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#1: Cheat! Completed 8th November Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 12:29 pm
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This is set during The Wrong Chalet School

“I can’t believe Bride Tom and Julie last night telling us what to do. Really Maeve your older sister and her friends are the utter edge,” thus spoke Rosemary Smith the next day after Bride, Julie and Tom had caught them doing Jiu Jitsu in their dormitory after lights out.
“You don’t need to tell me,” returned Maeve with feeling. “I’m stuck with them over the holidays too. And if you think Bride is bad, you should try Peggy, she much worse.” Maeve gave a heartfelt sigh.
“Well it was fun while it lasted,” said Lilias Matthews trying to smooth over the ruffled feathers, “It’s not likely we would have got away with it forever you know and at least it wasn’t Matey who found us.”
“Get caught did you?” asked Mary Lou strolling past with her friends Vi Lucy and Lesley Malcolm. “I always said you were making too much noise for other people.”
“Did you sneak?” asked Rosemary sharply.
“We don’t sneak,” retorted Vi Lucy hotly, “whatever else you may do. Don’t blame us if you got into trouble.”
“Well somebody,” said something said Norah O’Connor obstinately.
“Well I wasn’t the only who heard,” said Mary Lou.
“Lalla Winterton. She heard you at breakfast,” said Rosemary crossly, “so it was you.”
Lilias caught hold of Rosemary’s arm and started pulling her away, “Come on you don’t want a row.”
Rosemary allowed herself to be pulled away.
“I wish I could get back at Mary Lou. She thinks she so smart,” said Rosemary aggrievedly.
“Well what can we do,” said Maeve gloomily. “All the staff and pres love her.”
“What’s the matter?” asked Priscilla walking up with her twin Prudence.
“Mary Lou,” responded Norah. “She such a bossy little know it all. When she said stuff yesterday at brekker Lalla Winterton overheard and that’s how Bride, Tom and Julie found out.”
“Sneak,” said Pricilla scornfully. “I vote we teach her a lesson.”
“How?” asked Lilias, “I don’t want to get into trouble.”
“Baby,” retorted Rosemary.
Lilias flushed but held her ground. “I don’t want to be hauled up before the Head whatever else you may do,” she said sturdily.
“You won’t be,” assured Priscilla, “I’ve got a gorgeous idea and the beauty of it is they won’t be able to do anything about it.”
She caught everyone’s interest at those words and in a few short words had everyone chortling.
“Who’s in?” asked Norah, “We won’t be able to have everyone.”
“It won’t be me,” said Prudence gloomily, “I always give the game away.”
“You can be one of the ones to drop out. Priscilla, and Lilias should stay cos they keep their heads better and Maeve should be the third,” said Norah.
Maeve smarting under her sister’s words from the previous night nodded. “When are we going to do it?” she asked.
“Hmm, I’d say let’s give it a few days for everyone to forget about last night and we should practice a bit,” said Priscilla.
The girls agreed and decided to put their plan in action the following Saturday.

Last edited by Fiona Mc on Wed Nov 08, 2006 4:50 am; edited 7 times in total

#2: Author: wheelchairprincess, Location: Oxfordshire, UK

Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 12:59 pm
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I love the description of OOAO as a bossy little know it all! What happens next? And just HOW can you manage to post two new drabbles in one day?!?!

#3: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 1:22 pm
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I love their thoughts about Mary Lou. Look forward to seeing what they're up to!

#4: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 5:14 pm
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What are they up to I wonder

Thanks, Fiona Very Happy

#5: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 6:57 pm
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Have an idea as to what they plan to do - wonder if I'm right?

