#1: The Start of Summer - updated 2 July p19 Author: Mia, Location: LondonPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 10:36 am Part One can be found here
“Do you think you overreacted?” Toby Forrest asked, patiently, the next Friday.
“Yes, but I don’t know how to apologise. I did to my cousin, but – well, the other person is a bit more difficult to talk to. He doesn’t like me very much.”
“Are you sure about that? What do you think his reasons are for not liking you?”
“Oh, he’s just… I don’t know. He’s never liked me. I met him when I was nineteen or twenty and I’d gone to London to stay with Ri – with my brother. It was just before Suez, and all of his friends were going on about how awful it was. I thought they were talking about the fact there might be another war, but they were talking about Britain’s aggression… They had piles of leaflets they were distributing.”
“What did you say?”
“Nothing. What could I have said? I told my brother I’d had a good time and went back to Portsmouth. I was naïve, I suppose. I hadn’t realised that people were opposed to it.”
“So did you go to Suez?”
“Yes, I was on the HMS Eagle. I was nineteen.”
“How are you finding the Valium?”
“I’m sleeping better. I was sitting up most nights and worrying about things, but now I don’t, but apart from that, I don’t know. It doesn’t seem to make much difference.”
“I see. We’ll give it another week and then review.”
John was reminded of Surgeon-Commander Bailey. “Dr Forrest,” he began, hesitantly.
“Yes?” Toby looked up at once.
“I’ve got a Medical Board in September, before they’ll let me back. I don’t know if they’ve written to you. I did give them your name.”
“Yes, he did write. I was going to speak to you about it, actually. They want copies of your file and they’ve asked if Dr Lyndhurst and I would make a psychiatric assessment.”
“What does that involve?”
“I’ll just write a letter telling them how you’re doing and get Dr Lyndhurst to counter-sign it. His name carries more weight than mine. Then we’ll add a recommendation that you’re fit to go – well, wherever you’re sent. Do you know where you will go?”
“No. I thought I’d go back to the Middle East, but now I’m not sure. What would Dr Lyndhurst write?”
“We’d write it together, I should imagine.”
“I would like to go back. I do feel better.”
“Good.” Dr Forrest moved on to other things.
“Do you have any plans while you’re in London?” he asked at the end of the session.
“I’m meeting my sister-in-law for lunch.” John said, studying the photograph on the doctor’s desk, a little girl with dark red hair. Toby followed his gaze and smiled.
“My daughter,” he said, straightening the frame.
“She’s lovely.”
“Her name’s Caitlin. She’s three soon.” In answer to John’s unspoken question, he continued, “She lives with me. Her mother remarried and well – we don’t see her anymore.”
*
John took the tube to meet Mary-Lou in Kensington. He had been surprised when she had telephoned the Quadrant and suggested lunch next time he was in Town, but had decided that if Mary-Lou wanted to talk to him about something, he would prefer to get it over as soon as possible.
The tube was busy and hot and he was glad to leave it and walk for a while. Mary-Lou had suggested a small café and he found it easily.
She was sat inside, with Lida Craven, who smiled at him, warmly. John grinned back, wondering why she was there.
“John, You know Phil, don’t you? She and I were at school together.”
“Yes, I do. Good afternoon.”
“I’m afraid I’ve confused everybody with my name. My husband called me Lida, you see, because it was more Danish, and I just carried on with it when we moved back to England.” She said, softly. He looked at her and noticed her pregnancy dress and tiny bump.
She didn’t drink any alcohol and neither did he, remembering the tablets. Mary-Lou told them about the plans for her father’s funeral and about the Camerons. She asked eagerly about the triplets and more anxiously, about Tom’s sleepwalking. The conversation moved onto other things, although Lida was fairly quiet.
“It’s nice to see you again,” she said to John, while Mary-Lou was in the bathroom. “You look well.”
“Thanks. And you.”
“You’re very polite, but I know I look dreadful. I’m not having an easy time. Mary-Lou’s been very kind to me.”
"That's good," John pushed his plate away and poured some more water for
them both. “And it was my aunt’s school you went to? You knew Mary-Lou from there?”
“Yes. We didn’t get on very well together at school,” Lida said, carefully, “But she’s been very good to me recently.”
“I remember, you said that in Howells.”
“I suppose people change.” Lida unconsciously rubbed her stomach.
*
“Thanks for coming for lunch, John,” Mary-Lou said as she kissed him goodbye at Paddington station.
“I enjoyed it, thanks for asking me.”
“I’m glad you’re feeling better. You do look better, and you’ve caught the sun. I expect you’ve been swimming lots. I hope I’ll be able to come down next week, but of course, it all depends. Oh look, there’s Daniel. Daniel!”
“Hello,” Daniel looked pleased to see them both and kissed Mary-Lou. “Are you going to the Quadrant?”
