The CBB
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Other CS oddments
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=4914
Author:  JellySheep [ 20 Aug 2008, 16:38 ]
Post subject:  Other CS oddments
Violet's secret
“Here it is, mes amies!” announced Sylvia Peacock, producing with a flourish a book covered in brown paper. “Gather round now. I’ll start reading and then we’ll take turns.” The group moved their chairs and cushions into a corner where they could listen to the reading without being overheard, and their leader, with an air of importance, began.
For some time they listened intently. As a more risqué passage was reached, the excitement was palpable and there were some suppressed giggles. One person, however, was obviously not enjoying herself. Violet Marks turned pale, got up and stumbled away.
“Honestly!” tutted Marian Tovey. “Some people need to learn the facts of life! Go on, we can’t leave it there!”
Some of the group were more doubtful. What if Violet were going to tell a prefect, or a mistress? The book was hurriedly tucked behind a radiator and the group made an effort to look blamelessly busy with various other pursuits.
Violet did not intend to tell anyone what had upset her. However, the next day, one of the maids discovered the book while tidying the common room and it found its way to Miss Edwards, who instituted enquiries, and retribution fell on the reading group. Those young ladies put two and two together and made at least six. Though Violet protested that she hadn’t ‘sneaked’, there seemed to be no other feasible explanation, and she found herself sent to Coventry: though the rest of the form had mixed feelings about the book, telling tales definitely offended against their code of honour, and in their eyes Violet’s denials constituted cowardice and lying, which compounded her perceived sins. Besides this, the incident got her labelled as a prude by the reading group.
Eventually the girls forgot that incident as other happenings caught their attention. For Violet, however, things were about to get worse. One morning the girls were gathered around the hall table, where the school’s letters were put out for their addressees to collect. When Violet saw the handwriting on the letter that had arrived for her, she paled. There was no time to open and read it before the morning’s lessons began, and, during morning school, Violet’s concentration went to the winds as she fretted about what her letter might say, and more than one mistress gave her a ticking-off for inattention. Try as she might, she could not keep herself from being taken over by dread, and the reprimands just made her feel worse.
Eventually Break came, and once she had gulped down her milk, Violet headed off to find a private place to read her letter. She did not want to, but thought that it would be best to get it over with, and it might turn out to be less bad than her imagination suggested.
Miss Daubeney noticed that there was an empty desk in her class. “Has anyone seen Violet?” Nobody knew where she was, so, when she had not appeared by the end of the lesson, a search was instituted. After the obvious places, they turned their attention to the grounds, and eventually Violet was found behind the toolshed, tear-stained and tense looking. Miss Daubeney took one look at her and marched her off to Matron. Though Glendower House did not have the redoubtable Matey, her counterpart was of a similar mould and whisked Violet off to bed and an aspirin.
Later that afternoon, when Matron went to check on her, Violet was still huddled in a little ball of misery.
“Now, Violet, something’s obviously wrong. Do you think you could tell me about it, or your form mistress? If you carry on like this, you’re going to make yourself ill.”
Violet didn’t know what to do. Part of her wanted to confide in someone, to shift the weight of her troubles, but at the same time her confidante might be disgusted or think it was all her own fault. Matron wished that Joey Maynard were there, as she was known for her ability to deal with situations like this. However, the Maynards, along with the rest of the Chalet School, were in Switzerland, and Glendower House would have to cope with this alone. Violet struggled with the feeling that she could not bring out the words. In the end she mutely handed Matron a crumpled letter.
Author:  Ela [ 20 Aug 2008, 17:37 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Violet - hope all will be explained soon (hint, hint). What were they reading? Thanks, JellySheep.
Author:  keren [ 20 Aug 2008, 18:29 ]
Post subject: 
Ela wrote:
Poor Violet - hope all will be explained soon (hint, hint). What were they reading? Thanks, JellySheep.


Forever Amber, or gone with the wind?????
Author:  jilianb [ 20 Aug 2008, 18:36 ]
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Totally intrigued. Poor Violet . Thanks Jellysheep
Author:  PaulineS [ 20 Aug 2008, 18:47 ]
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thank Jellysheep, hope some one can help Violet.
Author:  Vick [ 20 Aug 2008, 20:04 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Violet. I wonder what's in the letter....

