Rosemary Harper and Gabby Heath, they are staying with Gabby’s aunt for the weekend.”

“Of course, pleased to meet you girls, I’m Tessa Entwistle.” The girls mumbled hellos and Tessa continued, “Mum’s in the private lounge with Miss Lambert, I’ll take you.”

Cecil and Tessa lead the way with Gabby and Rosemary following, as much as Gabby’s face showed her eager excitement at seeing her aunt Rosemary’s reflected her serious doubts and misgivings about the weekend.

 


#561:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 1:14 pm


Thanks Kate - it looks like those two are slowly building a good friendship.

I hope Rosemary is able to stop worrying and enjoy the weekend.

Liz

 


#562:  Author: francesnLocation: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 5:05 pm


thanks KAte - i really hope Rosemary can overcome her fears and enjoy the weekend.

*toddles off to reread the entire drabble cos i'm about to expire from sheer suspense*

 


#563:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 5:05 pm


Thanks, Kate! It's nice to see Gabby & Rosemary's growing confidence in each other.

*giggling at Polo, and trusting the mud won't cause any difficulties*

 


#564:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 5:20 pm


Thank-you for posting!
Looking forward to hearing all about the weekend!

 


#565:  Author: NinaLocation: Peterborough, UK PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 5:52 pm


Katarzyna wrote:
Really appreciating all the guesses as to Rosemary's great aunt, (there are some major clues littered throughout the story!) but so far none of you are right!


Well, I've just read the whole lot over again looking for clues. The best I can come up with is (1) nurse was allowed to call Rosemary "Rosie", and (2) that working out her family, with her brothers being so much older than her, the "daunting" great aunt could be a contemporary of Jo's rather than Jack's.

That actually makes it harder, because loads of Jo's contemporaries could have had all the books, less likely for Jack's generation.
Confused *more stumped than ever*

 


#566:  Author: Rose in TorontoLocation: Toronto PostPosted: Sat Mar 12, 2005 11:51 pm


Rosemary's last name is Harper. Wasn't there a Peggy Harper at some point?

 


#567:  Author: EleanorLocation: Eastbourne PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 7:17 pm


If Rosemary's last name is Harper, she could possibly be a relation of Lilian Harper, therefore, the scary great aunt could be Matey. Hence the set of JMB hardbacks, as Matron would of course have had a full set!

 


#568:  Author: nikkieLocation: Cumbria PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 7:39 pm


Eleanor wrote:
If Rosemary's last name is Harper, she could possibly be a relation of Lilian Harper, therefore, the scary great aunt could be Matey. Hence the set of JMB hardbacks, as Matron would of course have had a full set!

Matey as an old lady could be very scary, hence Rosemarys feelings about her.

 


#569:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 9:42 pm


Oooh I wonder if it is Matey? That hadn't occurred to me but it could make sense!

Quote:
Cecil laughed at the two younger girls and the now mud splattered dog who was taking long bounding leaps through the wet grass and mud of the lawn.


I loved this - my parents'-in-law have 2 standard poodles and I can just picture the long bounding leaps!

 


#570:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Sun Mar 13, 2005 10:29 pm


Eleanor wrote
Quote:
If Rosemary's last name is Harper, she could possibly be a relation of Lilian Harper, therefore, the scary great aunt could be Matey. Hence the set of JMB hardbacks, as Matron would of course have had a full set!

And her surname is, indeed, Harper. See, I thought it was strange Nurse called her Rosie.

 


#571:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 11:45 am


Thank you Kate! How was Crufts?

 


#572:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 9:07 pm


Evening all! normal service post crufts has now been resumed! Crufts was fun, tiring and far too expensive.........but Ivan now has a range of shampoos and conditioners, a new collar and loads of treats (well actually they were for the adults but he nicked them)

The salon was warm as the sunlight shone through the French windows which stood at one end. Seated in the comfortable armchairs close to the windows were two women, who to Rosemary appeared to be the same age as Miss Maynard.

“Gabby!” the woman with short dark hair exclaimed jumping to her feet and racing towards the two girls. She hugged Gabby tightly to her and then after a few moments stepped back, holding her at arms length. “Well young lady, school seems to agree with you.”