“John is, I’m not. I’ve still got a few things to finish before the funeral next week. You’ll have company on the train. Where are you sitting, Daniel? And you, John?” Briskly efficient, she manoeuvred them into seats in the same compartment, chattering for the whole time, and bid them farewell. The guard blew his whistle and the train pulled out.
“This is good, it’s such a long and boring journey to make alone,” Daniel said, politely. “I usually bring work with me.” He paused, “I do want to apologise for offending you yesterday. It wasn’t my intention at all. I am sorry.”
“I should apologise too. I’m sorry. It’s just… No. I was rude.”
“We can draw a line under it and start again.” Daniel suggested, looking rather awkward, but John nodded.
“I’d like that,” he said.
“Me too.” Daniel smiled.
Last edited by Mia on Sun Jul 02, 2006 8:08 pm; edited 47 times in total
#2: Author: Eilidh, Location: MacclesfieldPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 10:43 am Thanks Mia, good to see more of this.
#3: Author: Mia, Location: LondonPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 10:54 am Their conversation was hesitant at first, but soon smoothed out. Daniel made John laugh once or twice with anecdotes from his day. He kept off the subject of the Navy, and John’s depression and they discussed books and what they were both reading, although Daniel admitted he didn’t have much time at present.
“Am I interrupting your work?” John asked.
“No, I’ve had enough of it. I’m going to spend the weekend with Freddie and your sister and not even look at it.”
“I’m coming to Maeve’s too – for Saturday. Maeve wants me to meet the children.” John said. “I only met them for the first time this summer, and – well, she suggested I spend some time with them.”
“Lucy’s my goddaughter, you know,” Daniel said. “I’m very fond of them both. Annabelle’s very like Maeve, in character. Lucy’s more like Freddie was. And yes, it’s nice you can spend time with them. Your nieces.”
“Yes,” John looked out of the window at the scenery flashing past, then back at Daniel. “I’d like to get to know them, and for them to know me as something other than a name on a birthday card.”
“They’re nice kids.” Daniel said.
“I’m glad Maeve’s happy.” John replied.
#4: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 10:58 am Oh good, I was hoping Lida would re-emerge soon!
#5: Author: kimothy, Location: GlasgowPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 1:01 pm yay!! this is great.. i hope we get to see some more of maeve, her and bride were always my favourite bettanys.. though now i like john and rix too
#6: Author: Mia, Location: LondonPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 1:58 pm Are you not happy? The question flashed through Daniel’s mind, but it wasn’t the right time to ask such a personal thing. Besides, he thought he knew the answer. Maeve and her family seemed a safe subject for discussion, so he stuck to that and asked questions, pleased when John relaxed and spoke more and more as they got nearer to Devonshire. He made a mental note to telephone Toby Forrest and ask for a report. After all, John was Rix’s brother and he had been friends with Rix for years. He woke up to the fact that John had asked him a question.
“I’m so sorry, I wasn’t paying attention,”
“I couldn’t remember how you were related to Freddie, Maeve’s husband.”
“We’re cousins.”
“I thought so – you don’t look alike.”
“No, he looks a lot like my mother, though. She was fair. She and Aunt Annabelle were sisters. I’ve been told I look like my father.”
“Don’t you know what he looked like?” John asked, with some curiosity.
“Well, yes, I just meant that my aunt told me I looked like him. I do remember him, of course.” Daniel said, frowning slightly.
#7: Author: KathrynW, Location: LondonPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 4:26 pm Thanks for all the lovely updates Mia. It's good to see that Danial and John are getting on a bit better.
Thank you
Kathryn
#8: Author: Ally, Location: John Bettany's Cabin!Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 5:58 pm *makes squeeing noises*
Thank you for all the luffly updates Mia
#9: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/BristolPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 8:37 pm Thanks for all the updates!
*Wonders what's going on with Daniel and his Father*
#10: Author: MaryR, Location: CheshirePosted: Tue May 02, 2006 8:47 pm Thank you for all the updates, Mia, and for the dust settling betwen John and Daniel.
#11: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 10:19 pm Thanks for the updates Mia, good to see more of this.
#12: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 11:14 pm Good to see them getting on better .
#13: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 12:11 am Thanks, Mia. It's good to see more of Lida and I'm glad that Daniel and John are getting on better.
#14: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSWPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 12:14 am Thanks Mia, this is very interesting.
#15: Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UKPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 6:52 am Lots of lovely updates - thank you !!
#16: Author: Mia, Location: LondonPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 10:36 am Rix met John at Sheepheys Junction, which he wasn’t expecting.
“Dad’s not very well,” he said, calmly, after he had greeted his brother and his friend. “I drove him to Bideford General, but it’s nothing, really. I just thought you should know.”
“Is he all right?”
