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Stories & Imaginings >> Cookies & Drabbles >> More Tensions
(Message started by: Carolyn P on Nov 26th, 2003, 10:37pm)

Title: More Tensions
Post by Carolyn P on Nov 26th, 2003, 10:37pm
Archived due to length.

Part 1 http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/TENSIO~1[1].DOC 

Part two http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/tension2.htm

Part three http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/tensionagain.htm

Part 4 http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/Tensions4.htm
 

Sorry I cn't work out what is wrong with the first link, can anyone ele?


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 26th, 2003, 11:18pm
Ok, I should know about archiving by now - but it still makes you gulp a bit when you find that that topic doesn't exist!

Vikki downloaded the word doc for me Carolyn, and she said that it took about half an hour - perhaps it's just a question of the size?  If not, I'll leave it to somebody more computer literate to work it out!
 

Whilst Reg was grasping handfuls of drugs from the San pharmacy and dropping them haphazardly onto the bundle of screwed up clothes which he had flung into his small suitcase, prior to slipping out of the kitchen door and leaving the San for ever, Hilda decided it was late enough to make the first of the phone calls she had to tackle that morning. 
Jack Maynard was already dressed and he answered her summons immediately, knowing that she would provide him with coffee at least, and with breakfast too if he had anything to do with it.  He was not feeling particularly hungry himself, and he guessed that Miss Annersley would be feeling the same, but he was determined to ensure that she did not begin to neglect her meals again.
He was relieved to find that the head had come to the same conclusion, she knew that she would need all her strength for the day ahead and had already ordered some rolls and jam from the kitchen.  At the same time she had taken the opportunity to quiz Karen about the health of her girls, and the result of that interview had at least afforded her a little relief, nevertheless, she had little appetite for the food that arrived although she swallowed her rolls manfully. 
Jack sat down and helped himself to a roll, spread thickly with the ivory coloured butter common to Oberland before he asked the results of the previous nights investigation.  Although both them felt that three victims were three too many, they consoled one another with the thought that it could have been much worse.  Thinking along those lines, Jack decided that the both Tamzin Maynard and, especially, Philomena Vance should be closely observed throughout the day, along with Hortense Raymonde.
“But she was taking cough medicine,” Hilda protested.
“And opiates are one of the most effective cough suppressants around.”  Jack responded,  “I wouldn’t be surprised if, at the very least, her cough came back, and frankly, I am a little concerned that Matey may have masked a more serious problem by treating the symptoms.”
“She seems a sturdy enough little creature,” Hilda mused, “I’ve never seen any reason to worry about her general health.”
“I hope you’re right, but under the circumstances, we need to take every precaution.”
“Of course, but I have to admit that I’m rather more concerned about Daphne Bettany, she’s so young.”
“That may be in her favour, with luck she will forget about it fairly quickly, and she’s unlikely to find out what’s wrong with her,” he broke off as he noticed Hilda’s expression.
“It couldn’t be helped, I suppose, it’s just unfortunate that she happened to get up at that particular moment, but I think you did the right thing Hilda.  You could hardly lie to her when she asked you a direct question.”  He lapsed into silence for a moment as he thought about the child. From a medical point of view, he felt that Mddle de Lachenais would suffer more, but he was rather fond of his young niece, and he felt a natural concern for her wellbeing.
Rather than calling for an ambulance, with all the fuss that that would entail, Jack proposed that hhe should drive the three patients to the San in his own car, but that was something which Hilda would not allow.
“This is my responsibilty,” she said firmly, “I shall take them in my own car, it’s the least I can do for them.  If you could ring ahead and make arrangements?”
Jack conceded the point, recognising that undertaking even this small task, would prove to be beneficial to Hilda's own well being, but as he left the study, after taking a quick peek at Daphne, who still slept sweetly, he pointed out that he would likely be at the San before her.


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by PatW on Nov 26th, 2003, 11:53pm
That's not sorting out who screamed after Reg took the pillow away! 

It's very good amd lovely and long though!

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Nov 27th, 2003, 12:13am
*agrees that it would be nice to know for sure that Con was alive*

*hopes that Reg is going to get caught on the way out*


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 27th, 2003, 1:35am
Don't you trust me??  :o

 

As it turned out, Hilda and the patients arrived quite a while before Jack, and when he did reach the San he had rather more to worry about than the two girls and their mistress.
When he returned to Freudesheim he was faced with Joey’s demands that she be allowed to visit Con, and he hardly felt that he could refuse her wish to see her own daughter, but he quickly became impatient with the length of time it took her to make herself presentable.  “Why on earth do you have to keep your hair so long?”  He snapped,  “Those earphones may have been all well and good when you were younger, but they look positively ridiculous in this day and age.”
Jo responded with a fierce glare as she rammed the last hair grip into place, not for anything would she let him see how much his words had wounded her.  ‘If Roger had confessed….’ she pushed the thought away.  Con needed her, and being at her daughters bedside was more important than the current state of her relationship with her husband.
The short journey was made in silence, a silence which was not broken when they reached their destination, they walked towards Con’s room on opposite sides of the corridor.  The nurse on duty looked up as she saw them approaching, and neither of the Maynards took any comfort from what they read in her expression.
The nurse intimated that she wished to speak to Jack alone, and he moved slightly further away from Joey.  “I’m sorry, Dr Maynard, but it seems that Con became distressed during the night, she began screaming hysterically, and it took some time to calm her down, in fact, she still seems to be rather disturbed. Dr Graves is with her at the moment, he said he would speak with you as soon as you arrived.”
“Thank you,”  Jack nodded to the nurse, “Will you look after Mrs Maynard for a moment?”  He entered Con’s room, leaving Joey in the care of the nurse.  Joey, however, had other ideas.  Totally ignoring the nurses tentative greeting, she pushed her way past and followed Jack through the door.
“How dare you try to keep me away,” She began to exclaim loudly.
“Be quiet.” The snapped command came not from her husband but from Phil Graves.  “For goodness sake woman, we’ve only just managed to quieten her down, the last thing she needs is you coming in here shouting.”
As he spoke Con began to move around restlessly, mumbling to herself.  Joey, looking at her for the first time was appalled by the sight of her daughter, her features etched with pain and her hair damp with sweat as she drew herself up into a ball, and it frightened her to see her own feelings mirrored in her husbands expression.
“Oh, Con,” she moved to the side of the bed and placed her hand on the girls brow, gently brushing the tangled hair away from her eyes, “It’s all right Con, Mamma’s here,” she continued to speak soothing words, her tone soft and gentle, and after an initial attempt to shake herself free of her mother, Con did seem to be responding slightly to this treatment.  Though she continued to utter little moans of pain, the ceaseless mumbling came to an end.


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 27th, 2003, 1:37am
“She’s been like this for about the last four hours.”  Phil said quietly, “The nurse heard her screaming, and it took quite some time to get her out of that.  Then she’s been muttering to herself ever since, almost as if something has upset her.”

“What has she been saying?”  Jack was all to aware that his own behaviour the previous day had had an adverse effect on Con’s well being, and he felt with a heavy sense of guilt that it was his fault that Con was suffering this additional torment.
Phil frowned, “That’s one of the things that doesn’t make any sense, she keeps talking about Margot’s baby.”
Joey looked up sharply, “That’s nonsense,” she took care to keep her tones low, “Margot hasn’t had a baby, she’s going to be a nun.”
A look of comprehension flashed briefly across Jack’s features as he realised that the mystery of his youngest triplet’s disappearance may have been solved, but he made no mention of his thoughts, “You said that’s one of the things that doesn’t make sense, what are the others?” he asked his colleague.
Phil walked a few paces away from the bed, forcing Jack to follow him.  “The nurse who was on duty last night, swears that there was a doctor with Con shortly before she began to become agitated, but none of us came into this room until after she had begun screaming.  The nurse only saw the doctor’s back view, so she can’t help us, in fact she’s more than half inclined to think she saw a ghost.  I certainly don’t believe that, obviously, but it does seem rather strange.”
“I expect you’ve overlooked someone Phil, I daresay one of the junior doctors was working late and went off to bed without knowing anything about it.”
“No.  I’ve spoken to everyone, except Eugen Courvosier, who as far as I know spent the night with the lovely Biddy.  He was still at home when I left, at least, the kitchen light was still on, but I doubt that he would have come back last night.”  Like everyone else in the San, Phil Graves had heard something of the tale about Jack and Eugen having a stand up fight on the landing at Freudesheim, but he was careful to keep his voice neutral as he gauged the other man’s reaction.
“Even so, you may as well ask him.”  Jack kept his voice and his expression impassive, even as he contemplated the possibility of  Eugen using Con as a tool to avenge himself.  On the whole he was disinclined to believe it, whatever else Eugen may have been, he was a dedicated doctor, and it was hard to imagine him deliberately causing harm to a patient.

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Nov 27th, 2003, 2:20am
I'm glad Jack has retained some sense and can keep hold of his temper. It's going to be interesting to see what use Jack makes of his information...

And Esmeralda, of course we trust you, and we'll trust you even more if you give us the answers sooner rather than later...


