Trust (RCS #8 -Update 18/07/06 pg 20) Part 3

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The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

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#1: Trust (RCS #8 -Update 18/07/06 pg 20) Part 3 Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 4:44 pm
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Archived for length

part 1
Part 2

~pim~

The following day saw Nell Wilson out walking in the grounds; the School were all at their lessons, however, partway round she was had company,

“Hello Nell, how’s it going?” It was John Coates,

Nell smiled, “Hi John, it’s going slowly, as always, what brings you out here?”

John grinned, “Well officially I’m supposed to be checking the perimeter, seeing that my staff are doing their jobs properly,”

“But?”

“But really I just needed a break from the never ending paperwork. Wanted to remember what the outside looked like!”

“I can understand that,” Nell said feelingly, “when I was in hospital I couldn’t wait to get out and see the sky,”

“Find myself envying the young kids I’ve got working for me,” John smiled, “at least their jobs mean they are outside most of the time, no responsibilities nothing,”

Nell shook her head, “You’d hate it, John, trust me,”

The Security Head looked across, “You sound as though you speak from experience, Nell?”

“I do,” Nell replied, “did we never tell you about a time when Hilda and I were demoted to the most junior members of the teaching staff?” She proceeded to do just that. At the end of the tale John laughed,

“Ah, no, perhaps I don’t want to swap places with one of the kids then.”

They walked on in silence for a few minutes, “How’s Shane getting on?”

“He’s doing fine,” John replied, “though his partner will never be able to work again,”

“Is he still in a coma?”

“No, he’s come round, but he’s got a lot of problems,” John replied, “he’s in a wheelchair permanently. The Police Force have offered him a desk job, Shane says he’s considering it but thinks he’ll actually take retirement instead. The money will be enough that he can watch his kids grow up.”

“Won’t he be bored?”

“I wondered that, Shane said he was thinking of remaining a consultant, perhaps give some lectures at the training college. Shane’s considering what he wants to do now he’s definitely without a mentor.”

“Has he any ideas?”

“One, he’s thinking about transferring back to Melbourne,”

“Really? I thought he didn’t want that because it could seem that he was relying on your reputation?”

“He doesn’t think, after all he’s been through, that it will be a problem now. I agree with him.”

“Hmmmm,” Nell said nothing more, thinking. John spoke again,

“Of course he may have other reasons for wanting to move back here,”

“Oh?”

“Yes,” John paused then continued, “Cherry’s a lovely girl,”

Nell looked across, “That she is,” she agreed, then, “And Robbie really likes Shane,”

“Yes, I noticed that too,”

The two looked at each other and smiled, any further speech was interrupted as John’s radio crackled into life,

“Mr Coates? We’ve caught an intruder trying to get over the wall. Thing is? He said he was looking for Miss Wilson,”

John and Nell looked at each other in surprise, “We’ll be right there,” John replied.

Last edited by Lesley on Tue Jul 18, 2006 10:30 pm; edited 31 times in total

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#2:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 4:50 pm
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Ooooh I wonder who it is!

Thanks Lesley

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#3:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 4:53 pm
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Who could it be?

Thank you Lesley.

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#4:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 5:15 pm
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Thanks, Lesley. I wonder who the intruder is.

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#5:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 7:32 pm
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Please don't let Nell wade in! Even if he IS looking for her.

Liked the way their thoughts were coalescing over Shane and Cherry, but am left wondering what ideas Nell has simmering under her hat.

Thanks, Lesley.

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#6:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 7:58 pm
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Wonderif it's someone she's met before - like at the time of the attack.

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#7:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 8:29 pm
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Wibbling now. Oh well, Lesley likes that.

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#8:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 10:08 pm
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Jennie wrote:

Wibbling now. Oh well, Lesley likes that.

Sorry to give Lesley the satisfaction but Jennie and I are a harmonious (?) chorus

ETA * Pass the gin, Jennie!*

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#9:  Author: Róisín,  Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 10:09 pm
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Who is it?

Thank you

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#10:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 10:35 pm
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Pat wrote:

Wonderif it's someone she's met before - like at the time of the attack.

Just what I was thinking. Hmmm....

Thanks Lesley.

*nips in and pinches gin off patmac*

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#11:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 12:22 am
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What now??? Please be careful, Nell - though it somehow doesn't feel nasty, despite the intruder aspect. Oh well, perhaps tomorrow will reveal all ... smiles winningly.

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#12:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 12:54 am
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One of the attackers perchance? But why?

Thanks Lesley

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#13:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 5:13 am
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Uh, oh. As in looking for, with malicious intent?

Cherry & Shane.

Thanks, Lesley.

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#14:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 10:15 pm
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Thank you Lesley!

*casts a suspicious glance in the direction of Allhallows......*

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#15:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 10:24 pm
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Vikki wrote:

Thank you Lesley! *casts a suspicious glance in the direction of Allhallows......*

Looks round quickly, "What was that?"

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#16:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 10:27 pm
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Lesley wrote:

Vikki wrote: Thank you Lesley! *casts a suspicious glance in the direction of Allhallows......* Looks round quickly, "What was that?"

A new update?

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#17:  Author: Kat, Location: Abertawe Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 10:29 pm
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Not a chance!

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#18:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 10:29 pm
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Kat wrote:

Not a chance!

Nothing wrong with hoping, is there?!

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#19:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 10:32 pm
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I'm writing! But keep getting distracted!

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#20:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 10:35 pm
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So don't post on here till you've finished!
You're distracting yourself!

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#21:  Author: Kat, Location: Abertawe Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 10:36 pm
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Oh? By what Lesley?


Personally I think it's Lesley sabotaging Vida's work because she's jealous that Vida got promoted and she didn't

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#22:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 10:38 pm
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Pat wrote:

So don't post on here till you've finished! You're distracting yourself!

It's true - and I've just done it again because I had an email telling me that someone had posted on Trust!!!

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#23:  Author: Alex, Location: Cambs, UK Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 10:39 pm
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Quote:

Personally I think it's Lesley sabotaging Vida's work because she's jealous that Vida got promoted and she didn't

And Lesley did get promoted when Vida went off sick. Yes, it's all coming together now.

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#24:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 10:41 pm
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Love the thinking! Has to be right!

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#25:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 10:42 pm
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Damn, they've cottoned on!

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#26:  Author: Kat, Location: Abertawe Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 10:55 pm
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Are we still distracting you Lesley?

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#27:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 11:11 pm
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Oooh. Lesley as the saboteur (euse?).

Yeah, I'll go with that.

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#28:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 11:25 pm
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“Hilda, are you busy?”

The Head looked up, “Rosalie, one day I will say ’no I’m not busy‘, and the entire world will come to a standstill!”

Rosalie grinned, “OK, silly question, but can you speak to Ray Trent? She seems really worried about something.”

“Of course,” Hilda placed the reports she had been reading to one side then looked up, smiling, as the IT Mistress appeared. “Ray? Come in, my dear, you’re not normally so formal. What is it?”

Ray looked across as she sat in the chair opposite Hilda, “I think I’ve found a way to identify the person responsible for sabotaging Vida’s work,” she said quickly.

“Excellent,” Hilda smiled slightly, “was it very difficult to discover?”

Ray shook her head, “No it wasn’t,” she said, “actually it was fairly simple. I don’t think the person concerned expected that I would be tracking any rogue programmes.”

Hilda smiled, “Well I’m sure your definition of simple and mine are somewhat different, Ray, I have enough of a problem working out how to use Word! It still decides to seize up on me on occasion!”

“Oh it does that to everyone,” Ray replied, “You just have to remember to save your work regularly, normally people remember that after losing everything once or twice!”

“Yes,” Hilda agreed with feeling, a pause then, “so have you identified the student?”

Ray shook her head, “It’s not a student,” she said, “it’s a member of the Teaching Staff.”

The Head stared, “You’re sure? I must admit I considered it was a student, perhaps not realising the effect their joke was having on Vida,”

“No mistake, Hilda,” Ray said quickly, “here, I show you,” She moved to sit in front of Hilda’s PC and entered her own password, “I’ve isolated the programme so it cannot sabotage Vida’s laptop any longer,” she explained, “and the system is back up and running for everyone. When I investigated the programme I found that the author’s name was on it,”

“That was a little stupid of the person, wasn’t it?”

Ray shrugged, “Not really, it was only pure chance that I was able to isolate the programme in the first place, the person would have no reason to think it would be discovered normally. Here it is,” She moved slightly so the Head could see the name, “Don’t know why she’s been doing it, but she’s the one that’s been sabotaging Vida’s work.”

…

Inside the Gatehouse a young man, perhaps 19 or 20, was being held in one of the interview rooms. He was sat at the table nervously smoking a cigarette. One of the Security Guards was in the room with him. Outside John Coates was receiving a handover from one of his staff,

“He didn’t make any real attempt to run off,” the man said, “I mean, he was climbing over the fence but when we asked why he said it was because he didn’t think we’d let him in.”

“And he wanted to speak to me?” Nell Wilson was there too.

“Yes Miss Wilson, he asked if you were on-site and, when we said yes, he looked sort of relieved and asked to speak to you.”

“Who is he? What’s his name?”

“He says his name is Oliver Weston, he’s got ID on him that confirms that,”

“Take a look, Nell,” John suggested, pointing to the door, “do you recognise him?”

Nell looked in at the man, at first not able to see his face properly, then, suddenly, she stiffened, “Call the Police, John,” she ordered, “he’s one of the ones that mugged me.”

“You’re sure?”

“No way I’d forget any of their faces,” Nell replied, her face pale.

John Nodded, “Alright, Nell,” he signalled to the Guard behind the desk to call the police, “you don’t need to let him see you, just wait until the Police get here,” he moved to pull Nell away from the room, Nell shrugged off his hand,

“I’m going to speak to him, John, before the police get here,”

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#29:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 11:27 pm
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Nice post! 2 cliffs too! Is that revenge for allowing yourself to get distracted?!

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#30:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 11:29 pm
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Pat wrote:

Nice post! 2 cliffs too! Is that revenge for allowing yourself to get distracted?!

Actually you were lucky - it was going to be three!

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#31:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 11:35 pm
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Lesley wrote:

Pat wrote: Nice post! 2 cliffs too! Is that revenge for allowing yourself to get distracted?! Actually you were lucky - it was going to be three!

So why wasn't it?!

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#32:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 12:01 am
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[quote=\\\"Pat\\\"][quote=\\\"Lesley\\\"][quote=\\\"Pat\\\"]Nice post! 2 cliffs too! Is that revenge for allowing yourself to get distracted?! [/quote]

Actually you were lucky - it was going to be three! [/quote]

So why wasn't it?![/quote]

Because she got distracted and forgot to put the third one in?

Thank you Lesley!

Last edited by Vikki on Sat Jun 03, 2006 12:13 am; edited 4 times in total

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#33:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 12:04 am
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Or she had to change it because we'd guessed right!

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#34:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 12:05 am
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Hmmmm....

I'm betting Lesley's going to write herself into her story!

Intrigued as to the missing cliff....c'mon Lesley post the rest!

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#35:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 12:26 am
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Patience is a virtue.....

Hi Lesley! Oh, btw, thanks for the update!

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#36:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 7:03 am
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Lesley,
Is Oliver the one who anonymously called for the ambulance after the stabbing, I wonder ?

Who has been nobbling Vida`s work ?!? I have no guesses at all.....

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#37:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 8:04 am
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Or is Oliver the one who will give the vital clue to solve at least one of the mysteries?

Thanks Lesley. That's 2 cliffs and a clifflet - is this a record?

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#38:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 11:14 am
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Thanks, Lesley. I look forward to finding out who it is who has been messing up Vida's work. Nell is very brave to want to talk to Oliver.

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#39:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: North West England Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 12:06 pm
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Quote Patmac "That's 2 cliffs and a clifflet - is this a record? "

Nah, she has to beat the record of stunning the whole board into silence!


Tis a nice afternoon, I think it maybe time to set up a nice cliff top party and watch the novice RCS converts (oops nearly wrote convicts) jump!


That is, unless of course Lesley wishes to put us out of our misery and post the next installment

K *who has her own ideas as to what's going on but is too polite to post guesses on the thread*

Last edited by Katarzyna on Sun Jun 04, 2006 10:43 am; edited 1 time in total

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#40:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 1:14 pm
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Nell Wilson ignored all of John’s attempts to keep her away from the man in the interview room; seconds later she opened the door and walked in. The man had his back to her and, as Nell watched, he finished one cigarette, used the stub to light another,

“Those things will stunt your growth, you know,”

Weston spun round, his eyes widening as he recognised the woman standing there, he swallowed, “I’ll put in out,”

Nell shook her head, “No, don’t do that,” she took a deep breath, inhaling a little of the smoke, “more than two years since I gave up, but I still miss ‘em.” She paused for a few seconds then continued, “So what are you doing here then? Did you come to try and finish the job? If so you’ve made a big mistake, kid, the police are already on their way.”

The boy looked worried, “No, no I didn’t…” he began,

“Got a knife hidden under your shirt, have you?” Nell’s eyes were a hard grey, she glanced across at the Security Guard as she spoke, Tom Brookes shook his head, indicating that the man had not been carrying a weapon.

Weston shook his head, “I’ve not carried a knife since that day,” he said quietly, he then seem to rally a little, “I didn’t do anything, I didn’t hurt you.”

“No?” Nell questioned, “You were in charge weren’t you? The leader takes on responsibility for his people. And you were about to steal my belongings, assault me.”

“But I didn’t, I didn’t know Mac was going to use the knife, I swear.”

“You ran with the rest when it happened though, didn’t you?” Nell said sharply, “Left me bleeding to death without a care. Did you know that the one you called Rat even returned just to pick up my bag, wouldn’t even leave the phone when I begged?” Nell moved across to stand directly in front of the man, “D’you know what that cost me? To have to beg him for help?” She batted away the man’s cigarette, held him by the lapels and pushed him against the wall, “Well? Do you?”

John Coates was there, his arm around her, “That’s enough, Nell, come on, you’re hurting yourself,”

Nell took a quick breath, nodded. She released the man and, instead, held her hands pressed over her abdomen, pain in her face. She allowed the Security Chief to help her sit down on one of the chairs in the room. Weston walked over to retrieve the still burning cigarette from the floor, quickly took a couple of quick drags. He looked across at Nell, “I called for help,” he said quietly.

Nell looked up, her face still pale from the pain in her stomach, “You did what?”

Weston nodded, “When you were stabbed, yes I did run away, but I called for help, called an ambulance, told then where you were.”

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#41:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 1:17 pm
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Why has this page gone all narrow? Whodunnit?

So, give us the name of the culprit, Lesley.

Sending gin and Dubonnet to Patmac, we can get rat-*rsed together.

ETA: the page is back to normal now.

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#42:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 1:18 pm
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Katarzyna said:

Quote:

Tis a nice afternoon, I think it maybe time to set up a nice cliff top party and watch the novice RCS converts (oops nearly wrote convicts) jump!

*pulls out the deckchairs and parasols*
Thanks Lesley

ETA page is funny and [/quote] is missing

Temporarily edited to make page stop going funny- Kathy

Was just coming to edit it !-Thanks Kathy

Last edited by nikkie on Sun Jun 04, 2006 7:47 pm; edited 2 times in total

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#43:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 1:22 pm
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Joins Nikkie and Kate. A deck-chair sounds wonderful.

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#44:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 3:55 pm
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Thanks, Lesley. I am wondering whether Weston will name the culprit - I hope he does.

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#45:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 8:05 pm
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I'm sure Nell enjoyed having hjer say to at least one of those who attacked her - but what about her wound?

Thanks, Lesley

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#46:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 9:17 pm
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Hmmmm, so Oliver called the police but why does he want Nell now?? Intrigued

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#47:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 12:07 am
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Help, what's happening to the page? Never mind, let's be strong in adversity - not spineless jellyfish ...

Well, it definitely sounds as if Oliver is redeemable, and, if he is, the RCS will be on his side. Nell would be dead if it weren't for him, after all, and he does sound genuinely shocked by what happened, and as if he's changed his behaviour since.

Very glad John managed to stop Nell tearing her wound apart by attacking Oliver - cool it, lass, you're supposed to be convalescing. I suspect Hilda might like some input here, too.

Will be very interested to see how things work out.

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#48:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 6:01 am
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Nell, calm down...think of your wound, you don't want to have to be sewn up again!

Interesting to remember that in the fictional world, smoking was fine!

Thanks Lesley.

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#49:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 4:04 pm
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Nell said nothing for some time, just staring at the young man, eventually she spoke, “Why? Why did you call for help? You must have realised that, if I survived, I might be able to identify you,”

The young man shrugged, “I didn’t want you to die,” he said quietly, “standing there, spitting blood at all of us, taking us all on, you didn’t deserve a knife in your guts.”

Nell stared at him, when she spoke her voice was gentle, “You’re telling me that you’d never hurt someone before? I don’t believe you.”

“No,” the man drew in a long breath of smoke, “I’m not saying that. I’ve been on the streets since I was twelve, I’ve seen knife fights, taken part in beatings. Never killed anyone though. And seeing you there, even though it was seven to one you were fighting, wouldn’t give in. You’d done nothing to me; all you’d done was walk down the wrong road. You didn’t deserve that. The others, when they ran off they were all laughing, Mac was grinning. Like it was a really big thing he’d done. Made me feel sick. I walked away from them, didn’t listen when they called after me. Went to a phone box, called triple O and told ‘em where you were. They tried to get me to say who I was but I just hung up, walked away.”

“So why are you here now, then?” Nell asked, “I mean it’s a long way from Sydney.”

“I checked with the hospital, found out you’d come from here. Wanted to check you were OK. I saved up, caught a flight…”

“Paid for by other muggings?” Nell’s voice was sharp.

Weston flinched, “No, I got a job. Not much, just stacking shelves in a supermarket. I’m staying at a hostel, have my name on the list for a flat,”

Nell’s expression softened, “You’ve moved on? What about your gang?”

“Haven’t seen them since you were stabbed.” Weston replied, “It’s like, suddenly, seeing you get hurt, gave me a big kick up the a*se. Oh, sorry!”

Nell half smiled, brushing aside the apology for his language, “Well if you’re telling the truth then well done, I’m sure it can’t have been easy. But why are you here? And why try to bypass the security?”

Weston shrugged, “Old habits I suppose, didn’t think they’d let me in,” he pointed to Tom Brookes. “I just wanted to check you were OK, saved up from when I did a bit of overtime, got a cheap flight from Sydney, hitched here from the airport. Idea was I’d doss down at the airport overnight, my flight back leaves early tomorrow. That was the plan, anyway.”

At that moment there was an interruption as another of the Security men came in and walked over to speak with John Coates, John turned to Nell,

“The Police are here, Nell,”

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#50:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 4:23 pm
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OOH, what will Nell do now?

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#51:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 5:29 pm
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Hard to know what to make of this young man, but clearly Nell had made an impression. Doesn't she always?

Decision time now, though, Nell.

Thanks, Lesley.

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#52:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 5:37 pm
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Thank you Lesley!

*VERY curious to see which way Nell will jump....*

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#53:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 7:31 pm
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I'm wondering what Nell will do too. I don't believe she'll do anything to reverse his change of direction though.

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#54:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 8:24 pm
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Thanks, Lesley. I'm glad that he has made the decision to leave the gang behind. I wonder what Nell will do about the police.

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#55:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 12:52 am
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Very very interesting; Nell clearly forced him to think and a process has begun. Now I wonder what will happen.

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#56:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 10:15 am
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Very interesting.

Thank you Lesley...but don't think we're forgetting Hilda and Ray...

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#57:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 6:51 pm
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Well well well....what a dilemma.

We still don't know who's sabotaging Vida's work though!

Thanks Lesley

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#58:  Author: Miriam, Location: Jerusalem, Israel Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 9:18 pm
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WE don't, but I was wondering last night if they had actually signed this programme with their own name. They might have signed itwith anyone elses name purely to divert suspicion if they were discovered.

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#59:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 10:52 pm
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There was silence within the interview room, Nell noted that Weston looked over quickly then dropped his head,

“Bloody silly idea, coming here,” he mumbled, “suppose I should have thought about it,”

“Yes, you should have,” Nell said gently. She stood slowly, walked over to stand directly in front of him, “What will you have to say to the Police?”

The young man’s dark eyes met Nell’s, “Nothin’, you want me to rat on the others? Ain’t going to happen.”

Nell nodded, expecting nothing less, “And what will you do if I tell the Police I made a mistake, that I didn’t mean to call them?”

A tiny light of hope lit up in the man’s eyes, “Go back to Sydney, save for a flat, try and get a better job than just stacking shelves…”

“Return to what you did before?”

“No,” the response was immediate, “I’m not going back to that.” The sentence was a simple statement of fact.

John Coates stepped forward, “You got proof that you’re working, son?”

The younger man reacted automatically to the authority in John’s voice, he reached into his jeans pocket, “Got this,” he said quickly, “wanted to show her,” he indicated Nell, “that I was legit,” he passed across a piece of paper.

John looked at it then passed it across to Nell, it was an official wage slip, from a leading supermarket. It was made out in the name of Oliver Weston. Nell passed the slip back to Weston, she turned and indicated to John that they should both go outside. Once outside the interview room John spoke,

“What are your plans, Nell? If you want him to be arrested, no problem. But if you want to let him go back to Sydney I can smooth it over with the Police.”

Nell thought for a moment, “I want to believe him, John, really I do,” she said, “but why would that incident have changed him?”

John shrugged, “As he said, seeing you prepared to fight and all, it shocked him. It doesn’t happen that often but I did come across it, when I was in the force. I know it’ll mean he gets away with it…”

“Yes but, after all, what would a spell in prison do for him. John?” Nell said quickly, “He’d get hardened inside, would probably come out determined to ‘get back’ at society. He’s made a change, started on the right road. He may not make it but he should at least be given a chance. Shouldn’t he?”

“You’ll get no complaints here, Nell, I’ve seen kids like him in the past, they generally grow up to rob banks, that is if they grow up at all. If we can help just one turn his life around.”

Nell nodded, “And he did save my life,” she said quietly.

John nodded, “Just so you know,” he warned, “he may not make it, be prepared for that,”

Nell nodded, “I know, but we’ve got to give him that chance, haven’t we?” She turned and walked back into the interview room, leaving John to apologise to the Police.

Nell spent some time in the interview room talking with Weston. The man was very grateful that Nell had not passed him over to the Police and promised that he would not disappoint her. He also flatly refused to take any money from her, saying that he had not come to beg money. He seemed happy to just leave and walk and hitch his way back to the airport ready for his early flight the following morning. Instead Nell arranged that he have a bunk in the Gatehouse overnight and one of the Security Guards would drive him to the airport in the morning.

“Also, tonight,” Nell said quickly, “come over to dinner at my place. I have just started cooking again and I feel I owe you a meal.”

Weston shook his head, “You don’t owe me anything,” he said quickly, “I owe you, twice now,”

“Well come anyway, “I’d like you to meet a friend of mine.”

A little later, leaving the man with Tom Brookes, Nell walked across to the School. Letting herself in through the Main Door with her Pass she walked across to the Admin block acknowledging the calls of welcome from the staff there. She knocked on Hilda Annersley’s door and poked her head round,

“Sorry to interrupt, Hilda, but have you got a minute? I’ve some very interesting information for you.”

The Head looked up from where she and Ray Trent were both sat in front of a PC monitor, “Nell? Come in, do, I was about to call you and say almost exactly the same words to you.”