#6: Cheat! Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 10:52 pm
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Rosemary with an eye over to where Mary Lou was sitting nodded to the others. Priscilla pulled out the playing cards and the girls started playing their game. “Cheat!” said Prudence loudly. “There’s no way you’ve got two fours Lilias.”
Lilias agreed and the game continued with Priscilla observing Mary Lou moving towards them from under eyelashes.
“What’s going on?” Mary Lou asked, “Who’s cheating?”
“Lilias was,” said Prudence paying no intention to Mary Lou. She loved playing this game and proved to be the best at guessing who was cheating.
“One five,” said Rosemary quietly.
“Cheat!” said Prudence.
“How do you know?” protested Rosemary. “I’ve only put one card down.”
“I can always tell,” said Prudence mysteriously. “Did you want something Mary Lou?” she asked cheekily.
“No,” said Mary Lou with some confusion. “I just heard someone say cheat so I thought I should see what was happening.”
“I wouldn’t worry yourself,” said Rosemary kindly, “Not everyone gets into a scrap through playing a card game. I know your thinking of Impertinent Questions, but not all of us are like that.” Mary Lou flushed a little at the dig but felt she couldn’t argue. “Did you want to join asked Priscilla quickly before Mary Lou could say anything else and she saw Vi moving over to say something. “Vi can join too if she wants,” she added generously. “Pru’s the one who can really play this game.”
She gave a slight nod and Norah quickly handed her cards to Vi while Maeve gave hers to Mary Lou.
“You don’t mind,” said Vi in some confusion.
“Not at all,” said Maeve earnestly.
This wasn’t exactly following their plan but as Priscilla had said, the idea was not to give the game away. Fortunately Prudence had forgotten what they were planning for the moment. She always gave the game away. The more innocent she looked the more everyone knew she was up to something.

#7: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 11:11 pm
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That was funny - I loved Mary-Lou's confusion!

#8: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 5:21 am
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Loved the dig about Impertinent Questions! Laughing

Mary Lou is setting herself up really, isn't she?

Thanks.

#9: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 1:26 pm
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Thanks, Fiona!

#10: Re: Cheat!-Update 3rd November Author: Elle, Location: Peterborough

Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 6:22 pm
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Fiona Mc wrote:

“She such a bossy little know it all.

Very accurate!

#11: Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK

Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 6:33 pm
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I used to love playing Cheat, except my father was, and still is, infinitely better than any of us....

This is being a good story, thank you.

#12: Cheat!-Update 4th November Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 10:10 pm
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“All right the idea is to follow the numbers of the cards up to King and then you start back to Aces. You go around in the circle and you have to put at least one card down and so on,” explained Rosemary. “For example I said I put down a five which means Vi you would have to put down a six even if you don’t have the card, now the rest of us have to guess if your cheating or if your telling the truth. If you think the person is lying then you call out cheat, now if your right the other person gets all the cards down but if your wrong then you do.”
You mean you lie,” said Mary Lou with a straight look at Rosemary.
“It’s a game Mary Lou and It’s no worse than Impertinent Questions,” said Norah sweetly. “I sure no one would expect people to pull faces or do anything others may suggest. In a sense that’s like lying; having to admit you do something you don’t do purely to match up the cards.” Mary Lou and Vi looked at each other unsure how to argue the point.
“Are you playing or not?” asked Prudence impatiently, “I’d have to warn you, no one has been able to beat me yet,” she said importantly.
“Why do you think I gave you my cards,” added Maeve, “I’m hopeless at it.”
“I wouldn’t worry too much Mary Lou,” said Lilias kindly. “We’re just playing for fun.”
Mary Lou couldn’t understand why their kindness was bothering her so much, except she couldn’t argue with a thing they said. They were too nice to her. It only got worse as Prudence won game after game and Mary Lou felt frustrated. All the encouragement and sympathy she got from the others, only made things worse.
“It’s all right Mary Lou. Even Daddy can’t beat her,” said Priscilla sympathetically. “I know it’s frustrating.”
That did it for Mary Lou and she slammed down her cards. “Your cheating she shouted, there’s no way you can win every game like that and would you stop being so nice to me like that.”

#13: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 10:37 pm
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Aha! It's "I Doubt It" they're playing.... Can't believe how long it took me to dredge that out of memory. (Possibly because of later acquaintance with people who substituted a more profane interjection.)

What, Mary-Lou, impatient? Shocked

#14: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006 12:15 am
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Mary-Lou is being very nicely set up here....

#15: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006 6:44 am
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Like it - she's falling hook, line and sinker - isn't she? Laughing

#16: Author: Mrs Redboots, Location: London, UK

Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006 11:15 am
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Poor Mary-Lou! I never reacted like that to Cheat or Liar Dice (which my father is even better at than he is at Cheat, drat him!), but I do remember my appalled reaction to Vingt-et-Un: "You mean, that's <i>all</i> - how very dull!" Which I've always thought - gambling isn't one of my vices! Give me Racing Demon, or better still, Spit, any day....

