Have reposted the bit where Jess goes mad at Rosamund. Today's installment is in blue. So great to have the board back!
Dinner over, and Jessica curled up on a chair in the sitting room, having rescued Bleak House from where she had thrown it on the floor. Fortunately, it was not damaged. Rosamund was seated by the fire, a table across her invalid chair, and she was making great inroads to the jigsaw Jessica had given her as a present. It was not a difficult jigsaw, having only five hundred pieces and Rosamund was going at it great guns.
The two girls ignored each other, Rosamund having learnt that there was no point at all in trying to talk to Jessica when she had such a black chip on her shoulder. A short time later, Rosamund gave an impatient exclamation and Jessica looked up to see that she had knocked several pieces of the jigsaw onto the floor, well out of her reach. They were corner pieces that Rosamund had already set in place. Jessica gave a little grin to herself and turned back to her book, pretending to be completely absorbed. She could see Rosamund twisting and turning in her chair to try to reach pieces, but it was futile.
“Jessica!” the younger girl said tentatively.
Jessica ignored her, turning over a page in her book and turning slightly away.
“Jessica!” Rosamund said again, slightly more forcefully this time.
Again, there was no response from Jessica except what could have been a slightly contemptuous sniff.
“I say, Jess!”
This did make Jessica look up. She allowed no-one other than her mother and her friends to call her Jess. What did Rosamund think she was doing using that name!
“What?” she snapped. “And my name’s Jessica.”
Rosamund ignored this. “I’ve dropped some jigsaw pieces on the floor and I can’t reach them, though I’ve tried. Could you pick them up for me?”
Jessica smiled nastily. “What’s the magic word?” she asked, having had it well drilled into her from babyhood that you should always say “please”.
“Please, Jessica,”
Jessica considered for a moment and then picked up her book again. “No,” she said. “Sorry.”
“Why do you hate me so much?” Rosamund blurted out. She had always shied away from confrontation with her step sister but Jessica’s response had forced her into it.
Jessica turned back to Rosamund. “I don’t hate you,” she said carefully. “I loathe you. There’s a difference.”
“But why?” Rosamund demanded. “What have I ever done to you? I want to be friends with you.”
Jessica looked incredulous. “If you don’t know what you’ve done to me, I’m not going to explain it. Are you thick as well as everything else?”
Rosamund was completely confused. She had no idea what Jessica was driving at. However, having started off on the collision course she decided that she may as well continue.
“Jessica, I’m sorry if I’ve hurt you or upset you,” she said. “Can’t we forget about it and be friends? I… I get really lonely and I’d love us to be friends.” Her tone was wistful but it was wasted on the other girl.
“I’d love you to go away and leave my mother alone, but we can’t all have what we want, can we?”
“Leave your mother alone?”
“Yes!” Jessica cried. She slammed her book down on the coffee table and stood up. She was tall for her age and quite well built and she towered over the smaller Rosamund intimidatingly. “She’s my mother, not yours! Why should she spend all her time looking after you when she should be looking after me!”
Rosamund gaped as Jessica advanced on her. She deliberately bumped into the table attached to the invalid chair and several more jigsaw pieces were dislodged and fell to the floor.
“You can’t even walk! You’re just a cripple. What use are you to her? At least I can help her and go out with her and have fun with her. All you can do is sit in your chair all day and sing stupid songs and do silly jigsaws!”
Jessica bumped the table again and the remaining pieces descended to the floor. In a fit of temper, Jessica stamped on them, bending some of them out of shape and rendering them useless.
“That’s my jigsaw!” Rosamund cried in dismay. “How dare you!”
“How dare I?” Jessica shouted. “How dare you come into my life and take my mother away from me? They don’t even want me at home anymore. I’ve been sent off to school so she can spend all her time with you. It’s all your fault and I hate you! You’re just a stupid, useless cripple and I wish you’d never been born!”
In her fury, Jessica had advanced on the helpless Rosamund who cowered back into her chair. There was no escape, however, from the glancing blow that Jessica dealt to the side of Rosamund’s face.