Last edited by Lesley on Sat Jul 08, 2006 8:53 pm; edited 2 times in total

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#60:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 11:16 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley. One little quibble though. You didn't finsih the post - again!

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#61:  Author: Kat, Location: Abertawe Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 11:20 pm
    —
She's got a bad habit of doing that!

Thanks Lesley

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#62:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 11:21 pm
    —

Pat wrote:

Thanks Lesley. One little quibble though. You didn't finsih the post - again!

Read my sig!

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#63:  Author: Kat, Location: Abertawe Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2006 11:23 pm
    —


Shall we poke her Pat?

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#64:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 12:07 am
    —
Lesley, there's obviously a fault somewhere - you seem to have lost some sentences at the end!

Glad that Nell made that decision, and that it's evidence based as well as intuitive. I really hope Weston makes it.
Thank you Lesley.

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#65:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 1:34 am
    —
Yes, Nell wasn't going to decide any other way, was she. I wonder what Hilda will have to say, though. Mercy is all very well, but he's been involved in hurting Nell ...

On the other hand, Hilda's obviously got other things on her mind! Wonder who'll get in first?

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#66:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 3:01 am
    —
Interesting developments! Thank you, Lesley.

Don't suppose the ex-thug has any useful information about other cliffaresques?

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#67:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 8:10 am
    —
I wondered what Kathy_S wondered. It seemed unlikely to be a random appearance by the lad.

*Camps out on thread to wait for the next shock*

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#68:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 1:25 pm
    —
Thank you Lesley!
(But you really need to get your comp looked at if it keeps cutting off the end of your posts...... )

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#69:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 1:29 pm
    —

Vikki wrote:

Thank you Lesley! (But you really need to get your comp looked at if it keeps cutting off the end of your posts...... )

(Lesley sneaking on at work!)

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#70:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 1:48 pm
    —
Gah! Thought that was an update

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#71:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 8:08 pm
    —
The trouble is that Lesley really believes her tag line! And it's turned into a habit. I think poking is a good idea Kat!

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#72:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 9:14 pm
    —
You do know that she just enjoys watching you all dither, don't you?

Good for Nell, though I have a sneaking suspicion Tara might be right about Hilda's reaction.

But perhaps the info about the computers that Hilda has just learned will offset the impact of Nell's actions.

Thanks, Lesley.

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#73:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 9:20 pm
    —

MaryR wrote:

You do know that she just enjoys watching you all dither, don't you?

That's why I was pointing out her omission rather than dithering! I was concerned in case her memory was failing! After all, we don't want her to forget any single part of it do we?

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#74:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 11:03 pm
    —
Sorry all, no post tonight. I've really hurt my shoulder, finding it painful to type. Hopefully more tomorrow.

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#75:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 11:13 pm
    —
*hugs Lesley gently and offers a tube of Ibuleve to rub into the shoulder*

I hope you've not been juggling with the patio doors again......

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#76:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 11:19 pm
    —
No, although I did manage to fall over in the Treasury Building this morning!

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#77:  Author: Kat, Location: Abertawe Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2006 11:50 pm
    —


I hope you apologised for falling on it?

Hope the pain eases soon - take things easy!

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#78:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:53 am
    —
Take care of yourself hunny.

We'll just sit on the cliff edge and wait as per normal!

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#79:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:59 am
    —
Hope your shoulder's better soon Lesley.
Nice view from up here....fruit cake, anyone?

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#80:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 1:08 am
    —
Thanks, Cath, don't mind if I do. Anyone like some coffee to go with the cake while we wait?

Lesley, sorry about the shoulder. Hope it's better very soon.

(((Lesley)))

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#81:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 10:46 am
    —
Hope the shoulder improves soon...and that falling over wasn't too embarrassing!

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#82:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 11:09 am
    —
Thanks Lesley.

*intrigued what the info is*

Hope the shoulder's feeling a bit better today.

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#83:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:09 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I hope your shoulder gets better soon. I'm glad that Nell decided not to turn Oliver in to the Police.

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#84:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 2:15 pm
    —
Hope the shoulder's better soon, and don't attempt to post till you're properly better. We can all wait, even though it doesn't sound like that sometimes!

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#85:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 6:48 pm
    —
Shoulder better today - wasn't due to me tripping over, think it was over-use of computer.

Nell frowned, Hilda’s tone was very sombre, she walked into the Study and sat herself in one of the chairs opposite the Head’s desk, “What’s up?”

Hilda ignored the slang and glanced across at Ray, Ray responded, “I’ve found out who’s behind the programme affecting Vida’s work,” she said. “Bit of luck really, I had a programme shadowing Vida’s stuff and caught it. When I investigated I was able to identify the person who set up the programme.”

“That’s why I wanted to speak with you, Nell,” Hilda put in, “I, unfortunately, don’t know her too well, you do. It’s Pauline Hendry.”

“What? But that’s absurd!” Nell stared at her friend in disbelief,

Hilda nodded, “That’s what I thought as well, but Ray assures me that she has identified it properly,” they both turned to look at the IT Mistress.

Ray nodded, “Whenever someone creates a programme they leave a mark, their signature if you like, it’s not something that anyone normally bothers about, this programme though, an attempt had been made to remove the signature, it only showed up when I deliberately looked for it, wouldn’t be visible otherwise. It has to be Pauline.” She looked at the two and rose, “I’ll leave you to it, you probably have things to discuss,”

“Thank you Ray,” Hilda said quickly, “for bringing this to my attention so quickly, please don’t mention this to anyone.”

“Of course not,” Ray smiled slightly and left the room. The two friends looked at each other, Nell spoke first,

“I can’t believe it, Hilda. To do something like that? Why on Earth would she do that?”

“I can’t believe it either, Nell,” Hilda returned gently, “however we cannot ignore the evidence. As to why she would do it? I’ve been puzzling about that for some days, why anyone would want to target Vida. Then I wondered if it wasn’t Vida so much as her position,”

“Biology Mistress?”

“No, Head of Science,” the Head returned, “think about it, Nell, you said so yourself, Pauline Hendry is extremely well qualified, we were lucky to secure her services. She told you that she wanted a change to teaching children rather than adults, didn’t she?”

“Yes, but I don’t see the connection,”

“Well, when she accepted the post it was in the knowledge that there was a senior, well qualified and extremely competent person in charge of the department, you,”

“You’ll make me blush, Hilda,”

Hilda smiled slightly, “I am speaking only the truth, Nell,” she returned, “now, she was more than prepared to accept your leadership, didn’t have any problem with that. But what happens? She arrives here just before the start of term to be greeted with the news that you were seriously ill in hospital, that, even if you were to live, you would not be at the School until the following term,”

“But she surely can’t have thought we’d consider her, Hilda?” Nell protested, “I mean, she’d only just started.”

“True,” Hilda Annersley rose from her chair and walked over to the window, “but consider, she is, as you say, highly qualified,”

“And ambitious, I’ll give you that,” Nell put in,

“Yes, she starts a new job, almost a new career, thinking only of making a good impression to her new Department Head. Then she discovers that you are in hospital, not a problem, she wouldn’t expect anything. Lesley and Rebecca meet her and tell her that the Biology Mistress, Vida Armitage will take over temporarily. She has no problem with that...until she meets her.”

“Meets her? But why should that make a difference?” Nell looked puzzled, then, suddenly, she nodded, “Oh, I see what you mean. She’s expecting someone of about her own age and experience, someone in their forties or so, and instead here’s Vida not looking older than about 23,”

“Exactly,” Hilda replied, “She’d accept someone that seemed to have the experience, but suppose she feels that Vida doesn’t, cannot have that experience, that the only reason Vida has the post is because she was one of the original school mistresses.”

“And if she makes Vida look bad, so bad that you relieve her of the post or Vida resigns, she feels she’s got a good chance?”

“Yes, because she’ll have learnt that neither Lesley nor Rebecca have her experience.” Hilda paused, turned to look across at her partner, “Well? Is it feasible?”

Nell considered for some time before nodding, “Yes, yes it is, worryingly so. But it’s still hard to believe it.”

“I know, Nell, but it’s the only scenario that makes sense. No one else stands to gain should Vida be forced to resign. And consider, if that had happened what would your advice have been. What would you have suggested as an interim measure?”

Nell sighed, “I’d have suggested trying Pauline. I know you got Lesley to cover for half term but she’s always said she’s not interested in the management side. Pauline would have done a good job.” She paused then looked over at the Head, “What are you going to do?”

“Ask her to come and speak to me, see if she has an explanation,” Hilda’s voice was subdued.

“And if she hasn’t?”

“You know the answer to that as well as I, Nell,” Hilda returned, “when the trusting relationship between the Staff has been breached, it’s very difficult for them to continue.”

Last edited by Lesley on Wed Jun 07, 2006 8:20 pm; edited 1 time in total

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#86:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: London, UK Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 8:11 pm
    —
Well personally, I think that's a bit mild! Surely what's she's done is a criminal offence, call for the Policy is what I say!

In fact, aren't they on site anyway - hand her over now I reckon Horrid woman for making Vida so stressed out

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#87:  Author: JackieP, Location: Kingston upon Hull Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 8:40 pm
    —
I had a feeling that something was going wrong with the computer system.

Finally managed to catch up though. It's good to see that they're all having fun(!) there still. Thanks Lesley.

JackieP

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#88:  Author: Kat, Location: Abertawe Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 8:46 pm
    —
Grrrr!

Although, what if someone has hacked into Pauline's system to make it look like it's her? Or is that getting too conspiracy-ish?

Thanks Lesley!

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#89:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 8:56 pm
    —

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#90:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 9:07 pm
    —

Kat wrote:

Grrrr! Although, what if someone has hacked into Pauline's system to make it look like it's her? Or is that getting too conspiracy-ish? Thanks Lesley!

I had already wondered if that was possible. I know the evidence is pretty strong, but this is RCS we're talking about here, with more twists and turns than the CS bread!

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#91:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 9:21 pm
    —
Not even going to think about it !It makes my head hurt.
*waits patiently for next update *
thanks Lesley

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#92:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 12:10 am
    —
Poor Hilda, this is going to be a really nasty interview. Perhaps there are extenuating circs? A seriously rotten thing to do, though. And Nell hasn't had a chance to tell Hilda about Oliver. What an afternoon!

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#93:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 7:05 am
    —

Aaagh, could it be that the same conspiracy that is separating Geri from Butcher in prison is also trying to de-stabilise the RCS ?
I think we need more info about the Governor, Lesley !

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#94:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 7:05 am
    —
In an 'ordinary' story I would have accepted that it was Pauline but we get so many twists in RCS that I automatically look for another twist - like Kat and Pat.

However, I've never made a right guess yet in Lesley's universe

(I hope the shoulder eases soon)

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#95:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 9:28 am
    —
Hope your shoulder continues to improve, Lesley. And yes, I'm expecting some more plot twists.

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#96:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 11:17 am
    —
Glad the shoulder is somewhat better - hope it continues to improve!

Thank you for this - waiting before passing any judgement!

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#97:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 1:09 pm
    —
Poor Hilda - not an interview she would want! But it goes with the territory, I guess. She reasonsed it all out well, didn't she?

Thanks, Lesley.

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#98:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 8:16 pm
    —

Nell wrote:

Glad the shoulder is somewhat better - hope it continues to improve! Thank you for this - waiting before passing any judgement!

Ditooo - though wam sure it's not over yet!

Thanks Lesley. Glad the shoulder's better.

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#99:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 10:34 pm
    —
Sorry all - next bit won't come out right - am going to leave it until tomorrow - need an early night - have a job interview tomorrow.

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#100:  Author: Rozzie, Location: Edinburgh Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 11:01 pm
    —
Good Luck with that.
Whilst I'm spraffing I'd like to say how much I'm enjoying this current RCS and indeed enjoyed the previous epics!
Do keep it coming!!

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#101:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 12:19 am
    —

Identity Hunt wrote:

could it be that the same conspiracy that is separating Geri from Butcher in prison is also trying to de-stabilise the RCS

Help! I never thought of that, but anything is possible in RCS-land.

Good luck with the interview, Lesley.

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#102:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 8:23 am
    —
Good luck witht he interview, Lesley.

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#103:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 9:47 pm
    —
Hope the interview went better than mine Lesley, and you got the job.

Last edited by Pat on Fri Jun 09, 2006 9:58 pm; edited 1 time in total

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#104:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 9:57 pm
    —
I hope the interview went well - I'm not surprised you got writer's block with that hanging over you

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#105:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 4:16 am
    —
Hope all is well with the interview and computer shoulder.

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#106:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 9:17 am
    —
Sorry about yesterday - interview went well - I think! Will hear Monday.

The Head decided that she would have to confront Pauline Hendry straight away; she first asked Rosalie Dene to contact Ruth Derwent, realising that the Deputy Head would need to be kept informed.

“I’ll make myself scarce then,” Nell said, after Rosalie had left on her errand, “don’t want Ruth to think I’m encroaching on her territory. At least, not until next term.”

“Are you sure, Nell?”

“Of course,” Nell smiled, “I’ll speak to you later, you can tell me how it went. Come home for dinner, rather than have here at the School, Ruth can cover for you, can’t she? I’ll have a drink waiting for you, along with some news,”

“Oh, yes you were going to tell me something?” Hilda suddenly remembering that Nell had appeared at her Study door saying just that.

“Yes, it’ll keep though, see you later, good luck!”

Nell walked out, waving goodbye to her friend. She didn’t envy Hilda her task, although she did feel more than a little guilty, after all, she, Nell, had recruited Pauline. She had noted that the woman was very ambitious but had thought it would be an asset. To discover that it would cause her to act in this way…”

“Hey, watch it Nell, you nearly had me over then!”

Nell was shaken out of her thoughts by the amused voice of Rosalind Moore, she shook herself, “Oh, sorry Ros, was in a dream,”

“I could see that,” Ros replied with a smile, “I’d said hello twice without getting a response, is something wrong?”

Nell looked across, thinking, “Two things really,” she said, “One affecting me and also a problem at the School, I’ve just left Hilda dealing with it,”

“Well I’m sure she’ll deal with it faithfully,” Ros said quickly, “she normally does,”

“True,” Nell replied, “though I can’t remember her ever having to deal with this type of problem before,”

“Well that could be said for almost everything nowadays,” Ros began, then winced.

Nell caught the change of expression, “Ros? Are you alright?”

Ros was biting her lip, rubbing her lower back, she nodded, “Yes, I’m OK, this will ease in a minute, oh, there it goes,” her taut expression relaxed and she smiled across at the older woman, “just some back twinges,” she explained, “I think I must have slept awkwardly last night, not difficult to do with this bump in the way,” she pointed to her bulge with a laugh, “anyway, since about four this morning I keep getting short bursts of really intense back pain. Luckily though they only last for short periods.”

“Perhaps you should seen the doctor?” Nell said worriedly, “see if there’s anything they can give you?”

“Perhaps I will,” Ros said, “if it’s not worn off by tonight I expect Geoff will insist, he’s back this evening from Brisbane, will be here for the weekend.” She smiled then continued, “Do you fancy a coffee? I know you can’t say anything about the School problem, but maybe talking about the other one will help?”

Nell smiled, “Yes, perhaps it will.”

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#107:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 11:10 am
    —


Nell dealing with a repentant attacker
Hilda dealing with Pauline
Ros in labour (Probably)

Just a normal day at RCS


Will have fingers etc., crossed on Monday, Lesley.

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#108:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 12:41 pm
    —
Keeping my fingers crossed for you Lesley.

Great episode, is there some mrope around?

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#109:  Author: Rose in Toronto, Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 2:32 pm
    —

Quote:

since about four this morning I keep getting short bursts of really intense back pain. Luckily though they only last for short periods.

Ummm, Ros, look at your baby manual...somewhere in the section "Actually having that baby" I would guess...

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#110:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 3:01 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I'm glad the interview went well. I'm agreeing with Kat, Pat and Patmac. I wonder how the talk with Pauline will go.

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#111:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 9:19 pm
    —
Agreeing about the labour. My first one stared that way, and it took a while to realise that that was what it was.

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#112:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:50 am
    —
Thanks Lesley

Hope all goes well with Ros's labour

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#113:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 2:15 pm
    —
Yep, she's definitely going into labour! I wonder how long it will take her to realise?

Thanks Lesley.

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#114:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 5:40 pm
    —
Oh yes, Ros, Hilda always deals with things faithfully.

But how are you going to deal with this, Ros - and what is Lesley going to do to you?

Thanks. Lesley.

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#115:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 9:30 pm
    —
*Grin*

Thanks Lesley!
Glad the interview went well, everything crossed for you.


at Ros! (and fingers crossed the sprog drops safely!)

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#116:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:57 pm
    —
“I don’t understand,” Pauline Hendry said, her tone and expression both showing confusion, “why are you telling me all of this?”

Back in the Head’s Study Miss Annersley had asked to see the new Chemistry Mistress and confronted her with the evidence, she had given a detailed explanation of exactly what had been done to cause Vida Armitage to lose work and had also explained, in as much detail as possible, about what Ray Trent had discovered. Now she had looked up to discover Pauline’s reaction and the woman appeared to be perplexed.

“I’m telling you this,” Hilda replied, “to let you know that the identity of the culprit, the one responsible for trying to ruin Vida Armitage’s work and force her to believe she was unable to manage, has been identified.”

“Yes, I understand that,” came the response, “but why are you telling just me? Why not all the Science Staff or just Vida…” Pauline Hendry stopped as a sudden thought struck her, she looked over at the Head, “You think it’s me, don’t you?”

Hilda Annersley swivelled her computer monitor round so that Pauline could see the screen, on it was the evidence left by Ray Trent, showing the ‘signature’. “That signature has been identified as yours, Pauline,” she said quietly.

“I don’t care what it’s been identified as,” Pauline Hendry’s expression darkened, “it wasn’t me. Search for your culprit elsewhere, I didn’t do it!”

“And yet you had your reasons for wanting Vida Armitage to fail, didn’t you?” Hilda’s quiet question stopped the angry woman in the process of storming out of the room. She looked over sharply,

“Why’d you think that?” she said quickly, “Why do you think I’d want Vida to fail?”

“Because of your own nature, Pauline,” Hilda returned, she shrugged very slightly, “Partly from information from Nell Wilson, but also from my own observations - I’ve not had as much time this term to get to know the new staff, but I am able, to a certain extent, to read character. You are very ambitious, aren’t you?”

Pauline swallowed, “Yes, I’m ambitious, want to get on. I think I’m a good manager. There‘s nothing wrong with that. Or do you think there is?”

“You are speaking to the Headmistress, Pauline, the person in charge of the entire School,” Hilda gave a half-smile, “if I had a problem with ambition I wouldn’t be in this position, would I? But there can be a problem if your ambition grows such that it overrides normal decent behaviour.”

“Well it didn’t,” Pauline said adamantly, “I’ll admit that, when I first started and heard about Nell, I did wonder. I mean neither Lesley nor Rebecca have my experience. But they said that Vida would probably be in charge, that she had years of experience. Then I met her and discovered she couldn’t possibly have the years I have. But that didn’t matter, she was good at her job, proved to me within a couple of weeks that she could cover for Nell.”

“You are saying that you didn’t do this, Pauline?”

Pauline Hendry glared across at the Head, “Yes, I’m saying I didn’t do this.”

---

#117:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 11:02 pm
    —
She'd say that anyway of course. But I think I believe her - as much because of experience of RCs as anything else!

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#118:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 11:15 pm
    —
Yes, I think I believe her too.

Thank you Lesley - but then if she really didn't do it then whoever wanted to make it look as though she did? The plot continues to thicken!

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#119:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Sun Jun 11, 2006 11:31 pm
    —
Hmmmm....

So, do we believe Pauline, or is this another 'Janet' situation........??

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#120:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 1:44 am
    —
If she didn't do it, someone is very sneaky.

(Besides Lesley, that is.... )

(Of course Hilda & Nell have made plenty of enemies with potential connections to expert hackers....)

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#121:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 6:39 am
    —
If it wasn't Pauline then someone else is extremely (and evil). Perhaps Hilda and Ray need to give that lovely Mr Gates a call - presumably it's his software on the computers?

Thanks Lesley

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#122:  Author: Alex, Location: Cambs, UK Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 11:40 am
    —
I was watching Alias last night and I've decided that the only person who compares with Lesley in terms of devious twistiness is J J Abrams.

I'm giving up guessing, and look forward to the truth being revealed.

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#123:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 1:05 pm
    —
I'm just going to sit on the drabble sofa and wait for the answer.

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#124:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 7:47 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I am believing Pauline as well.

Last edited by Chair on Tue Jun 13, 2006 7:36 pm; edited 1 time in total

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#125:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 9:59 am
    —
Thanks Lesley

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#126:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 4:23 pm
    —
Hilda's comment about *ambition* was perfect. Thanks, Lesley

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#127:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:06 pm
    —
“I see,” there was a long pause in which Hilda simply gazed at the Chemistry Mistress.

“You don’t believe me, do you?” The question was said with some vehemence.

The Head considered, “I’m not absolutely sure,” she confessed, “in the past I have always been able to tell if someone was lying, however in the last two years or so I have come across a number of people who were able to fool me. You may be another, I don’t know you well enough to be able to judge.”

Pauline Hendry seemed surprised at the honest answer, she also seemed to be very shocked at the news, she took a few deep breaths before speaking, “So what happens now?”

Hilda looked across, “As I’m sure you are aware,” she began, “this action constitutes Gross Misconduct and I have, in front of me, evidence that appears to prove you are guilty…”

“You’re just going to find me guilty then?”

“I didn’t say that, Pauline,” the Head’s voice had a slight bite to it, enough that the confident Chemistry Mistress flinched. Hilda continued, “I am mindful that you are strenuously denying the charge. I will, therefore, postpone judgement for the next two weeks and continue to investigate. Unfortunately procedure demands that, until investigations are complete, you be suspended on full pay…Wait!” Hilda held up a hand to forestall the other woman’s objection, “I appreciate that it will be difficult for you to investigate if on suspension.”

“Difficult? It’ll be impossible,” Pauline returned, “The suspension will mean I have to leave the grounds, won’t it?”

“Yes,” Hilda nodded, “but I will appoint one of the other Staff to make enquiries for you, I have no objection to them remaining in contact. Do you have somewhere you can stay?”

Pauline thought for a moment, “Yes,” she said, “I can stay with my sister. But how can I be sure you’ll investigate? I mean, I’m new, why should you be bothered?”

“You are a member of my Teaching Staff, Pauline,” Hilda returned, “as such you may be assured I will do everything to help you. Now, as yet I’m undecided as to your involvement, if subsequent enquiries confirm that you are the one responsible for the campaign against Vida, then you should expect no mercy from me. However, I will ensure that all possible avenues are explored to try to confirm whether, in fact, you are guilty, before taking that step.”

Pauline was silent for some seconds she then gave a short half-laugh, “I could have done with you being my boss fifteen years ago,” she said.

“Oh?”

Pauline nodded, “I was a Junior Lecturer, one of the students put in a complaint against me, inappropriate behaviour. She was the daughter of a fairly prominent businessman, one who had endowed the University with a great deal of cash. My boss at the time didn’t even speak to me, just sent a security guard across to escort me from the campus. Dismissed. Took me three months to finally prove my innocence and then another two months before HR forced him to reinstate me.”

“The girl?”

“Did it for a laugh, because I had given her a poor grade on a paper,”

“That’s terrible,” the Head sounded shocked.

