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The CBB -> St Agnes' House

#1: Whatever happened to.... COMPLETE Author: Laura V, Location: Merseyside, UK

Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 4:22 pm
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There was a knock on the door.

"Hilda? I've got today's post here, there's quite a lot today," called the familiar friendly voice of Rosalie Dene.

"Do come in Rosalie! Does any of it look promising?"

"Why yes, I've picked out the interesting ones," replied Rosalie as she made her way through the adjoining doors to the seat next to Hilda's desk.

It was fast approaching the Chalet School's thirtieth birthday and several weeks before, with the help of Con Maynard, a small advertisment had been placed in the British national daily paper where she worked, calling for former pupils of the school to get in contact for the celebrations. It had also been decided to carry out the same in a West German newspaper, in the hope of finding any girls that may have survived the war.

Rosalie placed the pile of letters into the tray before picking up the top few and handing them over to Hilda.

"I have no idea who this one could be," as she pointed out the return address on the back of the envelope.

"H. Matthews. In Radnorshire? Who do we know in Wales, Rosalie?" queried Hilda teasingly.

"Oh Hilda! Please just read it out! I'm dying to know who it is," Rosalie responded, a childish grin on her face.

Hilda ripped open the envelope and read out its contents:

Dear All
Well, imagine my suprise when I saw your little notice in the newspaper! I've been longing to get in touch but just didn't know where to begin. It's been so long since I've seen anyone from school and I'm not sure if any of the staff that taught me still work there. After leaving school I volunteered for the WRENS and was based in Cardiff which is where I met my future husband. We married as soon as peace was declared and have been living in Radnorshire for the past thirteen years. We run the local post office/shop in our little village. That was how I found your message as we don't have a telephone, radio or television!
How I loved my time at the Chalet School! Tirol is a place I'll never forget. Guernsey and Armishire were also pleasant memories but they just cannot compare to Tirol!
Unfortunately I won't be able to make it over to Switzerland for I have neither the time nor money, but I hope that enjoy reading my letter to any of my contemporaries. God bless.

Hilda stopped here.

"What? There's no more?" asked an exasperated Rosalie.

"Yes, it's signed Hildegard Matthews," Hilda replied calmly.

"Hildegard? I don't remember any Hildegard at school."

"There's a postscript. It reads:
To anyone who may remember me, at school I was known as Polly Heriot"

Rosalie gasped. "Polly Heriot! My goodness, I remember her! This is such a pleasant suprise."

"I couln't agree more," said Hilda as she reached for the next letter.....

Last edited by Laura V on Mon Sep 11, 2006 12:35 pm; edited 8 times in total

#2: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 4:23 pm
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Ooh, this looks good! So many Old Girls just seemed to vanish off radar!

#3: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 4:30 pm
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Yes, Polly was a good character, wasn't she. Thanks Laura.

#4: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 4:38 pm
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This looks good, Laura V. Are you going to let us know what is in the other letters too, please.

#5: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow

Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 4:38 pm
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thanks laura- this is great so far!

#6: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 5:03 pm
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Great, Laura. Thanks!

#7: Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 6:34 pm
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Polly was always one of my favourite characters. I always wondered what happened to her - I think someone started a drabble on the old board?

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

Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 6:48 pm
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Good one - I'd forgotten Polly had such an awful name!

#9: Author: Kat, Location: Kingston

Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 7:53 pm
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Polly! Yay! I always liked her Smile

Thank you, Laura - looking forward to hearing from more of the old girls Very Happy

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

Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2006 8:30 pm
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Oooooh are we going to find out a lot about other old girls as well?

Thanks, Laura

#11: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 11:41 am
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Yay, Polly! Thanks Laura.

#12: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 11:45 am
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Thanks, Laura. It's lovely to see what happened to Polly.

#13: Author: ibarhis, Location: London and Hemel Hempstead

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 2:43 pm
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What a great idea! More please...

