Through Thick and Thin - Part 3 - Complete 19/06 page 10
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The CBB -> Ste Therese's House
#1: Through Thick and Thin - Part 3 - Complete 19/06 page 10 Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 9:34 am
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Archived for length

Part 1
Part 2

~pim~

Right. I'm not happy with this conversation, but I worked on it most of yesterday and last night and it's about as good as I'm going to get it. And it's driving me mad. Apologies if they still sound wooden.

"Where's Cecily?" Felix asked, coming in and seating himself on her bed.

"Where do you think?" Anna asked. "She's where she always is when she should be in bed. Did you want both of us?"

"No." Felix said. "Not really. I just wanted to ask you..."

"What?" Anna asked.

"Well, have you heard from Lois?" he asked awkwardly. "I mean about me. Has she said anything?"

"Not from Lois, no." Anna said. "Only from Nick. Lois hasn't said anything to me. Although I haven't seen her for a year, only written, so she might not want to put it in a letter. She was never good at things like that - she preferred to pretend they weren't happening. I remember the fuss she made over Cecily and Nick, and they'd been together for a long time before she found out."

"Do you think that's why she left?" Felix asked. Anna shrugged.

"I really don't know." she said. "She never told me anything. Never mentioned you except in uncomplimentary ways. But Nick thinks that you're why she left, and that counts for something."

"He detests me." Felix said.

"Yes." Anna agreed, then added. "You can't blame him."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, think about it. Would you like to see Felicity getting involved with someone with your reputation?"

"What reputation?" Felix demanded.

"You know what reputation." Anna said. "The one that you have for picking up and dropping girls whenever the mood takes you. For cheating on women left, right and centre. For using your looks to get whatever you want. For being arrogant and big headed and sarcastic and on occasions just plain unkind." Felix stared at her.

"You really think that?"

"I don't." Anna said, "But I know you better than Nick does. And that's how most of the people I know think of you. It's only the people here - and one or two others - who know you're not really like that."

"Then I guess I'm not a particularly attractive proposition for anyone's sister." Felix said.

"Not really, no." Anna said. "Although you might be able to get to know Nick a bit better over the holidays. I would, if I were you. To date one Gellibrand you have to win over them both. They're very possessive of each other."

"Fantastic." Felix muttered. "It doesn't matter anyway, does it? She's been gone a year, and she's not coming back for another nine months. She's bound to have found someone else."

"Not unless she's changed dramatically." Anna said. "I told you, she's useless at things like that. She doesn't know how to cope with anything serious."

"But how am I supposed to last another nine months?" Felix demanded miserably. "She doesn't even write to me, I don't have any pictures of her, but I can't get her out of my head! And I don't even know if she likes me!"

"She does." Anna said. "I'm sure of it. How about you find yourself someone else to take your mind of her? Someone nice, with a brain."

"It doesn't work." Felix said. "I just end up getting annoyed becasue they're not Lois."

"You can't wait forever." Anna said softly. "If she comes back to you, wonderful, but you can't stop your life until she does. You have to move on, Felix." he stared at the bed, not replying. "You could always write to her." Anna suggested.

"I've tried. It doesn't work. I can never think of anythig to say. And she's never written to me. I mean, she knows my address, and if I ever got a letter finished I'd have to come and get her current one from you, so it's easier for her than me."

"Maybe if you wrote first?" Anna suggested. "Just tell her what you've been doing and things." Felix gave her a look.

"Right." he said.

"Well, maybe not, actually." Anna said, running his exploits through her mind. "You should go to bed now. You look awful. Are you still feeling bad? You could get your dad to give you something."

"No, I'm ok." Felix said, getting up. "Thanks for listening." Anna got up as well.

"Come here." she said, pulling him towards her. Felix hugged her tightly for a few minutes. "It'll be ok." Anna assured him. "You'll get there."

He didn't answer, but pulled away and left the room quickly, leaving Anna wondering if she should go after him or leave him alone.

Last edited by Eilidh on Mon Jun 19, 2006 10:49 am; edited 15 times in total
#2:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 9:58 am
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I feel a bit sorry for Felix, but after the way he's behaved in the past he can't really expect Lois to trust him or Nick to think he'd be a good partner for Lois.
#3:  Author: Rosy-Jess, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 10:04 am
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I feel sorry for Felix actually. It sounds as if he is trying to behave better, and he is being judged by an awful lot of people, fairly or unfairly. It was a nice scene Eilidh. Thankyou!
#4:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 10:21 am
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Such a complicated situation for Felix. I suppose he couldn't take a fornight off his job and fly out to her and surprise her? Hmm, maybe Anna should talk to Nick...

Thank you Eilidh Very Happy
#5:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 11:08 am
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I hope Felix manages to sort himself out soon. Hopefully he'll listen to Anna's advice and write to Lois!
#6:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 12:55 pm
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Thanks, Eilidh - Anna was certainly honest with him. She pulled no punches, did she? Laughing
#7:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 1:16 pm
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I feel sorry for Felix too. Perhaps Anna can intervene now she knows how he feels too?

Thanks Eilidh
#8:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 2:25 pm
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Much as I feel sorry for Felix, I can't help but think that this is doing him a power of good! Hopefully by the time Lois does come home, he'll be so glad to see her that he'll actually manage to be nice to her. Thanks, Eilidh.
#9:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 3:27 pm
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I feel sorry for Felix too, lovely Anna there.

Thanks Eilidh, brilliant as ever!

Kathryn
#10:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 4:33 pm
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I thought the dialogue read excellently, Eilidh. Felix needed to hear that, and from someone he could trust. Now, hopefully, he can do something.

Thank you.
#11:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 4:45 pm
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Thanks, Eilidh. The characters aren't sounding wooden at all. I am feeling sorry for Felix as well.
#12:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 5:11 pm
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Not wooden at all Eilidh.

Poor Felix - but really he only has himself to blame.
#13:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 12:45 am
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The dialogue came over well Eilidh.

Poor Felix, starting to recognise that his reputation does matter, and that even although he might have changed, he still has to wait for others to accept it.
#14:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 9:40 am
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"This was a bad plan." Charles said, standing beside the car and watching the others. Felix, Nick and Cecily strapped on their ski's and sped off, covering the distance to the lifts easily.

"Come on." Anna coaxed. "I know you can do it. Let's go." Charles reluctantly put on his skis and picked up the poles.

"I can't do this." he said.

"Yes you can." Anna contradicted him quickly. "Come on, lets go." She shot off after the others and slowly Charles followed her, moving more quickly as he got used to the feel of the skis again. "See?" Anna asked, as he caught her at the bottom of the ski lift.

By the time the sun was beginning to go down, Charles had almost resumed his former competance. When they stopped at the top of a run in the late afternoon, Cecily hunted for her watch.

"Last run, if we want to be home for dinner." she said. Anna was looking down the run, however.

"This is..." she said slowly. Felix looked as well.

"The same one." he agreed. "Chas?"

"What?" Charles asked.

"Do you want to go somewhere else?" Felix suggested. "This is the same run - the one where..." Charles looked down the run, and realised where he was. He paled slightly, but shook his head.

"No." he said. "I want to race you." Felix looked shocked. "I mean it." Charles continued, swinging himself round into position. "You never did take me up on that challenge. If I remember correctly, you threatened to wipe the floor with me. Let's see if you can. Start us, Cecily." Cecily did as she was told and they took off down the run together, their yells echoing back up to the three on the top.

"They're going to cause an avalanche." Nick predicted. "Come on, you pair, I'm cold. Lets get home." They flew down the slope together, only catching Charles and Felix at the car. They had gona at full speed down the entire slope, Felix winning the race by a matter of feet. Charles looked flushed and tired, but pleased with himself, and with Felix at the wheel they headed back to Freudesheim.
#15:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 9:42 am
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Good for Charles! Thanks, Eilidh.
#16:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 9:43 am
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Well done Charles! That took guts.
#17:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 9:43 am
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Yay, well done Charles glad he did do it!

Thank you Eilidh!
#18:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 9:54 am
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Well done Charles!
#19:  Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 1:48 pm
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Woooo Charles!!!!! Very Happy
Thanks Eilidh Very Happy
#20:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 3:45 pm
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Thanks, Eilidh. I'm glad that Charles was able to manage the run.
#21:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 6:52 pm
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That took guts!

Now he's done that, he'll be so much better in his mind.
#22:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 7:35 pm
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Glad that's sorted. Thank you Eilidh Very Happy
#23:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 7:51 pm
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Well done Charles. Laughing
#24:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 11:06 pm
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Yay!! Good for Charles, talk about getting back on the horse!!
#25:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 12:23 am
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Well done Charles - that really took courage.
#26:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 11:30 am
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\"Merry Christmas Anna!\" she said cheerfully, helping herself to a glass of milk and a roll. \"Anything I can do to help?\"

\"Merry Christmas, liebchen.\" the older woman replied. \"No, there is nothing. e got everything prepared yesterday and today we must just cook.\"

\"I'll be in the Saal then.\" Anna replied, making her way to the big room. The fire was already burning and she curled up near it, looking out into the dark, snow-covered garden, enjoying the peace before the rest of the house woke. A glance at the clock showed it was only just after half past six, and she expected that most of the occupants of Freudesheim wouldn't be awake or another hour or so.

\"Merry Christmas!\" Nick said cheerfully, bending over to hug her. \"Was that you who beat me to the shower then?\"

\"Merry Christmas.\" Anna replied, \"It was, I'm afraid. I hope you weren't too put out?\"

\"I can forgive you.\" he said, seating himself opposite her. There was another clatter on the stairs and Felix arrived.

\"Only you two up?\" he asked.

\"Merry Christmas to you too.\" Anna smiled. \"Yes, only us. And Anna.\"

\"Merry Christmas.\" Felix replied, returning her hug. \"Merry Christmas Nick.\" he added, holding out his hand.

\"Merry Christmas.\" Nick said. \"Any idea what the plan is for today?\"

\"The usual, I suppose.\" Felix said. \"Church, presents, lunch, quiet afternoon. Carols tonight, I imagine. You should know by now its excitement central here at Christmas.\" Nick laughed.

\"No different from Dragon House last year.\" he said.

\"One big difference.\" Felix said, stretching out on the rug. \"I thought about what you said,\" he added to Anna, \"I'll write if you think that’s the best thing to do. Or if you think it would be better I'll try and forget about her.\"

\"It’s up to you.\" Anna replied, speaking to Felix but watching Nick. \"You're the only one who knows how you feel about her.\"

\"I know how I feel about her!\" Felix said. \"But I also know I don't want to have to wait patiently on her return. I want to have fun.\"

\"You can't have it both ways.\" Anna began, but Nick interrupted.

\"I know Lois. I know Lois better than anyone. She was seriously hurt last Christmas before she came home, and the last thing she really needed was to fall for you - she knew that. She knew what you were like. You hurt her enough as it was - why you couldn't just have kept your mouth shut I don't know - and yes, I wanted to kill you for it. The same as you would have if something like that had happened to Felicity. I might have come round if you had been able to convince me that you liked her, but you didn't. You just went back to the same string of mindless idiots you were with before. Now, Anna seems to think there's more to you than I do. I don't know if she's right - I don't know if you're capable of behaving like a decent human being. But I don't want you upsetting my sister any more. If you want to write to her, that’s fine. I can't stop you. But please do it as a friend and don't even mention anything else. And please try and find someone else. I won't stop Lois getting involved with you if that’s what she really wants - she's an adult woman and while I don't think you're good enough for her I trust Anna's judgement. But I want you to wait until she's back here and able to make a decision without all the problems she had last Christmas. And I will kill you if you hurt her. And I think that would rather ruin my chances of marrying Cecily.\" There was silence for a few seconds when he finished this speech.

\"Thanks.\" Felix said eventually. \"I think.\"

\"Can we forget about this for the rest of today now?\" Anna asked, as the front door banged. \"You've cleared the air. Maybe now we can just get on with enjoying Christmas?\"

\"Merry Christmas.\" Charles said, coming in and kissing Anna.