Pauline nodded, “Justice was, eventually, done, but it took a long time. And I was given no support. At least here you’ve taken the trouble to explain things, given me a chance to prove my innocence. Who will be looking out for me?”

“The Deputy Head,” Hilda replied, “I’ll speak with Ruth, I think it fairest if she be the one to make enquiries for you.”

Pauline nodded, “Thanks, that will be fine, I get on well with Ruth… I’ll em, go pack a few things.” She turned and walked toward the door then stopped, looked back at the Head, “I really love it here, you know? I could see me being here for years, loved the job, the people, everything. I don’t want to lose that.”

“If you are telling me the truth, Pauline, then that will not happen,” Hilda replied gently.

“Yeah?” Pauline shrugged, “But if I’m telling you the truth, then someone has attempted, very cleverly, to frame me. Suppose you don’t discover who it is? Suppose that, at the end of the investigations, you still think I’m guilty?” As she said this the Chemistry Mistress stepped through the door and closed it behind her, leaving Hilda with the unanswered question.

The Head sighed, still not sure whether Pauline Hendry was an innocent victim or a very clever culprit. She reached toward the Intercom to ask Ruth Derwent to come in from her Study when her mobile rang,

“Yes, Hilda Annersley here,” she said, “Nell? What is it? What’s wrong?”

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#128:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:11 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I wonder what is wrong. I'm sorry that Pauline went through such a hard time as a Junior Lecturer.

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#129:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:12 pm
    —
Great to have an update Lesley, I was getting bored on the cliff! Pleased that Hilda is giving Pauline the chance to prove her innocence. Hope there is nothing ominious in that phonecall.

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#130:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:21 pm
    —
Cliff after cliff after cliff. We'll all be bruised and battered at this rate!

If not Pauline, then who? That phone call sounds ominous



Thank you Lesley.

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#131:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:22 pm
    —
I REALLY don't know what to think now. Pauline seems like a nice person, I actually rather hope that she IS being framed and that Hilda and Ruth will discover the culprit. And that last line was just MEAN Lesley!

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#132:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:22 pm
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Rotten thing! You post and foget to finsih the post.....AGAIN! You aren't old enough to be having so many Senior Moments, so I'm starting to get concerned about your well-being.

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#133:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:58 pm
    —

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#134:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 12:58 am
    —

Quote:

still not sure whether Pauline Hendry was an innocent victim or a very clever culprit.

Well, me neither! I wonder, though, if Pauline's previous persecutor is anyone we ought to know?????

D'you know, I'd never thought about Hilda being ambitious. Yes, of course. How interesting.

And now what??? Oh dear!

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#135:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 2:26 am
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I really don't quite know what to think...but I too wonder if there is a clue in Pauline's previous experience.

Settles down with chocolate and a coffee to await the next revelations!

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#136:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 10:18 am
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Curiouser and curiouser...

thanks Lesley

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#137:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 2:25 pm
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A very *Hilda* scene, thanks, Lesley. Even if it has left her with a conundrum - and then you hand her another? Ros?

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#138:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 9:35 pm
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How many twists and turns can you put into this Lesley!

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#139:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 10:11 am
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Thanks, Lesley, so many twists and turns, so many questions - and no answers.

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#140:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 11:48 am
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Hmmm I shall await further developments before casting judgement...

Thank you Lesley.

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#141:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 10:40 pm
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Sorry about yesterday - unable to get on last night, server down.

“Here you go, Nell,” Ros Moore passed across a mug of coffee, then sat on a chair on the opposite side of her kitchen table, she smiled across at Nell Wilson, “so, what was so all-absorbing that you managed to walk right into me then? I mean, it’s not as though I’m that easy to miss!”

Nell grinned, took an appreciative sip of her coffee, “I was thinking,” she replied, “did you know that one of the boys responsible for attacking me is, at this minute, in with John’s security people?”

“He is?” Ros’ eyes grew wide, “Have you called the Police? What was he doing here?”

Nell shook her head, “I haven’t called the Police,” she replied, “as for what he’s doing here, he says he came to see me, to check that I was alright and to let me see what he’d done since the attack.”

Rosalind frowned, “Do you believe him?” she asked sceptically.

Nell considered, “I think I do,” she said eventually, “he says he was the one who called the ambulance, that what happened to me affected him deeply. He even appears to have got himself a job,” she shrugged, “Let’s just say I’m prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt,”

“Well I must admit to…” Rosalind stopped suddenly and turned pale, Nell looked across worried,

“Ros? What is it?” she began.

For answer Ros held a hand up, silencing her friend, “Look!” she pointed. Nell looked down, confusion on her face, the floor beneath Rosalind’s chair was wet.

“Is that…?”

Ros nodded, “How could I be so stupid?” she said softly, “it’s not backache, I’ve been having contractions,” she paused as another suddenly cut in and clutched at her stomach, “the baby’s coming, Nell!”

Nell gulped, “Erm, right, hold on Ros, I’ll sort everything…”

A few minutes later the Head answered a call on her mobile phone, “Yes, Hilda Annersley here,” she said, “Nell? What is it? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” Nell said quickly, “only I’m with Rosalind Moore and it’s started,”

“What’s started?” Hilda’s mind was still on her interview with Pauline Hendry.

“World War Three, Hilda,” Nell replied, “what do you think?”

“You mean…”

“Jake’s on his way, has been since about four this morning, but Ros didn’t realise it,” Nell said quickly, “now, John’s coming across with a jeep and will take Ros to the hospital, Ros asked if you can spare Ruth and Kelly?”

“Of course,” the Head replied, pressing her Intercom to summon Rosalie while still speaking with Nell, “I’ll also ask Nancy Chester to go with them, just in case,”

“Good idea, get them to wait outside the School, John can swing by and pick them up.”

Last edited by Lesley on Fri Jun 16, 2006 4:48 pm; edited 2 times in total

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#142:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 10:51 pm
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Oooooh, how exciting! I am determined not to wibble until I have to

Thanks Lesley.

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#143:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 11:14 pm
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Thanks Lesley!

*goes off to make grandmother knit baby clothes for Ros's littl'un*

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#144:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 11:30 pm
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Definitely one of the bonuses of moving to the Modern World and escaping Elinor. Hope it all goes well for Ros.

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#145:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 11:36 pm
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Thanks, Lesley. I hope that the birth will go well.

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#146:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 11:51 pm
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Ooooh, will it be all right?

And will poor Nell ever get to tell her story?

Quote:

“What’s started?” Hilda’s mind was still on her interview with Pauline Hendry. “World War Three, Hilda,” Nell replied, “what do you think?”

Love it!

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#147:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 12:59 am
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Hope this all goes smoothly. Loved Nell's confusion there - and the World War III comment!

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#148:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 1:13 am
    —

Quote:

“What’s started?” Hilda’s mind was still on her interview with Pauline Hendry. “World War Three, Hilda,” Nell replied, “what do you think?”

Love it! [/quote]

Me too!

Is it very evil of me to enjoy seeing Nell at a slight loss for the moment. She came over a teensy bit male!

Thanks for the update Lesley. Of course we should have guessed that was what the phone call was about, but with you it could be anything - including World War Three!

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#149:  Author: janem, Location: Ash, Surrey Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 7:12 am
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Lesley. I'm not quite sure what to say, apart from WOW and respect. I have just caught up from the very beginning of this and I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed it.

Looking forward now to reading with everyone else as it goes along but please don't leave it too long

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#150:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 10:29 am
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Lovely post, Lesley. Thank you. *Refusing to wibble....*

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#151:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 1:18 pm
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Another thing to wibble about. I hope Ros doesn't give birth in the Range Rover.

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#152:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 1:39 pm
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*bounces happily*

I hope everything goes well for Ros and Jake! And smart lady sending Nancy Chester along too - although of course I hope she won't be needed.

Thanks Lesley

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#153:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:58 pm
    —
Geoff Stevens had cursed roundly when his PA interrupted him to say he had an urgent phone call. As he was in the middle of a presentation to a number of senior officers he had almost been tempted to ignore it but, as all the ’bigwigs’ were staring at him, he thought he should quickly reply. His confusion when he realised that the call was from the School disappeared as soon as the person on the other end spoke,

“Geoff? Nell Wilson here, Rosalind’s in labour…”

He honestly couldn’t remember how he’d got to the airport, his PA, an extremely bright young Corporal, had made his apologies to the senior officers, arranged an official car to whisk him to Brisbane airport, and booked him onto the next available flight back to Melbourne. He only just made the flight, having to run all the way from where the car had dropped him off to the departure gate. Luckily the steward on the plane seemed to know about his emergency and ushered him in with scant minutes to spare before the plane taxied out to take off. The flight back to Melbourne seemed to take forever and he spent almost the entire time fretting, staring out of the window and urging the plane to go faster.

At Melbourne Airport he was first off of the plane and almost ran toward the exit, it wasn’t until he was halfway there that he became aware of someone running after him,

“Colonel Stevens? Colonel Stevens wait a sec,”

Geoff turned, determined to sear whoever had stopped him, “What?”

“Miss Wilson’s compliments, Sir, there’s a jeep waiting for you outside,” the security guard said quickly.

Geoff took a deep breath then grinned, “Thanks Nell,” he said under his breath, he looked over at the other man, “excellent, lead on then, lad,”

The trip to the Real Hospital went quickly, the security guard was a quick but safe driver, Geoff attempted to reach someone via his mobile but couldn’t get anyone to reply, at the Hospital he spoke to the Main Reception desk and was directed to the Maternity Wards. He was striding down the corridor when the door to the ward opened and two people appeared, Ruth Derwent had her arm around Kelly, Kelly was crying, Ruth looked up to see the soldier,

“Geoff, oh, thank goodness, but you’re too late!”

At the words Geoff’s world seemed to collapse, he went as white as a sheet and his confident brisk walk slowed to a crawl, “Too late?” he whispered.

Kelly looked up and saw her father for the first time, she ran across the intervening space to fling herself into her father’s arms, Geoff automatically held her to him, stroking her hair, Kelly was unable to speak, sobbing into his chest. Geoff looked over at Ruth who also showed evidence of having been crying,

“Ruth, tell me, too late?”

Ruth gave a slight smile, “Jake was born forty minutes ago, Geoff…” she began.

“And? Is he OK?” the impatient response.

Ruth nodded, “He’s OK, they’re doing some tests on his heart but seem to think he’s fine,”

“And Ros?” Geoff’s arms tightened around his daughter.

“They had to do a Caesarean in the end,” Ruth said, “foetal distress they said, she was taken for emergency surgery.” Ruth’s smile widened, “She’s very groggy but she’s fine, just back on the ward.”

“But?” Geoff looked down at his daughter, noticed, for the first time, that Kelly was laughing along with her tears, Kelly tried to speak,

“I’ve got a little brother, Dad,” she said indistinctly, “and he’s gorgeous.”

Ruth walked over, pried Kelly away from Geoff, “Let your Dad go, Kelly,” she said gently, “he’s got to go and see that Jake and Ros are fine,”

Geoff smiled his thanks before racing on into the ward, a quick query with the ward clerk and he was directed to a single room, he quietly opened the door and looked inside, lying in the bed was Rosalind, she appeared to be asleep. There was a drip running into her left arm but otherwise no machinery or tubes. He walked over to look down at her face, Rosalind’s dark hair was wet and dishevelled, her face bore the ravages of sweat, pain and tears. He bent and kissed her cheek, Ros stirred,

“You could have waited a few more minutes, you know,” she said quickly, “given me a chance to have a proper wash. I must look dreadful.” she opened her eyes and looked up at Geoff.

“You look beautiful,” Geoff said, kissing her on the lips.

“I do not,” Ros returned with some force, “I look a complete fright,”

“You look beautiful to me,” Geoff said firmly, “how do you feel?”

“Tired,” Ros said, “a little pain, but not too bad,”

“I’m so sorry I wasn’t here,” Geoff said guiltily.

Ros chuckled, “I’m not, some of the things I was screaming about you were not polite. I just hope Ruth never wants to blackmail me, the things I said.” She looked across at her husband with some amusement, “Well have you said hello to our son yet?”

Geoff followed her gaze to the cot, he moved across to look down at the figure inside, there was a pause for some time, Geoff reached a hand inside, stroked the soft little head, “He’s so tiny,” he said with wonder.

“Five pounds eight,” Ros replied, “a little on the small side but perfectly healthy, not bad considering he was a few weeks early. Aren’t you going to pick him up?”

Geoff looked across with some worry but obediently reached in and gently lifted the small bundle out, he brought the baby up and laid him on his shoulder, the baby, until then sleeping, suddenly opened his eyes and stared,

“Hello my son,” Geoff said softly, “I’m your Daddy,”

Last edited by Lesley on Sun Jun 18, 2006 1:57 pm; edited 2 times in total

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#154:  Author: Kat, Location: Abertawe Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 10:04 pm
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*squueeee! squeeeeeeeeeeee! SQUEEEEEEEE!!!!!!*

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#155:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 11:25 pm
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Awwwwwwwwww!

*Tears in eyes at last line*

Thank you Lesley.

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#156:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2006 11:34 pm
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Very sweet.

*impressed by Nell's powers of organization*
A jeep, and briefing the plane's steward?

ETA Oh, s'pose the efficient corporal could have talked to the airline.... I am so brainwashed.

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#157:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 12:37 am
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Aawwwh. All is well - after that final major wibble when everyone was in tears ...

Lovely, Lesley. Thank you.

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#158:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 11:12 am
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Very moving, Lesley, though I did have a giggle at the words Ros might have been screaming about her husband!

Nell's organisational skills are wasted in school!

Thank you.

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#159:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 11:27 am
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Lovely....I'll bet Ruth remembered just what Ros said about Geoff! Excellent organisation, Nell!
ANd what a moving moment when Geoff picked up his son.

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#160:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 12:12 pm
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Ah, lovely, thanks, Lesley.

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#161:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 1:47 pm
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It was quite late before Hilda Annersley managed to get away from the School; the excitement about Rosalind Moore’s baby showed no signs of abating - at least among the Fourth and Fifth Forms in particular, with a number of the girls from Rosalind’s old form particularly excited. When Kelly Stevens reappeared she had been swamped with queries about their old Form Mistress and about the new little baby. In the Staff Room Ruth Derwent was similarly attacked. It took some time before the Head was able to speak with Ruth herself; after asking about Ros and Jake Hilda took the time to quickly fill in the Deputy Head about Pauline Hendry. Ruth was happy to take on the investigation, promising to start first thing the following morning. She was also happy to take the evening meal leaving Hilda free, a little late, to move swiftly across to her cottage and, finally, to be able to speak with Nell.

Over in the cottage, the young man, Oliver Weston, was sat on the sofa near the open patio doors, a bottle of cold beer in his hand. He was staring out into the garden while Nell Wilson was checking the evening meal. He was thinking deeply. He had not anticipated his welcome; he hadn’t really thought about it at all, wanting only to visit the place and check up on the woman. When the Security Team had caught him he’d called himself every name under the sun for being so stupid. He’d expected them to just call the Police and throw him in jail, especially when he’d first met the woman. She was a real enigma that one, he could sense the anger and strength in her, he could tell she was someone that would never blindly accept being forced to do something. Yet she’d listened to him, been prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt. He’d never come across someone that would do that for him before, it was a good feeling.

He’d spent most of the day with the security staff; most of the guards themselves were only a little older than him - yet their lives were so different. They were safe and secure in their lives, they enjoyed what they did, were looking forward to settling down. They even liked their boss - and here Weston had frowned, he was well aware of John Coates’ former profession, recognised his like in the veteran cops he’s had ‘run-ins’ with in Sydney. Yet these boys, barely older than him, both liked and respected him. Would have a laugh and a joke with him. It was a strange and different life to the one he, Weston, was used to.

It had been a surprise when he found out that Miss Wilson was only the Deputy Head at this place. He could see that she was well respected, able to command even the Security Chief with ease. But she was Deputy Head? It didn’t make sense. Late that afternoon, just before he was going to go across to join Miss Wilson and her friend for a meal, he spoke with John Coates about it. John had looked across with some amusement in his eyes,

“That’s right,” he said thoughtfully, “you’ve not met the Headmistress yet, have you?” He paused then leant forward, “Let me give you a friendly warning,” he said, “she’s the only person able to command Nell Wilson, and, although a very gentle and compassionate person, Nell Wilson is her closest friend. I wouldn’t want the Head as an enemy. Good luck - you’ll need it!”

Last edited by Lesley on Sat Jun 17, 2006 9:15 pm; edited 1 time in total

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#162:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 2:32 pm
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Thanks, Lesley. Oliver Weston has a real shock coming, doesn't he?

But, seeing a different way of life altogether might be what he needs to turn his life around properly, to work towards a proper career, because his wanting to see that Nell is OK shows that he has better stuff within himself than his past behaviour warrants. And John Coates, too, he's a good example to him.

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#163:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:33 pm
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Thanks, Lesley. I am really glad that Jake has been delivered safely. I am also looking forward to seeing what Oliver makes of Hilda.

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#164:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 8:39 pm
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I love the way you built up Hilda's *scariness* in this young lad! Clearly Nell was scary enough - and yet she could be over-ruled by someone stronger! Or so he imagined - not realising there are other ways of influencing people besides physical strength. Love is so much more powerful as a force.

Thanks, Lesley.

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#165:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2006 10:32 pm
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awww!!!
Congrats to Ros, Geoff and Kelly!!

And good luck to Oliver.........

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#166:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 12:15 am
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Awww. Really pleased it worked out OK for Ros and the little fella. Feel a tad sorry for Oliver though.

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#167:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 1:19 am
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Thank you Lesley, that was very thought-provoking. Poor Oliver (never thought I'd say that!) it's like a glimpse of a different world. I wonder what he imagines Hilda to be....? I think he's in for a surprise!

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#168:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 2:07 am
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Should be an interesting meeting.

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#169:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 7:26 pm
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As the door to the cottage opened Nell moved across to intercept the Head,

“Nell I’m so sorry, I couldn’t get away,” Hilda began,

Nell smiled, “Not a problem, I knew you’d be delayed, especially with Ruth being away most of the afternoon,”

“Have you heard from Ros?”

“From Geoff, he phoned a little while ago to let me know the news and thank me for looking after Ros. I thought we could go across to see the new arrival tomorrow?”

Hilda nodded, “Yes, I told Ruth we could share the duty this weekend, it should be her turn but she’ll want to spend some time at the hospital, when she returns we can go,” she paused to smile slightly, “although I must admit it seems strange, being able to visit a new born and his mother only the day after his birth.”

“Know what you mean,” Nell grinned, “though I must say I approve, and Rosalind doesn’t seem worried about it,”

Hilda nodded, “Well if you give me a minute to change, Nell, then I can join you for dinner…”

“Wait a sec, Hilda,” Nell caught her friend’s arm, pulled her into the kitchen, “we have a guest and I should tell you about him first…”

It was another twenty minutes before Oliver Weston got to meet the Headmistress for the first time; he knew she had been home and had been speaking with Miss Wilson - he thought probably about him - but he didn’t see her until Miss Wilson re-entered the lounge with another woman. His first impression wasn’t that favourable; while Miss Wilson exuded impatience, speed and not a little anger, this woman’s chief emotion seemed to be calm, there was a serenity about her that seemed to affect all around her. Weston smiled to himself, that Coates fellow had been joking, there was nothing to be afra…..Weston’s musings stopped dead as he finally locked gazes with the woman.

“Good evening, Mr Weston,” the low voice was almost melodic, “Nell tells me that you were one of those responsible for attacking her two months ago?”

Weston swallowed slightly, “Er, yes but…”

“She also tells me that you were the one that called for an ambulance?”

Weston nodded slightly, unable to tear himself from those grey eyes.

“I sincerely hope that you do not intend to return to your former behaviour?”

“N-n-no Miss Annersley.”

There was silence for some seconds, then the woman reached out a hand, “Excellent,” she said, and her face seemed to change, relax, her eyes lighten, “thank you, Mr Weston, for saving Nell,”

“You're welcome, Ma’am,” Weston said, reaching forward and clasping the Headmistress’ hand.

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#170:  Author: Kat, Location: Abertawe Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 7:51 pm
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Hehehehehehehehehe!

He deserved those moments of terror *g*

Thanks Lesley

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#171:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 8:19 pm
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Nice!

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#172:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 8:39 pm
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It never fails, does it? Just one look.....

Thanks, Lesley.

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#173:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 8:58 pm
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That moment of absolute dread, the feeling that you'd rather throw yourself into an active volcano than face those eyes again - wonderful, Lesley.

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#174:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 9:21 pm
    —
I love it Lesley...just a look, and yet so much more, the force of her personality coming out without a word.

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#175:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 12:03 am
    —
I do love the idea of Nell as an 'enigma' . Well she is!

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#176:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 9:54 am
    —
I`m glad Hilda has met Oliver.
If anything can keep him on the straight and narrow in the future, it will surely be the memory of Hilda`s gimlet glare
Great stuff, Lesley !

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#177:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 8:45 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I'm glad that Hilda made an impression on Oliver!

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#178:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 10:46 pm
    —
Surprisingly the meal was not quite as much of an ordeal as Weston had feared; though he did come away from it with a very healthy respect for both women. He spent the night in one of the bunks in the Security Gatehouse and was treated to an early breakfast by the men on duty before being taken to Melbourne Airport to catch his flight back to Sydney. Meanwhile John Coates had made a few enquiries and discovered that Weston had, indeed, managed to secure himself a job and was on the list for a flat. He had been telling the truth. Weston refused to take any money from Nell Wilson but did write down his address; Nell promised she would write to him.

The weekend went quickly; Hilda and Nell visiting Rosalind in hospital and both having a long cuddle with baby Jake. Rosalind herself seemed to be recovering well and Nell was able to pass on a few tips about how to manage her wound, while Hilda, with a totally impassive expression and a wicked glint in her eye, warned Rosalind of the things she should not try!

Back at the School and Hilda and Ruth spent some time in the Head’s Study discussing how Ruth was going to proceed with investigating the claim by Pauline Hendry that she was innocent of the charge, that someone else was responsible and had incriminated her. Ruth decided to start by interviewing all those Staff close to Pauline including both the Science Staff and the other new Staff. It was decided that there had to be full disclosure to the Teaching Staff about Pauline’s absence and that, as yet, nothing had been proven. The Staff would be able to compare with the situation just over a year ago affecting Nell Wilson.

Considering Nell led to a serious discussion between Hilda and Ruth and, later, another serious discussion between Hilda and Nell. Nell being adamant that she should return to cover Pauline’s lessons whilst Hilda was just as adamant she would not! In the end they agreed to compromise as there was no one else that could take all the classes. Nell was able to return to the School for the last two weeks for just two lessons per day - that being the minimum number that had to be continued as some of the girls in the Lower Sixth were specialising in Chemistry. She was not returning as Deputy Head, however until the New Year.

There were only two weeks to go until the end of the Christmas Term and the end of the School year. Thinking ahead to the following year meant that Hilda arranged for a meeting between herself and the Form Mistresses of the Upper and Lower Sixths, to discuss the appointment of the new Prefects and Head Girl. Once the others were all seated Hilda spoke,

“I wanted to ask your opinions of the current Lower Sixth,” she began, “with a view to considering them as Prefects. I have my own ideas on the best candidate for Head Girl and also for Prefects, but would like to hear your thoughts.”