#14: Author: Laura V, Location: Merseyside, UK

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 5:46 pm
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The second letter was postmarked London.

"London. The handwriting certainly isn't English though. There seems to be quite a lot in here judging by the weight," Hilda remarked.

She carefully opened the envelope and found there to be nine pages of writing and numerous photographs. Hilda and Rosalie both picked up several of the photographs and were immediatley enlightened as to who had sent them.

"It's Ilonka Barkocz!" exclaimed Rosalie. "Oh how lovely! I haven't seen her since the War."

She and Hilda studied the many pictures that Ilonka had sent them, each one had a neat inscription on the back giving details.

"Here's one of her first day at university. Oh, and here's one of her with a very nice young man!" smiled Rosalie showing the photo to Hilda.

Hilda took the photo and read what Ilonka had written about it.

"On our engagement," she read out. "This is lovely! It's so nice to hear from Ilonka after all these years."

"She looks very content," said Rosalie still pouring over the photographs.

Hilda picked up Ilonka's letter.

"Dear Miss Annersley, Miss Wilson, Miss Dene et al.,
How delightful it is to hear from the Chalet School again! You all helped me so much during my time there, I can never begin to repay you! Remember me? Ilonka Barkocz? I was one of that terrible Quintet along with Evadne, Cornelia, Margia and Elsie. How naughty we were! May I take this opportunity to offer you my sincerest apologies for any wrong doings I may have caused!"

Hilda stifled a laugh. "It's a bit late but I accept."

Rosalie listened contently as Hilda continued with Ilonka's letter.

"She seems very happy. And it's good to hear she's still in contact with the two in America. Does she say anything about Margia?" queried Rosalie.

Hilda skipped a few lines. "Ah, yes. She says they don't get the chance to exchange many letters, what with all of Margia's travelling, but they always send each other a Christmas card."

"That's good to hear. And Elsie? Does she still see her?"

Hilda skimmed over the letter until she found what she wanted. Suddenly her smile disappearred and her face became grave. She read on in silence before handing the letter over to Rosalie. It was quietly accepted for Rosalie could she that something had greatly upset Hilda. Rosalie read quietly to herself.

"It fills me with great sorrow to have to tell you this but our dear friend Elsie os no longer with us. She and I have been very close since she found out and I wanted to make sure that her last few months would be ones to treasure. We travelled to France and Italy before returning to London. She passed away at her home last month."

Rosalie eyes filled with tears for she was unable to speak.

#15: Author: arky72, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 5:51 pm
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I just filled up too Crying or Very sad

This is lovely. Thank you.

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

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 5:52 pm
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Oh, how sad - especially as it was so recently - they'll wish they had been in contact before.

Thanks Laura

#17: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 6:40 pm
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That's sad. Poor Elsie and Ilonka.

#18: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 6:51 pm
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How sad about Elsie.

#19: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 7:19 pm
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Thanks, Laura. I'm sorry to hear the news about Elsie.

#20: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 7:45 pm
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What a very inventive idea, Laura, but how sad about Elsie - and the fact that Hilda and Roslaie were so upset shows the depth of care on the part of the staff.

Thank you.

#21: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2006 8:53 pm
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Oh poor Elsie - but nice that they'd kept in touch.

#22: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow

Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 12:54 pm
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more please laura.
This is very touching, thanks

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

Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 1:00 pm
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Poor Elsie Crying or Very sad

Thanks, Laura

#24: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 8:32 pm
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This is a lovely idea, I hope there are a lot more letters left in the postbag!
Poor Elsie though Sad

#25: Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 12:06 pm
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Poor Elsie!

For Rosalie and Hilda it must feel similar to how a parent feels when their child dies before them. Crying or Very sad

#26: Author: Vick, Location: Leeds, Yorkshire

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 4:57 pm
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Cazx wrote:

This is a lovely idea, I hope there are a lot more letters left in the postbag!
Poor Elsie though Sad

I agree. This is lovely

#27: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 9:49 pm
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Any more letters?
Thanks Laura

#28: Author: JustJen, Location: sitting on the steps

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 3:50 am
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I'm waiting for the one from Thelka!javascript:emoticon('

')
Laughing

#29: Author: Laura V, Location: Merseyside, UK

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 5:19 pm
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Thank you so much for all your feedback, I never expected to get such a positive response! Embarassed

Here is the next letter!