Thanks Jellysheep :D
Author:  Lesley [ 20 Aug 2008, 22:29 ]
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Most intrigued about what is wrong with poor Violet - and don't think much of her classmates to bully her in such a way.


Thanks JellySheep
Author:  Abi [ 20 Aug 2008, 23:09 ]
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Hope Violet will be ok, this sounds like something really nasty.

Thanks JellySheep.
Author:  JustJen [ 21 Aug 2008, 02:04 ]
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Oh dear, this doesn't sound very good.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 21 Aug 2008, 06:25 ]
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Poor Violet. Hope someone is able to help
Author:  Miss Di [ 22 Aug 2008, 01:05 ]
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This sounds bad. What ever is the matter?

(please let us know...)
Author:  leahbelle [ 22 Aug 2008, 15:59 ]
Post subject: 
I wonder what's going on?
Author:  Jennie [ 22 Aug 2008, 16:31 ]
Post subject: 
I wish Jellysheep would tell us!
Author:  Tara [ 23 Aug 2008, 00:16 ]
Post subject: 
What's in the letter??????? Really looking forward to finding out *hint, hint*.

Thanks Jellysheep.
Author:  Billie [ 27 Aug 2008, 23:10 ]
Post subject: 
Please fill us in soon, Jellysheep! Poor Violet.
Author:  JellySheep [ 29 Aug 2008, 12:17 ]
Post subject: 
That lady opened it and read. Her eyebrows shot up and her expression grew grim.
“Violet, we will have to take official action on this. I presume that you don’t want to do what is suggested in this letter and that is why you are upset?”
“Yes, no, I mean, that’s right.”
“I think the best thing to do is to speak to Miss Edwards and then she will decide what action to take. Come with me and we’ll go and find her now.”
Miss Edwards was dictating a letter to her secretary when Matron knocked on her door and ushered Violet in. Matron judged it best to pass the letter to the headmistress and save Violet as much explaining as possible. Dollie Edwards was shocked at what she read. Then she wished that she were not the headmistress, that Miss Annersley and Miss Wilson were still at the helm and that Joey Maynard were on hand. She felt helpless. Then she remembered that Violet must be feeling ten times more helpless, and resolved to do her best to help her.
“Violet, can you tell me about this man and what has happened between you?”
“He – he’s my godfather. It was all right until the summer holidays. He’d invite me to tea every so often and he’d be quite jolly, like an uncle or something. He always used to give me a kiss goodbye, but there seemed to be nothing in it. Then in the summer he seemed to like putting an arm around me, sometimes stroke my hair, and he gave me a couple of presents. I didn’t really notice at the time, but now it seems so obvious, and I feel stupid for not realising. Anyway, towards the end of the holidays, he took me out to tea again. We’d just got back in the car when he took my hand, and said I’d grown up a lot and was really pretty now, and he started to kiss me, but not like he used to. It was all over my face, again and again. I could hear him breathing heavily, and he kept saying I was a good girl. Then I could feel him undoing the buttons on my blouse and putting his hand inside…” She broke off and huddled into a little ball, dissolving into tears.
Miss Edwards and Matron looked at one another. They had never had to deal with anything quite like this. Miss Edwards didn’t put an arm around Violet in case being touched brought back bad memories. Instead, she leaned close to the girl, looking her in the eye, and said “Violet, it’s all right. You’re being very brave about this and I promise that you’ll be safe with us. She handed her a clean handkerchief. “We’re here for you and we’ll do whatever you need us to.
Now, he says that he will be here the day after tomorrow, and, according to his letter, he has already left his home. We can’t stop him coming now, but we will be ready for him. We won’t let him do anything to you. You don’t have to see him, but it might get the message across to him the more strongly if he hears it from you. The other question is whether we tell your parents. I think they should know so they can keep him away from you. If you prefer, we can write to them for you, if it seems too difficult for you.”
Violet’s shoulders sagged with relief. Though the real show-down was still to come, Miss Edwards and Matron had believed her, and had not blamed her or thought she had led her godfather on, which she had feared.
Author:  Ruth B [ 29 Aug 2008, 13:07 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the update Jellysheep, very powerful writing.

