The CBB :: View topic - Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (updated 23-07-09)

They have such a lot of adjusting to do. I hope they have a lovely evening with Biddy.

As Elizabeth went to speak to Biddy, Frank smiled at Patrick and said, “Is it always like this? I’ve only had a sister for a few hours, and already she’s not speaking to me!” Patrick grinned back but refrained from making any comment.

" A simple genuflection would have sufficed, Dad," Patrick smiled down at them. "Throwing yourselves at my feet is over-doing it just a little, don't you think?"

a torturous hour of incomprehensible 'instruction' and beatings whenever they failed to perform satisfactorily

Poor little boys - and thinking on Luca's words I have some inkling as to who they put at risk and why Antomio was so keen to speak to them. :cry:

Thanks Pat.

It might well do Alessandro good!

Searching for some way to pass a boring afternoon he wandered into the night-nursery. Eyeing the three neatly made beds, and lying down on the one nearest the door, he felt something against his neck and, sitting up again, pulled Francesco’s little donkey from beneath the pillow. Smiling to himself, he pocketed the toy and left the room.

Alessandro lay awake, staring at the ceiling and wondering what his father would have to say tomorrow. He knew he’d be called in to the study after church, and past experience told him it would be unpleasant in the extreme. Why had he taken the stupid thing, anyway? If Enrico and Maurizio had been with him they’d have laughed at Francesco and teased him all the more but, without them, there’d been no point to it – he’d even begun to feel a little sorry for his cousin. Now he had tomorrow to endure. His father was sure to think of some awful punishment – he always did! – and if his friends got to hear of it, it would be even worse! Sighing heavily, Alessandro turned on his side and drew the covers over his head, burying his face in his pillow so no-one heard him cry.

Alessandro does seem a little more human now. Perhaps Francesco's gesture will be a breakthrough?

Poor lad - his only role model is his father so he'll try to be like him.

Author:	Frogize [ 04 Jul 2007, 04:35 ]
Post subject:	Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (updated 23-07-09)
This part of the story begins in Sydney, Australia and Francesco's flying back to Perth. It's July 1986 - Frank/Francesco is 52, Elizabeth is 49, Lou/Luigi is 29 Frank Desti leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes as the aeroplane taxied out to the runway. Two hours earlier he'd been preparing for the final day of James' interminable conference when a phone call had been put through to his hotel room. He was worried when he heard Elizabeth's voice - she never rang him when he was working except in an emergency - but he hadn't been able to make sense of whatever it was she was trying to say. "Elizabeth, please," he'd finally said. "Just tell me the bottom line." "Francesco, you have to come home at once," she'd replied. "It's Patrick." "It would be!" he'd thought to himself. It was always Patrick! And so he'd made his apologies to James and the others and rushed to the airport, hoping against hope that he'd be able to get a seat. He'd made it by the skin of his teeth, and now he tried to relax, to make the most of the few hours respite. He'd be home soon enough. ....... Elizabeth stood by the rail outside the glass door marked "Arrivals", waiting for the passengers to make their way to the exit. Just one face in the crowd, she always felt a mild sense of panic as she waited, just a little afraid that he wouldn't see her and know she was waiting for him. Now she could see them beginning to make their way along the corridor, each one searching for their own 'familiar face'. She wished he'd hurry - then, suddenly, there he was. Working his way through the crowd of fellow passengers he'd begun to search for her long before it was possible to recognize anyone in that waiting throng. He wondered if she knew how afraid he always felt, wondering if she'd be there - even though he knew she would. Every time he returned home he felt sick at the thought that somehow she wouldn't be there, she'd be gone, and he'd be left behind with this huge aching hole in his life that nothing else could possibly fill. Then he'd seen her, her eyes searching for and finding him and, smiling with relief, he was overcome by the need to take her in his arms and hug her to himself, to shut out everything else, and just know that she was his and that she wanted him. Elizabeth felt like a schoolgirl again, smiling at him, while devouring him with her eyes. As he picked out her face his whole being lit up, the smile that always made her tremble inside flashed across his face, and then she was in his arms, enveloped in the bear-hug with which he always greeted her, while she simply enjoyed the feel of him, breathing in the smell of him, knowing he was back and he still wanted her. It was always the same - even after thirty years.

