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

Is there such a thing as coincidence?
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=4882
Author:  ibarhis [ 13 Aug 2008, 12:55 ]
Post subject:  Is there such a thing as coincidence?
My first foray into the world of drabbledom

..........................................................................

“Who would have believed it? Life seemed so predictable in those days. If you did the right thing, of course you would live happily ever after…”

As these words emerged into a sudden gap in the buzz of general conversation, this curious echo of her own thoughts made her glance at the speaker on the adjacent table in the tea shop opposite the entrance to Canterbury Cathedral. Such good cream cakes they served here. She allowed herself one as an occasional treat.

The speaker’s face looked familiar and so did the profile of the woman she was talking to, but it was only when this other woman started speaking that she realised she had known them both once upon a time. The speaker was still good looking, good bone structure tells, and still red haired too, although the line at the roots suggested that it might not be entirely natural, but who was she to comment? Her hair colour had been coming out of a bottle for years.

She wasn’t sure whether to say anything or not. It had been a long time after all and they probably wouldn’t want to speak to her anyway, not after everything which had happened in the mean time. It had been a cause celebre after all, splashed all over the newspapers. First the case, and then, a few years later the successful appeal, not that her release had made everything better, very much the opposite in many ways. STOP. With a well-practiced effort, she closed her mind to her thoughts.

The next moment, the decision was taken out of her hands, “Excuse me. Are you, or rather were you…
Author:  Emma A [ 13 Aug 2008, 12:59 ]
Post subject: 
Go on, go on... Please post more, Ibarhis!

Elizabeth Arnett? Len? What would the trial be all about? Really intrigued!
Author:  Alison H [ 13 Aug 2008, 14:02 ]
Post subject: 
Also intrigued!
Author:  Lisa [ 13 Aug 2008, 14:02 ]
Post subject: 
Ooh, sounds intriguing ... and congrats on your first drabble! :D
Author:  snowmaiden [ 13 Aug 2008, 14:18 ]
Post subject: 
Arg!! Don't stop there! What a cliff to leave us on. V intriguing so far.
:D
Author:  JS [ 13 Aug 2008, 15:11 ]
Post subject: 
Is Canterbury a clue? Is cream cakes? Did someone finally murder Joey then get released on appeal because the CBB jury decided it was well-deserved?

More please...
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ 13 Aug 2008, 17:19 ]
Post subject: 
Very intriguing! Thank you - please put us our of our misery soon and let us have some more!
Author:  Becky [ 13 Aug 2008, 17:27 ]
Post subject: 
This is very interesting - more soon, please!
Author:  Lesley [ 13 Aug 2008, 18:55 ]
Post subject: 
Nice cliff - also intrigued. :lol:
Author:  abbeybufo [ 13 Aug 2008, 22:02 ]
Post subject: 
:shock: :shock: :shock:

This is a great start Ibharis, thanks - more as soon as poss please :D
Author:  Tara [ 13 Aug 2008, 23:26 ]
Post subject: 
M...O...R...E ................. please? Fascinating, but so frustrating :D .
Author:  ibarhis [ 14 Aug 2008, 10:19 ]
Post subject: 
Rosamund ….?” The speaker left the surname hanging, questioning…. She braced herself, tried to smile although she had no idea what the effort looked like to anyone else. She took a breath, slowly and nodded slowly. She waited for the reaction. It happened every time. She usually avoided even the possibility of recognition, living alone in an anonymous flat where she rarely encountered any neighbours, in fact rarely spoke to anyone at all.

She was somewhat amazed when, even to her sensitised eyes, there was no change in the face looking at her, particularly this face. She was used to curiosity, disgust, aversion… depending on what the person thought they knew.

Rosamund… ? Names, now there was a thing… Lilley would be the kindest, the most neutral possibility! Pictures flashed through her brain, associated with her names. Her perfect wedding, her beautiful baby…… her bruises and other injuries, and the pain and the shame… they said people forgot pain – maybe they did – maybe she had, but she hadn’t forgotten that there had been pain - and humiliation and lying, and hiding the truth from herself; from her family and from his family.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ 14 Aug 2008, 10:38 ]
Post subject: 
Oh ibarhis - this looks as though it's going to be a weepie! Thanks, and please keep it coming.
Author:  Alison H [ 14 Aug 2008, 10:45 ]
Post subject: 
Oh dear, this looks sad :cry: . Could it be Len who's speaking?
Author:  abbeybufo [ 14 Aug 2008, 10:53 ]
Post subject: 
:shock: :shock: :shock:

Poor Rosamund, whatever has she had to go through?
Battered wife, presumably - maybe rose up and killed husband - presumably in protection of child?
But who was the husband???
Gosh this is really proving intriguing

Thanks ibarhis
Author:  JosieG [ 14 Aug 2008, 12:17 ]
Post subject: 
Oooh, I want to know what happens next! This looks really interesting Ibarhis.