"May I come in?" came the familiar voice of Joey Maynard as she walked into the staff room.

"Why Joey, of course! Please do sit down and join us," said Mlle Lachenais, beckoning to the chair next to her.

"We were just discussing what would be the best way to remember Elsie," Hilda explained.

Joey cast a glance over to Rosalie who sat quietly holding a cup of coffee . It had been a week since the School had heard the sad news, since then Rosalie had been much less than her usual self. The others had also been upset by Elsie's death but took comfort in the fact that she was no longer suffering.

"Well, perhaps we could put it to the girls. I'm sure that they'd come up with something that would be memorable," responded Joey still looking uneasily at Rosalie.

There was a pause for a moment as people sipped their drinks and nibbled on biscuits. Then Joey let out a gasp.

"Oh heavens, I nearly forgot!" she cried reaching for her bag and producing a rather crumpled envelope from it. "I've had a letter from Robin and Peggy in Canada!"

"What do they have to say?" piped up Miss Wilson eager to hear of two of the school's most respected head girls.

"A lot! And some rather unbelievable news!"

"Oh do get on with it Joey!" Nancy moaned. Though she hadn't taught either girl she had memories of the two of as young children living near the Chalet School.

Joey straightened out the papers before voicing what had been written.

"There's rather a lot, some family and personal business..."

"Joey!"

"Okay, I'll get to the part you all want to hear!
It has been lovely having Peggy and the boy visiting, but oh how frightening was young Alan's accident! He tripped over in the corridor and cut his head open. Peggy was frantic of course and I was too, but luckily the hospital is only two blocks away! He was treated by a lovely young doctor seemed quite familiar to me but I couldn't quite think why...until I noticed his name badge! Doctor Di Bersetti! Bette Rincini's son! When I asked him how Bette was he was quite surprised. Oh Joey, he had such wonderful news! Bette was visiting him from her home in the Prairies. Bette Rincinc was in Toronto! Of course I asked him if it was possible to meet her and you can see the result!"

"See the result?" came a puzzled voice from the far side of the room.

"Yes, and I have it here!" Joey proclaimed waving a photograph.

The photo was patiently passed from one to another, each admiring what they saw: the Robin in full nun attire, Peggy standing behind her son and a tall beautiful woman, who though had aged, was unmistakeably Bette Rincini.

#30: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 5:23 pm
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Thanks, Laura. It was lovely to hear about more of the old girls.

#31: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 5:24 pm
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I always felt really sorry for Bette, widowed so young and banished after such a bright start. Thanks Laura.

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

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 5:56 pm
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Oh that's lovely. Worried about Rosalie though - she wouldn't have known Elsie when at School - so why so upset?

Thanks Laura.

#33: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 8:02 pm
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Nice to hear about Bette. I always liked her.

#34: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 8:15 pm
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Thanks Laura
I'm another one who felt sorry for Bette.

#35: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 9:14 pm
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Another one who felt sorry for Bette. It was as if her husband was killed off just so she could set an example of bravery to Robin - who then forgot about her!

Thanks Laura Very Happy

#36: Author: Vick, Location: Leeds, Yorkshire

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 9:59 pm
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Also wondering what's wrong with Rosalie.

Thanks Laura

#37: Author: Laura V, Location: Merseyside, UK

Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 1:36 pm
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"Rosalie? Have you finished typing up the list?"

Rosalie jumped as she heard her name called. Looking up from her desk she saw Nell Wilson stood by the office door way. She awkwardly shuffled some pieces of paper infront of her.

"Not quite, but I'll have them ready by break," came the quiet reply.