Author:	Alison H [ 04 Jul 2007, 07:44 ]
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Interesting !

Author:	Lesley [ 04 Jul 2007, 08:20 ]
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Good little bunnies! Thanks Pat.

Author:	Fiona Mc [ 04 Jul 2007, 11:42 ]
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Really enjoying the fill ins with Francesco. Glad the plot bunnies aren't leaving you alone

Author:	Frogize [ 05 Jul 2007, 07:47 ]
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"Grandpa! Grandpa!" Frank looked around in surprise and saw his eldest son, Luigi, walking towards him, with two and a half-year-old Mark in his arms. Beside him, heavily pregnant, walked his wife, Jenny, and all three were beaming at him. "Did you tell him yet?" Lou grinned at his mother, while handing his son to his father. Elizabeth shook her head. "Here, Dad. You hold Mark while I get your case. We have to hurry if we're going to make it on time," he continued, before quickly making his way to the crowded luggage carousel and collecting his father's suitcase. "What's going on?" asked Frank as they all made for the exit. "Where's Patrick?" Elizabeth smiled at him again, but made no effort to answer his questions, and soon they were all piling into Lou's car and nosing out onto the highway but instead of turning right at the lights, as Frank expected, they turned left heading away from the city. "Will somebody please tell me what's going on?" Frank asked again, but the only response he got was from Mark, peering at him from his child-safety seat. "No, no Grandpa! Be a good boy!" he said severely, finger wagging, in such an accurate imitation of his mother that everyone, including Frank and Mark, laughed. As Lou changed lanes Frank realized that they were heading for the international airport, and as they joined the long queue of vehicles heading towards the carpark he looked at Elizabeth once more. "Does this have anything to do with Patrick?" he asked, not sure whether he'd get an answer or not. "Yes," she smiled back at him. "Everything to do with Patrick - and even more to do with you!" "Alright - I give up! My whole family's gone mad without me," he grinned. "I suppose you'll tell me in your own good time. But at least tell me that Patrick's not in any trouble." "No, he's not in any trouble. He's just...er...'found' something that belongs to you, and we're going to...um...well, not exactly pick it up...more like 'reclaim' it," she explained, which really didn't leave him any the wiser. "How much time do we have, Lou?" "If I drop you at the door and then park you should make it in time for check-in, Mum," Lou answered, parking in the drop-off zone and popping the boot. "I'll get your cases." "Check-in? Cases?" said Frank, looking puzzled once more. "I thought we were meeting Patrick?" "Whatever gave you that idea?" Elizabeth laughed as she hurried from the car, while Lou piled their cases on a trolley and passed it to his father. "We'll meet you in the departure lounge," he said, climbing back behind the wheel and driving away to find a parking spot. Within half an hour they were all seated at a table, drinks before them, waiting for the boarding call. "Am I at least allowed to know where we're going?" Frank asked, looking once more at Elizabeth. "Switzerland," she replied, with as straight a face as she could muster. "We're meeting Patrick there, but I'm not sure just how it will work out." "And when was all this decided?" Frank questioned her. "There wasn't any mention of it before I went to Sydney. James will have a fit when he finds out I'm not in the office on Monday." "Well, James can just have a fit," Elizabeth replied, totally unconcerned. "He can always phone if he needs to talk to you - when I find out the number, that is!" Mark was beginning to be bored by all this adult conversation and stood up on his seat in order to see out of the window. A small aeroplane was standing at a terminal at the end of the row of gates, and Mark watched as a young man, wearing the uniform of an RFDS pilot appeared on the bitumen and was approached by a security officer. "Mummy, look! Uncle Paul!" Mark called, turning to attract her attention. "I don't think so, darling," Jenny said, crossing to sit beside the little boy and looking out of the window with him. "Uncle Paul!" Mark insisted, and Jenny saw the two men below slowly walking towards the building. "He's right, Lou," she exclaimed. "I'm sure that's Paul down there." Minutes later Paul Kelly came striding towards them, the security officer following behind him. "I hoped I'd find you here," he smiled at the group. "Sorry to spoil things but I'm here officially," and turning to Lou continued, "We've been called out to Broome; a five-year-old boy with leukemia." Lou, two years into his specialization in paediatrics at Princess Margaret Hospital, was instantly on his feet, as Frank and Elizabeth rose beside him, knowing he would have to leave. "Sorry, Mum, but you know how it is," he said, kissing Elizabeth then turning to Frank. "Have a great time, Dad. Wish I could be there with you," and with a quick hug for his father he turned to Jenny with a concerned expression. "Don't worry," Paul spoke before Lou could begin. "Heather will be here any minute to take Jenny and Mark home." Turning to Frank and Elizabeth he grinned broadly, while Lou hugged his wife and son and kissed them goodbye. "Tell Padre I expext to hear all about it when he gets back, Aunt Elizabeth," he said, and turning to Frank, "Let us know when you get there. Come on, Lou. We need to hurry." The two young men quickly made their way through the crowd, and a few minutes later they could be seen running across the bitumen to the waiting plane, a sight that drew howls of protest from Mark. "Good heavens, Mark! What a racket!" came a voice from behind him, and Heather Findlay, Paul's fiancee, scooped him from the seat he was standing on and 'flew' him around the table. "You can fly like Daddy and Uncle Paul," she told him. "Even better - you don't need a plane! Lower landing gear!" and she deposited the now smiling Mark beside Jenny, before taking Lou's empty seat. Before she had a chance to speak again, however, the final boarding call was announced and there was a flurry of activity as Frank and Elizabeth prepared to leave. Surrendering their boarding passes at the departure gate they waved goodbye to Heather, Jenny, and Mark and set off down the long corridor to the waiting plane. As they passed through the internal doors and were lost to sight, Elizabeth put her hand on Frank's arm and drew him aside. "I'm sorry this is all so rushed and mysterious," she began. "Not at all like your usual homecomings, is it?" "Not in the least," Frank grinned at her, all the time thinking that his homecomings generally involved things like good wine, candlelight, soft music and, more particularly, Elizabeth's body. "Have you got any more surprises in store for me?" "Hmm. Just what did you have in mind?" she smiled, stepping into his embrace and preparing to be kissed. "Excuse me, sir," came an unknown voice from behind them, "but you'll have to hurry if you intend to catch this plane," and a young flight-attendant stopped beside them, a look of distinct disapproval on her face, that clearly implied they were far too old to be indulging in such behaviour. Not daring to make eye contact with Elizabeth - he knew exactly what she would be thinking! - he took her arm and they followed behind, Elizabeth grinning like an idiot while he bit his lip and tried not to laugh.

