Christmas 1939 ~ Part 2
The CBB -> Starting again at Sarres...
#1: Christmas 1939 ~ Part 2 Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 12:02 am

I've reposted the section dealing with Hilda and Nell's visit to the Gorton's farm. It's the afternoon of the 23rd December 1939....


There, unexpectedly far below her, scattered like a child’s toys amid the grey-green of the winter fields was the village, each building clearly separate and distinct and the church standing alone. Further away, but still sharply visible was the black lattice of the railway line, an engine in its green GWR livery waddling its way up the incline that she had not really noticed in the darkness of the previous early evening. Here where they stood, the land seemed to jut forward like the prow of a great green ship and the light breeze had swelled to a wind that blew steadily over them. For a moment, Hilda remembered that first sea-crossing to France almost seven years ago, when she had stayed on deck the whole time, gazing out to sea and the land beyond, where her future lay; briefly she could almost taste salt…. But impressive as this view was, it was the vast empty spaces of the sky that had taken her breath away. Immense clouds moved constantly before the wind and the occasional bird battled valiantly to maintain its desired course. The grey veil of rain thinned as she watched, and a single arm of sunlight suddenly reached down from the clouds, momentarily picking out this tree, that building, before fading. She looked back; behind them, Dartmoor loomed and in the clearing light she could see the grey rocks shining silver where the water ran glistening after the rain, seeking a way down to the flatter ground. Nell was watching her silent appreciation, an oddly proprietorial smile on her face. After a minute, Hilda turned to her, the wind blowing her scarf back and ruffling her hair.
“I hadn’t realised how high we are - it’s like standing on the edge of the world,” she said breathlessly. Nell nodded.
“I know; when I was little I used to think that I might be able to fly if I jumped into the wind.”
“I hope you were never tempted to try?” Nell laughed,
“I don’t think I really believed it – but it was a lovely idea!” Hilda turned back and stood staring down in the direction of the village. Halfway between where they were standing and the village proper, she could see part of a grey roof. She pointed to it, and Nell nodded,
“Yes, that’s home, Hilda.” she said softly. She said no more than that, but deep inside her Hilda felt a candle-glow of happiness that warmed her even as the wind gusted more strongly, making her gasp with the sudden chill.
“It’s definitely getting colder,” said Nell anxiously, “and I think we’re going to get more rain. Come on, we’re nearly at the farm.” And turning she led the way up the lane to where another gate, leading into a farmyard, stood closed.

“So, tell me about the Gortons, Nell.” Nell looked up from the knotted piece of rope with which she was wrestling.
“What do you want to know?” she enquired. “Bother this knot – I bet Harry tied it last and improvised madly!” Hilda peered at the tangle of rope.
“Isn’t that the knot where you’re supposed to just pull the end and it comes undone?” she asked vaguely. Nell grinned,
“It’s not quite how it works, my non-Guiding friend, but that’s the general principle of the thing. Except that the last person through here didn’t seem to have a principle in mind, and if it was Harry I’ll flay him. How he managed any Scout badges at all is beyond me if this is a sample of his work – ah! Got it.” The recalcitrant knot finally conceded defeat, Nell heaved a sigh of relief and the gate swung open. Once they were inside the mercifully-not-too-muddy farmyard, she closed the gate, retied the rope, which the rain had left very slippery, and addressed Hilda’s question.
“Well, as I told you the Gortons have been here for some considerable time. They’re not a large household though; Henry Gorton inherited the place from his father, John, about ten years ago. There are four Gorton children: Ellen, Sarah, Margaret and Harry. Ellen was married last year, and Sarah works in a shop in Exeter. Margaret’s still at school – she won a scholarship, and last time we talked, she was thinking about training as a nurse.”
“What about Harry?” Nell smiled
“Harry goes to the Grammar School – he won a scholarship too. Oh, and there’s old Mrs Gorton, Henry’s mother, but she’s gone to stay with her daughter and her family for Christmas. That’s a regular thing.”
By now they had crossed the farmyard, carefully skirting the two or three muddy places that lay in wait for unwary walkers and were standing under the arch of the front door.
“And your Sarah, Nell? What about her?” Nell gave Hilda a swift mischievous glance,
“Ah, you’ll have to wait and see!” And with that, she seized the large brass knocker, crashed it down twice, and pushed the heavy door open.
“Sarah?” she called.
“I’m in the kitchen!” a voice responded from inside the house. Nell turned to Hilda,
“Come on, let’s go and find her.”
Sarah proved to be in her late forties, small, dark-haired, shrewd and energetic and, to Hilda’s unspoken delight, reminded her instantly of Gwynneth Lloyd. She was engaged in making pastry when Hilda and Nell arrived in the kitchen, and responded to Nell’s introduction of Hilda with a pleasant, though slightly guarded, greeting and a rapid glance of assessment. Then she gestured to one of the kitchen chairs,
“Get your wet things off and sit down, Miss Annersley, while I finish this. I suppose she kept you standing in the rain to admire the view!” Nell chuckled, but Hilda was enchanted to see that she also shifted uneasily from one foot to another. “Just like a Middle faced with Gwynneth!,” she thought as she removed her damp coat and scarf, and obediently sat down.
“That kettle’s just boiling.” Sarah remarked pointedly and Hilda was amused to see that Nell’s instant reaction was to reach for the teapot and caddy without more ado. “Good girl!” said Sarah approvingly, and Hilda had to bite her lip hard to keep herself from laughing. Nell made the tea, and as she put the three cups on the table, Sarah nodded her thanks. “I’ve almost finished this,” she said, “Then I’ll be able to sort the things that this one is taking.” Nell grinned at Sarah’s off-hand dismissal of her, and gave her a quick hug.
“You know you love me really, Sarah!”
“Get along with you! If you’ve nothing better to do, you can go out to the scullery, and you’ll find the chicken hanging. You know what to do with it!” Nell gave Hilda a conspiratorial wink and vanished through the door, presumably to follow Sarah’s instructions.

Left alone with Sarah, Hilda found that she was suddenly unaccountably shy, and sipped her tea in silence. Sarah gave Hilda another one of those swift glances and then seemed to make up her mind about something and visibly relaxed.
“So you work with her then,” she began. Hilda smiled, feeling suddenly reassured,
“Yes, I do; she’s my Senior Mistress – and I couldn’t ask for a better.” Sarah nodded,
“Good. We were all pleased when we heard the school was reopening and she was going back. Best thing for her after the bad time she had.” Sarah’s mouth closed tightly and she regarded Hilda intently, while continuing to roll out the pastry. Then she said, almost to herself,
“We’ve all been worried about her for the last year – wouldn’t talk to anyone, couldn’t seem to settle, off and away up to the moor for days, then she’d shut herself away from folk in that house of hers. And nobody came near her. Would have hurt her parents to see her like that.” Sarah stopped talking, and gave Hilda a side-long look. Hilda met the anxious gaze squarely.
“She’s better now,” she said coming straight to the point. “There was a time when we – I - thought we’d lost her, but eventually she was able to face what had happened - ”
“Hilda’s misleading you, Sarah,” came the dry interruption. “What she means is that she recognised that I had to tell somebody about Austria – and she pushed me to the point where I had no choice.” Her voice warmed suddenly, “Then she picked up the pieces, put me back together and I could carry on.” Sarah nodded approvingly at Hilda, and said to Nell,
“You always were a stubborn lass.” Nell laughed,
“Oh, she’s far worse then me!” Sarah laughed,
“Well it was about time you had someone who could stand up to you!” Nell grinned at Hilda,
“Oh, she does that alright, Sarah.” She picked up her cup from the table, drank the contents swiftly, and said,
“I’ve dealt with our chicken, Sarah – do you want me to attend to the other one?” Sarah considered,
“That would be helpful – but make sure you wash your hands properly when you’ve finished.” Unable to help herself, Hilda giggled at Nell’s outraged expression as she left the kitchen. Then she addressed Sarah shyly,
“Is there anything I can do to help you?” Sarah thought for a moment, then smiled,
“Well, if you really do want something to do, there is a ham in the larder that ought to be in the oven right now.” Hilda jumped up eagerly, and Sarah gestured toward a door in the coolest corner of the kitchen. “It’s in there, on a large white plate – and you’ll find an apron in the drawer next to those shelves.”
Ten minutes later, Nell returned to the kitchen, all evidence of her involvement with the chickens removed from her hands, and stopped in surprise. Hilda, enveloped in a large flowered apron that belonged to the older Mrs Gorton, was engaged in neatly inserting cloves into a large ham; the care with which she was doing this and the absorbed expression on her face reminded Nell irresistibly of a small child who had been given her first painting set. “I’m surprised she isn’t sticking her tongue out,” she thought affectionately. Not for the first time, she thought that what Hilda really needed was someone to take care of her.