“There!” Jessica cried triumphantly. “Maybe that will show you that I don’t want you and I don’t want to be your friend!”
“JESSICA!”
Jessica swung round to find Emily standing in the doorway, a look of absolute horror on her face. Rosamund burst into tears.
“Go to your room, Jessica. NOW!” Emily was furious. To think that Jessica could talk to Rosamund in a such a fashion, not to mention hit her, made her ashamed to be in the same room as her daughter. Jessica stormed past her mother, pushing her roughly out of the way and fled upstairs. She threw the door of her bedroom closed behind her and collapsed onto the bed in a flood of sobs. She had surprised even herself with her misconduct
Downstairs, Emily had her work cut out to calm Rosamund down. The girl had felt really threatened by Jessica’s actions and the marks from Jessica’s hand stood out prominently on her cheek. Eventually, Emily gave it up as a bad job and decided bed was the best thing for her step daughter. She was working herself up into a frenzy and would make herself ill if she continued. Emily managed to get her into bed and brought her a drink of warm milk which contained a very mild sedative. At least that would ensure that Rosamund would doze off and hopefully, when she woke up in the morning, would be calmer.
Adam had gone out for the evening and so had not been party to Jessica’s shocking outburst. Emily knew that Adam would be furious if he heard about Jessica’s behaviour. He had stood up for her on numerous occasions, but Jessica had abused – physically and verbally – his own daughter and Emily knew that her husband would not less this go lightly. She decided to try to deal with this herself, though she felt out of her depth. Jessica’s behaviour had been appalling and she must not be allowed to think she could get away with treating another girl in such a fashion. To cast Rosamund’s disability up to her in such a way was unforgivable. Emily prayed for the wisdom to deal shrewdly with the situation.
Once Rosamund was settled, Emily went up to Jessica’s room and, on hearing the heartrending sobs that were coming from within, she went inside and found her daughter huddled on the bed.
“Go away!” Jessica screamed. “I don’t want to see you!”
Emily backed off. Jessica had worked herself up into a fine state of hysteria and Emily had no desire to make matters worse.
“I’ll be downstairs, Jess,” she said. “Come and find me if you need me.”
And, feeling there was little else she could do but obey her daughter’s wishes, Emily withdrew.
Adam had not been back five minutes before he realised that something was wrong. Emily was very quiet and withdrawn and she responded to him without really thinking about what she was saying. She was thinking furiously about how to handle Jessica and didn’t notice Adam go into Rosamund’s bedroom to check on her. It was unfortunate that the girl was lying with her injured cheek uppermost and the marks of Jessica’s fingers could still be plainly seen.
Adam went back into the sitting room with his face creased into a frown.
“What’s been going on, Emily?” he asked.
“What?” Emily said absentmindedly. She pulled herself together. “Oh, nothing. I’ve just had a bit of bother with Jessica, that’s all. Nothing unusual.”
Adam was silent. It was obvious to him that Emily was not telling the truth.
“Was Rosamund involved?” he asked sharply, determined to get the whole story.
Emily looked at him and guessed that, having seen Rosamund, he knew that something more serious than usual had taken place. She wanted to protect her daughter from his anger and wondered if she could make the story any prettier than it really was. Deciding that there wasn’t, she cursed herself for failing Jessica and told Adam all about it.
Adam sat back in his chair when Emily had finished and regarded her thoughtfully. “You shouldn’t have thought about keeping this from me,” he told her. “I know Jess is your girl and you want to protect, but this is too big a thing for you to cope with on your own.”
“But she said terrible things to Rosamund and slapped her!” Emily exclaimed. “Of course I want to protect her. I… I know you’ve been very lenient with Jess, even generous, but you can’t make excuses for her for this type of behaviour.”
“No excuses at all,” Adam said. “She obviously felt she had her reasons, but she’s going to have to learn to control her temper. She can’t go through life lashing out at people weaker than herself to make her feel better. I am furious with her, Em. I know she feels hard done by and that all the world is against her but acting like a hooligan won’t get her anywhere.”
