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Unleashing the west wind (update 28/07)
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=4739
Author:  dackel [ 06 Jul 2008, 17:10 ]
Post subject:  Unleashing the west wind (update 28/07)
The idea for this came to me last year sometime. I've got bits of it written and other bits in my head...



Zephyr Burthill sat at her dressing table, and looked into her mirror, dissatisfied with what she saw in the unforgiving light of the lamp.

Ever since she had met her new, and probably only, friend, the bewilderingly sincere and friendly Robin, she had started to look at her life in a way she had never done before, and, despite the fact that everything that money could buy was hers for the asking, she could not view herself with the certain sense of smug satisfaction that had previously come so naturally to her.

Something had to change, she decided, but she was not quite sure where to begin. There was no one to ask for advice on what to do, for Robin was occupied with Mrs Maynard and her newest baby, her mother always agreed with everything she said and so was hardly useful for advice, and her father would not understand why she wanted to change anything, as he was sure that she was perfectly happy, because he always bought her everything for which she uttered the slightest wish. Even now, despite rationing, he still managed to do so. She had not enquired how. He wouldn't understand, it would worry him – he would react by showering with expensive gifts – it just wasn't right, wasn't enough, wasn't what she wanted.

She could not talk to the servants and had no contact with her old teachers and governesses bar her cello master – and he was sixty, and certainly not the person with whom she would want to discuss her dissatisfaction with her world in general and her personal appearance in particular. Maybe he could help with other matters, however...but first things first.

Zephyr returned her scrutiny to the mirror, and catalogued the general effect: face - powdered pale enough to make her look like a modern Queen Elizabeth, eyebrows – plucked almost to non-existence, hair – satisfying and natural pale blond but slightly frizzy from the constant curling. As the girl stared into the glass, she agonised over the artificial lack of expression, worsened by her determined stare, that was particularly frustrating when compared to the Robin's elusive natural beauty, achieved with no more than a splash of water, a modicum of powder and a hairbrush.

She was failing to achieve anything like the same effect with all her efforts. So, what could she change? Less make-up, to start with. Tomorrow, she would try what she looked like with just a light dusting of powder, and a slight tracing of her eyebrows, possibly a little lipstick...she sighed. And that was just the start. Whatever could she do with her hair? Only one answer to that: the hairdresser must come tomorrow. Maybe she could help with the dilemma.

Standing, she took one last look at the mirror, turned off the light, and went down to dinner, mentally resolving to tell Mrs Deane, the housekeeper, to send for the hairdresser in the morning.

One thing was certain: things were going to change, and if she had her way, her appearance would only be the beginning.
Author:  Liz K [ 06 Jul 2008, 17:28 ]
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This will be interesting.
Author:  MaryR [ 06 Jul 2008, 17:32 ]
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Great to see the effect Robin has had on her, offering her *that quiet, disinterested friendship* she had never had before, as well as the effect of all the wise words she heard from Joey in Jo to the Rescue.

Wonderful start, Dackel. You painted her very clearly.
Author:  Lesley [ 06 Jul 2008, 18:04 ]
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Will be interesting to see how she manages - and sad that her father can equate love only with giving presents.


Thanks Dackel
Author:  abbeybufo [ 06 Jul 2008, 19:37 ]
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What a fascinating idea, Dackel. Looking forward to seeing how she manages :D
Author:  Alison H [ 06 Jul 2008, 22:00 ]
Post subject: 
This looks interesting :D .
Author:  JustJen [ 07 Jul 2008, 01:35 ]
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This looks like an interesting story. Please update soon
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ 07 Jul 2008, 02:45 ]
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I've always been intrigued by the quiet influence which Robin does excert on Zephyr. This 'take' on the story does indeed look interesting - thanks, Dackel.
Author:  patmac [ 07 Jul 2008, 07:51 ]
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Thanks Dackel. Great idea for a drabble. I always felt Zephyr wasn't *bad* but spoiled. More, please.
Author:  ibarhis [ 07 Jul 2008, 09:59 ]
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I am really looking forward to seeing how this progresses, you have pictured her so well.
Author:  Anjali [ 07 Jul 2008, 10:37 ]
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I've always thought Zephyr was an interesting character, so am looking forward to reading more of this. Thanks Dackel.
Author:  leahbelle [ 07 Jul 2008, 17:21 ]
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Thanks, Dackel. Looking forward to reading more about Zephyr.

