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#1: Sybil Reconnects 23/10/06 P24 Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 3:51 pm
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Sybil Lyall sighed as she looked into the glowing fire in her drawing room. Josette had given her a lot to think about, even going as far as advising Sybil to write to their mother to re-open their relationship.

If Josette was anything to go by, their mother had changed, and the change was a profound one. Josette had come back from Austria refreshed and fit, ready for the new term at LSE, and full of tales about the skiing and sledging at the Tiernsee. She had also made much of the relationship between their mother and Lisl, the housekeeper. Apparently, her mother and Lisl actually went shopping together, and had lunch down in Innsbruck.

Sybil remembered that they had played with Rosa's chldren for a few years, before they went to school, but once Sybil had started at the Chalet School and Rosa's children had been forced to go to the village school, their paths had diverged, and playing together had been discouraged. She wondered what her mother would think about it if she went to Howells Village to see them. Still, they were as old as she was, so perhaps they had left the village and got jobs somewhere else. It wasn't very likely that they would have anything in common any more, which was a pity, because she had preferred them to her cousins.

She just didn't know enough about the whole situation. If she wrote to her father, would he be honest with her, or would he feel that his loyalty to his wife overrode any of Sybil's anxieties? She hadn't seen Ailie for quite a while, though she got long letters from her, and what was bothering her was that it was so much easier to talk about this face to face. When Ailie had wanted to know about the problems in Australia, Sybil and Josette had conferred anxiously then given her the outlines by letter, but spoken to her when she was in London. She had to admit it, she missed her little sister more than she had thought she would, and with the renewal of the relationship between Ailie and her parents, it seemed as if she wouldn't be seeing her for quite some time.

She sat up and made a decision. She'd talk it over with Hugh, and she'd talk to Josette again. Further than that she wouldn't go, not yet, anyway.

Last edited by Jennie on Mon Oct 23, 2006 8:59 pm; edited 52 times in total

#2: Author: Róisín,

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 3:55 pm
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Oooh! This looks very very interesting! What has happened?

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

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 4:41 pm
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Understandable - she was badly hurt by them - but she is at least prepared to give them a chance.

Thanks Jennie - pleased that you wrote this.

#4: Author: Rosy-Jess, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 4:48 pm
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Ooooh! Oooooh! Jennie drabble! Hurrah.

Ah, Miss Sybil, where will this go?

#5: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 4:54 pm
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Oh, wonderful! I'm really hoping that Madge can make amends with Sybil as she has with the others. And dare I whisper a little enquiry about David, too?! Thanks, Jennie.

#6: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 5:10 pm
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Oh lovely, more of the Russell Universe!

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

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:02 pm
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Thanks, Jennie. I am glad that Sybil is working towards giving her parents a chance.

#8: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 8:41 pm
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I'm glad to see you haven't run out of steam after all, Jennie! Laughing

Lovely start. Thank you.

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

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 9:33 pm
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Oh, good.

Very Happy

Thanks, Jennie!

#10: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 10:00 pm
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Oh excellent....now this will be a relationship that will need a lot of work, so hopefully a long, long drabble! Laughing

#11: Author: keren, Location: Israel

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 10:32 pm
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Glad to see you havent given up here after all

#12: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 11:00 pm
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Huzzah! I'm so glad the Russell Universe bunnies have returned. I think it could be harder for Sybil than the younger ones. At least they saw Jem reform in Australia.

Thank you, Jennie.

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

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 12:14 am
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Glad Sybil is willing to consider things - it would be quite understandable if she didn't.

Thanks, Jennie

#14: Author: Sandra, Location: Oxfordshire

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 11:15 am
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Yippee. I loved the earlier drables and it is exciting to see the Russells back.

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

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 11:18 am
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Yay! More of the Russell Universe! Thank you Jennie

#16: Author: RroseSelavy, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 11:33 am
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Hurrah! Another glimpse of the Russell universe Very Happy

Am looking forward to this, Jennie!

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

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 11:49 am
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This will be very interesting; after all Sybil (and David!) are the oldest and as such have clearer memories and more awareness of just how unhappy their lives were.

Thanks Jennie.

#18: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 1:46 pm
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Hugh was very firm in his response when she broached the subject to him.

'Not if it's going to upset you, not likely. We Have a good life here; I like Josette, I think Ailie is a cracker, and the boys are great, but if getting in touch with your parents is going to upset you, then I'm against it. It's not just our life-style, darling, it's you. I love you, and when something happens to upset you, I want to protect you. I know we both see our marriage as a real partnership, and so it is, but I wouldn't hesitate to put my foot down if our marriage came under threat from other people's assumptions.'

Sybil looked at him, knowing just how lucky she was to have married Hugh, someone who was her other half. She thought about the good things that had happened since they married. They had left Australia for one thing, bought a lovely house in London, were redecorating it to suit themselves, and she was finally doing the course that she had longed for since she was fourteen.

And they were doing good work together. Hugh was not only snapping up properties to modernise and resell at the high end of the market, he had bought several old warehouses and converted them into flats which young people just starting on the property market could buy. She had been involved in this, helping with the design work and the decoration, which she found extremely fulfilling.

Looking at him, she smiled and replied,''That's why I've consulted you. I don't want to do anything that would jeopardise our marriage. What I was thinking of doing was talking to Josette again, then writing to my father. I'll ask him to be honest with me, totally honest. If he isn't, I won't make any more approaches, I promise you that. You see. on our wedding day, Dad seemed to accept what I said, he apologised. It was mother who was the problem, but then, when wasn't it? Shall we leave it at that? I don't want to say any more, not now. And I feel that I ought to write to David as well; he might have something to say about it. I know he feels that he can't approach them, not with the attitude Mother still has towards Tim, and I want to sound things out there before I do anything.'

Hugh looked thoughtful at this, then smiled and agreed with her.

#19: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 1:54 pm
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Hugh and Sybil have such a lovely relationship. But I do hope that she manages to get close to Madge now that Madge has changed so much. Thanks, Jennie.

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

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 2:02 pm
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Very sensible and realistic - thanks Jennie.

#21: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 2:27 pm
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Looking forward to hearing what David has to say.

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

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 2:34 pm
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Thanks, Jennie. I wonder what David will say.

#23: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 2:55 pm
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Hurrah! I come back to more of the Russell universe. Thank you Jennie, so glad that the bunnies bit!

Kathryn

#24: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 4:43 pm
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David Russell read the letter carefully, then read through it again slowly.

It seemed that Sybil was in two minds about contacting their mother again, though she was emphatic that it wouldn't be for some time as she was writing to their father first, and the reply she received from him would determine what steps she took.

He sat back, then decided that he would have some more coffee whilst making up his mind about what advice to give her. And there was another factor, Tim. He was not going to do anything without consulting Tim. Tim was not a negotiable factor in his life, he was a permanency. And speaking of Tim, it was about time he was getting up and dressed, as they were both going out that day, David to do some sketching and Tim to walk some of the tracks through the Garrigue, then have a picnic lunch together before driving home.

The problem, as David saw it, on first consideration, was that both he and Sybil shared a lot of memories. Some of them were pleasant, some were not. Both, as they grew up, had felt neglected by their parents in favour of the cousins who had shared the nursery with them. Both of them had felt that their own wishes for the future had been brushed aside by their parents, in fact, both felt that their parents had never realised that their own children had any wishes apart from being obedient.

What was more, David was happy now, he had his own home, was gaining some recognition as a an artist, was very happy in the small village that he lived in, and he simply didn't want that to be destroyed. And Tim, he was due to take his finals soon, and David certainly didn't want any family turmoil to distract him from getting the qualifications that he deserved after all his hard work.

But now Sybs had written to him, it was going to be difficult to put it all on the back burner and ignore it. What he really wanted to do was to wait until Sybs and Hugh visited them at Easter. He hadn't met Hugh, only heard of him from Sybs, and he wanted to be sure that Hugh would support his sister if this new situation caused her any problems.

Apart from Tim, Sybs was the only person he really loved in the whole world, and he wasn't going to advise her to do anything that would hurt her.

His thoughts were broken into by Tim's entrance into the kitchen.

#25: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 5:09 pm
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This is awkward, isn't it? David and Sybil are both happy with their respective partners and their lives in general, and getting back in touch with Madge could just cause a load of problems - but being on bad terms with her permanently isn't ideal either.

#26: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 5:24 pm
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David sounds such a sensible young man, but somehow I can't imagine Madge finding it easy to accept his lifestyle. Thanks, Jennie.

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

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 5:40 pm
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Glad that David is happy in his life. He's being quite fair really - wants to speak with Sybil and Hugh as well as consult with Tim.

Thanks Jennie

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

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 5:59 pm
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Thanks, Jennie. I think that it will help to talk things through.

#29: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 7:20 pm
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Thank you Jennie, I can understand the reluctance on the part of both Sybil and David, especially as they both seem so settled but it is lovely to see the relationship between them.

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

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 7:42 pm
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I'm really pleased to see a new chapter of this. And I hope we get a bird's eye view of Jack and Jo and what has happened at the San...