“He had some pains, but I think – well, I know, it was because he insisted on doing most of the work on the back field himself. I wish he’d listen to me. Anyway, it’s nothing, as I said. I’m going to drop you off at the Quadrant and go and collect him. He just needs to have a rest and he can do that at home.”
“Are you sure? Wouldn’t he…”
“Who’s the doctor here?” Rix said, annoyed. “I told you, he’s fine."
#17: Author: Eilidh, Location: MacclesfieldPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 10:39 am *starts precautionary wibbling about Dick*
Thanks Mia
#18: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 11:15 am Also wibbling about Dick .
#19: Author: ibarhis, Location: London and Hemel HempsteadPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 12:09 pm Sounds like Rix is on the defensive!
#21: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 1:51 pm Thanks, Mia. I really hope that Dick will be ok.
#22: Author: KathrynW, Location: LondonPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 3:00 pm Oh dear. This does not sound good...
Thanks for the update!
Kathryn
#23: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 4:04 pm Is Rix feeling guilty? Does he feel he should have picked up about his father being unwell?
Thanks Mia.
#24: Author: Alice, Location: London, EnglandPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 7:15 pm Oh dear, I really don't trust you Mia...
#25: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/BristolPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 7:50 pm I hope Dick isn't seriously ill.
*Wibbles*
#26: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSWPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 1:12 am Oh dear!!!!
Thanks Mia.
#27: Author: Changnoi, Location: New Mexico, USAPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 3:45 am ::sharp tone::
Hey! Mia! Don't kill Dick off, y'hear me? You already killed Peggy off. We don't need any more deaths just now.
::/sharp tone::
Very nice to see this back. I keep getting confused with some of the characters (Daniel v. David), but I think I'm doing okay with it now. It's so interesting to see Phil Craven back, too. Love!
Chang
#28: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Thu May 04, 2006 12:23 pm Thanks, Mia. Perhaps Rix is being the sensible one, and Dick ought not to be working out in the fields.
#29: Author: Lucy, Location: LeedsPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 7:25 pm Wow Mia, just caught up with loads of this. So much has happened. Thanks for all the wonderful updates
#30: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeriesPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 7:44 pm
#32: Author: Rosy-Jess, Location: Gloucestershire-London-AberystwythPosted: Sat May 06, 2006 3:02 pm
Josie wrote:
Hope Dick's okay!
Me too.
#33: Author: RuthY, Location: Anyone's guessPosted: Sat May 06, 2006 4:12 pm
Rosy wrote:
Josie wrote:
Hope Dick's okay!
Me too.
Me three!
Just read this all from the beginning (including part one) It is excellent, thanks Mia. Please can we have some more?
#34: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeriesPosted: Sun May 07, 2006 7:19 pm Oi! Mia!
More please
#35: Author: Mia, Location: LondonPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 1:53 pm I hope this isn't too confusing, but it's a flashback
“I don’t know how to thank you and Madge, Jem,” Daddy was saying. Jackie hesitated outside, his hand on the door handle. Uncle Jem and Daddy were talking and sometimes Uncle Jem could get very angry if he was disturbed in his study. “We’re grateful for everything you’ve done.”
“It’s been a pleasure,” Uncle Jem replied. Jackie moved away from the door, which was ajar, and decided to wait until they had finished their conversation. He wouldn’t listen, that wasn’t right, he would think about the story he was writing in his English composition book over the holidays. Mr Roberts, his English master at the Cathedral School had said it showed promise and that he should take his time over writing it. Jackie liked English, even though Uncle Jem had said he should work harder over his arithmetic. He never got good marks for that.
Jackie had met his parents for the first time today although they had written to him often and he had seen photographs. He also had a younger brother and sister, who were twins. That was stranger, because he wasn’t the youngest Bettany anymore, but he was pleased about that. Being the youngest was horrid and the twins were welcome to it.
It was taking ages to pack everything, David and Sybil were supposed to be helping, but all their clothes were mixed up and nobody could remember who owned which books. Rosa had been called away by Marie and Auntie Madge and Mummy had gone to tea with Auntie Joey. Rix had told Jackie to go down and ask if they were to pack everything, or if they should leave some things here.
“Why would we?” Jackie had asked, worried that they might not be leaving after all.
“You’re still going to school here, you might come here for exeats.” Rix had been impatient. “Don’t start howling, there isn’t time, just go and ask, there’s a good kid.”
So he had come downstairs, only to find that he would have to wait; Rix would say things if he went back to the bedroom they shared with David without the necessary information.
Uncle Jem spoke loudly, and so did Daddy. Jackie stuffed his fingers in his ears, but he could still hear, and it was interrupting his imaginings about his story.