#17: Cheat! Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Sat Nov 04, 2006 7:36 pm
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Priscilla put a warning hand on Prudence’s arm.
“Mary Lou,” she said quietly, “Just because Prudence can read people better than you can there’s no need to call her a cheat.”
“Yeah added Rosemary, “I’m glad to see you judge people by your own standards.
Mary Lou regretted it as soon as the words left her mouth. She didn’t like the way everyone was looking at her especially Vi Lucy.
“I’m sorry,” she said looking straight at Prudence “I shouldn’t have said that.”
Prudence was a generous enough girl, “Shake,” was all she said.
The others all had good laugh later.
“I nearly died trying not to laugh,” said Norah. “Her face; she just could not handle us being nice to her.”
“Well, I think we managed to get our revenge,” said Rosemary with relish.
Priscilla had a certain light in her eye. “What is we kept it up she said slowly, “Can you imagine her in a week or so with us being so sweet and nice to her, she won’t know what to do with herself and certainly not if we suddenly become her new best friends.” The others fell on the idea with acclaim.
“And the beauty of it is no one can tell us off for it added Norah grinning, “Oh this is going to be fun.”

#18: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 1:13 am
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That's inspired... Laughing

#19: Cheat! Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 7:38 am
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Mary Lou looked stunned when the Dawbarns twins and Rosemary Smith sat next to her during rest period. Mary Lou had been waiting for Vi and Verity Anne to join her.
“Hi Mary Lou,” said Prudence cheerfully, “this is a humdinger of a book. You should read it after me.”
“What are you doing here,” demanded Mary Lou recovering herself.
Prudence turned a shocked face, “I thought there were no hard feelings,” she said sweetly, “after you accused me of cheating, and I thought I would sit with you to show bygones should be bygones.”
Mary Lou felt that old creeping feeling that she was in the wrong. Both Priscilla and Rosemary were looking shocked at her outburst, though neither said anything, both deeming it wiser to keep silent. It was their looks, which reproached her. Mary Lou couldn’t stand it. If they had said anything she could have argued back, but what could you do with a look.
“I’m sorry Prudence,” said Mary Lou hurriedly, “I didn’t mean it.”
Vi and Verity gave startled looks when they came up with their chairs.
“Hi Verity, hi Vi,” said Priscilla cheerfully. “You should join us.”
Vi and Verity sat down. Verity soon recovered self-composure but Vi kept shooting looks to Mary Lou that plainly asked what was going on. Priscilla, Prudence and Rosemary had a quiet chuckle after it.
“Floored wasn’t the word for it,” murmured Rosemary, “She didn’t know what to say.”
They somehow managed to keep it up for the week and Mary Lou soon discovered she had a new best friend in Prudence. Everywhere she went Prudence and one or two of the others were hanging off her arm. She had made a protest the first day or two but was reminded that she called Prudence a cheat and Prudence was doing her best to ensure there were no hard feelings between the two.
Priscilla was the one to explain this and she added sedately, “I know there are problems between you and Phil Craven since she called Ruth a cheat and the two of you have never been particularly friendly since.”
Mary Lou flushed. It was inarguable and that was frustrating her. It was so unlike the twins. She had expected to have it well rubbed in that she called Prudence a cheat but instead they only raised it when she protested that they were being too friendly. And what kind of an argument could she make to that! Mary Lou was also starting to feel uncomfortable about Phil Craven. Everything Priscilla had said was true.

#20: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 7:39 am
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Poor Mary Lou - perhaps after this she might not speak of things that have nothing to do with her. Wink

Or perhaps she'll never learn! Rolling Eyes

Excellent, thanks Fiona

#21: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 11:38 am
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Very subtle and clever revenge! I love it!!!

Thanks, Fiona

#22: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 3:18 pm
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I love it, too! Could almost start to feel sorry for Mary Lou. She must be so confused!

#23: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 11:03 pm
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That is seriously subtle...and very clever psychology.