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

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 8:32 pm
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Jennie wrote:

Apart from Tim, Sybs was the only person he really loved in the whole world,

That is so sad - for David as well as for his family Crying or Very sad

Thanks, Jennie

#32: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 8:45 pm
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I was about to quote the same bit as Liz - what a sad indictment of a family.

But at least David and Sybil have found partners who cherish them though one can see why they wouldn't want to rock the boat.

Thanks, Jennie.

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

Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 12:23 am
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Oh how sad that out of all the family, David only "really" loves Sybil. Am fascinated to see how this progresses.

#34: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 12:02 pm
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As he busied himself preparing Tim's breakfast and pouring his coffee, David continued to think about the new problem that Sybil's letter had brought up.

Tim was working extremely hard for his finals, in fact had been overworking, and this day out in the fresh air was a much-needed respite from his studies. David knew that he was going to have to discuss the problem with his partner, but was very reluctant to spoil the day that they had planned. He had to smile to himself, though. Their solution to over-tiredness was to go out and do something in the open air to make sure that physical tiredness replaced mental strain. He couldn't help thinking about his mother and aunt; any sign of tiredness or stress on their part and they had been dosed and put to bed for a couple of weeks until they were judged to have recovered. And the length of time they had spent in bed after having a baby, weeks, and the pampering that had gone on. Women nowadays were tougher, up and about after a couple of days.

That brought back another memory of something that his father had written to him about his paintings. Clearly the older Russells believed that David was making a living from painting pictures for tourists, studies of the Maison Carree, the Pont du Gard and the Papal Palace at Avignon, whereas the truth that they couldn't seem to accept was that he was actually making his name as a painter of the ever-changing countryside, the scrub oaks, lavenders, rosemaries, artemisias that formed such
fascinating subjects for his pencil and brushes.

Tim broke into his musings. Sometimes David felt that Tim was far too perceptive for his own good, but that was part of the reason that he was going to make such an excellent doctor.

'What is it, David? You might as well tell me now and get it off your chest.'

'It's this letter I've had from Sybil,' came the response. 'She's considering getting in touch with Mother again. Apparently, Josette has told her how much DM has changed, so Sybil is wondering what to do for the best.'

'Oh.' replied Tim. There was a wealth of meaning in the one syllable.

They had both heard Lady Russell's opinions of them and their lifestyle, that they were deviants and morally reprehensible. Tim realised that this was going to be a very difficult time for David, and also knew that part of his job was to support David, whatever decision he made.

Last edited by Jennie on Mon Jun 19, 2006 8:57 pm; edited 1 time in total

#35: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 12:16 pm
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Tim sounds like a lovely SLOC, he and David make a great couple and I hope Madge can overcome her prejudices to see that.

Thanks Jennie!

Kathryn

#36: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 12:58 pm
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Tim sounds lovely!

#37: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 2:20 pm
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It's nice to see David and Sybil so happy; I just hope Madge can be pleased for them, even if they aren't happy in the way that she wanted them to be.

#38: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 2:24 pm
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Yay, thanks Jennie. Smile

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

Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 6:53 pm
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Glad Tim's there to support David - hope they can contact Madge now, I think she has changed for the better.

Thanks Jennie.

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

Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 8:18 pm
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Thanks, Jennie. It's lovely to see David and Tim together - they seem really happy.

#41: Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham

Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 8:31 pm
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I wonder who will take the first step?
Thanks Jennie Very Happy

#42: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 9:43 pm
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Tim was rather quiet as they got into the car and drove off, seeming to want to close his eyes and doze rather than speak, but David was content to let him do this. Finally they reached the place where they had decided to park, and Tim came round to the boot of the car to help David with his painting and sketching things. It was only when they had carried everything to where David intended to spend the morning that Tim spoke.

'I honestly don't feel that I have any right to tell you what to do, but I do feel that I have the right to say that I don't want you to be hurt if you get in touch with your mother again. I think your plan to talk to Sybil when she and Hugh come out here at Easter is the best idea, you can spend time talking about it and making your minds up then. Hugh sounds as if he's got a good head on his shoulders, so his advice might be worth listening to. In the meantime, why don't you sound your father out? He's probably got a good idea of how the situation stands with your mother, so he's probably the best person to approach.'

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Jem Russell was sitting in his cosy study, staring into space as his mind raced over the steps that he was planning to take. He had discussed it thoroughly with Madge and she had agreed with him. He was beginning the long, complex business of selling both the Sanataria that he owned, in Armishire and on the Gornetz Platz. Neil Shephard was going to be the major shareholder in the Swiss San, but the Armishire place was still on the market, awaiting offers.

The problem, as always, was Jack Maynard. Jack had been deeply hurt by Jem's decision, but the truth was that he was no longer able to ensure that the San would generate enough income to cover the huge mortgage that he would have to take out, so the only solution to the problem was to give him a good severance package so he could practise somewhere else. He had made his feelings plain when he discovered that Jem was selling the place in Armishire: obviously he had expected to take that over, but Jem was determined to sell it.

Madge had volunteered the suggestion that the proceeds of one of the places be put into trust for their children, divided equally, so that they would have a financial cushion at the start of their careers, and Jem had already made up his mind that the triplets were to have some money too.

It wasn't that Jem was betraying Jack; he would have money to fund himself in starting again, and Neil had already made him an offer for Freudesheim, which he intended to use as accommodation for the young doctors and other professional staff. It would be a blessing as there was such a shortage of housing on the Platz. Apparently, when Grizel had been asked if she wanted to move into Freudesheim, she had shrieked with laughter, then asked if Neil could see her trying to run that place single-handed. They were going to find a cook-housekeeper, and get a cleaning firm in, and the young people could have somewhere of their own to enjoy themselves in the evenings and off-duty times.

Then, as so often when he was alone, Jem thought wistfully about his two oldest children, David and Sybil.

#43: Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England

Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 10:27 pm
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Poor Jem. I do hope Sybil & eventually David manage to speak to him.

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

Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 10:50 pm
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Love Grizel's reaction! Don't blame Jem - Neil Sheppard thinks he can make the Gornetz Platz San a going concern - but Jack wan't up to the job.

Good of Jem to consider the Triplets

Thanks Jennie.

#45: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 11:13 pm
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I think Jem's being very generous, and I like the idea of Freudesheim as a kind of hall of residence for the San staff! Hope David and Sybil do get in touch with Madge.

#46: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 11:50 pm
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What a good idea of Neil's. I hope he makes a success of the San. Thanks Jennie Very Happy

Kathryn

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

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 12:15 am
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David and Tim are delightful - and if Sybil and David act together, they will both feel stronger.

Loved Grizel's reaction to the idea of moving into Freudesheim....Jem's being very sensible here, and oh dear, Jack Maynard still hasn't learned by the sound of things.

#48: Author: Elle, Location: Peterborough

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 2:08 pm
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Oh dear! Instead of turfing out the stock cupboard I have spent all day re-reading all Jennie's drabbles!

#49: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 12:21 pm
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I'm afraid that there is very little action at the moment in this drabble, but this is what the bunnies are dictating.

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The problem as Jem saw it, was that neither Sybil not David had many particularly happy memories of their mother's later behaviour. After their trip to Canada, David might as well have not existed for all the proper attention he had received from his parents. They had made no attempts to find out what sort of person he really was, just assumed that he would fall in with their plans for his future, and so he had, until he had received his inheritance from his grandfather, when he had chosen to do exactly as he wished.

Jem had a sneaking admiration for David. He had to admit it, his oldest son had done a fantastic job of covering up not only his true nature, but also his real talent for painting. Then his mind drifted back to David's last letter, there had been more than a touch of exasperation in the paragraph telling his father that he didn't paint tourist attractions, he was far too busy painting the changing scenes in the Garrigue to join the rows of people who were busy churning out their reproductions of the Pont du Gard. Jem realised, that though he had no idea what David meant, he had better change his ideas.

Madge was far from coming round to accepting David's choices in life. She still persisted in saying that it was only because David hadn't met the right girl yet, and once he did, Tim would be a thing of the past. That is, when she could bring herself to mention Tim.

And Sybil, her memories of her mother were of a drunken, controlling, shrill-voiced harridan. If only he could get Sybil to understand how much her mother had changed. Josette's last letter had mentioned that she'd been talking to Sybil about the way their mother was behaving now, but it also said that Sybil was not convinced. Jem had to admit it to himself; they had made so many mistakes with their oldest daughter, but how to put it right was beyond him. What he did think was that if he could jsut manage to see the two of them, he might be able to make overtures to them, but as it was, he had very little chance of going either to France or to London in the immediate future.

He knew that Sybil and Hugh were going to stay with David at Easter, but what they would decide was a mystery. Still, he might get to see Sybil before then. If the negotiations for the San carried on at this pace, he would have to go to London to finalise the deal, then there was a chance that he might see Sybil. It was one thing for Hugh to be a rich man, but with some of the proceeds of the sale of the San in her own bank account, Sybil would be independent. And, he ought to tell her how proud he was of her. Josette and Ailie had both told him about the properties they were converting into flats for young people to buy as their first homes, and how much Sybil was helping with them. Ailie had been bursting about how much she had enjoyed working on these projects when she had had a summer job with Hugh's company, so it was clear that his youngest daughter's admiration for her brother-in-law was based on a solid foundation.