The rest of the Mistresses sat in thought for some time, eventually Ruth spoke, “There are a number I would consider are not suitable,” she said slowly, “in Lower IVA perhaps six are prefect material, wouldn’t you agree, Kathryn?”

Kathryn Brown thought, mentally reviewing the girls in her form, “Hmmm, let’s see if we agree,” she said quickly, “Michaela Fenton, Rose Chad, Emma Patsalos, Helen Murphy, Jennifer Fox and Kylie Anderson.”

Ruth smiled, “They do rather jump at you, don’t they?”

Julie Berne also contributed, “Those six have stayed together for the past two years, ever since we all transferred over,” she turned toward the Head, “only the first two were with us in Switzerland but the other four were among the first of our new girls when we opened here.”

Hilda nodded, “Yes, I would agree with all your choices Kathryn, do you have a choice for Games Prefect? Peggy has already told me her choice,”

“Well if it wasn’t Michaela I’ll have serious doubts about Peggy’s credentials,” Nancy put in quickly, the rest all laughed and Hilda quickly nodded.

“Yes, that was her choice too, not a very difficult one,” the Head continued, “however, what of the rest of the Prefects?”

“Rest to come from your form, Nancy,” Ruth put in, “any problems?”

Nancy shook her head, “I don’t think so,” she said, “again, most of them choose themselves,” she listed a number and Gill Culver, attending to take the minutes, wrote each name down as Hilda nodded consent.

“There are also Sally Lowe and Jamel Darian,” Hilda said quietly, “and there, I believe, we have our two senior prefects,”

“Sally for Head Girl?” this from Julie Berne with a slight frown,

Hilda shook her head, “No, Jamel as Head Girl, Sally as Second Prefect,”

The rest of the women nodded slowly, Jamel, although only with the School for the last year or so, had impressed all of them. Gill Culver looked up,

“That’s fourteen,” she said, “who’s the fifteenth?”

There was silence for a time then Hilda replied, “That depends upon Nancy, “ she said softly.

Nancy Wilmot looked across at the Head, “You’re thinking about Katrina, aren’t you?”

Hilda nodded, “What are your thoughts, Nancy?”

Nancy Wilmot sat, deep in thought, for some minutes, thinking back to the events of two terms before, she shook her head, “It’s more than seven months ago,” she said quietly, “since her return she’s been a model student,”

“But?” Ruth said quietly.

Nancy shook her head, “No, there is no ‘but’ - Katrina did something wrong, something terrible, she hurt me and Kathie a great deal,” she paused and looked across at Hilda, “and was almost responsible for so much more. Now though? I’d be lying if I said she wouldn’t make a good Prefect. She was punished, severely, for her deeds, her behaviour since has been exemplary. She deserves her chance,” she turned to Gill, “the fifteenth Prefect is Katrina Palmer,”

“You’re sure, Nancy?” This from the Head.

Nancy nodded, “Definitely, otherwise everything we say about learning from your mistakes and not being judged on past behaviour is wrong, isn’t it?”

The other women nodded, Julie Berne spoke, “She will make a good Prefect, I think, she will be able to understand the young ones, when they do wrong.”

---

#179:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 10:53 pm
    —
It's great to see the staff discussing the new lot of Prefects. But when we get a nice gentle episode like this I wonder what we're going to be in for next, or else what the significance of the episode is on the current story.

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#180:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 12:39 am
    —
Fascinating to see Nancy really carrying out the philosophies that the school represents although this must have been so hard for her to do.

Yes, Nell probably does have a good idea about wound management doesn't she?

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#181:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 12:46 am
    —
That was really noble of Nancy. Of course all that she said was true, but it took a largeness of spirit to mean it. I wonder how Katrina will feel - and her ghastly mother?

I've missed the weekend, and am also glad that all has worked out well for Oliver. His life will be changed by his contact with Nell and Hilda - but I do wonder about that twenty minutes when they were together in the kitchen. Did it take that long for Hilda to get over her first reaction and be able to be her calm and authoritative self, I wonder?

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#182:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 5:50 am
    —
An awful lot of redemption in the past few posts. Very nice indeed! An especially nice touch with Katrina.

But leaves one wondering about Butcher et al....
(who me? impatient?)

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#183:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 6:12 am
    —
Thank you Lesley. Now Ros has her baby, Nell is obviously getting better (so long as she doesn't do anything daft) and Oliver is making good, what else have we to worry about?

Ah, yes! The prison situation, who tried to get Pauline blamed for hacking the computer, How is Cherry getting on with Shane.

Plenty to wibble at yet

I'm sure I've missed something right from the beginning ?

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#184:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 9:20 am
    —
A lovely, peaceful episode with lots of ends tied up.

The discussion about the prefects gave Nancy an opportunity to reveal just what she had learned from the incidents earlier, didn't it? Especially her reference to what else might have transpired.

Thanks, Lesley.

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#185:  Author: Kat, Location: Abertawe Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 1:13 pm
    —
Thank you, Lesley

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#186:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 1:48 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley.

Hurrah for Ros, Geoff and the new babe! (Yes I know I'm a little behind the times but I had a lot to catch up on!)

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#187:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 10:44 pm
    —

Kathy_S wrote:

But leaves one wondering about Butcher et al.... (who me? impatient?)

Funny you should mention that....

“So, what do you think of the new Governor, then Pat?” Katya Mareck asked her colleague while the pair were eating lunch in the Mess.

Pat Francis paused to finish her mouthful before replying, “He’s not what I expected,” she said eventually, “I mean, knowing he’d been responsible, at his last prison, for turning round the disciplinary problems there, I expected him to come in all guns blazing. But instead he’s the complete opposite. Wants to have more dialogue with the inmates, wants to ensure that they have any training courses needed. All the things that Geri has pushed for in the last two years or so,”

“Yes, what does Geri think of him?”

Pat looked across and shook her head, “Now Katya, you know better than to ask. Just because Geri is a close friend doesn’t mean I can pass on the Senior Officer’s thoughts,”

Katya grinned, “Oh well, worth trying. I bet she’s pleased though, I always got the impression that she had to fight to get everything past Mrs Knight - not her fault really, I suppose, she's of the old school, after all,”

“Yes but Mr Masters seems to be far more modern in outlook,” Pat replied, “Oh well, we’ll see how he gets on next week,”

Katya looked surprised and Pat continued, “Oh, didn’t you know? Mrs Knight is off from the weekend - the Prison Service have waived her last few days service, to give her time to pack for her cruise. And Geri’s got some leave due. She was going to cancel it, as the new Governor was on his own, but he said there was no need. After all it’s not as though the prison is totally new to him. He was here some years ago.”

“Oh right, I didn’t know. Well it’ll be interesting to see how he fits in then,”

---

#188:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 10:46 pm
    —
Ominous!

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#189:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 11:04 pm
    —
Hmmm interesting. Was he there as an inmate or an officer?

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#190:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 11:56 pm
    —
Aaargh! The new governor in charge with no Geri to referee?? OK, he sounds a good sort, but there's too much to go wrong.

*Wibbles*

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#191:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 12:19 am
    —
Um, that sounds ....worrying.

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#192:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 3:19 am
    —
Hmmmmmm......

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#193:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 7:23 am
    —
Uh oh.

Now I am wibbling to within an inch of my life. There is bound to be trouble with a capital T

Eek !

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#194:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 9:17 am
    —

Pat wrote:

Ominous!

Rather!

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#195:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 9:40 am
    —
Very ominous!

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#196:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 12:14 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. It was interesting to see how the Head Girl and the rest of the Prefects were chosen. I am now wondering why Mr Masters was at the prison a few years ago.

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#197:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 5:13 pm
    —
Ruth Derwent had, of course, been spending a great deal of time getting to know her new godson and visiting her friend in hospital. However she had not neglected he duties at the School. After first discussing with the Head what was expected of the investigation she had made a start at speaking with a number of people. This included not only many of the Teaching Staff, but also with Pauline Hendry herself. She had also travelled across to the University where Pauline had worked prior to taking a post with the RCS. She had managed to speak with both Pauline’s Head of Department there and some of the students. A suggestion from Cherry Elliott also led her to interview a number of the Domestic Staff – in particular those responsible for cleaning the Staff Boarding House and the woman that would clean the Chemistry Laboratory under strict supervision from the Chemistry Mistress herself.

So far everything she had uncovered led her to the conclusion that Pauline Hendry was a well-adjusted, decent human being. Certainly her old manager and students couldn’t accept that she would do something so dishonest and deceitful. Even the rest of the members of the Science Department were astounded, Vida Armitage repeating over and over that she would never have believed it. Vida even pointing to the Staff Report that she had recently completed – a probationary report in which Vida had given copious amounts of praise for Miss Hendry’s skills and support. She had been marked as fit for promotion as well.

The only conclusion that Ruth had been able to draw from her initial set of interviews, was that, as yet, there was no evidence to suggest Pauline Hendry was guilty of the charges. She duly reported these initial findings to the Head. Hilda listened to her Deputy and read through her notes,

“It doesn’t make sense,” she said, “so far there is nothing other than the evidence discovered by Ray Trent, that and the fact that she wants to advance in the profession,”

“Yes, but Hilda, that same fact could be applied to any number of us,” Ruth began, “myself included. Of course I want to get on, at the moment I’m loving the fact that I’m Deputy Head – having that wish doesn’t automatically mean I’m going to try and sabotage Nell’s return,”

Hilda smiled, “True, though we do know you, Ruth, so know it would be very unlikely that you’d do that, whereas…”

“Whereas we don’t know Pauline, at least not well,” Ruth finished, “yet those that do know her are adamant that she couldn’t do this. And any number of the rest of the staff can’t believe she’d do it either.” Ruth sighed, “I’ll keep checking, maybe something will come up, I must admit, though, at the moment I’m inclined to believe her.”

Hilda was privately thinking the same.

…

That afternoon one of the interviews with prospective parents and pupil was cancelled at short notice leaving the Head with some free time. She was therefore able to finish her work earlier and decided to take a few hours off, reasoning that she was probably owed some time. In the cottage she was surprised to find that Nell wasn’t in the lounge working on her degree – she had been there the rest of the week. Instead, on investigation, Hilda found her, upstairs in her room, fast asleep on the bed. She was about to wake Nell when she caught sight of Nell’s alarm clock, it was set for half an hour before she, Hilda, normally arrived back at the cottage. Hilda went back downstairs, leaving Nell to sleep. Over the next two hours or so Hilda managed to complete her final assignment for the second year of her degree, watch the end of a TV programme taped the night before, and spend some time with a book in the shade on a sun lounger on the patio. She heard Nell’s alarm clock start to ring and settled herself on the sofa to await developments.

When Nell Wilson appeared downstairs and saw her partner there she stopped dead; then she smiled slightly and sat opposite Hilda,

“I’m not fit enough to be back at work yet, Hilda,” she said, by way of explanation, “after doing the double lessons I come back here and just sleep for the rest of the day.”

Hilda nodded, “How long would it have taken, Nell, for you to admit that, had I not found out?”

Nell shrugged, “I was going to try and last until tomorrow, so you’d only have a week before the end of term. Would have told you tomorrow. Sorry.”

Hilda shook her head in mock exasperation; she rose and went out into the kitchen, returned with two glasses of juice, “Alright Nell, stop taking the classes now, we’ll arrange something else for tomorrow and next week. As it’s so near the end of term I’m sure the girls won’t miss out on too much. Now, as punishment, could you please go through my lines for the Pantomime? We have a dress rehearsal tomorrow night.”

…

Friday morning saw Ruth Derwent being disturbed first thing, she looked up with some surprise when, after a knock on the door, two members of Staff appeared at her Study door.

“Hello Lesley, Rebecca, what can I do for you?” She pointed both women to seats opposite her.

“Are you still investigating Pauline?” Rebecca asked.

“I am,” Ruth replied, “why? Have you remembered something else?”

“Yes,” Lesley said quickly, “don’t know if it’s important or not, but you said Pauline is accused of deleting Vida’s work, to make her look bad?”

“Yes, a computer programme has been discovered that was doing just that,”

“Well it might be nothing,” Rebecca said, “only Lesley and I were chatting – we were with Vida when she was finishing off the Staff Reports prior to sending them on to you. Pauline was the one who recommended that Vida use a memory stick to save all her work, said she used them all the time in her previous job. We both said it was a good idea too. Vida thought it was a good idea and, rather than wait until Vida could buy one at the weekend, Pauline gave her a spare and insisted Vida save her work there and then.”

“That doesn’t seem like something someone would do, Ruth,” Lesley put in, “if they wanted someone to fail badly, does it?”

---

#198:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 5:32 pm
    —
Hmmmm... yes... but.....

I am still unsure on this one!

Thanks Lesley.

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#199:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 7:05 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I wonder if that piece of information will be important.

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#200:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 7:41 pm
    —
So much to wibble about, thanks, Lesley.

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#201:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 8:09 pm
    —
Thank you Lesley!

Not happy about the prison storyline, I think something bad's going to happen there...... and I REALLY don't know what to make of the Pauline situation....

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#202:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 10:07 pm
    —
I'm never sure which line is a red herring and which is significant

*waits patiently*




































*well sort of patiently*

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#203:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 10:52 pm
    —
There's something unsettling about both situtations....

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#204:  Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 10:56 pm
    —
Hmm. I'm sure there's something I'm missing here - a cleverly-buried clue to what's really happening!
*abandons hope of working it out & settles to wait for Lesley to reveal all - eventually *

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#205:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 11:42 pm
    —
Most bemusing. Whatever is going on? I absolutely haven't a clue.

Glad Nell had the sense to admit she couldn't manage - well, finally. Typical of her to stagger on, of course, and she might have known she wouldn't be able to hide it from Hilda in the end.

Liked how much Ruth is enjoying being Deputy Head. It's very easy to forget that people in senior positions usually get there because they want it!

Thanks, Lesley.

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#206:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 1:28 am
    —
That was interesting - please resolve the Pauline situation soon Lesley!!!!

And at least Nell has started to accept her limitations - one week won't affect the girls to badly, and all the important year 10 and 12 exams are now over.

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#207:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 11:01 pm
    —
Still confuddled as ever over the Vida thing. Not an earthly who is is. And as for the prison, well...

Thanks Lesley.

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#208:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: North West England Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 11:02 am
    —
Erm, Lesley, are you okay? Surely you didn't mean to abandon us for 4 days did you?


Think it's time to set up a formal chanting choir - haven't had a good chant for ages!


Oh, and whilst were at it, there's comfy chairs, a couple of wine boxes, fruit juice and snacks for whilst we wait.

Shall we begin with the all time favourite chant......


WE WANT MORE DRABBLE!!

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#209:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 1:18 pm
    —
Having caught up on several episodes, I wasn't expecting to end on a cliff! But then I should have known better, shouldn't I?

Perhaps Lesley's done a runner, folks!

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#210:  Author: Rachel, Location: West Coast of Scotland Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 3:18 pm
    —

Katarzyna wrote:

Erm, Lesley, are you okay? Surely you didn't mean to abandon us for 4 days did you? Think it's time to set up a formal chanting choir - haven't had a good chant for ages! Oh, and whilst were at it, there's comfy chairs, a couple of wine boxes, fruit juice and snacks for whilst we wait. Shall we begin with the all time favourite chant...... WE WANT MORE DRABBLE!!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Wot she said

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#211:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 3:21 pm
    —
*Starts the song, offkey and out of tempo, but still a song*

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#212:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 3:25 pm
    —
*Clare joins in chant*.

Which gets more results, being in tune or out of tune?

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#213:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 6:02 pm
    —
*joins the chant*
*brings various musical instruments*

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#214:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 8:14 pm
    —
Joining the chant, but very off-key cos I'm tone deaf. And if that doesn't work I think we need to get Vikki going with her kipper!

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#215:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 8:19 pm
    —
*Brings tambourines, cymbals and a very loud voice!*

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#216:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 9:11 pm
    —
*Yawn* Did you want something?

The final weekend before the end of term was a busy one; mid morning on Saturday saw Rosalind Moore being brought home, her new baby in in her arms. Geoff Stevens, looking so proud he was fit to burst, while Kelly wasn’t far behind. When they reached their cottage on the RCS grounds they were joined by Ruth, Nancy Wilmot and Kathie Ferrars. Later that afternoon Hilda and Nell joined them for a short time, each having long cuddles with little Jake. Rosalind looked a little tired but otherwise professed herself to be completely healthy and Jake was being an excellent baby, already starting to regain the weight he had lost since birth and sleeping for long periods. Also a visitor that afternoon was Robbie Elliott along with Cherry. However the little boy wasn’t very impressed with the baby, complaining, after five minutes, that he was just sleeping all the time!

Hilda and Nell were unable to stay too long as they were expecting visitors that evening; as well as Cherry and Robbie, they had Alison, Louise and Carol coming over for a meal, they also had Andrew St John with them. Andrew and Louise were getting married on the 22nd December and he had moved across to Australia earlier to look for a job. He had a degree in law and wanted to find a junior position in a firm in Melbourne as he and Louise were planning to set up home in the city. They had already been house-hunting and found a number of possible places. Louise had finished her year as an Adult Student and taken a number of exams, she had a place at Melbourne University to study for a degree and hoped to specialise in History. Alison and Carol were going to continue to remain flat-mates, paying a nominal rent to Louise to remain in the same flat, they had also both been accepted for degree courses.

Talk that evening was all about the forth-coming wedding; arranging all the details beforehand and discussing things like guests, catering etc. Hilda had given permission for the reception to be held at the School while the ceremony itself was to be held in the local Anglican Church, St Barnabus - Louise and Andrew had discussed having the wedding on the beach but preferred the more traditional approach. Andrew’s parents and a few friends and relations were arriving during the next week, including his Best Man, Jason Feldman. They were all staying in a hotel near the centre of Melbourne and would be taking part in a Wedding rehearsal the following Saturday.

The Sunday was very quiet; while out walking first thing Hilda passed on to Nell the latest information from Ruth about Pauline Hendry’s case. The two agreed that it appeared to show Pauline’s case was strengthened, after all, why would she insist on Vida saving her work, provide the tool to do so, if she wanted Vida to lose the work?

Nell shook her head, “It doesn’t make sense, Hilda, I can’t see that Pauline is the culprit here,”

“Neither can I, Nell,” Hilda returned, her arm through Nell’s to help Nell walking up to the top of the ridge, “especially when you also look at the rest of the evidence Ruth has collected - none of Pauline’s former colleagues or manager can believe it either. The problem is, if it’s not Pauline, who is it?”

“Could it be someone else then? I thought the signature made it pretty cut and dries.”

Hilda shook her head, “Not according to Ray,” she said, “it would take a great deal of expertise but it might be possible to substitute another person’s signature. It would take quite some time though.”

“Is that likely then? I mean, why not just erase all signs of a signature and leave it there? I mean all this has done is focus attention onto one person.”

“Perhaps that’s the point, focus attention onto Pauline,” Hilda said soberly, “though why that should be I don’t know.”

The two stood in silence for a time, basking in the warm rays of the sun. The temperature was forecast to rise to well above 30 degrees once more later that day, however at present it was only comfortable, with a slight sea breeze reducing the perceived humidity. They both looked down on the beach below; a number of figures were in the sea, mostly adults but Hilda and Nell both recognised Robbie Elliott being carried into the sea on the shoulders of Shane Coates. They watched in silence for a time, then Nell spoke,

“Andrew and Louise make a good couple, don’t they?”

Hilda smiled, “They do, and I’m so pleased that they are staying in Melbourne,”

“And that Louise is continuing her studies,” Nell put in,

“That too,” Hilda agreed, she took a breath then continued, “having Alison and Carol around as well is good, I wouldn’t want our family to scatter,”

“No,”

As they watched Cherry and Louise ganged up to push Shane and Robbie over, Robbie, with his life jacket and water wings, popped up to the surface almost immediately, especially as Alison, who was closest, was quick enough to haul him up. He was laughing and his high voice could be heard calling,

“Do it again, Shane, do it again!”

Hilda and Nell looked on the scene, after some seconds Nell spoke, “They all get on well together,”

“They do,”

“What do you think?”

Hilda considered, “It’s up to Cherry, of course,” she began, “but he is worthy.”

“Yes,”

---

#217:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 9:18 pm
    —

Lesley wrote:

*Yawn* Did you want something?

Are you starting to imagine things Lesley? That's a very bad sign.

So is the peacefulness of that post!

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#218:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 10:55 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. Yes, we did want something and thank you for providing it for us. It's good things are going well at the moment. Should I be getting worried, though?

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#219:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 11:12 pm
    —
Want something? Us? Not really.

















Not now anyways!

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#220:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sun Jun 25, 2006 11:38 pm
    —
Thank you Lesley - a quiet peaceful (ish - what about Pauline?) post. Cautiously peers into left field...hmmmm!

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#221:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 12:13 am
    —
Was on the point of starting a unilateral chant ... good to see you back.

Lots of love and pleasantness here, so let's enjoy it while it lasts.

I'm still no nearer having a clue what's going on with Pauline. Why should anyone have it in for her to such an extent? Will we find out before I go on holiday later in the week? Will I bear being away if we don't????

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#222:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 6:00 am
    —
Little baby post!

First thing Monday morning saw a phone call being put through to the Heads’ cottage

“Hello Nell, how are you?”

“Rachael? I’m fine, well, I’m slowly getting there,” Nell replied, “more to the point, how are you? How’s James?”

Rachael, until the birth of her baby son, James, in October, the RCS HR Manager, laughed down the phone,

“He’s wonderful, has his milk when he’s supposed to, sleeps when he’s supposed to - well, except when he wakes us in the middle of the night. He doesn’t like this heat, though,”

“Who does? How’s Marshall taking it?”

“He’s still fiercely guarding James from everyone else, like when Kathye came over from England,”

“Oh yes, Lesley told me about that when she visited me in hospital, Marshall followed her and Kathye whenever they moved. Will Kathye be visiting again? I know she’s not been on the board as much as normal recently.”

“Hopefully, though I expect her to be busy next year, I fully expect that a new brother or sister for Megan will arrive come Christmas 2006.”

Last edited by Lesley on Mon Jun 26, 2006 12:04 pm; edited 1 time in total

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#223:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 8:36 am
    —
A little baby post indeed!!!!!!

Thanks Lesley!

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#224:  Author: Helen P, Location: Crewe, Cheshire Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 9:43 am
    —
Now that is one way to announce it!

Congratulations Kathye

Thanks Lesley.

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#225:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 10:31 am
    —
Yay! Congrats, Kathye! this could get to be a tradition, it's how we heard about Rachael's baby!

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#226:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 11:52 am
    —
Congratulations, Kathye.

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#227:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 1:51 pm
    —
Congrats Kathye! Hope all goes well!

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#228:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 4:30 pm
    —
Lulling us into a false sense of security?

And giving away secrets as well! Congratulations, Kathy.

Thanks, Lesley.

---

#229:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 10:23 pm
    —
“That’s good to hear,” Nell said with a smile, “now, what about you? Hilda tells me that you’re travelling back to the UK for Christmas and New Year?”

“Yes, basically to show off young James here,” Rachael said with a chuckle, “that’s part of the reason I called though, apart from just to check how you were getting on. Rob’s managed to get some extra time off and we’ve got an earlier flight. I’m afraid we won’t be there for the Nativity Play, could you pass on my apologies to the Kindergarten?”

“Of course, no problem. Have a good time.”