Nell looked at her with some concern, this was certainly not the usual cheery Rosalie. I'll set Joey on to it, she thought. If anyone could solve a problem it was Joey! She walked over to Rosalie's desk.

"By any chance do you have a handwritten copy, I'll return it in ten minutes. Guides honour!"

Rosalie couldn't help but giggle at Nell's guide pose and handed her the list.

"Thank you Rosalie. Ten minutes, I promise!" she cried hurrying out of the room.

*****

"How many Old Girls shall we have staying for Celebration week, Nell?" Kathie Ferrars asked.

"Well, apart from the one's who live around here we shall have twenty three. The usual suspects will be staying at Joey's of course, and Biddy and Hilary are having Betsy Lucy, Catriona Campbell, Nancy Chester and Elizabeth Karwowski. As for the school itself we'll have Lady Colquhoun, Jack Lambert, Efie Woodward, Mary Anderson and Jane Carew. Quite a few have agreed to make speeches and presentations to the school so we'll have a very full programme. It's just a shame we got so few responses."

"Well, you have to remember that many people will have emigrated or may not even have seen our notice," Kathie put forward.

Nell sighed. "I agree Kathie. It's just disappointing not to hear anything from Germany."

But the very next day they did...

#38: Author: ibarhis, Location: London and Hemel Hempstead

Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 1:38 pm
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There is a word for people like you! Very Happy

Thanks for this though... very enjoyable!

#39: Author: Kat, Location: Kingston

Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 1:40 pm
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Laughing

at ibarhis!

Thanks, Laura - can't wait to see who we hear from next!

#40: Author: ibarhis, Location: London and Hemel Hempstead

Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 1:52 pm
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Kat wrote:

at ibarhis!

You can

as much as you like... see if I care!

#41: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 3:27 pm
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Thanks, Laura. I wonder whom will get in touch next.

#42: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 4:24 pm
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Looking forward to seeing who the person from Germany is.

#43: Author: Vick, Location: Leeds, Yorkshire

Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 5:20 pm
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Intrigued who the person from Germany will be.

Wonder what it was that Rosalie was looking at when Nell came into the room.

#44: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 8:10 pm
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So what is Rosalie keeping secret?

#45: Author: Elle, Location: Peterborough

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 12:25 pm
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nikkie wrote:

So what is Rosalie keeping secret?

Indeed!

It could be Thekla from Germany!

#46: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 2:52 pm
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Intrigued about the news from Germany!

#47: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Thu Aug 24, 2006 3:44 pm
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Just caught up with thiws, and I'm really enjoying it. Please may we have some more letters very soon?

#48: Author: Laura V, Location: Merseyside, UK

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 1:48 pm
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It was break time and the mistresses were settled in the staff room for their morning coffee. They had all been discussing with excitment what celebrations there would be at the end the summer term. All this was disturbed when the door was flung open and in marched Miss Wilson. There was a broad smile on her face. In her hand was a small envelope.

"Oh Nell, is it...?" asked Kathie, a little surprised by Nell's sudden arrival.

Nell simply nodded. She sat down on her seat next to Hilda and open the letter.

"Wait, shouldn't we get Rosalie first? I'm sure she'd want to hear," Sharlie Andrews asked. She had grown quite concerned for the school secretary's sad appearance over the past few weeks.

"Rosalie was the one who handed to me but she insisted that she must finish her typing first. She said that she doesn't mind waiting until later and said that I should let you all hear whatever the letter says now," replied Nell. "So now that is what I will do."

Nell unfolded the single sheet of paper and read aloud to the room.

"Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to you to confirm my attendence at the gala celebrations for the thirtieth birthday of the Chalet School in Switzerland. With me I should like to bring my husband and my youngest son, if this should not be possible please inform and I will make other arrangements. I am very much looking forward to visiting Switzerland and meeting old school friends.
Yours sincerely
Carla Bruckner (nee von Flugen)"

"Carla von Flugen! But I thought she was an Austrian,Why then does she live in Germany?" gasped Mlle.