(I once had a hamster called Zephyr!)
Author:  dackel [ 07 Jul 2008, 17:54 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the comments - I always wondered what Zephyr did after she had appeared in 'Jo to the Rescue'. We never really hear about her again, which is sad in one way but good for me in another, as I don't have to worry about getting it wrong!

As she's quite fixated on herself, I thought the first thing to change would be her appearance..so, here goes...


A light knock on her door woke her, as usual, in the morning and one of the maids, Jane, Zephyr remembered with a slight struggle, entered with a tray on which were placed a cup of tea and a covered plate of toast.

“Thank you, Jane” Zephyr said, a little shyly, unused to being polite to the servants, but determined to try. The maid shot her a startled look, which made Zephyr wince inwardly, but then, to her relief, she smiled, and left the room quietly after placing the tray on Zephyr's lap.

Soon after, the hairdresser, a Miss Simms, entered the room. She was a fashionable youngish lady with a cheerful countenance, and, as Zephyr assessed with a glance newly sharpened by her acquaintance with the Robin, was wearing very little make-up, but to good effect.

Miss Simms had arrived in good time for the emergency appointment arranged by Mrs Deane the night before, and had been prepared for almost anything but what she saw: her most valued client sitting calmly at her dressing table, showing no evidence of panic or indeed the need of an emergency appointment. But as Zephyr turned around, she noticed immediately that that young lady was wearing no make-up at all. This was a departure from the norm. The hairdresser stepped forward with a pleasant smile, wondering what would be asked of her today.

“What can I do for you today, Miss Burthill?” she asked.
Author:  Lesley [ 07 Jul 2008, 19:32 ]
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Well the first step was fairly significant - saying 'thank you' to the maid - and receiving a smile back - should have helped her.


Thanks Dackel.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 07 Jul 2008, 21:51 ]
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Thanks this is looking good
Author:  Alison H [ 07 Jul 2008, 22:03 ]
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She's making an effort!
Author:  abbeybufo [ 07 Jul 2008, 22:35 ]
Post subject: 
dackel wrote:
Miss Simms had arrived in good time for the emergency appointment . . . and had been prepared for almost anything but what she saw: her most valued client sitting calmly at her dressing table, showing no evidence of panic or indeed the need of an emergency appointment.


Guess we can assume from this that her usual experience of Miss B's 'emergency appointments' had been amid scenes of screaming tantrums :shock: :lol:

Thanks Dackel
Author:  keren [ 08 Jul 2008, 08:15 ]
Post subject: 
dackel wrote:
Thanks for the comments - I always wondered what Zephyr did after she had appeared in 'Jo to the Rescue'. We never really hear about her again, which is sad in one way but good for me in another, as I don't have to worry about getting it wrong!

...
.


She is actually mentioned at least once as Zephyr Robin's good friend
the strange thing is that actually are said to have become good friends.
I think that Robin is said to have gone skiing with her.
Maybe someone else will remember where this is mentioned
Author:  dackel [ 08 Jul 2008, 12:07 ]
Post subject: 
Not an update I'm afraid! I've just reread 'Jo to the Rescue' and found that I killed off Zephyr's mother prematurely, so I need to rewrite the next bit slightly... of well... :roll:

Keren, I remember that Zephyr is supposed to have taken Robin on a skiing holiday - possibly after she had overworked herself doing 'settlement work'? That was one of the reasons why I came up with this drabble: Robin would never have stayed friends with the superficial and self-centred being as which Zephyr is depicted in 'Jo to the Rescue'! But we never hear anything else - unless I missed another reference to her elsewhere? If there is one, please let me know!