“Oh, I know!” Emily cried. “I’m not going to make excuses for her. But she’s very muddled up in her own mind. I’m worried that, if we’re not careful how we handle this, we’ll make things worse. If we punish her, it may only fuel her belief that we don’t love her or want her. Goodness knows what she’d be capable of then.”
“We need to think about this carefully. Jessica cannot get away with this, but we need to approach it the right way.”
“Do you know what the right way is?” Emily queried. “Because I’m at my wits’ end. Nothing we’ve done seems to have helped.”
“Perhaps nothing we do will ever help,” Adam said, sorrowfully. “It may be that we have to leave Jess to sort things out in her own mind, in her own time and in her own way, but, at the moment, her own way is wrong. Where is she now?”
“She’s in her room. She was crying as if her heart would break. I wanted to hug her and tell her everything would be all right, but she screamed at me and told me to go. Oh, Adam, I do wish there was something we could do to help her.”
Adam took Emily in his arms, holding her close. The episode had upset her badly and, what was worse, she could see Jessica’s point of view whilst being unable to condone it.
“Leave this to me,” Adam said eventually. “I don’t want Jessica to take it out on you anymore than she already has done. She sees me as the wicked step father as it is, so if I’m the one who punishes her, I’m the one she’ll rail at. Besides, Rosamund is my daughter and I’m not scared to tell you that I am furious at Jessica for what she has done.”
“You won’t be too harsh on her, though, will you?” Emily pleaded. “I know she did wrong, and I’m sure she knows it too.”
“I’ll do what’s right,” Adam promised. “I can’t say fairer than that. But you must promise to back me up in whatever I decide.”
“Of course, provided you discuss it with me first and I think it’s reasonable.”
“Then,” Adam told her, “I’d like to sleep on it. Things might seem clearer in the morning. And, if Jessica should apologise of her own free will, a punishment might not be necessary.”
“You’re optimistic!” Emily almost managed a smile.
Adam was as good as his word and he “slept on” the problem. He was aware that treating Jessica wrongly or too harshly could tip her over the edge altogether. What he wanted to do was to make Jessica see that her behaviour to Rosamund had been unacceptable, whatever her opinions of her step sister or grievances against Emily and Adam. It was not going to be easy.
Last edited by leahbelle on Mon Jul 10, 2006 12:07 pm; edited 47 times in total
#2: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 9:34 am Too right it won't be easy!
Good to have this back.
#3: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 10:20 am Thanks, Leahbelle. I wonder what Adam will decide to do.
#4: Author: Mia, Location: LondonPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 10:33 am Thanks Leahbelle
#5: Author: leahbelle, Location: CoventryPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 1:11 pm Just to let you all know that I've uploaded this story to the Sally Denny Library, so if anyone's missed out on any installments please visit!
I've only posted the first eighteen chapters - up to where I am on the CBB, so there can be no sneaking ahead to find out what happens next!
Thanks for reading, folks.
Sue
#6: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, EnglandPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 1:35 pm I hope Adam finds a way to get through to Jess - however upset she is at what's going on in her life, she can't go round behaving like that.
Thanks, Sue
#7: Author: La Petite Em, Location: CheltenhamPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 5:12 pm That was very bad of Jess. I have no idea how I would deal with her, I hope Adam does!
Thanks Leahbelle
#8: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Tue May 02, 2006 7:08 pm I can't help wondering if, in their wish to not upset Jessica any further, they are actually fuelling her conviction that they don't love her - after all, when very young children attempt to push the boundaries, those that are rebuked and shown that their behaviour is wrong are far more secure than the ones that have no boundaries and feel their parents don't care.
Jessica deserves punishment - and screaming at her mother to go away - and her mother obeying - have only confirmed for her that her mother doesn't really care that much for her.
Thanks Leahbelle - this is so thought provoking.
#9: Author: Cryst, Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 8:05 pm Oh Emily -- you should have gone back to her after a little while longer ....
Thanks Leahbelle.
#10: Author: leahbelle, Location: CoventryPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 8:51 am Next morning, Adam discussed his plan with Emily who agreed that it was fair, though Jessica would feel it keenly.