The CBB http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/

Biddy's Brother: Francesco's Story (updated 23-07-09) http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=3008

Author:	Alison H [ 05 Jul 2007, 07:49 ]
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Thanks Frogize .

Author:	keren [ 05 Jul 2007, 08:19 ]
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very nice nice that he also knew enough to call his child Luigi. From what I faintly remember of the first drabble, they were not aware that he had a different father from the others I need a little reminder, His aunt took him back to Italy, but he was given to her brother's family and not hers, where he was brought up as part of the family, his brother is patrick? They had forgotten about the aunt?? Can you post a link or reminder?

Author:	Fiona Mc [ 05 Jul 2007, 11:27 ]
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Am always really glad to find another update to this drabble. Does this mean Biddy will be reunited with her brother soon??? Thanks!!

Author:	leahbelle [ 05 Jul 2007, 16:52 ]
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Thank you, Frogize.

Author:	Lesley [ 05 Jul 2007, 17:54 ]
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Oh good, so pleased this is happening! Thanks Pat.

Author:	Sarah_K [ 05 Jul 2007, 23:17 ]
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Oh dear, I really need a family tree for this drabble when I'm this tired! Still I could feel the excitement as the family met Frank, I can't wait to see his reaction! It's interesting that his family has got rather tied up with doctor's too. Thank you Frogize.