This isn't meant as a criticism at all, but might it be worth putting a warning at the top of the post/drabble? This is a very sensitive topic that some people may find disturbing. Thank you however for writing about it.
Author:  Jennie [ 29 Aug 2008, 14:12 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Js. Very powerful, but possible ought to be in another house.
Author:  abbeybufo [ 29 Aug 2008, 15:31 ]
Post subject: 
But it does say at the top not suitable for St Agnes - is it really any worse than some of the themes Lesley tackles in RCS?

Thanks JellySheep; powerful stuff :D
Author:  PaulineS [ 29 Aug 2008, 16:59 ]
Post subject: 
As Violet has stopped it before the worst happened it should be alright in this House. Thanks JellySheep.
Author:  Lesley [ 29 Aug 2008, 17:39 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Violet - hope the CS can help - at least she was believed.


Thanks JellySheep
Author:  Tara [ 30 Aug 2008, 00:39 ]
Post subject: 
Don't envy the staff having to deal with this, either. They should definitely inform Violet's parents, surely.
Author:  Abi [ 30 Aug 2008, 11:17 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Violet. I'm glad the Staff were so good - it would have been so easy for them not to believe her. Hope they will be able to deal with it.

Thanks, JellySheep.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 31 Aug 2008, 10:21 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Violet, that's a horrible thing to have to live with
Author:  JellySheep [ 05 Sep 2008, 12:04 ]
Post subject: 
It was half-term, and the entrance hall was full of girls milling about, excitedly awaiting visitors. Violet was filled with dread as she waited in Miss Edwards’s study. The headmistress wished she could call on Miss Annersley, Miss Wilson, Matey, or all three, but they were all far away in Switzerland. She would have to cope with this on her own, and try to act as they would. The problem was that she could not be sure how they would handle this situation.
Eventually there was a knock at the door and Miss Stackpole, who was one of the mistresses in charge of keeping the register of those girls being collected by family, ushered in Uncle Leonard.
“What’s going on?” he asked sharply. “I wrote to you and got your permission to take my god-daughter out.”
“However” responded Miss Edwards, “we have since discovered that you have been behaving in an inappropriate fashion towards Violet, and we cannot allow this to continue. We would have telephoned to prevent your making a wasted journey, but your letter to Violet arrived after you had left. We have a duty to Violet and her parents to keep her safe, as do you, and even if you are not going to honour that duty, we are. You are not going to lay another finger on Violet. We have written to Mr. and Mrs. Marks, recommending that they do not let you be alone with her in the future.”
“This is ridiculous!” he blustered. “I can’t believe you’re making such a fuss. It’s not as if I was doing anything that Violet didn’t want me to.”
Violet flinched as if slapped in the face. “But I didn’t want to! It was the most horrible thing that’s ever happened to me. Remembering it makes me feel sick. I just felt I couldn’t say no because you’re grown up, and because I felt I owed you for being kind to me before.”
“Well, it didn’t seem that way to me!”
“That’s quite enough!” snapped Miss Edwards, finding her voice. “I think you had better leave.”
Muttering darkly, Violet’s godfather stormed out, slamming the door. The two women and the girl let out a sigh of relief. Violet had tears running down her face, and when Miss Edwards saw this, she put her arm around her as if she were one of the Juniors. Juniors, however, she thought, did not present this kind of problem. At moments like this she seriously doubted whether she had done the right thing in taking charge of the older girls as well.
Author:  Lesley [ 05 Sep 2008, 13:35 ]
Post subject: 
You did very well Miss Edwards - no one could have done better.


((((Dollie and Violet))))


Thanks JellySheep
Author:  Jennie [ 05 Sep 2008, 13:54 ]
Post subject: 
Better to keep the child safe, for that's what Violet is, in law.
Author:  PaulineS [ 05 Sep 2008, 14:12 ]
Post subject: 
Dollie I love your innocence.

Quote:
The two women and the girl let out a sigh of relief. Violet had tears running down her face, and when Miss Edwards saw this, she put her arm around her as if she were one of the Juniors. Juniors, however, she thought, did not present this kind of problem.