Thanks!
Author:  Jennie [ 14 Aug 2008, 12:35 ]
Post subject: 
I'd like more of this, please.
Author:  Ela [ 14 Aug 2008, 12:47 ]
Post subject: 
More please, Ibarhis - those two posts have just whetted my curiosity.
Author:  Vick [ 14 Aug 2008, 15:37 ]
Post subject: 
I'm intrigued!

Thanks Ibharis :D
Author:  Mona [ 14 Aug 2008, 16:05 ]
Post subject: 
Wonderful, intruiging start.

More please ibharis!
Author:  PaulineS [ 14 Aug 2008, 16:22 ]
Post subject: 
This is facinating. I hope you will continue soon.
Author:  clair [ 14 Aug 2008, 19:55 ]
Post subject: 
Love this - more please!
Author:  Tara [ 14 Aug 2008, 23:06 ]
Post subject: 
Well, that was unexpected! Longing to know what happened to poor Ros. I wonder if the other person is Len, too.
Author:  Elle [ 14 Aug 2008, 23:15 ]
Post subject: 
Echoes the pleas for more.
Author:  jilianb [ 15 Aug 2008, 07:11 ]
Post subject: 
More please, this looks really fascinating. What happended to poor Ros?

Thanks Ibharis.
Author:  leahbelle [ 15 Aug 2008, 13:02 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Ibarhis. I'm really looking forward to finding out what's happened to Rosamund.
Author:  ibarhis [ 15 Aug 2008, 13:51 ]
Post subject: 
She had tried to leave him, but he had found her, at the refuge and she had stupidly believed his pleas to try again.

Despite all the warnings she had taken the baby back to him. In the end, that was the decision she had never been able to forgive herself for. It was because of her beautiful baby that she had snapped, or at least that was what she had assumed at the time, she had never been able to remember what had happened, a knife from the kitchen she had been told, the usual thing (as she came to understand),

There had been a nightmare of remand and court, so many character witnesses came forward for him – work colleagues, friends, “he couldn’t possibly have been abusive, he wasn't that sort of person”, she only wanted his money apparently... . her name had been blackened. And then prison, and the knowledge that her childless sister and brother-in-law had been given custody of her daughter and had taken her to New Zealand for a new start.
Author:  Vick [ 15 Aug 2008, 14:14 ]
Post subject: 
Oh dear, poor Rosamund.

Thanks Ibharis :D
Author:  JustJen [ 15 Aug 2008, 17:56 ]
Post subject: 
Poor poor Rosamund!
Author:  PaulineS [ 15 Aug 2008, 18:49 ]
Post subject: 
And where were her friends to give her character reference?
Author:  Lesley [ 15 Aug 2008, 20:10 ]
Post subject: 
This is still happening today! :cry:


Thanks ibarhis
Author:  abbeybufo [ 15 Aug 2008, 20:51 ]
Post subject: 
Lesley wrote:
This is still happening today! :cry:


Yes, all too often :evil:

Thanks Ibarhis
Author:  Alison H [ 15 Aug 2008, 21:44 ]
Post subject: 
Oh poor Ros.
Author:  Tara [ 16 Aug 2008, 00:35 ]
Post subject: 
This is heart-rending. Will things get better for her? Where, indeed, were her friends - tho' I suppose a characteristic of abuse is to isolate the victim.
Author:  Mona [ 16 Aug 2008, 07:59 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Ros.

More please, ibharis. Thanks!
Author:  di [ 16 Aug 2008, 10:21 ]
Post subject: 
More, more, pretty please. :) Poor Ros! I don't remember her having a sister in EBD's story; I suspect an EBD'ism here but, hey, who cares as this looks like developing in to a corker of a story.
Thanks, Ibarhis.
Author:  ibarhis [ 16 Aug 2008, 12:07 ]
Post subject: 
Even after her successful appeal 5 years later – evidence which showed that she had acted in self-defence which had been suppressed at the trial - she hadn’t been able to get her daughter back, or maybe hadn’t tried hard enough, had come to believe she didn’t deserve her.

So she had used her compensation for her wrongful imprisonment to buy a small flat in an anonymous block on an anonymous estate. She nursed her house plants and grew tomatoes on her balcony. She avoided human contact and didn’t open letters apart from bills and bank statements. She attempted to maintain her self-respect, and that was as much as she could do.