\"You're freezing!\" she protested, pulling away from him. He flopped down on the rug beside his brother with a groan.

\"I hate working nights.\" he explained. \"And I'm so sore from the ski-ing yesterday.\"

\"Bad shift?\" Anna asked. He sat up and rested his head on her knees.

\"No worse than normal.\" he replied.

\"Are you going to bed?\" Felix asked.

\"What time are we going to church?\"

\"Ten. It's only seven just now.\"

\"I'll go and get a couple of hours.\" Charles decided, getting up again. \"Wake me at nine though.\" They promised and he climbed the stairs, collapsing on his bed fully dressed, asleep almost at once.

By the time Anna went to wake him, the rest of the house was awake and the sound of running footsteps, cheerful discussion and singing echoed through the building. Felix and Nick had gone out together with Bruno, and Anna slipped up the stairs and into Charles' room. She smiled when she saw him, and climbed on to the bed beside him.

\"Wake up.\" she said softly, kissing him. Charles responded sleepily, opening his eyes.

\"What time is it?\" he demanded.

\"Just nine.\" Anna said. \"When you told me to wake you, remember?\" He groaned. \"You can stay here if you want.\" Anna continued. \"Or you can go back to bed after church.\" He looked exhausted and she ran her hand down his cheek. \"Only a few more months.\" she said quietly. \"Only a few months, and then no more nights - not unless there's an emergency.\"

\"And coming back to you if there is.\" he smiled. \"OK, I'm awake.\" He climbed off the bed and disappeared in the direction of the bathroom, while Anna hunted around and unearthed some clean clothes, leaving them on the bed before running back downstairs to find Cecily.

Her friend was sitting on the window seat in the Saal, laughing as she watched Nick and Felix throwing snowballs for Bruno, who leapt to catch them and then looked around in bewilderment as they disappeared in his mouth.

\"That's quite an improvement.\" Anna observed, dropping down beside her.

\"It was you, wasn't it,\" Cecily said. \"You told them they were behaving like idiots.\" It wasn't a question, and Anna didn't answer it. \"Do you really think he's right for Lois?\" Cecily asked. Anna shrugged.

\"I have no idea.\" she replied. \"But I think it's about time they were allowed to find out for themselves instead of other people deciding for them. Can I borrow your black gloves to go to church? Mine have a hole in them.\"

\"Course you can.\" Cecily said. \"We should challenge them this afternoon.\" she added.

\"Who?\" Anna asked. \"We'd have to ask Charles too, and then there would be three of them and they're bigger than us.\"

\"Pippa will play.\" Cecily replied. \"And Geoff and Claire.\"

\"It's strange having so few of your family here.\" Anna said. \"Normally the place is bursting at the seams! Why are there so few of you?\"

\"Well, Len and Reg have taken the girls to Con and Roger.\" Cecily said. \"You know Rosie and Megan love having Christmas with the twins and Katy. Although Reg wasn't sure - the baby's due any time and he was worried about the long journey. Ruey and Roddy are there too. Erica has gone to Steve and Adrienne - Adrienne's been asking her for ages. Mike couldn't get leave - he did have Christmas off last year, after all. And Fliss is on tour. That's the lot.\"

\"Are you two ready?\" Joey demanded, banging on the window to attract Felix's attention and then gesturing wildly. \"We're going to be late. Where's Chas? Did anyone wake him?\"

\"I'm here.\" Charles himself replied, as Nick and Felix returned with an exhausted Bruno, who flopped down in front of the fire. Cecily flew upstairs and returned with outdoor things for herself and Anna, and within a short time the entire household was walking down the snowy road, and up the short track leading to the School's chapels.

\"Not as bad as you thought then?\" Anna asked in a low voice, jerking her head towards Felix.

\"No.\" Nick replied. \"I suppose not. And don't you dare say I told you so.\"

\"Would I?\" Anna asked sweetly, running on up the road to catch Charles.

Edited to remove random slashes that had been inserted. Why?
ETA - waste of time. They're back.

Last edited by Eilidh on Sat Jun 03, 2006 2:40 pm; edited 3 times in total
#27:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 11:36 am
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They always have such lovely Christmases at Freudesheim. Thanks, Eilidh.
#28:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 1:24 pm
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The random slashes appeared in my drabble update when I was posting it earlier on, when I realised that I'd missed out a set of speech marks and typed them in. However, when I deleted the paragraph, typed the missing speech marks into Word and copied the paragraph over again, they didn't appear. Very weird!!

Last edited by Alison H on Sat Jun 03, 2006 1:28 pm; edited 1 time in total
#29:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 1:27 pm
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The random slashes seem to be multiplying here - there was only one in each place when I looked at this earlier. Could this be connected to the other problems elsewhere? Gremlins, maybe?!
#30:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 1:51 pm
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They multiplied when I tried to edit it. Confused

ETA: Copying and pasting only managed to get it back to one slash each - grr. But thanks for the suggestion Alison.

Last edited by Eilidh on Sat Jun 03, 2006 2:41 pm; edited 1 time in total
#31:  Author: Rosy-Jess, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 2:12 pm
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Golly. It's all a bit odd this slashing malarky.

Thanks Eilidh!
#32:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 3:53 pm
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Thanks, Eilidh. I'm sorry that everyone's having problems with the slash marks. I'm glad that Nick and Felix are getting on better with each other.
#33:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 7:33 pm
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Thanks Eilidh Very Happy

*pokes random slashes*

Kathryn
#34:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 8:05 pm
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I'm glad that eveyone is having a nice christmas!
Hopefully the slashes will vanish soon!
#35:  Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 3:57 pm
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Eeek weirdy slashes!!! Why do they only appear on the update? Glad to see that Felix and Nick getting on finally.
Thanks Eilidh Very Happy
#36:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 5:32 pm
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That was a lovely post! Thanks Eilidh!

*pokes the norty random slash marks!*
#37:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 12:44 am
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Good to see that Felix and Nick have manage to come to terms with one another.
That was a nice update.
Thank you Eilidh.
#38:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 8:57 am
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I've skipped Christmas, because it's not long since I last wrote a Christmas/New Year and I have no inspiration at all for another one. Hope no one minds. And thank you again for all your comments.

"I cannot believe this is our last term." Anna said, dropping down on to Emily's bed with no regard for that young woman's belongings.

"Are you going to re-iron those clothes you've just sat on?" Emily demanded. "Or are you going to get off them?" Anna stood up and removed the clothes, handing them to her friend to put away.

"Just twelve weeks left." she said. "And then...what?"

"Then, you're getting married and going to be Mrs Maynard and a respectable doctor's wife." Emily said. "And I'm going to get a job, and Liz is going to do her training as a teacher and Cecily's going to be composing and getting round to marrying Nick."

"And we're all going to be hopelessly grown up." Anna finished mournfully.
"Don't worry about it." Emily said. "After all, we've got another three months of Imogen to get through first."

"When is she back?" Anna asked. Emily shrugged.

"The later the better." she said. "Liz isn't back until next week, so we're spared fireworks that long, anyway. Pass me those books - my family seem to have decided that I needed a new library this Christmas - I got about twelve. I brought them back with me, though I don't suppose I'll get much of a chance to read them."

"Not likely." Anna agreed. "What did John get you?" Emily held out one wrist to display a pretty silver bracelet. "Nice." Anna said, admiring it. "Listen, Em, what are we going to do about Imogen?"

"Excuse me?" Emily asked. "Since when was it 'we'? If you want to go off on one of your missions then feel free, but don't expect me to help you. And if you want my opinion, it'll be a waste of time."

"It's we because we both have to listen to Elisabeth." Anna pointed out. "And because I know you're as curious about her as I am."

"What's there to be curious about?" Emily asked. Anna opened her mouth to reply, but before she got a word out the front door slammed.

"Great." Emily said. "So much for peace." Anna jumped off the bed and ran to lean over the railing.

"Hi Imogen." she said. Imogen looked up.

"Hi." she returned briefly.

"Do you want any help?" Anna asked.

"No, thank you." Imogen replied politely. Anna returned to Emily's room, her eyebrows raised.

"So tell me." Emily said. "In addition to sitting your final exams, how many lost causes are you taking on this term?"

"They're not lost causes." Anna said.

"You'll be keeping an eye on Nick for Cecily." Emily said, ignoring this. Anna nodded. "Who else? Have you got yourself roped into this Felix and Lois thing?"

"How do you know about that?" Anna demanded. Emily rustled through a pile of paper and threw Anna a page.

'...and now, Em, is this Felix guy the one you had a thing with? Lois is obsessed by him for some reason and I don't know what to do about it. I've lost count of the number of letters to him she's thrown in the bin - an entire forest worth, probably. She's ok as long as she has something else to distract her and most of the time when she doesn't, but occasionally she just has these miserable turns and nothing I can do can stop it! And every letter she's had from her brother has mentioned what a good-for-nothing he is and how he's not miserable for her at all and has strings of girlfriends. Needless to say, it's not helping. But I'm curious. What is he really like? You'll know. And if you get a chance have a word with that idiot brother of hers and tell him to stop it. He's only making her worse.

"You are getting involved, aren't you?" Emily asked. Anna nodded.
"Felix asked me to."

"OK. So Nick, Felix, and Imogen? You are actually mad. You shouldn't be doing this when you have so much work on. And then there's your wedding. You'll be spending half your weekends at Dragon House organising that. When do you intend to sleep?" Anna laughed.

"I won't have so much to do if you help with Imogen and Nick." she said. Emily groaned.

"I don't have a choice, do I?" she asked. "Fine, I'll help you. But the first nasty comment we get from Miss Snob over there, count me out. OK?"

"Thanks Em." Anna grinned. "I knew you'd come round."

"I'm going to regret this." Emily said. "Come on. Dinner. I'm hungry. And we're going out, because we don't have any choice." They went downstairs together, passing Imogen in the hallway.

"We're going to have dinner, Imogen. Do you want to come?" Anna asked. Imogen shrugged

"There's no need to be polite." she said coldly. "We can keep out each other's way until the end of the year."

"Don't be ridiculous." Anna said. "We can't do that if we have to live with each other. Do you want to come and have something to eat or not?"

"Not." Imogen replied firmly. "Excuse me please." She continued up the stairs past them, leaving them staring open-mouthed at each other.
#39:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 9:00 am
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Imogen really is a cow - wonder what's behind it.

As for "helping" with Felix and Lois, I know they mean well but getting involved in other people's relationships isn't always a good idea.

Thanks Eilidh. I really wish I was back at uni now! Well, back at uni but without the exams!
#40:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 10:26 am
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I'm starting to feel a bit sorry for Imogen which is rather worrying itself!

Thanks Eilidh, Anna is going to be rather busy this term isn't she?!

Kathryn
#41:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 11:14 am
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Imogen is a mystery! I really want to know what's behind her behaviour!
#42:  Author: ibarhis, Location: London and Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 12:01 pm
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Me too... who/what/why is Miss Imogen?
#43:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 6:54 pm
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Thanks Eilidh - also intrigued about Imogen, and Felix and Lois.
#44:  Author: Rosy-Jess, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 8:26 pm
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Golly. Get Imogen.

Thankyou Eilidh!
#45:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 11:42 pm
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Hrm, should we feel sorry for Imogen in some way? She obviously has no social skills and can’t have made many lasting friendships. Plus she’s stuck in a situation living with people who don’t like her. She might feel as if she’s blotted her copybook forever.

Thank you Eilidh, brilliant as always.
#46:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 8:43 am
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ibarhis wrote:
who/what/why is Miss Imogen?


Isn't that the question(s)? Thanks for the archiving, pim.

"Put it down." Emily said firmly, removing the text book from Anna's hands and tossing her a pair of shoes. "We're going out. Come on. Move." It was a few months into the term, and despite Anna's best intentions, she had found no time to do anything about Imogen, or Lois.

"I can't." Anna said, pushing the shoes away and reaching for her book. "I have to work."