“They don’t have to be precisely half an inch apart you know!” she said teasingly. Startled, Hilda looked up, and opened her mouth to reply, but Sarah forestalled her.
“It’s a nice change to see someone taking the care that they should,” she remarked repressively. “I haven’t forgotten that the last time you did this, you knocked the tin of cloves over the floor.” Nell glared at her,
“That was only because Margaret’s kitten ran up my back when I wasn’t expecting it!”
“That’s as maybe,” came the response. “But you should have been more careful.” Nell sighed exaggeratedly and rolled her eyes heavenward,
“You just can’t win,” she said sadly to Hilda.
Sarah starting spooning mincemeat into the empty pastry shells and the sharp sweet aroma of brandy, fruit and spices rose up tantalisingly. Nell winked at Hilda, picked up a teaspoon from the edge of the table and started to dip it into the stone jar standing on the table. Two seconds later she winced and dropped the teaspoon as Sarah rapped her knuckle sharply with the bone handle of the knife she was holding.
“Ouch!”
“That’ll be quite enough of that, thank you.” Nell grinned and subsided, inwardly delighted by Hilda’s expression, which was simultaneously both wistful and entranced. Sarah coughed pointedly and nodded toward the scullery door.
“Harry should be here by now. You make yourself useful and go and find him - oh, and remind him to leave his muddy boots outside.” Nell laughed and departed, and Sarah permitted herself a small smile of amusement. Hilda’s eyes sparkled happily.
“What was she like when she was younger?” she asked impulsively. Sarah’s face softened,
“Oh, she was trouble from the time she was on her feet. Always wanted to know – and restless! You could never keep her in the house. And always fighting other folks’ battles for them. A good girl though – led everyone a dance, but nobody wanted her different.” Hilda laughed softly,
“That sounds like Nell.” Sarah pursed her lips, then said,
“She’s a good friend of yours then?” Hilda looked levelly at her.
“She’s the best friend I have,” she replied quietly. Sarah considered for a moment,
“Well, you couldn’t have a better,” she said, putting the last two pastry lids on the mincepies.
“I know,” said Hilda very quietly. Sarah slid the two trays into the oven, then went to the sink, rinsed her hands and dried them briskly on the roller towel.
“I’ll be honest with you,” she said eventually, and Hilda’s felt a small panicked jolt race through her. “When she told me that she’d invited you here, I was worried.”
“About me?” replied Hilda quietly.
“Yes,” said Sarah. She studied Hilda’s downcast face. “Don’t misunderstand me, lass, but I’d no idea what you were like. For all I knew, you might have been that useless woman who came here last year. Hurt her badly that did.” Hilda nodded, her face still anxious.
“She told me,” she said. “She said that she couldn’t cope with them, so she went up to the moor.”
“That’s right – Harry did his best to put them off, and tried to warn her, but he couldn’t get there in time. Poor lad; he was very upset about that.”
“Nell appreciated it though,” Hilda replied. “She told me that your family had closed ranks that day to protect her.”
“What else could we do?” said Sarah, tidying the table at a great rate. “She wouldn’t – or couldn’t - talk about what had happened, but things were so very wrong with her. And I don’t mind admitting it was a terrible shock to everyone, her coming back so suddenly, and being so ill - and with her hair like that too. I went down to look after her for a day or two, and then she decided to go away just as suddenly. She didn’t say where she was going, though: she just went, and came back about a month later, no better. That’s how it was all this last year, and she seemed to be so alone.” She sighed and sat down. “We were all so worried, and then in August, she said that the school was reopening and that she would be going back to her job.” She propped her chin on her hands, and was silent. “It almost seemed as if it was her last chance,” she said eventually. She looked at Hilda. “It was, wasn’t it?” For a moment, Hilda did not reply. Then she looked at Sarah, meeting the bright dark gaze unhesitatingly. “She needs to know,” she thought, and took a deep breath,
“Yes it was,” she said firmly.

“I thought so,” said Sarah, sitting back in her chair. “I didn’t think she’d last the term the way she was, and what she’d do then - ” She broke off, her face very troubled, “I never thought I’d see her happy again – teasing and having fun like she used to.” She gave Hilda another of those direct stares, then frowned slightly, “It was very bad wasn’t it, that time in Austria? All she would say to me was that a group of them had had to escape over the mountains after trying to save a Jew from a mob in a town, and that she’d got separated from them, so it was harder for her to get back. I knew there was more, but what could I do if she wouldn’t tell me?” Hilda bit her lip.
“That’s all she told you? She didn’t tell you that she chose to stay behind?” Sarah’s eyes widened in shock, and Hilda nodded.
“Yes, she did. She’d hurt her foot and she was slowing them down too much. She made them leave her, because getting the girls to safety was the main thing. She was caught later that day.” Hilda stopped abruptly; even now the thought of what Nell had undergone was agonising to contemplate – what it must be for Nell, still haunted by nightmares, she dared not imagine.
“What happened then?” demanded Sarah harshly. Resolutely, Hilda forced herself to concentrate on answering Sarah’s question.
“She spent three days in the SS headquarters in Spartz, “ she said slowly. “Then two good friend of ours managed to get her released.”
“Was she hurt?” Hilda nodded,
“She was beaten, and there was an officer there -” She stopped and swallowed. Sarah’s eyes were very intent and her mouth had thinned to a narrow line as she listened to Hilda’s faltering words. “I can’t tell you everything, Mrs Gorton; it belongs to Nell to decide that. But I can tell you that he terrified her, threatened her, and forced her to watch while three men were shot; she believed she was going to die there too, and that nobody would know what had happened to her. She was so very alone.” Her throat ached suddenly and tears stung her eyes, forcing them back, she continued mechanically, “When she got back, she was ill, but the wost part of it was that she wasn’t allowed to talk about what had happened, so -”
“So it was always there in her mind, getting more frightening by the day,” said Sarah shrewdly. “And she tried to leave it behind her and run away from it, and it just got more terrifiying.” Unable to say any more, Hilda simply nodded, and blinked her tears away. Sarah sighed, “I suppose she found that she couldn’t talk about it - even if she wanted to.”
“Yes,” whispered Hilda sadly.
“So it stayed and haunted her, wouldn’t let her rest, drove her away from everyone. No wonder she was in such a state when she went back to her job.” She stared at Hilda again,
“And you managed to make her talk,” she added, a tone of respect shading her voice. Hilda smiled tentatively,
“I can be very forceful when I need to be - and I did then,” she replied, her smile fading. “I finally had to threaten her with dismissal. Heaven knows what I would have done if she’d taken me at my word!” Sarah reached out and patted her shoulder gently.
“You did the right thing lass, and it took courage didn’t it?” Hilda bit her lip,
“Yes,” she replied. “All the time she was finding the words to tell me, I was wondering if I’d made a dreadful mistake.” Sarah smiled reassuringly,
“God knew she needed you,” she said firmly. “So He made sure you were there for her, and that you said the right things at the right time.” She glanced at the clock. “Goodness, look at the time; they’ll be back at any moment and tea not ready. You’ll not mind helping, will you?” Eagerly Hilda jumped to her feet,
“Of course not!”

Ten minutes later the sound of doors opening and closing, voices and approaching footsteps proclaimed that at least three people had returned in search of tea. The kitchen door swung open and Nell came in, accompanied by a tall fair man, and a boy, who was, Hilda presumed, the Harry of the previous evening. At the sight of Hilda diligently slicing bread, Nell stopped short,
“Goodness, she has got you earning your keep, hasn’t she? She must love you!” Hilda laughed, and Sarah responded at once,
“That’ll be enough of that, Miss! I hope you didn’t leave your muddy boots in the middle of the floor - and you too, Harry!” Her voice softened, “Henry, you’re later than you thought you’d be; is everything alright?” The tall man smiled at his wife,
“Nothing serious, Sarah, but I do think that snow is on the way, so we stayed to make sure that those calves are safely under cover – and Harry and Margaret brought those sheep down from the top field. Margaret’s still tidying herself.” Sarah frowned for a moment,
“It has been getting colder,” she commented. Then she turned to her husband, “Henry, this is Miss Annersley, who’s staying with Nell over Christmas and New Year: Miss Annersley, this is my husband, Henry Gorton. Henry smiled warmly at Hilda, who shyly held out her hand,
“Welcome to Dartmoor, Miss Annersley,” he said, taking her outstretched hand. “I hope you have a very happy time here.”
“Thank you, I’m sure I will,” replied Hilda quietly, glancing swiftly at Nell. She looked at the boy, “You must be Harry,” she said, “although it was dark when I arrived last night, so I’m afraid I don’t recognise you now.” At this, Harry turned brick-red with embarrassment, muttered something that sounded like “Very pleased to meet you”, tentatively shook hands, then retired behind his father. Nell grinned mischievously
“It’s ok, Harry, she won’t bite, you know.” Fortunately for the hapless Harry, the door opened, and a girl came, rather shyly, into the kitchen, her arrival giving him an excuse for not answering Nell’s remark,
“And this is Margaret,” said Sarah briskly, introducing her daughter to Hilda. “Now that we’re all here, we can get on with tea.”