Jem sighed and brought himself back to the present. he had a vaccination clinic in half an hour, he'd better get that set up, and tomorrow would be a long day, too. He was going out on his rounds, so he'd pop in to see Anna and her family, make sure she had plenty of her tablets, and was comfortable in every way.

And he was willing to bet that Madge and Lisl had parcels to send to Anna. Talking of the pair of them , he could just do with a cup of coffee before he started work. With any luck, Lisl would have a nice snack for him as well. But thinking about the pair of them brought back his sadness. If only Madge could get on with Sybil and David as well as she did with Lisl, things would go swimmingly.

#50: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 12:44 pm
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Feel sorry for Jem - he's in an awkward position.

Thanks Jennie Very Happy

#51: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 12:56 pm
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It doesn't look as if it's going to be so easy to build bridges with David and Sybil. Thanks, Jennie.

#52: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 1:42 pm
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Poor Jem, he really is in a tough spot isn't he?

Thanks Jennie, I'm really enjoying this Very Happy

Kathryn

#53: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 1:55 pm
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Thanks Jennie *pats Jem*

#54: Author: Elle, Location: Peterborough

Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 3:34 pm
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Thanks Jennie!

#55: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 5:32 pm
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Poor Jem! He really is doing everything he can think of to put things right! I'm sure he's right to sell the Sans. I really don't think absent ownership is a good basis for any successful enterprise and Neil will be much more motivated with a stake in the success of it.

It does sound as if Jack is about to shuffle off into a bitter old age - Fancy thinking he would manage the English San when he's made such a mess of the Swiss one. Confused

Thank you Jennie. It's fascinating.

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

Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 6:25 pm
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Thanks Jennie - sad that Madge cannot accept David's partner or lifestyle choice. But not unusual in the late 1950's-early 1960's. Hope Jem can find some way of reconciling Sybil and her mother.

#57: Author: Lizzie, Location: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border

Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 8:44 pm
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Jennie wrote:

And Sybil, her memories of her mother were of a drunken, controlling, shrill-voiced harridan.

I'm not much in the habit of using these, but Shocked

Appropriate, I felt...

Thanks Jennie, I'm really enjoying this!

#58: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 9:32 pm
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Thanks Jennie. I think Tim and Hugh will get on well together, they both seem to be singing from the same hymnsheet.

Jem has his work cut out for him.

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

Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 12:28 am
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Oh that's difficult isn't it? Poor Jem, he can see where they went wrong, but how to put it right is another thing..

#60: Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham

Posted: Fri Jun 23, 2006 4:59 pm
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I hope Jem puts his thoughts into actions and trys to go and see Sybs.
Thanks Jenny Very Happy

#61: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 8:05 pm
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That evening, Jem tried to get Madge to talk about David and Tim, but it was no use. She flatly refused to listen to what Jem had to say, merely reiterated that she thought that their way of life was wrong, that David simply hadn't met the right girl yet and that he would grow out of it. By that, she meant all of it, the relationship with Tim, the house in France, the painting. She ended by saying that she was sure that David would soon have enough of this raffish, bohemian life, and he would soon return to his medical studies. Madge then changed the subject to the visitors they were expecting, their two younger daughters and their twin sons.

'I can only hope that they haven't grown much more, it won't be easy to get them new ski stuff, not with the shops selling out by this time of year.'

The conversation carried on along those lines, and Jem had to accept that it would take a lot of hard work and probably a long time before Madge could reach a state of acceptance about David.

Then Madge electrified him by asking about Jack's severance package, especially where the money was coming from, and when it would have to be paid. He began to explain it all to her; Jack was not running the place properly, so he, Jem, would have been entitled to dismiss Jack, but instead would be paying him a handsome sum which would have to come from the proceeds of the sale of the San on the Platz. Then he mentioned that Frank Peters was going to buy a quarter share, and some of the younger doctors were investigating the possibility of buying the rest.

Madge listened thoughtfully to his explanations, then said, 'I'm glad that Jo isn't going to be penniless, but I don't feel that we owe her anything. Then she asked an awkward question. 'What about Anna's pension? Will they continue to pay that or will we have to fork out for it?'

Jem had to admit that he didn't know, then felt astounded when Madge asked him about the possibility of commuting the pension to a lump sum to be paid to Anna, and deducting it from the capital to be paid to Jack.

As Madge finished by saying, 'Well, it would be only fair to do it that way, then Anna would know she was secure.'

Jem looked at her; this solution to the problem had never occurred to him.

Last edited by Jennie on Mon Jun 26, 2006 1:00 pm; edited 1 time in total

#62: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 8:18 pm
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Good thinking Madge, but oooh what will Jack say? Confused

Shame she can't reconcile to Tim & David

Thanks Jennie

#63: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 10:23 pm
—
When you think of the reactions of many parents today to the thought of 'their' children being homosexual, while paying lip service to the concept when it doesn't affect them, I'm not that surprised that this is going to be Madge's biggest hurdle.

*Baby steps, Madge. You can get there*

Good thinking on Madge's part about the lump sum for Anna! It's only right it should come out of Jack and Joey's 'pay off'.

#64: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 10:32 pm
—
Thanks for this Jennie.

I have only just caught up on this. Is all the rest in the Sally Denny Archive?

I read the bits about Madge and Jem returning to the Tyrol and Jack getting told off by Jem, but then that evil hacker intervened and I feel I've lost track of the story.

It's fantastic though!

#65: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 11:00 pm
—
Good idea about Anna's pension, but what a shame that Madge can't come to terms with David's relationship with Tim, and his lifestyle in general.

#66: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2006 11:46 pm
—
Thanks Jennie, I really hope Madge comes round because she's worked so hard to get back on track with the rest of the family

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

Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 3:25 am
—
Excellent idea about the pension for Anna, but Madge has a long way to go with regard to David.

#68: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 4:02 am
—
It's definitely the way to go, making Jack pay the money to Anna. I'm not sure Jo will view it in that light, though. Thanks, Jennie, fabulous as ever.

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

Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 10:00 am
—
Hope Madge can see that David is her son, and whatever she thinks of his way of life, she shouldn't cut him out of it. Maybe if a first connection is made without Tim present, she can realise David is still her son and start to rebuilt bridges, with tact on both sides it might then eventually reach the point where Tim can be introduced to her without her recoiling from him.

Not easy, but hope she will get there.

Thanks, Jennie

#70: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 4:24 pm
—
But as patmac has said, even today people find it hard to deal with sometimes. Thirty or forty years ago it would have been unthinkable for most parents to accept. How times have changed, thankfully.

But Madge is made of strong stuff and I'm sure will get there.

Thank you, Jennie

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

Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 5:02 pm
—
Can see it'll take a while before Madge can come to accept David's lifestyle - at least Jem is able to - David might have lost both of them.

Well done Madge on Anna's pension.

Thanks Jennie.

#72: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 9:45 pm
—
Jem was thinking furiously. Madge had been right to say that he should settle a lump sum on Anna and deduct it from Jack's final pay-out. He knew that it would mean an explosion from Jo, but frankly, he didn't care. If Jo had treated Anna properly, especially in the 'little' matter of letters from the children, and had kept in touch, he wouldn't have dreamed of doing it, but since she hadn't, it was no more than she deserved.

And if Anna chose to leave the capital sum to her family, well, they'd taken her in and looked after her, they deserved a break. He didn't often like to think well of himself, not nowadays anyway, too much had happened for that and he'd made too many mistakes, but yes, that was definitely the way to go. All that remained now was to decide on how much.

Jack's pay-off was going to be a big problem. Too little and they'd have Jo writing to rant at Madge, too much and Jo would get the idea that she could behave like the lady of the manor again. Then he had another idea. Why not consult Neil Shephard? That man had his head well screwed onto his shoulders and it could form part of the discussion about redundancy payments, they might be able to work out a formula together. Yes, that was the way forward. And the Maynards would be getting a decent sum from the sale of Freudesheim, enough to buy a house somewhere in the UK. They wouldn't be penniless, but they'd have to be careful.

He then found himself wondering idly if Madge would consider buying Jo's shares in the company. That would give them some extra capital, and relieve Madge's mind from the fear that Jo would try to interfere at Glendower House. Still, he expected that Madge would have written to Dolly Edwards by now. And to think that he had imagined that if they came back to the Tyrol, their life would be plain sailing. He had to laugh at his own presumption. Well, at least he could say one thing, their life was never dull!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sybil was sitting at her little writing desk in her workroom. Hugh was out for the evening, having dinner with a friend from Melbourne, so she was sitting here, with a pad of lined paper in front of her, trying to draught a letter to her father, asking him if her mother had really changed her attitude, made a real, thorough change in the way she treated her family. She thought to her last letter from Ailie. Ailie had been keen to go back to the Tyrol, and Sybil had to admit it, she was feeling a little downcast that Ailie wasn't coming to stay with them for the Easter holidays. Still, it seemed that her younger sister was going to be living with them for a year or two while she did her PA course, and that would be good. She knew that she would never be as close to Ailie as Josette was, the age-gap was just a bit too much, but she did love her, and furthermore, even though Ailie had been a bit of a problem at school, she liked the way she tackled her life with enthusiasm. She'd made up her mind what she wanted, and she was going for it.