"You have been working solidly for the last week, and you still have the holidays before your exams." Elisabeth said from the doorway. "Give it here, Em." Emily tossed the book across and Elisabeth deposited it in her own room and locked the door.

"Now you don't have a choice." she said triumphantly. "Come on, an afternoon off won't hurt you. It's the first really nice day we've had all year. And you still have weeks before your exams - it's only just May." Anna sighed.

"If I fail..." she warned.

"We'll risk it." Elisabeth replied, leading the way out of the house.

"You parted her from her books then?" Nick asked when they met him in the big park a short while later.

"Just." Emily said, "Where are they?" she demanded. Nick shrugged as they settled themselves on the grass.

"We have a picnic." Elisabeth informed him, waving the basket wildly and making Emily glad that the lid was secure.

"Good." he replied. "Your cooking always tastes much better than mine. I don't know why."

"Because we're good at it." Emily replied absently, watching two tall figures approaching over the grass. She waved, and the darker of the pair waved back in acknowledgment. Anna and Elisabeth were unpacking the picnic and didn't look up.

"Hello." Charles said, dropping down on the grass beside Anna. She gave a gasp of delight.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded.

"What a lovely greeting." Felix observed.

"Well, when you just turn up out the blue what do you expect?" Anna asked, hugging Charles tightly. "I'm so glad to see you." she added. "How long are you here?"

"A week." he replied. "I've got some time off, and I decided to come and spend it with you. I called, but I got Emily and she decided to keep it a secret. I stopped off with Steve and Adrienne for a night, by the way. I have huge letters for you both - I don't think Cecily slept at all that night - and a pile of photos. I'll give you them later. They're in my bag."

"Why are you off?" Anna demanded. "Have you been ill again? Or overworking?"

"No, I just felt like a holiday." Charles replied. "Don't worry, I'm fine. I promise."

"Strong as a horse." Felix added.

"And you should be working, surely?" Elisabeth asked. He nodded.

"Yes, I should. But I don't have any lessons to give this afternoon so I took it off to go and pick up Chas. No one minds."

"I think they probably do." Nick said, helping himself to one of the sandwiches Emily was offering around. "But if it comes to that, Em and I are supposed to be at a lecture."

"It's far too nice a day to do work." Emily said. "It won't hurt us to miss one, will it?"

"No one said it would." Elisabeth pointed out. "Now, no more work talk."

"Should we have invited Imogen?" Anna asked some time later, when they had made a considerable dent in the picnic.

"No." Elisabeth replied immediately. "Can you just imagine it? With those two here?" she waved a hand in the direction of Charles and Felix.

"What about us?" Charles demanded.

"Felix maybe." Emily said. "Not Charles. He's with Anna. She knows that."

"She knows John's with you as well but that never stops her." Elisabeth retorted. "She'd have been a nightmare with them. Wouldn't have known which one to get her claws into first."

"She's been ok this term." Anna protested. Elisabeth made a disbelieving noise.

"I can't wait to meet her." Charles grinned. "I've heard so much about her."

"Well, you'll get your wish." Elisabeth said. "She'll be in for dinner, she told me this morning."

"And speaking of being in, we'd better move." Emily said. "It's going to pour soon." The sun had disappeared behind a huge bank of black clouds, so there was point to her words, and they packed up the picnic. The rain began to fall just as they reached Felix's car and they piled in, Emily sitting on Nick's knee for the short journey.

"You staying for dinner? Felix? Nick?" Emily asked as they scrambled out.

"Might as well." Felix agreed, and Nick nodded as well.

"Saves cooking." he said.

"And I'm curious about Imogen." Felix grinned.

"Well, prepare to have your curiosity satisfied." Elisabeth said, opening the door and leading the way in.
#47:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 8:51 am
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I'm curious about Imogen as well!
#48:  Author: Rosy-Jess, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 9:44 am
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Golly. We shall indeed see.
#49:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:25 am
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Dinner could be fun...

Thank you Eilidh!
#50:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:34 am
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Thanks Eilidh! Just caught up on loads of this. I really want to know about Imogen too...
#51:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 10:44 am
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Thanks Eilidh! May we have our curiosity satisfied too?
#52:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 12:26 pm
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Oh dear, is she a boychaser? Bah.

Thanks Eilidh, lovely picnic scene there Very Happy
#53:  Author: ibarhis, Location: London and Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 2:24 pm
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Why do I get the feeling there is going to be more to this than a simple meal? Please may we have some more soon?
#54:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 2:38 pm
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That was lovely, thanks, Eilidh.
#55:  Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 4:59 pm
    —
Do I forsee fireworks over tea?
Thanks Eilidh Very Happy
#56:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 5:04 pm
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This could get very interesting...thanks Eilidh!

Kathryn
#57:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 7:12 pm
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Yes, the meal sounds good!

Thanks Eilidh.
#58:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 11:48 am
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*g* looks like Anna's inherited Joey's butting-in mantle by proxy! Wink

Thanks Eilidh, fab as ever.

*also curious about Imogen*
#59:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:01 pm
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Thanks, Eilidh. I'm glad that Charles has come to see Anna. I wonder what will happen at the meal.
#60:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 11:12 am
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Persistant bullying has prompted the bunnies to give me some more. And I have a confession to make - Imogen was never supposed to have a background and I have no idea what it is. I think she's just a thouroughly nasty and spoilt piece of work.

To the boys disappointment, no one was visible in the lower part of the house. Anna, whose turn it was to cook, barricaded herself in the kitchen with Charles for company while Emily and Elisabeth entertained the other two in the sitting room. As a result, it was Charles who got the first view of Imogen, who appeared suddenly and, not even seeming to notice him, poured herself a glass of water.

"Are you eating with us?" Anna asked her. Imogen glanced up.

"I don't know." she said.

"Well, can you tell me so I know how many people to serve?" Anna asked, a note of irritation creeping into her voice.

"I think I'll just go out." Imogen said. "I don't suppose you actually want me here anyway, so I won't get in your way."

"Fine." Anna replied, pulling plates out of the cupboard. "Set the table, Charles, will you?" she asked.

"Where is she?" Felix demanded, as they squeezed around the table.

"Gone out." Anna replied. "She was in a bad mood."

"When is she not?" Elisabeth demanded. "She's been in a bad mood since Christmas!"

"Since Em told her what we though of her." Anna said.

"You've only got another few weeks to put up with her anyway." Charles pointed out. "How long do you have left?"

"Six weeks - but two of them are the Easter break." Emily said, after a moment's thought.

"You two are coming to Switzerland for that, aren't you?" Charles asked. Anna and Nick nodded.

"Anyway, only four weeks of her left." Felix said. "Surely you can cope with that?"

"Oh we can cope." Elisabeth said. "We just don't like it!"

Later that evening, as Anna stood in front of the mirror brushing out her hair before bed, Charles came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"I've missed you." he told her.

"I've missed you too." Anna replied, twisting around to hug him. "I'm so glad I get you to myself for a week, without you running off to work or people demanding that you do things."

"It was rather awful that I was working nights over Christmas." Charles admitted. "I did try to change, but no one could. And anyway, in a few months you'll have me to yourself all the time."

"I know." Anna replied. "And there's hardly any time left and we've been apart for so long. But the last few weeks are going to feel like years, I know."

"It'll be ok." Charles assured her, picking her up and depositing her on the bed. "It'll go quicker than you think - and then you'll be back at Dragon House and up to your eyes in wedding preparations." Anna laughed.

"Jesanne is going all out." she admitted. "She said she was never likely to get the chance to do it for Lois, so she's making the most of it with me."

"I'm sure it'll be wonderful." Charles said. "In fact, I know it will. Even if there's no one there but us and you turn up in your old clothes." Anna laughed.

"You don't mean that." she said.

"I do." Charles assured her. "I am sorry that we won't have time for a honeymoon - David needs me to start and we have to get moved in and sorted out before I do."

"Its fine." Anna replied. "We'll go somewhere later - don't worry about it."

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Yes." she insisted. "I can't wait to see what the house is like - I can't believe you wouldn't let me come with you to see it!"

"I wanted it to be a surprise." Charles said, stifling a yawn.

"You're tired." Anna said.

"A bit." he admitted. "I've had a long day."

"Go to sleep then." she suggested. "I have a class tomorrow morning, but I'll try not to wake you." she wriggled aorund until she was comfortable and Charles wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close to him.

"Goodnight." he whispered, kissing her hair.

"Goodnight." she replied.
#61:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 11:19 am
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*sigh* That was so sweet. How lovely that he's keeping the house a surprise - that'll make up for no honeymoon. And they're obviously saving themselves for after the marriage.

Thanks Eilidh.

*doesn't want this to end with the marriage!*
#62:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 11:54 am
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Very sweet.
#63:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 11:54 am
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Aww bless!
#64:  Author: Mary, Location: Sussex University PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 2:03 pm
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They're all so lovely. I'm really enjoying this. Thank you.
M xxx
#65:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 2:13 pm
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They are such a lovely couple. And good for Jesanne, giving Anna a proper send off. Thanks, Eilidh.
#66:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 2:21 pm
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They're so lovely together...aw.

Thanks Eilidh Very Happy

Kathryn
#67:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 2:53 pm
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Aww, bless 'em.

Thanks Eilidh
#68:  Author: Rosy-Jess, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 5:15 pm
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Aww bless

*all mushy*
#69:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 6:06 pm
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That was lovely, thanks Eilidh.
#70:  Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 9:14 pm
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I bet the house will be lovely!!
Thanks Eilidh Very Happy
#71:  Author: ibarhis, Location: London and Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 8:09 am
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I must confess to a slight disappointment about Imogen... I had all kinds of guesses...

I am loving the rest though...
#72:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 9:11 am
    —
Well would you believe it - it's finished! At last!

"You look better." Elisabeth observed, opening the door.

"Thanks." Nick replied. "Just my luck to get ill and miss all the parties. Where is she?"

"Just coming." Elisabeth replied. "Be warned - there will be tears. Both of them have been at it already this morning." Nick shook his head.

"Why?" he demanded.

"Who knows?" Elisabeth sighed, as Anna and Emily appeared from upstairs, carrying Anna's belongings between them.

"Ready to go?" Nick asked.

"Nearly." Anna replied.

"I'll put your things in the car." he told her firmly. "And then it's time to go. I left at six this morning and I want to get back at a decent hour. I'm not standing about while you say goodbye a million times." Anna made a face at him.

"You'd think we were going to be parted forever!" Elisabeth said, seeing tears welling up again. "We're coming to your wedding in two months!" Anna hugged Emily tightly.

"That doesn't matter." she said. "It won't be the same."

"Get her out of here, Nick." Elisabeth requested, as Anna hugged her as well.

"Yes, come on. I warned you." Nick said, attempting to pull Anna out of the house. "You'll see them again. Come on!" This last was accompanied by a tug which almost sent her sprawling on the floor.

"OK, I'm coming." Anna said, giving both her friends a last hug. "There's no need to throw me about." she added, as he hugged Emily briefly and nodded to Elisabeth, before following him out to the car. They climbed in and Nick pulled away, while Anna waved madly until they turned the corner and the house was out of sight.

"And that's it." she said, falling against the back of the seat with a sigh. "We're not students any more."

"No, now you have to be an adult." Nick grinned, and Anna made a face at him, which was wasted as he negotiated the car through the busy streets.

"What are you going to do with yourself anyway?" she demanded. Nick shrugged.

"Don't know." he said. "I'll decide at some point. Mum can put up with me until then. Oh, and I was supposed to tell you, I had a letter from Cecily. She wants to get married next Christmas."

"Wonderful!" Anna smiled. "And you?"

"I just turn up when she tells me to." Nick replied, swerving violently to miss a cyclist who was determinedly pedalling down the middle of the road. Anna was silenced for the time being, and before too long they were out of the city and heading west. "That's better." Nick observed, settling back in the seat. "I don't know why I volunteered to come back and pick you up."

"So what else did Cecily say?" Anna demanded.

"Not much." Nick said. "She'll be here in two weeks - she's going to the Platz first. Heard from Lois?"