The meal that followed was cheerful. It was evident that the Gortons regarded Nell as part of their family, and that she accepted this as a matter of course. To begin with, Hilda sat quietly, appreciating the happy banter that flowed around her, and then as Harry’s and Margaret’s shyness wore off, she joined in, asking occasional questions about their life up here – and learning more about Nell in the process. It seemed that she had coached Margaret for her scholarship exam, showed Harry precisely how to tie the knots that he needed to pass various Scouting badges, and had taught both of them a number of riding skills that she had learned from Michael, although it became rapidly apparent that this was one area of teaching that Sarah did not wholeheartedly approve of.
“Do you think I’m old enough to learn that trick now?” asked Harry during a pause in the conversation.
“What trick?” asked Nell cautiously, narrowing her eyes as she spoke, and uneasily aware of Sarah’s piercing gaze.
“The one you told us about without the saddle – where the horse is trotting and you stand up, turn round, sit down, then slither over the . . . His voice died away as he realised that his mother was regarding both himself and Nell with unmistakeable displeasure, and that Nell was suddenly scarlet and rushing into speech.
“I never said I would teach him – just that he was too young to learn,” she said, stopping abruptly as she realised what could be inferred from her remark.
“I see,” said Sarah, the words dropping frigidly into the ensuing silence. Hilda glanced anxiously round the table at Nell’s obvious embarrassment, at Harry and Margaret’s red-faced discomfort - and then caught sight of the twinkle in Sarah’s eye.
“Was she always like this?” she asked softly.
“A bad influence, you mean?” replied Sarah blandly. “Oh yes, dreadful!” Hilda glimpsed the mixture of fury and mortification apparent on Nell’s face, managed to restrain her laughter long enough to say.
“Oh yes, she’s just like this at the school – we have a terrible time with her,” and began to giggle. A moment later Sarah joined in, and the pair of them sat laughing helplessly at Nell’s outraged expression.

From this point, it was apparent that Hilda was welcomed as Nell’s friend by both Sarah and Henry, something that filled Nell with a deep and abiding joy, as she watched Hilda relax in the warm atmosphere of the Gorton home. Finally as the clock struck seven, she stood up,
“I hate to spoil things,” she remarked, “but if the weather is looking a bit uncertain, it might be wise if we left soon.” At this, Sarah immediately got up and went into the scullery, returning with two large baskets.
“The chicken, the cream and the eggs are in this one,” she said, putting one of the baskets down next to Hilda. “And the mince-pies and ham are in here – oh, and there’s a couple of extra things in at the bottom. They’re not too heavy.” She stood watching, wrapped in a heavy shawl, as Hilda and Nell attired themselves in coats, scarves and gloves and made their way into the outer room to put their boots on. “You go carefully,” she said. “In fact – Harry, get your things on and go with them down to the road.”
“That’s a good idea, Harry,” said Nell solemnly. “Then I can show you the knot that you should have used on the farmyard gate.” Harry glared at her, but said nothing as he hurried himself into his outdoor things, picked up his torch and made his way into the cold passageway. A moment later, he was standing at the front door with Hilda and Nell as Sarah said her goodnight to them.
“You be sure and have a merry Christmas,” she said, hugging Nell, and whispering something to her that Hilda could not quite catch. “And you too, lass,” she added, giving Hilda the same swift embrace that she had just bestowed on Nell. “Have a peaceful and joyful time, both of you – and we’ll see you in the afternoon on Boxing Day.”

Last edited by Cath V-P on Wed Apr 26, 2006 12:34 pm; edited 7 times in total

 

#2:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 12:03 am

And here's the new bit...

Neither Hilda nor Nell said much on the walk back home; although the rain had stopped, the clouds were thickening and it appeared to be growing colder. No moon, combined with the lack of starlight meant that Nell had to take extra care, even when they reached the road, and Hilda at least found that her basket appeared to be gaining weight while she carried it.
“Are you sure you can manage that?” Nell queried after she had observed that Hilda was definitely getting slower.
“Of course I can,” replied Hilda, a little crossly. “It’s not heavy – well, not very heavy,” she added conscientiously. “And before you say anything, no, I’m not letting you carry it as well as your own.” Nell chuckled.
“Don’t worry, I won’t deprive you of that treat! But stop for a moment anyway; I want to have a proper look round.”
“Don’t tell me you’re lost, because I won’t believe it.”
“Idiot! I want to get a better idea of the weather!” With a little sigh of thankfulness, Hilda stood still, put her basket down, and watched Nell in some bewilderment as she moved backwards and forwards across the road, carefully surveying the cloudy sky - and sniffing as she did so.
“What on earth are you doing?” she asked, puzzled. Stopping beside her, Nell laughed softly.
“Sometimes, if the wind’s in a particular direction and the snow’s not far off, I can smell it,” she said casually.
“What?”
“Oh yes – it isn’t always the case, but occasionally.”
“So your reputation as a skilled interpreter of the skies actually depends on your sense of smell?”
“No, idiot woman, I do know all the weather signs, and besides it’s only here that I can do it.” She picked up her basket and started off down the road again. “And at the moment, I can’t, but I think that’s because we’re not going to get anything until tomorrow – fairly early I would think, but definitely tomorrow.” She adjusted her speed as she realised that Hilda was again having some difficulty keeping up with her.
“Come on,” she said encouragingly. “We’re nearly there, and I promise that the house will be beautifully warm. Are you hungry?” Hilda groaned softly,
“After that tea? Nell, you’ve got to be joking! I’ve eaten far more than is good for me, but with Sa – Mrs Gorton looking at me, I didn’t dare do anything else.”
“Make it ‘’Sarah’,” replied Nell, “I know she wants you to. Yes,” she continued absently, “she does rather expect you to eat to capacity and beyond, doesn’t she? You’d better get into training for Boxing Day; this was a mere nothing by comparison!” Hilda gasped in horror,
“Oh good heavens!” There was a moment’s silence, then Hilda caught the sound of a stifled chuckle.
“You’re just jealous because I have a delicate appetite,” she said loftily.
“Hah!”

 

#3:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 1:57 am

It's good to see more of this easy relationship which is clearly developing between Nell and Hilda,and how comfortable Hilda is to have made friends with the Gortons so easily, too.

I love the image of Nell sniffing the air - I'd forgotten how many 'country' familiar people gauge the approach of bad weather in this way (and yes, I know that this was Nell's holiday cottage, rather than her permanent home when she was growing up, but after all, she did spend most of her holidays here.)

I also loved Nell's quip that if Hilda thought she'd eaten far more than she normally would have done at tea time, she'd better be prepared to eat way more than this when they go to the Gorton's on Boxing Day! At this rate, they will both be considerably heavier by the time they go back to school.

Thanks, Cath, I'm really enjoying the way this is playing out.

 

#4:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 2:01 am

I'd caught up on precisely the reposted section just before the evil hackers struck.

It's wonderful to see Nell in her native habitat!

I love the natural and caring exchange of confidences between Hilda & Sarah -- and the intertwining of the lighter moments. And Hilda & Nell are perfect as usual. Smile

 

#5:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 2:31 am

Thanks, that was a very sweet interlude. I am greatly enjoying this story.

 

#6:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 4:51 am

That was lovely, wonderful relationship you have for them, Cath.

Thank you.

 

#7:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 7:00 am

That was lovely Cath thank you. The teasing is superb, and so instincitve between them now. It's great just watching their relationship developing in this way.

It sounds like they are going to have a very busy holiday - and have a lot of food to get through if they go visiting most days! They won't need to eat when they are at Nell's house!

 

#8:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 9:31 am

Cath V-P wrote:
.“You’re just jealous because I have a delicate appetite,” she said loftily.

I had an almighty giggle at that. Laughing

A lovely, gentle, teasing post. *Sniffing the weather??* Shocked

Thank you, Cath

 

#9:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 08, 2006 3:23 pm

It was great to see the happiness and caring of Nell's support system, and that they included Hilda.

 

#10:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 7:29 am

And some more....