Author:	Cath V-P [ 05 Jul 2007, 23:59 ]
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Oh lovely! The scene at the airport was delightful with the to and fro of family life - and the young flight attendant has such a lot to learn....

Author:	Frogize [ 06 Jul 2007, 01:35 ]
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Sorry, this isn't an update - it's just to let everyone know that there will soon be a link to the family trees (yes, plural!) so you can all find out who's who and what the family connections are. I keep forgetting that you don't know what I do!

Author:	Miranda [ 13 Jul 2007, 14:55 ]
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I'm hoping these links will work for everyone: Kelly Family Tree Desti Family Tree

Author:	lizziearrnet [ 16 Jul 2007, 21:11 ]
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Pokes Pat More Please....smiles angelically and hopes it works!

Author:	Fiona Mc [ 16 Jul 2007, 02:14 ]
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I jus realised something. Although Biddy will remember Francesco, I doubt Francesco will really remember Biddy or if at all. Hope the reunion goes alright

Author:	Sarah_K [ 16 Jul 2007, 18:28 ]
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Thank you Miranda! I'll save those for next time I get myself tangled up in the names

Author:	Frogize [ 01 Aug 2007, 07:51 ]
Post subject:	Francesco's Story cont
A short time later, after stowing their hand luggage in the overhead lockers, Frank risked a quick glance at his wife - and instantly regretted it! They fell into their seats, laughing uproariously, and causing quite a stir among their neighbouring passengers. Finally wiping their eyes, they resigned themselves to being referred to by the cabin crew as 'that mad old couple' and settled in for the first stage of their flight. By the time they landed in Singapore four hours later, Frank was wondering if he'd still be able to walk by the time they finally arrived. He'd already endured four hours more flying time than Elizabeth, having come straight from Sydney, and was really looking forward to the two hour stop-over before their direct flight to Zurich. Once on the Zurich flight - another fourteen hours flying time - Frank decided to try to sleep at least part of the journey. He hated the feeling of jet-lag, and it always took him several days to get over it. Elizabeth, meanwhile, took out the magazine she'd bought at the airport and began to read. Half an hour later, her magazine abandoned, Elizabeth sipped the coffee she'd just ordered and wondered what was ahead of them in Switzerland. Patrick had told her that the Senora Guazza mentioned in the letter she had read - how many weeks ago? - was indeed related to Francesco, though the connection was difficult to explain in a quick overseas phone-call. There was also something about more family, but Patrick hadn't explained much to her and had instead suggested they fly out to Switzerland immediately. Now that they were well on their way Elizabeth wondered what they would find there. As she looked at Francesco, sleeping rather uncomfortably in the seat beside her, she remembered the very first time she'd set eyes on him, and smiled to herself. It had been the Christmas before she turned 17, when he was nearly 20 and Poppa had been in hospital. James had heard that Frank would be alone for Christmas and had insisted he come to the family home and join them. Elizabeth had returned from boarding school the day after they arrived and, that first morning, her mother had sent her to ask if they were ever coming to breakfast. When they weren't to be found in the house she had known exactly where they would be. James always went for an early morning swim in the creek if he was home at this time of year, and she was sure she'd find them there. Hurrying to the stable she'd quickly saddled up and set out. It wasn't far, but the horse would be quicker. Arrived at the creek, she'd sat quietly on her horse, watching the stranger from her vantage point at the top of the rise, behind the sheltering gum trees. He'd obviously been swimming and was now engaged in drying himself, the thick dark curls that covered his head beginning to reassert themselves as his hair dried in the hot sun. She'd looked on admiringly, until she noticed James sitting near him, similarly occupied, and she'd smiled to herself. "Mum wants to know if you two are coming in for breakfast any time soon!" she'd finally called in their direction, and had been delighted to see them both turn startled faces towards her before she rode off, laughing. "You'll pay for that, Liz!" James had yelled after her furiously, before turning to Frank with a half-embarassed smile. "I assume that was your 'little sister'," Frank had grinned at him. "Can't honestly say she looked that 'little' to me!" "You've just been in the sun too long, Desti!" James had laughed back, and they'd hurried into their clothes before making their way back to the homestead. She smiled again at the memory. James had been so angry about it, but Francesco had shrugged it off and grinned at her across the breakfast table. After that, she remembered, she'd taken every opportunity to observe her brother's friend, and she'd liked what she saw, though there hadn't really been much chance to get to know him then. Glancing once more at the sleeping man beside her, it seemed impossible that it had all happened more than thirty years ago, and even more impossible that she still knew so little about him.