Then she sighed and turned back to her letter. She wished with all her heart that she could see David and talk to him, but it was over a month before they were going down to Provence to see him and Tim. It seemed such a long time. But she was sure of one thing. David had been her biggest support before she married Hugh, and he was not going to get anything other than unconditional acceptance from her. And the bonus was that she liked Tim. She'd known that David and Tim had a secret when they came to the Round House to stay, and though she hadn't been sure, she had had a good idea. That's why she had been so willing to go for walks with them; it had kept the parental suspicions at bay. Oh, how to phrase this wretched letter! Would it be best to ask straight out, or to work up to it?

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

Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 10:27 pm
—
Thanks Jennie - poor Jem - hoping that all his troubles would be over once thay'd made the move to Tirol - still, at least he is determined to do the right thing.

Feel sorry for Sybil - not an easy letter to write - hope she finds the words.

#74: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 10:53 pm
—
Glad that David and Sybil seem to get on with each other's partners, and hope that Sybil can find the right words and that Jem can then find the right words in response.

Thanks Jennie Very Happy

#75: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 11:29 pm
—
Sybil is so nice in this and I can well understand the difficulty she is having with the letter to Jem.

Thanks Jennie, enjoying this as ever!

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

Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 2:49 am
—
Nice to see Jem's reviewing of the situation, and in such a reasonable manner....and he's right, his life is never dull!

Poor Sybil - such a difficult thng to have to do...
Thanks Jennie

#77: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 5:17 am
—
Poor Sybil; but I hope Jem reassures her that Madge really has changed and that she decides to give her another chance.

#78: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 11:37 am
—
Aw lovely Sybil and David relationship, thank you Jennie Smile

#79: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 3:06 am
—
Yay! An extension of the Jennie universe!

Wonderful so far, and I'm definitely looking forwards to lots more.

Thank you

#80: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 12:28 pm
—
Sybil looked up from her work. Yes, it was the phone ringing. She had been absorbed in designing an intricate piece of church embroidery, the frontal for an altar, and had hoped to get some uninterrupted time for doing it.

When she picked up the phone, she was astonished to hear her father's voice.
'Sybil, is that you? I'm glad I've caught you in. I have to fly to London next week, and I'd like to see you. I'm selling the San in Armishire, I've just had a good offer for it, and I need to come over to hammer out some of the details. I'll be staying in a hotel, so no need to think of offering me a room, but I do want to see you, and to see Josette and the twins, so I'll be over for a week. Could we have lunch one day? And will Hugh be willing to have dinner with me one evening? That's the pair of you, of course.'

'Oh, I was just about to write to you, what a coincidence. Yes, I think I'd like us to have lunch together, but I won't answer for Hugh, I'll have to see what he's doing, and let you know. '

'That's good, please try. I think we have a lot to talk about, and I do need to see you so we can talk about it face to face. It's difficult at the moment, but so much has changed, and there's a lot of things you need to know about, but I can't put them all in a letter.'

' Yes, I see. Well, I don't know quite what I see,' replied Sybil, 'But we do have to talk, and one of the things we need to discuss is Mother.'

'Yes, I'm aware of that, Sybil, that is one of the things, and then, then there's David as well. I desperately need some advice there.'

Sybil wondered if her ears were playing her up. Her father, that self-assured man, always confident and certain that he was right, needing her advice?

After they had exchanged a few pieces of family news, Jem rang off, leaving Sybil staring into nothing as she came to terms with the idea that one of her parents was actually asking her for her advice.

#81: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 12:37 pm
—
I can't get over how much Jem has changed for the better in this. I actually find myself liking him! Thanks, Jennie.

#82: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 12:40 pm
—
Also liking Jem - and glad that Sybil is still doing her embroidery.

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

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 3:06 pm
—
Well that was a very hopeful conversation, wasn't it?

Thanks Jennie.

#84: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 3:48 pm
—
It's lovely to see the change in Jem, treating his children like real people. Thank you Jennie!

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

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 4:15 pm
—
I hope the meeting up goes well.

Thanks, Jennie

#86: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 4:19 pm
—
Yay for Jem - and the embroidery does sounds lovely!

Thanks Jennie!

#87: Author: Sandra, Location: Oxfordshire

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 9:55 pm
—
I'm liking all of the Russells in this, and am enjoying the occassional Joey bashing.

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

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 12:35 am
—
Not surprised that Sybil is amazed by this conversation!

#89: Author: Rob, Location: Derbyshire, England

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 9:17 am
—
I've only just discovered your "Russell Universe" Jennie, and I'm absolutely loving it ... can't wait for the next installment!

#90: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 1:57 pm
—
Just to say, I'm fighting an extensive rearguard action over this drabble. The PB's keep trying to drag Jo into it, and I want to keep her out.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Madge was wondering what to do. She was tied to her work, so she couldn't possibly accompany Jem to England, as she was determined that she would not let her pupils down. The fight to get a decent standard of education for them had been hard enough, so she certainly wasn't going to tell them that she was taking a week off. But what to do? The very week that Jem was to away in England, Jack and Jo were proposing to drive over to see her. She supposed that they wanted to come so that they could play the martyrs, and probably get her to agree to nag Jem into giving them a bigger pay-off.

She didn't want them, it was as simple as that. And she didn't want Jack ranting and raving about his years of loyal service to the San, and then looking as though the Russells had viciously betrayed him.

Then there was the matter of Jo's last letter. Changes were on foot at the CS, and Jo didn't approve of them. They were actually considering giving the girls a social life. Jo was sure that she didn't want her daughters associating with teenage boys, and she was considering withdrawing her daughters from the school if the changes went on. This letter blindly ignored the fact that it was Madge who was instituting the changes. She had realised that country dancing on Saturday evenings was not enough for growing girls,that they needed more than the school was offering. And the new Civics programme, Jo was definitely against that. The flannelette nighties for the poor parish in Innsbruck and the Sale on behalf of the free beds at the San were quite enough. Those two things had been a winning formula for years, so why add to them. Jo was going to throw her vote against the proposals.

Madge suddenly realised that Jo was one of an almost extinct breed. She wasn't going to decry her sister's good qualities, she had many of them, she was kind, charitable and generous, but only to those whom she considered to be acceptable socially or a member of the deserving poor. This attitude meant that Jo had simply no idea of what life was really like. Madge sighed again. She was positive that Jo had all her children's lives planned out for them. She wondered whether those plans would ever come to fruition; it seemed from their letters that the triplets were developing into alarmingly independent-minded young ladies who would certainly not meekly return home to work at the CS whilst waiting to find a nice young doctor to marry.

Madge decided to write a very firm letter to Jo and Jack, telling them that she didn't have the time or energy to receive a visit from them. That decided, her mind moved to the problem of David. The thing about this was that she missed him. She realised that she had neglected him for years; had never taken the trouble to discover what he was like inside, how he thought, what he liked, in fact, she had been a very bad mother whilst congratulating herself that she had been perfect.

The other problem was not so much David's lifestyle, much though she deplored that. As one of David's friends, Tim had been perfectly acceptable, she had liked him, found him very pleasant and conversible. It was because he was David's partner that she couldn't see him again. She knew that the way that they were living was morally wrong. Her dilemma was that she had been so sure that she was morally correct in her upbring of her children, and of Jo, and she had been proved wrong so many times in the past couple of years, she no longer felt that she had any firm foundations to base her ideas on.

She sat back, glad of the warmth of the stove, and wondered if she would ever be able to feel truly secure again, not about Jem, she was sure of him, but about her children.

#91: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 2:00 pm
—
Oh, maybe David does have a chance of being accepted by his mother for what he is, then. And I'd love to see Jo and Jack a bit more, as it's great to see Madge telling Jo what she thinks, so don't fight the bunnies too hard, will you, Jennie.

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

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 2:06 pm
—
That is such a real post.

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

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 2:44 pm
—
Given her track record, I'm not sure a letter to Jo would make much difference!

Thanks, Jennie

#94: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 3:18 pm
—
Thanks Jennie, it was good to see Madge's thoughts and doubts there and I hope there is some chance for her and David

#95: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 3:30 pm
—
I love the "extinct breed" comment!

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

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 9:13 pm
—
Don't fight it, Jennie - welcome Joey in - you know you want to!

Actually you have painted a realistic view - that, in fact, Joey is the way she is because of Madge's poor parenting - but Madge has moved on - Joey? Not yet.

Thanks.