As Nell had said, the house was warm, which was just as well, as by the time they reached the gate, the wind had acquired a distinct chill that Hilda found most unpleasant.
“Why is it,” she asked breathlessly, while Nell hunted for her key, “that this sort of English weather is so much colder than the same thing in Austria?”
“It’s damper,” replied Nell, thankfully locating the key and opening the door. “Even if we are going to get snow, it’s still wetter somehow - and don’t ask me to explain why; you should have paid more attention to your geography lessons when you were younger! ” She quickly slammed the door behind them and Hilda stood still for a moment appreciating the welcome warmth. Nell swiftly checked the blackout and switched the lamps on. “Here, you give me your basket and see if you can liven up the fire a bit,” she said, going to the kitchen. “I’m sure you want a cup of tea, and you may not be hungry, but I am, so I’m going to see what I can find. Actually,” she added, “I know exactly what I shall find, because I got it ready before we went out.” At this remark – so typical of Nell! - Hilda laughed softly to herself, got herself out of her outdoor things, and turned her attention to the fire.
By the time Nell returned, carrying a tray loaded to the utmost capacity, Hilda was sitting comfortably on the rug, her legs tucked under her and warming her chilly hands in front of the dancing flames. Nell smiled at her as she carefully lowered the tray to the floor
“ I know you said you weren’t hungry, but you should eat something. I’ve brought enough for both of us,” she said, handing Hilda a small covered bowl and a sp**n.
“What is it?” she asked cautiously.
“Soup - chicken and vegetable. Sarah presented me with half an elderly chicken earlier this week,, and this seemed the best use to which I could put it.”
“It smells wonderful.”
“Oh, it’s Mother’s recipe; she used to make this in winter, and always had it ready when we’d been out walking. It’s not too filling, and it does banish the cold. Be careful, it’s very hot.” Hilda tasted the soup carefully - Nell had not underestimated its temperature – and once the initial scalding sensation had died down, she realised that Nell had been correct; she did need to eat something. Without more comment, she finished her helping, and got up to put her bowl on the table and fetch their tea. As she dropped back down onto the rug, she stared in amazement at Nell crouched in front of the fire.
“Toast! Proper toast, and with a toasting fork no less!” Nell laughed happily, as she scrutinised the bread on the end of the toasting fork before removing it..
“It’s the only way, isn’t it?” She passed the toasting fork to Hilda who balanced her slice of bread carefully on the prongs and held it in front of the fire.
“It’s been years since I’ve done this,” she proclaimed in delight, a few moments later. “Electric toasters are all very well, but the toast doesn’t taste the same somehow. I’m sure that the butter soaks in differently.” She spread butter carefully on her toast and took a large bite, “and this is very good butter,” she added indistinctly.
“Don’t talk with your mouth full,” said Nell severely. “But I agree, it is good; Sarah makes it. She taught me, but I don’t have the patience.” Hilda surveyed Nell as she sprawled casually on the rug.
“You’re much more of a country girl than I’d realised,” she said slowly. Nell grinned, wrinkling her nose thoughtfully,
“You must have been misled by my veneer of urban sophistication!”
“No, Nell; I can honestly say that I’ve never been deceived by that.”
“Beast!” She stopped and thought over Hilda’s previous remark. “Yes, I am, I suppose. I never stopped to consider it before, but I probably had the best of both worlds.”
“You were very lucky, Nell.”
“And this from a woman who was born in a palace!” Hilda laughed,
“Apparently I was the first baby to be born in that particular Bishop’s Residence for almost ninety years. I understand that the monthly nurse spent most of her time complaining about the inconvenience of the place – and the cold. Mother was so relieved when she departed, and she didn’t have to hear her grumble any more.” Nell chuckled.
“Was it a happy childhood for you?” Hilda stopped, the laughter dying out of her face, her eyes growing sad.
“Until I was thirteen, yes, Nell, very happy. Not like yours, of course; Father was always busy – he took his responsibilities very seriously - and to start with, Mother had to do a lot of entertaining, and take her place in the social life of the diocese, so there were occasions when I didn’t see a great deal of them.” She smiled dreamily. “When I was very small, she used to come in and kiss me goodnight; sometimes I was asleep – or almost asleep – but I always woke up because of the smell of lavender. She loved lavender….” At this, Nell thought of the contents of one of the Christmas parcels upstairs and permitted herself a small private smirk. Hilda went on, sharing some of the things that had stayed locked inside her for so long.
“And Christmas and Easter were always especially hectic – lovely family times, but so busy with all the services. John and Simon were home then, and Simon at least would often bring school friends with him. His best friend didn’t have a home in England as his father was in India, so Malcolm was there nearly all the time in the holidays. When I was very small, he and Simon used to play with me quite a lot, although my Nurse was always terrified that they would damage me somehow. She had good reason for her belief! ” She smiled suddenly, “Apparently one day when I was about two, they’d taken me out into the garden in the perambulator and she found them at either end of a path that had quite a steep hill. Simon was at the top, with me, and Malcolm was at the bottom…” Guessing what was coming, Nell started to laugh.
“They didn’t?” Hilda’s eyes danced and in the firelight, her face shone as she remembered small happinesses.
“Oh yes, they did! And I was apparently loving every moment of it!” Her face grew sad, “Malcolm was killed on the Somme, and Simon was never quite the same after that – not until he married Isobel, and you know how that ended.” Nell nodded; she knew that after the wholly unexpected deaths of his wife and their newborn baby, Simon Annersley had shut himself away from family and friends completely, immersing himself in his work. He was acknowledged as a leader in his field, but was now a singularly reserved and unapproachable man. Hilda’s face grew wistful; the thought of Simon was always painful. In a way it would have been easier if he had died. He was as lost to his brother and sister now as if he were dead. Sensing her thoughts, Nell reached out and laid a comforting hand over Hilda’s entwined fingers.
“God hasn’t let him go,” she said softly, and Hilda looked up, a single tear trembling on her eyelashes, and her mouth quivering.
“You know Nell, there’s only one other person who’s ever said that to me. I keep saying it to myself, but to hear you say it too is very – comforting.” She blinked her tears away, and squeezed Nell’s hand. Nell said nothing, and for a little they sat together in a loving silence.

 

#11:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 7:49 am

Lovely memories - especially the one about Hilda in the pram!!!

Thanks Cath.

 

#12:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 8:47 am

Cath V-P wrote:

“You must have been misled by my veneer of urban sophistication!”

"No, Nell; I can honestly say that I’ve never been deceived by that.”

Wonderful! Laughing

This is just the most satisfying and interesting of posts - Nell being her own self so beautifully in her own home, and Hilda.... Ah, Hilda, revealing some of her own memories, happy and sad ones, to someone she now trusts completely. I'm guessing James or her mother made that remark about God not letting people go.

Thank you, Cath.

Last edited by MaryR on Mon Apr 10, 2006 8:28 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#13:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 12:02 pm

That was wonderful, thanks, Cath, so tear-jerking. I do agree with you about the toast.

 

#14:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 1:32 pm

Quote:
“Toast! Proper toast, and with a toasting fork no less!” Nell laughed happily, as she scrutinised the bread on the end of the toasting fork before removing it..


Oh lovely - more little domestic details which help us build up the picture of Nell at home, and Hilda revelling in these now-to-be-shared experiences. I quite agree that there's nothing better than toast made in front of the fire and buttered hot - even the scorched faces that usually went with it - a real blast from my childhood!


Quote:
“God hasn’t let him go,” she said softly, and Hilda looked up, a single tear trembling on her eyelashes, and her mouth quivering.
“You know Nell, there’s only one other person who’s ever said that to me. I keep saying it to myself, but to hear you say it too is very – comforting.”


Thanks, Cath - a wonderfully evocative mixture of present laughter and moving memories once again. Looking forward to more of this.


Yet another lovely example of the way these two are building their relationship, comforting and strengthening each other as each retells the stories of their pasts - and only Nell would think to pass that comment at this particular juncture.

 

#15:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 6:59 am

Thank you: here is a little more!

Finally, Hilda stirred as if she were waking from a dream, and glanced at Nell, whose remote expression revealed that she was still lost in her memories,
“Come back Nell,” she said softly, touching Nell’s shoulder lightly. Nell started a little as Hilda’s voice and touch pulled her back to the present.
“There’s so much to remember,” she said wistfully, “we were almost always here for Christmas.” She gazed intently around the room, almost as if she was aware of something that Hilda was not, and for a moment, Hilda heard the laughter and voices, saw the Christmas tree with its star and candles, felt the love that had so wrapped Nell round … oh, lucky Nell, she thought, to be able to recall this with such clarity!
“And now you’re here,” she heard Nell say, and looked up to find Nell smiling affectionately at her, as she set to work to gather up the supper dishes.
“Believe me Nell there’s nowhere else that I would rather be.” At this, Nell smiled again and disappeared into the kitchen with the dishes.
When she came back, Hilda had replenished their cups, and had removed herself from the rug to the sofa, where she was contemplating the Times, still in its pristine folds of the morning.
“I can’t believe that we haven’t even looked at this,” she said in some surprise. Nell grinned,
“It can be like that here,” she said. “You can be so caught up in the small doings of the day, that the world outside gets forgotten.” Hilda considered this for a moment,
“I wouldn’t call today’s activities ‘small doings’,” she said quietly. Nell nodded.
“I agree.” She sat down on the sofa and picked up her cup and the newspaper. “I wonder if there’s anything interesting on the radio?” she added, quickly scanning the relevant page. Beside her, Hilda sipped her tea and looked contentedly around the room in which she already felt so much at home.
“You know, Nell, there is one thing missing.” Nell looked at her, slightly puzzled by this seemingly random remark and Hilda pointed to the rug. “There should be a cat here,” she stated firmly. “A strokeable tabby cat, contentedly purring.”
“With a tummy full of little mouse corpses!” said Nell brightly. Hilda shuddered, her image of cosy domesticity rudely disrupted.
“I didn’t quite have that in mind!” A thought struck her, “Does this mean you have mice?” she asked suspiciously.
“Not noticeably!”
“And what might that mean?” Nell smiled impishly,
“Oh, nothing! Just – nothing!”
“You’d better tell me, you know!”
“Oh well, you’ll find out when it snows - the mice all want to come indoors at that point, and I have to be firm.” Hilda was suddenly assailed by a very clear picture of a long queue of shivering mice tapping feebly and imploringly at the front door.
“You are a hard-hearted female, you know,” she said keeping her laughter at bay.
“What do you expect me to do? Invite them in?!”
“Well – no.”
“Better the trap now than a whack on the head with the poker, or worse -” She paused. “ You know, I can’t believe we’re having this conversation!” Hilda giggled at the disbelief in Nell’s voice and fell silent as she sipped her tea.
“So is there anything worth listening to?” she asked at last. Nell frowned in disgust,
“Only the news, and I have to say that the prospect of that doesn’t enthral me. Still I suppose we ought to listen; we might miss something important.”
“Such as an announcement of the end of the world?”
“Somehow, Hilda, I don’t believe that that will be announced on the radio!”
“True. Alright, let’s listen to the news, and see how fast we can finish the crossword between us.”
“That sounds reasonable; right, here we are. Two down: ‘beginning to reverse around three compass points’. Oh, help!”