“They’re good kids, the girls have had an excellent report from Nell Wilson.” There was a rustle of papers and Jackie could hear that his father sounded pleased, even though Peggy and Bride always had good reports. He wondered idly what his was like. His housemaster had said it was decent and that he should think about trying for an academic scholarship to Winchester when the time came, but then Mr Leiden wasn’t as critical as his uncle.
#36: Author: Eilidh, Location: MacclesfieldPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 1:56 pm I have a feeling something bad's going to happen.
Thanks Mia.
#37: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 1:56 pm Oh poor little Jackie .
#38: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Mon May 08, 2006 1:57 pm These memories, they come back to haunt us all.
#39: Author: Rosy-Jess, Location: Gloucestershire-London-AberystwythPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 2:05 pm I am not sure I like where this is meandering to.....
#40: Author: Ally, Location: John Bettany's Cabin!Posted: Mon May 08, 2006 2:14 pm *wibbles about Jackie and what he might hear*
Thanks Mia
#41: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny QatarPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 2:26 pm Yes, I feel that Jackie isn't going to like what he hears. And then Jem'll probably shout at him for listening, too.
Thanks, Mia, I'm really enjoying this.
#42: Author: Mia, Location: LondonPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 4:45 pm “I’m glad Dad’s all right,” Maeve said, on Saturday, as they sat down for afternoon tea at Brentford Hall. It was just the four adults; Maeve, Freddie, John and Daniel and the two little girls, Lucy and Annabelle. They were blonde, like their father, who did indeed bear no resemblance to his dark-haired cousin. “What a horrid shock it was.”
“Maurice says he’s looking to take on someone else to do some of the work,” John said.
“He should have done that years ago. What’s that, darling, more milk? Here you are, drink it nicely. Daniel, would you speak to Daddy? He might listen to you.”
“I can do,” Daniel replied. “Which day am I taking the girls?”
“Friday, you said. Are you sure? I know they look like angels without wings, but looks can be deceptive.”
“Where are we going, Daniel? Can we go to the park, please?”
“The zoo!” Annabelle added, nearly knocking over the milk. “An’ Uncle John, you come too!”
“Uncle John might be busy,” their father said, laughing.
“I’m supposed to be looking after your cousins,” John smiled as Annabelle thrust her plump little hand into his.
“Nasty boys,” Lucy screwed up her pretty face.
“No, come with us, please, Uncle John,” Annabelle pleaded.
“Perhaps you could both team up?” Freddie said. “Push her off if she starts climbing over you,” he added to his brother-in-law.
“We could do, if you wanted,” Daniel said. “I was going to take them to Paignton, to the zoo.”
“Zoo!” squealed Annabelle the irrepressible. “But no nasty boys, please, Cousin Daniel, they’re not allowed.”
#43: Author: MaryR, Location: CheshirePosted: Mon May 08, 2006 5:01 pm Finally caught up again, to end up wondering about that little bit from Jackie's past.
Thanks, Mia
#44: Author: kimothy, Location: GlasgowPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 5:50 pm thanks mia
im really enjoying this
#45: Author: ibarhis, Location: London and Hemel HempsteadPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 5:59 pm Waiting for you to tie threads together!
#46: Author: Mia, Location: LondonPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 6:23 pm “And the Princess lived happily ever after,” John finished his story quietly, the girls were almost asleep.
“That’s so nice, John,” Maeve said from the doorway. “Listen, I’ve got some news. It’s not a secret but we haven’t told anyone yet. I’m going to have another baby early next year. I’ll tell everyone after this funeral for Mary-Lou’s father.”
“That’s great news, I’m pleased for you. My kid sister, proud mamma of three…” John looked at her, fondly. “And Maurice has a girlfriend too, I hear.”
“Oh yes, it looks like he’s settling down.”
“Just me left then,” John smiled, before she could say it.
“I wasn’t going to say that,” Maeve said, tucking Annabelle in. “It’s different for you, you’re away all the time. When you decide to retire, let me know. I’ve got hundreds of friends who are desperate enough to date one of my brothers.”
John laughed, “Thank you, I’ll bear that in mind.”
“Do you mind awfully about joining up with Daniel on Friday?”
“No, it makes sense. Mary-Lou wants to get everything ready for the funeral on Saturday, so I said I’d take the kids out of the way.”
“Are you going to the funeral?” Maeve asked, and John nodded.
“I haven’t been to one since – well, you know,” she said, quietly, and he reached out to take her hand.
#47: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your ImaginationPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 6:27 pm I wonder if Annabelle realises that Uncle John and Daniel are boys?
Love both those scences, but still wibbling over little Jackie (and big John, for that matter).
#48: Author: KathrynW, Location: LondonPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 6:48 pm Thanks Mia, John is so good with the children and it's really nice to see Maeve again
Kathryn
#49: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeriesPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 7:07 pm Awww thanks Mia
*still wibbling about that flashback*
#50: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 7:20 pm He definitely heard something detrimental, didn't he?