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Lesley on Nov 27th, 2003, 6:15am
Thank you for the long posting, Esmeralda! More please! ;D

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by keren on Nov 27th, 2003, 8:29am
I probably read too fast and didnt notice that she had screamed again afterwards.

the scary thing about the drabbles is, how much they could be true (well not all the bits, I mean here the matey and the drugs)
I was reading richenda last night, and there Odette is crying herself sick, and it says that matey dosed her with her patent, or favorite medicine guarunteed to make her fall asleep (not exact quote here from book)., later on, after they were caught in a storm jack himslef tells her to dose them

So in the books, what did EBD think she was giving them?were there real drugs about that people took themselves to calm themselves down?
I know there were "patent" medicines around at the beginning of the 20 th cent that were used (even cola), before any reliable drugs were invented, but in the 50s?

(does this thread belong here?, or is there somewhere better?)

at any rate, there does seem to be real proof in the books that the girls were definately being given something they shoudlnt have been given.


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Nov 27th, 2003, 10:45am
It's certainly an interesting point, but I think it has as much (or more) to do with ignorance than anything else. After all, doctors used to advice people with sore throats to smoke cigarettes to ease it...

Also, the drugs would have nothing like the potency of what we have in today's society. They would be very mild indeed in comparison.


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Ally on Nov 27th, 2003, 1:30pm
Hurrah a mention of Eugen, but it still doesn't look good for him.  What had happened to Con's fiancee, have I missed anything as he hasn't been mentioned for a while.

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Nicolette on Nov 27th, 2003, 9:34pm
This is fantastic Esmeralda. I've been awayfor a whike so only just managed to catch up. I thought Jack was v restrained about Margot's baby surprise. Really am feeling very sorry for Hilda right now. And of course poor little Con. Now, where did that evil doctor Reg get to? I hope he gets his comeuppence. though I suppose really, he needs help more than anything. And please please rescue Eugen. And what's happening to Len at the moment. And are we going to see what Margot is up to? Apart from giving birth I mean. 

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 27th, 2003, 10:40pm
So many questions!

There will be more later, but, in the meantime, this, the whole of the last segment (and probably the one before that) have covered around 24 hours, and yes I know I'm writing v.slowly but I can't help it, honest.
That's why there doesn't seem to have been much of a mention of Con's fiancee lately - so far no-one has got round to telling him that Con is ill, and he is quite happily working out his notice at a hospital in England.
Len is still studying, you will see more of her later, but she isn't really doing anything very interesting at the moment. Eugen will be dealt with shortly, probably not tonight, but definitely by tomorrow, I don't really think we'll see anything of Margot - no -one knows where she is, and Reg?  He will be back.

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 28th, 2003, 1:48am
After a few moments more discussion about Con, and the other patients from the school, the two doctors moved back to the side of the bed.  Jo’s presence was definitely beginning to have a beneficial effect on Con, although she still shook her head violently every time Jo touched her hair. Satisfied that his patient could be left, for the present, Phil disappeared to attend to other business.

Jo continued to talk to Con, pointedly ignoring her husband.  Jack stood watching, feeling superfluous to requirements, and wondering if he had been wrong to prevent Jo from visiting Con the previous day.  He also examined his own motives for making such a decision; it had been easy enough, at the time, to convince himself that it was in Con’s best interests, but now, he couldn’t avoid thinking that other considerations had played a part, a resentment of the closeness between Joey ad her daughters which left him feeling excluded, or maybe a simple, but reprehensible,  desire to hurt Joey.  If that was the case he had only succeeded in hurting Con too, which he bitterley regretted, especially in light of what he intended to do.
The atmosphere in the room had become uncomfortably oppressive since Phil Graves had left the room, and seeing that he could do nothing for his daughter at that time, Jack decided to see if he could do something useful elsewhere.
He stopped and asked the nurse to keep looking in on Con, and to inform him immediately if there was any sign of her previous agitation returning before heading towards his own office.  Before he managed to get there, he was diverted by the sound of raised voices.
Changing tack sharply he headed for the source of the disturbance.  He found that Frau Schmidt, the head of the San’s domestic staff was vigourously assailing Matron Graves outside of the latter’s own office. “What is the problem here?” he demanded sharply, cutting across the strident tones of the German woman.
Frau Schmidt opened her mouth to begin to speak, but Matron Graves quickly jumped in ahead of her.  “Frau Schmidt is unhappy about the state of the staff living quarters,” she said, “One room appears to be causing her particular concern, she say’s that it is covered in vomit, and worse, and that her girls should not have to clean up such a mess.  She claims that Berta was made sick by going into the room, as if that girl needs any excuse to stop working, she is one of the laziest creatures ever to set foot in this Sanatorium.” 
“And your doctors are so good?  It is often, yes often, that we are cleaning up such a mess, but never this bad.”
Jack stepped in quickly, before the two women could resume their quarrel. “Maybe we should see for ourselves.” He suggested reasonably, “Before we begin to apportion blame.”
Frau Schmidt cast a triumphant glance at Matron Graves as the two women followed Jack to the staff quarters.  This was what she had been asking Matron to do for the last ten minutes.  Hilary Graves had resisted, less from any antagonism to the domestic staff than to her deeply held belief that any of ‘her’ doctors could possibly behave in such a manner. 
As they approached the staff living area Frau Schmidt bustled her way into the lead, jangling her keys noisily as she came to a halt outside of the door in question. 
“Now you see.” She unlocked the door and threw it open with a flourish, she stood back, an expression of superiority on her face  as she realised that further words were unnessecary.
Jack and Hilary did indeed see, but more immediately there sense of smell was overpowered by the rancid odour of the room.  Hilary gasped, shocked at the scene inside the room, before she bravely stepped a few feet inside the door. 
Everything Frau Schmidt had said was true, if anything the room was in an even worse state than the German woman had described; She had neglected to mention the discarded clothes scattered on the floor, or the overturned table, or the steady trickle of water dripping from the partially blocked sink which was struggling to cope with the flow of water from the still running tap.
“Frau Schmidt, I owe you an apology.  Both you and Berta.  You are quite correct, none of your girls should be subjected to kind of thing.” 
“They most certainly should not,”  Jack stepped forward and turned off the tap.  “Who’s room is this?” 
“Reg Entwhistle’s.”  Matron Graves replied, confirming Jack’s suspicions.
“Where is he?”
“I’m not sure, I don’t actually remember seeing him since….”she broke off, remembering that the last time she had seen him had been when Jack himself had ejected him from the operating theatre two days previously.
Jack remembered too, and remembered also his intention to have a severe talk with the junior doctor, an intention which had been overlooked amid all the events which had overtaken him.  He felt the rage which had carried him through much of the previous day begin to rise within him again, “When you do see him again, you tell him to come to my office immediately.  Wherever he is, whatever he’s doing.  In the meantime, lock this room up again, I’ll arrange for some of the men to clear it up, and afterwards, you can pack up his possesions.”  He strode away angrily, leaving the two women to carry out his orders.
“Poor Reg.”
Frau Schmidt looked at Hilary Graves in disbelief, the man was an animal, worse than an animal Herr Schmidt’s donkey wouldn’t live in such a hovel, and the Matron stood there feeling sorry for him.

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Nicolette on Nov 28th, 2003, 2:08am
Can't wait to see what Jack says to Reg. I rather get the feeling that his guilt about keeping Jo away from COn is going to be taken out on other people. *starting to feel a bit sorry for Reg*

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Nov 28th, 2003, 2:43am
And serve Reg right if Jack does take it out on him!!

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Lesley on Nov 28th, 2003, 5:13am
After what he did to Con, I think Reg deserves everything Jack can throw at him!

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Jennie on Nov 28th, 2003, 12:23pm
Yay, Reg is going to get it in the neck. Will Jack be worse than the SSOR? I hope so.

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Nicolette on Nov 28th, 2003, 11:04pm
SSOR?  ???   Can some explain please? 

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by PatW on Nov 28th, 2003, 11:05pm
Soceity for the Suppression of Reg!!!   ;D ;D

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Nov 28th, 2003, 11:13pm
You can read it here, Nicci. Oh, it helps if you don't like Reg!

http://members.lycos.co.uk/thecbb/ssor.htm


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Nicolette on Nov 28th, 2003, 11:57pm
There are people who don't like Reg? :o 

But why? He's so kind and sturdy and loving and helpful and irritable, stroppy, childish, annoying and currently violent... Oh, I see.  ;)  ;D


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 29th, 2003, 1:04am
Oh dear, Reg doesn't even get a mention in this bit.....