"She's coming home in six weeks." Anna replied. Nick's face lit up with delight.

"For good?" he demanded. Anna shook her head.

"Louise has met someone - an Australian guy. They're getting married in February and Lou has asked Lois to be her bridesmaid. Once she's done that I think she'll start to make her way home."

"Not too bad, I suppose." Nick allowed. "She'll be home by the time Cecily and I get married." Anna nodded.

"I don't know what she's going to do when she does get home." she said.

"Nothing, knowing Lois." Nick said. "Have you met Felix's girlfriend?"

"I didn't know there was one." Anna replied, surprised. "I thought he was holding out for Lois."

"So did I, but apparently there's someone else." Nick said. "I can't say I'm sorry - did you ever write to Lois about it?"

"I never had any time." Anna said. "And it's all very well you not being sorry - you do realise that if Lois is as bad as Louise's letter to Em made out then she's going to be devastated?"

"I know." Nick replied, a frown crossing his face. "But he's not right for her, Anna."

"That's her decision." Anna replied. Nick sighed, and she changed the subject. "How's your mum?"

"Organising like mad." Nick grinned. "You'd think we had two days until this wedding, not two months. Maybe once you get there she'll stop asking me for my opinions." he added. Anna laughed.

"She should know better." she agreed. "You don't have opinions."

"Not about weddings, anyway!" Nick agreed, laughing with her.

"What's she been asking?" Anna wanted to know, but Nick was unable to answer, the laughter having turned to a bad bout of coughing. "Pull over." Anna instructed, but he shook his head.

"I'm ok." he managed, before coughing again.

"Nick, pull over!" Anna insisted. "Just for a minute. Until you stop coughing." Nick shook his head and coughed again, jerking the steering wheel violently and sending the car spinning across the opposite carriageway and off the road.

And as this drabble was about their time at university, and that is now finished, should this be the last post?
#73:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 9:27 am
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No, it definitely should not be the last post! I've really enjoyed this, Eilidh, and if this is the end of this part, can we hope there'll be a sequel? Please?

*prepares an enormous bag of tempting Bunny Goodies and sends it down the line*
#74:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 9:36 am
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No - you can't leave it there!!

Unless you're planning to start the next drabble in the series very soon - please ....

Thanks Eilidh Very Happy .
#75:  Author: ibarhis, Location: London and Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:09 am
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You can't leave the story there... but you could start another drabble!

Please...
#76:  Author: Rosy-Jess, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:15 am
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Eilidh wrote:
And as this drabble was about their time at university, and that is now finished, should this be the last post?


No. No, and er no. Please nicely, it's so sunny, we need a wedding!
#77:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:16 am
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Haha an end of season finale cliff hanger! *applauds*

However - whaaaaaaaaaat! Please start the new one immediately, this is not fair! Laughing
#78:  Author: gwynne, Location: Norwich PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:18 am
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Nooooooo. you can't leave it like this...we need a wedding (and besides have they graduated yet?!)
#79:  Author: Caty, Location: New Zealand PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:21 am
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Noooooo. Eilidh, you can't stop there. I bought my nice Lime green hat way back along with everyone else & I want a wedding to wear it to!

But indeedy - what a cliff!
#80:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 10:54 am
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Please don't leave it there! We have to find out if Anna and Nick are ok... Confused
#81:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 11:02 am
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Eilidh, don't be norty!
#82:  Author: tiffinata, Location: melbourne, australia PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 11:24 am
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you wouldn't dare!


Would you?
#83:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 11:49 am
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NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Eilidh!!

What are you doing to us?! You come back here right away young lady and give us a. some non-dead characters and b. a wedding!!!
#84:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 11:56 am
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Thanks, Eilidh. That was a very unfair place to finish this drabble! I hope you will write a sequel.
#85:  Author: pim, Location: Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 12:04 pm
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Eilidh!!!!!!! *wails*

You can't end it there, nooooooooooooo.

*begs shamelessly*
#86:  Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 12:11 pm
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You can't leave it there, Eilidh. We need you to come back and tell us that they're both all right!!!

Please, pretty please, with a cherry on top.
#87:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 12:30 pm
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*giggles at the responses* Norty Eilidh. Shouldn't tease. Twisted Evil

There was a thump as Nick's head hit the steering wheel, and Anna screamed as they bumped through the hedge and down into the ditch, eventually coming to a halt with a sickening crunch as they hit the wall. She took a few deep breaths and tried to pull herself together before turning to Nick, who was still slumped forward. Fighting down her rising panic, Anna removed her seatbelt and fumbled for the door handle, relived when it opened. She climbed out and leant on the roof of the car for a few seconds until she felt more like herself, and then looked back at Nick. He groaned and opened his eyes as she made her way around the car, and tried to open the door, which was twisted out of shape and jammed against the hedge, and refused to move.

"It's stuck." Anna said, having got as close to it as she could, and climbed back round to her own door. "You'll have to come out this way. Can you manage?" Nick, looking very white and scared, climbed carefully over the seats and out of the car, where Anna caught him as his legs gave way and helped him to sit down at the side of the road.

"Are you ok?" she asked, kneeling beside him.

"I think so." he said, rather shakily.

"It's ok." Anna said. "We're not hurt, and that's the main thing. We'll walk to the nearest town, and phone your mum. Someone will come and get us and we can see a garage and arrange to get the car towed out. OK?" Nick stared blankly at her. "Nick, it's ok." Anna repeated, running her fingers over the rapidly growing bump visible over his eye, and noting that some colour was returning to his face. "Does this hurt?" she demanded.
"Yes." Nick said. "Anna, I'm sorry. I should have..."

"Its ok." she cut him off. "I don't want to hear another apology. It's done now, we're both more or less ok, and the car can get fixed. Now come on, can you get up?" She helped him to his feet and they climbed back up to the road.

"We passed a turn off to a town a few minutes before." Nick said. "If we go back that way we should find somewhere."

"Right." Anna said. "Let's go then."

Jesanne was standing anxiously on the steps when they finally arrived at Dragon House, and she swooped on them as soon as they got out the car.

"Are you hurt?" she demanded. "What happened? Nick, look at your eye! We'll need to put something on that. Anna, are you ok? What did you do? Was it another car? Did they hit you? Was anyone hurt? What did the garage say? Nick, what's wrong?" This last as Nick pushed past them both and ran up the stairs into the house, leaving Jesanne and Anna behind.
"What happened?" Jesanne demanded, as they followed him in. Anna sank thankfully into a seat in the library and told the story as briefly as she could. Jesanne, for a wonder, listened in silence.

"He must have had a bad fright." she observed finally, when Anna finished. "And so must you!" Anna smiled.

"I'm ok." she replied. "It could have been so much worse - we were lucky."

"I'm going to go to Nick." Jesanne said. "You should go to bed - I'll ask Agnes to bring you up something to eat."

"Thank you." Anna replied gratefully, as they went up the stairs together. "I hope Nick's ok."

"He will be." Jesanne replied. "You can see him tomorrow. Now go to bed!" she ordered, and Anna obediently entered her room and closed the door behind her.
#88:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 12:34 pm
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Now that was very naughty! Glad they are ok, though.

Thanks, Eilidh.
#89:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 12:47 pm
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Whew!

Hope Nick's chest trouble isn't coming back *wibbles*
#90:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 12:55 pm
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Glad they're OK, but still stressed about the coughing.
#91:  Author: Caty, Location: New Zealand PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 1:40 pm
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Phew. Also wibbling about Nick's cough.
#92:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 2:34 pm
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Naughty Eilidh - nice cliff though. Laughing

Glad they survived the crash, also worried about Nick's cough and his head injury.

Thank you
#93:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 2:59 pm
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I think you still haven't finished here Eilidh...

Thank you, 2 great posts there Very Happy

Kathryn
#94:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 3:41 pm
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Norty Eilidh! Nice cliff though...and thank you for the other update!
#95:  Author: Ally, Location: John Bettany's Cabin! PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 4:15 pm
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Golly a huge catch up! I hope Nick is ok! Thanks Eilidh
#96:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 4:46 pm
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Glad I missed that cliff - if you'd finished it there I may have had to poke you very very hard!

Thanks Eilidh
#97:  Author: Mary, Location: Sussex University PostPosted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 5:40 pm
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Eilidh! I almost had a heart attack thinking that you had stopped it there. Arghhhhh. I'm ok now though. Great story. Write more!
M
xxx
#98:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 11:31 am
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Thanks Eilidh!
Anna and Nick have both been to the hospital to be checked over I hope!
#99:  Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 12:25 pm
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Phew, you had me there Eilidh!! *looks foward to the weddings*
Thanks!
#100:  Author: Rosy-Jess, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 12:35 pm
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Am glad they are okay. They will feel it soon - you always do even when you think you are okay. I was horribly stiff after I wrote my car off (I walked away with a fractured sternum - the car got scrapped)

Thankyou for continuing!
#101:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 3:44 pm
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Thanks, Eilidh. I'm glad you came back and posted some more of the story. I'm also glad that they have both survived. I'm wibbling about Nick as well.
#102:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 8:53 am
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Right. This is the last pre-wedding bit.

Jesanne knocked at the door again about ten minutes later, and Anna opened it.

"He won't let me in." Jesanne said. "Won't unlock the door. Will you go and speak to him?"

"Shouldn't we just leave him?" Anna asked, pulling on her dressing gown. "He might not want to talk."

"I'm worried about him." Jesanne said. "He's upset - please go." Anna sighed.

"OK." she said, giving her guardian a hug. "I'll go and see if he'll talk to me. But I'm making no promises." She followed Jesanne through the corridore to Nicks room and knocked firmly.

"Go away." he instructed. "I don't want to see you."

"Thats a bit rude." Anna said. "I only want to talk." there was a pause, and then the door opened and she went in.

"What do you want?" Nick asked.

"To make sure you're ok." Anna said, sitting down beside him. "Because I'm worried, and your mum's worried, and I promised Cecily I'd look after you and she'll kill me if I don't." Nick smiled.

"I won't tell her." he offered.

"She'll know." Anna said ominously. "She always knows." Nick laughed, and then turned away as it turned into a cough again.

"Thats not supposed to happen." Anna said, trying to keep her tone light. "You're still not feeling well, are you?"

"I'm fine." Nick said quickly. Anna rolled her eyes.

"Don't lie to me Nick. When were you going to tell someone? Or were you just going to ignore it and hope it went away?" Nick pulled at a loose thread on the bedspread, and Anna noticed for the first time his slightly laboured breathing. "You were, weren't you?" she asked in frustration.

"I'd have told somebody if it didn't get better." Nick replied.

"When?" Anna asked. "And how long have you been this bad for?"

"About a week?" he suggested. "Don't nag, Anna, you know I don't like a fuss. And mum would have made one and insisted on bundling me back to Switzerland for a month."

"And what exactly do you think I'm going to do?" Anna demanded. Nick groaned.

"I don't want to go, Anna. I'm fine, there's nothing wrong!" He betrayed the lie immediatly by coughing violently again, and Anna left the room and returned with a glass of water, which she handed to him.

"Sip it." she cautioned. "Now, Switzerland."

"I'm not going." Nick said. "I'm twenty two years old and you can't make me. Everyone will worry."

"Because they won't be worried when you get worse and worse staying here." Anna said. "What's Lois going to say when she comes back and you're as bad as ever?"

"I'm not!" Nick protested. "I'm nowhere near as bad as I was."

"You will be if you don't go out the Platz." Anna said firmly. She ran her hand over his head, startled to feel how hot he was. "Please Nick." He shook his head. "Have you been sleeping properly?" she demanded. He shook his head, and she raised her eyebrows.

"I can't breath properly lying down." he admitted.

"My point exactly." Anna said.

"I can't go through all that again." he said. "I can't. I hated it."

"If you go now you won't have to go through it all." Anna said. "You probably won't even have to stay in the San, you'll be able to stay at Freudesheim. If you don't go then you'll be right beack to square one." Nick looked doubtful. "Sleep on it." Anna suggested. "But please go, just for a month. How can you give me away if you're so ill?"