#97: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 9:30 pm
—
Poor Madge! She really has tried. Overcoming alcoholism, rebuilding her life with Jem, working hard to establish a healthy relationship with her children - only to be thwarted by her previous mistakes with her first child - Joey.

Very few people of Madge's generation and 'class', which was probably 'genteel poor', as near as I can describe it, could come as far as she has and I think Jo, who is the next generation, has to take responsibility for her own attitudes. We can only blame our 'parents' for some of our attitudes.

Thank you Jennie. I do hope Jo and Jack don't turn up anyway - and if they do, I hope Madge can manage to give them the tongue lashing they deserve.

#98: Author: Rose in Toronto, Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 9:31 pm
—

Quote:

Just to say, I'm fighting an extensive rearguard action over this drabble. The PB's keep trying to drag Jo into it, and I want to keep her out.

Be strong. Put magic PB treats here and there throughout the house, and they may get distracted. If they are anything like real bunnies: raisins, baby carrots, pieces of apple and banana, and stalks of broccoli work well. Also books and computer wire.

#99: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 4:20 pm
—
Jem sank back into his seat with a sigh of relief. He really didn't like flying, but needs must. He had decided to treat these few hours as thinking time. The sale of the San on the Platz was going nicely, with Neil Shephard as the majority shareholder, Frank Peters would own twenty-five percent, and he ahd every intention of turning his department into a leader in the treatment of rheumatism and arthritis, and two of the younger doctors, Bannister was one of them, were buying the rest of the shares. Jem was quite happy with this situation, to be frank with himself, he was glad to get the place off his hands, and once he had sold the Armishire place, he would dwindle down into being a GP in the Tyrol.

Then he found himself thinking. Did he really mean dwindle down? If he thought about it, really thought about it, there was no dwindling being done at all. He was happy in his work, he and Madge had rebuilt their marriage, or were doing so, and he had got to know four of his six children as individuals, not as his obedient children. And his work was truly satisfying. It was rewarding to drive round the villages and see his patients' faces light up when he came in, and just as rewarding, if not more so, to know that he was ensuring that a lot of people were leading easier lives because he had wanted to return to Austria.

Josette, so happy to be at LSE, working hard, doing well, and growing more independent by the day. And she was obviously nurturing a good relationship with her older sister, a welcome guest in the Lyalls' house, and a good example to Ailie.

Ailie, so focussed on what she wanted to do. Jem smiled, did Hugh really want or need a Personal Assistant? If she didn't get a job with him, she'd get one with someone else, it was going to be really hard to keep IAilie down. And the twins - they were no longer the vague figures, misremembered as small boys, who wrote duty letters home. No, they were strong young men who were still to discover their paths in life, but thier father was sure that they would soon be informing the world what it was that they wanted to do. He did wonder if one or both of them would go in for medicine, but if they did, they wouldn't have a father who was standing over them, pressuring them to work for him.

But then his mind swung inexorably back to his two oldest children. Sybil and David. David and Sybil. They had done them so much harm, and he still didn't know if it could be repaired. At least Sybil was willing to have lunch with him one day. Perhaps the best thing he could do was to listen to her. He felt a little brighter at that. His relationship with Josette hadn't really begun until the day he had taken her out to lunch and listened to her, really heard what she was saying, and acted accordingly. If he could do it with one daughter, perhaps he could do it with another.

His thoughts turned back to Madge. She had written a stinker of a letter to Jack and Jo, but whether they would take it on board, he didn't know. He just hoped that they would have enough sense to abandon their plans to drive to the Tyrol, but he wouldn't bet a fiver on it.

#100: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 7:13 pm
—
Would love to know what was in Madge's letter - pretty please Wink

#101: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 7:15 pm
—
Poor Jem, he has so much on his mind right now! Fingers crossed for his lunch with Sybil. Thanks Jennie!

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

Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 8:08 pm
—
Jem and Madge have done so much to turn their lives around - glad Jem re thought and realised that he wasn't 'dwindling' at all.

Echoes pleas for look at letter - preferably when Joey is reading it. Laughing

Thanks Jennie.

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

Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2006 10:03 pm
—
Adds to the request for the letter... I'm sure it would be a model of its kind!

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

Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 12:49 am
—
That was a lovely evaluation of the progress that has been made.

Thanks Jennie

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

Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 9:51 am
—
*also keen to see the letter*

(and Jo's reaction)

Thanks, Jennie Very Happy

#106: Author: Rosy-Jess, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth

Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 4:29 pm
—

LizB wrote:

*also keen to see the letter*

(and Jo's reaction)

Thanks, Jennie Very Happy

Me too!

#107: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 4:46 pm
—
Those last two posts of Madge and Jem reflecting their mistakes and their shifts in attitude were beautifully expressed, Jennie - poignant and yet very hopeful.

Thank you.

#108: Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham

Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 5:28 pm
—
*very hopeful that everything gradually be sorted* Please can we see the letter? Laughing

Thanks Jennie Very Happy

#109: Author: Ronara, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 11:31 pm
—
This is positively spendiferous!

Please may we see the letter? Very Happy

#110: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 1:05 pm
—
Not this week, sorry. I've not been sleeping well because of the heat, and the PB's have been dozing off at all the wrong times.

Plus, Andrew is taking a holiday from work, starting tomorrow, and won't be going back until Monday, so I doubt whether I'll have much access to the net.

#111: Author: lorien,

Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 4:31 pm
—
I was really fascinated by this story! It so interesting and presents such a different view of the family.

But it seems like there's some kind of back story - the Russell Universe?
I really want to read it! Can anyone tell me where I can read that story? It doesn't seem to be on this forum!

Thank you.
Lorien

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

Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 4:55 pm
—
Click on the sticky at the top of St. Therese's house and scroll down until you reach Jennie's name. Make sure you have lots and lots of time to read all her stories!

#113: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 1:38 pm
—
Jem returned to his hotel room feeling very pleased with the way his day had gone. The prospective owners of the Armishire San had seemed to be very pleasant people with the money to buy and to develop the place in the direction they wanted it to take. He was getting out of TB treatment at the right time. This new NHS was putting him out of a job, as they were opening free sanataria for anyone to go to, not just those with the money to pay for the treatment. So, with the sale of his business well under way, he felt entitled to relax a little.

With that in mind, he decided to book a call to Austria, so he could phone Madge and tell her the good news about the sale, then he was going to have dinner and get on with some paperwork afterwards. He wondered what Madge was doing now, probably marking exercise books and preparing for the nest day in school.

He made a note in his diary to buy suitable presents to take back to Austria with him, perhaps a small piece of jewellery for Madge. He knew her tastes, she hated big, ostentatious stuff, but a brooch or bracelet with decent stones would go down well, and he had made up his mind that Lisl was going to get a decent gift as well. She had refused to take her days off until Jem returned to Seespitz, saying that she would not be happy to leave Madge alone in the house in case of a storm. He sometimes wondered how much Lisl guessed about their past history, especially their refusal to have alcohol in the house, but he also knew that he could rely on her to be absolutely discreet.

He knew that she told people that they were good employers, but he had never heard a single whisper that she discussed anything about their private affairs with anyone, not even her family. She was a treasure, that was certain. Perhaps she might like a piece of jewellery, too. He had never seen her wearing anything but her wedding ring and some plain gold earrings, so perhaps something decent but not ostentatious might please her, perhaps a string of pearls.

Back in the Tyrol, Madge was busy with her marking and lesson preparation. She wanted to get it finished so she could relax after supper. While Jem had been away, she had taken to having her supper in the kitchen with Lisl, and they often sat together in the evenings if Madge had no school work to do. Lisl was always busy with her knitting, and Madge had begun to work on some needlepoint, so the two women had spent the evenings quietly contented, chatting as the mood took them. She wondered if Jem would phone her, but it was expensive to call long distance, and he might not bother. Still, she would welcome the opportunity to have a chat with him.

She hesitated to answer the phone herself, as she had been on the receiving end of several irate calls from Jo and certainly didn't want any more of them. Jo was not taking it well. She was behaving as if it were the end of the world and refusing to see that it was an opportunity for a new start. Still, Madge had made it perfectly plain that she would not intervene in Jem's professional decisions, in fact, had no power to do so, but Jo refused to listen. If Madge would only say the word, Jack would be able to remain as head of the San and Jo would retain her status as the most important woman on the Platz. That, of course, ignored the fact that Jem was no longer going to be the owner of the San, and the new owners were only too well aware of Jack's shortcomings, that was why he was going to receive a generous severance package, which he would be able to use to set them up wherever they chose to settle.

But that hadn't stopped Jo ranting and raving by phone and by post. Madge was aware that she was too impatient with Jo, but her younger sister was an adult, and it was about time that she realised that, and stopped expecting Madge to sort out her life for her.

#114: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 1:53 pm
—
How nice that Jem appreciates Lisl Very Happy

. As for Joey, I wish Madge'd tell her (nicely) where to go!!

Thanks Jennie!

#115: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 1:55 pm
—
Absolutely. Jo needs to accept that things have changed and that she has to do more for herself now. Thanks, Jennie.