By the way, what is the general concensus on whether 'Jo to the Rescue' is still set in the War? Rationing is obviously still going on but as it continued for many years after the War that doesn't really help!
Author:  Lesley [ 08 Jul 2008, 12:12 ]
Post subject: 
I placed it as being in the war when writing Headmistress - I think the concensus would be that it was then - though quite how Marie and Frieda managed I don't know! By the Triplets' ages it was the war - summer 1943.

But it's your story - do as you wish! :lol:
Author:  Abi [ 08 Jul 2008, 15:37 ]
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This looks really interesting - Zephyr's thought process seems very convincing. Looking forward to more!
Author:  leahbelle [ 08 Jul 2008, 17:07 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Dackel. It'll be interesting to see how Zephyr changes.
Author:  jilianb [ 08 Jul 2008, 18:12 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Dackel, enjoing this. Interesting to see how Zephyr turns out.
Author:  dackel [ 08 Jul 2008, 19:40 ]
Post subject: 
I had to edit a tiny bit of the first part and quite a bit of the next few posts because I had killed Zephyr's mother off too soon. You'll soon see how I managed to skip around the problem...


Zephyr dismissed the maid who had brought Miss Simms up to her room with a friendly smile, which surprised Miss Simms very much, and then turned her attention to the hairdresser.

“I would like some advice, Miss Simms.” she said simply, making that good lady wonder if she was dreaming. Zephyr had never taken any advice at all from her in the past, insisting on a hair-style that was terribly unflattering for her, and always smothering her face in make-up.

Miss Simms made herself ignore her astonishment and attend to her customer.

“I would like to talk to you about a different hair style, Miss Simms.” Zephyr continued, unaware of the stunned disbelief she was causing in her listener. “And I would like you to teach me how to apply make-up to look a little more, well, natural. Only if you are willing, and can spare the time, of course.” she added, somewhat as an afterthought, hoping, perhaps for the first time in her life, that someone technically under her station would not find her rude. It was so difficult to be friendly without being overly familiar. And it was so difficult to remember to be friendly at all. She had never had to worry about such things before she had seen the consideration with which Mrs Maynard had treated Jones, the chauffeur. She had been ashamed that day, though she had not admitted as much to herself at the time.

Miss Simms showed no sign of being offended; instead, she appeared enthused by Zephyr's words.

“What exactly did you have in mind, Miss Burthill?” she asked, wondering if Zephyr would accept the style she had always considered would be most flattering to her. Hair bobbed to just below the chin, leaving the slight natural wave to alleviate the straight cut line. Not curled to a frizz and then piled on top of her head to be finished off with a creation that did not deserve the dignified name of a hat.

Zephyr hesitated, looking into the mirror. “I suppose I just want it to look...nicer.” she said uncertainly. “You will certainly have to cut off quite a bit because it is so...” and she trailed off, looking at her reflection unhappily.

The hairdresser stepped bravely into the breach. “Well, yes, I dare say we shall have to make it quite a bit shorter.” She stepped up to the mirror, and showed Zephyr the line at which she proposed to cut the hair. The girl's eyes widened, but then she nodded, a determined look crossing her face.
Author:  PaulineS [ 08 Jul 2008, 20:59 ]
Post subject: 
Wow!!! The hairdresser ceratinly had a shock there!
I like the way this is developing.
Author:  Lesley [ 08 Jul 2008, 21:37 ]
Post subject: 
Good for her! She's trying very hard and actually considering others rather than herself.


Thanks Dackel.
Author:  Anjali [ 09 Jul 2008, 01:48 ]
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I'm really enjoying this, Dackel, Zephyr's transformation seems realistic - I wish EBD had showed us more of her friendship with Robin and how it developed, but then we wouldn't have this drabble:)
Author:  JellySheep [ 09 Jul 2008, 16:13 ]
Post subject: 
This is really interesting. Intriguing what Zephyr will become, esp. as she disappears from the books.
Author:  MaryR [ 09 Jul 2008, 19:27 ]
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She's so unused to considering the staff that she's not sure how far to go, is she? :D But she'll get there - her heart's in the right place.