“I like it,” Gabby said simply with a grin and then, remembering her manners, “Aunt Jack, this is my friend Rosemary, Rosemary, this is my aunt Jack.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Jack said immediately offering her hand to Rosemary. “Glad you could join us for the weekend.” Rosemary shook Jack’s hand but remained silent.

“Miss Maynard, are you staying for coffee?” the other woman asked, despite the fact that her hair was a rich chestnut brown compared to the black hair of her headmistress Rosemary couldn’t help notice that their facial features were extremely similar. Gabby could hear amusement in her voice as she spoke though she couldn’t figure out why.

“Yes please Len,” Cecil replied sinking down onto the sofa.

“I’ll get it,” the woman identified as Tessa replied. Gabby heard her leave the room, the door slamming slightly behind her.

“It seems odd to hear you referring to your own sister as Miss Maynard!” Jack said with a laugh.

“Well, I don’t have any objections to being called by my Christian name but Len here seems to think that it shouldn’t be done in front of my pupils!” Cecil replied with a laugh.

“That and I know how much you hate it!” Len replied with a laugh at which her sister pulled a most face which seemed hardly fitting for a headmistress.

“Gabby, Rosemary, this is Mrs Entwistle,” Jack advised. “Your head’s sister, she runs the guest house.” Both girls muttered hello shyly as the tall woman smiled at them.

“I think we will keep it informal, I haven’t really been Mrs Entwistle for some time, so if you would both call me Len?”

Rosemary looked somewhat dubious at being asked to use this form of address but Gabby said quickly,

“Len, are you my aunt’s friend, that she went to school with?”

“Yes,” Len replied with a laugh, “I am indeed, I was your aunt’s first dormitory prefect when she arrived at school.”

“I don’t think that you need to go telling tales,” Jack said with a laugh, “I am sure that her school friends have filled Gabby in on my misdeeds!”

“It’s true!,” Gabby said with a laugh, “your in the legends book.”

“Oh dear,” Jack groaned dramatically, “that doesn’t sound good for my reputation.”

“Don’t worry, I’m in it too!” Len replied.

 


#573:  Author: AllyLocation: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 9:44 pm


Thanks Kate, Im glad Crufts went well, lucky Ivan Very Happy

I hope Rosemary and Jack get on well

 


#574:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 9:46 pm


Yay!!!
Glad crufts was good Kate!!!
(and LOVELY to have more of this!!!)

 


#575:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 10:04 pm


Bit more - have had a quiet day at work so was most productive story writing wise! enjoy!

Rosemary sat quietly as the other chattered around her. Jack was not at all as she had imagined, despite Gabby’s reassurances she had still imagined her in the image of her own great aunt. Even the clothes Jack wore, jeans and a sweater, were not something she could ever have imagined her aunt wearing. Nor would her aunt have been sitting on a chair with her bare feet curled up under her.

Tessa returned with the coffee and soon they were all settled comfortably, drinks in hand.

“So what are your plans for the weekend?” Cecil asked.

“Well, depending on the weather, I want to take the girls to some of my favourite places up here later on today. Tomorrow we are going down to Interlaken for the day and Sunday we will have a quiet day up here on the Platz.” Jack smiled at Gabby, “and sometime in the weekend we are also going to have to clip Polo down, he’s looking a bit woolly!”

“Sounds like a full schedule.”

“Mamma wants to see the girls this evening, she is going to come down and join us for dinner,” Len advised.

“Is she well enough?” Cecil asked with a frown.

“I think it might do her good, she’s had a bad couple of weeks thanks to the wet whether. Do you want to pop up and see her before you go back?”

“Yes, I think so, I wish I could join you for dinner tonight but unfortunately I have other plans already.” Cecil glanced at her watch. “Actually, talking of other plans I had best be go see Mamma then be off.”

“Can I walk over with you Cecil?” Tessa asked. “I’m having lunch with Sarah, were going to walk the school and reminisce. Do you know it’s nearly 15 years since we left school!”

“Yes,” Len said with a groan, “and how elderly does that make me feel!”