Thanks Mia.
#51: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/BristolPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 9:12 pm I hope Jackie's flashback isn't too nasty.
Thanks Mia
#52: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 9:27 pm Also wibbling about the flashback, but nice to see John getting on so well with Maeve and her children.
& I'm sure Mary-Lou'll be pleased for Maeve, but it'll rub it in even more that she can't have any more children naturally.
#53: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSWPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 12:25 am Thanks Mia - poor John, he seems to have been so isolated within the group doesn't he? I wonder what he heard.
#54: Author: Nell, Location: London, EnglandPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 10:06 am Nice to see Maeve and John getting on so well and he's very good with the children. Thank you Mia.
#55: Author: Mia, Location: LondonPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 11:45 am Now they were talking about Rix wanting to be a doctor. Jackie sighed, wishing his daddy would hurry up. He was just screwing up his courage to knock on the door when he heard something that made him pause, forget that eavesdropping was wrong, and listen with all his ears.
John drove to the zoo in Rix's car, with the triplets in the back. He already had a headache. He sighed as they squabbled in the back seat. It was a hot day and they were crotchety and so, he reflected, was he.
"Stupid idea," he muttered, as he pulled into the car park and looked around for Daniel and his nieces.
They weren’t long however, and Daniel had already bought the tickets.
“What do you want to see first?” Daniel asked the children, who of course all wanted to see different things.
#56: Author: Eilidh, Location: MacclesfieldPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 11:49 am Mia, you seem to have missed out quite a lot of that post.
#59: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 3:14 pm Thanks, Mia. I am looking forward to finding out what John overheard.
#60: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny QatarPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 3:54 pm Oh, but what did he hear?
Thanks, Mia.
#61: Author: KathrynW, Location: LondonPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 5:34 pm A cliff...sigh!
Thanks Mia
Kathryn
#62: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/BristolPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 5:37 pm Oh no not a cliff!
#63: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeriesPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 8:26 pm I did highlight that gap to see whether you'd been mean and tantalising and written in white. But you hadn't and it was a bona fide cliff.
Thanks Mia
#64: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSWPosted: Thu May 11, 2006 1:53 am Thanks Mia. Speculating some more...
#65: Author: Mia, Location: LondonPosted: Thu May 11, 2006 3:57 pm It's not really a cliff *g*
“Penguins first, then the lions, then we can see the monkeys.” John took charge and shepherded the children in front of him. “Then we can have lunch and go and see everything else you want to see. Is that all right with you, Dr Lyndhurst?”
“Fine, thank you… Look, won’t you call me Daniel?”
“Of course,” John replied, politely.
“Can we see the snakes please?” Alex clamoured for his uncle’s attention. “An’ the lizards.”
“After lunch, I think. What would you like to see, Tom?” John turned to the youngest triplet, who was holding his hand.
“I want to see the tigers,” Tom said, eagerly. “Daddy said they come from India. Granny and Grandpa lived in India didn’t they, Uncle? Do you think Grandpa saw tigers?”
“I don’t know - you’ll have to ask him. I don’t think they have tigers here, Tom. It’s not a large zoo. Look out for a zoo keeper and I’ll ask him, OK?”
“Why don’t they have tigers in England? Is it too cold? How do they live in the zoo if it’s too cold?” Alex carried on with the questions, pulling at his uncle’s arm.
“Uncle John!” James bellowed, right down John’s ear. “Look, LOOK! AN ELEPHANT!”
The children all broke away and ran towards the elephant house, leaving John and Daniel alone. Daniel laughed.
“They’re exhausting, aren’t they?” he said. “Maybe we can distract them with ice-cream.”
“You’re very good with them,” John said, a touch enviously.
“Well, I do work with kids, remember.” Daniel replied. “Your brother asked me to look at Tom today and find out about his nightmares.”
“Oh yes,” John looked over at Thomas, who was talking about the elephants, just as excited as the others. “Poor little Tom.”
*
The children enjoyed their morning hugely, and were almost reluctant to leave the animals for lunch in the cafeteria. The excitement of having to take trays and choose their own meal won them over, however, and the seven of them settled down to eat.
#66: Author: KathrynW, Location: LondonPosted: Thu May 11, 2006 3:59 pm They are so adorable aren't they? I wanna go to the zoo now
But, erm, Mia, you didn't tell us what John overheard!
Thank you
Kathryn
#67: Author: Eilidh, Location: MacclesfieldPosted: Thu May 11, 2006 4:01 pm Thanks Mia - that was lovely. Hope they have a nice day.
#69: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeriesPosted: Thu May 11, 2006 10:53 pm So so cute!
Thanks Mia
#70: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/BristolPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 9:14 am I wonder if Jackie will be able to help Tom rather than Daniel...