Author:	ibarhis [ 01 Aug 2007, 07:54 ]
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Nice, I've been hoping for more of this.

Author:	Alison H [ 01 Aug 2007, 09:00 ]
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Nice to see more of this ... but rather worrying that she feels that she doesn't really know her husband after all that time.

Author:	Lesley [ 01 Aug 2007, 18:12 ]
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Glad to read more of this - lovely they have such a wonderful relationship -though I can't say I feel 47 and 50 that old! Thanks Pat.

Author:	Frogize [ 04 Aug 2007, 11:08 ]
Post subject:	Francesco's Story cont.
Some time later Frank began to rouse from sleep to the familiar feel of Elizabeth's hand on his thigh. A smile had begun to spread across his face when, suddenly recalling where they were, he opened his eyes and grabbed her hand, raising it to his lips and kissing it before he spoke. "You're a very wicked woman, Elizabeth Desti," he said, narrowing his eyes and shaking his head at her in mock severity, though not releasing her hand. "Yes, I know; but I think my husband rather likes me that way, so I'm not planning to change," she smiled and, seeing that smile, he remembered seeing it the very first time he'd kissed her - or she'd kissed him, to be more accurate! It had been just four days before his 20th birthday, when he'd been staying with the Kelly family over Christmas, while Poppa was in hospital. That was when he and James had first begun to discuss the business together, making their plans in order to put them to James' father, Mike. It was the first time he'd met the rest of James' family - he already knew Mike, of course - and he'd been surprised to discover that when James had spoken of his 'little brother' John he hadn't been exaggerating - James was 23 and John was 5! So it had come as rather a surprise - though not an unpleasant one - to discover that James' 'little sister' Liz was nearly 17. He and James hadn't spent much time with the others, except for the obligatory Christmas Day and mealtimes, and church on Sundays. What with visiting Poppa and making plans with James there hadn't been any time. He'd liked Liz well enough, but he'd been too busy to really notice her, and James had treated her as nothing more than an irritating nuisance. By the time the holidays were over and she was ready to return for her final year at boarding school he'd been preoccupied with plans to pick up Poppa and take him home. When the knock came on his door, early in the morning just as he finished dressing, he'd been a little shocked to see her enter. "I just came to say good-bye, Frank," she began, closing the door behind her. "Are you off already?" he smiled as she crossed towards him. "'Fraid so," she answered, a little nervously. "Aren't you going to kiss me good-bye, then?" "Okay," he said, surprised at the suggestion but not prepared to refuse her, and he bent to kiss her cheek. As he did so she turned her head and, as their lips met, he felt her arms slide over his shoulders and around his neck, her fingers in his hair. Taken completely by surprise he'd taken a small step to regain his balance, and without at all meaning to, his arms wrapped around her and held her close, while the unexpected kiss lingered. At the sound of James' impatient call, and his footsteps on the stairs, Liz quickly broke away and hurried to the door. Turning, she smiled at him, the way she did when she'd done something outrageous and knew she'd get away with it. "Happy birthday, Frank," she whispered, then picked up her case which was by the door and, a moment later, he heard her speaking to her brother in the corridor. "I was only saying good-bye to Frank," she protested. "Will you please carry my case, James? It's heavier than I thought," and he heard the sound of their footsteps retreating down the stairs. Crossing quickly to the window he watched her climb into the car, and then she was gone. As the vehicle disappeared in a cloud of late summer dust he stood with thudding heart, his breathing unsteady, wondering what had just happened! He certainly wouldn't forget Elizabeth Kelly in a hurry! Forget her?! He hadn't been able to get her out of his mind. Within a matter of months he'd fallen head over heels in love with her, and never gotten over it; please God, he never would! She was by far the most fascinating, irritating, adorable woman he'd ever met, and life without her would be deathly dull and totally unthinkable! "So - was there a reason for waking me? Other than torturing me, that is?" he asked, smiling at her as he returned to the present. "Only that they'll be serving dinner...or whatever meal we're at now...in a few minutes," she answered, becoming serious once more. "Still another seven hours until we land. I hope Patrick's waiting for us," she sighed. "I don't want to hang around once we get there."