“Well mum, if you don’t feel elderly at 67 what chance have I got of growing up!” Tessa grinned impishly at her mother.

“In your case, I doubt you will ever truly grow up!” Len retorted. “Right, well before all the excitement begins why don’t we show you two your room and then you can quickly unpack.”

Len lead the way up the stairs to the first floor and along the corridor, throwing open the door she remarked.

“Here we are, this is your room.” The room itself was a large brightly decorated one, two beds stood at one side, though there was obviously room for a third. “This used to be our room, Con’s, Margot’s and mine. Why don’t Jack and I leave you two to get yourselves unpacked. We will be in the salon when your ready.”

“Describe!” Gabby commanded to Rosemary as the two adults left the room.

“Okay, but we had better unpack as I do.” Rosemary grabbed her own case and guided Gabby by the elbow to one of the beds. “Here you take this one,” she added before moving over to the second bed.

“Well?” Gabby prompted.

“Okay, well the room is large, there are two beds both with their heads against the wall pointing out into the room, a bit like the dorm really.” She got no further than unzipping her case and stood at the foot of her own bed looking round. “There is a huge wardrobe on the far side of the room and at the end of each bed is a small chest of draws. In the corner there is, I don’t really know what it is, it looks like a small shrine of some sort.”

“Really?”

“Yes, I think we’d better no touch that just in case.” Rosemary suggested before continuing, “there are shelves with books and wooden ornaments on, oh and photos of the family. The end wall has a huge wooden carved fire surround, and on top is a clock, oh Gabby it’s such a pretty clock, I think it’s a cuckoo clock as there is a small door, the face of the clock has got little jewels round it, where the numbers go. That’s about it really, oh, except the colour, the walls are sort of a pinkish white, the bedspreads are all bright splashes of colour, the floor is wooden and there are stripy rugs on it. Come on, we had best get unpacked your aunt will be waiting for us.”

 


#576:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 10:09 pm


Margot's clock from Emmy by any chance?
Lots of lovely updates! Looking forward to Joey's appearance, ho old is she 89ish?

 


#577:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 10:17 pm


Lovely!!
Thanks Kate!!!

 


#578:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 10:19 pm


Last bit for tonight!

Shortly afterward both girls, together with Jack and Polo, took the small electric train up the mountain. After a picnic lunch the afternoon was spent meandering downwards whilst Jack pointed out to the two girls the many places where she and her friends had been involved in various adventures during their own school careers.

They walked through the pinewoods where she told them that in her day they had become lost and one of their party injured. She pointed out the river, with it’s overly wide bridge, telling them the tale of how one day Len and her form had become stranded by a sudden flood and had to wade through the dangerously full river. She also told them the embarrassing tale of how during a game of hide and seek she got stuck up a tree.

Rosemary noticed with admiration how, when she wasn’t telling stories, Jack unconsciously described the areas through which they were walking so that Gabby could understand better their surroundings. As the afternoon wore on she found that she was talking more and more, no matter her own reservations about great aunts she couldn’t help but like Jack, whose friendly and open attitude encouraged her to join in.

Though tired after their walk both girls were eager to meet Mrs Maynard at dinner. A quick wash and brush up and they were ready for their meal. The dining room held a large table, easily capable of seating sixteen. At one end the table was set for six, though the place at the head of the table remained empty.

“We never set that place,” Len remarked sadly, “it was always Papa’s seat. Mamma will be down in a second.”

“Isn’t Tessa eating with us?” Jack asked as they all took their places.

“No, she got a better offer.” Len laughed, “actually she is eating with Cecil over at the school.”

As they sat discussing what they had done that day, and with Len providing them with more stories from the school’s history the door opened and an elderly woman entered, walking with the aid of a stick.

Her frame had obviously once been tall but was now bent and shortened with age. She appeared frail and thin, her fingers twisted painfully around the top of her stick, unable to be either fully straightened or fully bent due to the arthritis that crippled her. She white hair that, though thin, fell to her shoulders in a lank bob. However, when Rosemary looked into her face she saw that the frailty of her body did not affect her mind, her eyes, which were deepest brown twinkled merrily and a friendly smile lit up her face.