Hilary had been slightly dismayed by Stella and Flaurette’s attitude to Cora, the previous nightbut she had half expected their opinions to have softened by the morning.  They had been given no opportunity to ignore Cora that night anyway, as the younger girl slept in a different dormitory to the quartette and when she had the temerity to turn up at the door early in the morning, demanding to know the latest news of Jenny, it was the dormitory prefect who sent her away with fierce words and a brandished hairbrush.
It wasn’t until they reached their common room that Cora had the opportunity to question them.  She bounced across the room to the three girls, “How is Jenny, were you allowed to see her last night.  Does the doctor know what is wrong with her yet?”  In her excitement she didn’t seem to notice that Stella and Flaurette had walked away at her approach, leaving Hilary to deal with the questions alone, nor did she appear to realise that Hilary answered with less than her full attention. 
Hilary was relieved when the bell rang for Fruhstock, giving her the opportunity to escape from the other girl.  She was feeling uncomfortably torn between Cora and the other members of the foursome.  She had been aware that the other three had little time for the younger girl, and that they had generally tolerated her presence for her own sake, and, truth to tell, she was beginning to tire of the younger girl’s constant company herself.  She had fairly quickly discovered that aside from her intellect, Cora was a pretty empty person, there was nothing about her that made her particularly likeable, she had willingly taken Hilary’s hand of friendship, but it had been pretty much a one way street, she was far to self absorbed to offer anything in return, but despite this, Hilary felt loathe to abandon her after she had taken her up, and she still felt rather sorry for girl.  Also, despite Flaurette’s comments, that Cora had wanted to show off to the doctor, Hilary did genuinely believe that in this instance the other girl had spoken out with the best of intentions.  It was just a pity that she had acted so gleefully afterwards.
Once they began to eat Stella lost no time in making Hilary aware that if she continued to be friendly with Cora, she would no longer be part of their coterie.  “But why? What am I supposed to do? I can’t just cut her.”  Hilary cried with dismay, “It isn’t as if she’s done anything that bad.  I know she was a bit, unsympathetic, last night, but she doesn’t really know any better.”
“Then it’s high time she did.  And it’s up to us to teach her.” Stella snorted, “She’s thirteen, she should know how to act by now.  It isn’t just that anyway.”
“What then?”  Hilary asked with a total disregard for grammer.
“It’s all that stuff she was saying to Jenny earlier. About what could be wrong with her.  How would you feel if someone kept telling you that you were seriously ill?  Wouldn’t you be terrified?”
“Yes, I suppose I would,” Hilary considered, “But I’m not sure that I would take the opinions of another schoolgirl that seriously, anyway.”
“Well, Jenny did. If, if she…” She suddenly stopped talking and raised her cup to her lips with shaking hands.  It was left to Flaurette to complete the sentence.
“The thing is, Hilary, if Jenny hadn’t been so worried about what was wrong with her, she would have gone to see Matey, or Miss Annersley or someone earlier, before she got so bad.  If she, if anything happens to her, it will all be Cora’s fault.”
“Rot.” Hilary noticed that her raised voice had caught the attention of several of the prefects and lowered her tones accordingly.  “If anything were to happen, it would be just as much your faults, and mine too come to that.  We could have said something, earlier, but we didn’t.  It’s no use you saying that Jenny didn’t want us to, we still could have, and should have, and if it hadn’t been for Cora speaking out last night she’d probably still be sitting here getting iller and iller, and if you’re going to put all the blame on Cora instead of thinking of that, then I don’t want to talk to you.”  She glared at the other two. 
“It’s you that’s talking rubbish, we couldn’t betray Jenny’s confidence like that it would be sneaking, and if you think that’s the proper sort of behaviour I don’t want you to talk to me anyway.”  Stella snapped back,  unwilling to concede, at that time, that Hilary had made a valid point, although her words would come back to her throughout the day. 
“Flaurette? You know that I’m talking sense don’t you?” Hilary pleaded with her other friend.
Flaurette shrugged apologetically, Hilary had spoken sense, and she had been the first friend she had made at the school, but Jenny had been a very thorough sheepdog during those first few days,  when everything had been so unfamiliar, and Flaurette could not help but feel that her first loyalty had to be to her. 


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Sugarplum on Nov 29th, 2003, 1:55am
Please don't take this as a criticism ....... just my thoughts ........ isn't matron graves called Helen not Hilary ,,,,,,, Hilary being Hilary Burn that married Dr Graves and it is his sister that is Matron??

If I'm way off beam just ignore me ...... but reading it got me wondering

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Nicolette on Nov 29th, 2003, 1:58am
I really don't know why (and am getting quite worried) but I keep picturing Flaurette as a talking cauliflower.  :-/

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Sugarplum on Nov 29th, 2003, 2:05am
:D LOL thats cool ..... CS characters turn into the munch bunch!! 

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by crashbb on Nov 29th, 2003, 2:11am

on 11/29/03 at 02:05:57, Sugarplum wrote:
:D LOL thats cool ..... CS characters turn into the munch bunch!! 

THANK YOU SUGARPLUM!!!

I have been trying to remember the name of those books for the last three weeks.  We were talking about Mr. Men and Little Miss books and I could vaguely remember a similar series in which the characters were vegetables but could not remember the name.  Thanks for putting me out of my misery ;D

Chelsea *yes, I know I am pathetic* 


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 29th, 2003, 2:12am
Sugarplum - yes,  Matron Graves is called Helen as someone kindly reminded me earlier, and no, I'm not taking it as criticism, I'm happy to have errors pointed out.

I meant to post a correction, but after reading all the comments about Reg I forgot. 
*Hangs head in shame and admits to not checking references, but pleads mitigating circumstances as the name Hilary was stuck in brain.

Jack had known that his day would start badly, he hadn’t expected it get worse, or at least not quite so dramatically as it did.
He had scarcely reached his office before Dr Thompson burst in, having discovered that large quantities of drugs were missing. 
“What drugs?  How the hell can they be missing?”  Jack jumped to his feet in alarm.
“Nearly all the streptomycin has gone, that’s what I was looking for, the rest, I don’t know, I didn’t stop to check, and there’s quite a bit of stuff thrown onto the floor.  It looks as though someone broke in with the intention of stealing something, and maybe got disturbed and grabbed whatever was nearest to hand, though what they are going to do with that amount of antibiotics is beyond me.”  Thompson was not above appreciating the irony of the situation, but Jack failed to see anything amusing about the theft at all.  The thought of the large stocks of sedatives and powerful painkillers being put into circulation made his blood run cold.
“If that’s all that is missing then it’s something to be thankful for, though it’s going to leave us with a few problems, are you sure there’s nothing else missing?”
“No, as I said, I didn’t stop to check, and it’s such a mess in there.” The junior doctor found that he was talking to Jack’s back as his superior raced along to the drug room. 
As Thompson had described, it was going to take a long time to tidy up the mess and undertake an accurate stock check, large quantities of drugs were dropped on the floor, some of them trodden on and ground into a fine dust, others had dissolved in the solutions of medicine which had also been spilt. 
Jack’s first thought was for the supplies of morphine, and it was with some relief that he found that particular cabinet was untouched, as were most of the other painkillers although the presence of a couple of aspirin tablets on the worktop told him that it was likely that some of them were missing.
“Go and get Matron, and Mrs Dereham, ask her to bring copies of all the orders and invoices to see if they can find out exactly what is missing.  Ask Matron to bring along one of the junior nurses to help pick all this up, can you stay and help them identify the drugs on the floor? If not find someone who can, and Miss Dereham will need to order more supplies as soon as possible.  In the meantime, don’t let anyone in unless it’s absolutely vital.  I need to report this to the police, I’ll be back as soon as I can.”  Jack barked out his orders and hurried back to his office.
The phone call made, he began to head back to scene of the crime, but he was destined not to arrive until all the work was done.


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Nov 29th, 2003, 2:15am
Ooh, very tense indeed! Esmeralda, I don't envy you. It must be very difficult to know which scene to work on next!

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Nicolette on Nov 29th, 2003, 2:16am
Oooh, why? what's going to happen now? Please continue Esmeralda.  :)

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 29th, 2003, 2:30am
As he walked across the main reception area he noticed Hilda Annersley standing by the desk, but he could not spare the time to do more than sketch a quick wave of acknowledgement.  As he raised his hand he was assailed with a sudden violence by a figure which suddenly broke away from the shadows of an alcove.

 
 

Will that do for more?8oo


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Nicolette on Nov 29th, 2003, 2:33am
No it will not! And don't be such a tease!  ::)

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Nov 29th, 2003, 3:17am
*mutters about these nasty horrible people who leave cliffs all over the place*

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 29th, 2003, 3:19am
A bit more then, but it's getting late so it's probably drivel.....

He held his arms in front of him, trying to fend off the blows as best he could, while his ears were being assaulted by a torrent of abuse, most of it gabbled so indistinctly as to be unintelligible.
Hilda quickly moved to the rescue, adopting her sternest tones, “Bridget, stop making such an exhibition of yourself this minute.”
Biddy Courvosier, for the figure was she, automatically responded to to the orders of her old headmistress, and stopped her violent pummelling for an instant, Jack siezed his chance and grabbed hold of her wrists before she could renew her attack. 
“You be letting go of me you, you *******.  It’s the devil himself that you are.”  Biddy spat at him and aimed a violent kick at his shins, “What have you been doing to my man?  Where is he?” She wailed.
Noting that quite an audience had gathered in the area, Jack tried to bundle her back towards his office, but she was having none of it.  “Don’t you be thinking that you’re going to be hiding away, everyone should know what sort of man you are, so they should.”
“Bridget, your English.”  Hilda, knowing nothing of the reasons behind Biddy’s behaviour once again tried to bring the situation under control.
“Damn, my English, what about my husband?  I don’t know where he is.”  Her last words were broken up by a violent bout of sobbing, but she recovered herself enough to begin talking again, “He didn’t come home last night, so he didn’t.  I thought he had stayed here, with the storm and all, until Phil rings up this morning, asking to speak to him, so I come rushing up here, and all I hear from people is that Jack Maynard knocked him down, and no-one’s seen sight him since.”