#116: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 1:57 pm
—
Jem really is so thoughtful here, lovely. Thanks Jennie

#117: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 5:37 pm
—

Quote:

Madge was aware that she was too impatient with Jo,

She's been a lot more patient than I would have been Rolling Eyes

I loved the description of Madge, sitting with Lisl in the evenings. That alone shows how far she has come.

Thank you Jennie.

#118: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 9:04 pm
—
After managing to get through to Madge and chatting with her for five minutes or so, Jem put the phone down, then decided to get on with some of the paperwork before going down to have dinner.

The problem was that he was due to have lunch with Sybil the next day, and if he were being honest with himself, he was as nervous as a bridegroom about to get married. If he said one word out of place, or put a foot wrong, that was it. He would never see or hear from Sybil again.

He and Madge had made a lot of mistakes, but they were honestly trying to put them right. He had good will on his side, but how did Sybil feel? He knew that he didn't dare make any assumptions about her, or about Hugh. He did wonder idly why they had been married for almost three years and were still childless, but immediately realised that it was none of his business. If he never had any grandchildren, he would have to accept it gracefully and put up with it.

That was the awful thing about having children. They were appealing little babies, then attractive toddlers, then they grew up. The hardest lesson that parents had to learn was to let their children go, accept that they were old enough to manage their own lives, make their own decisions. He and Madge had learned that lesson the hard way.

Then another thought struck him. Would Jo ever let her children go? To be sure, it was the girls she clung on to, not the boys, but she still appeared to believe that she and Jack were infallible. It made him think about their future. He would never give Jack and Jo another penny, but those eleven children were a different matter. If need be, he'd put his hand in his pocket to make sure that all the young Maynards had the education they needed to give them a good start in life. He wouldn't be a pushover, far from it, but enough money to make sure that they could live decently at university. It wouldn't hurt to send them some pocket money, either. He had their addresses at school, so that would be easily done.

He sighed. At the moment he felt as though he had the cares of the world on his shoulders, just when he ought to be feeling relieved that he was getting rid of his main responsibilities. This would never do.

He turned back to his paperwork, forcing himself to read it again, and take it in this time.

#119: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 9:20 pm
—
Thanks Jennie, it's so generous of this new Jem to think about the Maynard children.

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

Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 9:21 pm
—
Jem and Madge have really grown haven't they? Whereas Jack and Joey don't appear to have done - Joey is now in her forties? Jack in his fifties, yet thay still seem to be expecting others to look after them.

Thanks Jennie.

#121: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 10:07 pm
—
Eagerly awaiting Jem's appointment with Sybil! Smile

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

Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 12:06 am
—
This is very poignant - Jem is aware of how the world is changing, how he and Madge have had to adapt, but as for Joey and Jack.....and how sensible of him to realise that there might be problems for the Maynard children.

#123: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 5:49 am
—
Jem just gets better and better in this. He's so thoughtful now, instead of just bulldozing everyone wishes. I really hope he says the right things to Sybil and that she recognises how much he wants to do everything differently.

#124: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 7:47 am
—
Jem and Madge really have accepted that their elder children have grown up, haven't they? BTW, are Len and Reg together in this universe?

Thanks Jennie Very Happy

#125: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 10:30 am
—
Lovely insights into Jem and Madge in the last two episodes. And how generous Jem is. I just hope he can find the generosity to accept whatever Sybil says and does.

Thanks, Jennie

#126: Author: Elle, Location: Peterborough

Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 10:59 am
—
Wonderful updates. Thank you Jennie.

#127: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 1:17 pm
—
Jem found himself dressing with extra care that morning. He didn't want Sybil to think that he wasn't taking her seriously. Then he looked at himself in the mirror and decided that he looked too formal, as if he intended to overpower her.

He suddenly realised why women changed their clothes so often before an important event. They did it to give themselves confidence. If they felt that they looked right, they were sure that they could cope with the event that they were attending. So he changed his tie, and decided that he had got the right balance.

He was nervous, there was no doubt about that. He mentally rehearsed what he was going to say when he greeted her. It had to be the right words to ease the strain of not seeing her for so long, fatherly, but not paternalistic. He decided to leave the hotel after breakfast and go shopping . He would look round the jewellers' shops for the gifts he was going to buy, perhaps actually buy them, then get to the restaurant early. It wouldn't do to be late, but he didn't want to be too early either. He could always spin out the morning by having coffee somewhere.

Then he realised that he was making himself into a wreck. But he also realised that this was going to be one of the most important lunches of his life.

Sybil was enjoying her bath. She had nothing else on that morning, so she was soothing her nerves by submerging herself in hot water. She had already chosen the suit that she was going to wear, and the blouse, shoes, gloves and handbag. Her taxi was ordered to give her plenty of time to get to the restaurant, and Hugh had declared his intention of joining them for coffee. She didn't want to dress up too much, but she needed to let her father know that she was a married woman with a loving husband, not his daughter dependant on him for every scrap of clothing and food. She thought she had the balance right, now all she had to do was to work out what she was going to say to him when she met him again after nearly three years. This was much harder than getting married. She had been intent, the morning of her wedding, determined to start a new life with Hugh, so it had been simple then. But this meeting might determine how she spent the rest of her life, so she made no attempt to deny its importance to herself.

#128: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 1:36 pm
—
I feel sorry for them both, being so nervous, but it's going to be all right. Isn't it?

Thanks, Jennie.

#129: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 1:55 pm
—
Hope it'll be OK.

#130: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 2:18 pm
—
It was nice to see them both feeling exactly the same thing before hand - I hope this means that the lunch will go well. Thanks Jennie

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

Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 5:49 pm
—
Do hope it goes well.

Thanks Jennie.

#132: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 6:41 pm
—
Hope everything works out ok for them, and very much looking forward to reading about their meeting.

#133: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow

Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 8:31 pm
—
ooooo I hope everything is alright

* fingers, toes and knees crossed!*

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

Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 3:55 am
—
It will be alright...won't it?

#135: Author: Elle, Location: Peterborough

Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 10:04 am
—
Oohh. I do hope that all goes well with their meeting.

#136: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 10:07 am
—
Thanks Jennie

#137: Author: Chris, Location: Nottingham

Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 1:31 pm
—
This is great Jennie. I particularly like the bit about letting the children grow up and go, to make their own decision. My children are in their mid- and late-teens, and it is hard to let them go into the big bad world as adults, when you still want to protect them!

#138: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 1:37 pm
—
Lots of lovely updates Jennie, thank you.

I look forward to seeing the meeting between Jem and Sybil

#139: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 1:40 pm
—
As Sybil was escorted to his table by an attentive waiter, Jem stood up to greet her. His prepared speech was instantly forgotten.

'Sybil, you look wonderful!' was all that he managed to say, before sinking into his seat again. He was relieved to see that his daughter was smiling at him, though she had made no attempt to kiss him.

He decided to get the business of food and drink sorted out first, so he asked Sybil what she wanted to drink, then summoned the waiter to give him their order. As they sat waiting for the drinks to arrive, Jem looked closely at his daughter. She was radiant; clearly marriage to Hugh was proving to be fulfilling for her. Then he remembered; marriage was longer the be-all and end-all of a woman's life.

So, he very simply asked her to tell him what she was doing now.

Sybil looked at him quite sharply, then relaxed.

'I'm finishing my course at the School of Art Needlework. I ought to get a good qualification at the end of it, and I've already been approached to do some design work for several people. Hugh has just bought another warehouse building, so I'll be working with him on the designs for turning them into apartments, and then we'll see what happens next. Hugh and I are going to the South of France for Easter, we'll be staying with David and Tim for a fortnight. I'm hoping we'll have plenty of time to do some sight-seeing and walking. We might even look for a small house to buy there for a holiday home. We don't want anything big or ornate, and we don't want to be in one of the popular places such as Cannes or St Tropez, we'll be looking for somewhere quiet, in a small village.'

The she asked, 'How are you getting on? Josette tells me that you're the GP for the Tiernsee area, and that Mother has gone back to teaching.'

'Yes, that's what we're doing now. I'm getting a lot of satisfaction out of my work, and I know your mother loves teaching the local children. She's giving them afternoon lessons in German then in English. We hope we'll be able to help out that way. The ordinary people there are still very poor, in spite of the increase in holiday-makers, so we are trying to help them. At least we can make sure that they get medical treatment when they need it, and your Mother is hoping that the young ones will be able to get better jobs because they can speak grammatical German and English.'

Sybil looked appreciative of this, but whatever she had been going to say was interrupted by the waiter bringing the first courses that they had chosen.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back in Seespitz, Madge was setting off to do her afternoon's teaching, but her mind was occupied by wondering how Jem was getting on with Sybil. Fortunately, Lisl was with her, so she tried to focus her attention on what she was saying.

In London, Josette, about to go off for a bite of lunch with a couple of friends, was wondering whether she had done the right thing in trying to get Sybil to resume contact with their parents.

#140: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 1:55 pm
—
The meeting seemed to start out ok...