“Mamma,” Len rose to her feet and guided the elderly woman to the vacant chair where, casting aside her stick, she seated herself.

“Welcome to Freudeshiem,” she said, her voice like her face not showing the years held a warm friendly tone.

“Mamma, you remember Jack don’t you?”

“Well, seeing as I saw her over the summer of course I do, there’s nothing wrong with my mind Len!”

“Ok, ok,” Len pacified with a laugh. “Now these two others are,”

“Let me guess, Gabby Heath, from Jack’s description.” Joey’s words caused Gabby to blush, “and, of course, Rosie Harper!”

“How did you know that?” Len asked incredulously.

“We’ve met before. I doubt very much Rosie will remember, I haven’t seen her for quite a number of years, let me think, it was 8 years ago I last saw you.”

Rosemary paled visibly, her hands gripping tightly to the edge of the table as she remembered the occasion they had met.

“Yes,” Joey continued, “eight years ago, at your aunt’s funeral, you’ve grown some but your still easy to recognise, you have the look of your aunt about you, and I should recognise it, I knew her from when I was about fourteen.”

“No, please,” Rosemary whispered, “I’m not like her, I’m not.” Rosemary rose shakily from her feet and raced from the room. The sound of footsteps could be heard running up the stairs followed shortly by a slamming door.

“Whatever is the matter with her?” Joey asked, “All I said was she was like her great aunt.”

“I had best go after her,” Len said rising to her feet.

“No,” Gabby said suddenly surprising herself, “let me go.”

 


#579:  Author: Helen PLocation: Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 10:22 pm


Thankyou for all these fab updates, Kate! Very Happy

So who is the Aunt? And what is the mystery? I hope we find out tomorrow!

 


#580:  Author: VikkiLocation: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 10:23 pm


*huggles Rosemary!*

Thank you Kate!!!!

 


#581:  Author: CazxLocation: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 10:25 pm


I knew Joey would shed some light on Rosemary!
Who was new to the school when Joey was 14?
Thanks for all the shiney posts!

 


#582:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 10:25 pm


Hmmm....I hope that Gabby can help Rosie.

I must admit that when I read:
Quote:
Why don’t Jack and I leave you two to get yourselves unpacked. We will be in the salon when your ready.”

I thought - why is Len calling her father by his first name Embarassed

Thanks for all those lovely bits.

 


#583:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 11:12 pm


You are very, very generous Kate - thanks for the lovely updates.

*starts thinking*

Jo was 14 in Princess

*thinks some more*

Liz

 


#584:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 6:59 am


*Think Rosie's aunt is/was Matey.*

Thanks Kate for all the lovely updates, glad Crufts went well.

 


#585:  Author: Kathy_SLocation: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 7:59 am


Thank you, Kate! Love Auntie Jack and the interactions between Len & Cecil & Tessa!

But who on earth was Rosemary's aunt, to elicit such a reaction?

 


#586:  Author: AliceLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 8:17 am


Ooo, thank you for all the posts.

 


#587:  Author: NellLocation: London, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 9:53 am


Thank you Kate - lovely updates.
Intrigued by Roseary's reation to Joey's mention of her aunt.
Did her aunt call her Rosie - and that's why the school call her Rosemary?
Lots of questions????
Glad Gabby's going after her - hope she can help.

 


#588:  Author: RobinLocation: London PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 11:57 am


thanks Kate, great updates!

 


#589:  Author: LyanneLocation: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 12:32 pm


She didn't seem to mind when Nurse called her Rosie, i think her aunt must be Matey and have (maybe gone a little strange) ruled the household and not been very nice generally. that's why Rosemary ran off when Jo said she looked like her aunt

 


#590:  Author: LizBLocation: Oxon, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 1:11 pm


Maybe her aunt was Matron Bubb!

Liz

 


#591:  Author: JackieJLocation: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 1:25 pm


LizB wrote:
Maybe her aunt was Matron Bubb!

Liz


I don't think so, Matron Bubb won't have been given a full set of JMB HB's, would she.

Thanks Kate though, still intrigued as to Rosemary's Aunt.

JackieJ

 




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