"She doesn't say, that's all she's written," Nell replied, quickly checking the inside of the envelope for anything else.

"Short and sweet. But won't Joey be pleased! She and Carla were prefects together back in Tirol. Have you told her yet, Nell?" Hilda asked.

"No, but I think I telephone her now. I wonder what her reaction will be?"

"Knowing Joey you'll probably have to cover the receiver so you don't become deaf in one ear!" chuckled Hilda.

"Yes, I probably will!"

#49: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 2:05 pm
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Nice to hear from Carla. I always liked her and wished EBD had developed her a bit more. Am still wondering about Rosalie.

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

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 2:22 pm
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Will be good to see Carla again - perhaps she has married a German, which is why she's now living in Germany.

Thanks, Laura Very Happy

#51: Author: Sandra, Location: Oxfordshire

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 4:45 pm
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This is lovely. I hope that we get to hear all about the reunion as well as hearing lots more about former chaletians.

#52: Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 6:08 pm
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But what was Rosalies secret?
Thanks!

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

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 8:00 pm
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Pleased about Carla - but another rather worried about Rosalie.

Thanks Laura.

#54: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 9:02 pm
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Thanks, Laura. It'll be nice to see Carla after all these years.

#55: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 8:50 pm
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Thanks for the update, am very confused about what's the matter with Rosalie though! Very Happy

#56: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 11:12 pm
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Will be glad to see more of Carla, but I, too, am worrying about Rosalie.

Thanks for the update, Laura.

#57: Author: RuthY, Location: Anyone's guess

Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 10:13 am
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This is great Laura. Nice to see what has happened to all these old girls Smile

. Was sad about Elsie though Sad

#58: Author: Laura V, Location: Merseyside, UK

Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 7:08 pm
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Joey Maynard surveyed the view in front of her - Chaletians both past and present together in the large living room of Freudesheim. The school's birthday celebrations had officially begun two days previous and would end with the Sale on Friday. Joey made eye contact with Carla and the two waved at each other. Yesterday Carla had told her that during the War she had fallen in love with a young Nazi officer and now had little contact with her family in Austria. It was just one of many tales heard over the last few days.

Playing the hostess, Joey made her way round the room. She saw Jack Lambert and Jane Carew were involved in a rather animated conversation about cars with Len and Reg. On the settee sat Betsy Lucy and Nancy Chester who were being introduced to three of Phil Maynard's dolls by that young lady. Bernhilda, Marie and Wanda stood by the food table giving their opinions on embroidery techniques. Lady Colquhoun, formerly Anne Seymour, was in the process of wiping her blouse which had been splashed with wine as a result of Bruno's leaping.

"Oh, Anne I'm so sorry!" cried Joey, rushing over to her guest. "Please, I'll get one of my blouses for you to wear."

"No Joey, I'd really prefer to wear one of my own. I'll go back to the school and change," replied Anne curtly, with which she made her way to the door.

Demoralised, Joey made her way over to her husband. Jack gave her a sympathetic squeeze.

"It's okay, darling," he whispered.

"Oh, Jack it was all going so well," she moaned. She spotted Mary Anderson stood next to a tired looking Rosalie in the corner. Mary signalled to for Joey to come over.

"Jack, I must talk to Rosalie," she said.

#59: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 7:21 pm
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And hopefully pry some information out of Rosalie!

Thanks Laura.

#60: Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 7:46 pm
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Nice to see Anne and Joey revive their old bickering!

#61: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 8:03 pm
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I don't blame Anne for being cross. I love Bruno to bits, but I do feel that he was shockingly trained and Jo really should have taken him in hand.

#62: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 8:34 pm
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Hope Rosalie's OK.

I sympathise with Anne - Bruno always seemed to be leaping up on people and Jo never even seemed to consider training him not to!

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

Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 8:36 pm
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I hope Jo's going over because she's noticed Rosalie is looking tired and is going to tactfully and discreetly offer her the chance to lie down for a bit.