Unfortunately it happens with children of any age.

((Dollie and Violet)) you both did well there.
Author:  Abi [ 05 Sep 2008, 18:14 ]
Post subject: 
Well done Miss Edwards - she was amazing. And Violet for standing up to him. It's so good that she had the support to enable her to do that. Hopefully they will believe her at home too.

Thanks JellySheep.
Author:  Tara [ 06 Sep 2008, 00:42 ]
Post subject: 
The 'she-wanted-me-to' argument is one of the sickest things. Glad Violet found the courage to challenge him, and, of cloure, she could only do that because of the staff's support. Certainly agree that no-one could have done more than Dollie.

Thanks, Jellysheep.
Author:  Celia [ 06 Sep 2008, 11:47 ]
Post subject: 
Full of admiration for the support the staff gave Violet. Sadly there is no
guarantee that working with younger children would save Dollie Edwards
from encountering the same sort of abusive situation. :(

Thanks Jellysheep
Author:  leahbelle [ 06 Sep 2008, 13:07 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Jellysheep. I'm glad Violet has found some support.
Author:  JS [ 06 Sep 2008, 13:56 ]
Post subject: 
What a horrible situation - I wonder what her parents will say.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 07 Sep 2008, 12:31 ]
Post subject: 
Well done Dollie Edwards, she's done exactly the right thing-she's believed Violet and stopped the abuse from continuing. I only hope Violets parents are just as good
Author:  JellySheep [ 12 Sep 2008, 14:18 ]
Post subject: 
Half-term passed fairly uneventfully, considering the Chalet School’s history. Then, on the day lessons resumed, Violet was called into Miss Edwards’s study.
“Violet? Do sit down. I have a piece of news for you and I’m not sure how you’ll feel about it. I’m afraid your Uncle Leonard has been in a motor accident and is in quite a serious state in hospital.” Violet didn’t know what to think. Part of her supposed she ought to feel sorry for someone in such a situation, but really she could not find any sympathy for somebody who had betrayed her so badly. Another little part of her suggested that she had wanted this to happen, when she had wanted something, anything, to free her from Uncle Leonard, and she worried that she was wicked, or had somehow brought this about.
The headmistress saw her pupil’s doubtful expression. “Violet, I know you’ve been hurt, and I’m not asking you to let him get away with it, but your godfather is in a very serious condition. I would advise you to let go of your anger against him, or it will eat away at you, and it will be a burden on your conscience should he die.”
“I know it’s Christian to forgive, Miss Edwards, but I’m afraid I just can’t do it. Or not yet, anyway.”
This was evidently the best that was to be achieved, so the headmistress left it at that, hoping that Violet’s godfather, however repellent he might seem, would not die, and that distraction and time would heal the girl’s wounds.
Two days later, Miss Edwards received a letter from Mr. and Mrs. Marks in Birmingham. They thanked the Head for the action she had taken and the letter in which she had explained matters. According to them, Uncle Leonard, whom they had banned from their house, was making a slow recovery and was out of danger. They were unsure what to say to Violet, as they felt to some extent to blame for letting this happen, but they were resolved to do their best in future to protect their daughter from any future harm.
Author:  PaulineS [ 12 Sep 2008, 16:43 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks JellySheep for the update. Glad Violet's parents are supportive as well.
Author:  Lesley [ 12 Sep 2008, 17:52 ]
Post subject: 
Well that's encouraging - Violet's parents' attitude, I mean. Violet's own attitude is completely understandable.


Thanks JellySheep
Author:  Abi [ 12 Sep 2008, 19:32 ]
Post subject: 
Also glad Violet's parents were so supportive. It will be very, very hard for her to forgive him, but I hope she manages it in the end - bitterness is a terrible thing. Thanks JellySheep.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 14 Sep 2008, 03:01 ]
Post subject: 
Abi wrote:
Also glad Violet's parents were so supportive. It will be very, very hard for her to forgive him, but I hope she manages it in the end - bitterness is a terrible thing. Thanks JellySheep.