#24: Cheat! Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 5:27 am
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Mary Lou being Mary Lou decided she had to do something about it. She invited Phil to be her partner in the walk the next day. Mary Lou didn’t discuss their difference, but chatted about general school things. Phil kept shooting her looks,
“Why are you doing this Mary Lou?” she asked when she could bare it no longer. “You’ve never wanted to before.”
“Priscilla said something in relation to something else and I realized that maybe I hadn’t been fair to you or given you a chance. I know we’ve had our differences but I thought maybe we could put that behind us and be friendly at least,” explained Mary Lou in a low voice.
“Has this got anything to do with you calling Prudence a cheat the other day,” questioned Phil with a straight look.
Mary Lou went red. She nodded, “Pru has been really sweet over it all,” she said at last and I realised I haven’t been as nice to you about everything and I wanted to say I’m sorry and maybe we could be friends.”
Phil had felt sore over it all and had felt as though everyone always took Mary Lou’s side in everything but she had wanted to be friends.
“Okay shake,” said Phil tersely. “I’m sorry too especially about Ruth,” she said going red.
“I think Ruth has forgotten it,” said Mary Lou quickly, anyway let’s join them and you can talk to her about it if you like.”
The two joined onto a group with Ruth, Vi, Lesley and Doris.
“I’m sorry about everything Ruth, I was in a bad mood that day and I took that out on you,” said Phil looking straight at Ruth Barnes.
Ruth stared at her, and in a flash remembered exactly what Phil was talking about. “Don’t worry,” she said kindly, “It’s forgotten.”
The six girls wandered together for the rest of the walk chattering like magpies and it must be said that Phil felt a little less sore towards the others after that.

#25: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 5:30 am
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Oh that's nice - at least some good has come of it.

Thanks Fiona.

#26: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 1:35 pm
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Glad both Phil and Mary Lou have been able to clear the air.

#27: Cheat! Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 9:18 pm
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“This is a gorgeous trick,” said Rosemary, to the others when they were alone in the Common Room. “I’ve never seen Mary Lou so floored.”
Prudence gave a chuckle, “I’ve a hard time keeping a straight face.”
“What is going on here,” said a fresh voice from the door.
The girls looked and what they saw made them look straight back down again.
‘All older sisters are the edge,’ thought Maeve despairingly. ‘They always show up when they’re not wanted.’
There standing at the door was Bride Bettany and Mary Lou, Phil, Vi, Doris, Lesley and Ruth. Bride turned when she realized that except for Maeve all the girls were staring behind her. She hadn’t realized she had company.
“Oh Doris, Matey need to see you, something about your drawers being untidy,” said Bride pleasantly.
Doris went red and hurried off.
“Now,” said Bride walking in “I would like to know what is going on between you all.”
She only asked the question because she couldn’t fail to realize that the two groups were glowering at each other.
“All right,” she said quietly. “Now Rosemary, I think you should begin.”
“We were all mad at Mary Lou for telling someone about doing Jiu Jitsu in our dormies. She had said things at brekker and Lala heard and told you so we kind of played a trick on her.”
“And what was that?” asked Bride quietly,
“We played a game called Cheat,” continued Priscilla Dawbarn, “It was my idea. I knew Mary Lou wouldn’t be able to resist butting in if she heard calling out Cheat to someone.”
“We convinced her and Vi Lucy to join us,” added Norah, “and we were nice to them.”
“Nice to them,” questioned Bride stunned.
“Yes nice to them,” answered Maeve sulkily, wishing she didn’t have older sisters or they were still in another country, “Is there anything wrong with that.”
Bride gave her a long look guessing a little of what she was thinking.
“We were able to keep it up,” resumed Rosemary, “because Mary Lou accused Prudence of cheating-Mary Lou went red at that-
“But she did apologise,” supplemented Lilias, “and so we carried it on by being extremely friendly.”
“She couldn’t say anything at all,” said Prudence with a chuckle, remembering Mary Lou’s face.
Bride was about to say something when Mary Lou’s bell like laugh pealed out. She couldn’t help it. Bride hid a smile as all the girls started to laugh, mainly out of relief.
“Good came out of it all,” said Mary Lou frankly, “I did realize I was being unfair to someone.”
“That’s good,” said Bride smiling at her noting Phil was standing next to Mary Lou. “I am going to say something to you all though,” she said conversationally. “For starter’s I know you were upset about us telling you not to do Jiu Jitsu. Our concern was that we didn’t want you to hurt yourselves. As much as we may want to strangle you at times, we don’t want to see you hurt.”
The others giggled at this.
“And,” she added, “the reason why Tom, Julie and I came instead of reporting you to the prefects was because we were trying to protect you from being in worse trouble than what you would have been if they or the mistresses had caught you. Sometimes, others will do that,” she said blandly.
A few girls red at that, they could quite well see Bride’s point.
“However,” she continued, “sometimes people try to help keep you out of trouble but they don’t always do it in the best way. It may mean they come across as being bossy”-Mary Lou red at this-“or just generally interfering with your fun”-whereat Maeve went red at this. It was exactly how she felt about her sisters. “I won’t tell you to stop being nice to each other,” said Bride gently, “but I will ask that it not be done in the spirit of making someone else feel uncomfortable. I know you girls are at heart decent and I also know that one day you will grow out of all this the way my friends and I did and grow to be the wonderful people we are now.” The girls giggled at this appreciating the self-deprecation Bride used. Bride watched them closely, hoping she had said enough.
“I’m sorry Mary Lou,” said Rosemary speaking for her group and looking straight at her.
“That’s okay,” said Mary Lou gruffly, “I’m sorry too. I know I can be bossy at times. Shake?” and the two girls shook hands. Bride sat back relieved, she only hoped it would make the others think a little.