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Nov 29th, 2003, 3:22am
Finally, we get the solution of what happened to Eugen!!!!

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 29th, 2003, 3:33am
Yep - at last!  I wanted the characters to find out what happened in retrospect, as they would in real life, and it wouldn't have been fair if the CBB knew before Biddy would it?

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Nov 29th, 2003, 3:37am
Yes, of course it would! That's the benefit to being a reader!

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Vikki on Nov 29th, 2003, 4:12am
*hopes Esmeralda is able to post more soon, real life allowing ;)*

*not nagging, honestly!*

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Nov 29th, 2003, 5:38am
*wondering if it's possible to ask for more without nagging but hopes it is*

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Lesley on Nov 29th, 2003, 8:44am
Thank you ever so much for all the hard work you've done recently Esmerald. If it's not too much trouble may I request more please. :)

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Nov 29th, 2003, 10:01am
Oh, is that what we're meant to say, Lesley? Esmeralda, what Lesley said!!!

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Jennie on Nov 29th, 2003, 10:52am
...moving the Tensions part of the multi-locational trampoline into position.

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Nov 29th, 2003, 10:55am
*hopes we soon have reason to use it*

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Jennie on Nov 29th, 2003, 11:34am
Well, we can have fun while we wait.

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 29th, 2003, 12:01pm
More later (hopefully),  I'm just catching up on a few drabbles while I have coffee, then I've got a few other things to do.  I'm not working at all this weekend, although I have to go out for a while tomorrow, so I should be able to manage a little bit more.

The problem is - who, or what should I write about next?? ??

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Vikki on Nov 29th, 2003, 1:08pm
*looks jealously in Esmeralda's direction with regard to the not working this weekend!!* :'(

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Jennie on Nov 29th, 2003, 5:04pm
Hoping for six feet of snow to fall on Vikki's golf course tonight so she has to stay at home.

:)


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Emma_N on Nov 29th, 2003, 5:14pm
*Emma having visions of the news headlines when there is freak snowfall on the golf course where Vikki works*

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Jennie on Nov 29th, 2003, 5:18pm
Well, at least Vikki will be grateful.

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 29th, 2003, 9:04pm
((Poor Vikki)), but I'll be working next weekend, remember, whereas some people......

Here's a bit more, I'm sorry it's only short, but I'm finding this part a bit difficult
 

Jack paled visibly and relinquished his grip on Biddy’s wrists.  She too dropped her hands and fell into Hilda’s open arms, where she clung to that woman and began to sob piteously, exhausted by her temper and her desperate underlying fear for Eugen.
Hilda, who had been on the point of disputing her wild statement, quickly realised that there was at least a grain of truth in it, and she took charge, steering the two of them away from the very public area into the semi-privacy of one of the small waiting rooms.   She drew Biddy down onto a seat, continuing to comfort the still sobbing woman.
Jack lowered himself onto a seat opposite, fumbling in his pocket for his cigarettes.  “He must have gone home, where else could he have gone.”  He muttered as he struck a match with hands that were not entirely steady.
“It’s true then?”  Hilda took his silence as an affirmation.  “But, why, Jack?”  She stared at him in bewilderment shaded with  disappointment and shock at discovering, at this late date, that one of her closest friends was not the man she had thought he was.
He shook his head and got to his feet, his beginning to recover from the temporary weakness which had overcome him.  “That’s my business Hilda, but sitting around here isn’t helping anyone.  I need to alert the mountain rescue team.”
“But, Biddy….”
“I’ll ask Phil Graves to come to her.  I think I’m the last person she’ll want to accept help from, don’t you?”  He averted his eyes from Hilda’s gaze, but not before she time to shudder inwardly at the bleakness she saw within them.
When he had gone, Hilda turned her attention to Biddy, making half hearted attempts to quell her increasingly hysterical sobs.  It was only by a supreme effort that she prevented herself from giving in to her own urge to cry.  In the space of a few short weeks nearly everyone she had taken strength from had been taken from her, or betrayed her in one way or another, it was as if someone had taken away the ground beneath her feet or cast her into wilderness, it was only her one remaining source of strength which enabled her to offer Biddy even the limited comfort that the distraught woman needed.

 


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Lesley on Nov 29th, 2003, 9:08pm
OH! Poor, poor Hilda - she really has lost everyone - Nell dying and Jack, Joey and Matey all suddenly revealed as totally different people.

I'm not surprised she's considering leaving the School! :'(


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Nov 29th, 2003, 9:10pm
Poor Hilda indeed! How awful it must feel to have your whole world come crashing down around your ears!

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Lisa_T on Nov 29th, 2003, 9:47pm
oh poor, poor Hilda! Not only has she lost her own support network, everyone is still expecting her to support them! Esmeralda, please get Len or Rosalie or even Mary-Lou (has anything nasty happened to her here- can't remember) to come and give the poor Abbess a bit of help before she needs to be carted away! :'(

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 29th, 2003, 10:05pm
You want  Mary-Lou to reappear :o

 

*Goes off to think


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Carolyn P on Nov 29th, 2003, 10:32pm
It's not so much that we want ML as that we want to give Hilda some support.

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Sarah_L on Nov 29th, 2003, 11:24pm
I'd like Rosalie to help Hilda. I think she's a sadly underused character who could probably be a better friend to Hilda than the rest of the staff. Hilda works closely with Rosalie yet with the mistresses there has to be an element of professional distance between them.

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Nicolette on Nov 29th, 2003, 11:44pm
or what about the ghost of Nell? Like Bobby returned to comfort Aisla (?) in Home and Away (years ago)

*not sure where that came from, but suspects it has something to do with the wine*


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 30th, 2003, 12:23am
Quiet perceptive of you to have said that about Rosalie, Sarah,

I'm not sure that I've got her right though - I haven't read her lately and I didn't want to stop and interupt the PB, so apologies in advance...

Even in his stunned state, Jack could not have failed to be aware of the audience drawn to the scene of Biddy’s dramatic accusations, so he was prepared for staring eyes of the people he walked passed, and the conversations which were suddenly cut short at his approach.  He was prepared for it, but that didn’t make him appreciate the experience.  He was aware too, that Joey had also, inevitably, been one of the on-lookers, though there was no sign of her at that moment.  He alerted the rescue services, reflecting that they would all end up looking rather stupid if Eugen turned up safe and sound, having spent the night taking shelter with one of the other inhabitants of the Platz.  Deep down, though, he knew it was unlikely, Eugen would not have deliberately let Biddy suffer needless anxiety.  His call over, he slammed down the receiver, cursing the absent man for not having the sense to return to his own home.  A small part of him recognised that he was being unreasonable, but his feelings towards the other doctor were still too bitter to allow him to feel over concerned about his welfare.  Later, and for the rest of his life, he would remember those feelings with a deep sense of shame, but for the present, he made no attempt to combat them.

Hilda acknowledged with a twinge of guilt that it was a relief when Phil Graves arrived to take the responsibility for Biddy from her hands.  Biddy had resisted the doctor’s attentions, clinging to her former headmistress and begging her not to leave.  Hilda had forced herself to speak to the younger woman brusquely and efficiently, telling her to stop crying and be strong as she prised Biddy’s arms from her body.  The pain of abandonment had shone vividly from Biddy’s eyes, but Hilda had hardened herself to the woman’s pleas, knowing that she still had other, difficult duties to undertake, and that she was far from capable, at that moment, of offering Biddy the support she needed.
Once the screaming woman had been calmed down with a mild sedative, Hilda took her leave of the San, making no attempt to seek out and talk to Jack Maynard.  She arrived back at the school to find Rosalie Dene waiting in the entrance hall.
“Hilda!”  The head could tell from her secretary’s appalled expression that the story of the morning’s experiences was written upon her own features.  She forced herself to smile weakly.
“Rosalie dear, how have the girls reacted to their friends illnesses?”
“Never mind the girls, what about you?  It’s straight to the staffroom for cup of J, for a cup of coffee, for you my dear.”
Hilda looked at her gratefully, and allowed the secretary to lead her to the staffroom, thankful to be with someone friendly and uncomplicated at last.  Or was she?  She shot Rosalie a look of suspicion as she accepted the proffered cup.
“What?”  Rosalie noticed the look.
“I was just wondering what dark secrets you were harbouring below your placid exterior.” 
Rosalie managed to look surprised and guilty at the same time.  Hilda sighed, wishing she hadn’t asked the question, the last thing she needed was another unpleasant surprise, but ask the question she had, and she felt bound to go through with it.  “What is it then?”
“Not a dark secret, I’m sadly lacking in those, as you well ought to know after all these years, but, I’m soryy, but Sir Jem is waiting for you in the study.”
“Jem?  What on earth has possessed him to come visiting today of all days, though I suppose it will save me from making one difficult phone call.”
Rosalie, who hadn’t arrived back at the school until that morning, knew very little about the previous day’s events, the one person who could have enlightened her a little, Kathie Ferrars, had kept herself very much to herself all morning, and as yet, most of the staff were unaware of her part in the drama.  In fact, they were generally unaware that there had even been a drama, all they knew was that Mddlle de Lachenais and Matey were indisposed. 
Rosalie answered the head’s question with a slightly questioning tone of her own, “It seems that Joey rang Madge up last night with some strange tale about Matey, and Jem’s come to see just exactly what is going on for his self.  He isn’t in the best of tempers either.”
“And it isn’t likely to improve for keeping,”  Hilda drained her coffee and rose to her feet, “I’ll tell you all about it later, dear, but at present I had better go and report to the study.”
It is on record that no schoolgirl on the same errand approached the study with more reluctance than the head herself.