Jessica appeared for breakfast mainly, it is to be feared, because she was hungry. She looked dreadful and Emily nearly ordered her back to bed straightaway. Her eyes were puffy and swollen and her nose was bright red. Her hair was all mussed up and she clearly had not bothered to run a brush through it. She was still wearing her clothes from the evening before and it looked as if she had slept in them, though how much sleeping she had done was debatable.
Rosamund took her breakfast in her room. The marks of Jessica’s fingers had more or less faded from her face and all that was left was a red blotch. When Emily had gone in to wake her and get ready for breakfast, the girl had told her that she did not want to see Jessica. Emily had tried to insist, but her step daughter had shown signs of working herself into a frenzy again and Emily had agreed that she could have breakfast in bed. Rosamund appeared to be almost scared of Jessica and Emily could not blame her – Jessica’s behaviour had been horribly intimidating.
After breakfast, Adam issued his fiat. Jessica must apologise to Rosamund – that was something that he would not be moved on. Further, instead of being allowed to stay at Redferne on many weekends, from now until the end of term, Jessica would come home every Friday evening as had been originally agreed. If there was a netball match on, that would be factored in to the arrangements but Jessica was no longer to be allowed to decide to stay at school when the whim took her. She would come home and try to integrate herself into her new family, and that included trying to get on with Rosamund.
Jessica said nothing. She merely stared at the ground with downcast eyes. She was ashamed of her behaviour. She had never intended to lose her temper to such an extreme but her jealousy and anger had got the better of her. The punishment was a just one and it would be tough on her. She decided that there was no point in trying to argue with Adam. He had made his mind up and he had said some very cutting words to his step daughter before telling her what her punishment would be. If she protested, he might say that she did not deserve the privilege of playing in the netball team and ask Miss Cain to allocate her place to someone else. Even for Rosamund, Jessica was not prepared to forgo her place. Her punishment was stringent enough without making things worse for herself.
Jessica trailed into Rosamund’s room and delivered her apology. She had expected to find the other girl complaisant and ready to forgive, but Rosamund had looked at her out of slightly averted eyes and only nodded when Jessica had asked for forgiveness. She was still in shock from Jessica’s outburst and it would take more than an apology to prove to her that Jessica really was repentant.
For the next month, until the end of term, Jessica came home to Moorlands every weekend. She was not happy about this, as there were lots of school events that she would have liked to have taken part in, but she knew that Adam would be immovable and that there was no point in trying to get him to change his mind.
As a result of coming home each weekend, Jessica found herself becoming more integrated into the life of her new family, although it has to be said that it was more by accident than by any effort made by Jessica. She kept herself very much to herself, taking herself off for long walks in the surrounding countryside or shutting herself in her room with books or prep. Adam felt that this was not at all productive, and so he evolved various activities which involved everyone, even Rosamund, and insisted that Jessica join in. These were mainly in the form of short walks close to the house where it was easy to push the chair across the ground and drives to nearby towns where they would have afternoon tea. Although Jessica put little effort into integrating herself and joining in, she found that she simply had no choice but to interact to some extent and she found that she was beginning to feel a little less like a stranger in her own home.
Strangely enough, the things Jessica missed most were the shy little comments and friendly advances that Rosamund had used to make to her. Jessica’s behaviour on her birthday had caused Rosamund to retreat well in to her shell as far as her step sister was concerned. Rosamund had suffered a lot at Jessica’s hands and that had been the last straw. Rosamund kept out of Jessica’s way as much as she could, though there were times when they were alone in the sitting room, and she kept Jessica at arm’s length. No more did she try to make conversation or interest Jessica in her handcrafts.
Jessica shrugged inwardly as she got used to her sister’s new attitude. If Rosamund did not want to try to be friendly, there was no point in her, Jessica, making an effort. And so the two girls became as polite as strangers to each other and there was little warmth between them. Adam and Emily did not see this as much improvement on the previous hostility that Jessica had shown, but at least arguments were kept to a minimum and they had hopes that, over time, things would sort themselves out.
#11: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 8:58 am Thanks leahbelle - this is fascinating and so realistic.