Thanks Mia.
#72: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:42 pm Thanks, Mia. The children are really sweet.
#73: Author: Mia, Location: LondonPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:46 pm The day had gotten progressively hotter and cool drinks were very welcome.
“Can we take a present for Mummy?” Lucy asked. “She might like a monkey. Will you ask the man, please?”
“No, sweetheart, the monkeys need to live in the zoo. They wouldn’t like it at home.” Daniel said, trying not to laugh. “Besides, your mummy might not like a monkey.”
“She said I was a monkey,” Annabelle said, climbing onto his lap. “So she might like it,”
“You can’t have a monkey at home, you’re silly,” James said, chocolate all around his mouth.
“Shush. We can ask her when we go home, can’t we,” John said, mopping up spilt lemonade.
“If Auntie Maeve wants a monkey, can I take Mummy something?” Tom asked. “She might like an elephant.”
“I think the zoo animals have to stay where they are,” John said, providing more chocolate biscuits to distract them.
“Mummy’s in London, she can go to the zoo there. Can we go to London?”
“Maybe one day.”
“Can we see your ship? Please!”
“She’s in Portsmouth, not London. But maybe, we’ll see. If you’re good.”
“We’re always good,” Lucy interjected.
“Why don’t you go outside and play on the swings?” Daniel suggested. “We can see you from here.”
The two of them laughed together, once the children had gone and afterwards the last of the tension between them seemed to have gone.
#74: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:52 pm Lovely kids! Just trying to picture Maeve's face if presented with a monkey -or Mary Lou's if an elephant arrived on the doorstep!
#75: Author: Alice, Location: London, EnglandPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 1:03 pm Just caught up wiyth loads of this (as per usual). Thanks Mia.
#76: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 1:06 pm Glad John and Daniel are getting on so well.
#77: Author: Ally, Location: John Bettany's Cabin!Posted: Fri May 12, 2006 2:50 pm Aww the children are so coot and very funny! Thanks Mia
#78: Author: RuthY, Location: Anyone's guessPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 2:52 pm Glad to see John and Daniel getting on so well.
Thank you, Mia.
#79: Author: KathrynW, Location: LondonPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 3:40 pm What lovely kids!
Thanks Mia
Kathryn
#80: Author: Mia, Location: LondonPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 4:04 pm “Annabelle is like Maeve was. She always had an answer for everything, and Maurice – you know him, don’t you? – he never knew the meaning of the word tact.” They were preparing to leave and collect the children, but the conversation had been good. John was wondering if they could become friends and realising how much he would like it if they did.
“She’s not like her mother in looks though, oh she’s a pretty kid, but Maeve’s very beautiful.” Daniel said, clearing up the table.
“Do you think she’s beautiful?” John asked.
“Oh, yes, she’s lovely.” Daniel carried on, distracted by his work, “You’re very much like her, you know, apart from your colouring.”
“What did you say?” John couldn't pursue it, having noticed someone enter the cafeteria; someone he would rather not have seen, and who had seen him also and was approaching, an uncomfortable expression on his face.
#82: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny QatarPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 4:10 pm Who is it going to be, I wonder? Thanks, Mia, I'm glad John has had a nice time at the zoo after all.
#83: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 4:23 pm Hmmm, wonder if John's reading too much, or just enough, in the fact that Daniel has basiclly said John is beautiful....
Thanks Mia.
#84: Author: Mia, Location: LondonPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 6:26 pm “I thought it was you, Jack,” the man remarked with a small smile. He glanced at Daniel, then back over his shoulder. “How are you? They told me you were ill.”
“I’m fine. How are you, I didn’t know you were on leave.” John caught Daniel’s eye, “Dr Lyndhurst, this is Commander Keeler.”
“How do you do,” Commander Keeler nodded, but his manner was curt. Daniel said a word or two, then excused himself, leaving them to talk.
“Where’s Uncle John?” Lucy asked, as he met up with them.
“He’s talking to a friend.” Daniel said, looking back into the canteen. John’s body language wasn’t quite right, he looked uncomfortable, though maybe that was because he, Daniel, had said such a stupid thing.
#85: Author: MaryR, Location: CheshirePosted: Fri May 12, 2006 6:55 pm Oh dear - two uncomfortable people now, one wishing he had kept his mouthe shut and the other.....what?
Thanks, Mia.
#86: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 7:07 pm Oh dear - more problems.
Thanks Mia.
#87: Author: Alice, Location: London, EnglandPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 8:21 pm Oh dear,
I hope John and Daniel's friendship isn't compromised.
#88: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/BristolPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 8:48 pm Uh-oh, I have a horrid feeling that something bad is going to happen...
#90: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Sat May 13, 2006 12:14 am Thanks, Mia. I wonder what is going to happen about what Daniel has said.