Author:	Alison H [ 04 Aug 2007, 12:05 ]
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They're lovely together .

Author:	Lesley [ 04 Aug 2007, 20:23 ]
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A very forthright young lady there - no wonder Frank fell for her! Lovely - thanks Pat.

Author:	Fiona Mc [ 05 Aug 2007, 13:35 ]
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I love the relationship between Frank and Elizabeth. They seem so much fun together. Can't wait for Frank to finally meet Biddy

Author:	Frogize [ 16 Aug 2007, 05:35 ]
Post subject:	Francesco's Story cont
Patrick had indeed met them at Zurich airport, when the clock insisted that the time was almost midnight, although their body-clocks told them it was the middle of the day. It had taken some time to clear Customs and collect their things, but eventually they were in the car and heading for the hotel Patrick had chosen. It was approaching two o'clock in the morning by the time they had gone through all the necessary formalities of signing in, and Frank and Elizabeth parted from their son and were shown to their room. Shutting the door firmly and locking it behind them, Frank gathered her into his arms and, holding her tightly against himself, kissed her with an intensity that promised much. "Am I home yet, Elizabeth?" he asked, his voice thick with desire, as he unzipped her dress and removed his tie. "Ohh, yes!" she answered, unbuttoning his shirt and pulling him close once more. "At last!" he sighed. .................... Waking several hours later, when the sun was shining brightly and another day had begun, he smiled at her, curled like a kitten against him, and kissed her awake again. Though still warm and drowsy from sleep, Elizabeth embraced him enthusiastically and drew him to her. "Do you have any idea how much I love you, Elizabeth Desti?" he whispered, resting on one elbow and looking into the eyes that saw him as no-one else ever did. "Of course I do, darling," she whispered back, smiling up at him and snuggling closer. "About half as much as I love you!"

Author:	Alison H [ 16 Aug 2007, 07:42 ]
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Biddy would be so happy to know how happy he was ...

Author:	Fiona Mc [ 16 Aug 2007, 09:02 ]
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Pat!! When are you doing the reunion between Frank and Biddy. I can't wait for them to be reunited. Pleeease. (Looks like Puss in Boots from Shrek)

Author:	Lesley [ 16 Aug 2007, 09:12 ]
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That's so cute. Thanks Pat.

Author:	Frogize [ 31 Aug 2007, 03:38 ]
Post subject:	Francesco's Story cont
Just as he was enjoying the sensation of Elizabeth's lips exploring his chest the phone beside the bed rang loudly and, reluctantly, he reached for the receiver and answered. "Hello? Frank Desti here." "Hi, Dad. Hope I didn't wake you," came Patrick's voice. "Hi, Patrick. No, we're both awake already," Frank said, smiling at Elizabeth as she diligently continued her exploration of his body, while he made a very half-hearted attempt to discourage her. "Good," came Patrick's voice again. "We need to leave by three at the latest if we're going to arrive at the Gornetz Platz at a reasonable hour. Shall we meet for lunch in....say, half an hour?" "Good Lord! What time is it?" Frank asked, sitting bolt upright and tumbling Elizabeth across the bed as he did so. "A bit after one thirty, Dad. Shall I meet you in the lobby?" "We'll be there in half an hour," he said, as Elizabeth made a face at him and took the receiver from his hand. "Hello, Patrick. Are you taking us somewhere nice for lunch? Somewhere outdoors, I hope?" she asked, and she heard the familiar laughter at the other end of the line. "Yes, Mum. I'll make sure it's somewhere outdoors. At least you won't have to worry about the flies, here!" "Even better," she smiled. "See you in half an hour!" and she replaced the receiver before following Frank into the shower. ................... They were only a little late arriving in the lobby, and Patrick rose to greet them as they left the elevator. As they met, Elizabeth smiled up at her son and hugged him. It had always delighted her that he and Francesco looked so much alike, and she enjoyed walking between the two as they made their way to a nearby restaurant. As promised, they were seated at an outdoor table, and were soon enjoying their first meal in Switzerland. "So, are you going to finally enlighten me as to why I've been dragged half-way round the world?" Frank asked Patrick as they finished eating. "Not exactly 'dragged'," Elizabeth protested, laughing. "You came very willingly, although I will admit we did more or less kidnap you at the airport!" "And I'm sorry, Dad, but there's nothing I'm allowed to tell you yet - apart from the fact that the Maynards are looking forward to meeting you both," Patrick grinned. "It's not my story to tell, so you'll just have to be patient for a little while longer." "Patient?" Frank snorted. "Between you and your mother, I'm sure I should have won the Nobel Prize for patience by now!" but he grinned back at Patrick all the same. "Well, come on then Elizabeth. Let's collect our things and get off, because I should hate to die of curiosity before we even get there!" And in a very short space of time they were seated in Jack Maynard's car - loaned to Patrick for the occasion - heading for the highway and then on to the Gornetz Platz.