All this flashed through her mind as she stood, holding the back of the chair rather than flee from the tea shop. She was damned if she was going to rush down the stairs in floods of tears. Damned… Oh bother… she could feel tears welling up, and falling down her cheeks.
Author:  Liz K [ 16 Aug 2008, 12:11 ]
Post subject: 
di wrote:
More, more, pretty please. :) Poor Ros! I don't remember her having a sister in EBD's story; I suspect an EBD'ism here but, hey, who cares as this looks like developing in to a corker of a story.
Thanks, Ibarhis.


I think she had one sister didn't she, as, after she arrived at the CS, her mother and sister wrote to say the sister was expecting and she went to Mademoiselle Lachenais to get a knitting pattern and wool to make something for the baby.

Yet another excellent story, I really envy people who can write, would love to be able to do it myself. Who knows??......................one day maybe...............
Author:  Lesley [ 16 Aug 2008, 12:21 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Rosamund - in prison branded a murderer for five years - then to lose her daughter. :cry:


Hope she is welcomed by the others in the tea room.

Thanks ibarhis
Author:  abbeybufo [ 16 Aug 2008, 13:40 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Rosamund :cry:

Wondering who the others in the tea room might be . . .

Thanks ibarhis
Author:  Celia [ 16 Aug 2008, 14:15 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Ibarhis, I hope whoever it is in the tea room is kind to
Rosamund, she has had a dreadful time. :(
Author:  leahbelle [ 16 Aug 2008, 15:34 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Rosamund. I hope she can find some comfort somewhere.
Author:  macyrose [ 16 Aug 2008, 19:44 ]
Post subject: 
Liz K wrote:
Quote:
I think she had one sister didn't she, as, after she arrived at the CS, her mother and sister wrote to say the sister was expecting and she went to Mademoiselle Lachenais to get a knitting pattern and wool to make something for the baby.

If I remember correctly, Rosamund had two sisters - Dorothy who was married and was expecting (a little girl whose name was Sylvia, I think) and Charmian who I think was planning to become a nurse. Since Dorothy already had a child it looks like Charmain and her husband are the ones who adopted Rosamund's daughter.

Poor Rosamund. Perhaps whoever is talking to her at the tea room will be able to help her.
Thanks Ibarhis.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 17 Aug 2008, 10:17 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Rosamund, how heartbreaking for her
Author:  Abi [ 18 Aug 2008, 01:24 ]
Post subject: 
:cry: Poor, poor Rosamund. I hope she has a friend in the speaker, whoever she may be. (Joan, perhaps??)
Author:  ibarhis [ 18 Aug 2008, 09:25 ]
Post subject: 
Wordlessly a handkerchief was offered, and wordlessly taken. She sat down again… poleaxed… made herself drink a sip of tea… They sat, granting her the gift of time.

Out of the corner of her eye, she was aware that the door of the tea room opened and a young woman came in who looked round, then started walking in their direction. A woman she was certain she had never met, yet one who looked nearly as familiar as the face in her mirror every morning

“Aunt Len, I didn’t mean to keep you waiting. The Cathedral is astonishing and I got talking to one of the vergers. It seems his niece lives on the other side of Wellington and we went to the same school.”


...................................................................................................

This was intended to be the end - the whole thing came to me almost complete.

I'll be away for the next few days so there certainly won't be any more while I'm away, but Len is pushing to tell her side of this so ... watch this space...
Author:  Alison H [ 18 Aug 2008, 09:39 ]
Post subject: 
Ah, I thought it must be Len - looking forward to hearing her side of things.
Author:  Mona [ 18 Aug 2008, 09:40 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you! Please do let us hear Len's side.
Author:  PaulineS [ 18 Aug 2008, 13:34 ]
Post subject: 
Yes please do give us Len's side of the story.
Author:  clair [ 18 Aug 2008, 14:35 ]
Post subject: 
Looking forward to Len's story, happy to read as much as you're able to read. Maybe a full length drabble rather than the short one you intended?
Author:  Lesley [ 18 Aug 2008, 16:09 ]
Post subject: 
So if this is Rosamund's daughter - where has she been? Yes, definitely pleased to see that you intend to expand upon this!

Thank you
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ 18 Aug 2008, 19:14 ]
Post subject: 
Looking forward to seeing more of this! Thanks, Ibarhis.
Author:  Vick [ 18 Aug 2008, 21:01 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Ibharis. Looking forward to Len's side now :D
Author:  abbeybufo [ 18 Aug 2008, 21:04 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Ibarhis - would really like to hear the rest of the story :D
Author:  Abi [ 18 Aug 2008, 23:25 ]
Post subject: 
Would definitely like to hear the rest of the story. Thanks Ibarhis.
Author:  shazwales [ 18 Aug 2008, 23:43 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you Ibarhis looking forward to reading more of this.
Author:  MaryR [ 19 Aug 2008, 19:35 ]
Post subject: 
Shall look forward to Len's side of the tale. Can she cast a ray of hope on the situation?
Author:  di [ 19 Aug 2008, 20:01 ]
Post subject: 
I feel for Rosamund - and look forward to hearing Len's story.
Author:  ibarhis [ 26 Aug 2008, 12:40 ]
Post subject:  From Len's point of view
Silently, they all walked back to the hotel where Len and Connie were staying with Josie while they showed her something of the home country she had never seen. They had picked on Canterbury for its cathedral and mediaeval tangle of lanes.