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Lesley on Nov 30th, 2003, 12:29am
Love that last line Esmeralda!!

Oh dear - just what Hilda doesn't need - Jem Russell spitting blood! Though perhaps that will allow her to thoroughly squash someone? ;)

Thank you Esmeralda!


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Nov 30th, 2003, 1:02am
Oh, dear, this is going to be difficult! Esmeralda, I hope you're managing to write this to your satisfaction, as I can imagine it being difficult!

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 30th, 2003, 1:45am

on 11/30/03 at 00:29:06, Lesley wrote:
Oh dear - just what Hilda doesn't need - Jem Russell spitting blood! 

I hope you don't mean that literally Lesley, otherwise Hilda will have to despatch him to the San as well!  Though I suppose it would give her a bit of a respite.....

KB, Am I managing to write to my satisfaction?  At the moment I would have to say no, I am writing to about 98-99|% of my ability (the 1 or 2 per cent error comes from not reading through anything I've written) but I'm not sure that I'm capable of doing what I want to do.  Still, I'm trying, my best and Saints can't do more!
I can't help wondering, though, how it all managed to get so dark and complicated, I coluld understand it if I was going through a dark time in RL, but I'm not, even if I do get a bit P***** with work sometimes.
Maybe I've got unresolved issues from the past that are coming out in this fiction!


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Nov 30th, 2003, 1:49am
I don't think any of us are 100% happy with what we write. And you will only know if you're getting what you want by doing it. 

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Nov 30th, 2003, 2:05am
True, and even if I fail miserably, at least I will have tried!

It might also be easier if I knew what was going in each part before I wrote it, though I don't think I'm the only person who suffers that particular affliction!

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Vikki on Nov 30th, 2003, 2:54am
Thank you Esmeralda! Looking forward to more when it comes!

(oh, and I'm working next weekend too! :'()
Thanks to everyone who's wishing for snow for me!!! Hope those wishes are granted! *crosses fingers!*

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Jennie on Dec 1st, 2003, 10:09am
This is good Esmeralda, so don't worry. I always think that if I'm satisfied with what I've written, I've done it very badly. I really like and admire the way that you've developed this story, so please give us some more.

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Sarah_L on Dec 2nd, 2003, 12:23am
Just realised how appropriate the title of this thread currently is. More Tensions, more tensions. Pleeeeeeeeease. Why isn't there a cute begging smiley?

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by keren on Dec 3rd, 2003, 8:38am
Imagine what the people in America felt like when they were waiting for the next episode in the Old Curiousity shop (is Little Nell dead?)

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by PatW on Dec 3rd, 2003, 1:55pm
Or those waiting for the third part of LOTR!!!  ::)

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Katarzyna on Dec 3rd, 2003, 2:30pm

on 12/03/03 at 13:55:59, PatW wrote:
Or those waiting for the third part of LOTR!!!  ::)

 

Not long now though...... Yipee!! sorry overexcited moment!!


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by PatW on Dec 3rd, 2003, 3:32pm
They had to wait years for the third part to be published in the 50s, which must have beendreadful, since the end of the 2nd book leaves Frodo in Shelob's lair!!! 

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 3rd, 2003, 4:40pm
I've been feeling a bit eurchy for the last couple of days - sorry.

And thanks Jennie, I'm probably being a bit stupid but I do find it hard to be objective about my own work
Maybe we should start a special club for people who have to work weekends Vikki?  We can wail and moan on each others shoulders. :'(
 

It was true that Jem had been getting more and more exasperated the longer he waited, and nothing that he had heard during the last twenty or so hours had been likely to put him into a good temper in the first place.  Madge had been almost frantic with worry ever since Jo had rung her with some strange allegations about Matey getting Con addicted to opium.  She had known, of course, that Hilda had hardly been in a fit state to take her customary hold of the school in the early days of term, she had been almost tempted to remain in Switzerland and take the reins herself, for a while, but Jem had persuaded her it would not be necessary, the other staff could be relied on to continue running the school in the usual manner.  Madge had eventually been persuaded of the sense of his words, one of the factors which had swayed her had been the presence of Matey herself.  Not only  could she most certainly be counted as one of the foundation stones of the school, she had the ability to quell not only the most rebellious schoolgirl, but the most senior members of staff, and with such a woman to take charge if need be, the school’s founder had believed that there was not much that could go wrong.  Now it seemed, that trust had been sadly misplaced. 
Her first instinct had been to go chasing across Europe herself, to find out just exactly what had been happening in her school, but Jem had quickly vetoed that idea. Madge’s time was very much taken up with her various charitable works and committees, and she had received an invite to a very high profile luncheon in London, in the presence of minor royalty, which he felt she simply must attend. 
Madge had become accustomed to allowing her husband to allowing her husband to take charge during their long marriage, indeed it had been that strength and readiness to take responsibility which had been one of the qualities which she had found so attractive in him.  Although she had taken the radical step of trying to establish an English school in a foreign land all those years ago, for want of any other solution to the family’s problems, it had been a struggle for her.  Despite her confident front, she had been desperately afraid of failure, and what it could mean for herself and her sister, and she had, contrary to appearances, been rather daunted to some of the problems which had been thrown in her path.  It had been a joyful moment when she realised that she no longer had to bear all the responsibility on her own slender shoulders, but that she had found someone to relieve her of her load, someone to care for and take charge of her future.  Thus it was that she had accepted his proposal that he should travel to the Gornetz Platz in her stead.
Apart from Madge’s previous engagements, Jem had had other reasons for insisting on making the journey himself.  Firstly, although Madge had founded the school, and remained it’s figurehead, it had been Jem’s own wealth which had allowed them to re-establish the company after the war, and he himself was by far the largest shareholder. Secondly, if the story was true, he didn’t feel that he could quite trust his wife to deal with the matter as it should be dealt with.  Her soft heartedness, and willingness to see things from the other person’s point of view was legendary, and he did not want her to begin making excuses for the Matron, but most importantly, he was not, so far, wholly convinced that there was any truth in the story. 
He knew his sister in law too well to be totally certain that she wasn’t over reacting to a minor mishap.  Mostly, Joey managed to keep her feet fairly firmly on the ground, but there occasions when she allowed her imagination to run away with her, causing suffering not only to herself, but to those around her.  Although the whole family bathed in the reflected glory of Joey’s talents as an authoress, there were times when having a writer in the family, especially one as sensitive as Joey, was a curse rather than a blessing.  Whether the story was proved to be true or not, Jem knew that it would inevitably be distressinng for his wife, and he wanted to prtect her from the worst of it.
That being the case, he had been forced to rise from his bed at some unearthly hour of the morning to arrive at the airport in time to catch the first available flight to Switzerland.  The journey had been rather fraught, as the remnants of the storm which  had battered the Platz the day previously had moved on towards the English channel, and all on board the plane had been relieved when they finally landed safely.  That had not been the end of his problems, he had been unable to find a taxi driver willing to undertake to lengthy journey from the airport to the school and had been forced to make his own way their by bus and train.  He could not remember the last time when he had had to rely on public transport, and despite the legendary Swiss efficiency, he had found it something of a trial, then, when he finally had arrived, Hilda Annersley had already gone out on some unspecified errand, and her secretary had looked at him blankly when he had mentioned the problem with matron.


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Vikki on Dec 3rd, 2003, 7:18pm
Thank you Esmeralda!! That was great! 

Oh, and I'm definitely up for that mugs people who have to work weekends club!!

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Dec 3rd, 2003, 7:47pm
Ooooh, now it's very tense! *staggers towards cliff edge*

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 3rd, 2003, 8:02pm
This is getting better all the time Esmerrelda. It is rteally good seeing how all the threads are coming together.

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Lesley on Dec 3rd, 2003, 10:25pm
Thank you Esmeralda! Wonder how Jem is going to react?

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Angel of the North on Dec 4th, 2003, 2:30am
ARGH I now have a "Tensions" headache. I started this at 11, thinking it wouldn't be too long... I am now hooked, and stayed up till this late...

It's wonderful, and I can only very humbly beg for more on bended needs. And please, please. submit it to GGB and get it published in a proper binding, it's surely deserves it.

Looking forward to more

Angel


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Lisa_T on Dec 4th, 2003, 10:06pm
I'm not sure GGB would take it- not enough sweetness and light! But you should stick it on the milk train site when you're done, Esmeralda. 

Which brings me to my purpose: a not-so-delicate hint for MORE!!!
(groan- don't you long for the days of big letters and fancy effects, sometimes?)
C'mon c'mon c'mon!!!!