Thanks, Dackel.
Author:  Abi [ 10 Jul 2008, 21:48 ]
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Good for Zephyr - this is all a bit weird for her! Wonder how her parents will react???!!!
Author:  Sarah_K [ 10 Jul 2008, 23:49 ]
Post subject: 
Well done Zephyr! She's making a really good start and seems to have found a good ally in Miss Simms.
Author:  dackel [ 12 Jul 2008, 15:32 ]
Post subject: 
Later that morning, hat in hand, a very different Zephyr stepped out of her room, started slightly at the sight of herself in the long mirror that hung on the corridor wall, and then continued on downstairs. She was very aware of the surprised glances the servants were stealing at her when they thought she wasn’t looking, but resisted the temptation of staring at the ground and lifted her chin proudly. She had wanted a change, and she had got one. Her hair was so short, and that was going to take some getting used to, but styled in the way Miss Simms had shown her, she thought it looked quite nice. So she was certainly not prepared for Mrs Deane’s reaction when she met her in the hall.

That worthy lady, on the way back to her rooms from overseeing the correct sorting of the laundry, gave a gasp and turned pale at the sight of Zephyr.

The girl’s finely pencilled eye-brows rose, and a slightly haughty expression spread itself across her face despite her best intentions.

“Yes, Mrs Deane?” She inquired, somewhat frostily.

The housekeeper pulled herself together and apologised promptly, a slight blush overcoming her face at her lack of composure.

“I am sorry, Miss Zephyr, I never meant to stare so. I see Miss Simms has been in to see you then?”

Zephyr frowned. “It doesn’t look that bad, does it, Mrs Deane?” She asked a little anxiously.

“Oh no, miss, it’s very pretty, and suits you well, it really does. It’s just...” And she trailed off into silence.

“It’s just what?” inquired Zephyr a little impatiently.
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ 12 Jul 2008, 16:35 ]
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Have just discovered this - it's excellent! Thank you.
Author:  Lesley [ 12 Jul 2008, 18:59 ]
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I wonder what her parents are going to say? And if that is why Mrs Deane is in a fluster?


Thanks Dackel.
Author:  PaulineS [ 12 Jul 2008, 21:22 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the update. I expect that her parents are going to be very supprised, I wonder if it will pleasent or unpleasent.
Author:  leahbelle [ 13 Jul 2008, 19:37 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, dackel. I hope Zephyr and the others can get used to her new hairdo.
Author:  Abi [ 13 Jul 2008, 21:12 ]
Post subject: 
Think her father will get a nasty shock - a kind and considerate Zephyr will be a bit foreign to him!
Author:  dackel [ 14 Jul 2008, 19:34 ]
Post subject: 
As her mother was still alive after all, I had to invent an aunt and promptly kill her off - I needed a dead close female relative for reasons to be revealed later...


“You look just like your Aunt Annabelle.” was Mrs Deane’s unexpected reply. “You didn’t so much before, but now your hair is down, you look just her.”

“Really?” A sudden smile lit up Zephyr’s features as she turned curiously to the nearest mirror to examine her transformation yet again.

Her aunt was never mentioned. In her memory, her father had only spoken of her once, when she had asked him about a photo of her aunt that he kept on his desk. It had obviously upset him, so she had never asked again, despite the wish she felt to know more about her. From what the servants had said, Annabelle had been her father’s twin sister, who had kept house for him until she had died in an accident only a few years before he had married. Very little in the house remained that had been hers, as her father had had everything changed when she died, feeling unable to live with the furnishings and decorations that his sister had chosen, as they served as a daily reminder of what he had lost.

So Zephyr had grown up knowing very little about her, possessing no picture or photograph and only overheard servants’ conversations and the tiny amount of information her father had given her to tell her anything at all about the woman whom she was now said to resemble.

Mrs Deane prudently withdrew while Zephyr scrutinised her face in the mirror. She almost wished she had not said anything. She certainly wished she had had the courage to say more. Mr Burthill would be very surprised when he saw his daughter on his return home that night.
Author:  Lesley [ 14 Jul 2008, 19:47 ]
Post subject: 
Interesting - wonder if this will make it easier for her father to accept - or harder?