The crossword took them just over an hour, and as they inserted the last answer, Nell realised that they had completely missed the news.
“Never mind,” replied Hilda when informed of this fact, “I’m sure we’ll find out what’s going on tomorrow.” She yawned as she said this, and got up. “I don’t know about you, but I’m going to bed; I’m tired.”
“That sounds like an excellent idea. I’ll deal with making the fire safe, if you’ll take the cups to the kitchen. Don’t bother washing them properly – rinse them out and we’ll do them with the breakfast things!” Hilda chuckled,
“Isn’t it lovely to be lazy for once, and not have to worry about anyone catching us!” Nell looked up from where she was carefully ensuring that the fire was safe to be left for the night.
“I most heartily concur with your point of view! You go straight up; I’ve almost finished this. Oh, and don’t hang about – it’ll be cold up there.” Hilda nodded and went to the kitchen where she rinsed the cups, filled two glasses with water, and then upstairs, firstly to Nell’s room, to check the blackout and leave one of the glasses on the bedside table, and then to her own room. Nell was right, it was cold, and she did not linger over her preparations for the night.

 

#16:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 7:08 am

Absolutely love that image of Nell pointing all the mice back out into the cold! And really don't know if Hilda would appreciate having a cat that brought her presents - though didn't she feed Minette?

Thanks Cath. Laughing

 

#17:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK PostPosted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 7:11 am

Cath,
this is truly delightful.....
Thank you so very much ! Very Happy

 

#18:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 7:49 am

First of all Cath, I appear to have missed at least one post, so I appologise for that!

Both of these two that I have read were the same lovely mix of companionship and chores. I loved the way that Hilda remembered her childhood, even if there were difficult parts to it.

Then the soup and toast sounds lovely - and a nice time in the making as well. Memories and friendship.

I love Hilda thinking that the experience would have been complete with a tabby cat to stroke, and the way that they forget all about the news in doing the crossword.

Then that lovely last scene of Nell making the fire safe, and Hilda getting things ready for the night was just lovely.

Thank you Cath

 

#19:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 8:14 am

Cath V-P wrote:
.
“Believe me, Nell, there’s nowhere else that I would rather be.”

“I wouldn’t call today’s activities ‘small doings’,” she said quietly. Nell nodded.

How quietly, and yet lovingly, Hilda is showing Nell just what all this means to her, that already to her it is home. As she sees the memories that Nell has she envies her, just for a moment, but all she really feels is gladness that at least one of them has all this to look back on.

What a lovely piece, my dear, and I did chuckle at the mice, remembering a certain conversation. Laughing

Thank you.

 

#20:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 12:26 pm

Hmm - I wouldn't call what the two of them had done today 'small doings', either!

Another lovely picture of the growing relationship between the two of them - I did love the way Nell's memories of Christmases past and all who are no longer there merged with her affectionate 'and now you are here'; that must have reinforced Hilda's already evident feeling of belonging so strongly.

And I chuckled over the picture of the mice knocking at the door for admission!!

Thanks Cath

 

#21:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 7:48 pm

Cath V-P wrote:

“Oh well, you’ll find out when it snows - the mice all want to come indoors at that point, and I have to be firm.” Hilda was suddenly assailed by a very clear picture of a long queue of shivering mice tapping feebly and imploringly at the front door.
“You are a hard-hearted female, you know,” she said keeping her laughter at bay.
“What do you expect me to do? Invite them in?!”




Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing

Cath, that bit was just classic! Wink

 

#22:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 10:06 pm

Classic, indeed! Wonderful, Cath, though, as the mad woman who once inadvertently brought a mouse home from the common in the hood of her coat and immediately put it in a box and drove back to release it near its family and home, I think I'd have to let them in and warm them by the fire!

This mixture of affectionate domesticity, wonderful secenery, happy memories, delightful humour, solid, supportive community and growing, glowing love is absolute magic. I wait for more like an addict craving a fix. Thank you so much.

 

#23:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 10:51 pm

It's me again. I got so carried away with my mouse memories that I forgot to say how much I enjoyed the contrast between Hilda's romantic image of the 'strokeable tabby cat, contentedly purring' and Nell's fiercely practical and unsentimental 'tummy full of little mouse corpses'. And the toast ... and all the backstory, so clearly realised and totally gripping.

 

#24:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 2:16 pm

This is wonderful, especially the vision of the mice knocking to come in and get warm by the fire.

 

#25:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 7:44 am

Thank you for the lovely comments. They are going to have an interesting Christmas Eve....

Despite the predictions of the previous day, Hilda woke on Christmas Eve to find that no snow had yet fallen, although the leaden clouds and stillness indicated that it was not very far away. Her small alarm clock still appeared to be missing, and it was later than she had supposed it to be, so she dressed hastily and made her way downstairs to find Nell in the warm kitchen, composedly eating her breakfast while reading yesterday’s Times, which was propped up against the teapot.
“ Good morning, Nell - I’m sorry I’m late again, but my clock has somehow disappeared. I can’t think where it’s got to.” She noticed Nell’s sudden air of guilt, and stared at her.
“What have you done with it?” she asked resignedly. Nell blushed, and fiddled with her knife.
“Well, if you must know, I took it from your bedside table the night you arrived, but in self-defence I will point out that you were very tired.” Hilda stared at her friend, then shook her head,
“I suppose I’ll have to forgive you this time, but - Nell Wilson, what on earth are you eating?”
“Two-day-old rice pudding.” said Nell defensively.
“For breakfast?”
“If it was oats and milk instead of rice and milk, you wouldn’t be at all surprised!” Hilda peered into the bowl surveying the solid mass suspiciously.
“Nell, you must have the digestive system of a – a yak!”
“Don’t be rude,” said Nell with dignity.
“But you could practically make bricks from this! If you dropped it, it would break!”
“You’re just jealous!” Disdaining this remark as not worthy of response, Hilda shuddered.
“Well, while you’re busy giving yourself indigestion, I propose to break my fast a little less aggressively.”
“I was going to follow this with a boiled egg,” remarked Nell. Hilda nodded approvingly.
“That sounds very acceptable; I think I’ll have one as well, with toast.” She grinned cheerfully at Nell. “If you’re very good, I’ll get yours ready for you too!” Nell chuckled,
“I knew you loved me really,” she said, consuming the last spoonful of the maligned rice pudding, and dumping the bowl in the sink,
“That’s not quite how I would have expressed it! Where do you keep your eggs?”
“Second shelf in the larder on the right, you’ll find a brown bowl there with a lid.”

Breakfast over and the dishes washed, Hilda looked consideringly at Nell as she dealt with the dirty water and the latter hung up the towels.
“So, is there anything arranged for today - other than it being Christmas Eve?” Nell looked thoughtful,
“Nothing definite; at this time of year it all depends on the weather. Other than going down for the mail, I didn’t plan on anything too strenuous – and of course I’ll be going to Mass late this evening.”
“Do you have any idea about the Anglican services?” Nell smirked,
“As a matter of fact, yes. I checked for you. There isn’t anything tonight, but there is a service at half-past seven tomorrow morning and another at nine. So you can remain here at your ease tonight - as long as you have the kettle on for my return.”
“Would you – is it alright if I come with you?” Nell smiled happily,
“That would be lovely, but don’t feel that you have to, you know.”
“Don’t be silly, Nell, I want to!”
“So in that case I prescribe a lazy afternoon for -” She stopped abruptly, and listened, her head on one side. Hilda stared at her,
“What’s the matter?” she asked. Still concentrating, Nell held up her hand. Hilda listened too, and in the silence, small muffled thuds and a faint rattling were audible. Nell uttered a wail of anguish,
“Oh no!!! Not today!”
“What is it?”
“Soot down one of the chimneys,” replied Nell gloomily. “It happens sometimes; the chimneys are very narrow towards the top and the soot can accumulate in clumps. Eventually it drops back down the chimney.”
“Then what?”
“What do you think? It falls neatly into the grate and spreads itself over the floor - and it covers surfaces as efficiently as flour does when you drop that. Except that flour is nice and clean, and this stuff is dirty and disgusting!” She scowled as she finished speaking,
“Come on,” said Hilda practically. “Let’s go and see just how bad it is. Then we can decide what we have to do about it.” She put down the tea-towel that she was still holding and marched into the living room, Nell two steps behind her, wiping her wet hands surreptitiously on her skirt.