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 4th, 2003, 10:28pm
I'm absolutely certain GGB  wouldn't take this - they would probably pass out with shock at the very suggestion, I somehow don't think it would fit in with their ethos, but thanks for your kind words Angel.

And you're not the  only person missing text effects Lisa, I could have used them on quite a few occasions over the last few weeks....
 

All in all Jem was feeling decidedly tetchy, and he was quite prepared to vent his feelings on Hilda, until he set eyes on her.  When she walked into the study he was shocked by the lines of fatigue and weariness which were etched on her face, and he realised that no matter what his tribulations had been, hers had evidently been far worse.
His temper all but dissipated, he arose from his seat, Hilda’s seat, and walked over to greet her, impulsively taking her by her hands and leading her to her to the most comfortable chair in the room.  "It looks as though you've been having a bit of a rough time old girl,” he said, “There is some truth in it then, this story of Joey’s?”
“Oh Jem.  I’m so sorry.”  Jem’s unexpected kindness brought Hilda almost to the verge of tears and she had to struggle to control herself before she continued.
“It’s all right old girl, take it easy, maybe a drop of this will help, eh?” He removed his hip flask from his pocket and offered her the contents
She managed a shaky smile, “Thank you, but no, I don’t think that will help much at this particular moment,” She paused to gather her thoughts, “As you have deduced, there is indeed some truth in Joey’s story.  Yesterday Jack discovered that Matey has regularly been dispensing laudanum to the girls, and to the staff too come to that.  Goodness knows how long this has been going on for, since she first came to school I suspect.  I would imagine that nearly all of us have been treated to this brand of medicine at one time or another.  There is certainly no doubt about the efficacy of her doses.  Obviously the final responsibility rests with me.  I am quite prepared to take the consequences.”
“Of course you are, Hilda, I would expect nothing else from a woman of your calibre, but I think you are being needlessly harsh on yourself.  You couldn’t possibly have suspected that anything like this was going on.  Why should you have?  I’m not so sure that I would noticed myself.  I suppose that Jack only found out because of Con.”
“Yes, Con is at the San, suffering from withdrawal from the drug, but there are other people affected too, Jem, not just Con.  Mdlle de Lachenais, for one, one of our fifth formers, Jenny McCartin is another, and Daphne Bettany is the third.”
“Daphne?  That’s a bit of a blow.  Do Dick and Mollie know anything about this?” He asked urgently?
“No, not yet.  I have to admit that I am not relishing the idea of telling them.”
“To be honest Hilda, I would rather you didn’t tell them, not at the moment.  Dick hasn’t been too well lately, and I would prefer it if he didn’t know anything about this.  Not until it’s over anyway, even if then.  It may be as well to tell them the child had flu or something.  She’ll get over it all right, she’s a sturdy little character.”
“Dick ill?” Hilda forgot her own problems for the moment, “What’s wrong with him?  Not?”
“Hilda, you know very well that I can’t break a confidence between a doctor and patient, but no it’s not that.  As long as he takes things quietly and doesn’t have too many excitements or unpleasant shocks he’ll keep going for a good few years yet, God willing, but, I say, Joey doesn’t know about Daphne does she?”
“Not from me, Jack may have told her, but somehow I doubt it.”  Hilda recalled the earlier shocking events which had taken place at the San, “Oh Jem, it’s not just Matey, it’s Jack and Joey, and Eugen and Biddy, and Bill isn’t here to give me her own very sound brand of advice, everything seems to be going wrong.”  Hilda suddenly remembered who she was talking to, and took a deep breath, “I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me.  I really think I must be getting too old for all this.”
 


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 4th, 2003, 10:35pm
Sorry, it was too long, and as you can probably tell from the length of time between posts, the new computer hasn't been delivered yet. *Sulks*

“Nonsense,”, Jem looked at her shrewdly, “You’re a very capable headmistress Hilda, but I’m beginning to think that maybe we have been putting too much on you.  I know that under normal circumstances you would deal with any problem with your usual efficiency, but sometimes, when things keep happening, it can all become a bit overwhelming, and these are far from normal circumstances, it’s not so many weeks since you lost Bill, and you have been ill yourself since then, and you’ve had the extra responsibility for St Mildreds on top of everything else.  We have been dithering about appointing a  rep, I mean another head.  I suppose we just imagined that you would take it all in your stride, once you had recovered.  That was very unfair to you, Hilda, and I can only apologise and promise to put the matter in hand as soon as possible.
As for your comments about Jack and Joey, and Eugen and Bridget too come to that, I won’t ask you what you’re referring to, it’s none of my business, and you should remember that it’s none of yours either.  Whatever problems any of those people might be having, they have no right to involve you.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t say that they are deliberately trying to involve me, well, not much, but sometimes life just isn’t that clear cut.  And I do think that there is one thing you do need to know, you are his employer after all, Eugen is missing.  I don’t know all the details, but we had a tremendous storm yesterday, and I gather he was out in it.”
“I can understand your concern Hilda, but I’m sure there is no need to worry.  Eugen has lived in the area for years, I’m sure he knows the landscape like the back of his hand. No doubt he’ll turn up, just like Reg Entwhistle did when we had the flood.  Anyway, to return to the purpose if my visit, what does Matron have to say for herself?”
“Not a lot.  Only that her Grandmother used the stuff for years with no ill effects.  Maybe you would like to speak to her yourself?”
“The sooner the better, I think.”  Jem stood up, “And don’t worry, Hilda, no-one is going to blame you in the slightest.”


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Nicolette on Dec 4th, 2003, 10:53pm
Oh, Bless Jem Russell. After years of being bitter I am proud to join the Jem fanclub. Hurrah for the sensitive man! And poor Hilda, but at least someone's looking out for her now.

*jumps up and starts singing 'for he's a jolly good fellow...'*


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Lesley on Dec 4th, 2003, 10:59pm
Suddenly find that i really, really like Jem!

Thank you Esmeralda - oh and hope your new computer arrives soon!


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Lisa_T on Dec 5th, 2003, 12:57am
*also finding I really like Jem*

Is anyone else suffering from drabbleconfuzzlitis? I'm reading this, and unable to help snickering at the bit with the whiskey/ brandy whatever it was cos of Kathy's comments on Redheads, and then when Jem is so nice I can't help thinking about Fights...

*goes off to clear head before reading/ writing any more!!*

*Esmeralda? Are you there? Give us more! When's that flippin' pc coming?*


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Dec 5th, 2003, 2:16am
I'm glad there's someone there for Hilda, although it seems to me that Jem is still in his usual position of taking control of a scenario because a woman can't cope. 

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Lisa_T on Dec 5th, 2003, 2:46am
Justifiably, in this case, KB. Although it would be nice to see Len in a supportive role- just for a little role reversal! ;) If Hilda doesn't get some support she can rely on, she'll crack up and then there'll *really* be Tensions at the Chalet School. Or maybe that's what you're driving at, Esmeralda? ::) ::)

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Vikki on Dec 5th, 2003, 3:14am
That's great Esmeralda! Thank you for sending someone in to support Hilda! Even if it was someone we might not have expected to fill that role!

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Dec 5th, 2003, 10:27am

on 12/05/03 at 02:46:05, Lisa_T wrote:
Justifiably, in this case, KB.

We'll agree to differ, Lisa (done a lot of that in the last three days). 


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Jennie on Dec 5th, 2003, 12:48pm
Terrific, Esmeralda. Is there any point in asking for some more today?

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Ally on Dec 5th, 2003, 1:15pm
You've made me like Jem as well again.  These drabbles are so confusing, one minute you dislike someone, the next minute, you are laughing at/with them, or crying with them.  It's a great testament to all the writers that you can get us so confused!

Just one thing, you briefly mentioned Eugen earlier, yet he still seems to be hanging on to the cliff.  Any chance of easing that cruel numbness that is advancing over his body?


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Angel of the North on Dec 5th, 2003, 1:24pm
I think I like the idea of Biddy-torture - killing off Eugen, and then finding out that the reason he got decked was because Jack thought that he was having an affair with Jo.

And to compound it, having Jack then find out that Jo had a fling with Roger...

Suicidal Jack (from CGGU) sounds increasingly plausible.


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 5th, 2003, 4:29pm

on 12/05/03 at 13:24:10, Angel of the North wrote:
Suicidal Jack (from CGGU) sounds increasingly plausible.

:oNO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO  That is just SO not going to happen :o

Ally, Eugen is no longer clinging to the side of a cliff.  That's all I'm saying for now.  8oo

Ref Jem - I honestly didn't have a clue what he was going to say until Hilda walked into the room, then it all seemed to flow naturally.  It is possible that I had his relationship with Hilda in 'Fights' in my subconciousness, though I hadn't thought about it until someone mentioned it on here - if that is the case, apologies to Carolyn, but there will certainly be no romantic attachments between the two of them in this drabble.

When is the computer going to come?  I wish I knew the answer to that - somehow I didn't think it would arrive the first week in December. 

Jennie, yes there was a point in asking for more - hope it isn't too late for you.