Thanks dackel.
Author:  PaulineS [ 14 Jul 2008, 21:07 ]
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I am pleased Zephyr has been warned or her father's reaction could have been difficult to understand.
Author:  MaryR [ 14 Jul 2008, 21:46 ]
Post subject: 
Ouch! This could give her a nasty set-back. And she's feeling so happy...

Thanks, Dackel
Author:  Elle [ 15 Jul 2008, 07:44 ]
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This is looking good, thank you.
Author:  Becky [ 15 Jul 2008, 14:51 ]
Post subject: 
Really enjoying this, thanks :D
Author:  dackel [ 20 Jul 2008, 16:12 ]
Post subject: 
Meanwhile, after a further curious look in the mirror, Zephyr carefully placed her hat on her head, pleased to note that the new hairstyle would not be in the same danger of being disarranged by a sensible winter hat as her old one had been, and stepped outside the house, ready for the next step of her campaign.

Her chauffeur immediately came to meet her from the old coach house. “Will you need the car this morning, miss?” he asked.

“Yes, I think so”, she replied somewhat absently. “Jones, are there any libraries in town?”

“Libraries, miss?” he said, surprised. “What kind of library are you looking for?”

“Just an ordinary public library, I imagine. One where I can find books with real information in, not just novels.”

“I think Baldwin’s Library on Rose Street would be best for that, miss.” He replied, hoping that he was right. Libraries were not places he usually frequented. The newspaper and magazines devoted to mechanics were enough to fill his free time.

“Take me there, then, Jones.” Said Zephyr. “And please let me out on Shakespeare Road. I shall walk from there.”

Still filled with surprise but used to her sudden whims, Jones drove her into town from the fashionable suburbs where the Burthills’ house was situated. He considered himself lucky to have kept his position despite his advancing years. If there had not been a war on, he would have lost it years ago, and though Mr Burthill would no doubt pension him off generously when the day came, he enjoyed taking care of the two gleaming cars, and driving the young miss around. Especially now that she seemed to be recovering from the attack of high and mighty that had beset her at birth.

On letting Zephyr out of the car Jones was surprised to hear her dismiss him until four o’clock that afternoon. And was even more so to hear her thank him for driving her.


Arrived at the library, Zephyr took a deep breath and stepped in.
Author:  Lesley [ 20 Jul 2008, 16:22 ]
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Wonder what she wants in there?


Thanks dackel
Author:  Alison H [ 20 Jul 2008, 18:52 ]
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Maybe it's understandable that she's always been a bit snotty when she's been brought up with chauffeurs obeying her every bidding and so on.
Author:  MaryR [ 20 Jul 2008, 19:39 ]
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She seems to be giving everyone pleasant shocks! :lol:

Poor Jones, only kept on because of the war, when really he'd like to stay forever. Men and their cars! :P

Thanks, Dackel.
Author:  Abi [ 20 Jul 2008, 20:17 ]
Post subject: 
dackel wrote:
Especially now that she seemed to be recovering from the attack of high and mighty that had beset her at birth.


:lol:

What is she doing in the library??
Author:  abbeybufo [ 20 Jul 2008, 20:50 ]
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Joins everyone else in wondering what Zephyr wants from the library :shock:

Thanks Dackel, enjoying this very much :D
Author:  Sarah_G-G [ 20 Jul 2008, 21:46 ]
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I like the chauffeur- he seems to have a very matter-of-fact view of the world and Zephyr!
Author:  Miss Di [ 21 Jul 2008, 04:05 ]
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Maybe she wants a book on Modern Manners? :twisted:
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 21 Jul 2008, 05:01 ]
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Thanks. Am wondering what her father will say about the resemblance with his twin
Author:  ibarhis [ 23 Jul 2008, 07:38 ]
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Hoping there will be more of this soon.
Author:  Anjali [ 23 Jul 2008, 09:06 ]
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Is Zephyr going all Jane Austen heroine-ish and embarking on 'a serious course of study'? :shock:
Author:  dackel [ 24 Jul 2008, 10:55 ]
Post subject: 
Anjali, your guess is closest to the truth!