Mercifully, it appeared that the living room chimney was not the culprit; both Hilda and Nell gazed round the room, and saw nothing amiss.
“Well, that’s something to be thankful for,” remarked Nell. “And it’s not upstairs as I doubt that I’d have heard it there – which leaves that room.” As she spoke, she opened the connecting door; for a second there was silence, then,
“Damn, damn, damn!”
“Is it that bad?” Nell stepped to one side.
“See for yourself.” Cautiously, Hilda peered round the door, and gasped. Although the room was dark and unattractive, it had been reasonably tidy and like every other room in the house, immaculately clean. Now, the surfaces near the fireplace were covered by a fine layer of soot, the rug in particular having attracted an unfair share of the greasy dirt, and several oddly-shaped black lumps were scattered at intervals across the floor. Soot still trickled very slowly down the chimney, and a small cloud of it drifted across the hearth.
“Oh dear!” said Hilda.
“That,” returned Nell crossly “is an understatement.” She stepped cautiously into the room and looked around, her expression of profound disgust clearly visible.

 

#26:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 7:59 am

Oh, Cath, I just loved that breakfast conversation - *the digestive system of a yak* Laughing Hilda, you have such a way with words. Laughing

And of course Hilda would want to go to Midnight Mass with Nell - and I am sure Nell will do the opposite tomorrow morning.... Wink

Soot everywhere - oh I remember those days well! Shocked bawling It does indeed get everywhere and one is finding it for months afterwards. Just what they need on Xmas Day. But will this lead to them finally clearing out this room? Wink

Thank you, my dear.

 

#27:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 11:34 am

I giggled over Nell's confession about Hilda's clock, and loved Hilda's horror at Nell eating 2-day old rice pudding for breakfast - Ican't say the vision did much for me, but since I have a son who isn't averse to eating left-over cold pizza for breakfast if it's there.....! And the rest of their breakfast was traditional enough.

I'm not surprised that Hilda would go to Midnight Mass with Nell, either.

I, too, have memories of soot 'dumps' like that - what a mess they were too!! But if it leads them to clear out that room.... And at least Nell won't have to tackle it alone.

Four 'incidents' and breakfast hardly finished - four more steps in the development of this wonderful relationship between the two of them. Thanks, Cath.

 

#28:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 6:04 pm

Lovely - afraid my stomach is like Nell's - have been know to eat 2 day old Chinese and just last Saturday did a paella with prawns that had date expired a week before.

Thanks Cath - good excuse for them to sort that room. Laughing

 

#29:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 6:39 pm

Lesley wrote:
Lovely - afraid my stomach is like Nell's - have been know to eat 2 day old Chinese and just last Saturday did a paella with prawns that had date expired a week before.

Thanks Cath - good excuse for them to sort that room. Laughing



*note to self - do NOT let Lesley do the food for the Gather.....* Wink Wink

And Cath, I loved Hilda's comments on Nell's digestive system!

 

#30:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 7:23 pm

*Pokes tongue out at Vikki* Hey, I'm still here! How did people manage before sell-by dates? They went on their senses to tell if a food was off!

 

#31:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 9:34 pm

Good grief Lesley!

But back to the business in hand - is this a chance for them to finally clear that room?

Thanks Cath

 

#32:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 10:35 pm

Cold rice pudding - yum (even if it's two days old). And it's best when it's solid! Nell's a woman after my own heart ... Very Happy Loved the clock and the yak, and I, too, remember how absolutely ghastly a soot-fall was. It gets everywhere, and stays there. They'll certainly have to do something about that room now. And they've only just finished breakfast, what's going to happen in the rest of the day? Lovely that they want to share their spiritual celebrations.

Lesley - prawns, of all things! Shocked Strange as it may seem, we'd prefer you alive, my dear!

 

#33:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 1:32 pm

Contrary to any impression I may have given in my first post on the topic, I, too, like cold rice pudding in any shape or form, even straight out of a tin - just not for breakfast!! But 24 hours after reading this episode for the first time, I'm still chuckling over Hilda's expression of horror over the idea and Nell's cool, calm reaction to her - lovely!!

 

#34:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 1:49 pm

Thanks Cath - I seem to have missed this earlier, but I loved the conversations. Especially where Hilda stops mid sentence to go on at Nell about her eating habits.

And the soot-fall, well, as Elder said previously, looks like they will be forced to clear that room now. I'm glad that Nell will have Hilda with her to tackle it with for definate - can't put it off till later.

And Hilda insisting on going to midnight mass with Nell is typical, and as Mary said, I won't be surprised if the favour is returned in the morning

re: breakfast - don't know about rice pudding, I'm not into any sweet things first thing in the morning, well barring fruit. But savouries - sure, right the way to overnight-cold-from-being-in-the-fridge chip sandwiches! Though admittedly I will heat them up in the microwave first. Rolling Eyes


Thanks Cath

 

#35:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:57 pm

Mmm, cold rice pudding for breakfast. No-one in our house except me really likes rice pudding so when I make it I have to eat it for days on end.

At least it was the dark room. As already said, now Nell will really have to sort it - but she will have Hilda to help.

 

#36:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 12:15 pm

Thank you all - and yes I enjoy rice pudding leftovers! (but not prawns....) Yes , they will get to that room - but not just yet!

A little more...

“So, how do we tackle it, Nell?” Nell started slightly, and turned to face Hilda.
“That’s nice of you, Hilda, but I think I’d better if I do the actual cleaning.”
“Nell -”
“Look, there’s no sense in two of us getting filthy is there? Besides, you’re going to be busy bringing me buckets of hot water and things. And if you stay out of here until the floor is clean there’s less chance of soot being walked through the rest of the house.”
“That does make sense,” said Hilda slowly. Nell smiled, her mood suddenly lightening,
“And if you’re feeling bored, there is the rest of the housework you know!”
“I’d forgotten about that.”
“I hadn’t!” Hilda giggled; Nell was evidently feeling more cheerful.
“What do you need first?” she asked briskly. Nell turned cautiously back toward the door.
“Clothes that don’t matter!” she said wryly, “a scarf for my hair, three sacks that I know are in the scullery, dampened tea leaves – fortunately that last lot are at the top of the bin - a fine brush and some hot soapy water. – oh yes, and a shovel for those!” She gestured at the strangely-shaped lumps adorning the rug, and Hilda scrutinised them closely.
“What are they ?” she asked finally. Nell’s mouth twitched slightly,
“I think they used to be a bird,” she said. Hilda shuddered and a thought struck her.
“Did you have a fire in here often?” she asked suspiciously. Nell shook her head hastily.
“No – although I did last week, just to make sure that the house was really warmed through. I though it smelt a bit strange, but I didn’t really worry, as I certainly wasn’t planning to use this room.”

Just over an hour and a half later, Nell put down the last of a large number of cleaning cloths and sat back on her heels with a sigh of relief. With the assistance of a liberal application of damp tea leaves, a wire brush, several buckets of hot soapy water supplied by Hilda and a lot of scrubbing, the first and densest layer of soot had been removed. The window was open, the hearth was clean, the rug reposing in the bin, the fire-irons and several ornaments in the scullery awaiting cleaning and the carpet had been treated with tea leaves and vigorously brushed. “And I’m not doing any more until after Christmas!” she remarked to the room, as she stretched her cramped legs and slowly got up, conscious of a persistent dull ache in her lower back. As she moved, a small shower of dirt descended gently onto the sack upon which she had been kneeling. “I’m filthy,” she commented in disgust, and made her way to the door, careful to tread only on the newspapers that she had spread on the floor. To her relief, she found that Hilda had laid more newspaper across the living room to the foot of the stairs, and by dint of walking cautiously she was able to reach the stairs and make her way to the landing without shedding any more soot.
“I’m going to have a bath!” she called, and without waiting for an answer, scurried off towards the bathroom.

The bath was blissfully hot and soothing and, not for the first time, Nell blessed her father for the installation of efficient indoor heating and plumbing and a more than adequate hot water system. “Definitely the benison that Rupert Brooke called it,” she thought, turning on the tap and adding a little more hot water to the bath to prevent it growing cooler. Then she grinned to herself, “Hilda would be impressed by that – it was almost a quotation!” Prompted by this thought, she began to wonder exactly what Hilda was doing, and as she did so, realised that the house was very quiet.
“Hilda!” she called, listening for the reply. “Hilda?” There was still no sound, and concerned by this odd lack of response, Nell climbed swiftly out of the bath to dry and dress herself hastily and hurry downstairs in search of Hilda.

 

#37:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 12:58 pm

I like that - especially the thought that Nell had almost made a quotation! Laughing

Nice little cliff at the end too.