Author:	Lesley [ 31 Aug 2007, 06:37 ]
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Getting closer.... Thanks Pat.

Author:	Alison H [ 31 Aug 2007, 07:47 ]
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Exactly what Lesley said!

Author:	Frogize [ 01 Sep 2007, 14:46 ]
Post subject:	Francesco's Story cont
Some people are positively disgusting!!! Sorry to rant, but some **&^%@# person stole my bag with all my research notes for 'Emilia's Story 2' - plus lots of other stuff, of course! For now I'm just going to carry on from here (Stop cheering Fiona!) and I'll put in explanatory notes where necessary until I can rewrite it. Ugghhh!! Horrible person!! ('Emilia's Story 2' tells the story of what happened to Emilia and Luca's family - and others - during WW2, and how Francesco escapes with Franco and his two cousins, Marco and Alessandro (yes, the horrible one!). Have just found (and posted!)the last little bit of 'Emilia's Story' in a notebook; I was keeping it until I'd done the bit which is now lost. It was almost seven o'clock by the time they pulled into the driveway at Freudsheim, and Frank and Elizabeth were looking forward to being able to stretch their legs at long last. Jack and Joey Maynard were waiting on the steps to welcome their guests, and no-one would have guessed the way Joey had harangued Jack the day before for their unexpected arrival. Though always happy to welcome visitors to her home, Jo did like to have a reasonable amount of warning before they arrived, if only to make sure a room was ready for them! "Welcome to Freudsheim!" Joey smiled, coming to greet them as they left the car and mounted the steps. "I'm so pleased to finally meet you both. You must be absolutely sick of travelling!" Jack offered his hand to Frank and performed the necessary introductions. "Hello! I'm Jack Maynard, and the talkative one is my wife, Joey," he grinned. "Glad you finally made it." "Thanks," Frank smiled in return. "This is my wife, Elizabeth, and I'm Frank. Of course, you already know Patrick, otherwise known as...." but they never did hear what Patrick was otherwise known as, because Elizabeth turned and glared at Frank in a manner calculated to subdue all resistance, and he very wisely decided to keep quiet. Joey looked at Elizabeth admiringly and said, with a huge grin, "Matey would have been proud of you, Elizabeth!" Jack and Frank shared smiles as fellow sufferers, while Patrick sighed with relief, and they all entered the chalet in high good humour. Joey led them upstairs to what had been the nursery wing when the chalet had been full of children. It was much quieter these days, although they often entertained guests. She showed them to a large room with wonderful views from the window, and indicated the neighbouring bathroom which was reserved for their use. "Patrick's room is in the other corridor," Joey murmured quietly to Elizabeth. "I thought you'd like some privacy." "Thank you," Elizabeth smiled. "That was thoughtful of you." She was going to like Joey Maynard, she decided. "We'll have Abendessen at eight o'clock," Jo added as she turned to leave. "Our friends the Courvoisiers are joining us; I hope you don't mind." "Not at all," Elizabeth said. "I'll look forward to meeting them." As Joey left them alone, Elizabeth turned to Frank. "I can't believe you almost embarassed Patrick like that," she said, trying to frown and failing miserably. "Honestly, Francesco, you're not safe to be let out in public sometimes!" "He'll survive," Frank grinned at her. "Who did Joey say was joining us for dinner?" "Some friends of theirs - the Courvoisiers, I think she said. I wonder what they're like?" "Should be okay if they're friends of the Maynards. Anyway, we'll find out soon enough," he said. "Now, let's get some of this lot unpacked." ................................... A few minutes before