"You think I wouldn't be able to do it?" Nick asked, horrified. Anna shrugged.

"Depends how ill you are, doesn't it?" she said. There were tears in her eyes and Nick put his arms round her.

"I won't do that to you." he told her. "Don't cry, please. I'll go for the month."

"I'm sorry." Anna said, wiping her face. "I'm just tired. We've had a hard day, and you look awful. Between the bump and the black eye and everything else you look like you're more than ready for it. Get ready for bed. I'll be back in five minues."

"Where are you going?" Nick asked curiously.

"To steal things." Anna replied. Leaving him to change, she hurried around the guestrooms nearby, collecting a huge heap of pillows. When she got back he was sitting up it bed, and he smiled as she came in. Dropping the pillows on the floor, she proceeded to pile them up around and behind him until he was comfortable. "Do you want anything else?" she asked. He shook his head.

"Are you ok?" he asked. Anna nodded, and sat back down on the edge of the bed.

"I am now you've seen sense." she said. "It's just that you and your mum and Lois are all I have left, other than my cousin Pam..."

"And Charles." put in Nick.

"and Charles," Anna agreed with a smile, "and I can't bear to see you doing such stupid things when it's so serious."

"I'm sorry." Nick said. "I really didn't mean to upset you."

"I know." Anna replied. "It's ok. Are you sure you've got everything you need?"

"I'm fine." he insisted, and she laughed.

"Put up with it." she advised, laughing. "I don't spoil you often." She bent to give him a hug.

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight."
#103:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 8:56 am
    —
Now I'm really wibbling in case Nick has a bad turn during the wedding Sad !
#104:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 10:11 am
    —
Oh dear - I hope Anna now tells Jesaane or gets Nick to. hopefully a month in Switzerland will sort him out.

Thank you Eilidh.
#105:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 10:15 am
    —
Oh, he's a silly boy! But at least Anna knows now & she & Jesanne will pack him off to to Switzerland.
#106:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 10:52 am
    —
Good for Anna, I hope that Nick hasn't left it too late though and done any more damage...wibble wibble wibble.

Thanks Eilidh!

Kathryn
#107:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 10:53 am
    —
Oh poor Nick, hopefully a month on the Platz will sort out his dodgy chest!
Thanks Eilidh, looking forward to the wedding!
#108:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 10:59 am
    —
Poor Nick - thanks Eilidh
#109:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 12:52 pm
    —
*still wibbling a bit*

They have such a lovely brother sister relationship. So glad that Anna has the Gellibrands! Thank you Eilidh, beautiful as always.
#110:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 2:01 pm
    —
Thanks, Eilidh. Poor Nick, trying to avoid going back to Switzerland even though it's obviously what he needs. Must be dreadful to be fussed over as he would be there, though.
#111:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 3:21 pm
    —
eeeek!!!
I'm glad Anna has managed to get Nick to be sensible, just hope she's in time.....
#112:  Author: Mary, Location: Sussex University PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 3:55 pm
    —
Nick? I didn't see bad things coming for him. Argh!!! Hope the wedding goes well!
This is great. Loving Anna.
M
xx
#113:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 5:52 pm
    —
Poor Nick! The stiff upper lip is not going to work, Nick - get some help!

Thank you Eilidh.
#114:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 6:43 pm
    —
Thanks, Eilidh. I'm glad that Nick has agreed to go to the San.
#115:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 8:42 pm
    —
Well done Anna - silly Nick, you'd have thought that 22 would mean he had grown up a bit! Rolling Eyes

Thanks Eilidh.
#116:  Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 9:08 pm
    —
I hope this doesn't develop into something too bad!! *wibbles*
Thanks Eilidh Very Happy
#117:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 8:39 am
    —
"OK, the cake is here, the flowers are here, we can set the tables in the Hall after breakfast, the dresses are here, Cecily's fits, Lois will have to try hers on when she gets here - damn the girl for being held up! - the Maynard's will be here over the course of the day - did you check the East wing had been opened and aired Agnes?"

"Yes, Miss Jesanne." The old woman replied, exchanging an amused smile with Anna.

"The guest rooms are all prepared, there are six more staff coming this morning - they're late! - I've lost my list of when people are arriving! And is he out of bed yet? Nick! NICK! And where's Cecily? She's vanished as well. "

"She went to post a letter." Anna replied. "And Nick's there. And your list is on the library table. Its fine, Jesanne. It's all organised."

"How's a chap supposed to sleep with you making all that noise?" Nick demanded, coming down the stairs two at a time, and looking like he had never been ill. He had come home two weeks before from a protesting month away, and spent most of his time since he had returned walking and riding. "I've been awake for ages. What's for breakfast?"

"Fix it yourself." Agnes told him firmly. "You weren't up to eat with the rest of us - you don't get anything cooked for you."

"Agnes!" Nick moaned.

"No!" she told him firmly. "I told you last night. We're too busy today for me to cook for you on your own, just because you can't be bothered getting out of bed."

"I'll grab a sandwich then and go out." Nick replied. "I thought I'd go for a ride - you don't want me under your feet all day when you're doing weddingy things."

"You'll do no such thing!" Jesanne snapped. "You're doing most of the pick-ups from the station. Graves is doing some, but we need him here as well so you'll have to help. So don't you go anywhere outside shouting distance!" Nick groaned.

"Hello, Miss Lois." Agnes said suddenly.

"Lois!" the yell came from all parts of the room, and Jesanne, Nick, and Anna swamped the newcomer.

"I found her in the village and brought her back with me." Cecily said with a smile. "I thought you might want her."

"I do." Agnes said. "You can just put your things down, and come upstairs with me . I want to get this dress fitted so I can alter it." Lois opened her mouth to protest, but Agnes had a hand through her arm and was leading her away. "You can catch up with them all later - they're not going anywhere."

For the next few hours the house rang with activity as everything was cleaned and polished by the extra staff Jesanne had hired. Anna and Lois laid all the tables that had been put in the big hall, talking continuously as they did so, while Cecily collected the flower arrangements that had been delivered and positioned them around the room. Agnes worked at the alterations to Lois' dress and Jesanne hurried around checking everything off an her long lists. Nick retired to the outbuildings, where he set to work on the old carriage that was to be used the following day, washing and polishing it to within an inch of its life, and hoping no one was going to find anything more difficult for him to do.

As a result, by the time they sat down to a late lunch, a good deal of the things on Jesanne's list were complete.

"So, this afternoon," she said, when the meal was finished and Lois was clearing th plates away, "Nick, you need to spend most of your time driving back and forth to the train station. Anna, you had better get cleaned up and be here to greet people, and you and Cecily can show them their rooms. Lois, I think you should go to bed - you look exhausted, and you'll be good for nothing tomorrow if you're tired."

"I'm fine." Lois said, betraying the lie immediately with an enormous yawn, which made her mother raise her eyebrows. "I'll go to bed." she said.

"Good." Jesanne replied. "If needs be you can stay there until tomorrow - someone will bring you up some dinner. Agnes, feel free to take the afternoon off - you've done more than enough over the last few days. And there will be plenty to do tomorrow."

"What are we going to do about Felix?" Nick asked quietly, when Lois had gone upstairs and Jesanne and Cecily were washing up. Anna shrugged.
"Leave it until tomorrow and see if it sorts itself out?" she suggested. "I really don't have any other ideas. I can't think about Lois just now."
"Scared?" Nick asked briefly. She nodded, and he reached out and hugged her.

"It'll be fine." he assured her. "You wait and see. I bet I'm right."

"Nick!" Jesanne's voice rang through the house, and Nick rolled his eyes.
"What?" he shouted back.

"Are you gone yet?" she demanded. "You're going to miss the train!"

"Yes, I'm gone!" Nick called back, making a face in the direction of her voice.

"I saw that!" Jesanne warned him. Nick stared around.

"How?" he demanded. Anna gave him a push.

"Go!" she hissed, giggling. "Before she comes and chases you!". Nick went.
#118:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 10:01 am
    —
*Giggles*
That was a lovely post, hope the wedding goes smoothly!
#119:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 10:28 am
    —
thanks Eilidh
#120:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:02 am
    —
A wonderful post! Thank you Eilidh!
#121:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:18 am
    —
Thanks, Eilidh. It was nice to see the banter between Jesanne and Nick. I have recently read 'The Lost Staircase' so it was nice to see more of Jesanne. I hope that they will get manage to get everything organised for the wedding tomorrow.
#122:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 12:44 pm
    —
What a GORGEOUS scene - all blustery, busy, happy, excited and funny. I'm so glad the wedding is happening in Dragon House. *puts finished touches to my hat* Cool Cool
#123:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 12:46 pm
    —
*tries to claim some space to look at own hat in the CBB mirror* Wink

Thank you!
#124:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 1:57 pm
    —
I'm really excited about the wedding now!
#125:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 2:06 pm
    —
It's going to be a wonderful wedding - I've got my hat all ready now!
Thanks, Eilidh.
#126:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 3:25 pm
    —
Thanks Eilidh, that was fabulous! I do love a wedding me Very Happy

Kathryn
#127:  Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 5:02 pm
    —
I can't wait! *removes hat from paper nest inside hat box*
Thanks Eilidh Very Happy
#128:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 6:22 pm
    —
The bit that made me laugh most was :

Quote:
"Yes, I'm gone!" Nick called back, making a face in the direction of her voice.

"I saw that!" Jesanne warned him. Nick stared around.

"How?" he demanded.


That was so real!

*Off to decide whether to risk wearing my straw hat. Is it going to rain?*
#129:  Author: Mary, Location: Sussex University PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 7:37 pm
    —
Thank you. They're written so beautifully as a real family.
M
xx
#130:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 7:43 pm
    —
No, it can't rain. Unless that had some plot significance. It will be a perfect day, won't it Eilidh?! *wibbles*
#131:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 8:18 pm
    —
Jesanne is wonderful, isn't she? Laughing

Thanks Eilidh.
#132:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 2:06 am
    —
Have caught up with this - a wedding!!! Looking forward to seeing the dresses...
#133:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 8:40 am
    —
Jesanne adjusted the delicate lace veil they had found among Maria's belongings and fastened it more securely to Anna's smooth dark head. It had been a remarkably calm morning in the main part of Dragon House, despite the impending wedding, and she felt it could only be a good omen for the rest of the day.

"You look lovely." she said. "I only wish your mother could see you." Anna smiled, tears glistening in her eyes.

"So do I." she said. Jesanne gave her a careful hug, trying not to wrinkle the dress that Anna and Cecily had chosen so carefully, and turned to the bridesmaids. She passed over Cecily with a glance, that young woman having ensured she looked perfect, and sighed when she looked at Lois.
"Dresses just aren't me." Lois said, eyeing the skirt distastefully in the mirror on the back of Anna's bedroom door. Jesanne pulled it straight and then pushed some more pins into Lois' hair.

"Try and stay tidy." she implored. Lois grinned.

"It's a virtue." she said. "I'll try though - for a while. Can I stop trying after the photos?"

"Anna, are you coming today or tomorrow?" Nick called from downstairs.

Anna felt a sudden rush of nerves as Cecily and Lois went off with Jesanne. She took a deep breath and looked at the photo of her family on the dressing table.

"I hope you approve." she whispered, before picking up her flowers and going downstairs, where Nick was waiting, looking almost as nervous as she felt.

"I thought you'd changed your mind and jumped out the window." he said. "You look lovely. He's a lucky man." Anna smiled and put her hand through his arm as he led her out to the waiting cars.
#134:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 8:48 am
    —
I love weddings Very Happy !
#135:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 8:49 am
    —
That was beautiful Eilidh, thank you. I'm very excited about this wedding!