#141: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 2:14 pm
—
So far, so good...

Thanks Jennie!

#142: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 2:19 pm
—
Good for Jem not putting his foot in it by assuming it was marriage that made Sybil look so happy! He does get better and better.

Thanks Jennie

#143: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 3:55 pm
—
Seems to be going OK Very Happy

#144: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 4:31 pm
—
Let's hope Jem doesn't put his foot in it - although in this universe he doesn't seem so prone to that any more.

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

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 5:15 pm
—
So far all's well - hope it continues.

Thanks Jennie.

#146: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 7:46 pm
—
Wriggling in anticipation for the next update!

#147: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 8:24 pm
—
Sybil seems to realise that her father is doing his best.

Thanks, Jennie

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

Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 1:11 am
—
They are both trying so hard....
Thanks Jennie.

#149: Author: Elle, Location: Peterborough

Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 7:21 am
—
Well that is a positive start!

Thanks Jennie.

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

Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 8:30 am
—
Thank you, Jennie. I do enjoy the stories set in this particular universe.

#151: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 9:42 am
—
Thanks Jennie, looking forward to the next installment Smile

#152: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 2:21 pm
—
It was when the main courses had been served that Sybil began the real discussion.

'One of the reasons that I agreed to have lunch with you today was that Josette has been telling me that Mother has changed. Apparently she no longer drinks alcohol and she doesn't try to tell everyone what to do all the time. Is this true?'

Jem had not been prepared for such a frontal attack and almost choked on his sip of wine. He saw Sybil looking at him levelly across the table, and realised that only the truth would do. He realised the wisdom of this when Sybil added,

'I'm not going to be making any decisions until I've discussed it thoroughly with Hugh, and then, there's David to be considered. He's my older brother and I love him and like him, so he has to come into it.'

'I understand that. I also understand that we made a lot of mistakes when you were young, and we'd still be making them if you hadn't started to bring me to my senses on your wedding day.'

Then Sybil uttered words that cut him to the quick.

'I never felt that you had any loyalty to me, and you ought to have done. It's not something that you get automatically from your children; you have to teach it to them by being loyal to them. Oh, I've no doubt that when I was a pretty baby I was admired and passed around a lot for people to cuddle, but when I was struggling to make sense of my life as a small child, when I was desperate for some real love and attention, so I knew where I was was, all I ever got told was that that I was vain and selfish. The Bettanys and the Venables came a long way before me when there was any attention going, so how did you expect me to behave? But I'm married now, and Hugh loves me and values me, so I know how I ought to have felt when I was a child. But I never did. And David, you never ever looked at him for long enough to realise that he was different, did you? Why do you suppose I went out for all those long walks with him and Tim when they came down to stay? I might not have known the terms for what they have, but I knew there was something about the pair of them, that they needed something different from the ordinary. But you never noticed, did you. And Mother, her attempts to marry me off to Tim were laughable.'

' Then there was my course,' continued Sybil. 'You never gave a thought to how I would feel, did you, dragging me off to the other side of the world, just so mother wouldn't be lonely. She got all the company she needed from a bottle of gin. That's what I meant about loyalty. You showed none for me when she was making my life a misery. I know it's all in the past, but I've needed to say all this. What you have to understand is that I don't need you as parents, so whether I let you back into my life depends on the way you treat me now.'

Jem was silenced. He and Madge were rebuilding their lives, but clearly, they had to do a lot more to reassure Sybil, and he had to make Madge understand the urgent necessity of building bridges with David.

#153: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 2:27 pm
—
Well that's certainly told him! Thank goodness she was lucky enough to marry Hugh.

#154: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 2:51 pm
—
Sounds like Sybil needed to get that off her chest. I hope she and Jem can talk things through so they can move on.

#155: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 3:02 pm
—
I can understand Sybil feeling that she needed to say that, but hope that they can move on from here.

#156: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 3:08 pm
—
Mmm, me too.

Thanks Jennie

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

Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 3:12 pm
—
Wow, go Sybil! I hope now that she and Jem can talk properly.

#158: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 3:40 pm
—
Well said Sybil, Jem needed to hear that.

Thanks Jennie

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

Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 8:45 pm
—
Sybil needed to say that - hope Jem can accept it and they can move on.

Thanks Jennie.

#160: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 9:31 pm
—
Sybil 1 Jem 0

Would love to see Sybil giving her "perfect" Auntie Joey a similar roasting.

No chance of that I suppose? (smiles sweetly)

#161: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 9:56 pm
—

Quote:

What you have to understand is that I don't need you as parents,

Wow! That says it all. Sybil doesn't need them now because they failed her and any relationship has to be on an adult footing.

I'm glad she is bringing David into the equation - that would have been a tricky situation for any parents at the time. I've lost track of dates but the Wolfenden Report was 1957 and I think it took some years for homosexuality to be legalised.

If Jem and eventually Madge can accept David and Tim, they will have gone way beyond the norm.

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

Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 4:05 am
—
It's good that she feels secure enough to say all this - and in a calm and measured way. Yes, it was painful for Sybil to say and for Jem to hear, but it does establish exactly where they are.

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

Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 7:59 am
—
Homosexuality was legalised in the UK in 1967.

#164: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 4:03 pm
—
This is appallingly difficult to write, but here goes.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jem felt astounded by all this, and barely managed to control his emotions. He remembered the long, lonely evenings that he had spent in the apartment in Melbpourne, thinking back over his past, and his past mistakes. He had admitted them to himself, perhaps it was time to admit them to Sybil.

He had always been proud of his oldest daughter's looks, but had never really bothered to try to see what lay behind her lovely exterior. He'd never even considered doing it, he realised with a deepening sense of shame. Good manners and obedience, that's what he'd expected of her, and here she was, on the road to making her name as a designer and creator of embroideries, and supporting her husband, more than that, partnering him in his work. He had so much to learn. Josette had taught him how to be a father, or had begun the process, but he could see that he had a lot more lessons to learn.

He finally managed to speak, his misery evident in every word.

'I understand that, Sybil. I've come to realise that we don't have any common ground at all. You've made a life, a real life, for yourself with Hugh, and we don't have any part of it. I'd like us to be able to communicate properly, but I don't know how to, not any more. I think you'd better tell me what you want me to do about this whole situation. I know Hugh's joining us for coffee today. But how do you expect me to know what to say when I'm floundering so badly? What you've just said to me has almost knocked me out.'

Sybil looked at him. Observing him dispassionately, she saw a man who was well-preserved for his age, clearly prosperous and well fed, still good-looking, but whose misery and confusion were written on his face.

She softened slightly.

'Well, you still haven't answered my question about Mother, but I suppose I'd better take Josette's word for it. So mother has given up drinking, and Josette, Ailie and the twins had a good holiday in the Tyrol at Christmas. You're selling both the Sans and you're going to concentrate on being a GP around the Tiernsee. Mother is going to carry on teaching the local schoolchildren, but don't you see, that still leaves David and me on the outside?'

Her voice softened slightly. ' We've been on the outside for so long, we've got used to it, we've built our own lives. Before any thing can happen, you and Mother have both got to realise that David and I are adults, and quite capable of making our own decisions. I don't want to be too harsh, but unless you can both accept that, and accept your two oldest children as we are, not as you want us to be, there isn't much point in us trying to get on and rebuild a relationship, because the relationship wasn't there in the first place.'

Jem looked at her, so beautiful and so steadfast.

'All I can say is that I'm sorry, deeply sorry, and I'll try to do better in future.'

His voice almost broke on the last couple of words, and he saw that his daughter was looking at him with sympathy.

#165: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 4:11 pm
—
I think he'll be able to accept Sybil and David as they are now, he is so desperate to do the right thing. I think it'll be harder for Madge, though. Thanks, Jennie.

#166: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 4:36 pm
—
Thank you Jennie, I'm really enjoying this

#167: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 6:02 pm
—
It sounds like Jem wants to do the right thing and I hope he can rebuild his relationship with Sybil and David.

#168: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 6:04 pm
—
Jem really does seem to have realised where he went wrong - hope that he can now start trying to improve his relationships with both David and Sybil.

Thanks Jennie.

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

Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 8:31 pm
—
Feeling very sorry for Jem here - let's hope he and Sybil can find some common ground.

Thanks Jennie.

#170: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 9:47 pm
—
Maybe it's time for Sybil to relent a little. Jem is trying so hard.

Thanks, Jennie.

#171: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 10:26 pm
—
(((Jennie))) It's so hard for any parent to accept the relationship, which seems set in stone - Mother : daughter - Father : daughter - and so on.

He's seeing Sybil as an equal adult now (though I'm not sure about David) and that's tough!

It's the only way to keep a relationship with one's children but it can be very hard.

Thank you Jennie. That's a difficult situation to write.

#172: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 11:26 pm
—
Thank you Jennie - I'm not surprised this is hard to write. I'm really enjoying it though.