Len was experiencing a wild tangle of emotions, thoughts and memories. From the glances she shared with Connie, she guessed that her sister felt the same but neither of them said anything in front of Ros or Josie...
Author:  clair [ 26 Aug 2008, 13:50 ]
Post subject: 
Glad to see some more of this. Really looking forward to hearing the whole story and seeing the different reactions
Author:  Honor [ 26 Aug 2008, 15:51 ]
Post subject: 
This is great Ibarhis. Looking forward to hearing the rest.
Author:  Abi [ 26 Aug 2008, 17:23 ]
Post subject: 
Yay! More of this! It's very atmospheric - thanks.
Author:  abbeybufo [ 26 Aug 2008, 21:51 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Ibarhis

Glad to see even a little bit extra - more when you can please :D
Author:  Vick [ 26 Aug 2008, 23:08 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the update Ibharis :D

Looking forward to more...
Author:  Alex [ 26 Aug 2008, 23:09 ]
Post subject: 
Does Josie even know that Ros is her mother? I'm guessing not.
Author:  ibarhis [ 27 Aug 2008, 13:52 ]
Post subject: 
Josie - that had been an unexpected shock... The letter, with a New Zealand postmark, addressed correctly but simply to the Chalet School, had appeared during the holiday while the administrative staff were away and she had gone in for a day to make some telephone calls where it was quiet, away from her own pair of girls and the noise they insisted on calling music which permeated every corner of the chalet they lived in.

She had picked up the post and sorted it almost by reflex action, leaving the majority for those named on the envelopes but opening and swiftly despatching into the waste bin unwanted letters soliciting for business. When she started reading this letter, she was glad she was sitting down however... after so many years... twenty-two...
Author:  PaulineS [ 27 Aug 2008, 16:45 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the updates. It become even more interesting as it develops.
Author:  Lesley [ 27 Aug 2008, 17:08 ]
Post subject: 
So this must be Len remembering? Intriguing.


Thanks Ibarhis
Author:  ibarhis [ 28 Aug 2008, 10:19 ]
Post subject: 
"Dear Headmistress

I don't know if you can help but I'm not sure who else could. Although my adopted name is Josephine Stoddart, the name on my birth certificate is Josephine Maynard and I'm wondering if you or any of your staff might be able to help me trace my father's family.

Although it may seem strange to you that I am asking you to help me trace my father's family, I understand that the Maynard family were involved with the school for many years and that my mother, Rosumund Maynard nee Lilley, was a pupil of the school.

I hope you are able to help.

Yours sincerely


Josie Stoddart"

At this point Len had given up any pretence of continuing with her headmistress' duties and made herself a strong cup of coffee.
Author:  Mona [ 28 Aug 2008, 10:23 ]
Post subject: 
:shock: So who did Ros marry? I wasn't expecting that connection!

Thanks ibharis!
Author:  di [ 28 Aug 2008, 10:28 ]
Post subject: 
:? If Ros married a Maynard why was Josie adopted? Looking forward to finding out!
Thanks, Ibharis, this is a most puzzling story; can't wait for more.
Author:  Alison H [ 28 Aug 2008, 10:44 ]
Post subject: 
Now I'm well and truly intrigued!
Author:  abbeybufo [ 28 Aug 2008, 11:17 ]
Post subject: 
Well that would explain why ?Stephen/?Charles [Mike's probably too young] would have had 'everyone' on his side in the first trial.

Thanks Ibarhis - this is fascinating
Author:  PaulineS [ 28 Aug 2008, 11:39 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the update. No wonder Ros was scared/confused to see Len and Con and wondered what their response would be. Interesting that is was Ros sister and not one of Maynard's who adopted Josie!
Author:  JS [ 28 Aug 2008, 16:17 ]
Post subject: 
Ooh, wasn't expecting that AT ALL.....
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 28 Aug 2008, 19:09 ]
Post subject: 
PaulineS wrote:
Thanks for the update. No wonder Ros was scared/confused to see Len and Con and wondered what their response would be. Interesting that is was Ros sister and not one of Maynard's who adopted Josie!