Thanks, Laura

#64: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 9:48 pm
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Thanks, Laura. It's nice to see everyone together.

#65: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 12:48 am
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I always liked Anne a lot, it's nice to catch up with her, and I'm glad she's not intimidated by Joey.

What is wrong with Rosalie??????

#66: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 3:13 pm
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Poor Anne, I'd hate to have a big slobbering dog jump up at me and pour precious wine all over my nice clothes!

#67: Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK

Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 9:53 pm
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Oh, interesting - thanks, Laura!
*joins the queue wanting to know what's wrong with Rosalie*

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

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 1:00 pm
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Just found this and really enjoyed it. Loving the chance to catch up with old friends (because when I was reading the books thats what they were) and really curious about Rosalie!

#69: Author: Catriona, Location: South Yorkshire

Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 6:08 pm
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"Well, apart from the one's who live around here we shall have twenty three. The usual suspects will be staying at Joey's of course, and Biddy and Hilary are having Betsy Lucy, Catriona Campbell, Nancy Chester and Elizabeth Karwowski. As for the school itself we'll have Lady Colquhoun, Jack Lambert, Efie Woodward, Mary Anderson and Jane Carew. Quite a few have agreed to make speeches and presentations to the school so we'll have a very full programme. It's just a shame we got so few responses."

Who's Catriona Campbell? - because that was my name before I got married!

I'm so thrilled to be a former CS pupil!!

#70: Author: Pollyana, Location: Brisbane

Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 5:23 am
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Remember "Christine and Catriona - the inseparables"? Catriona was Catriona Watson in those days, I think.

#71: Author: Laura V, Location: Merseyside, UK

Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 5:05 pm
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Pollyana is right Very Happy

, Catriona Campbell was Catriona Watson.
Mary Anderson was Mary Burnett and Elizabeth Karwowski was Elizabeth Arnett (just in case your interested Exclamation

). I apologise if I have got their married names wrong!

#72: Author: Laura V, Location: Merseyside, UK

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 12:28 pm
—
Joey led Rosalie and Mary to her study and ushered them both to the large leather chairs in the corner. The was a pause before Joey spoke up.

"Rosalie, please let us help you. You can talk to us in confidence."

Rosalie looked from Mary to Joey and smiled weakly. "My two oldest friends," she said. "It's so silly of me to be like this..."

"Not at all, Rosalie," put in Mary as she took her friend's hand. "We're both here for you."

"Is it because of what happened to Elsie? I must say I never thought you two to be very close," quipped Joey.

"Well, it is and it isn't. You see, what happened to Elsie reminded me of what happened to mother...." she trailed off.

Mary and Joey glanced at each other. Rosalie's mother had died over twenty years before yet she had never really spoken about it.

"Would you like to visit her grave?" asked Mary carefully.

"Oh, that would be nice...but...well, it's not just mother. Everyone is so happy. Mary, you have Donald and the boys and Joey has Jack and all of the children. Even young Len is married. But I....have no one."

"Rosalie, that's not true! You have us!"

There was a pause before Rosalie spoke again. "Hilda and Nell are best friends. But I haven't anyone whom I could call my best friend. I've worked so hard for the past twenty five years that I've lost track of time. Whatever happened to the time?"

Mary and Joey sat in silence before Rosalie spoke again, this time with a bit more character.

"Oh, look at me. I'm spoiling the whole reunion for you both. We must get back....thank you both for listening."

"Rosalie? Are you sure?" asked Joey.

Rosalie stood up and straightened out her skirt.

"Yes. I'm sure," she said and she led the way back into the living room.

#73: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 12:36 pm
—
Poor Rosalie. She did always seem quite isolated, didn't she Crying or Very sad

? She could've been close to Peggy Burnett because Peggy was her cousin, but EBD seemed to forget about that!

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

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 1:49 pm
—
I suppose even with Hilda and Nell she would have felt somewhat isolated - they were that much older than her and so close to each other.