Nell replaced the receiver, making a mental note to let Kathie Robertson know of Rachael’s change of plan. As she turned away from the phone it rang again and she answered it,

“Nell? Could you come over to my Study please?” It was Hilda’s voice, “There’s some new information and I’d value your input.”

“Of course, Hilda,” Nell sounded puzzled, “what is it?”

“New developments about the Hendry case,”

…

Monday morning at the State prison began in the same way as it always did, the normal, almost mind-numbing routines looked upon as both a blessing and a curse by both inmates and officers alike. This morning though it was different. The inmates had known that the new Governor had started, however they hadn’t, yet, met him. While it was impossible to keep secrets from the inmates, many of the details about him hadn’t travelled very far. This was almost certainly due to Butcher’s influence. Butcher had, since the events in Solitary, adopted an almost fanatical indifference to anything affecting the Staff of the prison. She had refused to take part in any sessions set up to discover any problems inside and had refused to complete Visitors forms. Her attitude toward the Senior Officer stopped short of insubordination - mainly because she knew that Geri Shaw would not tolerate that - but it was very different from the close camaraderie that the pair had enjoyed in the months since Geri’s return from sick leave.

As always the rest of the women took their cue from Butcher’s attitude with the effect that the prison had been a far less settled place, with a sense of some menace. Returning, though none of them realised it, to how the place had been before Geri Shaw had first become Senior Officer. Some of the officers had also noted the change and were hoping that the new Governor could do something to reverse the effects.

Because of Butcher’s indifference the name of the new Governor had not been passed on therefore, after breakfast, when all the inmates were lined up ready to go to work, it came as a surprise when, instead, they were all marched out to the exercise yard to be introduced to Mr Masters. Will Masters didn’t keep the inmates long, recognising first that most of them were not interested in hearing anything he had to say and second that the morning sun was already too hot. He contented himself with just a few introductory phrases and said he would be around during Association Times all week. Then, glancing across at one particular inmate he dismissed the rest to their work, ordering that one woman to stay.

When the rest of the women and most of the inmates had dispersed the Governor walked across to stand in front of the one remaining inmate,

“It’s been a long time, Butcher,” he said quickly.

Butcher’s expression remained blank, “Not long enough, Mr Masters,” she replied.

Masters acknowledged the insult but didn’t react to it, “I’ve heard all about you,” he said, “from both Mrs Knight and Miss Shaw. You’ve impressed both of them. I wasn’t surprised, I knew your calibre when I was here three years ago.”

“I’m not interested in what screws think of me,” Butcher replied with venom, “don’t trust any of them. And I don’t trust someone responsible for the death of a friend of mine.”

Masters shook his head, “I didn’t kill Bennett, she did that to herself, she was attempting to escape.”

“She wouldn’t have done that if you’d not transferred her,” Butcher shot back, “did you know her grandmother died?”

Masters nodded, he looked across at Butcher, regret on his face, “You know as well as I, Butcher, that Bennett and I kept clashing. A personality clash, nothing more. I felt the best thing was to move Bennett elsewhere, so that she’d have a chance in another establishment. I didn’t know about her grandmother coming to visit.”

Butcher shrugged, “Maybe not, but don’t expect me to like you,”

Master shook his head, “I don’t care whether we like each other, Butcher,” he said, “I do care if we can work together. Now I’ve got a number of plans for this prison, things that will make me and my friends very rich. Do you want to be a friend?”

Butcher snorted, “I don’t trust screws,” she said, “and I especially don’t trust you,”

“I’m not asking you to trust me,” Masters replied, “just to listen to my plans, help me to implement them. In time, it won’t matter about trust, we’ll be,” he paused, searching for a word, “business partners, if you like. Come on, surely you’ll not be adverse to some luxury, would you?”

Butcher considered, “What about the Governor…?”

“I’m Governor now, Mrs Knight has left,”

“And the rest of them?” Butcher was referring to the other prison officers.

“You let me deal with them.”

---

#230:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 10:31 pm
    —
Don't go there Butcher. Use your savvy! At least we now know why he broke up Butcher & Geri.

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#231:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 11:43 pm
    —
Lesley, you do know you left us in mid-sentence there? Just an oversight, perhaps? Ok, we can hack it, we can wait, see if we care ... *hums*

The atmosphere in the prison is really different, and much more menacing - what a change Butcher's feelings of betrayal have caused. I do hope her hurt isn't going to make her agree to a course of action which will go against her own standards. I wonder what Geri will make of all this when she comes back. Her life is going to get much more difficult.

And congratulations to Kathye!

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#232:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 11:44 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. Congratulations, Kathye! That is really great news! It's interesting to see how much things have changed at the prison.

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#233:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 3:07 am
    —

Quote:

it won’t matter about trust

. But it does and it will, Butcher. Please think very carefully about this - he won't have changed.

Thank you Lesley.

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#234:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 6:27 am
    —
Exactly !

Once a devious two-timing git, most likely always a devious two-timing git..................
He is BAD news, Butcher.

Gulp.

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#235:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 2:50 pm
    —
*peers nervously from behind sofa*

Erm, thanks Lesley - I think......

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#236:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 4:49 pm
    —
I will content myself with an 'Eek'

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#237:  Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 9:26 pm
    —
Oh dear.
*hopes that understatement will tempt Lesley back...*

And congratulations, Kathye!

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#238:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 10:37 pm
    —
Only a little one tonight.

Nell walked slowly across to the Admin block and quickly knocked on the Head’s door,

“Come in, Nell,” Hilda called, “would you like a drink?”

“Some juice please, Hilda,” Nell replied, “it’s hot out there,” Nell settled down in one of the chairs around the oval table, smiling at the other inhabitants, also around the table were Ray Trent, Ruth Derwent, Nancy Wilmot and Sharlie Andrews, “so what’s this all about, Hilda?”

The Head passed across a glass of ice-cold juice and settled herself in in her seat, “First Nell, can you identify the writer of this?”

Sharlie Andrews passed across a crumpled up piece of paper, Nell looked at it, the paper had a number of words on them, all of the same length, all having one number in with the letters, she shrugged,

“It’s Vida’s handwriting,” she said quickly.

“You’re sure, Nell?” Hilda Annersley was very intense.

Nell looked across, “Definitely,” she said, puzzlement at her friend’s reaction, “Vida’s the only person that writes her ‘s’ with that extra squiggle on it. Why?”

Hilda looked grave, “I’ll let Sharlie explain,” she said.

Sharlie gave a quick smile, “I’ve got a free period at the moment,” she began, “I was over in my room, watching a DVD when Kath Farman knocked on the door. She’d planned to shampoo mine and Vida’s carpets this week, as I was there she started on Vida’s. When she was moving Vida’s desk she found this piece of paper, thought it looked like computer passwords and thought I should take charge of it.”

Ray Trent took over, “Sharlie brought it to me, to check if these were computer passwords,”

“And? Are they?” Nell looked a little puzzled.

“Well they are, yes,” Ray replied, “but not for Vida’s computer. They’re the passwords for Pauline’s computer."

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#239:  Author: JackieP, Location: Kingston upon Hull Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 10:40 pm
    —
Huh... oh now my head is spinning....

*hides under her computer desk* (not easy - it's only small!)

Thanks Lesley

JackieP

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#240:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 10:41 pm
    —
The plot thickens! Of course, if Nell identifies Vida's writing by that squiggle so will others. I would like to kow if the other letters matched her writing too. I'm thinking a plant here.

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#241:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 10:58 pm
    —
Erm, thank you for making my brain explode, Lesley.........

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#242:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 11:27 pm
    —
That doesn't help to thin the plot!

This means it could be ANYBODY, including a member of the cleaning staff who is secretly a compootle whizz.

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#243:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 11:44 pm
    —
My brain just snapped and is leaking out of my ears....

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#244:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 11:52 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. When you said it was a little one, I immediately thought that something quite big would happen in it, and I definitely wasn't disappointed! Well, actually, your drabbles never disappoint me, Lesley. I wonder whom has planted the passwords.

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#245:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 11:54 pm
    —

Cath V-P wrote:

My brain just snapped and is leaking out of my ears....

Excellent description, me too.

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#246:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 11:57 pm
    —
Me three. A wonderful description of our general bemusement, Cath!

And the plot-soup goes on thickening ...

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#247:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 12:19 am
    —
I'm with Cath on this one too.

Way to go, Lesley!

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#248:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 12:59 am
    —
totally muddled *goes to reread*

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#249:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 10:47 am
    —
So, do we have a double, double twist? Is Vida framing Pauline? Is Pauline framing Vida? Is Mr/Ms X just muddying the waters?

*Splat* That was another brain exploding

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#250:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 7:18 pm
    —
There's an awful lot of grey matter splattered on the floor here....

Nell frowned, “Pauline’s computer? But why would Pauline give her password to Vida? The only person that knows all the passwords is Ray as the System Administrator.”

“She didn’t,” Ruth Derwent said quickly, “I spoke with her at length last week - she hadn’t given her password to anyone. She was certain about that, said she was impressed with the security set-up we’d got here and made a point of not disclosing her password to anyone - otherwise it made a mockery of the whole thing.”

“Then how did her password end up in Vida’s room?” Nell demanded, “has someone attempted to cause more trouble for Vida?”

Hilda shook her head, “I don’t think so, Nell, I’ve asked Mrs Farman along to see if she can help us, she should be along soon.”

They had waited only a minute or so before there was a knock on the door, Hilda welcomed the cleaner and saw that she had a seat and a drink, before asking her a few questions.

Kath Farman shook her head, “No, I hadn’t made plans in advance to clean the carpets - I normally do them twice a year but always before over the holidays sometime. Cleaning them today was a last minute thing - my husband called and said our holiday dates had changed and we were going away next Monday so I checked with Karen and decided to try and fit in all the deep cleaning during this week.”

“So no one knew beforehand that you’d be cleaning Vida Armitage’s room?”

“No, it was pure chance. Pure chance that I picked up that paper anyway, it had slipped down the back of the desk and only a corner was poking out from behind the radiator. It’d been there for a couple of months I reckon.”

After Kath Farman had left the rest of the women sat in silence, eventually the Head was the one to break the silence,

“Please feel free to disagree,” she said softly, “but my impression of this is that the paper with Pauline’s passwords upon it were not intended to be found, they are not part of an elaborate scheme to falsely incriminate Vida.” Hilda looked round at the other women, none of them disagreed, she continued, “If that is the case, what conclusion can we draw from this?”

Sharlie looked across at Nell, “Could it be someone else’s handwriting? Could someone have forged Vida’s handwriting?”

Nell considered, “I suppose they could,” she said slowly, “but it was pure chance that the paper was found, I can’t see that anyone would have done that unless they could make sure it would definitely be found.”

“But if that’s the case,” Nancy said, “it must mean that, for whatever reason, Vida needed to know Pauline’s passwords. Why would she want that?”

“I know it seems crazy,” Ruth put forward hesitantly, “but could Vida have wanted Pauline’s passwords because she was trying to make it seem that Pauline was doing something? Namely the attempts to make it appear that Vida was incompetent - for whatever reason Vida wanted Pauline blamed?”

“But that’s ridiculous,” Sharlie said quickly, “Vida’s no computer expert, she’s lucky if she can get her computer to work at all, remember when we first transferred over? She was terrible at learning to use a computer.”

“She was terrible at first,” Nell said thoughtfully, “but that was more than two years ago now, surely she’s had more than enough time to improve?”

Ray Trent nodded, “She’s been on all the courses I run for adults, done very well on them. She’s also taken a few courses externally, I know because she would ask for my help on occasion, though not often.”

“But why would she do that?” Sharlie said with disbelief.

There was silence for a time, eventually Nell herself provided the answer, “Perhaps because it was true,”

“True?” Hilda asked the question.

Nell nodded, thinking furiously, “what has she been saying? That she was starting to doubt her abilities, we had thought, when Pauline’s name had come up, that Pauline had felt she could do a better job deputising for me as Head of Science. Suppose we twist it round a little, suppose Vida thought that instead?”

“No, that can’t be right,” this time it was Nancy who spoke, “Vida’s always had supreme confidence in her abilities, she’s never had reason to doubt herself,”

“Yet we have all done the same,” Hilda’s quiet voice replied, she looked round, “haven’t we? For whatever reason, in the last two years, we have all doubted ourselves at some point, haven’t we?”

The rest of those around the table slowly, reluctantly, nodded confirmation. Ruth was the first to speak, “What’s going to happen then?”

Hilda sat back, “Ruth, Nancy, we need to discuss this further,” she said, “Ray, Sharlie, if you’ll both excuse us?”

The two named rose quickly, “Of course,” Sharlie said, “I still can hardly bring myself to believe it, but…” she stopped there shaking her head.

“Please don’t speak of this to anyone else,” Hilda requested gently, “we have some hard decisions ahead, we’ll keep you informed in due time.”

The two both nodded and left the Study, outside Sharlie looked over toward the IT Mistress, “Suddenly really glad that I’m not a senior mistress here,” she said with feeling.

“Yeah, wouldn’t want to have to sort that out,” Ray replied, “come on, we’ve got another twenty minutes before we’re due elsewhere, fancy a coffee?”

Inside the Study the four remaining women looked at each other, Nancy spoke, “Is it feasible?” she asked, “Is it possible that Vida could have done this?”

Nell nodded, “Hilda’s right, we have all had doubts, I had doubts just over a year ago just after the explosion in the Chem lab, and far more recently, we all have. Vida’s intelligent, she may have felt this was the only way she could safeguard her position.”

“But she’s one of us, isn’t she?” Ruth said quickly, “I mean, she’s original chalet school. It doesn’t seem possible that she could do this.”

“Why not?” Nancy said reasonably, “I mean we’re the same as everyone else now, aren’t we? It’s just that, before, we couldn’t act, now we can.”

“In effect,” Hilda put in solemnly, “we now have ‘free will’ - and we know just how many problems that has caused the human race over time.”

---

#251:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 8:54 pm
    —
Well my brain has already leaked out my ears, but everything else is now following suit. I don't want to believe this of Vida at all!

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#252:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 9:39 pm
    —
No! Poor Vida. She must have been desperate - if it his her doing it, of course.

Thank you Lesley.

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#253:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 9:43 pm
    —
A good CS character turning...an interesting idea to play with.

Not sure it is more than playing with the idea though.

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#254:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 10:26 pm
    —
*creeps back under the sofa*

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#255:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Jun 28, 2006 11:04 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I think my brain has exploded now!

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#256:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 12:01 am
    —
Oh dear, I don't want it to be Vida. I don't 'know' Pauline, so I don't mind so much.

And if it is Vida (if; I'm sure Lesley has at least sixteen more twists up her sleeve - and a very kinky arm ... ), where have we got to? Vida feels inadequate, so makes it seem as if Pauline is making her look inadequate ... so she's trying to get rid of Pauline because it's she who's making her feel ... ?????

Anyone got any remedies for over-heating of the brain?

Think I'll just join Vikki under the sofa. Very interesting that the exercise of free will can mean freedom to do wrong, though.

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#257:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 12:36 am
    —
Oh help.

*hides under desk*

Do you have to be so confusing, Lesley?

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#258:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 1:07 am
    —
And if this is the explanation, then why? - Although maybe it comes back to the title - Vida didn't trust herself, or those around her, and then, faced with the awareness that all things were possible in ways that they hadn't been before, chose to act on her own to safeguard herself.

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#259:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 9:56 am
    —
How complicated...

Thank you Lesley!

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#260:  Author: Nina, Location: Peterborough, UK Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 11:14 am
    —
*hides under desk and attempts to retrieve spattered brain parts*
Somebody call me when it's relatively safe to come out, please!

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#261:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 11:25 am
    —
Adds her grey matter to the pile. Totally confuzzled.

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#262:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 4:48 pm
    —
Have just caught up with great chunks of this - yes I know same old story but I have been rather busy. Courses from work are the pits.

Lesley - have just enjoyed a fantastic read. Looking forward to seeing all the skeins come together. My brain is already exploded due to other reasons so I am going to sit back and enjoy seeing it all come together.

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#263:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 12:02 am
    —
The four women sat in silence for some time; eventually Hilda Annersley sighed,

“I am prevaricating, putting off a task that has to be done,” she said reluctantly, she looked round at the other three, “I must speak with Vida, discover, from her, if all that we surmise is true.”

“And if it is?” Ruth asked quietly, “if she admits it?”

Hilda looked into the distance, her eyes dark, “Admits that she was deliberately targeting another member of Staff? That her purpose was, must have been, dismissal of that member of Staff? You know the answer to that as well as I, Ruth.”

“You mean you’ll sack her?” Nancy whispered.

“Gross misconduct,” Nell said firmly, one eye on her partner, “it’s pretty clear, isn’t it?”

“Well yes, but…” Nancy fell silent, not actually saying what all four were thinking, Vida Armitage was of the original chalet school, she was one of them.

Hilda looked round, her eyes dark, “Ladies we cannot allow ourselves to continue thinking this way,” she stated firmly, “if we do then the Staff here will split into two camps and we will never be united. Now the same standards apply to all, we would have no problem applying those standards if Ruth’s investigation had shown that Pauline Hendry had been the culprit, would we?”

There were a few seconds of embarrassed silence then Nancy spoke, “No, no we wouldn’t,” she admitted, “it’s just…”

“I know,” Hilda interrupted gently, “this is far more of a betrayal. But we have to be seen as applying the same standards to all, otherwise we will lose all staff not from the original chalet school. And I do not want that.”

Nancy, Ruth and Nell all reluctantly agreed. As they did a bell rang, Hilda looked up,

“Ruth, would you please find Vida Armitage, ask her to come here? And Nancy, please catch up with Sharlie and Ray, let them know what is happening but caution them to remain silent about it. I will inform the Staff Room myself, once I’ve spoken with Vida and taken action.”

Both women nodded, their expressions sober, they left the Study. Nell Wilson looked across at the Head,

“Want me to be here when you speak to Vida?”

Hilda shook her head, “No Nell, apart from anything else it wouldn’t be fair to either her or you,” she smiled, “and anyway, you’re supposed to be off-sick.”

Nell smiled, “I keep forgetting that,” she admitted. Her expression became more serious, “if it does turn out that it’s all true, will you be alright?”

Hilda raised an eyebrow, “I’ll have to be,” she replied, she moved across to look out of the window, “although it will be something new.”

“It will?”

Hilda nodded, “Yes, I’ve never been involved in dismissing Staff before. Madge was responsible for sacking Matron Webb the term before I started and Miss Bubb. Therese got rid of Matron Besly. Otherwise we’ve always been extremely lucky with the calibre of the Teaching Staff. Although that might have just been wishful thinking on the part of the Author.”

“But now, we’ve got to do it ourselves,” Nell put in gently, she walked across, placed an arm around her friend’s slim shoulders, for a bare second Hilda leant her head on Nell’s shoulder. She then raised her head, looked Nell in the eye,

“You should go home,” she said, “you’ll tire yourself otherwise,”

“I’m fine,” Nell began.

“No you’re not,” Hilda said, “I’ll be alright, and I’ll be able to do this far better if I don’t have to worry about you.”

Nell deliberately tightened her hold on her friend, “If I’m so weak, how come I can hold you?”

Hilda clenched a fist and reached down, rested it on Nell’s stomach, she said nothing, just very gently pressed, Nell looked down, feeling the discomfort,

“Now that’s really below the belt!” she said, shocked, she then grinned at her pun, “OK, I’ll be good.” She released her hold, just as there was a knock on the door, both women looked across, “I’ll disappear then,” she said, “let me know how it goes, won’t you?”

She walked across and opened the Study door, Vida Armitage stood outside,

“Thank you, Nell,” the Head said quickly, then she looked across at the Biology Mistress, “Come in Vida, take a seat. We have something very important to discuss.”

---

#264:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 12:39 am
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I believe that Hilda will have the strength somehow to cope with this interview.

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#265:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 12:48 am
    —
How difficult, and how sad if it's true. What a test for Hilda, having to deal with this for the first time - but she's right, she has to apply the standards uniformly.

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#266:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 6:15 am
    —
Difficult and sad

Hilda is right though. They can't afford to be softer on the original staff. At least we know now why the CS had such a united staff!

Quote:

we’ve always been extremely lucky with the calibre of the Teaching Staff. Although that might have just been wishful thinking on the part of the Author.”

.

But was it Vida or is there another twist?

Thank you Lesley.

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#267:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 12:58 pm
    —
I can't believe Vida would try to frame someone else, so there must be another twist to it. Besides, this is Lesley's RCs universe. Say no more.

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#268:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 1:00 pm
    —
If we wait patiently, we'll find out - eventually.

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#269:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 2:02 pm
    —
It's the patience that we're short of, isn't it?

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#270:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 4:48 pm
    —
Trust on all its levels - a wonderful thing.

Last edited by Susan on Mon Jul 03, 2006 3:52 pm; edited 1 time in total

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#271:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 4:39 pm
    —
Glad I missed the *exploding grey matter*, Lesley, but there is a lovely expression of the love and support these two offer each other in this episode.

Fingers crossed for Hilda's interview.

Thank you.

---

#272:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 10:16 pm
    —
Vida walked over and sat opposite the Head’s desk, once Nell Wilson had left she turned toward the woman standing by the window,

“Ruth said you wanted to see me?”

“I did,” Hilda walked across to sit in her own chair, she turned an impassive face toward the Science Head, “firstly, how are things now?”

Vida smiled, “I can’t believe the difference,” she said, “in how I feel, and in how the job’s going. I mean, I felt a lot better when I came back from half term - I really needed that break, thank you. But even then I was still feeling pressure, still feeling something was wrong. Since you’ve discovered that Pauline was responsible I’ve felt wonderful.”

Hilda sat back, “Ruth hasn’t completed her investigation yet, she hasn’t confirmed that Pauline is responsible…”

“Oh, but she must be,” Vida’s response was quick, just a little too quick, although had Hilda not already been watching for it she would have missed it. She didn’t mention it, instead continuing,

“You are sure she is responsible then?” Hilda asked intently.

Vida considered, “I wasn’t, when I first heard about the evidence Ray had discovered I couldn’t believe it, I mean I’ve always had an excellent relationship with Pauline, well I thought so, anyway,” she smiled then continued. “The more I thought about it, though, the more likely it seemed. I mean, I never had any problems last term when I was covering for Nell, did I? Only this term, after Pauline started.”

“I see,” Hilda said quietly, “but why should she do this? She has had an excellent reputation elsewhere, references from her fellow lecturers and from her last Head of Department were all exemplary.”

Vida nodded, “Yes, so I understand,” she agreed, “but I did wonder why she should want to move from being a University Lecturer to teaching in a school. I mean, why the change? Then it struck me, for whatever reason she was unable to get any further advancement at the university, couldn’t get to head her own department. So she moved to a school because she thought there was more possibilities here.”

Hilda frowned, “But she knew that the chance for advancement here was slim at best, Vida, no one knew that Nell was going to be attacked. In any case it was only a temporary change, nothing more.”

“Yes,” Vida leant forward, nodding, “but she suddenly realised, didn’t she? With Nell out of the way for the term, possibly longer, I was the only one between her and advancement. She must have started planning almost immediately.”

“If she could make you feel that you were not coping, not able to do the job, there was a chance that she would be considered?”

“Exactly,” Vida gave a rueful grin, “And it nearly worked, didn’t it? By Half Term I had almost convinced myself that I was going crazy, that I couldn’t cope. It was only because I’d spoken to Sharlie and Nancy, then you, that I didn’t just hand in my notice there and then. In a way it was lucky that I forgot that tape that day - meant that you could see what was happening,”

“Yes,” the Head agreed, “it was lucky, wasn’t it?”