#173: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 8:57 pm
—
Sybil actually found herself feeling rather sorry for her father. Now that she had her own career under way, and was working with Hugh as well, she had some understanding of how he had been driven to succeed in his profession, for every cure was a success in its own right. But she was not going to be too hasty about relenting. First, she had to see how her father got on with Hugh, and then there was David. She definitely had to talk to him before making any major decisions.

She could see that their mother was going to be the stumbling block, as always. Unless her mother could accept David as he was, it was no good. The one thing that Sybil was determined about was that David was not going to be left alone, outside the family circle, whilst the others, herself included, were inside the charmed circle. If only mother didn't have so many preconceptions about what marriage and family life were about.

'The thing is, Father, when we go out to France at Easter, I'll be talking it over with David. He has to be included in my decisions. Be honest with me, Mother is still refusing to accept David and Tim, isn't she?'

'Yes, I'm afraid she is. She's convinced that it's just because David hasn't found the right girl yet. I know David won't change, you can't change your nature. And the worst thing that could happen would be for him to meet some poor girl, marry her, and both of them live in misery. And the scandal.'

Sybil frowned at his final words, and Jem noticed her disapproval.

'Oh, it's not the papers I'm bothered about, though it would make some of the newspapers rejoice if they had that to put on the front page; what I think of as scandalous is people making promises that they can't and won't be able to keep. I would find that absolutely dishonest. I know I failed in some respects, but I didn't get married with the intention of not keeping my vows.'

'I think that you'll just have to keep talking to Mother. Can you discuss it with her? Does she seem to miss David, or me, for that matter?'

'I don't know whether she misses you, Sybs, but she refuses to discuss David. And Tim.'

Fortunately for Jem, Hugh joined them at the table.

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

Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 9:18 pm
—
Glad Sybil's relenting a little toward her father. While I don't like Madge's ideas about David - they were not unusual for the time (late 50's/early 60's) Perhaps she just needs a little more time.

Thanks Jennie.

#175: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 9:31 pm
—
Hope Madge will come to accept David's relationship with Tim - glad that Jem seems to have done so.

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

Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 12:34 am
—
Good to see that Sybil is so loyal to David - and she's right, for the gamily to be fully rebuilt there has to be some acceptance of David and Tim. It seems as if Jem has moved towards an understanding of them, if not an acceptance, and this is a major step.

Thanks Jennie.

#177: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 5:15 am
—
But it must be so hard for Madge - what David is doing is going against everything she's ever been taught. I do like Sybil in this though. She is absolutely lovely and I hope she manages to get the family back together, I think it would make her happier. Thanks Jennie.

#178: Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England

Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 7:36 am
—
Poor Jem. I suppose with his medical background he would realise that this is David's true nature. Madge would have had no exposure to the concept of homosexuality except as an 'unnatural' relationship, shameful, illegal and probably temporary and it would be an enormous step for her to change that opinion.

I do agree with Sybil, though, to leave David isolated would be a terrible thing to do and I'm hoping you can give Madge a way through to accepting him.

Thank you Jenny. This part is very true to the time it is set in and all the stronger for that.

#179: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 10:53 am
—
Madge's ideas were prevalent at the time and she would find it very hard to go against her upbringing. But as Pat says, Sybil is right not to want David being the only one excluded from the charmed circle.

Hopefully Jem can help them all find some common meeting ground.

Thanks, Jennie

#180: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 2:44 pm
—
Thanks Jennie, it's nice to see the relationship that Sybil and David have developed and I hope that for everyone's sake, Madge can find some understanding.

#181: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 2:48 pm
—
As Hugh joined them, Jem rose to his feet to shake his son-in-law's hand, feeling very, very aware that this was egg-shell time. One wrong word, and that would be the end of his plans for rebuilding his family relationships.

Hugh smiled at Jem, then bent down to kiss Sybil lightly on the lips.

'Had a nice lunch, darling?' he enquired.

Sybil smiled at him and said, 'The food has been lovely. But we've been discussing family problems, and so far, we haven't thrashed much out.'

Jem was astonished that his daughter could be so cool about things, but was then forced to realise that he had never discussed family problems with her before. He had managed to get through to Josette, and Ailie and the twins had been easy, but it was clear that Sybil had a lot more well, baggage, was the only word he could use about the situation. And, she had got used to discussing things with Hugh, and never bothered to give her father more than a brief outline of her life.

By now, Hugh had sat down with them and the coffee had been brought to their table. Sybil was pouring it out, and handed him a cup.

She was the one who continued the conversation.

'I've just been telling Father that we're going down to stay with David and Tim at Easter, and I'll be talking things over with David then. But I'm sure that Father now understands that David has to be included in the family, not left outside, shunned, because he and Tim love each other.'

Hearing these words, Jem was stunned by the fact that hearing himself called Father was incredibly distancing. He felt that it lacked warmth, and an acknowledgement of their true relationship. It made him feel inexpressibly sad.

#182: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 3:07 pm
—
I am starting to feel rather sorry for Jem although, of course, much of it is of his own making.

Thanks Jennie, the relationships are absolutely fascinating

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

Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 3:18 pm
—
Also feeling sorry for Jem - even though Sybil has cause.

Thanks Jennie.

#184: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 3:39 pm
—
It must be difficult for Jem to see how far from Sybil he is. Thanks Jennie.

#185: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow

Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 4:04 pm
—
thanks jennie, this is so moving

#186: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 9:33 pm
—
Come on, Sybil. You have to bend just a little, when your father is trying so hard and admitting all his faults. Give him at least a little hope, poor man. Crying or Very sad

Thnaks, Jennie

#187: Author: Phil, Location: London UK

Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 11:13 pm
—
Poor Jem and Sybil, so much to make up.

Please let there be a happy ending

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

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 12:12 am
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I rather suspect Sybil is working very hard at maintaining a distant persona, precisely because there is so much at stake - and if she didn't she could easily go over the edge emotionally. It doesn't make it any easier for Jem though.

#189: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 8:51 pm
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'Yes, I see,' replied Hugh. 'You couldn't do anything else, could you?'
Then he turned to Jem. 'Sybil and I decided, quite some time ago, that it was useless to keep raking up the past, and that what really matters is the future. If you and Lady Russell cannot accept David as he is, then you won't be seeing much, if anything, of Sybil and me.

'You see, I've met David and Tim. I like both of them and I'm glad that they're part of my family. They're both good at what they do. Some of David's paintings are exceptional, and Tim will be a dedicated doctor, even if he never earns himself an international reputation. I do understand that it's hard for you to accept the way that they live, but that is how they are, and I can't see that they'll ever change, no matter how much your wife wants David to lead what she calls a 'normal' life.'

Jem allowed his misery to show, Sybil and Hugh were both quick to pick it up.

'David is my son, I love him, but I have to admit it, I've never tried to understand him. In fact, I never ever gave a thought to understanding any of my children. We made so many mistakes, but I'm trying now to make up for that. I had great hopes for this lunch. I wanted to build some bridges, or at least lay a few foundations, but perhaps I was presuming too much.'

His unhappiness was palpable. Even Sybil and Hugh could not ignore it.

Hugh made a suggestion. 'If we've all finished our coffee, let's leave here. My offices are very close by, we'll continue our discussion there. I want you to see what I'm doing, and to see and understand the part that Sybil is playing. Perhaps if you see what we're trying to do with our lives, you might begin to understand why we're being so cautious.'

Jem felt that he had to agree. After paying the bill, the three of them left the restaurant and walked to the imposing building where Hugh had his offices. After they had walked in through the front door of Hugh's offices, the first thing that Jem saw was a beautiful painting of tranquil, wooded countryside. He stopped to take a better look at it.

'That's one of David's.' said his daughter. 'That's what he's doing with his life.'

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

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:12 pm
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Maybe Sybil and Hugh could bend a little? After all Jem is trying.

Thanks Jennie.

#191: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 10:59 pm
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oh i have high hopes for them..... please jennie!!

#192: Author: KathrynW, Location: London

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 11:30 pm
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Thank you Jennie, that definitely seemed more hopeful.

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

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 12:29 am
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Jem is trying to reach ome sort of accommodation here, and Hugh and Sybil do need to recognise just how hard for him it is.

#194: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 4:30 am
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Yes, but they're right about David - they can't have a good relationship with Madge and Jem if they don't have any attempt at accepting David. They'd be stuck right in the middle and it would be so uncomfortable. Thanks, Jennie, I'm looking forward to how they resolve this.

#195: Author: Mia, Location: London

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 10:17 pm
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Thanks Jennie, fascinating.

#196: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 9:23 pm
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At least Jem seems to be listening.

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

Posted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 3:40 pm
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Just caught up with this - thanks Jennie.

I hope Sybil can relent a little towards Jem. She wants to meet as adults and not as child & parent, but that still means making allowances and give and take on both sides.

#198: Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth

Posted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 7:10 pm
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Just read the past few installments of the Russell Universe and loved them all - thank you, Jennie! Very Happy

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

Posted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 7:34 pm
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Thanks Jennie. I am enjoying this different glimpse of the Russell world. Hopefully Jem will start to realise that he has some very talented children in Sybil and David.

#200: Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 8:05 pm