But then if it was a bad marriage/break up it would be understandable. Would love to see more
Author:  Lesley [ 28 Aug 2008, 20:08 ]
Post subject: 
Ah, now that explains a few things.


Thanks Ibarhis
Author:  Elle [ 28 Aug 2008, 21:28 ]
Post subject: 
Gosh, this is excellent. But who did Ros marry?
Author:  Vick [ 28 Aug 2008, 21:38 ]
Post subject: 
Didn't expect that one coming :!:

Looking forward to more of this.

Thanks Ibharis :D
Author:  jilianb [ 29 Aug 2008, 07:49 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Ibharis. Can't wait to find out more.
Author:  ibarhis [ 29 Aug 2008, 11:42 ]
Post subject: 
The only Maynard left on the Platz, since her parents had retired and were presently on a world cruise and all her siblings were pursuing their many and various careers around the world, Len had contemplated long and hard how to respond.

How do you write back to the neice whose mother had killed her father in response to several years of physical and mental abuse.

It had been somewhat of a relief after the trial when Ros's sister and husband had offered to take Josephine with them to New Zealand even though they had stipulated they wanted nothing from the family of the man who they blamed for everything that had happened. She still remembered the atmosphere in the Court when the jury had found Ros guilty of murder. Even the judge had seemed to be sympathetic to the circumstances albeit had felt his hands tied by the law.
Author:  Alison H [ 29 Aug 2008, 11:52 ]
Post subject: 
:shock: :shock: :shock: !
Author:  JosieG [ 29 Aug 2008, 13:05 ]
Post subject: 
Just caught up with this and it's taken a really unexpected turn... waiting with baited breath for some more!
Author:  di [ 29 Aug 2008, 14:38 ]
Post subject: 
Oh dear. Which Maynard was capable of spouse abuse? Surely not Charles, he was too gentle, Mike too young so that leaves Steve. What a quandry for Len; hope she can find the strength to reply to Josie.
Thanks, Ibharis, this gets better and better.
Author:  leahbelle [ 29 Aug 2008, 14:49 ]
Post subject: 
Goodness, this is unexpected. Thanks, this is fascinating.
Author:  Lesley [ 29 Aug 2008, 17:34 ]
Post subject: 
How terrible - Ros' lawyer should be shot for not being able to persuade the jury.


Thanks Ibarhis
Author:  Abi [ 29 Aug 2008, 18:35 ]
Post subject: 
:shock: :shock:

A few surprises to catch up on here!!

Steve, I would guess as the husband? Wonder what Len's response will be - I can appreciate her difficulties. :?

Thanks!
Author:  Tara [ 30 Aug 2008, 00:36 ]
Post subject: 
Goodness :shock: . Really looking forward to seeing where this goes.

Thanks, Ibharis.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ 30 Aug 2008, 20:45 ]
Post subject: 
I, too, hadn't seen that coming. But please keep this coming, Ibarhis!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 31 Aug 2008, 10:17 ]
Post subject: 
It is an awkward position for Len and how heartbreaking to know her brother did that to her best friend at school
Author:  ibarhis [ 01 Sep 2008, 12:19 ]
Post subject: 
At the time she had been reeling from the allegations and accusations against her brother. The sheer weight of shock which had descended on the Maynard clan as the evidence of Ros's treatment had unveiled itself. Ros's halting but utterly convincing account of petty tyrrany and physical abuse had burned itself into her memory.

In the end she had come to feel that while she could not condone Ros's actions when she finally snapped, she had no idea what she would have done in similar circumstances.

What she had finally written, after talking to her husband, and telephoning her sister Connie in London, was straightforward:

Dear Josie

By a simple coincidence, I opened your letter as I am the headmistress of the Chalet School. I am also your aunt, Helena Entwhistle nee Maynard... and I was at school with your mother.

I've often wondered how you were. The last time I saw you was when you were two, leaving for New Zealand with your aunt and uncle.

Yours sincerely

Len Entwhistle
Headmistress
The Chalet School
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 01 Sep 2008, 13:57 ]
Post subject: 
It would be a hard letter to write especially in those circumstances. I think Len was right to keep it simple and short
Author:  Abi [ 01 Sep 2008, 17:08 ]
Post subject: 
Yes, to say anything else she would have had to bring up the past more than was appropriate. Can't imagine how hard it would be even to write those few lines.

Thanks Ibarhis.
Author:  PaulineS [ 01 Sep 2008, 17:29 ]
Post subject: 
Glad Len believed Ros at the end of the trial. It must be difficult for her knowing one of her brother's had been so violent to her friend that her friend mrdered him. Hope the passage of time will help her and Con deal with meeting Ros now.
Author:  Lesley [ 01 Sep 2008, 20:10 ]
Post subject: 
Pity the Judge and Jury didn't believe Ros as well. Terrible thing for a family to have to face.