eight Jack opened the door to the Courvoisiers and ushered them into the salon. Standing to greet the new arrivals, Frank and Elizabeth waited to be introduced as a smiling Joey led them forward. "These are our good friends Biddy and Eugen Courvoisier," she said as they approached. "And these are Frank and Elizabeth Desti, Patrick's parents," she added, looking closely at Biddy, who seemed to be well in control of herself. "I think Abendessen is ready now. Shall we go through?" and Joey led the way to the dining room. "Where's Patrick?" asked Biddy, looking around. "I thought he'd be here." "No. He's having dinner with Vater Moritz tonight, but he said he'd join us later," Joey said, with a smile. "Probably avoiding any more embarassing moments from you!" Elizabeth whispered to Frank, smiling mischievously, as they followed their hostess into the dining room and took their seats at the table. Frank smiled back, but wisely refrained from making any comment. The three couples had a most enjoyable dinner together - Joey carefully keeping the conversation away from any areas that might prove troublesome - and they were back in the salon, chatting over after-dinner coffee, when Patrick returned and joined them. "Are we going to visit Emilia tomorrow?" he asked Joey as he sat down in the seat she indicated. "I expect so," she smiled. "It's become something of a ritual now, don't you think? What about you Biddy? Are you coming as well?" "Yes, I'll be there," she smiled at Joey, "but I may be a little late. You'd better go in without me, and I'll come along with Eugen as soon as I can." "And what about you two?" Joey asked, turning to Frank and Elizabeth. "Would you like to see the hospice Patrick's been visiting with Vater Moritz? We're rather proud of it." "Yes, please," Elizabeth answered for both of them. "Are you sure it will be alright? Won't they mind two strangers wandering around the place?" "As long as you're with us it'll be fine," Joey assured her. "Shall we go at our usual time then? Ten o'clock?" And so it was all arranged. .............................. "What did you think of the Courvoisiers?" Frank asked Elizabeth as they prepared for bed that night. "I liked them," Elizabeth said after considering for a moment. "Of course, being Irish I could hardly fail to like Biddy, could I? You know what we Kellys are about our Irish heritage!" "Just as long as you don't forget you're a Desti!" he grinned at her as he sat down on the bed and began to remove his shoes. "Don't be ridiculous, darling! I'd have to forget you to do that - and that's impossible!" she replied, planting a kiss on the top of his head as she crossed to the dressing table and began to brush out her hair. "Was it just me, or did Biddy seem to look at me oddly sometimes?" he asked later, just before turning out the light. "I was beginning to feel like some kind of interesting specimen by the time they left." "I always did think you were an interesting specimen," she smiled at him, "though of the nicest possible kind, of course! Now please turn off the light and come to bed. We have a busy day tomorrow and I'd like to get some sleep." Just as she was settling down to sleep Elizabeth was suddenly brought back to full consciousness when she heard Frank say, "Did you hear what Biddy said to me as they left? She called me Francesco. I wonder how she knew my name?"

Author:	Alison H [ 01 Sep 2007, 15:27 ]
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Interesting meeting - I'd assumed that they'd explain to Francesco about who Biddy was first. Really sorry your bag got stolen, Pat - hope it hasn't caused you too much hassle.

Author:	Fatima [ 01 Sep 2007, 17:45 ]
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Yes, I assumed that they'd fill Frank in on Biddy before he met her. It's awful having your bag stolen, isn't it. (((Pat)))