She found herself in a fairly spartan hallway furnished only with a desk filled with pamphlets on local events and a rather sad looking vase of ancient dried flowers that someone had deposited there in the, in Zephyr’s mind, mistaken idea that they would look decorative. Doors led off either side of the corridor. On closer inspection, they proved to have brass plates attached to them that read: Men’s Cloakroom, Ladies’ Cloakroom, Librarian’s Office, Deputy Librarian’s Office. At the end of the corridor was a door with a glass inset and the inscription Reading Room.

The latter sounded promising, so Zephyr headed for the door, and pushing it open, found herself surrounded by books. Bookshelves were arranged all around the walls of the square room, and at certain intervals they even stood at right-angles to the wall, creating small alcoves in which desks had been placed. A large desk dominated the centre of the room.

Even as Zephyr found herself turning around in disbelief at the sheer number of books stacked on the shelves, and, seemingly, on every other available surface, a tall, grey-haired lady of indeterminate age approached her. At first glance she appeared strict and what Zephyr would not have hesitated to call straight-laced and dull not many months before. In many ways, she reminded Zephyr of some of her governesses – there had been many and they had never stayed long – but something about her roused Zephyr’s interest for here was not the down-trodden air that most her teachers had had, or had at least acquired before they left the Burthill household. Instead, the lady looked upright and contented, despite the black clothes that clearly marked her as a widow.

This much Zephyr had time to notice before the lady spoke to her. “Can I help you, miss?” she asked with a smile that lit her rather stern face.

“Yes, please.” answered Zephyr, cautiously returning the smile. “I should like to use the library.”

The lady’s eyes twinkled. “I rather thought you might.” she agreed. “If you would like to leave your coat in the Ladies Cloakroom and then come back to the main desk, I shall register you as a reader.”


A quarter of an hour later, Zephyr wandered about the shelves, feeling rather bewildered. She had hung up her coat in the cloakroom and had returned to the Reading Room to find the lady, who had introduced herself as Mrs. Reid, the Deputy Librarian, waiting with a card for her to fill in with her details, and also a large book that she called the ‘Readers’ Book’ for her sign.

Zephyr had done as she was asked and, other than a slight widening of Mrs Reid’s eyes as she saw Zephyr’s address, had given no sign that she had ever heard of the Burthill family. Zephyr was not entirely sure whether to be pleased or offended at being treated like everyone else. It was what she had wanted, but it certainly was not that to which she had almost unconsciously become accustomed.

But more than that, now that she was actually inside the library, she did not really know what she was looking for. In all the time she had had governesses, if she had told her father that she disliked them, they had been dismissed. None had really lasted very long, and, with the exception of her cello master, she had refused to work hard for any of them. As a result, she had felt very ignorant when she had been with Mrs Maynard and her friends in the summer. They had all known so much about history and art, and had known so many foreign languages. She knew nothing, and the bitterest recognition of it all was that it was all her own fault. She could have known a lot, could have insisted on going to school – her father would never have refused her anything – but now she knew nothing. Not even where to start.
Author:  ibarhis [ 24 Jul 2008, 10:59 ]
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I hope Mrs Reid is kind.
Author:  abbeybufo [ 24 Jul 2008, 11:00 ]
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How far she has come, to know she knows nothing!

Thanks Dackel - really interesting take on this 'minor' character :D
Author:  Anjali [ 24 Jul 2008, 11:49 ]
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I like Zephyr in this - she seems to be really trying to 'improve her mind'!
Author:  Elbee [ 24 Jul 2008, 11:59 ]
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I was a bit worried at first about a stereotype librarian, but I like the fact that her eyes twinkle, I think she sounds promising!

Thanks Dackel, it's fascinating watching the change in Zephyr.
Author:  Alison H [ 24 Jul 2008, 12:32 ]
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She's definitely making an effort!
Author:  MaryR [ 24 Jul 2008, 19:37 ]
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I do hope either that Mrs Reid realises that she needs help, or that Zephyr can pluck up the courage to admit her ignorance about such everyday things as libraries. Joey and Robin et al have certainly left a lasting impression, haven't they?