Thanks Cath.

 

#38:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 1:35 pm

Cath, my dear, with that amount of detail one would consider you an expert at clearing up after chimneys shower their soot all over the floor. Memories of a mis-spent youth, perhaps? Laughing Laughing

Nell here showing herself the Queen of Practicality, while Hilda.....does what? Where has she disappeared to, one wonders. Shocked

Lovely, Cath, thank you.

 

#39:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 1:51 pm

Trust Nell to take the most practical, scientific approach to cleaning up all the soot - and anything else which had come down that chimney. Clearly she has had to do this before. And you describe it so vividly, Cath that, like Mary, I'm wondering if you write from your own experience here!! Laughing Laughing And I'm sure Nell was grateful for the unlimited supply of hot water both for cleaning the room and for cleaning herself up afterwards.

Now just what has Hilda been up to in the meantime? Are you planning to leave us wondering about that while the Board is down, Cath?

 

#40:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 1:57 pm

Thanks, Cath, a wonderful insight into their organisational abilities.

 

#41:  Author: dackel, Location: Wolfenbuettel, Germany/Cambridge, England PostPosted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 8:34 pm

Another wonderful few posts - thanks Cath!

Now, what's Hilda doing? Not trying to 'fix' the chimney, I hope!

 

#42:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 10:29 pm

Oh, I do love them! Very Happy My memories of clearing soot are that the harder you tried, the more mess you made - ghastly stuff. Nell's managed with her usual superb efficiency. As for
Quote:
I think they used to be a bird
- yuk! I hope her back is all right after a good soak (wibbling possibilities there) and what has happened to Hilda?? Where is she that she's out of earshot??

Confession: as I wiped my wet hands on my trousers earlier today, I caught myself thinking, well, Nell does it ... incipient insanity? Wink

 

#43:  Author: calico, Location: Wellington, New Zealand PostPosted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 5:09 am

Thanks Cath
I love this - its a wonderful story.
Loved the bit about the rice pudding!

 

#44:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 1:29 pm

No, so far my experiences haven't included soot eradication, although I have a vague memory of my mother cursing over this when I was little. But I do have a large (41 volumes) collection of Girl's Own Annuals that are a splendid source of housekeeping techniques between 1880 and the mid-thirties. So if you have a burning desire to know how to keep meat unspoiled (relatively!) in summer, what the recommended diet was for a toddler in the 1890s, or how many cloths and dusters you will need in your home if your husband earns more than £300 a year, then do ask!

In the meantime, a little more to keep you happy during the week. Very Happy

The reason for the unusual silence was quickly apparent; Hilda was not in the house at all. The now-immaculate living room was empty, as was the kitchen, and Hilda’s coat and boots were missing. “Where on earth is she?” said Nell to the empty room, and as if in immediate answer, she saw a note on the kitchen table, held down securely by the teapot. She read it quickly, her face growing worried as she did so.
“Nell, I’ve gone to the village for the mail. It’s snowing a little, so I will hurry. See you soon, Hilda.”
“Damn!” Dropping the note, Nell dashed to the window, realising as she did so that the light snow to which Hilda referred was now a whirling mass of whiteness that showed no sign of stopping. “That didn’t start five minutes ago,” she thought grimly and she went to the door to see if Hilda was anywhere to be seen. One glance outside told her two things: firstly, that the snow had been falling for at least half an hour – probably longer - and secondly, that Hilda was nowhere in sight. Nell nibbled the tip of one thumb thoughtfully. “I couldn’t have been that long in the bath – could I?” She looked at her watch, and blinked in disbelief; it couldn’t be after midday already? She remembered uneasily that she had not heard Hilda reply to her cheerful call before she went to the bathroom for that leisurely bath. Had Hilda left before then? And if she had, she should certainly have returned by now; it did not take an hour to walk down to the Post Office and back, even in bad weather. “Don’t be silly, Nell,” she said aloud, and was unconvinced by her own words. She looked at the clock again; would Mrs Elliott have closed the Post Office already? It was Christmas Eve after all. “No,” she said answering her own question, “she’ll have to wait for the afternoon delivery. And Hilda must have left by now, otherwise she would have rung – unless the telephone’s not working.” She reached across to the table and lifted the receiver, and was rewarded by the welcome sound of the operator’s voice asking “Number please?” Slightly taken aback at the speed with which this had occurred, Nell asked for the Post Office. Fortunately it was not Mrs Elliott who answered, but Joan, the girl who assisted her in the mornings; she lacked her employer’s burning curiosity in those around her and was able to tell Nell that Hilda had been into the Post Office about an hour ago without troubling herself as to why Nell might want to know. Nell thanked her quickly and rang off, troubled and uneasy.

 

#45:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 1:39 pm

Keep us happy, did you say, Cath? Talk about leaving us dangling here for the week!

Still, I loved your description of Nell's growing unease once she realised that Hilda had gone out - there's nothing worse than a whirling snowstorm to obliterate any tracks with frightening speed.

Just hope that Hilda will turn up safely before Nell has become too frantic with anxiety - and if you have chance to relieve our minds before Liss starts work on the Board...... pretty please!

 

#46:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 1:45 pm

Come back and let us know that Hilda's safe, Cath.

 

#47:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 2:13 pm

Oh nice cliff! Laughing

Thanks Cath - liked the growing sense of unease from Nell - and her sudden realisation that Hilda may well have gone before she even got in the bath.

 

#48:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 3:29 pm

Oh Cath, you can't do this to Hilda! Crying or Very sad

I could FEEL Nell's growing consternation as she considered the time Hilda must have been out, and her horror as it dawned on her that Hilda had left the Post Office at least an hour earlier - ouch! And all that snow! Shocked

Now will Nell venture out - and get lost herself?? You did warn us it was going to be an eventful Christmas Eve, but not THIS eventful.

Thank you, Cath.

 

#49:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 9:41 pm

If you have any mercy, Cath, don't, please DON'T leave us like this for a week! I'll have chewed my fingernails up to the elbow in that time.

Loved the build up of tension, especially as Nell realised that Hilda'd been gone even before she herself got into the bath. Oh dear. Sends cosy tent to keep Hilda safe. Sends chocolate to persuade Cath to squeeze in an update before the board disappears - promises to get up early in the morning to look!

 

#50:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 11:21 pm

Heavens, but I am nice to you people....Alright then, I'll put you out of your misery! Send the scotch to the usual address please.... Wink

Quickly Nell reviewed the only route that Hilda could have taken. There was one place that she could have missed her way; a cart track branched off the road in a slow gradual curve, and it was fatally easy for those unfamiliar with the area to stray if the weather was bad.
“Damn, damn, damn!” muttered Nell as she hastily donned her outdoor things, and left the cottage. “Why on earth did she have to do this? It’s not as if she doesn’t know about the dangers of snow! And what on earth was Mrs Elliott doing to let her move out of the Post Office?” Later, Nell would find out that Mrs Elliott had not been in the Post Office when Hilda called in, and that Joan had assumed that Nell was outside and waiting for her friend.
The road was reasonably sheltered until she reached the curve. The snow was still falling heavily, but the wind had dropped for the moment although there was no guarantee that it would not rise again. Nell visualised the track ahead of her; there was a stand of small trees about half a mile further on: with any luck, Hilda would be there. Ignoring the cold prickle of fear inside her, she strode on, concentrating on the pocket compass that she always had with her. “I hope to heaven that she hasn’t tried to get any further – she must realise that she’s gone wrong. What on earth was she thinking?” She reached the trees, looked around – and, mercifully, Hilda was there, huddled up against a tree trunk, looking somehow small and a little scared. In three strides, Nell had reached her, and pulled her forward.
“Dear Heaven, you can be an idiot at times!” she said angrily. “After all your experience in Austria, you should have known better than this!” Hilda brushed the snow away from her eyelashes,
“I knew you’d find me, Nell,” she said simply. Nell opened her mouth and closed it again; there was no time for more debate, as the wind was already getting stronger, and Nell had no wish to be outside for any longer than was necessary.
“Come on,” she said brusquely, pushing down her rage, and with an arm round the slighter woman, set off down the cart track as quickly as she could.
Neither of them spoke until they were back at the cottage – indeed Hilda found that she had no breath for speech as she was too busy keeping up with Nell. By the time they reached the end of the cart track, the wind was shrieking in great gusts again and the snow was swirling confusingly about them. Even when safely on the road, their progress was slow, as they were continually fighting the wind and Nell had to be careful that they did not miss the garden gate and go too far. Finally, they were at the front door, stumbling into a blessed haven of warmth and peace. There was a few seconds of silence, then Nell turned on Hilda in the scorching fury born of fear,
“Good God, woman, don’t you ever do that to me again! What in heaven’s name possessed you?”

 

#51:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 12:22 am

Thank goodness Hilda had got so far on the road home at least - and I loved her simple 'I knew you would come' to Nell! There's one good thing, having to fight the wind like that on the way back to the cottage, Hilda probably got thoroughly warmed up again after the cold wait under the trees, too.