Thanks Ibarhis
Author:  ibarhis [ 02 Sep 2008, 11:38 ]
Post subject: 
Subsequent correspondence had established that Josie had found her original birth certificate in her adopted parents' papers, together with newspaper cuttings of the case and the eventual appeal, after their death in a car accident. She had known she was adopted, but the circumstances had come as a huge shock.

She had consulted her parents' solicitor and followed up the best lead she had to find out more about her family.

After several months of correspondence she had decided to use part of her inheritance to visit England and meet two of her aunts.


(The next section will be Con's. I will try to get it written and start posting soon)
Author:  leahbelle [ 02 Sep 2008, 17:58 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Ibarhis. What a lot they've all been through.
Author:  PaulineS [ 02 Sep 2008, 20:06 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks the differing views are interesting. Looking forward to Con and Josie's views.
Author:  Lesley [ 02 Sep 2008, 21:37 ]
Post subject: 
How terrible that she knew nothing about it - when were her adopted parents going to tell her?


Thanks JayB
Author:  Tara [ 03 Sep 2008, 00:12 ]
Post subject: 
So she didn't even know? Poor kid. A difficult thing to tell a child, granted, but what a way to find out.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 03 Sep 2008, 21:40 ]
Post subject: 
And I wonder how she feels about Ros
Author:  ibarhis [ 04 Sep 2008, 09:29 ]
Post subject: 
Connie sat, watching and waiting, in their private sitting room at the hotel. It was the same quietness which gave her interviewees and clients the space to believe that they could fill it and still remain private people. and which made her one of the most compelling of chat show hosts.

She sat considering; Ros, sitting straight backed on the wing chair unable to take her eyes off Josie; Len, apparently cheerfully dispensing coffee whilst willfully ignoring the drama playing out around her and Josie, who looked more like her mother than her mother did now, but who had a slightly puzzled look on her face.

The words which had burned themselves into her memory over twenty years before replayed themselves yet again, "I didn't matter but when he threatened Josie, I snapped. I couldn't let him do to her what he had done to me."

She came back to the moment as Len gave her a cup of coffee. She smiled reassuringly as she realised that even the stately Headmistress of the Chalet School was not quite as composed as she appeared on the surface.
Author:  Mona [ 04 Sep 2008, 10:05 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks ibharis, this is compelling. And I can absolutely see Con becoming a chat show host!
Author:  Celia [ 04 Sep 2008, 13:23 ]
Post subject: 
Am really interested in this ibarhis. Shocked that Steve could be so
violent, and amazed that Ros could become such a tigress even in defence
of her daughter. She certainly paid the price poor girl.
Author:  Jennie [ 04 Sep 2008, 13:31 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Ibarhis. What a shocker!
Author:  PaulineS [ 04 Sep 2008, 17:27 ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
The words which had burned themselves into her memory over twenty years before replayed themselves yet again, "I didn't matter but when


Poor Ros. It explains so much as to why she snapped, and makes it harder to see how she was so unsupported either at the first trial or at the appeal. I know it happens, but that does not mean I understand it.
Author:  Abi [ 04 Sep 2008, 18:57 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Ros indeed. Her actions are so understandable - I can see myself doing the same thing in that situation. Really hope Josie will be able to understand too.

Thanks Ibarhis.
Author:  Lesley [ 04 Sep 2008, 20:38 ]
Post subject: 
Did I miss the bit about it being Stephen? :oops: Never mind - no wonder Ros snapped - and it is to her credit that she did. Poor Josie though - suddenly confronted with someone she knew nothing about. :cry:


Thanks Ibarhis.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 04 Sep 2008, 21:45 ]
Post subject: 
Lesley wrote:
Did I miss the bit about it being Stephen? :oops: Never mind


I think someone worked out which Maynard it potentially be and said Mike would be too young and they couldn't see Charles doing it so that left Stephen who is only four years younger. It's never actually been officially said in the drabble. Thanks. Can understand why Josie being threatened would make Ros snap
Author:  Tara [ 04 Sep 2008, 23:22 ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
Josie, who looked more like her mother than her mother did now,
Such an insightful comment, it is just like that as one gets older. Can totally understand Ros morphing into a tigreess in defence of Josie.
Author:  di [ 05 Sep 2008, 06:42 ]
Post subject: 
It was me who thought it might be Stephen - but I thought he was the oldest boy anyway. Wasn't he born just after Joey accidently dyed her hair green and she threatened to call him 'Green'?