---

#273:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 10:19 pm
    —
Hmmm!
Waiting for more!

---

#274:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 10:26 pm
    —
Vida is just a bit too confident, methinks! So sad, but that's what free will can throw up - unless there's another twist of course.

*Would be happier if Hidla were not alone in the room with Vida*

---

#275:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 10:27 pm
    —
Hmmmm something's not adding up.

I shall trust Lesley! But can you hurry up with the next bit please!!

---

#276:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 10:27 pm
    —
Don't you think Hilda can take care of herself, or do you think it'll be her word against Vida's? I thing she's likely to have taken precautions.

---

#277:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 10:28 pm
    —
Thank you Lesley, very intrigued as to what is going to happen next...

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#278:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 1:21 am
    —
Thank you Lesley....sits down patiently with coffee and chocolate cake and waits for more.

---

#279:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 12:51 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley, still confuzzled.

---

#280:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 1:02 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. It is interesting to see how Vida views everything.

---

#281:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 1:34 pm
    —
*joins confuzzled people, nicks a bit of Cath's cake and settles down to wait for more*

Thanks Lesley.

---

#282:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 3:27 pm
    —
*peeks out from under the sofa*
*sees we're not really any closer to a solution and retreats back under the dust ruffle.......*

---

#283:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 3:57 pm
    —
Still not convinced.

---

#284:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 6:19 pm
    —
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, oh dear....

*hopes for another twist but remembers what happened to Corney in this universe*

*hides under desk and tries listing slimy outsider candidates*

---

#285:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2006 10:13 pm
    —
If she has turned then trying to outface Hilda must take some nerve!

---

#286:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 2:23 am
    —
Meep. Squeak. Yikes. HELP!

(I think that about covers it)

All Hail Lesley: Queen of Twists

---

#287:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 8:01 pm
    —

francesn wrote:

All Hail Lesley: Queen of Twists

I just read that as Twits!

---

#288:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 8:40 pm
    —
*Cat and mouse* came to mind as I read that episode. With a very astute cat!

Thanks, Lesley.

---

#289:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 9:00 pm
    —

Sugarplum wrote:

francesn wrote: All Hail Lesley: Queen of Twists I just read that as Twits!

And you're going to get a poke when I next see you Sugar!

Hilda paused, thinking deeply, as far as she could tell Vida was telling her the truth, yet this wasn’t quite such a signal for rejoicing that it had been in the past. It used to be that Hilda never had any problem telling whether or not someone was telling the truth or lying. Indeed, part of her success as a Mistress and Headmistress was always being able to see through to the truth, whatever the girl might try to tell her. With adults too she could tell. Those she had known a long time, like Nell, were simple, she could read Nell easily - probably because Nell was actually a very honest person, so lying, even when it was the type of lie meant for friendship, was actually very difficult for her.

The rest of the Staff were almost as easy - Hilda knew, without knowing how she knew, to look for the minute changes in expression, stance or behaviour that gave notice that a person was lying. Of course these signs were usually more pronounced in the younger Staff, the ones that had not yet learnt control. Those in their twenties like Vida here had not become proficient…

Hilda stopped, suddenly struck by a thought, to outward appearance all that seemed to change was that her eyes widened slightly. Her thoughts had taken mere seconds, but suddenly she saw where she had erred. She leant forward,

“Vida, how long have you been teaching now?”

If the Science Head was surprised she didn’t show it, instead she gave a half smile, “Now that’s a little difficult to tell,” she began, “remember, I was stuck, with the rest of you, in the chalet school world for years. As near as I’ve been able to work out, I was teaching for about twenty years, possibly more, then the two years since being here.”

“Ah,” Hilda nodded, suddenly realising that Vida’s youthful appearance was a lie of itself, she was not, really, twenty something, she was at least in her forties - and as such would have learnt to hide her emotions to a certain extent, but did this mean she was lying?

“Vida? A change of subject, but what are your plans for the future? Do you want to stay here or move on?”

Vida looked across somewhat sharply, she frowned, “I’d not really thought about it,” she said quickly, and here, for the first time, Hilda was confident that Vida was lying, “but I suppose I want to move on,” she gave a half-laugh, “I did think that in a couple of years or so, I might look at trying for a post as Head of Science elsewhere. Not sure whether I’d get anywhere though,”

“Why not? You have the experience and qualifications, you’ve nearly completed your degree course, haven’t you?”

“Oh yes, that’ll be complete early next year, with any luck, but I’ve got a slight problem,” she pointed to her face, “don’t know if I can persuade anyone I’ve got the experience when I look as though I’m only just out of University. I mean I even went to an agency while I was in the UK, they didn’t believe the experience I had.”

“While in the UK?”

Vida nodded, “Australia doesn’t really agree with me, I don’t particularly like the climate and I miss a lot about England,”

“Ah, hence the reason why you always volunteered for escort duty,” the Head smiled slightly.

Vida nodded, relaxed now, “Yes, sorry if it was obvious,”

“Not really, there are a number of Staff that want to return to the UK, look upon it as home. I suppose neither Nell nor I do because we spent most of our time at the School.”

“Yes, and with Nancy, Kathie and Ruth they look on this as home, as does Rosalind, and Sharlie and Peggy to a greater degree. But I’ve always been a home body. Never did go off travelling a great deal.”

“You say the Agency in Britain didn’t believe that you were very experienced?”

Vida considered, “Well, they didn’t say so, not as such, but it was obvious. They kept coming back to my date of birth, trying to catch me out, I think. In a way, taking on the Science Department this last term because of Nell’s injury has been a good thing - I can put that on my CV and the Agencies and schools can contact Nell to confirm that I could cover for her.”

“It will help you secure a good position then?” Hilda asked quietly.

Vida nodded, “It will, and now that I’m not being fooled into thinking that I can’t cope with the job it should be enough to combat how ridiculously young I look!”

Hilda smiled slightly, “Some would look upon it as a blessing,” she observed.

“Well in some ways I suppose it is, but not when I’m trying to convince people that I’ve got the right amount of experience.”

“Hmmmm,” Hilda said, somewhat distractedly, she wasn’t convinced, neither one way or the other, as to Vida’s role. Vida had lied a few times, certainly, but everyone did. Nothing so far had caused Hilda to think definitely, ‘Yes, she’s guilty!’ conversely though, nothing had caused her to think ‘Yes she’s innocent!’ either. The Head decided to try a surprise. “I wonder, Vida,” she said, “what do you make of this?” She passed across the paper with the passwords upon it.

Vida took the paper, looking at the figures, shaking her head, “What is this?” she asked.

“They are passwords,” Hilda replied, “passwords to someone’s computer,”

“Oh yes?” Vida was still non-committal.

“Yes, Kath Farman found them when moving furniture to shampoo a carpet.” Hilda paused, Vida wasn’t worried, perhaps they were all wrong? “They are passwords to Pauline’s computer, Vida,” she continued, “and they were found in your room…” There, that reaction, Hilda knew it well, it was guilt. The reaction vanished but the Head was certain it had been there.

“Pauline’s passwords? That was a bit silly of her, leaving them around, wasn’t it?” Hilda hadn’t imagined it, Vida’s voice now showed strain.

“Pauline didn’t leave these, Vida,” Hilda replied, “they were found in your room. And they are in your handwriting,” there was a second’s pause during which Hilda watched as Vida’s face rapidly lost colour, “Perhaps, Vida,” gently now, “you can explain yourself?”

---

#290:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 9:06 pm
    —
Ahem....
Lesley? The end of your post seems to have got cut off again my dear, you really should get that computer of yours looked at......

---

#291:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 9:10 pm
    —
It didn't, you know - haven't written any more....well, apart from the last post but I've got a while before that one comes up!

---

#292:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 9:18 pm
    —
*reminds Lesley that I know where she lives and where her computer is..... *

---

#293:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 9:25 pm
    —
Then it's not the computer cutting it short, but Lesley's brain? Does it just stop working at the wrong place?

---

#294:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 9:31 pm
    —
Eep! Good job Hilda is persistent.

*I'll just make a coffee while we wait - and we might as well send out for a takeaway. Let's have pizza and then we can have the leftovers for breakfast - after all we'll still be here. Pull up the easy chairs, might as well be comfortable.*

---

#295:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 9:38 pm
    —
We could recycle al the armchairs and stuff from the bottom of the cliffs since people don't fall off them as much. The fridges will be stocked with lovely cool drinks too.

---

#296:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2006 11:04 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I wonder how Vida is going to respond.

---

#297:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 12:03 am
    —
*joins those on the comfy chairs*

*helps self to cold drink*

Anyone for Pimms?

---

#298:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 12:08 am
    —
Thank you Lesley. Fascinating thought that even their physical appearance can be construed as untruthful - and how interested that Hilda is now running into difficulties in discerning truth!

Cinnamon crumble muffin anyone?

---

#299:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 7:53 am
    —
Am away tonight - more of this tomorrow - should have a lot written then.

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#300:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 8:31 pm
    —
So we have to hold our breath until then. Thanks, Lesley.

---

#301:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 9:22 pm
    —
Why do I get the feeling Vida won't be able to resist that gentle voice?

Thanks, Lesley

---

#302:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 5:09 pm
    —
Hmmm, will be interested to see her explanation.

Thanks Lesley

---

#303:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 9:38 pm
    —
Oh dear, realising that she cannot trust Vida could cause Hilda to question who else she can trust.

---

#304:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 10:55 pm
    —
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” the Science Head’s voice was not convincing.

“Yes you do,” Hilda insisted, “I could see it in your expression, and I am so, so sad that this is the case. Why, Vida? Did you feel threatened by Pauline Hendry? You had no reason to be. Do you realise that, had this piece of paper not been found, Pauline would have been considered guilty? She would have lost her post here.”

“I tell you I’ve no idea what you are talking about - that paper doesn’t mean anything, anyone could have put it in my room.”

“Perhaps, but it has raised a large enough suspicion for me to contemplate further action. As you are aware we have close links with Microsoft; over the Christmas holidays I will be asking one of their experts to thoroughly overhaul our computer system - Ray assures me that their experts will be able to trace when the programme in the system was set up, and from which PC or docking station. Tell me Vida, do you think Pauline Hendry has anything to fear from that overhaul?” Hilda’s face was expressionless, gazing deep into the woman opposite’s eyes. She saw the flicker of uncertainty long before Vida replied.

“They can’t do that,” she said flatly.

“Can’t they? I’ve seen computer experts work miracles with their machines, why not that? Ray tells me that you are quite skilled with computers now, you tell me?”

Vida thought, “It’d mean shutting down the entire system, you’d lose Gigabytes of data,”

“It will be worth it to confirm the truth,”

Vida looked around her wildly for some seconds, then, gazing back at the quiet woman across the desk, she suddenly relaxed,

“Oh alright, you’ll find it anyway. I copied that list of Pauline’s passwords, she kept them in her desk in the Staff Room. Setting up that programme was really difficult but I know far more about computers than any of the others appreciate.”

“And you did so in the knowledge that Pauline Hendry might be accused of Gross Misconduct? That if thought guilty she would have been dismissed?” Even though she had expected the admission, Hilda Annersley still sounded disgusted.

“She would have found another job easily,” Vida said, half defiantly.

Hilda shook her head, “After being dismissed in such a way she would have found it very difficult to do so, you may have been responsible for destroying her career.”

Vida shook her head, “That wouldn’t have happened,” she said with some certainty, “and anyway, she could have returned to University lecturing, they’d have welcomed her back there,”

“She wanted to move to teaching schoolchildren,” Hilda reminded gently, “your actions would have denied her that chance,”

Vida shrugged slightly, “And what about me, then? By her being here I might have lost my position as Head of Science, my future career would have been jeopardised,”

“I fail to see why,” Hilda replied quickly, “you had been awarded the Department for this term, there was no reason why I should consider you unfit,”

“She’s extremely good at her job…”

“That is not a suitable excuse for what you attempted to do, Vida,” the Head’s voice showed her anger, “and I cannot believe that you still refuse to see just how inappropriate and terrible your actions were in this affair. Let me recap, you deliberately set out to have a colleague, a member of your own Department dismissed from her post. Pauline Hendry had done nothing to you, her only crime was, apparently, that you feared she was so good that she would usurp your position. Your reasoning appears to be that you had to strike first, before it was even possible that she could become a threat.” Hilda shook her head, “I find it difficult to believe you would do that to a teaching colleague, Vida,”

Vida shrugged again, “She’s not, not really, is she? I mean, she’s not one of us, is she?”

“One of us?” Hilda replied.

“Yeas, she’s not original chalet is she?” Vida gave a slight smile.

“And you think that means anything?”

“Well of course, we’ve got to stick together, haven’t we?”

Hilda shook her head, “No Vida, we do not. Your actions were appalling, the fact that they were done to someone not of the original staff is immaterial,”

The Head’s tones appeared to have got through as Vida suddenly shivered slightly, she attempted to joke, “So what are you going to do to me? Sack me?”

Hilda nodded, “Yes Vida, I am,”

The Biology Mistress’ eyes widened, “You’re joking! You can’t do that!”

“I’m not joking, Vida, and I can,” Hilda Annersley returned, her expression implacable. “I do not want you to be a part of my Teaching Staff for a moment longer. I want you off of this site,”

Suddenly the other woman seemed to realise that the Head was serious, “You can’t do that,” she repeated, “there are procedures, the Policy Manual, you have to follow them,”

“Perhaps,” Hilda said quickly, “however you may wish to forego an official investigation because if I call in the HR Manager and have a full hearing then I will make everything public, not only to the Teaching Staff, but to the rest of the staff and the pupils as well as the RCS Board.”

“You can’t do that!” Even to herself the protest sounded ineffectual. Hilda didn’t answer, just stared into the other woman’s eyes, a short pause then, “you don’t have proof,”

“I have this,” Hilda pointed to the paper, “I have a great deal of circumstantial evidence, and I will contact Microsoft this evening,”

“They might not…” Vida began,

“Even if they do not find anything, Vida, the case against you will also have a witness, you have admitted your crime to me,”

“What, you’ve been taping all I’ve said then?”

Hilda shook her head, “No, but I am an extremely good witness,” the words were said without any attempt at false modesty, “I am certain that you would be found guilty and the sentence will be the same, only it will be done publicly.”

Vida Armitage sat in silence for some time, contemplating, when she eventually spoke it was very quietly, “Publicly? So even schools in Britain would hear of it? Alright, I’ll leave the end of term, that’s only a few days away,”

“You will leave today,” Hilda returned, “you will be escorted from the premises today, a security guard will go with you to your room in the Boarding House so that you can pack you belongings, anything you cannot pack will be sent on to any address you wish. You will be paid only to the end of this term…”

Vida looked up, “I’m entitled to a term’s notice, or payment in lieu,”

“You are entitled to nothing, Vida,” Hilda returned, “you are being dismissed, you are not handing in your notice.”

“What about my flight back to Britain? I was going on escort duty on Friday?”

“You are not to have anything further to do with this School, Vida,” the Head said firmly, “you will have to make your own way to Britain.”

“Even though it’ll mean an empty seat on the flight?”

“Even though,”

Vida shook her head, “Can’t believe you’re doing this to me, Hilda, can’t believe you’d side with others and against one of your own,”

Hilda also shook her head, “Then you don’t know me very well, Vida,” she said quietly.

---

#305:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 11:17 pm
    —
Eep! Poor Hilda, having to do that. In a way this is more a crossing into the real world than the original one - accepting that they are here now and there is no 'them' and 'us'.

As for Vida - well, she has free will now and no author to blame for her actions so she must accept the consequences. Sad though.

---

#306:  Author: Kat, Location: Abertawe Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 11:26 pm
    —
I actually feel sorry for Vida, being so unconfident in her abilities.

Thanks, Lesley.

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#307:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 11:32 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I understand why Hilda had to do it, but I definitely feel sorry for both of them.

---

#308:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 12:14 am
    —
I'm in shock! I didn't actually think it would come to this.

---

#309:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 12:21 am
    —
Poor Hilda having to deal with that, but doing so because it is the right thing to do - a true test of integrity. And Vida holding fast to her "them and us" position and refusing to see that she has to step beyond that to survive in this world.

And this will affect all the original CS staff won't it?

Thanks Lesley.

---

#310:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 10:01 am
    —
I can't believe Vida held so fast to the 'them and us' thing! How could she think that Hilda would just drop it.

---

#311:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 12:12 pm
    —
She really did not know Hilda, did she? There was no chance that original CS people would have preferential treatment from Hilda.

---

#312:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 5:45 pm
    —
Hilda at her very best, in the very worst of situations.

Thank you, Lesley.

---

#313:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 7:55 pm
    —
How very sad.

Somehow I don't think Vida really believed so firmly that 'them vs. us' would save her. If she had such faith, there'd have been no reason to fear for her position in the first place. I can't imagine what she'll do now, poor warped creature .... and the rest are going to feel so betrayed....

---

#314:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Fri Jul 07, 2006 7:59 pm
    —
Poor Hilda, what a horrible position for her to be in.
*pokes Vida!*

Thanks Lesley!

---

#315:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2006 8:28 am
    —
Any further protests Vida Armitage made were in vain; Hilda contacted Mollie Maynard, the School Bursar and arranged payment of Vida’s final monthly salary via cheque, she also contacted John Coates who joined them in the Head’s Study soon afterwards. Once the situation was explained to him John then escorted Vida back to her room in the Staff Boarding House and waited while Vida quickly packed a trunk with those items she needed immediately. Outside, as the trunk was being loaded onto the jeep she looked across at where Hilda Annersley stood watching,

“I’ll send the address of the place in England,” she said defiantly, “it’ll be a better place than this, somewhere the people know about loyalty.”

“If you don’t change your attitude, Vida,” Hilda replied softly, “then you will be a failure there too. Your future colleagues will expect loyalty from you, how do you think they would view your actions here?”

Vida shook her head, “That’s different. Pity about that paper, if it wasn’t for that I’d be on top. Still, I planned to leave soon anyway.” She said no more, instead turning and getting into the jeep, John drove toward the Gatehouse and Vida Armitage left the Real Chalet School.

Back in the School the Head stopped next to Rosalie Dene’s desk and asked that a full Staff Meeting be arranged for the last lesson before lunch. As many mistresses as possible were to attend, in addition she wanted a meeting of the SMT to be arranged for just before the Staff Meeting. Rosalie, fully aware of what had just happened, made it her business to take a mug of coffee in for her boss before making the necessary arrangements. Hilda took the coffee gratefully and sat at her desk, sipping the brew. She lifted the telephone and dialled a number,

“Hello?”

“Mrs White? This is Hilda Annersley, Headmistress of the Real Chalet School, may I speak with your sister, please?”

A short pause, then,

“Pauline Hendry speaking,”

“Ah good, this is Hilda Annersley, Pauline, just to inform you that the investigations are complete, you have been fully exonerated. I am calling to tell you that your suspension has been lifted. I will be pleased to welcome you back to the Real Chalet School immediately.”

There was the sound of a quick in-drawn breath, then, “You mean it? It’s been sorted?”

“It has,” Hilda paused then, realising that Pauline deserved to know the truth, continued, “the culprit was Vida Armitage, she wanted you to be dismissed.”

“She did? But why?” the shock in the Chemistry Mistress’ voice was profound.

Hilda sighed, “She considered that you were a threat to her own position,” she said softly, “and decided that her only option was to be rid of you,”

“B-b-but I’d never done anyth…”

“No,” Hilda’s tone was firm here, “it was not your fault, Pauline, the fault was solely with Vida. She had felt that your competence and experience were a threat and attempted to have you dismissed because of her feelings,”

“I see,” there was a long pause then Pauline spoke again, “I, um, I’m not sure that I can return, Miss Annersley,” she said quietly, “don’t get me wrong, I love the job and get on well with almost everyone. But to know someone could do that to me, someone I had started to think was a friend. I don’t know if I could work with Vida Armitage again.”

“You will not have to,” the Head returned firmly, “Vida Armitage has been dismissed, she has left the Real Chalet School. I will not countenance her type of behaviour. Now, may we expect you back soon?”

Hilda could hear the relief in Pauline’s voice, “You may,” she said, “I’ll be back first thing tomorrow morning if that’s OK, Miss Annersley?”

“Perfectly OK,” Hilda replied, “but my name is Hilda,” Hilda smiled to herself, “Miss Annersley is for our pupils,”

There was a small chuckle, “Very well, Hilda. And thank you Hilda, thank you so much. I did wonder if this was going to be like last time but it’s so very different. Even though I’ve been a member of Staff less than a term I really feel I belong.”

“Good, that’s how it should be, I’ll see you tomorrow, Pauline.”

Last edited by Lesley on Sat Jul 08, 2006 3:54 pm; edited 1 time in total

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#316:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2006 9:03 am
    —
Gain in one way, loss in another....

Thank you Lesley.

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#317:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2006 1:03 pm
    —
If Pauline really does feel that she belongs, that she has been made to feel welcome, then that should help do away with the *them and us* mentality.

Thanks, Lesley.

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#318:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2006 3:26 pm
    —
MaryR said what I was thinking. Thank you Lesley. I do hope they can put it behind them.

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#319:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2006 8:41 pm
    —
the whole episode should bring the staff together. No new and originals any more. It's just a shame that it had to happen like this.

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#320:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2006 9:04 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley
Glad that Pauline has agreed to go back and that Hilda stood her ground about Vida.

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#321:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2006 9:14 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I'm glad that Pauline is happy to return.

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#322:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 2:40 am
    —
What an awful situation for Hilda to be put in - yet she handled it with her usual grace.

Thanks Lesley

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#323:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 12:26 pm
    —
At the SMT meeting and, later, the Staff Meeting, everyone listened in horror and disbelief as the Head detailed what Vida Armitage had done and why. Once she had finished telling them that she then proceeded to tell them of her own actions on discovering the truth. At the Staff Meeting she then paused to look round, both Ruth and Nancy were already aware of her news, however everyone else seemed completely shocked, even Sharlie Andrews and Ray Trent. Moreover they appeared to be gathering, almost automatically, into defensive groups, Hilda saw this and tried to reach all her Staff,

“Ladies, that this has happened at all is something I had not even contemplated. The predecessor of this school, the chalet school in Switzerland, was known, for its time, to be a place of tolerance and acceptance. Those of us who were Staff there attempted to instil those virtues into the pupils and to remain true to them ourselves. While we did not always succeed, I believe that with the vast majority of the girls, we gave them those qualities to take into their adult life. We should do no less here. This School has pupils from all over the world, it has different races and creeds, it has different classes. We owe it to them to ensure that the Staff show the same tolerance that we expect them to show each other.”

After the Head had left the room was silent for some time; many of the women seeming to gravitate toward those same defensive groups,

“We can’t allow this to happen,” Nancy Wilmot said quietly to a group consisting of Kathie Ferrars, Peggy Burnett, Sharlie Andrews and Jeanne de Lachenais. The others looked at her in some horror,

“You mean the Head sacking Vida?” Peggy said quickly.

Nancy shook her head, “Of course not, Hilda was right there, Vida’s actions were terrible but even worse were her reasons, she genuinely seemed to feel that only original staff were ‘proper staff’ that the rest were not worthy of the same respect.”

“If that’s the case,” Kathie put in quietly, “then how do I know that’s not the view of the rest of you toward me?” The others looked at her in puzzlement and Kathie continued, “Think about it,” she urged, “I was last to join of all of us, if we are to reject all those not of the original, then am I next to go? Because I’ve not done as many years as the rest of you?”