Kathryn
#136:  Author: pim, Location: Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 9:20 am
    —
*felling all mushy*

Thanks, Eilidh.
#137:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 10:18 am
    —
Thanks Eilidh, this is fab Smile
#138:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 11:06 am
    —
Lovely! Very Happy
#139:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 11:14 am
    —
Meanwhile, things hadn't been running nearly so smoothly in the wing that Jesanne had given over the Maynard's. The evening before, Charles and his brothers, together with Roger and Roddy Richardson had been up late, drinking together. They were so rarely all together that it had seemed like a good idea to spend some time in each others company. Nick had joined them for a while as well, in an effort to avoid the stream of last minute preparations taking place in his own part of the house, and had brought with him the key to the Dragon House's not insubstantial wine cellars, being welcomed with open arms as a result. The following morning, however, all were regretting the entire evening. Stephen and Mike, who had suffered least, took charge of Charles, who was combining a bad hangover and serious nerves in remarkable style.

"There is no way we are going to get him anywhere in time." Mike said as he met his oldest brother on the landing, a mug of coffee clutched firmly in his hand. Charles had shut himself in the bathroom and sounded very ill.
"We are." Stephen said firmly. "Go and ask Roger to come." When Roger arrived, he looked from one to the other.

"What's the plan?" he asked.

"We get Charles organised." Stephen replied. "There's nothing of him - the three of us should be more than enough." And with that he pushed open the door, to show Charles lying flat on his back on the floor. The three of them marched in and picked him up between them, first putting his head into the shower, which Mike turned on, and then carrying him back to his room, despite his protests.

"It's more than half nerves." Roger said, as they dropped him unceremoniously on the bed. "And being married isn't really all that bad." Charles looked unconvinced, but Mike was dragging him to his feet and handing him his shirt and a mug of coffee at the same time.

"It's not." Steve agreed. "And you've done the hard bit. You've got her to agree. Now you only have to turn up."

"But what if she doesn't?" Charles asked, buttoning his shirt up wrong, and staring at his tie in bewilderment.

"She will." Roger said, as Adrienne arrived with a glass of water and some painkillers. Charles seized them greatfully as she looked him over.

"Right, get out." she said to Mike. "Go on, go! You're not dressed yet either. I've dressed myself and two children!"

"Well done." her husband said, as Mike vanished. "You weren't trying to prise the groom out the bathroom though."

"I'd have done that quicker as well." she said, "Now help me!" She turned back to Charles and corrected the buttoning, shaking her head, then handed him his jacket.

"This is awful." Charles groaned.

"Rubbish." Roger told him firmly. "It's going to be fine. Don't be so ridiculous."

"He's right, Chas." Stephen agreed. "It's not difficult."

"I remember you on the morning you got married." Charles told him. "So don't you start." They laughed.

"Everyone ready?" Con demanded, coming in. Cecily appeared as well, to inform them that the cars were due any minute. As they all got up and prepare to leave, Jack appeared, looked round the group, and closed the door behind him.
#140:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 11:32 am
    —
YAY! *bounces* a WEDDING!!!

Oh dear, Charles, why did you drink so much? The descriptions of Anna are beautiful Eilidh, especially her mother's veil. Thank you.
#141:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 11:41 am
    —
Eilidh! While we are very grateful for those two updates, I at least am wibbling about what Jack is going to say!
#142:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 12:41 pm
    —
Thanks, Eilidh. I feel sorry for Charles feeling ill.

I have told my fiancé that when we get married, I'd like to have the stag night and the hen night a few days before the wedding. I've done this so he won't have Charles' problem on the morning of the wedding!
#143:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 2:53 pm
    —
Silly Charles! Rolling Eyes
Hope his hangover recovers soon.
#144:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 3:10 pm
    —
Hehehe...norty Charles! I hope Jack is going to say something nice *crosses fingers*

Thanks Eilidh Very Happy

Kathryn
#145:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 3:58 pm
    —
It's going to be a wonderful wedding! I can't believe that Charles is getting nervous, though; how can he doubt Anna? Thanks, Eilidh.
#146:  Author: Rosy-Jess, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 5:58 pm
    —
Poor Charles. *giggles*

Thankyou Eilidh!
#147:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 8:03 pm
    —
Poor Charles - and he'll get zero sympathy too!

Thanks Eilidh.
#148:  Author: Lizzie, Location: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border PostPosted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 10:01 pm
    —
Chair wrote:
I have told my fiancé that when we get married, I'd like to have the stag night and the hen night a few days before the wedding. I've done this so he won't have Charles' problem on the morning of the wedding!


Good idea Clare, I've never understood why people would have such a huuuge night before such a huuuge day! I would HATE to have a headache at my wedding! Also, I would be extremely disinclined to eat cake, and that would never do...
#149:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 1:51 am
    —
Oh, the idiot. Mind you, Charles isn't doubting Anna, he's doubting himself...loved the way Adrienne took charge!
#150:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 8:23 am
    —
Thanks for your comments everybody - we're almost finished. About another 4 posts, I think. And thanks Róisín for giving me the idea for this bit.

"We have a few minutes." he said, leaning against the door. "I'd like to speak to you all." He looked around the room at the puzzled faces. Con, Charles, and Cecily, so like each other and so like Joey. Stephen, who could have been himself thirty years before. Adrienne, who still bore an uncanny resemblance to Robin. And Roger, with his arm protectively around Con, staring at him with resentment. Jack took a deep breath.

"What do you want?" Roger asked. Con gave him a warning glance.

"This probably isn't the best time to do this." Jack began. "But when I saw you all together, without the others, I thought it was a good oppurtunity to come and apologise to you all." He saw Roger and Stephen exchange glances, and wonder if they had discussed this.

"That's not enough." Roger said. "I want to know why you've treated us the way you have. And you'd better have a good reason, because I don't like people upsetting my wife as much as you do, whether you were my guardian or not."

"I agree." Stephen said. "You owe us an explanation."

"You might not believe it." Jack said, "But you can have it, if we have time before we have to go."

"Go on." Roger said.

"I did what I thought was best for you all." Jack said slowly. "And before you all argue, hear me out. Roger, Con, Steve, Adrienne - I thought that people would talk about you. You lived as brothers and sisters, and I didn't want you to be upset by people who thought your engagements were inappropriate - to have to hear gossip and speculation. And I didn't want your mother to have to hear it either. It was all very well for you, going off to live at Tiernsee, and in Paris, but your mother had to stay on the Platz and hold her head up, and defend her own reputation and yours. And so did Len." Con turned slightly red, and opened her mouth, but Jack continued. "No, Con. There's not much time. I've spoken to your mother and she explained things to me, and showed me that your happiness was more improtant than what other people thought. I'm sorry I didn't realise that earlier."

"That's all very good." Roger said. "But Con and I have been married for years - why the later stuff?"

"Because we didn't do what you wanted." Con said suddenly. "That's it, isn't it?" Rather shamfaced, Jack nodded.

I'm afraid it is." he said reluctantly. "I'm sorry. Cecily, I'm sorry about Nick as well. I didn't want him to hurt you - I thought he would. He'd done it already, after all."

"That wasn't just Nick." Cecily said. "That was both of us. And Nick supported me all through it - even when I didn't want him to."

"I know that now." Jack said. "I've told you, I was wrong and I'm sorry. Chas..." he tailed off, unsure of how to continue.

"It's ok." Charles said, with an effort. "I'm not you, we both know that. I'm not going to do things the way you think I should. As long as we both realise that, there's nothing more that needs to be said."

"Thank you." Jack said, gratefully. "Now, we should go before your mother had a heart attack. And Cecily, you'd better run. You're supposed to be at the other end of the house!" Cecily vanished on the word, and Jack looked round the others. "Thank you." he said again. Con came forward and hugged him.

"It's not fine, Papa." she said, stepping back. "I'm not going to pretend it is. But it will be at some point."

"Cars!" Mike roared from downstairs. Jack rolled his eyes.

"When is he going to learn the difference between being on a boat in a gale and shouting up a staircase?" he asked, laughing. "Come on. Everyone non-essential had better go."

"We'll be along in a minute." Adrienne told him, glancing from her husband to Charles. Jack went downstairs with Con and Roger, in time to stop a second yell from Mike.

"Come on, you." Stephen said. Charles shook his head.

"I can't. Why does she want someone like me? She's changed her mind, I know she has." he said, his knees giving way as he sat down on the bed.

"Rubbish." Adrienne snapped. "Pull yourself together. Stop behaving like a spineless jellyfish." she added. Both men smiled.

"Come on, Chas." Stephen coaxed. "It'll all be over in an hour or so." Adrienne pulled him to his feet.

"Try and look like it's your wedding and not your funeral!" she said. "You could at least smile." Charles obliged with a grimace and she pushed him out of the door. The rest of the family were waiting downstairs, all ready to go. Felix took over the pushing and propelled his brother out the door and into the car waiting outside.

"Why Felix?" Joey said, almost to herself. "I'd have thought Mike. Or Steve." Stephen overheard her.

"Same as my wedding." he explained. "We drew straws last night and Felix lost." Joey stared at him.

"Is that why Charles was your best man? Is that how you decided?" she demanded. He nodded.

"Well, none of us actually wanted to do it, did we?" Mike said, offering her his arm. "Standing in front of everyone, and making a speech, and all the rest." Shaking her head at them, Joey accepted and they piled into the waiting cars.
#151:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 8:51 am
    —
Laughing about how they decided who'd be best man!

& well done Jack.
#152:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 11:21 am
    —
I can't believe that's how they decide who's going to be the best man! *g*

Thank you Eilidh!
#153:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 11:26 am
    —
Thanks Eilidh!

*picks self up from floor over Jack's apology* Smile
#154:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 12:37 pm
    —
I'm glad Jack saw sense. Can't believe I inspired anything other than the weddingweddingwedding! So excited about next three/four posts *bounces* Thank you Eilidh Very Happy
#155:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 2:02 pm
    —
Glad Jack apologised - but it took him long enough - as for talk- why should he be bothered about it?

Love the best man saga!

Thanks Eilidh.
#156:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 2:19 pm
    —
I love the way they had to draw straws for the 'honour' of being best man! And thank goodness Jack is trying to make amends. That took a lot of courage, addressing them all together like that. Thanks, Eilidh.
#157:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 2:49 pm
    —
"Where is she?" Charles demanded, for the tenth time in three minutes.

"I don't know." Felix replied, as he had to the previous nine queries. "She'll be here soon." he turned to look down the aisle towards the door. "There's someone out there." he said, as the door moved slightly.

"She's not coming." Charles predicted.

"Chas, I'm going to thump you in a second." Felix warned, keeping his face carefully neutral in case his mother was watching. "Will you just shut up?" Charles obliged, and Felix turned his attention back to trying to calm his own nerves. He caught the eye of his girlfriend and smiled. There wouldn't be a problem. He was over Lois. He looked back again and saw that Stephanie had her head close to Mike, and they were laughing about something. He felt a sudden surge of jealousy, and then quickly decided he was being irrational. Why shouldn't she be talking to Mike? It was Lois, that was all. As soon as he saw her he would see that there had been nothing between them - just holiday madness. He had been wrong.

"Have you got..." Charles began as he got to that point.

"Yes." Felix replied patiently. Then, because he was rapidly becming irritated, he added, "Though it doesn't matter if she's not coming, does it? You don't need rings." As Charles began to reply, he was drowned out by the organ and they both turned to look as the doors opened.

The church was full of people, mostly Charles' family, Anna realised, but then she saw Jesanne and Pam standing at the front and felt reassured. After all, she thought, after today all these people would be her family as well. She could see the friends she'd made through her years at university, the girls they'd been at school with, and even some of the staff. Emily was peering anxiously out of the end of the seat, trying to catch a glimpse of them, and an embarrassed Elisabeth was trying her best to pull her back, while trying to catch up with all the news that Louise was imparting in her other ear.

"They're waiting for you." Nick said.

"I know." she replied. "Just a second."

"It's fine." he told her firmly. "It's going to be fine. You can do it."

"Chas looks like he's going to be sick." Cecily observed, craning her neck to see. "Are we late?" Nick looked at his watch.

"Ten minutes."

"That'll do." Lois said cheerfully. "He'll have waited long enough. Let's go."