*Clare is joining in Eilidh's chant*.
#91: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSWPosted: Sat May 13, 2006 12:31 am Oh dear, tension for both of them.
#92: Author: KathrynW, Location: LondonPosted: Sat May 13, 2006 6:46 pm Thanks Mia...I hope Daniel hasn't put his foot in it after they were getting on so well.
Thanks for the plentiful updates!
Kathryn
#93: Author: Mia, Location: LondonPosted: Sat May 13, 2006 9:24 pm “The Reptile House is this way,” John said, when he joined them, less than five minutes later.
“Who was that man, Uncle John?” Alex asked.
“Nobody, just someone from the Service. Come here, your shoelace is undone.”
John attended to it while Daniel glanced back at the cafeteria. Cdr Keeler was now with a woman and two small children.
“Snakes and lizards, do you like those, Lucy?” John was determinedly cheerful. Lucy shook her head and wrinkled her nose, and he laughed and took hold of her hand.
“Is he on your ship?” Alex persisted, being a curious child, and especially sensitive to when people were trying to evade questions.
“No he isn’t,” John said, “Come on Alex, I don’t want to talk about the Navy today, I want to enjoy my holidays.” Unconsciously, he pulled the cuff of his sleeve down to cover his wrist.
#94: Author: Ally, Location: John Bettany's Cabin!Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 9:44 pm Hmm Commander Keeler doesnt seem very nice, not if he has upset John! And why call him Jack? *hugs dan lots* Thank you Mia!
#95: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Sat May 13, 2006 9:54 pm Thanks, Mia. I agree with Lucy about reptiles, I'm afraid!
#96: Author: KathrynW, Location: LondonPosted: Sun May 14, 2006 12:05 am Thanks Mia
Kathryn
#97: Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, EnglandPosted: Sun May 14, 2006 9:32 am Ally wrote
Quote:
Hmm Commander Keeler doesnt seem very nice, not if he has upset John! And why call him Jack?
I'm guessing Cmmdr Keeler calls him Jack because they're close. And that their closeness is why John was upset to see him.
#98: Author: Mia, Location: LondonPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 10:00 am Daniel Lyndhurst sat in the drawing room in his Devonshire house. It was late and the case notes he was reading did not hold his interest. With a sigh, he laid them to one side.
Above him, the floorboards creaked. He was used to that; this was a house that had its ghosts, after all. He should telephone Nick Garden, his solicitor, about selling it, but he knew he wouldn’t. That would rake up a good many things that needed to stay buried. Or maybe he was overreacting, would anyone even care nowadays? But Freddie didn’t like to talk about it, even now. He stood up, needing to break this chain of thought, which he knew could go on for hours.
#99: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Mon May 15, 2006 11:50 am More mystery, thanks, Mia.
#100: Author: Eilidh, Location: MacclesfieldPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 11:52 am Very mysterious...
Thanks Mia.
#101: Author: Alice, Location: London, EnglandPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 12:13 pm Ooo, Nick Garden. That name sounds familiar...
#102: Author: KathrynW, Location: LondonPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 2:50 pm Thank you Mia, I think we need another update soon to help unravel all these mysteries *hint hint*
Fab as ever
Kathryn
#103: Author: Mia, Location: LondonPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 3:27 pm Thanks for the comments
Mary-Lou had decided to hold the funeral for her father at Howells. The Reverend Ernest Howell would give a brief sermon and then Professor Trelawney would be laid to rest in the village churchyard, next to his wife and mother.
It was going to be another warm day. The children were not attending; Rosa, who was now David’s housekeeper, would look after them at the Round House.
Mary-Lou sat on the front pew, with Verity and Alan Trevor and her own husband next to her. John found himself next to Lida Olsen, who was there alone. David sat on his other side, and spent most of the short service glancing across the aisle at Gwensi Howell, his interest quite obvious to everyone but Gwensi herself.
John concentrated on the order of service, thinking about other funerals he had attended, most of which in uniform. The dark suit and tie he was wearing had been borrowed from David, most of his belongings were still scattered across Devonshire, most at the Quadrant, some in Portsmouth and some in his cabin of the HMS Commitment. He looked up as Ernest Howell announced the final prayers, and caught his eye.
He had known Ernest’s nephew, Rhys, who had been at Dartmouth with him, Rhys had been killed in China only two – no, three – years ago. There had been a memorial service. The first of many. He and Rhys had been good friends. And of course, Peggy’s funeral… perhaps it hadn’t been such a good idea to attend this one. Judging from the expression on his mother’s face, she was thinking the same thing.
He started, as Lida put her small, soft hand into his. “Maybe after this, you could come back to my house?” she whispered. “Klaus is away and the children are with a friend. We could be quite alone.”