Hope she able to forgive her parents for allowing someone like that in the house and to be godparent in the first place. I know their trust was betrayed but Violet would have trusted them to care for her. Hope they are able to apologise for that and reinforce that they believe, love and support her not just brush it under the carpet like it didn't happen
Author:  JellySheep [ 23 Sep 2008, 11:58 ]
Post subject: 
Ruth's mysterious malady
While in the middle of conducting a surprise locker inspection in Upper IV’s splashery, Matron’s ear was caught by an unexpected sound. Someone was being sick in the lavatory. She waited for the mystery person to come out, but the lavatory’s occupant had guessed what was going on outside and decided to try and avoid detection.
Matron ran out of patience and rapped on the door. “Whoever that is in there, open this door! I want to be sure you’re all right.” Though she was not quite as awe-inspiring as Matey, her commanding tone resulted in the door opening and a glum figure appearing from behind it.
“Ruth Halberstam! Now, what’s the matter? Tummy upset? Come along with me and we’ll do something about it.” Ruth trailed off after the bustling figure, wondering what to do. Once dosed with castor oil and tucked up in bed, it became obvious that she was going to be under rather close surveillance, as there was nobody else in the sick room.
Later, as Matron put a tray of lunch down on her knees, Ruth’s heart sank. Eating the lot in front of Matron was not going to be easy, but it had to be done in order to convince the domestic tyrant that she was well enough to be released.
All was quiet for another week. Then, in an English lesson, Miss Stackpole asked Ruth to come up to the blackboard. The girl stood up, took a couple of steps, and toppled to the ground. There was an instant uproar, as some of the class were set on putting their Guide first-aid training into practice, while others took advantage of the hubbub to talk.
As soon as Ruth had regained consciousness, and, overcome by embarrassment, been shepherded away to the sick room, there were questions. Those who were on the same table at breakfast were asked what kind of meal she had made, and someone, in the grip of conscience, revealed that she had heard Ruth being sick in the splashery just after breakfast. Matron pounced on this piece of information and investigated further. Hearing that there had been no illegitimate feasting going on, she called in the School’s doctor. He was a sympathetic gentleman, but could detect no ostensible reason for Ruth to be sick, not without more sophisticated tests. His discussion with Matron happened out of Ruth’s hearing, so she had little idea of what was going on.
Matron eventually capitulated to Ruth’s insistence that she was much better, and let her go back to lessons, as there seemed to be little to be done by keeping her in bed. Matron was still not satisfied, and resolved to keep a close eye on her charge.
Author:  Ela [ 23 Sep 2008, 13:04 ]
Post subject: 
Eek! Ruth isn't pregnant, is she? :shock:
Author:  Jennie [ 23 Sep 2008, 14:39 ]
Post subject: 
Or bulimic?
Author:  JustJen [ 23 Sep 2008, 14:58 ]
Post subject: 
I agree with Ela.
Author:  Abi [ 23 Sep 2008, 17:48 ]
Post subject: 
Ela wrote:
Eek! Ruth isn't pregnant, is she? :shock:


My thought precisely. :shock: :shock:
Author:  Celia [ 23 Sep 2008, 18:01 ]
Post subject: 
And mine :shock: :shock: :shock:
Author:  Lesley [ 23 Sep 2008, 19:48 ]
Post subject: 
Eating disorder I think.