I'll look forward to hearing just *what* Nell eventually said to her about the escapade in due course - for now, it's enough to know Hilda is safe!

Thank you for putting our minds at rest, Cath - will a virtual half bottle of Glenmorangie fill the bill?!!

 

#52:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 12:57 am

It's a really stupid time of night but, alerted to the update by Elder, I couldn't resist! So glad I didn't ... Such a clearly-realised scene, Nell striding along with her pocket compass, yanking Hilda away from the trees and practically hauling her home, Hilda's total confidence in her ('I knew you'd find me') and, finally, Nell's 'scorching fury born of fear'. I admit I am never satisfied - now I want the rest of that conversation, please, Cath! Pretty please ... the board's still there ... as much virtual scotch as you can virtually drink ... Laughing

 

#53:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 4:13 am

Ah, that anger turned on the one who, only a short time before frightened you so. Laughing

Thanks Cath - love Hilda's faith.

 

#54:  Author: Squirrel, Location: St-Andrews or Dunfermline PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 6:06 am

That was fantastic thankyou Cath

 

#55:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 6:32 am

goodness, Cath,
I nearly collapsed at that cliff !
Thank heaven you posted an update, or I would be a gibbering wreck by the end of the week .......

Glad they are both safe and sound, though it does sound like Nell wants to rend Hilda limb from limb at the moment !

 

#56:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 7:56 am

*I knew you'd find me, Nell.*

Such faith! And so well-placed.

Poor Hilda - can I (may I!) put a force field round her to protect her from Nell's wrath?? Laughing

Thank you, Cath.

 

#57:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 10:32 am

Cath V-P wrote:
or how many cloths and dusters you will need in your home if your husband earns more than £300 a year, then do ask!


If he earns less than that, does that mean I don't have to dust? Laughing

Glad they're safely back in the warm again - time to run another hot bath I think!

 

#58:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 11:31 am

Thank you Cath! Glad Nell found Hilda...love her unquestioning faith that she would!

 

#59:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 12:48 pm

Thank goodness Hilda's safe; I can understand Nell's fury.

 

#60:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 7:55 pm

Scotch is on the way to:

"Cath V-P, Somewhere in Newcastle, NSW"

I am very very glad you let us off that cliff!

 

#61:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 11:40 pm

Much as I understand Nell's fury, Hilda has spent quite a long time being cold and scared - and she was only trying to help out when Nell was so busy. If Nell expresses herself too violently, I fear she might bite back.
And it's Christmas Eve ...

I've been finishing off this conversation in different ways in my mind all day - have to have something to think about while doing the housework. Very Happy

Thanks, Cath. Can't wait to see how it really ends.

 

#62:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 12:31 pm

Thank you for all the comments; this is the last section that I will post before we the Great Migration. I hope you enjoy it. Very Happy

Hilda did not reply immediately, continuing instead to lean against the wall, breathing deeply. Finally she murmured,
“I’m sorry, Nell.”
“Sorry? Sorry? You behave like a half-wit, completely ignore everything you know about winter weather, just about scare me to death and that’s the best you can do? ‘Sorry’ doesn’t begin to do it justice, Hilda!” Silenced by this onslaught. Hilda stared at her, her mouth trembling, then her gaze slid away and she murmured again,
“I’m sorry, Nell; I – I wasn’t thinking.”
“You certainly weren’t!” Nell shook her head in disbelief, her furious anger ebbing at the sight of Hilda’s obvious misery. “Oh, for heaven’s sake, go and get out of those damp things. I’ll make us a drink.” She watched narrowly as Hilda slowly crossed the living room and went up the stairs, her head downbent, and shoulders drooping, and squeezed her eyes shut against the sudden uprush of tears. Then she removed her own coat and boots and went unhappily into the kitchen, already bitterly regretting her outburst of temper and cursing her lack of control, as she hurriedly prepared the hot drink that they both needed.
“Oh hell and damnation. I shouldn’t have been so angry with her – but she scared me.” Unwilling to admit to herself just why she had been so suddenly furious, and appalled at Hilda’s reaction to her remarks, Nell shied away from considering the subject further, but by the time a subdued and slightly red-eyed Hilda finally reappeared, her conscience was working furiously.
“Here,” she said, handing Hilda her tea. Hilda took the drink silently, and Nell surveyed her carefully, noting the signs of recent tears. She took a deep breath.
“I’m so sorry I lost my temper with you, Hilda. I was worried, but I shouldn’t have been so angry, and I shouldn’t have said those things to you,” she said penitently. Hilda gulped, then said in a slightly unsteady voice,
“It’s alright, Nell; I was silly. I should have paid more attention to the weather and the road. I deserved everything that you said.”
“No, you didn’t. I should have told you about that track yesterday, so it’s partly my fault.” Hilda nodded silently, still with that downcast air, and sat down by the fire. Nell looked at her, worried and remorseful.
“Are you still cold?” she asked abruptly.
“Not really,” came the subdued response.
“Hungry?”
“Just a little.”
“I’ll get lunch then,” said Nell and jumped up at once, glad to have something to do. “No Hilda, you stay here and keep warm; you were out far too long in the cold.” She went into the kitchen, and Hilda stayed in the chair by the fire, tired and glad of the warmth that surrounded her, but conscious also of an aching desolation. “I would never have believed that Nell would shout at me like that,” she thought, and felt the familiar tightness in her throat as she tried not to cry. She held out her hands to the bright flames, and noticed that she was shaking a little. “How silly,” she remarked aloud, and tears slid down her cheeks before she could stop them.
“What’s silly?” asked a familiar voice quietly. Hilda tried to reply, but found that instead she was unable to stop crying. She held out a trembling hand to Nell, who took it and knelt down beside her, putting a comforting arm around her and holding her close.
“I’m sorry, Hilda.” she said sadly. “I didn’t meant to upset you like this. I was terrified that something awful had happened to you – and then I was angry, and I couldn’t seem to stop myself. And now I’ve hurt you with my lack of control. I’m so sorry.”
“I was so cold, Nell,” choked out Hilda. “And I knew you would find me, but I was so scared. I wanted the mail, and I thought it would help, but I’d forgotten about weather like that, and then I knew I’d made a mistake, and it was cold and so confusing, and all I could do was wait -” She shivered at the memory of the cold and Nell hugged her more tightly.
“And then I shouted at you,” she said unhappily. “I’m so sorry, Hilda; can you forgive me for that?”
“Only if you can forgive me for being so stupid,” said Hilda, scrubbing her face with her handkerchief. “I was, you know.”
“It’s alright, “said Nell soothingly. “We both made mistakes. Perhaps we’d better let it go at that.” Hilda whispered a faint “yes”, and was silent. Carefully, Nell stood up, and regarded Hilda for a moment; it was obvious that she was still shocked and very upset - and tired. “And I don’t feel too brilliant myself” she thought. “Come on, Nell, pull yourself together!”
“We both need something to eat, and another hot drink,” she said firmly, heading into the kitchen again. “I won’t be a moment.”

 

#63:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 1:07 pm

Two absolutely typical reactions to the stress of that experience - how many of us, faced with a relief from anxiety like this would initially have reacted similarly to Nell? I know I would probably have done so. And Hilda - chilled to the bone, and far more scared of the consequences of her actions than she would admit at first, even though she bolstered herself with the comforting certainty that Nell would find her eventually. And how typically Nell to be looking for 'action' - ie providing a hot meal and hot drinks as a way of atoning for her anger. Now if only Hilda does not developing a cold as a result of her chilling......

All the tensions and the very typical relief reactions in these last 2-3 episodes have brought the story to a natural breaking point, leaving us to ponder with satisfaction this wonderful and ever-deepening relationship during the Board hiatus.

Thank you, Cath. Will look forward to the next section in due course.

 

#64:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 2:34 pm

Exactly the reaction that happens when someone you love has, through their own carelessness, been placed in danger. How often have you seen it or even done it yourself when a relative or friend has been in danger? The relief turns to snger so quickly.

Thanks Cath.

 

#65:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 9:35 pm

Oh, Nell, to let fly when she was so cold and upset! Crying or Very sad Poor Hilda, who knows only too well she was in the wrong.

But I wonder just what is going through your mind as you stop to think about it all, Nell -

Cath V-P wrote:
Unwilling to admit to herself just why she had been so suddenly furious, and appalled at Hilda’s reaction to her remarks, Nell shied away from considering the subject further.

It's not like Nell to shy away from unpleasant thoughts. I shall wait to find out what is behind her reactions here, Cath, just as I shall wait to find out if there is more to Hilda's breakdown than just cold and fright and then shock at Nell's onslaught.

Thank you, my dear, and happy writing during the break. Wink

 

#66:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2006 11:12 pm

Oh dear - I cried! Embarassed How embarrassing. I'll pretend I didn't ... Such very authentic emotions from them both, and they are both still feeling it, Nell's uncertainty as to why she feels as she does, Hilda's 'aching desolation'.

I totally agree with all Mary said.

I'll really look forward to catching up with them again before too long. Thank you, Cath.

 

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