#104: Author: Eilidh, Location: MacclesfieldPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 3:30 pm The plot thickens...
Mia, are you ever going to finish off one of these story lines you keep leaving us? This is great though. Thanks for the updates.
#105: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny QatarPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 3:33 pm Lida Olsen is definitely a long way from being a Good Chaletian even now! Thanks, Mia, I'm really enjoying this.
#106: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 4:59 pm Isn't Nick Garden married to Primula Venables?
Glad to see Lida back, even if she is out to cause trouble !
#107: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeriesPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 5:31 pm This is all very very mysterious! So many strands of story...
Thanks Mia.
#108: Author: KathrynW, Location: LondonPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 5:48 pm Oh dear, something gives me the impression that Lida always get what she wants these days...
Thanks Mia!
Kathryn
#109: Author: Ally, Location: John Bettany's Cabin!Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 6:34 pm Gosh Lida is rather norty! And at a funeral too! *hugs John and his memories* Thanks Mia
#110: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 7:09 pm Poor Mary Lou too!
Wonder what Lida has planned?
Thanks Mia.
#111: Author: keren, Location: IsraelPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 7:17 pm was what happened to peggy in a drabble I missed, or is it something you have not yet told us???
#112: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 7:45 pm Thanks, Mia. I like mysteries. I wonder how John is going to respond.
Keren, what happened to Peggy is in 'Red Sky at Sunset'. I haven't got the link for the story, though. There was another drabble before it, but I can't remember the title.
#113: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Mon May 15, 2006 8:25 pm Lida is a shameless, wanton hussy. I've always wanted to say that about someone.
#114: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/BristolPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 9:44 pm Poor John, so many deaths in his young life must be hard to cope with.
This is quite off topic but Rhys is one of my favourite boys names!
#115: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSWPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 1:13 am Curiouser and curiouser!!
Thanks Mia.
#116: Author: Mia, Location: LondonPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 11:23 am “No,” he pulled away from her grasp, shocked. “I’m sorry…”
“What’s the matter?” David murmured, looking over. Lida merely tossed her glossy hair back over her shoulders and smiled at him.
“Nothing,” John muttered, wondering if he had misunderstood. She was married, and expecting a child… He couldn’t wait for the service to finish, and escape outside into the sunshine.
“What’s wrong with you?” David hissed, but luckily they were called to stand for the final hymn.
#117: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeriesPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 11:38 am Norty Lida!
Thanks Mia
#118: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 11:47 am So she's married, she's "busy", and she's trying it on at a memorial service, with someone who doesn't seem very interested in women anyway ... .
#119: Author: KathrynW, Location: LondonPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 11:50 am Lida seems so unhappy...
Thanks Mia!
Kathryn
#120: Author: Mia, Location: LondonPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 12:23 pm “John – how are you? It’s been too long,” Primula was waiting for him by the door of the church as they followed the coffin outside. Mary-Lou looked solemn, but dry-eyed, as she had told her husband that morning, she couldn’t grieve for a man she’d never really known, although she was proud of him and grateful that she could give him a proper burial. She had read a brief eulogy, and Liam Cameron, the son of one of the ill-fated expedition’s leaders, had also said a few words, praising Professor Alexander Trelawney’s bravery.
“It’s fantastic to see you,” John hugged her, feeling Lida’s eyes on him and noticing the ostentatious way she moved over to speak to David. He had probably been dreadfully rude, and had misunderstood her offer completely, but she seemed a very odd woman.
“You look terrible,” Primula said. They were still close and wrote to each often, John was godfather to her eldest son, so he didn’t take offence at her concern.
“I’ll speak to you later,” he said, taking her arm, “When we can get away.”
“Good. I haven’t brought the children, and Nick’s working today. We can have a really good talk.”
The burial was brief and afterwards the funeral party walked the short distance back to Carn Beg.
Last edited by Mia on Thu May 18, 2006 11:46 am; edited 1 time in total
#121: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Tue May 16, 2006 1:15 pm Thanks, Mia. I do wonder what Lida was really after.
#122: Author: KathrynW, Location: LondonPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 1:24 pm It's nice to see Primula popping up She and John seem so close so I hope that she can help him.
Thanks Mia!
Kathryn
#123: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny QatarPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 2:55 pm Thanks, Mia. I hope Primula can get John to talk about his worries.
#124: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeriesPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 3:11 pm Yay for Primula. Hope John can tell her everything.
Thank you Mia
#125: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 7:00 pm Thanks, Mia. I'm glad that Jackie and Primula have kept up their friendship.
#126: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 7:58 pm Hope Prim will be able to help.
Thanks Mia.
#127: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/BristolPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 8:22 pm It's nice to see a close relationship between John and Primula, I suppose when they were growing up they must have looked on each other as brother and sister seeing as they were so close in age.