In the event, Jem’s interview with Matey was very brief, she had nothing to add to the explanations she had made to earlier, and he found it hard to listen to her without a recurrence of his previous irritable mood.
When he returned to the study he was aware of a subtle change in Hilda’s manner, she was once again sat behind her desk.  Jem realised that this was her way of showing that she was back in control, or at least giving an appearance of being so, and he knew that neither of them would ever mention her earlier untypical display of self doubt again.  Privately he thought it was a pity that she habitually made a habit of denying her own needs in this manner, but he supposed that it was, in some way a consequence of being the head of such an institution as the Chalet School.  It was her strong leadership which had made the school such a success, and she felt she could not afford to show what she perceived as moments of weakness lest they be seized upon by anyone harbouring thoughts of challenging her position, or indeed by the pupils.
Hilda looked at him  questioningly as he pulled up a chair and sat opposite her, “As you said, she has no real justification, apart from a blind belief thay she is in the right.  She won’t admit to having any doubts about that, even now, though I get the impression that she has had a few private thoughts about that.  Whatever, she’s certainly denying them now.  She’ll have to go of course, there is no doubt about that.  It’s certainly an unpleasant business though.”
“Have you told her?”
“Er, no.  Not yet.  She didn’t give me much opportunity,” he cleared his throat,  “Dash it all Hilda, the woman started trying to ‘flirt’ with me!”
Despite the gravity of the conversation Hilda couldn’t prevent a watery smile appearing on her face at the mixture of indignation and embarrassment revealed by Jem’s expression.
“There’s nothing amusing about it, believe me, when someone like Matey starts acting coquettish, and using her feminine wiles it’s a fearful experience.”
Hilda smiled again, despite herself, before becoming serious once more.  “It will be hard for her though Jem, the school is everything she has.  She has no real family left now, no-one to call her Gwyneth.” She said softly, repeating the words which Matey herself had used on the occasion of her beloved sister. “She has given a lot to the school, you know, and not just in terms of the supportive role she’s played.  Do you remember the generous donation she made towards the chapel?”
 

 


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Lesley on Dec 5th, 2003, 4:48pm
Aaaarrrggghhh! Esmeralda - you've got me feeling sorry for Matey now! 

Excellent post - feel the observation about Hilda not showing weakness to others is apt - probably the only ones she could show this perceived weakness to were Bill and Matey - neither now available! :(


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Carolyn P on Dec 5th, 2003, 8:49pm
You seem to have really delved into your characters. I'm glad you are being good to Jem, I grew to like him during the writing of fights, despite having him as a villian in annexe.

Hilda is in a tough position, she needs someone to support her, without taking from the authority that is hers as head, just as Bil did. I hope Jem is able to do that, but the long relationship isn't there, (in this drabble).

Look forward to more Esmerelda, how long is this now?


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Dec 5th, 2003, 8:49pm
I love the fact that Hilda has had time to develop sympathy for Matey, and it's perfectly understandable that Jem would still be furious. 

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Vikki on Dec 5th, 2003, 10:14pm
Thank you Esmeralda!! Love the image of Matey trying to flirt!!! 8oo 8oo

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Angel of the North on Dec 7th, 2003, 12:25am
*cleans computer screen*

Matey trying to flirt!!!

Can someone PLEASE write something based on this...


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Lisa_T on Dec 7th, 2003, 12:33am
*g* Someone already has. Haven't you read the bit of Rachel's drabble where Matey tries to seduce Satan? 8oo

MORE Esmeralda!!!!!

edited to add:

Come on, Esmeralda!!!! Where are you? Have you forgotten this? :'(


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by PatW on Dec 7th, 2003, 11:39pm
Hey where's the next bit?  I've been busy for the last 2 days and only just got back on tonight!!  I was expecting more from this one!

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 8th, 2003, 12:10am
8oo I've been busy too Pat!  I've got part of the next bit written, and the rest of it in my head, but none of it is typed up yet.  It will be done by this time tomorrow though, promise.

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Dec 8th, 2003, 12:21am

on 12/08/03 at 00:10:01, Esmeralda wrote:
8oo I've been busy too Pat!  I've got part of the next bit written, and the rest of it in my head, but none of it is typed up yet.  It will be done by this time tomorrow though, promise.

*quotes this to ensure that we have a record to hold against Esmeralda, should she not come through on the promise*


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 8th, 2003, 12:44am
Do you really think I would dare not to keep my promise?  Especially now, *starts trembling at thought of getting on the wrong side of the HG.

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Dec 8th, 2003, 12:47am
*glad to see that I can inspire fear and trembling* ;)

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 8th, 2003, 1:15am
But I've never been in trouble with a head girl before, I was so good at school!

Well, apart from forging my mum's handwriting to get out of playing hockey, but it was an exceedingly good forgery and no-one ever found out.

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Dec 8th, 2003, 1:20am
Ah, yes, dear, but remember that the Chalet School isn't like other school! ;)

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Ally on Dec 8th, 2003, 2:12pm
Hopes Eugen manages to find one of those hoverboards used in Back to the Future.  I was wondering what are the contents of Jack's own little dose?  Willl it be a case of him getting a taste of his own medicine?

*Would apologise about the pun... but... I can't be bothered  :P*


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Vikki on Dec 8th, 2003, 3:35pm

on 12/08/03 at 01:15:07, Esmeralda wrote:
But I've never been in trouble with a head girl before, I was so good at school!
Well, apart from forging my mum's handwriting to get out of playing hockey, but it was an exceedingly good forgery and no-one ever found out.

Esmeralda!!!!! :o :o
*deeply, deeply shocked by that admission!!*


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Lisa_T on Dec 8th, 2003, 10:22pm
*not at all fooled by Vikki's innocence*

come on, surely you've done a little accidental done a purpose forgery? I have. A long time ago- in primary school. I used to forge my mum's sig on my homework! ;D

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Angel of the North on Dec 8th, 2003, 10:23pm
I've certainly never done any forgery...

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Nicolette on Dec 8th, 2003, 11:45pm

The best school forgery ever was carried out by a young lad at my old school. He forged notes for everything, but only got caught out three years later when his year tutor spoke to his parents and they denied ever recieving anything from school. The little sod had been forging every single letter from day one, so until this meeting with his parents they'd no reason to believe it was being forged as they'd studied loads of his letters and found them all exactly the same , with no orginal 'real' signature to compare them to. Genius really.  ;D

oh, and more story please Esmeralda.  ;)


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Dec 8th, 2003, 11:45pm
Any amount of deception is justified if it gets you out of playing hockey8oo

I never forged my mums signature on my homework though, mainly because I never did any!
 

“Of course I remember, frankly I was quite surprised that she could give that much, although I suppose her actual living expenses are practically nil, the school has always provided for her as far as that’s concerned and I doubt that she spends much on herself.  However, if it turns out that she needs that money to make a new life for herself, I daresay we can find someway of repaying her.  But remember, whatever she may have given to the school, the school has given her a great deal back.”
“I doubt tht she would even think of asking,” Hilda replied crisply, “I’m sure that is the last thing she is thinking of.  She is going to have a very lonely life if she is forced to leave.”
“Hmmph.  I daresay, but she should have thought about that earlier.  As it is, she’s lucky that that is all that’s going to happen to her.  If I had a mind to report this to the authorities she would be facing a hefty prison sentence, and that’s nothing compared to what Joey wanted to do with her.  By all accounts she felt that being hung, drawn and quartered would be too good for her.”
“Yes, Joey did make her feelings clear last night.  That hit Matey rather hard too, Joey always was one of her favourites.”
“She’s got a damned funny way of showing it, that’s all I can say, drugging her daughter like that.  It’s more than likely that Joey had a few doses herself too, and that’s the last thing that someone of her temperament needs.”
“But you rather set the fashion as far as giving Joey a dose is concerned, you and Jack.  I’m not saying that there haven’t been times when she would have made herself ill if she had been left untreated, but equally, it seems to me that there have been occasions when it was the easiest option, after all, it’s far more convenient to send someone to sleep than it is to deal with their real problems.   Hasn’t Matey just been following your example?”
Jem spluttered, “I beg your pardon?  I’m the doctor here,  you’re just a teacher.  I think I know better than you how to treat my patients.” He treated her to the full force of his angry glare.
Hilda realised that there was nothing to be gained from antagonising her employer, and uttered a brief apology.
“Maybe you’re right.” Jem replied,  “I can’t speak for Jack of course, but I can assure you that whatever medication I have administered to Joey has always been in her own best interest, or what I considered to be her best interest at the time.  Maybe, in hindsight, it wasn’t always the most appropriate course of action, but we all make mistakes.”
“Indeed we do, including Matey.”
Jem shook his head, “This is more than a simple mistake, Hilda.  Believe me, I can understand your feelings, I know the two of you have worked closely together for a good many years now, and I admire your loyalty, but the fact of the matter is, Matey has deliberately been supplying opium to members of this school since, well since she first came here I imagine, certainly since the schools was in theTyrol.
Her defence, if it can be described as such, is that she didn’t know what she was doing.  If that is true, and I find it hard to believe that she is that stupid, we’re damned lucky not to have had a fatality on our hands.  If it isn’t true, then she is guilty of repeatedly and wilfully supplying prescribed drugs to minors.  Either way, the very best you could say is that she has been grossly irresponsible, and I can assure you that very few people would be prepared to give her even that much credit.  You can make as many excuses for her behaviour as you like Hilda, but under no circumstances will I allow that woman to remain in this school.  How much of a school do you think we would have if it became common knowledge that one of the members of staff was handing out Laudanum as if it were hot milk?  And that we continued to employ her after it came to our notice?  And what do you think Joey would say?”
“Never mind Joey.”  Hilda sighed, “I understand what you’re saying Jem, and I actually happen to agree with you.  It would be impossible for her to remain here, but do we have to cast her off completely?  Couldn’t you offer her a position in Wales?  Not at the school of course, but surely you could find her something at the San?”
“I’ll think about it,” Jem replied doubtfully, “I’m not going to make any promises at the moment.  I think I’ll toddle along to the San up here, have a look at my nieces, and the other girls, and Madamoiselle of course.  I’d also like to consult with Jack before I make any such decision.”  He stood up, and prepared to leave, promising to be back shortly.
As much as Hilda had dreaded the meeting, she found that the office felt incredibly empty after he had gone.