Thanks JellySheep
Author:  PaulineS [ 23 Sep 2008, 19:54 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks JellySheep.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ 23 Sep 2008, 21:20 ]
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My first thought was pregnancy, certainly - but I dare say an ED would also fit the bill.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 26 Sep 2008, 01:02 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Ruth. I hope whatever it is gets sorted soon
Author:  JellySheep [ 01 Oct 2008, 14:11 ]
Post subject: 
A week later, there was a timid knock on Matron’s door, and, when it was opened, a pair of Upper IV were standing there.
“We’re worried about Ruth” began Josefa von Wertheim. “We keep hearing her being sick after meals. She says she’s fine but there must be something wrong.”
Matron agreed, and sent for Ruth.
“Now, Ruth, I know you’re being sick after meals, and I want to know why. If we can’t work it out, I will have to send for Dr. Easterling and arrange for medical tests to find out the cause. If you know what’s wrong, tell me now so that we won’t waste time and money on tests.”
Ruth looked at the floor. Matron decided to take another tack, and asked the girl what happened between eating and being sick. As Ruth turned a dull red and seemed to be at a loss, Matron thought she knew what was going on.
“You’re making yourself sick on purpose, aren’t you?” she demanded. “Of all the selfish things to do! Just think of all the effort we’re having to put into looking after you, calling the doctor in, and what about the perfectly good food you’re wasting, when there are people literally starving to death?”
“Well, you wouldn’t let me not eat, would you?” retorted Ruth, forgetting her manners at this accusation. “Everyone wants me to be thinner, like the others, and this is the only way I can do it!”
Matron was taken aback: she had not foreseen this. As Ruth continued, bitter words tumbling out now she had begun, tears began to run down her round cheeks.
“I’m just trying to be what people expect of me. I hate it but I’ve got to do it or I feel like a failure. I wish I were just different, that I were sporty and skinny like Louisa…”
“Louisa?” asked Matron, drawing Ruth over to the window-seat and giving her a handkerchief.
“She’s my sister- left school a couple of years ago. Next to her I look so fat. People always say we’re not a bit alike and I know they mean because I’m about twice the size.”
“How long has this been going on, this trying to lose weight?”
“Just this term. I was never happy about myself, but this term Miss Broomfield seems to be punishing me for being fat and no good at games, and I knew I had to try and do something about it.”
Matron looked grim. “What do you mean, punishing?”
“I have to report to her every day for a run around the grounds.”
“What has she said to you about it?”
“That I need to lose weight and get fit. All the Middles know that it’s just me and being singled out, and it’s horribly embarrassing.”
“Hmmm” responded Matron. “Come along, we’ll have to speak to Miss Edwards about this. I’m sure Miss Broomfield isn’t trying to punish you, but it’s obviously making you seriously miserable, so something will have to be done about it.”
Author:  Chelsea [ 01 Oct 2008, 14:36 ]
Post subject: 
I could just shake this Miss Broomfield. Poor Ruth.

Matron's outburst had me very worried about how she'd handle Ruth, but it seems that is a surprised/gut reaction (still uncalled for) and she has started to be more reasonable with her handling of Ruth.

Thanks for the update.
Author:  JustJen [ 01 Oct 2008, 16:23 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Ruth!
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ 01 Oct 2008, 17:23 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Ruth indeed - I wondered if that might be the problem, though. However, despite Matron's initially rough reaction, I think she will probably come up with a sympathetic solution, and one which will certainly help Ruth. I wouldn't like to be Miss Broomfield if Matron corners her on her handling of Ruth's weight problem, though.

Thanks JellySheep
Author:  PaulineS [ 01 Oct 2008, 19:47 ]
Post subject: 
Matron response was a common view at the time. But her quick response to Ruth's
Quote:
“Well, you wouldn’t let me not eat, would you?” retorted Ruth, forgetting her manners at this accusation. “Everyone wants me to be thinner, like the others, and this is the only way I can do it!”

shows her understanding of the issues.

In fact Matron's response probably shocked Ruth into making her remarks rather than continuing to hid the problem.

Poor Dolly though in having to deal with another student with difficulties compounded by the actions of a member of staff.
Author:  Vick [ 01 Oct 2008, 21:13 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Ruth, hope a solution can be found for her.

Thanks JellySheep :D
Author:  Lesley [ 02 Oct 2008, 16:41 ]
Post subject: 
Pleased that Matron was understanding once she knew the problem - her initial reaction seemed a perfectly natural one to make. Miss Broomfield doesn't sound very understanding and, although I can appreciate that she is trying to help Ruth lose weight - singling her out like that amounts to bullying.