#12: Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle AustraliaPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 12:04 pm Poor Jessica and Rosamund.
And yet, 'hearing' Jessica's thought processes you can see how she has backed herself into this corner.
#13: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 1:59 pm Thanks, Leahbelle. I think that Adam chose the right punishment for Jessica.
#14: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeriesPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 2:45 pm Definitely the right thing for Adam to do, and strange that Jessica should miss Rosamund's tentative friendship.
Thank you, Sue. This is a wonderful read, and I can't wait until it's ALL up in the SDL so I can read it time and time again.
#15: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 4:07 pm Pleased that Jessica actually misses Rosamund's attempts at friendship - don't blame Rosamund in the slightest.
Thanks Leahbelle.
#16: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny QatarPosted: Wed May 03, 2006 5:19 pm Poor Rosamund, whether she's friendly or not, Jessica is annoyed with her. She just can't do the right thing. Thanks, Sue, this is such an involving tale.
#17: Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, EnglandPosted: Thu May 04, 2006 10:51 am What a shame they didn't try all these things to integrate Jessica and make them a family before they announced they were getting married - things could have been so different!
Thanks, Leahbelle
#18: Author: leahbelle, Location: CoventryPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 2:33 pm Christmas fell on a Sunday this year and Redferne did not break up until the Friday before. The girls would go back to school in the second week of January.
Christmas was a strange time for Jessica this year. In previous years, she and Emily had travelled up to Ambleside for part of the break or, if the Rigbys felt up to the long journey, they had come south to stay with their daughter and granddaughter. The Rigbys had been invited to stay at Moorlands over the holiday, but John was recovering from a bad dose of flu and was not strong enough to travel. Besides, Kate felt that her daughter and new family should spend their first Christmas alone without any interfering parents to worry about.
Jessica was upset about this. She did not get to see her grandparents very often and had assumed that she would see them this holiday as usual. Jessica had begged Emily to let her go up to stay with the Rigbys for at least part of the break, but Emily had refused. Apart from anything else, there was no-one to escort the girl and she was not going to let her daughter travel across half of England alone. Sulks from Jessica had followed, but Emily would not be moved, and Jessica had to become resigned to the fact that she would be spending the break at Moorlands.
Emily and Jessica spent Saturday decorating the house and putting up the tree. Jessica had always enjoyed this part of Christmas – the anticipation of the day was almost more exciting than the day itself. Rosamund, of course, could not join in, but she had made some pretty decorations with Emily’s help and these were hung up in the sitting room. The tree was a huge one and it took Emily and Jessica nearly two hours to dress it and they used up all the baubles in the process. It looked delightful when they had finished and Rosamund clapped her hands in excitement.
Christmas day itself was spent quietly. Presents were opened in the morning and there was much exclaiming as eagerly awaited gifts were unwrapped. A festive breakfast followed and then the whole family went to church. Christmas dinner was scheduled for mid-afternoon and Rosamund was sent off to rest when they returned from church. The meal itself was delicious and all agreed that Mrs Childs and Emily had done them proud. Adam brought in the Christmas pudding, flaming madly, to a host of cheers. The remainder of the afternoon was spent in reading new books and playing new games, though Jessica kept herself very much in the background. She had received a copy of Wuthering Heights and was already fathoms deep in it. The family had been invited to join the minister and his family for supper and this was a pleasant end to the day.
In spite of herself, Jessica had not had too miserable a time. She yearned for the companionship of her grandparents, and railed against going to the ministers for supper, but she went and found that she had a nice time. What was more, under the festive atmosphere, Rosamund had started to thaw towards her and Jessica, in turn, had not rejected her advances quite so strongly as she had done in the past.
On Boxing Day, feeling stifled by the house and her family, Jessica took herself off for a long walk in the country. She loved walking and was capable of going for miles without actually realising how far she had gone. Emily had warned her to be back for tea at four o’clock and so she kept a close eye on her watch. She had discovered that it was quite nice not to be in trouble all the time and had decided to keep a check on her behaviour for the time being.