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Nicolette on Dec 9th, 2003, 12:28am
Ooh, thank you Esmeralda. And as much as I liked Jem looking after Hilda as it made a nice change for him to be so nice, I'm glad Hilda's back as her usual self and can put him in his place. Good on the girl. 

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by crashbb on Dec 9th, 2003, 12:31am
My mum just gave me a stack of letter paper with her signature at the bottom and told me to go ahead and write my own notes - but I should let her know if I was going off school property.

Chelsea *only ever used notes for legitimate purposes - honest!  Don't forget I was the one who cheated to get out of San and back to class*


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Dec 9th, 2003, 1:03am
Oh, poor Hilda! She's so alone! And I wish she'd continued the line of argument about Jem and Jack also drugging the girls at the least provocation. 

 

Quote:
The little sod had been forging every single letter from day one, so until this meeting with his parents they'd no reason to believe it was being forged as they'd studied loads of his letters and found them all exactly the same , with no orginal 'real' signature to compare them to. Genius really. 

Surely they would have signed forms to enrol him in the school...


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Vikki on Dec 9th, 2003, 2:35am

on 12/09/03 at 00:31:08, crashbb wrote:
My mum just gave me a stack of letter paper with her signature at the bottom and told me to go ahead and write my own notes - but I should let her know if I was going off school property.

Chelsea *only ever used notes for legitimate purposes - honest!  Don't forget I was the one who cheated to get out of San and back to class*


 

Ooooh!! I like that idea!!


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Vikki on Dec 9th, 2003, 2:36am
Forgot to say "More please Esmeralda!!" ;) ;D

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Lesley on Dec 9th, 2003, 4:56am
Definitely more please Esmeralda - and I still feel so sorry for Hilda - she's so alone! :'(

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by keren on Dec 9th, 2003, 8:52am
I like the bit about jem and jack drugging joey.

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Angel of the North on Dec 9th, 2003, 3:59pm
OOh, I like the line about drugging Joey. Poor hilda. She's going to collapse soon...

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Today at 12:26am
[quote author=KB link=board=drabbles;num=1069886244;start=100#111 date=12/09/03 at 01:03:29]Oh, poor Hilda! She's so alone! And I wish she'd continued the line of argument about Jem and Jack also drugging the girls at the least provocation. 

 

Good point KB.  This snippet is just for you -

As she reflected on the emptyness Hilda wondered if she should have continued to argue her case, she had being on the verge of pointing out that Jem and Jack had also displayed a somewhat casual attitude to handing out doses to the girls, and they had themselves on occasion, encouraged Matey to do the same, but Jem had proved to be far more understanding and supportive that she had imagined, and she had found herself strangely reluctant to jeopardise his good will.  Such support had been hard to find over the last few days, and his words of comfort had meant a lot to her.
 

Now back to the main story,  Someone, Carolyn(?) wanted to know how long this was now - it's grown to 77,920 words including the next bit, which considering the amount of work some people have produced since I started this, way back in August, should have me hanging my head in shame!

Hilary was experiencing much the same feeling in the fifth form common room, despite the fact that it was full of people.  Neither maths, nor science had caused a softening of Stella’s attitude, if anything it had only served to make things worse, from Hilary’s point of view.  When the girls had been asked to pair up to work on their experiments Stella and Flaurette had pointedly gone off together, leaving Hilary conspicuously alone. 
Miss Armitage, putting Hilary’s solo state down to the fact that one of her pupils was missing, had told her to work alongside another couple, and Hilary had hastily attached herself to Sheila and Pam, who were closest to where she was standing.  They had welcomed her cordially enough, but they were quick to note that there seemed to be a breach in the friendship between the three remaining members of the quartette, as did the rest of the form.
Pam had made a murmured enquiry about the matter, but Miss Armitage, who was anxious to get the experiment completed before the end of the lesson, had given Hilary no chance to reply, much to her relief.
She knew, though, that this was only a temporary respite, she could feel the suppressed curiosity emanating from the two girls she was working with, and she had no reason to expect any of her other class mates to feel any differently, except for Cora, who had most probably not noticed anything untoward.
One or two of the staff had already noted that Hilary had something of Len Maynard and Mary-Lou Trelawny’s talent for understanding others troubles, although she was certainly no butter-in, but when it came to her own problems she preferred to keep them private, and she was not looking forward to fending off the questions of her class mates during break.  For that reason she had stopped behind after the lesson to ask a question of Miss Armitage, and had finally sidled into the common room while the other girls were occupied with their milk and biscuits.
As it was, her delayed entrance had given Stella plenty of opportunity to regale her form mates with her version of events, with the result that quite two thirds og the form had already made up their minds to exclude both Cora, and Hilary, from their activities, mainly, it has to said, because Cora was such an unpopular being.
The remainder of the form, who were prepared to see what Hilary had to say for herself before they made any such decision, were disappointed to find her to be unforthcoming, and this was enough to persuade several of them to go along with the majority.  However, there were still a few who refused to take part in ‘such utter nonsense’ among them being Sheila and Pam who had noted the look of abject misery on Hilary’s face during the science lesson. 
Hilary was grateful for their support, and did her best to respond to their friendly chatter, but it wasn’t the same as being with her ‘real’ friends, or those she had hitherto considered as such, and the rift which had developed between them, at a time when they needed one another’s support left her with a heavy heart. 
In fact, both Stella and Flaurette were equally as miserable, Stella was fretting badly about Jenny’s health, to the exclusion of everything else save her hostility to Cora and Hilary, her fears exacerbated by the earlier death of Mahala;  While Flaurette, who’s worries were not quite as intense as Stella’s, was uncomfortably aware that she was being both unjust and unfair in her treatment of Hilary, while at the same time, she believed, somewhat illogically, that by following such a course of action, she was somehow helping Jenny.
All in all, it was hardly surprising that the staff found Inter V something of a trial throughout the remainder of the day, but knowing nothing of the girls private arguments, that body of women put it down to the fact of Jenny’s illness, and they had no inkling of the trouble within the form until the following morning.
 


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Today at 12:30am
Oh dear, so the staff are having something of an un-noticing day, are they? This is going to make things difficult! 

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Esmeralda on Today at 12:32am
Phil Graves had had a difficult time with Biddy, and had finally had to resort to administering a sedative, despite her protests.  None of the women folk he would normally look to for help were able to spend time with Biddy at that moment, his wife was, as he knew, taking care of her friends small family alongside their own brood, his sister was still busy dealing with the aftermath of the break-in, Miss Annersley had made it plain that she could not help, and Joey, despite being at the San was tied up with Con, besides which he hardly felt that she was the most appropriate person to be with the distraught woman. 

Biddy had repeatedly retold her story about Jack attacking Eugen, whilst demanding to know what was happening.  Phil had of course heard the story the previous day, along with the rest of the staff, but he had been inclined to dismiss it as being something of an exaggeration, and knowing that Biddy had heard the tale second or third hand he had stuck to the same line whilst trying to calm her.  He had continued to believe it right up until the moment that Biddy had produced the letter of resignation which Jack had written on Eugen’s behalf the day before, at which point he decided that it was time he was told just exactly what had occurred between the two doctors. Whilst their private affairs were no concern of his, as the second in command at the San he believed he had every right to know about matters such as Eugen’s apparent resignation, and to know whether it had been volunteered freely or under duress.  Furthermore, if it was proved to be Jack’s idea, then he felt he was quite justified in asking for the reasons behind such a drastic action.
As soon as he was certain that Biddy was settled he marched along to Jack Maynards office, intent on finding out the truth behind the rumours.

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Vikki on Today at 12:47am
Esmeralda! Thank you!!

Nearly 78000 words!!! See me hanging my head in shame over my paltry 17000 :-[ :-[ :-[

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Angel of the North on Today at 12:49am
wow!

Biddy's distraught and on the warpath...


Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Vikki on Today at 12:56am
*wonders if we'll see more of the famous 'Irish temper'!!*

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by KB on Today at 1:27am
Not while she's unconscious, but maybe when she comes to...

Title: Re: More Tensions
Post by Lesley on Today at 7:09am
Excellent Esmeralda - and congratulations on the length!

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