Thanks JellySheep
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 03 Oct 2008, 10:16 ]
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Glad Matron became more sympathetic as she understood the problem. Mrs Bloomfield doesn't sound particularly nice though. Thanks Jellysheep
Author:  Abi [ 04 Oct 2008, 12:33 ]
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Glad Matron was understanding and I hope she can help Ruth. Thanks Jellysheep.
Author:  JellySheep [ 17 Oct 2008, 16:48 ]
Post subject: 
With prompting from Matron, Ruth repeated her story to the Head, though she felt mortified with embarrassment as she wanted to keep her size out of sight. As the account came to an end, Miss Edwards sent for the games mistress.
“Ruth” she said as they waited, “this really isn’t the most sensible way to address your problems. Whatever size you are, you still need to eat. Will you promise that you’ll come and talk to me, or to Matron, or your form mistress, if something’s wrong, and not take matters into your own hands? We may not be able to work magic, but we can try and sort things out.”
When Miss Broomfield arrived, the headmistress told her that Ruth thought she was being punished for her weight and was extremely miserable. The games mistress looked affronted.
“Punishing? I’m trying to help Ruth! It’s for her own good: it’s not healthy to be fat, and she needs to get better at games. Otherwise she won’t enjoy them and she’ll just be a drag on her team-mates.”
“But…”
“Yes, Ruth?”
“Miss Edwards, running makes me miserable, and it’s humiliating being the one singled out for this. It’s making me feel awful.”
“Ruth, would you give us just a few moments alone? I’ll come and fetch you if you want to go and sit quietly in the library.”
Once the girl had left the room, Miss Edwards fixed the games mistress with a stern gaze.
“Elizabeth, have you any idea what trouble you’ve caused? Granted, you were trying to help, but a little thought would have saved Ruth a lot of misery. How can you have thought that she would be pleased about this? Did you not notice how you were making her feel? Could you not have spoken to Matron before wading in and imposing your own ‘solution’? There is more to health than the body, and you have probably done more harm than good. Even if this running scheme were a good idea, it would have needed a careful approach to ensure that it wasn’t seen as a humiliating punishment. I hope I will not need to say anything about this again; as I’m sure you’re aware, this could have been much worse.”
When Ruth had been brought back into the study, Miss Edwards took a different tack with her.
“Ruth, you said running makes you miserable. Is there a form of exercise you do like?”
“Well, I like country dancing I suppose.”
“Excellent. Now, Miss Broomfield is going to form a group for extra folk dancing, to train for School displays. Would that appeal to you?”
Ruth was divided. On the one hand, she could see this as a re-packaging of Miss Broomfield’s message that she was too fat and needed to be changed; but, on the other, it was an enormous improvement on running: the movements would be gentler and driven by something other than mere speed, and this group would look less specifically targeted at her, less punitive.
Miss Broomfield tried to conceal her surprise at being suddenly faced with forming a folk-dance group at a moment’s notice, and was less than pleased with Ruth for causing all this fuss.
“The other thing” continued the headmistress, “which I can’t stress too much, is the importance of accepting whatever shape you are. If you feel revulsion at yourself you will never be happy. This is something which needs to come both from you and from others, and I am going to speak to the School at large – mentioning no names -
about the need for acceptance. If we all try, will you do your best to love yourself as you are? And who knows – maybe this is just puppy fat. It is possible that you may outgrow it.”
Ruth nodded fervently. It was not going to be easy, but at least now she had told someone about the problem. It could be that she might not leave behind being fat, but the possibility that she might was a pleasant thought.
Author:  Emma A [ 17 Oct 2008, 17:36 ]
Post subject: 
Good for Miss Edwards - and boo to Miss Broomfield: how unfeeling (though I feel this is a tendency of all PE teachers!) and unkind she was being. I hope she can be less nagging and unpleasant with the folk dancing group.

Thanks, JellySheep.
Author:  PaulineS [ 17 Oct 2008, 18:54 ]
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Hope Miss Broomfield does not take it out on Ruth for Dolly making her start a folk dance group. I hope Dolly has told Miss Broomfield that she was making Ruth develop anorexia which can be life threatening. Glad Matey and Dolly are on the case to prevent further damage..
Author:  Lesley [ 17 Oct 2008, 20:51 ]
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Hope Miss Broomfield takes the criticism well - I also feel there is a possibilty she might single Ruth out again.


Thanks JellySheep
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ 18 Oct 2008, 17:12 ]
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Wibbling dreadfully about Miss Broomfield.... if she is anything like our lot were.... Mind you, one of ours told me years later that the Scottish dancing we did when it was wet and we couldn't play lacrosse (Hooray!) was because she needed something to exercise "upwards of a hundred girls" in a very limited space. But it was great fun.
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