On the way home, Jessica came to her favourite spot – a little hillock of ground overlooking a stream – and sat down on the cold ground for a few moments to catch her breath. She gazed across the countryside that was spread before her and took great satisfaction in the beauty that she saw there. It was not long before her bottom began to turn numb but, just as she was getting to her feet, a little dog bounced into view. It was cream and white, and quite fluffy and it came up to Jessica and snuffled round her. Jessica didn’t know much about dogs, but she had met Beth’s Westie during her stay there at half term and this wee chap looked very similar.
“Hello, boy,” Jessica bent down to stoke the little animal and he responded by rubbing his head against her lovingly. Jessica glanced round, but there was no-one else in site. She presumed that the dog had wandered ahead of his owner and was now waiting for that person to catch up. She patted the dog again and set off on her way. A few moments later, she turned round and saw the dog sitting on the hillock looking after her forlornly. To her left, she also saw two hikers and guessed that the dog was with them. Jessica began the long tramp home and, by the time she had reached Moorlands, the dog was a distant memory.
#19: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny QatarPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 2:41 pm How nice that Jessica has realized that it's better to stay out of trouble! Long may that last. Thanks, Sue.
#20: Author: Elle, Location: PeterboroughPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 2:46 pm I have just caught up with all this. I cannot believe Jessica hit Rosamund! She really is a horrible, obnoxious little girl.
Thanks for the updates Leahbelle.
#21: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 3:04 pm Thanks Sue - things seem to be looking up but I don't suppose it'll last ....
#22: Author: La Petite Em, Location: CheltenhamPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 4:58 pm It never does with Jessica!
Thanks Leahbelle
#23: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeriesPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 5:05 pm There is definitely an improvement there. But I have a feeling it won't go much further than that.
#24: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Fri May 05, 2006 7:44 pm Pleased that Christmas Day went well - wonder though if the dog is important...
Thanks Leahbelle.
#25: Author: Cryst, Posted: Fri May 05, 2006 10:02 pm Yippee - two trouble free days. I hope the relationship starts to develop between the two girls, though I suspect the dog spells trouble ahead...
Thank you Leahbelle.
#26: Author: leahbelle, Location: CoventryPosted: Sat May 06, 2006 6:55 pm It was Wednesday before Jessica found herself able to escape from the house again. Peter and Rebecca had come down to stay for a few days and the Tuesday had been spent in entertaining them. Relieved to be by herself again, Jessica set out through the woods, across the fields and began to head towards the hills in the distance. This was one of the times when time was lost to her and, when she glanced at her watch, she realised that she had been walking for nearly three hours and was horribly late for tea. With a sigh, for she was enjoying herself immensely, Jessica turned and set off for Moorlands.
She rested again on the grassy hillock – she was so late already, another ten minutes would make no difference. She made herself as comfortable as she could on the cold, hard ground and then something bumped into her from behind. Jessica uttered a little shriek as she leapt to her feet and turned round to see what had touched her. She was not used to encountering anyone on these walks and had thought herself to be completely alone. She looked down and there, at her feet, looking up at her expectantly, was the little dog she had encountered two days before.
“Hello, again,” Jessica stroked the dog and sat down beside him. He squatted at her side, leaning against her. Jessica noticed as she patted him that he was very cold and his fur was full of knots and mats. He was nuzzling around her pocket and Jessica remembered that she had put a chocolate bar in there before leaving the house. She took it out, unwrapped it and held it out to her new friend. The chocolate disappeared in one go and the dog nuzzled the pocket again. “I don’t have anymore,” Jessica told him fondling his ears. “Are you hungry, boy? Where’s your mum and dad?”
If the little dog had understood her and been able to reply, he would have told her that his owners had abandoned him on the moor several days before and he had been running wild ever since. He was cold and hungry and thirsty, not to mention lonely for comfort and love. Jessica read something of this in his eyes as he gazed up at her.
“Oh, you poor little thing!” she cried. “You haven’t got a home, have you?” She pulled the mutt towards her, hugging him closely. It was as well that she couldn’t see the fleas leaping about in his coat! The dog snuggled against her, taking some warmth from her body, and was reluctant to be pushed away eventually. “Well,” Jessica told him, “I can’t leave you here. You’d better come back with me. I’ll get you cleaned up and feed you. How does that sound?”