Jeanne reached across and squeezed Kathie’s shoulder, “Non, ma petite,” she said, “and we will not reject any of the others,” she looked across at the tall Senior Mistress, “Nancy, you are correct, this Staff Room should not be divided. We should present a united front to the world.” She looked round at the other two, Peggy and Sharlie nodded quickly, Sharlie spoke,

“Vida was a good friend,” she said quietly, “at least, I thought she was, but knowing this about her, perhaps she wasn’t such a friend, after all,”

“What do you think we should do, Nancy?” this from Peggy.

Nancy looked round the large Staff Room, “Nothing major,” she said, “just talk to everyone, include everyone. Have a little chat with respective departments, all of them have a mixture of people in them. Show that we want this Staff Room to be as Hilda has mapped out, not as Vida saw it.”

The others nodded acceptance and moved to do just that.

That evening, after taking the evening meal. the Head had spent some time in the Staff Room. She was pleased to see that nearly everyone was there, no-one appeared to have deliberately decided not to spend time with their colleagues. There were a few people that had gone out for the evening into Melbourne, and some of the Kindergarten mistresses were spending time finishing off costumes for the Nativity Play, but otherwise everyone was there. The mood in the Staff Room seemed a little sombre, the news earlier having caused all to have to consider relationships. When Hilda looked around the Staff Room however she had hope that her people would survive, everywhere she looked people were together, there was no particular pairing up of original school people or new people. They were all together. In the small Annex were about a dozen women watching a film, a musical by the sounds of it. She could hear a number of voices joining in with the songs.

Around the large table were a throng of people all engaged in choosing teams for a game of Trivial Pursuits, she found herself being called across as they were one short. She glanced round, the six teams, each of four people, were thoroughly mixed. She stayed with the groups playing the game, noted how, as well as relying on different people to answer questions dependent upon the subject they taught, the teams would automatically defer to someone from the original school if there was a question about the first half of the twentieth century, while any later answer was normally expected from someone not of the original. ‘It was no different,’ she thought to herself, ‘from the way her team expected her to answer all the art and literature questions. The lines of demarcation were not set in stone, however, and everyone discussed the answers before coming to a consensus. Even her own replies were hotly debated - and sometimes proved to be wrong.’

Later, when most of the Staff had decided to wander across to their beds, Hilda went for a walk in the grounds; eventually she found her way to the beach and sat watching the waves in the starlight. It was there that, some time later, Nell Wilson found her,

“Thought I’d find you here,” Nell remarked as she stepped up beside her friend.

Hilda looked across, “The ocean is very relaxing,” she said, “it’s a suitable substitute for the mountains,”

“Yes, it is,” Nell agreed, there was silence for a time then, “Ruth told me what had happened, that you’d dismissed Vida,”

“Yes, I had no choice, Nell, she was responsible, seemed almost proud of the fact. I could do no less.”

“No,” another pause then, “are you going to be OK about this, Hilda?”

The Head continued staring out to sea for a while, then she sighed slightly, “I am, I know I made the right decision, Vida Armitage’s opinions do not belong here. I’ve just spent the evening with our Staff, Nell, they are all well adjusted and appear happy. There was no barrier that I could see, nothing to say that anyone was of a particular ‘camp’ or ‘caste’.”

“No arguments then, that‘s good.”

Hilda shook her head, “No Nell, if there are no arguments it means that people are not considered family. There were arguments and disagreements, strong words on occasion, but never a sense that the people were having the argument purely because one was original school and one was not. Families have arguments, Nell, and our Staff Room is, I think, a family.”

“Never thought of it that way before,” Nell mused, “you’re right, of course, it’s only when you feel safe that you can have the normal, everyday arguments. Not that we argue of course!” Nell said this outrageous statement with a totally straight face.

“No Nell, never, we just have minor differences of opinion, that’s all,”

“Not even that, just mildly differing ways of saying the same thing, not even worthy of note,”

“Quite correct, we couldn’t possibly argue,” Hilda said with a smile, “I think the rest of the Staff refer to it as bickering, no more,”

“Well that’s alright, bickering doesn’t mean arguing, does it?”

“Well technically,” the Head said, her eyes shining, “the Oxford Dictionary does define the verb ‘to bicker’ as ‘to argue pettily’ - but what do they know?”

“Yes, anyone would think they were experts or something,” Nell grinned, she held out an arm, “come on, help me back home, walking over here was rather tiring,”

Hilda did as she was told, looping an arm through Nell’s to give her support, they started walking slowly back to the cottage, after a while Nell turned to Hilda,

“How did you know that? That definition I mean? Do you hold the entire Oxford English Dictionary in your head?”

“Of course not, don’t be ridiculous, I just happened to know that definition,”

“Why? I mean it’s not as though its something that comes up in normal conversation that much, is it? I have this picture of you, Hilda, head in the clouds, nose in a dictionary, memorising definitions just so that you can use them when we’re arguing,”

“We don’t argue, Nell, we bicker.”

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#324:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 12:48 pm
    —
Well, I think Hilda has done the right thing, and it's good to see her and Nell carrying on with the verbal sparring.

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#325:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 2:34 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I'm glad the staff are happy to try to integrate more with each other.

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#326:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 8:10 pm
    —
I loved that bit at the end with Hilda and Nell!
Thanks Lesley!

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#327:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 9:06 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley. That's one lot of 'trust' dealt with presumably.

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#328:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 10:43 pm
    —
*Head in the clouds, nose in a dictionary* - love it! It's just her photographic memory, Nell!

Hilda's watchful eye, making sure her little world is functioning as it should, despite the painful proceedings with Vida.....

Thanks, Lesley.

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#329:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 11:18 pm
    —
The following morning Nell joined her partner in the Study, “Is it alright for me to be here, Hilda? I thought, when Pauline arrived I should be, to show her she has my full support.”

Hilda nodded, “Good idea Nell, I hadn’t thought of that, she said she’d be along at nine o’clock, I’ve cleared the first lesson so I could be here.”

Nell walked into the Study and sat opposite her friend, she looked across, “I have another request, Hilda,” she began. The Head raised an eyebrow but didn’t speak, Nell continued, “I’d like to take on Head of Science Department again…hear me out,” she said quickly as Hilda started to protest.

“I’m listening, Nell,”

“Just the Head of Science, I’m not coming back to work and I’m certainly not looking to take back the Deputy Headship until next term. But with Vida gone the Science Department is now two down, and it’s not going to look good if you immediately install Pauline as temporary Head is it?”

Hilda thought for a moment, “No teaching Nell,” she warned.

Nell shook her head, “No, it’s the last week of term anyway, it’s not going to be a problem for these few days. In the holidays we’ll have to look at recruiting a new Biology Mistress, but for now, these last few days, we’ll cope.”

“Alright, would you like to have a meeting of the Science staff here later this morning?”

“If that’s OK, Hilda, just to speak with Pauline, Lesley and Rebecca, I imagine they are all feeling a little lost about Vida’s actions.”

Pauline Hendry arrived promptly at nine; any concerns she may have had about her welcome were quickly dispelled by the Head, while Nell also warmly welcomed her - having not seen her since her original interview. If anything Pauline seemed even more pleased to see Nell, confessing that she had been very concerned about the Science Department and if Nell would, in any way, blame her for Vida Armitage’s actions. By the time the Second Lesson bell sounded Hilda was rather pleased to be leaving to attend a meeting, the discussion between Nell and Pauline had turned very technical and the Head found it extremely annoying listening to a conversation where, even though the language was English, she could not understand more that one third of what was being said!

As it was the last week of the Christmas Term there were a number of activities arranged for the week. One of them, a Carol Concert, was held that afternoon, starting at one thirty. As always any parents and friends that could attend were welcome and Cherry, Alison and Carol all sat near the back with Louise, Andrew and Andrew’s parents. After a short discussion with Hilda Annersley, Nell joined them, leaving Ruth Derwent to perform the duties of Deputy Head - including one of the readings. The concert included both old favourites and new, some of them performed solely by the choir, some by the School and some by the entire congregation. The Kindergarten had some carols to themselves and when the babies sang ‘Oh Little Town of Bethlehem’ there were few dry eyes in the church.

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#330:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 12:45 am
    —
The period of readjustment following something as major as this is always very painful. Good to see Nancy taking the lead in making sure that lines of demarcation do not form in the way that they might - a certain level of insecurity might well be expected! And Hilda was very wise to scrutinise the staff room carefully....and how right that Nell was there to support her - and bicker with her - when she needed it! Loved the line about technical conversation - I know just how Hilda feels on occasion!

Thanks Lesley.

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#331:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 3:02 am
    —
They're all doing remarkably well, considering a friend has turned into a monstrous stranger overnight. I'd expect a fair amount of shock, particularly among those who'd known Vida the longest and had been supporting her in her assumed crisis. Nell's especially cool about things, lending her strength where needed -- especially since she and Vida would have worked so closely for so long. *Now wonders how much Vida might have resented Nell's return to the CS proper, after Vida'd been hired to take over science.*

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#332:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 5:15 am
    —
I never thought of that - and what's really interesting is how long has Vida been thinking in this way - and concealing it, which would be a huge jolt for her friends and colleagues.

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#333:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 6:46 am
    —
Thank you Lesley.

That's never an easy situation to deal with but by acting immediately and openly, Hilda has set a precedent which should make the newer staff feel more secure. It must be hard for those who have 'come through' to the real world not to cling together for security - the rest have family and friends outside school whereas they are isolated in this year out of their own generation.

Good for Nancy. She's very perceptive.

Love the 'bickering'

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#334:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 1:15 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I think Nell had a good idea there and the Carol Concert was lovely.

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#335:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 1:44 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley, it was good to see that Nancy was so quick to get Hilda's point, and that Nell was so supportive. Loved the fact that families bicker.

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#336:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 3:29 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley - well handled on all counts.

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#337:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 9:53 pm
    —
Norty Lesley has logged off without posting any more of this.

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#338:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 9:55 pm
    —

Jennie wrote:

Norty Lesley has logged off without posting any more of this.

She has a habit of doing that! We need to break her of it!

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#339:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 9:57 pm
    —
Shall I make out a nagging rota, or will you, Pat?

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#340:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 10:01 pm
    —
You do it! Wonder if it will make any difference? She keeps saying she hasn't written any more when you nag!

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#341:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 10:07 pm
    —
I'm happy for you to put my name on the nagging rota as well.

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#342:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 10:48 pm
    —
That evening the Head made a point of staying in the Staff Room again; this time a number of the Staff were missing – helping the Kindergarten Staff finish off costumes for the Nativity Play the next day. Those Staff that were left all seemed to be happy and relaxed, indeed, only a short time after Miss Annersley arrived someone was prompted to call for an extra read through for the Pantomime and, despite her protests, the Head was ordered to perform. Later, back at the cottage, Hilda came upon Nell wrestling with something on the computer, at least, she assumed Nell was having difficulties judging by the oaths heard floating out to her as she entered.

“Is there a problem, Nell?” Hilda said calmly, “or do you normally address the computer in this way?”

Nell glared across at her partner, “Very funny, Hilda, if you must know this stupid machine won’t connect to the Internet and I want to send off this essay – my last one, incidentally,”

“You’ve finished the course?”

“I have, should get the results early in the New Year – that’s if this stupid machine lets me send…oh, there it goes, finally.”

“It was probably just a glitch at the server end,” Hilda put in.

Nell raised an eyebrow, “You’re sounding very technical all of a sudden, I’m impressed.”

“And I’m impressed that you’ve finished your course – I’ve got another six months to go on mine, possibly longer as we lost nearly half a term earlier in the year,”

“Well you started after me, didn’t you?”

“True, but well done anyway – I expect you’re pleased it’s over, aren’t you?”

Nell thought for a time, “Actually, Hilda, I’ve really enjoyed it, so much so that I’m considering going further,”

“MSc?”

Nell shrugged, “Further still, PhD,”

“Really? Doctor Wilson? I’m very impressed. But aren’t all the courses full time?”

Nell shook her head, “No, I was talking to Pauline about it this morning, she was telling me she knew of a course run especially for those in full time work, it sounded really interesting, some of the things I’d be learning about and investigating, it’s…”

“Stop right there, Nell,” Hilda smiled, “I had enough problems listening to the two of you this morning, if you’re going to start talking about carbon chemistry and chirality my eyes will start to glaze over.”

Nell raised her eyes to the Heavens; “You don’t have a scientific bone in your body, do you?”

“No, and I’m very proud of that fact.” Hilda retorted, “I gather the meeting of the Science Department went well then?”

Nell smiled, “Yes, it did. I’d forgotten just how much I’d missed them. I think they were all very shocked about what Vida did, Pauline was, obviously, but I think Lesley and Rebecca were too – after all, Vida’s stance against those not of the original school could be aimed just as much at them.”

“True, and it’s not something that I’d even considered to be a problem until this week. She certainly didn’t appear to me to have any problems working with those not of the original school. Did you have any idea?”

“None, Hilda,” Nell shook her head, walked across to join her friend on the sofa, she looked across and Hilda could suddenly see lines of worry and guilt on Nell’s face, “it’s been bugging me, you know? I mean, I worked with Vida for years, never realised just how keen she was to get on, never knew she had that type of personality. How could I not know?”

“No one knew, Nell,” Hilda reached across and took Nell’s hand, “it’s why we were so certain that Pauline had to be responsible, we couldn’t conceive of any other solution,”

“But we worked together for so many years, I should have realised, I should have known.”

“Why? Because you are so perfect, Nell Wilson?”

Nell looked up sharply, caught her friend’s eye, after a long pause she spoke, “You’re using my own words against me, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” Hilda said simply.

“Damn!” There was silence for a time then, “I’m not perfect, Hilda, as you well know,”

“No, and you cannot be expected to know everything about another’s character, even if you have worked with them for years, can you?”

“I suppose not, it still hurts though,”

“Yes, I know,”


Many thanks to Kathy for reminding me about Nell's feelings.

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#343:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 11:17 pm
    —
I'm glad Nell had the chance to express her feelings. I usually think of her as the Deputy Head and forget she'll feel special responsibility for the Science staff and had worked with Vida for so long.

Well done, Nell for finishing the course!

thanks for rounding that issue off so well, Lesley.

Last edited by patmac on Tue Jul 11, 2006 11:00 am; edited 1 time in total

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#344:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 12:40 am
    —
Well done Nell for finishing - and for wanting more!

I can see that she would feel that she had failed in not seeing that aspect of Vida's character - this is her department, these are her people, and Hilda is right to tell her that she is not at fault in not realising. The last little exchange was poignant, but at least they both understand how the other feels about this.

Thank you Lesley.

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#345:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 10:25 am
    —
But it can be very easy to deceive the sharpest of people - even Nell. And Hilda will make sure she doesn't dwell on it.

I'm with Hilda - quite happy to have not a scientific bone in my body.

Thanks, Lesley

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#346:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 11:09 am
    —
Thanks, Lesley. Congratulations to Nell on passing her course!

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#347:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 12:36 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. Since Vida seemed so contented, it must have been almost impossible for anyone to realise what was going on underneath.

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#348:  Author: KathrynW, Location: London Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 5:22 pm
    —
Thank you Lesley

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#349:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 5:41 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley

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#350:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 10:16 pm
    —
The following day saw normal lessons in the morning, although the Staff were a little lenient as it was getting close to Christmas. They were all very pleased that there was no Prep, either that evening or the next. The afternoon would see the Nativity Play performed by the Kindergarten and afterwards would be Christmas parties for the Kindergarten and Juniors. That evening the Middles and Seniors had their party, a rather more adult affair with the Main Hall once more being turned into a disco. The following day, the Thursday, would see the last of normal lessons in the morning and then a proper Christmas dinner at lunchtime. The afternoon was reserved for the Staff Pantomime.

On the Wednesday afternoon, however, it was the turn of the Babies of the School to entertain. They had all been rehearsing hard all term and, somehow, every child in the Kindergarten had a part. Guests began arriving a little after one thirty pm, the Play was scheduled to start at two. Among the guests were a number of the Domestic and Security Staff as well as old friends. Looking round from her position near the front of the audience Miss Annersley saw Nell sitting next to Cherry, with Alison and Carol nearby, in front of them sat Louise and Andrew and his parents. As she watched another figure appeared and sat close to Nell, it was Geoff Stevens, Hilda frowned for a moment, wondering where Rosalind was but she suddenly appeared from around the back of the stage where she had obviously been to wish the cast and their teachers ‘Good Luck!’ Rosalind walked over and sat between Geoff and Nell.

The Nativity Play worked its magic once more; with so many children to finds parts for, the Head had wondered if the basic message would be lost, but it was there, as strong as ever. The story was expanded somewhat, it included scenes in Herod’s court, scenes across the desert with a number of enterprising children dressed as camels. There were scenes with the shepherds and their flock and here it seemed that Robbie Elliott had earned a promotion, now proudly sitting as one of the two youngest shepherds along with Anton Montebello. They even had a shared line to say, ‘We’ll take Him this lamb for a Christmas present’ - before dragging a poor unfortunate lamb along in their wake.

The scenes in Bethlehem were a mixture of the traditional and the rather less so, the streets were lined with Roman Soldiers and, as Mary and Joseph arrived at the Stable the curtains were pulled across to allow for some scene changes. While this was going on those children that had not yet been in the play were able to perform a snow dance to show just how cold and nasty that Winter’s night was. The final scene, when it was finally ready, had all the children on the stage. But none of them detracted from the scene. There was the outline of a stable, there were myriad different animals including cows, oxen, sheep and horses. Also in the background were other, rather more unusual animals including camels, elephants, tigers and a kangaroo - the Wise Men had travelled far apparently!

Arranged round the sides were angels with halos and wings, and shepherds. Closer were the Three Wise Men with their gifts prominently displayed. And, in the centre, was a crib, a manger, with Mary and Joseph standing to either side. As the music faded and a hush fell upon the entire audience, a tiny Star illuminated the crib and in the crib a small baby moved and, as though he’d rehearsed it, Jake Stevens gave one tiny cry before being mesmerised by the light. All other lights in the Hall went out, leaving only the light from the Star.

The silence continued until Nell leant across to whisper in Rosalind’s ear, “You have a very clever son there, you know!”

Rosalind smiled, though neither her eyes nor those of her husband stopped watching the baby, “He even remembered his line,” she whispered back.

Last edited by Lesley on Tue Jul 11, 2006 10:44 pm; edited 1 time in total

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#351:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 10:26 pm
    —
That was lovely Lesley. It's always nice to have a real baby in the crib.

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#352:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 10:39 pm
    —
Lovely *sighs with satisfaction*.

Even though you gave the clue of Rosalind going round the back

Quote:

to wish the cast and their teachers ‘Good Luck!’

I didn't catch on that Jake would be in the crib - Great touch, thank you Lesley.

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#353:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 11:30 pm
    —
Lesley, that last post was beautiful!!! Yay for little Jake!

I'm VERY disappointed in Vida though!

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#354:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 12:07 am
    —
Thanks, Lesley. Well done to Jake and to Robbie for his promotion!

I got a chance to be Mary in an Nativity Play being acted by adults. About half an hour beforehand, someone offered their 4 month old son as baby Jesus. He was really quiet, even though he had never met me or the man playing Joseph before! We had to kneel for about 20 minutes as part of the play and we kept on passing the baby between the 2 of us.

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#355:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 4:00 am
    —
Oh, lovely...and of course there would be a kangaroo present! I think they did very well making sure they all had a part, although the number of angels and shepherds can be extended infinitely. And wasn't Jake clever!

Thank you Lesley.

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#356:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 1:19 pm
    —
Beautiful post, Lesley. I'm just surprised that Robbie didn't demand a dinosaur among all the other animals. And it was brilliant to use the baby.

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#357:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 5:36 pm
    —
Events within the prison did not reflect the season; that same afternoon saw a meeting…

“Butcher to see you, Mr Masters,” the prison officer, a new one only recently transferred in, spoke the words as he escorted Butcher into the Governor’s Office. Masters looked up,

“Thanks Robertson, you can go, no need to wait.” He watched as the tall officer left the room, “Have a seat Butcher, we need to discuss matters,”

Butcher sat opposite the Governor, “You’ve changed a few things,” she remarked, “even in the last four days or so it’s obvious,”

Masters raised an eyebrow, “I intend to do more than just change a few things,” he said, “this place is going to have a complete refit,”

Butcher shrugged, “Why? So it’ll look good on your CV?”

“Precisely,” Masters replied, “Let me be totally honest with you, Butcher, I don’t give a damn about any of the prisoners within this prison, all I’m interested in is getting the place looking good – a model prison. One that the Board can bring visitors and government ministers to whenever they want to show off their successes. I did it at my last place, but that was only a Youth Custody Centre, this is a bigger challenge,”

“Why bother then, if you don’t care about the inmates?”

“Number of reasons, firstly, to make me look good – I don’t intend to remain a Prison Governor for the rest of my life, I want a job on the Board – maybe even one where I get to travel to other countries to look at different methods of prison reform – always wanted to see the world. And then, of course, there’s the money. If you and I can reach agreement there’s a lot of money to be made – why shouldn’t we make it?”

Butcher thought for a moment, “Money’s no good to me if it’s outside and I’m in here,”

“You’ll have access to it,” Masters replied, “or to any goods or equipment you might want. The only thing I can’t promise you is your release – don’t think the Board will go for that – but there’s no reason why your stay inside can’t become a lot more comfortable.”

“What about once you’ve moved on? Got your place in Senior Management?”

“By then you’ll have enough stashed that you can buy just about anyone, serve the rest of your time in luxury. Well? Are you in?”

“Need to know your plans first,” Butcher replied, “I mean, just saying you’re going to give this place a refit - I won’t say it’s not overdue, but how you going to get funding through? Prison Board won’t be too happy you start costing them money,”

“No, so I’m not going to ask them. This prison is going to start making money,”

Butcher snorted, “Been tried before, doesn’t work,”

“This will,” Master replied, “because I’m going to use somewhat different methods of raising money,” he leant forwards, “tell me Butcher, how many of those women convicted of vice crimes would be willing to work for money?”

“So that’s your game?” Butcher sounded angry, “no way, Masters, you’re not forcing any of my women into that.”

Masters shook his head, “Who said anything about forcing? You know as well as I that there are some women that enjoy it. And they’d be well paid for their troubles and safe,”

“With you taking a hefty percentage for their work,”

“Of course, I’m supplying the venue, arranging for the customers, and you’d be paid too, percentage of the profit, off the top,”

Butcher thought for a time, “OK, there are some women that’d happily go along with it,” she agreed, “and some that would want to, to ease debts and help their families – could the money go outside? Not much point in just having it in here.”

Masters nodded, “I was about to suggest it, any women that wanted the money to go to their families – it could be arranged – there’d be a small fee of course…”

“Paid out of your profits, Masters,” Butcher put in quickly, “don’t tell me you’d not be able to afford it.”

The Governor looked across thoughtfully, “Alright,” he conceded, “paid by me, but this is just the start, I’ve got a lot of ideas,”

“I’ll bet, but what about the screws, the honest ones, how you going to get it past them?”

“I’ve already made a start on that, haven’t you noticed the number of staff changes there’ve been recently?”

“I’ve noticed, you saying all the new ones are yours then?”