Thanks, Ibharis, still really enjoying this. Poor Ros, being imprisoned for defending Josie from violence. The Judge needs a taste then he might open his eyes and sentence more appropriately! :twisted:
Author:  leahbelle [ 05 Sep 2008, 14:25 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Ros. I can't even begin to imagine how much she's suffered.
Author:  Miriam [ 06 Sep 2008, 22:08 ]
Post subject: 
di wrote:
It was me who thought it might be Stephen - but I thought he was the oldest boy anyway. Wasn't he born just after Joey accidently dyed her hair green and she threatened to call him 'Green'?


And you are implying that he was thus he was scarred for life by having a green mother in his early life? And this whole sequence of events is an unforeseen consequence of Jo's clumsiness? :twisted: :twisted:
Author:  di [ 07 Sep 2008, 08:41 ]
Post subject: 
Many things can be attributed to Joey, both good and bad, but I draw the line at considering that she can be held responsible for the appalling behaviour of one of her sons. :) I have to say that I only THINK it may be Stephen, not that it is he. :?:
However, which ever son it is, he has brought shame on the Maynard family; no wonder Len is finding it difficult to face her best friend and her niece. I hope she can show compassion and understanding to both Ros and Josie.
Keep these coming Ibharis, they're really good.
Author:  ibarhis [ 08 Sep 2008, 09:38 ]
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As the silence lengthened, she wondered who would break it first.

As she waited, she contemplated - not for the first time, how the events surrounding the case had changed the lives of her family.

Her mother's entire lack of comprehension had strained the family considerably at the time... the satisfaction with which she had apparently viewed the outcome of the original case building on her refusal to believe Ros's testimony had alienated her from many. Even close friends had eventually tired of her reworking of the story from her own point of view with her references to "a cuckoo in the nest" and worse!

Their father's patience had eventually broken and he had insisted that Joey spend some time seeing a psychotherapist - an experience which had changed her considerably over a period of several years and she was now quieter and less convinced of her own rightness than she had ever been.

Jack had also changed. Although his wider experience of the world had
meant that he had been more prepared to accept the truth of the case, he had consequently been far more devastated as the facts had begun to
emerge. He had found much comfort in his faith however, and in the support of a friend who was also a priest, and he had discovered a dignity and compassion which had prevented complete meltdown in the family. He had mentioned to Connie that he carried a sense of guilt that somehow he had made the use of anger as a way of managing a family acceptable.
Author:  PaulineS [ 08 Sep 2008, 12:31 ]
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Thank you for the update, and for an insight into Jack and Joey's response. I will be interested to see Con's views on the situation and how she can help Ros and Josie.
Author:  Lesley [ 08 Sep 2008, 18:21 ]
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Very, very interesting - and completely believable responses from Joey and Jack.


Thanks Ibarhis
Author:  Abi [ 08 Sep 2008, 18:26 ]
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A really interesting insight into Jo and Jack's responses - poor Ros, being treated like that by Jo. :(

Thanks Ibarhis.
Author:  liberty [ 09 Sep 2008, 07:39 ]
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You can understand Jo thinking like that though. She's had to deal with the death of her child and it must be very hard on top of that to deal with the fact your child could be capable of such things.

Thanks for this
Author:  JS [ 10 Sep 2008, 13:19 ]
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Oh gosh, interesting reflection from Jack on using anger to control a family... thanks for this.
Author:  Vick [ 11 Sep 2008, 22:10 ]
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Thanks for the updates Ibharis. very interesting to see how everyone reacts to something like this
Author:  ibarhis [ 12 Sep 2008, 09:18 ]
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Len broke the silence

"Josie, I'm sorry we didn't introduce you to our..." infinitesimal pause... "friend in the tea shop but there were so many people there that it seemed simpler to return to the hotel."

Connie noticed Ros flinch and then look at Len with something... was that hope? in her eyes.

"This is our old school friend Ros Lilley, Ros, this is our niece Josie Maynard." Josie stared at Ros who was now considering her hands with minute attention.

Josie flashed a glance at Len, who smiled slightly but said nothing more.

"But.... " Josie whitened "but that was m..." She stopped... "You are my mo...." She stopped again...

"You.... " She looked at Ros, at Len and Con, and back to Ros... "YOU killed him..."
Author:  Alison H [ 12 Sep 2008, 10:06 ]
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What a sad situation for them all.
Author:  Ruth B [ 12 Sep 2008, 10:36 ]
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Oh golly, poor Ros! What has her sister been filling Josie's mind with?
Author:  JS [ 12 Sep 2008, 11:38 ]
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Gosh - I wasn't expecting that reaction. Thanks for that.
Author:  di [ 12 Sep 2008, 16:26 ]
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Fancy springing Ros on Josie without any warning. What were they thinking about?! And what stories has Josie been told about her mother?
Thanks, ibharis; looking forward to more,
Author:  Lesley [ 12 Sep 2008, 17:51 ]
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Most intrigued as to Josie's next words - as yet it's unclear whether she means to condemn or condone.