Lovely, Dackel. Thank you.
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ 24 Jul 2008, 19:42 ]
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This is really fasciniating, and I'm greatly enjoying this 'new and improved' Zephyr.

Thank you, Dackel
Author:  Miriam [ 24 Jul 2008, 21:07 ]
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Wasn't a library (often ordered by the yard) pert of every well off home at this period? Was she looking for something specific that wouldn't be at home, or did she just feel awkward about beginning her investigations where the sevants would be watching her?

She more likely to find help in a public library, but I'm not suprised the librarian was startled when she saw Zephyrs adress.
Author:  Lesley [ 24 Jul 2008, 21:09 ]
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How very difficult for her - she knows she wants to learn but has no idea how to make a start. Would be like trying to explain to a baby about nuclear physics without first teaching him to speak.

Hope Mrs Reid is able to help her.


Thanks Dackel.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 24 Jul 2008, 23:01 ]
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Thanks, hope Mrs Reid is able to help
Author:  Miss Di [ 28 Jul 2008, 04:14 ]
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Elbee wrote:
I was a bit worried at first about a stereotype librarian, but I like the fact that her eyes twinkle, I think she sounds promising!


Ah but when she takes off her glasses, her hairpins fall out and her hair cascades around her hips... Why Mrs Reid - you're beautiful!

(guess who started out as a librarian...)
Author:  leahbelle [ 28 Jul 2008, 14:21 ]
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It's fascinating to read about this new Zephyr. I hope Mrs Reid can help her out.
Author:  dackel [ 28 Jul 2008, 15:53 ]
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I didn't want Mrs Reid to be stereotypical librarian, but if you think about it, with men called up to fight and most younger women called up to do other kinds of war work, it doesn't leave very many other options. I promise however, that she will not be too stereotypical. I'm a librarian myself and never wear tweed, so I don't see why she should have to.... :roll:

This will probably be the last post for a little while, as I am moving on Wednesday, starting a new job next week Monday and have to finish my dissertation by the Sep. 1st. Added to that it will probably take a while for them to get broadband working in the new flat. I could say all kinds of uncomplimentary things about BT already but shall restrain myself!


Unbeknown to her, Mrs Reid had been watching her perambulations about the reading room, and picking up on irritated glances thrown Zephyr’s way by other readers as well as Zephyr’s own unconsciously helpless look, had decided to intervene. She left the main desk and walked over to the girl.

“Are you looking for anything particular, Miss Burthill?” she asked. “Maybe I can help you find something of interest.”

Zephyr turned to her a little uncertainly. “I wanted a book on English history.” she replied.

“Any particular period or a more general history book?” queried Mrs Reid, who was rapidly taking Zephyr’s measure. Here was someone who would need a lot of help and no mistake.

“Oh, general, I think.” said Zephyr. “I don’t know much history, you see, and wanted to improve on what I know.”

“If you follow me, Miss Burthill,” said Mrs Reid, “I will initiate you into the mysteries of the card catalogue. We’re really rather proud of it, you know, because it’s new – just recently completed. And if you know how to use it, you can find books on all sorts of topics even if you don’t know the arrangement of the library that well. I shall give you a quick tour, though, to show you all the different subject areas, and I shall explain our classmark system so that you know how to find the books on the shelves. Using the library will soon be second nature to you, trust me.”

Slightly disbelieving, Zephyr followed the librarian, rather unsure of what she was being taken to see. A card catalogue. She could not imagine what was meant. The only catalogues she was familiar with featured clothes or accessories, or possibly furniture. How a catalogue of cards was to be helpful to her, she could not imagine.

An hour later, considerably enlightened, she sat at one of the readers’ desks with a history book in her hand. Mrs Reid had been very helpful in explaining everything to her. So helpful, in fact, that Zephyr had dared admit that she knew very little history and what she really needed was a history book suitable for a schoolchild. It had been a lowering admission to make but Mrs Reid had shown no surprise or condemnation and had simply shown her a bookcase in the library filled with schoolbooks for children of all ages.