Poor Rosalie - although I hope she doesn't feel that the only way to ease her loneliness is to find a husband.

Thanks Laura.

#75: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 2:07 pm
—
Thanks, Laura. I'm sorry that Rosalie is feeling so lonely.

#76: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 2:40 pm
—
Poor Rosalie. I'm glad she's said something, though, maybe the others will take it on board and try to help her feel less lonely.

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

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 3:33 pm
—
Poor Rosalie Sad

#78: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 6:50 pm
—
Poor Rosalie! I hope someone can help her.

#79: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 8:47 pm
—
At least Rosalie has got what's troubling her off her chest and out into the open.
Thanks Laura!

#80: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 9:55 pm
—
She always seemed too busy to have time for much social life. Perhaps one of the old girls will renew a friendship?

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

Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 10:01 am
—
I didn't know Peggy was Rosalie's cousin. I thought Rosalie's feelings were very realistic and Jo's reaction typical - and missed the mark.

#82: Author: Laura V, Location: Merseyside, UK

Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:41 pm
—
"Grizel! How wonderful to see you!" exclaimed Joey as she embraced her old friend.

It was now the final day of the school's celebrations and all and sundry were now present at the Sale.

"Oh Joey, I'm sorry I haven't put in an appearrance before but I didn't want to leave the boys when they were so unwell," explained Grizel.

"Well now you're here you must join us," said Jo as she welcomed Grizel into her group of friends who were admiring the Second Form stall, among them were Rosalie and Mary who had been almost inseperable since the evening at Freudesheim. Joey noted that Rosalie wore a broad smile on her face.

"Hello Grizel, it is so good to see you," said Frieda cheerfully as she welcomed the former head girl.

"Oh Grizel! How are you? How are Neil and the boys?" asked Simone.

Joey managed to stop herself from laughing at Grizel being the centre of attention, how times changed! However she noted that one person was not greeting Grizel - Marie - who was frozen still, a look of horror on her face.

Joey walked over. "I say Marie, it's not that shocking to see Grizel popular, is it?" she joked.

Marie turned to face her friend and spoke quietly. "Joey, I....I think it is her."

"Who? Is someone here?" questioned Joey as she strained to look through the crowd.

Marie gripped her friend's arm. "Joey. I think I have just seen....."

#83: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 4:26 pm
—
Uh-oh a cliff! Evil or Very Mad

I think a can guess who Marie has seen...

#84: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 5:20 pm
—
Who?? Please come back and tell us soon!

#85: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 6:49 pm
—
Who is it?!!!

#86: Author: macyrose, Location: Great White North (Canada)

Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 7:04 pm
—
I think I can guess too. Someone who "disappeared during the war", perhaps?

#87: Author: Miriam, Location: Jerusalem, Israel

Posted: Sat Sep 09, 2006 10:47 pm
—
Someone who was a distant cousin of Marie...?

#88: Author: kimothy, Location: Glasgow

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 11:34 am
—
laura! what a nasty cliff! i'm dying to know who it is now

#89: Author: aitchemelle, Location: West Sussex

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 12:27 pm
—
Thank you Laura, I am slowly starting to get back on track with the board again and this was a great drabble to start that off! I can't wait to read more!!! Smile

#90: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 3:34 pm
—
Not the dreaded Thekla von Stift?

#91: Author: Laura V, Location: Merseyside, UK

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 4:49 pm
—
Joey was silent for a moment before she spoke. "You don't mean....Thekla?"

Marie responded with a slight nod of the head. "I think it is her, Joey."

"But, but why would she be here?" asked Joey, thinking back to what had happened in those years before the War. "Where did you see...."

"Mamma!" a cry from the crowd interrupted Joey's question. She spun around to see her second triplet daughter Con racing towards her.

"Con! You made it here!" exclaimed Joey as she greeted her.

"It's so good to see you, Mamma! And to see everyone else! Have I missed much?"