#28: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 11:17 pm
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Bride took just the right approach to this - make them laugh, but also make them think....

#29: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2006 1:14 pm
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Bride was very sensible and fair here.

#30: Cheat! Author: Fiona Mc, Location: Bendigo, Australia

Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2006 4:50 am
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“Thanks Bride,” said Maeve standing beside her. “I’m glad you didn’t tell Peggy about it all.” Bride smiled down at her youngest sister.
“That’s all right Maeve,” she said, “It was you I was trying to protect.”
Maeve wriggled uncomfortably, “I know,” said Maeve unevenly. “I hate Peggy always coming down on me like a ton of bricks,” she grumbled.
Bride pulled Maeve aside. “She just doesn’t want to be accused of favouritism,” she explained gently.
“Oh it’s not just here but at home as well,” complained Maeve.
Bride was in a quandary. She knew a little that their Mother was unwell, but didn’t want to worry Maeve too much in case it turned out to be nothing or before they knew what it was.
“I think that’s part of Peggy’s nature,” she found herself saying. “She tended to mother all of us, including the Russell’s. Partly because it’s her nature and partly because I think she was trying to be a mother to the rest of us because ours was in India. Sometimes that can come across as being bossy but she is doing it because she cares, now I think she’s just so over protective of Mum because, we’ve hardly had her and so she wants to help her as much as possible.”
“I never thought of that,” said Maeve looking straight at Bride. “Thanks Bride,” she added gruffly, giving her a quick hug before racing off with her friends.
Bride wandered off slowly, and went searching for Peggy. She explained the whole story to her and added, “I think we should spend some time with Maeve, as her sisters not with you as Head Girl.”
Peggy nodded, she knew better than anyone a little of what they were worried about. “I know Maeve resents me being elder sister. I can see why,” she said with a sigh. “Maybe I should have you all for afternoon tea in my study, and the three of us should spend the afternoon together.”
“I think that’s a good idea,” said Bride with a smile, “just ask her to teach you how to play Cheat.”
She wandered off chuckling to herself, leaving Peggy to look for Maeve and extend her invitation. The afternoon was a huge success and Peggy and Maeve did start putting aside their differences and get to know each other a little more.
'The two were probably never going to be close,' thought Bride, 'just so long as they get along.'
THE END

#31: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2006 6:32 am
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That was good - like that Peggy and Maeve grew a little closer though never became really close - very realistic. Must have been very strange for Maeve, suddenly being the youngest in the family.

Thanks Fiona.

#32: Author: Lisa, Location: South Coast of England

Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2006 9:51 am
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Oh, this is a lovely story - and so true to the CS ethos too! Thanks! Very Happy

#33: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2006 1:38 pm
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Thanks, Fiona. That was a great drabble.

#34: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks

Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2006 2:43 pm
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Some excellent advice and explanations from Bride

#35: Author: JoS, Location: South Africa

Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2006 8:40 pm
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Thanks Fiona. Bride at her best!

#36: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2006 11:04 pm
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Bride is very aware of other people isn't she? Good to see her trying to help both Maeve and Peggy. I always liked Bride...

#37: Author: Elle, Location: Peterborough

Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2006 6:14 pm
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Excellent! Thanks for this, I really enjoyed it.

#38: Author: Josie, Location: London

Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2006 10:57 pm
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I always liked Bride too. Thanks Fiona.

#39: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England

Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 9:52 am
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A double-lovely ending - Mary-Lou learned a lesson and that lot are on friendly terms again, and Bride helped bring Peggy & Maeve closer together.

Thanks, Fiona Very Happy

#40: Author: Woofter,

Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 5:01 pm
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Lovely, thanks fiona.

The CBB -> St Agnes' House

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