“I would start here, Miss Burthill.” she had said. “As soon as you know some basics, you can move on to the more detailed accounts of individual periods. Only if you find it interesting, though. I find that if I read something in which I cannot find any interest, I never remember it. And if you can't remember what you have read, it seems such a waste of time besides being dreadfully dispiriting. If you have any other questions, do please come and ask me. I am here to help you know, not simply to shush people and stamp books.”
Author:  Sarah [ 28 Jul 2008, 16:00 ]
Post subject: 
Glad Mrs Reid was nice! :D
Good luck with moving.
Author:  ibarhis [ 28 Jul 2008, 16:04 ]
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I hope all your removals and changes work out well!
Author:  Alison H [ 28 Jul 2008, 16:07 ]
Post subject: 
Good luck with the move, the job and finishing off the dissertation!
Author:  Caroline OSullivan [ 28 Jul 2008, 16:28 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Dackel :D
Really glad Mrs Reid was so helpful
Good luck with the move, the new job and finishing the dissertation
Author:  Abi [ 28 Jul 2008, 16:30 ]
Post subject: 
Aww, what a lovely librarian - Zephyr will get on well with her improving reading under her wing.

Hope your new job, moving and dissertation go well.
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ 28 Jul 2008, 17:01 ]
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Mrs. Reid was very sensitive there. She grasped Zephyr's needs so quickly and offered her constructive help without in any way criticising her previous lack of knowledge. All of which helped put Zephyr at ease and intensify her desire to learn.

Thanks, Dackel. Good luck with the move, the new job and finishing your dissertation.
Author:  abbeybufo [ 28 Jul 2008, 17:56 ]
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Lovely Dackel :D

- as an ex-librarian myself [is one ever really an 'ex' librarian? the thought processes are ingrained :lol: :lol: ] I am glad to see she was insightful as well as helpful, with just the right level of help.

'The right book to the right person at the right time . . .'

Thanks Dackel, and good luck with the move and the new job :D

ETA and all the best with the dissertation - how could I have missed that out before!?! :shock:
Author:  Elder in Ontario [ 28 Jul 2008, 18:17 ]
Post subject: 
Abbeybufo wrote:
Quote:
- as an ex-librarian myself [is one ever really an 'ex' librarian? the thought processes are ingrained] :lol: :lol:


You are so right - I haven't worked in the field for over 40 years, but the thought processes remain ingrained!! :lol: :lol:

Apologies for hi-jacking your thread, Dackel!
Author:  Lesley [ 28 Jul 2008, 19:31 ]
Post subject: 
That was lovely - just what Zephyr needed.

Thanks Dackel - good luck with the move, the job and the dissertation. :shock:
Author:  Miss Di [ 29 Jul 2008, 04:16 ]
Post subject: 
Good luck with the move, the new job, the broadband, and last, but not least, the dissertation.

(and aggreeing with Abbeybufo and Elder in Ontario, one is never an Ex librarian)
Author:  leahbelle [ 29 Jul 2008, 17:32 ]
Post subject: 
Glad Mrs Reid was so helpful. I remember being terrified of the librarians at my school when I was about 7 and one of them gave me a horrible telling off for returning a book late. Mrs Reid sounds much nicer than that!

Hope your move and everything goes well.
Author:  MaryR [ 29 Jul 2008, 19:18 ]
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I'm so pleased people are responding so kindly to all Zephyr's efforts.

Thanks, Dackel, and good luck with everything. :D
Author:  roversgirl [ 03 Aug 2008, 10:12 ]
Post subject: 
Just found this - thqnks :)
Author:  Abi [ 03 Aug 2008, 14:33 ]
Post subject: 
Argh, thought there was more :roll:
Author:  Sarah_K [ 03 Aug 2008, 22:51 ]
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I'm glad Mrs Reid was so helpful, and unjudgemental about what Zephy needed. She's doing really well at asking for help isn't she!

Thank you Dackel.
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