Thanks Ibarhis.
Author:  Ela [ 29 Sep 2008, 12:41 ]
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Please can you let us find out what happens next, ibarhis? Really looking forward to the next bit.
Author:  Abi [ 29 Sep 2008, 19:28 ]
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Have only just discovered the last post. :shock: Am now very worried about Josie and Ros. Hope fo more soon!
Author:  abbeybufo [ 29 Sep 2008, 21:24 ]
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Abi wrote:
Have only just discovered the last post. :shock: Am now very worried about Josie and Ros. Hope fo more soon!


Me too :shock: :shock:

Seconding plea for more please Ibarhis
Author:  Cat C [ 28 Oct 2008, 14:28 ]
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Gosh! Just discovered this - it's all so cliff-y and intriguing. Hope there'll be more soon.

Oh, and on the subject of Lilley siblings, I'm pretty sure Ros was one of six (there's something about her being surprised by the Maynard 9 as it was when she first met them, since she'd always understood 6 was a lot), and Ros being the youngest, I think, with her eldest sister Charmian married and with a baby.
Author:  jilianb [ 28 Oct 2008, 17:05 ]
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I've just cuaght up again, thanks Ibharis. What a terrible situation for them all. Hope Josie is understanding of her mother's plight.
Author:  PaulineS [ 28 Oct 2008, 18:44 ]
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joining the chorus for more please!!!
:megaphone: :megaphone: :megaphone: PLEASE
Author:  Josie [ 09 Nov 2008, 20:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: Is there such a thing as coincidence?
:shock: :shock:

There are more twists and turns in this already than in a curly wurly!!

Thanks ibarhis. Looking foward to more of this when you have the time and to seeing the pieces fit together. Poor Rosamund. Sounds like she's had an horrendous time.
Author:  ibarhis [ 12 Jun 2009, 23:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: Is there such a thing as coincidence?
(Many apologies for the length of time since I last updated. I boxed myself into a corner and it has taken me a long time to work out how to finish this. And this is the end. Yes, it was Stephen Maynard - not because I have anything against him as a character but just because he fits agewise and because I could imagine a son of Jack and Joey wanting the total attention of a compliant woman AND having the temper to try to enforce his will on his wife. I hope this hasn't upset anyone unduly - it did occur to me after my initial post that it might be better in St Mildred's but I decided that so long as I wasn't specific about exactly what had provoked Ros, I was probably on the safe side)

Ever afterwards, Len shivered when she thought of that afternoon, uncertain as to what had possessed her. She was the Headmistress, the natural diplomat. She ran the school with a light hand, dropping in the necessary word to pour oil on troubled waters... But not THAT afternoon! It didn't matter how many times both Ros and Josie told her that it was like lancing a boil, Len knew that she would never forget the moment's silence followed by the devastated look on Ros's face and the sound of Josie's sobbing.

Eventually, the talking really started. Josie had read the transcripts of the trial so wasn't entirely unprepared for the truth, and the Maynard family had attended the trial, numbed as the litany of first petty tyranies, descending to physical violence and finally, and explosively, threats to the baby Josie had unfolded. Ros had never tried to deny her actions on that last day, and now had little to add about that side of things but in answer to a question from Josie, much later in the day , Ros matter of factly added that he had told her a number of times after they were married that she should be grateful to have married a Maynard and should be prepared to make him the centre of her life.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 13 Jun 2009, 07:33 ]
Post subject:  Re: Is there such a thing as coincidence?
Poor Ros, to not only go through all that but to then lose her daughter as well and to then have to finally explain her reasons to that same said daughter. It's a horrible position to be in.

Thanks- am glad to see this back again
Author:  PaulineS [ 13 Jun 2009, 11:41 ]
Post subject:  Re: Is there such a thing as coincidence?
Hope Ros and Josie can make friends at least after meeting again. Thanks for the update.
Author:  Lesley [ 13 Jun 2009, 12:40 ]
Post subject:  Re: Is there such a thing as coincidence?
Echoes the plea - after all, Ros only did what she did for her daughter.


Thanks ibharis
Author:  di [ 14 Jun 2009, 15:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: Is there such a thing as coincidence?
Good to see an update.
Thanks, ibarhis
Author:  Abi [ 20 Jun 2009, 16:14 ]
Post subject:  Re: Is there such a thing as coincidence?
Thanks for updating this Ibarhis. Poor Ros and poor Josie :( .
Author:  Cath V-P [ 02 Jul 2009, 02:56 ]
Post subject:  Re: Is there such a thing as coincidence?
That matter-of-fact selfishness must have been terrifying.
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