"Well, er, yes. Con, I'm sorry darling but Auntie Marie has just spotted someone we'd both like talk to."

"Oh. Well, I'll see you afterwards. Have fun!" said Con as she waved goodbye.

Joey turned back to Marie. "Where did you see her, Marie?"

"I think she was over there, by the cake stall. Joey, must we talk to her? I believe that I could not be civil."

"It's all in the past now, Marie. Let by-gones be by-gones. Yes?" Jo felt her sleeve being tugged and looked down to see her daughter Cecil.

"Mamma? Auntie Hilda and Auntie Nell say you're needed now for the presentations."

"Now? Oh my only Aunt! Why does everything happen at once? Marie, we'll have talk to her later," said Joey.

"It's okay, Joey. Please go and do the presentations," replied Marie as she ushered Jo towards the stage.

#92: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 5:09 pm
—
I always thought Thekla got demonised. OK, she wasn't a very nice person, but IIRC the worst thing she actually did was lie about the midnight feast affair - fairly mild compared to some of the things Margot Maynard did!

#93: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 6:21 pm
—
I always thought Thekla was more misguided than anything else. Maybe if she'd had the chances Margot had had, she would have been a different person.

#94: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 6:55 pm
—
Thanks, Laura. I hope that they will have a chance to talk to Thekla.

#95: Author: Laura V, Location: Merseyside, UK

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 12:34 pm
—
Here's the conclusion! Hope you're not too disappointed with the outcome Confused

Thanks for all your lovely comments!

"Perhaps she's already left," Joey said at the end of the Sale.

Marie stood in silence before speaking. "I don't know Joey, maybe I imagined it. Perhaps it was seeing so many faces from the past...."

Joey gave her friend a squeeze. "It's probably better this way, at least you don't have to speak to her. But how I would love to know what happened to Thekla von Stift!"

****

"Goodbye, Carla! Don't forget to write! You should know my address by now!" Joey said, hugging her friend.

"Of course, how can I forget your lovely home and hospitality! Goodbye Miss Annersley, Goodbye Miss Wilson," replied Carla.

"Carla, please, it's Hilda and Nell!" cried Miss Wilson

"Yes, Miss Wilson, I mean Nell," she muttered, blushing furiously over her school girl ways.

"Have a safe journey, Mary," Joey said to her friend before whispering in her ear. "And look after Rosalie for me."

"Joey! I heard that!" chuckled Rosalie as she turned to speak to Mary.

"Mary, it is so kind of you to let me stay..."

"Think nothing of it," replied her cousin. "Goodbye, everyone! Bon voyage!"

And with that they left the Chalet School.

#96: Author: ibarhis, Location: London and Hemel Hempstead

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 12:38 pm
—
I loved the story but so hoped for just a little more!

#97: Author: Laura V, Location: Merseyside, UK

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 12:49 pm
—
I agree! I knew how I wanted it to end but there's definitely something missing Confused

! I'm working on a version for the Sally Denny Library which will hopefully solve that problem. Smile

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

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 12:59 pm
—
Lovely reunion - I'm glad Rosalie was happier at the end of it.

Thanks, Laura Very Happy

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

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 1:11 pm
—
Lovely - thanks Laura. Laughing

#100: Author: Alice, Location: London, England

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 3:16 pm
—
I've just read through this whole drabble. Thanks Laura.

#101: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 3:17 pm
—
I've really enjoyed this Laura, thanks for posting! Very Happy

#102: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 4:23 pm
—
It was lovely to find out a little of what happened to some of the girls. I think reunions are like that, though - you never find out quite enough! Thanks Laura.

#103: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 7:14 pm
—
Thanks, Laura. I would love to read more of this in the SDL. I'm glad that things turned out happily.

#104: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 9:04 pm
—
That was great. I do agree with Fatima that reunions are never quite enough.

I wonder if Thekla was their or if it was just an association of ideas that caught Marie.

The CBB -> St Agnes' House

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