“Yes, and all of them eager to earn a little more than the basic money for a prison officer. And those men and women that I don’t think would be happy with the arrangements are being quietly transferred to other posts or even to other prisons.”

“What about the Senior Officer? She’s away on leave at the moment but when she gets back she’ll cotton on to all your plans, whatever else she is she’s not stupid. And you can’t transfer her, can you?”

Masters sat back in his chair, “No I can’t, and everything I’ve heard leads me to conclude she won’t like this. What do you think?”

Butcher’s eyes hardened, “She won’t accept this, not for a second, she’s straight. And she’s strong enough that she’ll try and stop you. What you going to do?”

“Make sure she can’t interfere, that is, if you’ve no objection?”

“Doesn’t bother me, do what you like,”

“I’ll do that,” Masters smiled, “must say, from all I’d heard and remembered of you, I was expecting more resistance.”

“Why? Because I hate bent screws?” Butcher laughed, “I’m a realist, if the Governor’s a crook then I’ll work with him, get as much as possible from him for myself and for the women in here.”

“You’ve changed, Butcher,” Masters observed, “when I was here three years ago you didn’t care about the rest of the women,”

“Yes I did,” Butcher said, “you just couldn’t see it, not many have. I’ll go along with your plans for now, Masters, so long as me and mine get something for it.”

---

#358:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 6:10 pm
    —
Eeeek

I'm just hoping Butcher is stringing him along to give him enough rope to hang himself.

Thank you Lesley.

---

#359:  Author: Alex, Location: Cambs, UK Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 7:37 pm
    —
I hope Masters hasn't decided to stop Geri interfering on a permanent basis.

Thanks, Lesley. Lots of lovely updates for me to catch up on.

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#360:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 7:43 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I am also hoping that Masters doesn't get rid of Geri on a very permanent basis.

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#361:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 10:28 pm
    —
*wibble*

I don't like Masters at ALL
Please make something bad happen to him Auntie Lesley........

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#362:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 2:29 am
    —
*much relieved that Nell's been able to talk to Hilda*
*looking forward to hearing about Nell's research areas
*smiling overbaby conspiracy & players in synch with Robbie's home creche
*hoping Butcher isn't still too angry to trust Geri (and Hilda) more than this amoral scumbag

---

#363:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 7:49 am
    —
Mmm, interesting. Butcher is very careful to make sure that he gives his answers loud and clear isn't she? Pease think very caerefully about this one, Butcher.

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#364:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 10:21 am
    —
I loved the Nativity scene, Lesley, right down to baby Jake *remembering his one line!*

But what IS Butcher up to? Despite the breakdown in trust between herself and Geri Shaw, will she really let all this happen without doing something? And what about Hilda - will she cotton on that something bad is happening?

Thanks, Lesley

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#365:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 12:07 pm
    —
I have my doubts about what Butcher is up to. Is she recording this? Wibbling vigorously.

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#366:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 1:17 pm
    —
Defnitely having my doubts about Butcher and Masters. Please bring Geri back soon - at least we know she's straight!

Thanks Lesley

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#367:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 7:50 am
    —
Sorry about the time taken to update - as always difficulty linking bits!

The last few days of the Christmas Term went quickly; the final morning of lessons on Thursday went reasonably well; the Mistresses all anticipating that the pupils would be far too excited about the Pantomime that afternoon and the fact that it was the last full day of term, to be able to work very well. A number of the lessons were thus very sketchy affairs, if that, sometimes consisting of items vaguely on subject, but others, quite frankly, nothing to do with the subject that was supposed to be taught. It was with relief that the final bell that morning brought the lessons to a close. Lunch that day was the School Christmas Dinner, complete with turkey, Christmas pudding crackers and a tiny present for each pupil - when they saw how well received these little presents were, the Mistresses were rewarded for spending hours over the last few days wrapping them all up!

Thursday afternoon was the Staff Pantomime; unlike the previous year when no-one knew what to expect, this time most of the School were in a state of suppressed excitement waiting for it to start - they were not disappointed! The pantomime was of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and the School were happy to cheer Snow White, sing along with the Dwarves, and boo whenever the wicked Queen walked onto the stage! Of course the fact that, to begin with, the Queen was barely recognisable beneath the long black wig and white make up, did help as far as the ‘booing’ was concerned. A number of the older pupils suddenly being struck dumb the first time the Queen spoke and Miss Annersley’s well-known tones were heard! Her arguments with her Mirror were, at first, almost drowned out by cheers when the School realised that Miss Wilson’s voice was coming from the Mirror!

The Seven Dwarves provided a great deal of the comedy, flinging the ‘gems’ they had dug from their mine into the audience where they were discovered to be sweets. And their names were another source of entertainment, in particular ‘Lazy’ for Miss Burnett, a Mistress known for her inability to ever sit still, ‘Eighth Dwarf’ for Miss Wilmot, Head of the Mathematics Department, ‘Silent’ for Miss McEleavey, the new English Mistress who, in only her first term, had already proven that her enthusiasm for life meant that she never stopped talking!

The Pantomime was a great success and the Tea provided afterwards was devoured hungrily by a School still hoarse from shouting and applauding. Before Tea had finished the Head had risen to remind everyone that packing must be finished that evening and to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

The Friday morning was the normal rush; the coaches for those flying home on International flights arrived shortly after nine thirty and both pupils and luggage were noisily packed onto them, those Staff performing escort went along. About an hour after they disappeared the transport for those travelling within Australia appeared and, between ten and midday saw all those local pupils being collected by parents and guardians - the Staff that were left busy ensuring that the correct pupils went with the correct parent! By lunchtime even the tardiest of parents had arrived to retrieve their offspring and those Staff that were left quickly made a trip through the School ensuring that all equipment and supplies were correctly stowed. Over the next two and a half days the Domestic Staff would be performing a through cleaning of the entire School, including carpet cleaning, before going off themselves for the Christmas holiday. The staff were all being paid overtime to perform the cleaning now rather than disrupting lessons by attempting to clean while the School was up and running. In addition Miss Annersley had given permission for them to have a Christmas Party on the Friday evening using the School facilities - knowing that all traces would be cleaned and tidied away the following day. Those Staff that lived on-site had already received their invitations!

Saturday saw Hilda and Nell out Christmas shopping in Melbourne; Hilda being careful not to allow her friend to tire herself too much. They wanted to get a number of presents, as well as complete their outfits for the wedding scheduled to take place the following Thursday. Late afternoon saw them having managed to buy most of the bits they needed and just searching for a few ‘stocking fillers’ for Cherry and Robbie.

“How about getting Robbie a couple of books then?” This from Nell, “I mean, he’s starting to be able to recognise words and can write his name and a few bits,”

“Good idea,” Hilda said, walking over to join Nell in the bookstore, she glanced down at the books Nell held in her hand, “You can’t get him those books though, Nell,” she protested.

“Why not? I know it says ages five to eight, but he’s a bright lad - he should be considering just who has been teaching him to read,”

“But he’s not going to be reading most of that, is he,” Hilda put in, “or if he is it will only be along with the person reading to him, me,”

Nell considered, “Well, Cherry and I do read to him, of course we do, but I must admit he seems to prefer getting you to do so - who wouldn’t? Yes, I will get these books, he’ll enjoy them.”

Hilda sighed, she looked again at the books Nell held in her hand, they were both part of a series, the first one of which was entitled, ‘Captain Underpants!’, she then looked her partner in the face, seeing the glint of mischief in Nell’s eyes,

“Nell Wilson I swear you’re no older than Robbie at times,” she said, her tone one of patient fortitude.

Nell grinned, “You wouldn’t have me any other way,” she said with certainty, she then walked across to purchase the books.

---

#368:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 8:46 am
    —
And I bet next year she'll buy him the "Bugalugs Bum Thief" - just to keep up with the theme!

That was lovely Lesley. I loved the idea of Hilda as the Wicked Queen - and someone was inspired casting Nell as the mirror!

Know what you mean about linking bits....

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#369:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 9:16 am
    —
Thank you, Lesley. Lovely episode! (I had this awful feeling there was going to be a truly hair-raising prison episode just as I was leaving town.... Much better to leave with just nagging anxiety )

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#370:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 9:48 am
    —
Lovely episode, Lesley.

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#371:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 11:39 am
    —
Thank you, Lesley, for the details of Christmas - even the Wicked Queen and the Mirror!

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#372:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 8:04 pm
    —
Would love to hear Hilda reading Capt Underpants....a firm favourite with my son, even after many years of reading them himself!

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#373:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 10:09 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. The Pantomine was lovely.

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#374:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 12:13 am
    —
After a fortnight away, where do I start?

Glad Hilda cut through the Gordian knot of the Pauline/Vida situation with her usual clearsightedness and integrity. Terribly difficult, but absolutely necessary. Was impressed with the way she watched for possible divisions afterwards; the original staff must still feel very vulnerable.

Re. Nell/Vida - Nell had worked for years and knew well a Vida who was 'programmed' to follow the standard CS morals and values. If freedom has changed her (and not, in this case, for the better), Nell would have no way of knowing.

Delighted that Nell is going for her PhD - hope Hilda follows suit. I'm sure we'll hear more of this in due course, I do enjoy Nell's enthusiasm for knowledge!

Butcher - surely, surely she's not going to accept 'her' women being coerced into prostitution to swell the prison coffers? Is she just getting Masters to reveal all his dastardly plans? He's extremely honest with her and rather laying himself open ... will await developments.

Loved the Panto and LOVED Hilda and Nell being the Wicked Queen and the Mirror! Brilliant

Thanks, Lesley.

---

#375:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 9:52 am
    —
Geri Shaw opened the door to her apartment late on Sunday evening with a definite sigh of relief; she had just driven back from the airport, having spent the last week visiting family in Darwin. Although somewhat weary, the flight from Darwin had taken five and a half hours with a stop at Adelaide, she was also happy. The time with her family had been wonderful - she’d managed to get closer to her nieces and nephews and had the time to both relax and get a little exercise. Now, due to a hold up at the airport, she was back later than she’d anticipated and had a great deal to get finished before starting back at work the following day.

She quickly glanced at her telephone answer machine and saw there were sixteen message waiting; resolving not to check them until later, when she could relax, she started unpacking her rucksack, placing things into the washing machine and in heaps nearby, ready to be washed. She had barely been back in her apartment fifteen minutes when the phone rang. She sighed, there were already sixteen messages on the answer phone that she hadn’t had the time to listen to yet; one more wouldn’t hurt. She listened with half an ear as the machine kicked in, then straightened in some surprise at the message…

“Geri? Where the Hell are you? Listen I’ve got to speak to you urgently about work, call me back as soon as you get in, whatever the time…”

Geri moved swiftly along to the phone and picked up the receiver, “Pat? It’s me; you sound desperate, what’s the matter? Nothing wrong with the family is there?”

“Geri, oh thank goodness, where have you been?”

“Home, I told you I was going home, Pat,” Geri was now worried, she had never heard Pat Francis sound so upset.

“I’ve tried calling Graeme’s for the last four days, there was no answer,” Pat replied, “I also tried your mobile and just kept getting unobtainable. Where were you?”

“The entire family went to Graeme’s lodge in Kakadu National Park,” Geri explained, “it’s in the middle of the wilderness and mobiles don’t generally work there. We had a radio for emergencies. A double celebration, Graeme’s eldest has just graduated and an early Christmas as I’m working over Christmas itself.”

“That’s if you’ve got a job, Geri,” Pat’s tones indicated that she wasn’t joking.

“What? What are you talking about?” Geri thought quickly, “Look, come over now, whatever’s happened it sounds pretty important.”

“Fine, I’ll be there in twenty minutes,”

---

#376:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 12:12 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I hope that Geri will still have a job.

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#377:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 2:01 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley, wibbling now about Geri.

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#378:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 5:35 pm
    —
Lesley! You've done it again! Followed a lovely post (panto was inspired! Hilda and Nell as Queen and Mirror was a stroke of genius.) with a scary nasty one!!

Please may we have a NICE one now?

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#379:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 5:36 pm
    —
Lesley,
I really **need** you to write some more please............

Take pity on the gibbering wreck I have become after reading this update......

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#380:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Coventry Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 6:15 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. Can't wait to read the next post!

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#381:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 7:33 pm
    —
You've got everybody going again Lesley!

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#382:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 9:49 pm
    —
Poor Geri - just what she needs.

Thanks, Lesley.

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#383:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 10:24 pm
    —
Aaaaaaaargh Lesley!

Poor Geri.

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#384:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 11:25 pm
    —
Oh my!!!!
Thanks Lesley.

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#385:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 12:18 am
    —
I've just spent a large part of the last 24 hours reading this from the very begining (yes I never even got to start it before the evil hacker attacked ), but it was well worth it.

So many thanks and looking forward to lots more Lesley

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#386:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 12:30 am
    —
Poor Pat, trying so frantically to contact Geri, and to no avail. Not a very jolly homecoming for Geri, either.

What next, I wonder?

---

#387:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 5:45 pm
    —
Sunday had been a very busy but very satisfying day for the two senior people on the Real Chalet School site. Firstly, Sunday morning, Cherry and Robbie came across and the four spent a very happy two hours getting the Christmas tree out from it’s storage in the garage. After putting it together and arranging it in the lounge they unpacked all the decorations and placed them upon the tree. Both Hilda and Nell were intrigued to discover that the magic they had felt the previous year, because of the presence of Robbie, was still there, his enthusiasm being just as high. Also unpacked, for the first time though, were two novelty toys, a singing Santa and a singing Cod – Robbie dissolved into giggles as, every time he walked past them the two burst into song! He seemed to find any number of excuses to walk past them.

That afternoon Hilda and Nell held a barbeque – as well as the girls being invited, Andrew and his parents attended. In addition, all those resident on site – making it quite a crowd. Luckily the weather was warm, very warm, and everyone was out in the garden. Activities were split between discussions about the forth-coming wedding and baby worshiping 16 day old Jake Stevens. Robbie still wasn’t particularly impressed with the new baby but did get on well with Jake’s older sister Kelly – especially when she revealed a hidden talent involving helping the little boy climb trees. Initially Nell Wilson had been there watching over him while he climbed up a sturdy one near the back of the garden, she had also been there to catch him when he launched himself from the branches at head height. However that one action warned Nell that she should not be doing that.

“You’ll have to stop climbing, Robbie,” she said, “I can’t catch you any more,”

Robbie looked disappointed, “Oh, but Grandma, please, I want to play in the tree,”

“I know, darling, but Grandma’s not been well…”

“Would you like me to take over, Miss Wilson?” The voice from behind caused Nell to look round in surprise,

“Kelly? Oh thanks, I’d appreciate it,” Nell looked up at Robbie, “alright, Robbie, Kelly’s going to take over, wait until she says she’s ready and do as you’re told!”

“Yes Grandma,” Robbie climbed a little higher.

Nell turned to the girl, “You’re a life-saver,” she said with a grin, “literally, I think because the Head would have slayed me if she’d seen what I was doing. Don’t let on will you?”

“Of course not, Miss Wilson,” Kelly returned the grin, “though she wouldn’t really have hurt you, would she?”

“Well, not physically, no,” Nell conceded, then she continued with a twinkle in her eye, “but actually what she does is worse. I’m sure you can remember having to go to her Study for bad behaviour?”

Despite the temperature Kelly shivered, “Oh, I see what you mean, Miss Wilson, yes, being told off by Miss Annersley is far worse. But I’d not give you away, Miss Wilson, whatever. I owe you too much.”

Nell’s expression softened and she placed an arm around Kelly Stevens’ shoulders, “You don’t owe me a thing,” she said firmly, “and I think we can drop the ‘Miss Wilson’ tag – your family live on-site now so you’re going to be seeing a lot of us over the holidays. And you’re old enough and sensible enough not to try and take advantage. Away from School call me Nell,”

Kelly looked shocked, “Oh, I couldn’t, Miss Wilson, just couldn’t,”

Nell thought for a moment then smiled, “Well why not ‘Aunt Nell’ then, I can never have enough nieces and nephews,”

The girl smiled rather shyly, “I like that, I’ve not got any aunts or uncles,”

“Well you have now,” Nell returned, “and I’ll speak to the Head, she’s sure to insist on the same…”

“Kelly!” Robbie had grown impatient, “catch me, Kelly, catch me!”

The two looked up, Robbie was preparing to launch himself at the girl, Nell smiled, “I’ll leave you to it,” she said, “Be good, Robbie!”

“Thanks Aunt Nell,” Kelly said with a smile, she then turned to Robbie, “Alright Rob, ready to jump? One, two, three, jump!”

Nell watched as Kelly expertly snatched the little boy from the air and swung him round and round.

“Again, Kelly, again!” Robbie was almost falling over himself to get back up the tree again.

Nell left, satisfied the pair were alright. She walked over to the patio, grimacing very slightly as her stomach muscles were still protesting about the initial time she had caught Robbie, by the time she reached the patio, however, the ache had disappeared, she walked over to where Hilda was dispensing drinks, took a glass of cold juice from her,

“How’d you fancy being an Aunt again?” she asked, “I said Kelly could call me Aunt,”

Hilda nodded, “No problems,” she said, “she’s a sensible girl. I see she’s entertaining Robbie,” Hilda indicated across to where Kelly and Robbie were playing, “good thing he didn’t want you to do that, isn’t it?”

Nell turned away quickly, mumbling something vaguely while ensuring that her partner couldn’t see her face. Luckily for Nell, Hilda was distracted by Sara Coates coming up to get beers for both her husband and Geoff Stevens – the two men having taken over the barbeque together. Later, when the food was all cooked, everyone was called to the table to help themselves. Cherry called Robbie over and started filling a plate for him,

“Want to sit next to Kelly,”

Cherry looked across, “Well that depends on Kelly, have you asked her?”

“No, Mummy,” Robbie ran over to Kelly, “Can I sit next to you, Kelly?”

“Say if you’d rather not, Kelly,” Cherry warned, “he can be a bit of a handful,”

Kelly smiled, “That’s alright,” she said, “come and sit here, Robbie, now, do you want a burger?”

“Yes please, Kelly, wiv cheese slice and sauce,”

---

#388:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 7:22 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. That was such a warm and lovely scene.

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#389:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 7:25 pm
    —
That was a lovely quiet interlude Lesley. Thanks.

*Wonders what the storm after the quiet will be*

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#390:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 7:53 pm
    —
Glad Nell saw sense in time - before Hilda got to her!

Thanks, Lesley.

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#391:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 8:22 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley, such a happy scene.

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#392:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 10:17 pm
    —
Ahem Lesley I believ you forgot to tell us about Geri

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#393:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 11:41 pm
    —

francesn wrote:

Aaaaaaaargh Lesley! Poor Geri.

*echoes Fran*

Lovely scene with Robbie.

Thanks Lesley.

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#394:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 12:11 am
    —
Robbie is always irresistible - though I was rather afraid he was going to launch himself at Kelly when she wasn't ready and be splatted! Just as well Hilda didn't find out what Nell had been up to, she would, indeed, have slain her, and with some justification - will the woman never learn!

Love Nell's willingness to extend her raft of 'nieces' and 'nephews' and her friendliness to Kelly. What a nice girl Kelly's grown into.

Thanks, Lesley

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#395:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 12:46 am
    —
Oh, that was nice - and Nell got lucky there didn't she? And that was a lovely gesture she made to Kelly - who is after all one of the extended CS family.

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#396:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 10:29 pm
    —
Later, when many of the others had gone home and it was starting to get dark, Louise and Andrew took the opportunity to go for a walk along the beach; strolling with one arm around the other.

“Can’t believe that we’ll be married in just four days time,” Louise said quietly.

Andrew looked across, “Why, are you having second thoughts?”

Louise stopped, “Second thoughts? I’ll show you my second thoughts.” She raised her head up and kissed him full on the lips, after a split second’s surprise Andrew responded eagerly.

Some minutes later Louise drew back, “Well? What do you think?”

Andrew swallowed quickly, even in the half-light it was possible to see his face was flushed, “I think,” he said carefully, “that you’d better stop doing that. Otherwise I’m liable to ravish you here on the beach.”

“Oh, yes please,” Louise grinned.

Andrew reached for her then drew back abruptly, “Oh no, not here, not now, one of them might find us,”

“One of them?”

”Hilda or Nell,” Andrew said with feeling.

“Why? You’re not frightened of them, are you?”

“Of course I am,” Andrew returned quickly, “any sane man would be,”

“They like you,” Louise observed.

“I know, and I’d like to keep it that way,”

The pair continued their walk, after a time Louise nuzzled into Andrew’s neck, “You sounded a bit fed up when your Dad was teasing you about not having a job, are you OK?”

“I’m alright, just wish I could find something I want to make a career,” Andrew replied, “I thought, once I’d got the degree, that everything else would fall into place,”

“Well don’t worry, you wait and find the right job – you can afford to wait, after all,” Louise was surprised when, on hearing those words, Andrew pulled away from her, turned his back, “What is it, what’s wrong?”

Andrew said nothing for some time; eventually, without turning to look at Louise he spoke, “I’m not marrying you for your money, you know,”

Louise was shocked, “What? I don’t think that, don’t be ridiculous!”

“Well, people might think that, got myself a rich wife so I can live the life of luxury, never have to do…”

Andrew’s speech was interrupted as Louise grabbed hold of his shoulder, spun him round, “Stop! You didn’t even know about my money until three months ago – after you’d proposed and I’d accepted. If I remember rightly, it took you five minutes to stop choking about it.”

“Yes but people might think…”

“It doesn’t matter what people might think,” Louise returned, “I know the truth, that’s all that matters, isn’t it?”

There was a pause then, “You’re sure, Lou?”

“I’m sure. I want to marry you, Andrew St John, I want to marry you and settle down together. In time maybe have a family, grow old together. I want us to be one. It wouldn’t matter to me if you were rich, it shouldn’t matter to you either.”

There was a silence then she added, “Hell, Andrew, if you can’t accept it I’ll give the whole lot away!”

Andrew smiled, “You’d do that?”

“Of course I would,” Louise replied, “I want you,”

Andrew reached forward, enveloped Louise in a hug, “No, don’t do that, we’ll need something to fall back on. I can live with my wife being rich,”

“I won’t be rich, Andrew,” Louise said, snuggling into his shoulder, “we will,”

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#397:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 11:54 pm
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Louise and Andrew are so nice. I feel for Andrew in the complications of loving someone rich - fortunately, Louise isn't going to let him agonise, she has her feet far too firmly grounded in reality.

How very wise of Andrew to treat Hilda and Nell with such healthy respect!

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#398:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 12:18 am
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Lesley wrote:

Andrew reached for her then drew back abruptly, “Oh no, not here, not now, one of them might find us,” “One of them?” ”Hilda or Nell,” Andrew said with feeling. “Why? You’re not frightened of them, are you?” “Of course I am,” Andrew returned quickly, “any sane man would be,”

Andrew sounds like the original SLOC. Hope my suspicious side is alll wrong on this one.

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#399:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 12:25 am
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That was an interesting conversation - and I hadn't really thought about the effects of Louise's money.

And:

Quote:

"You’re not frightened of them, are you?” “Of course I am,” Andrew returned quickly, “any sane man would be,”

Absolutely!

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#400:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 12:43 am
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They are lovely together - I hope they'll be very happy. I'm sure they will be!

Thanks Lesley

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#401:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 6:20 am
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Lovely scene. thank you Lesley

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#402:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 10:00 am
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A very mature young lady, Louise. But then that's no surprise given who her guardians and role models are, scary or not!

Thanks, Lesley.

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