Anna took Nick's arm and the other two fell in behind them. Charles turned as the organ started and grinned delightedly as he saw her approaching, his nerves vanishing as he looked at her.

The service passed quickly, and almost before Anna knew where she was she was signing herself Anna James for the last time and walking with her new husband through a storm of confetti to the car, which was to take them back to Dragon House for the reception.
#158:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 2:50 pm
    —
*Sighs happily.*

Hope Charles stops worrying so much and enjoys the reception!
#159:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 2:54 pm
    —
Oh, a lovely wedding, thanks Eilidh! Now I'm really looking forward to Felix and Lois meeting!
#160:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 3:11 pm
    —
*smiles widely* Oh how lovely.
#161:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 3:45 pm
    —
What a lovely wedding Eilidh and so realistic. Thank you (although I'm very sad we're getting near the end...)

Kathryn
#162:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 4:13 pm
    —
Yay! It's done at last!

Wondering what impact seeing Miss Lois had/has on Felix though...
#163:  Author: Mary, Location: Sussex University PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 4:29 pm
    —
Woo woo Anna and Charles. HURRAH!! At last. But Felix? Why is he being such a moke? Sort yourself out man.
M
xxx
#164:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 6:43 pm
    —
I'm so glad I risked the straw hat!

Lovely posts! *sighs*

I may be in a minority but I can now see where Jack was coming from. The Platz must have been like a small village with twitching curtains and snide comments. I should imagine a lot of people would look askance at the thought of the wards marrying Maynards and gossiping (oh so discretely and not saying what they really thought) about GOINGS ON and incest and so on in the Maynard houshold. He shouldn't have cared, of course but I can see why he would.

Now, please sort out Lois and Felix Rolling Eyes
#165:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 7:34 pm
    —
Awwww,m that was lovely!

Thanks Eilidh.

(People gossip about the First Family of the Platz? Surely not! Shocked)
#166:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 10:50 pm
    —
Thanks, Eilidh. I'm glad that Jack has apologised. That was a lovely wedding. Crying or Very sad Thank you for such a wonderful description.
#167:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 10:51 pm
    —
Eilidh, that was a beautiful wedding, and I'm so glad Jack had the guts to explain and apologise!
#168:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 12:41 am
    —
Very nice - I loved the selection of the best man! And Jack's apology . . . and like Patmac I can see his pov, although I think he over-reacted somewhat.

And what about Felix and Lois?
#169:  Author: Caty, Location: New Zealand PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 2:07 am
    —
*Surreptitiously wipes eyes* What a lovely wedding. I really enjoy the way you make all the Maynards seem so close.
#170:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:26 am
    —
Lois looked anxiously around the big Hall. The tables were rapidly being cleared and the members of the Maynard family were drifting back towards their partners in the other parts of the hall. Charles and Anna were standing to one side, oblivious to everyone but each other, and Nick and Cecily had vanished somewhere. Feeling lonely, she sat down and loosened her shoe, her long curls tumbling forward and allowing her to look upwards through them, scanning the Hall for Felix. She wanted to see him - wanted to know if his feelings had changed, as she knew hers hadn't. She had almost stopped dead when she saw him in the church - if Cecily hadn't pulled her on so discreetly she would still be standing there. The picture of him that she had had in her mind for the previous year and a half hadn't prepared her for seeing him in the flesh again, and it had been a shock. She saw him come into her line of vision, feeling her heart pounding under her dress, and then it fell with a thump as he embraced a young woman who had come to meet him.

"Regard Stephanie." said a voice in her ear, and Lois sat up to see Felicity beside her. "Current girlfriend, reasonably serious, it seems, all round nice person, Mamma and Dad love her." Lois raised an eyebrow. "I can't stand her. I think she's awful." Felicity finished. Lois grinned.

"I'm not too keen on her myself at the moment." she remarked dryly.

"You like him, don't you?" Felicity asked. Lois nodded, seeing no point in hiding things any more.

"Believe it or not." she added.

"He likes you too." his sister said. "I'm sure he does. Chas seemed to think he wasn't serious though and told him to get someone else."

"Do you think it's really bad to murder someone on their wedding day?" Lois asked, after a short pause.

"Anna might not be too pleased." Felicity pointed out. "And it could make the rest of the day a little awkward."

"Tomorrow, then?"

"Oh, tomorrow should be fine." Felicity grinned. Both girls laughed.

"Did you come on your own?" Lois asked. Felicity shook her head.

"And face the wrath of Mamma?" she asked. "No, I brought John - my dance partner. I rather hoped that would stop her asking when we're going to be at my wedding. He's over there with Pip." Lois glanced over at the athletic looking man chatting to Pippa, but her eyes continually strayed back to Felix. "Cheer up." Felicity said. "He has to give you a dance - it's his duty as best man. See if you can convince him to get rid of Her." And with a final glare at her twin and his girlfriend, she departed to join John.

Shortly afterwards, Lois watched Charles approach Felix, and after he had finished dancing with Stephanie Felix crossed the room towards her.

"Would you like to dance?" he asked, formally. Lois got to her feet.

"I'd love too." she said calmly, taking his arm.

"How was Australia?" he asked, spinning her around the floor. Despite her assurances to the contrary, she was a good dancer and he was enjoying himself.

"Good." Lois replied, almost hypnotised by how close he was. "We've seen lots."

"Sounds fascinating." Felix replied politely, trying to shut out the part of his brain that was insisting on reminding him of how good it felt to hold her this close. Frustrated, Lois demanded,

"Are you going to behave like this for rest of the time I'm here?"

"Behave like what?" he demanded, surprised out of his politeness.

"So formal and proper and trying to pretend nothing every happened." Lois said.

"Nothing did." Felix said, rather bitterly. "You ran away to the other side of the world before it could. I'm happy with Stephanie."

"That just backs up the reason I left for." Lois said, somewhat confusedly. "You would have met her and then you would have left me."

"If you hadn't left I wouldn't have met her." Felix argued.

"That's rubbish." Lois said firmly, as the music died down. "Excuse me, I've got a headache." She pulled away from him and almost ran out of the room. Shaking his head, Felix turned to find Stephanie, and instead found himself facing his twin sister. Felicity was jointly the smallest member of the Maynard family, only Cecily being equally short, and Felix was tall, but he found himself backing away as he encountered her glare.

"You idiot." she said, shaking her head. "You complete and utter idiot. You don't deserve to be happy. You can't even see whats under your own nose." she was walking forwards as she spoke, and Felix found himself being pushed back towards the wall. He sank down into a chair and stared up at her. "How many times are you going to mess this up?" she demanded. "How many chances do you want? No wonder she'd rather be on the opposite side of the world. No wonder she doesn't trust you. I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening. And don't bring Her anywhere near me."

"Where are you going?" Felix asked when she paused for breath.

"To find poor Lois." Felicity said

"She had a headache." Felix offered helpfully. Felicity stared at him in disbelief, tucked her arm through Cecily's, who happened to be passing, and drew her off upstairs, leaving Felix to explain to Nick where they had gone. As Lois was still a somewhat dangerous subject between them, Felix excused himself as quickly as he could and found refuge on the other side of the room where Stephanie was talking animatedly to Mike and John - rather too animatedly, he thought suddenly, watching her. Then he decided that it was just the encounters with Lois and Felicity that had put the thought into his head again and sat down beside them.

Anna had been kept busy meeting members of Charles' extended family and hadn't missed her two friends and Felicity when Cecily and Felicity returned in time to see them cut the big wedding cake. After this was completed, Cecily found Nick and resumed dancing, while Felicity hunted out her twin,

"Get up there and fix things." she hissed. "What are you looking so miserable for?" Felix jerked his head towards the table, where Stephanie had her hand on Mike's arm and was listening intently to whatever he was telling her. "I'll fix it." she said, relenting slightly. "I never thought she was very interested in you anyway. You go and talk to Lois. I know she's the one you really want. And Felix!" This last as he turned away. He looked back and she added. "Try and behave like yourself?"
#171:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:29 am
    —
Go Felicity!

Thanks Eilidh - can just see all the sparks flyign and the emotion and the tension!
#172:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:31 am
    —
Thanks Eilidh, Felicity was just brilliant there. I'm so glad she interfered Very Happy Demanding I know, but one wedding is just not enough!

Thank you!

Kathryn
#173:  Author: delilah_siren, Location: Sydney, Australia PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:35 am
    —
Eilidh! You can't leave it there... you have to let us know whether Felix fixes things or not!! *crosses fingers that he won't stuff it up*
#174:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:49 am
    —
I'm pleased that Felicity is stepping in; someone needs to give Felix a good poke. Thanks, Eilidh.
#175:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:52 am
    —
Well done Felicity - but I feel a bit sorry for Stephanie.
#176:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 10:06 am
    —
Stephanie seems to have been flirting with Mike most of the evening. As for Felix, I thought Felicity was going to smack him! Rolling Eyes

Thanks Eilidh.
#177:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 10:14 am
    —
I had no idea Felicity could be so scary!
#178:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 11:19 am
    —
Wow Felicity was amazing there!
Hopefully Felix and Lois will sort things out.
#179:  Author: pim, Location: Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 11:51 am
    —
Go Felicity! *hunts out the pom-poms*

Thanks Eilidh Very Happy
#180:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 1:50 pm
    —
*starts a chant*

Felicity! Felicity! Gooooo Felciteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Thank you Eilidh
#181:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 2:04 pm
    —
*wibbles about forthcoming showdown between Felix and Lois* Thank you Eilidh!
#182:  Author: Rosy-Jess, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 7:03 pm
    —
Golly. Get Felicity. Am dead impressed.
#183:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 8:20 pm
    —
Thanks, Eilidh. I look forward to seeing what happens between Felix and Lois.
#184:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:21 pm
    —
In some ways, I'm even more glad I was an only and could sort out my own tangled life without it being complicated by sundry brothers and sisters - but there was the odd occasion on which Felicity would have been extremely useful!

GO ON Felix! Face the invevitable Shocked
#185:  Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 12:12 pm
    —
Come on Felix!!!!! I can't believe this is coming to an end Sad
Thanks Eilidh Very Happy Very Happy
#186:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:07 pm
    —
"What are you doing here?"

"Coming to find you. I thought you were done with running off in a temper? Fliss is going off her head at me now, thanks to you."

"Do you think I care? Do you ever think about anyone but yourself? Nick told me how you behaved after I left the last time - you lied to me! You weren't interested in me in the slightest, you were just bored."

"I lied? You said you liked me and then disappeared around the world!"

"Because I knew if I stayed you would get bored with me. You can't stick to any woman for more than a few weeks. If you'd really changed then you would've stopped behaving like that. You never even thought about me!"

"And you were pining away for me, of course. You never even wrote!"

"Don't start blaming me. I'm not the only one capable of writing a letter. Oh, I wish I'd never come back. Anna didn't really need me at her wedding. I shouldn't have come."

"You're not the only one. If I'd known things were going to be like this I would have stayed at home. I've got a girlfriend downstairs who's probably about to leave me for my brother, my twin sister wants to kill me, your brother wants to kill me, and to top it all off I'm standing here fighting with you."

"Me, me, me again. Do you think this is how I wanted to spend this afternoon? No, you wouldn't have. Because that thought didn't have Felix in it. You are the most self centred pig I've ever met."

"And you are the most infuriating woman who ever walked the earth. I can't believe I ever thought I was interested in you."

"I'm glad you seem to have changed your mind. I wouldn't get involved with you if you were the last man alive. Now get out my room and leave me alone. I don't want to have to see you again in my life."

Felix turned on his heel and stormed out of the room, banging the door behind him. Lois held herself perfectly still until she heard another bang from further along the corridor, and then, paying no attention to her bridesmaids dress, threw herself down on her bed and burst into tears.

Felix paced up and down his room, muttering angrily to himself, and finally threw himself down in a chair beside the window, leaning his elbows on the sill and gazing out over the vast expanse of marsh and moor land. There was a wood visible to his left, and he wondered idly if it was the same one that he and Lois had sheltered from the snow in eighteen months previously. He sat up suddenly as he realised how long it had been; a year and a half. For all that time he had thought about her, dreamed about her, composed countless letters to her and burned them before they were posted. He had tried to distract himself from her with other women, with work, with sport, he had drunk excessively to forget her and failed, and he had counted down the days until today, when he would see her again. And then they had been fighting. And she hated him and thought he wasn't interested in her and she would be going away again, and who knew when she would next be back. A single tear ran down his cheek and he brushed it away irritably, but it was followed by another and another, and eventually he gave up, leant his head on the window, and cried.
#187:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:09 pm
    —
*sniffles* And I thought that passionate fight would end in a passionate kiss! Crying or Very sad

We need some intervention here...

Thanks Eilidh Very Happy
#188:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:16 pm
    —
Felix needs to eat humble pie, I think. Thanks, Eilidh. I hope someone brings them to their senses soon.
#189:  Author: Rosy-Jess, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:22 pm
    —
Awww. Felix. *cuddles the Felix*

Please make them come to their senses. Or something!
#190:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:28 pm
    —
Thanks, Eilidh. I also hope that they will come to their senses soon.
#191:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:54 pm
    —
Well finally - how much does it take before the penny drops Felix?

Thanks Eilidh - wonderful scene.
#192:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 8:42 pm
    —
Will somebody band Lois and Felix's heads together!
#193:  Author: Lizzie, Location: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 1:03 pm
    —
I'm loving this, Eilidh, so dramatic!
#194:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 2:45 pm
    —
*gets the poking stick ready*

I was hoping we'd get a good kiss there too...thanks Eilidh. Very tension-filled!

Kathryn
#195:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 3:55 pm
    —
Cazx wrote:
Will somebody band Lois and Felix's heads together!


I'll do it, gladly!

*There! Now perhaps they'll come to their senses! Confused *

Thanks, Eilidh.
#196:  Author: Rose in Toronto, Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada PostPosted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 5:23 pm
    —
Is it my imagination, or is this beginning to remind me of "Much Ado About Nothing"? Do we get the "gulling scene"? Smile
#197:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 10:48 am
    —
Rose in Toronto wrote:
Is it my imagination, or is this beginning to remind me of "Much Ado About Nothing"? Do we get the "gulling scene"? Smile


Any resemblance is total coincindence. I've never read it, and have no idea what it's about. Laughing

Here's the end - thank you everyone for reading and commenting.

Lois, after a few minutes stormy crying, calmed down and sat up. Her temper had gone with her tears and her conscience pricked her. She realised she had said some hurtful things and, much as she hated the thought, owed Felix an apology. And she had to try and pick up the threads of the almost-friendship again. She would go mad if she had to go away again, knowing that she didn't have him to return to. She swung her legs off the bed, and regarded herself in the mirror. She ran a comb through the loose part of her curls, smoothed down her dress, and brushed a fresh layer of powder on to her face.

"That's better." she said firmly to her reflection. Her eyes were still red, but other than that she looked almost normal. She made her way along the corridor to Felix's room, where she took a deep breath and knocked gently. There was no response, and, after a few seconds, she pushed the door open. She was horrified by the sight that met her eyes, and hurried across the room, where she placed a hand on Felix shoulder.

"Go away." he said, trying to make his voice sound firm.

"No." Lois replied. "I came to apologise. I shouldn't have said most of the things I did. I'm sorry if I hurt you." Felix looked up and nodded, and she sat down on the bed.

"I'm sorry too." he replied.

"Are you coming over here?" Lois asked. He got up and reseated himself beside her. He still looked upset, and Lois slipped an arm around him and rested her head on his shoulder. Her presence was comforting and he leant his head on top of hers and they sat in silence for a few minutes while he struggled to get himself back under control.

"You're not going to agree this time either, are you?" he asked eventually, sounding slightly more like himself.

"You have a girlfriend downstairs." Lois pointed out. "You can't sit up here and ask me out when she's here. It's not right!"

"She's having a fantastic time with Mike." Felix replied, slightly bitterly. "And you didn't answer."

"It must be the uniform." Lois said with a smile. "Mike's, I mean. I can't say I see the attraction myself."

"Answer me, Lois." Felix said gently, "Are you going to give in to what we both want, or are you going to run away again." Lois stared at him for a moment and then, giving in to temptation, leant forward, sliding her hand around his neck and through his hair as she pulled him towards her and kissed him.

"Do I take that as a yes?" he asked a few minutes later.

"I have to go away." Lois replied, placing a finger on his lips before he could argue. "Louise is getting married next year, to an Australian. It was supposed to be February, but it's been put off until May. They're going to be living out there. I've promised to be her bridesmaid. I'll be away for another year anyway. There are a few places left I want to see, but I'm coming home after that. It would be boring to do too much on my own." Felix's face fell.

"Lois..." he began, but then realised he didn't know how to continue. Lois stepped in instead.

"It's not fair for me to tie you down when I'm going to be away so long." she said. "You do see that I have to go? I promised Lou."

"I see that." Felix said slowly. "But...well...what are you suggesting?"

"You continue to live your life the way you have been." Lois said. "I'll go. You do what you want with whoever you want, and I'll do the same. But I'll write, I promise. I'm not asking you to do anything but write back. And I'll come back to you. Just..."

"Just what?" he asked, curious.

"No children please." Lois said, with a wicked smile. "I don't mind what you do, but I object to that." Felix laughed, but sobered quickly as he thought what the separation would mean.

"It's hardly ideal." he said.

"Have you got a better idea?" she asked. "You can hardly come with me - you have a job."

"I'll agree to it on one condition." Felix said.

"What's that?" Lois asked, interested.

"You promise that you'll marry me some day, if you don't find anyone better." he replied. Lois stared at him in shock.

"Felix!" she managed eventually.

"What?" he asked.

"Are you proposing to me?" Lois demanded. He grinned at her.

"Em...yes." he said. "Didn't you realise? Will you say yes?"

"You can't do that! What if you meet someone you like better than me? Or I do?" Lois asked.

"Then we discuss it and possibly break it off," Felix replied. "Although I don't believe it will ever happen. We won't tell anybody but each other. Not even Fliss or Nick. Won't you agree?"

"This is crazy." Lois said, shaking her head. "You've gone mad. Alright. If I come back, and we both want to, then I'll agree. Not now."

"I suppose that'll have to do." Felix sighed. "It's nearly a yes, anyway. Come here." He pulled her towards him and kissed her again, and for a few moments they were unaware of anything else, until a loud yell from downstairs broke the spell. Felix pulled back reluctantly.

"Mike." he said. "He seems to have learnt how to shout in the Navy, if nothing else. Come on, they must be going."

They hurried down the stairs to join the crowd, thankful that no one noticed them arriving together, to find Anna standing impatiently with her flowers in her hands.

"Where's Lois?" she demanded. Mike obliging turned and opened his mouth, but Lois wriggled forward before he could deafen anyone.
"I'm here." she said.

"Where have you been?" Cecily demanded, dragging her forward.

"Nowhere." Lois replied, as to the accompaniment of cheers, Anna tossed the bouquet backwards over her head. It tumbled through the air, and to Lois' surprise landed in her arms. Unable to resist, she looked over her shoulder and caught Felix's eye. He raised his eyebrows at her, and then shrugged. Lois laughed, and handed the flowers to her twin as she rushed forward to hug Anna.

"Come and visit." Anna implored, hanging out of the car and trying to hug Cecily, Lois, Emily and Jesanne all at once.

"Try and keep us away!" Cecily said, as Charles, impatient, started the car and she was dragged away from them. They waved until the car rounded the corner and was out of sight, and then turned back to the house, where Lois reclaimed her flowers from her annoyed brother with a smile.

Joey and Jack waited outside while the others went back to continue dancing.

"They'll be happy." Joey said. Jack nodded.

"I have tried with him." he said. "I spoke to them all this morning - even Roger listened."

"I know." Joey replied. "And he's happy. We can't hope for anything else."

"If they're half as happy as we've been, they'll do well." he said, smiling down at her. She laughed.

"Will you do me the honour of a dance, Dr. Maynard?" she asked. Offering his arm, Jack turned and led her back towards the Hall and the dancing.
#198:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 10:51 am
    —
How exasperating!

Thank you Eilidh!
#199:  Author: Eilidh, Location: Macclesfield PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 10:52 am
    —
Exasperating? Why?
#200:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 11:05 am
    —
Thank you Eilidh, I've really enjoyed this. Now I think we need a Felix/Lois sequel...hint, hint!

Thank you Very Happy

Kathryn
#201:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 11:07 am
    —
Because it was a response to the previous post and i hadn't seen the last one until I just came back now! Sorry!

that one is far more satisfying cos they've finally talked and admitted their feelings for each other! Yay!

Thank you!
#202:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 11:24 am
    —
Awww Lurvely!
Thanks Eilidh, is there going to be a sequel soon? Very Happy
#203:  Author: gwynne, Location: Norwich PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 11:28 am
    —
sequel please? soon ? I've loved this one, many thanks.
#204:  Author: Alison H, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 11:36 am
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Lovely, thanks - but now we need to see Cecily and Nick's wedding and Lois and Felix's wedding, pretty please!

Thanks Eilidh Very Happy .
#205:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 11:41 am
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Aww, lovely. So much potential for sequels Wink
#206:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 2:19 pm
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*Puts hat carefully back in box for the next wedding*

Thank you Eilidh, it's all been great.
#207:  Author: Mia, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 2:24 pm
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Thanks Eilidh, I really enjoyed this Smile
#208:  Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny Qatar PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 2:30 pm
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Knowing how wonderfully kind Eilidh is, I'm sure it's only a matter of time before Lois and Felix's story is up! Thanks, Eilidh, this has been wonderful, and I'm so glad that Felix and Lois had such a lovely talk.

*settles down patiently to await the sequel*
#209:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 2:55 pm
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Thank you Eilidh!

That was lovely.
*joins the sequel queue.....*
#210:  Author: La Petite Em, Location: Cheltenham PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 6:47 pm
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Surely a sequel is essential? Very Happy
#211:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 6:56 pm
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Thanks Eilidh, a lovely ending to this instalment.


*Waiting patiently for next instalment....*
#212:  Author: Lizzie, Location: A little village on the Essex/Suffolk border PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 7:31 pm
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Mmmmm, that was lovely Eilidh. Thank you very much for making me sigh and smile today, I needed that...
#213:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 7:58 pm
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Thanks, Eilidh. I'm glad that Lois and Felix have talked. I'm really sorry to see this drabble end. I am also really hoping there will be a Felix and Lois sequel!
#214:  Author: Rosy-Jess, Location: Gloucestershire-London-Aberystwyth PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 10:38 pm
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Oooh. That was unexpected. Fab. Thankyou. Pretty please might we have some more?

*dusts off hat and carefully stowes it away*
#215:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 12:21 am
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"You've gone mad." Yes, but what a nice sort of madness!

Thanks Eilidh.
#216:  Author: pim, Location: Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 9:04 am
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*squees quietly*

*asks quietly: sequel?*

Thanks Eilidh Very Happy
#217:  Author: Róisín,  PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 11:06 am
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Aw that was lovely Eilidh, thank you Very Happy

*starts chant for sequel* But I want to hear how Anna and Charles are getting on in the new practice too!
#218:  Author: Mary, Location: Sussex University PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 12:17 pm
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That was lovely- and they did what they would have done- as characters... not sure if that makes sense. Anyway. Thankyou Eilidh. Beautiful.
M xx
#219:  Author: Karoline, Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 12:29 pm
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I've really enjoyed this Eilidh Very Happy More please
#220:  Author: Caty, Location: New Zealand PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 12:41 pm
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Thanks Eilidh. I loved this.

Joins the queue clamouring for a sequel Laughing
#221:  Author: delilah_siren, Location: Sydney, Australia PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 1:15 pm
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*joins the chant for a sequel* Laughing
loved it and can't wait for the next installment!!
#222:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 1:49 pm
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Thanks Eilidh. Enjoyed this.
The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


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