The dog gave a bark and Jessica could have sworn that he understood every word he spoke to her. The girl set off in the direction of Moorlands, the dog trotting along at her heels.
Jessica burst in through the front door of the house. Paying no heed to the fact that her boots were filthy, she ran into the sitting room in search of her mother. The dog followed her, sniffing eagerly as he passed through new surroundings. Only Rosamund was in the sitting, resting in her chair close to the fire. She looked up as Jessica bounded in and issued a cry as she saw the dog behind her. The little animal heard her and, instantly realising that she didn’t like dogs, he flung himself on Rosamund, yapping wildly.
“Oh!” Rosamund screamed. “A horrid little dog! Get him off me!”
Jessica rushed forward and pulled the mutt off Rosamund, but not before she had had her face well and truly cleaned.
“He smells!” Rosamund cried. “Keep him away from me!”
“He does not smell and he’s not horrid!” Jessica stormed. She had the dog clasped in her arms, and he cuddled in close to her chest.
“What on earth is going on in here?”
Both girls turned to the door where Adam and Peter stood, wondering what all the shouting was about.
#27: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Sat May 06, 2006 7:09 pm Oh dear - and, for once, all Jessica has been guilty of is having a compassionate heart and being a little thoughtless - don't think this is going to end well.
Thanks Leahbelle.
#28: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Sat May 06, 2006 7:26 pm Oh dear - another no-win situation for Adam and Emily to try to sort out!
Thanks Sue .
#29: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeriesPosted: Sun May 07, 2006 7:28 pm Hmm shame Rosamund's afraid of dogs. And Jess- the dog probably does smell.....
Thanks leahbelle
#30: Author: Elle, Location: PeterboroughPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 11:28 am Ooohhh....
If she wants to keep the dog I do hope they let her, after all it's not her fault that Rosamund is scared of them, and Jessica didn't know that anyway...
*tries to think of more excuses*
#31: Author: leahbelle, Location: CoventryPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 11:59 am “Where have you been, Jessica?” Adam demanded. “Tea was two hours ago!” Then his gaze took in the dog still clutched in her arms and he saw that Rosamund was cowering back in her chair. “Is… is that a dog?” he asked, unnecessarily..
Jessica released the dog and he ran forward to sniff at Adam’s legs.
“Good lord!” Peter exclaimed. “He’s jumping with fleas!”
“Jess, I don’t know what this is about, but that dog cannot stay in here. Take him to the utility room immediately,” Adam ordered. “And, Rosamund, stop that silly whimpering. You aren’t hurt and aren’t likely to be, not by that mutt, anyway.”
Jessica took hold of the dog by the scruff of his neck and led him through the hall way and kitchen to the utility room. By this time, Emily and Rebecca had appeared on the scene and there was a cast of hundreds in the little room. Emily, about to chastise Jessica for missing tea, gaped when she saw the scruffy little animal that was cavorting around, trying to make friends with everyone.
“What’s this, Jess?”
“A dog,” Jessica said, innocently. “His name is Spud,” she couldn’t say where the name had come from, but it seemed to suit her new companion. “I found him outside. He doesn’t have a home and he’s cold and hungry. I can keep him, can’t I?” Jessica looked imploringly at her mother. If only she could keep Spud, she would never misbehave again.
Emily, who had nothing against dogs in their proper place and when they were clean and flealess, looked askance at Spud. He was snuffling round her ankles now, having thoroughly examined Rebecca.
“He must have an owner,” she began doubtfully.
“He doesn’t!” Jessica assured her. “Look at him. His coat’s all matted. He hasn’t been groomed for ever and he ate my chocolate bar in one gulp. I don’t think he’s eaten for days.”
“He’s a bit of a mess,” Peter admitted. “Poor mutt.”
Rebecca touched his arm, and the pair withdrew leaving Jessica alone with her parents and Spud.
“Please, Mother,” she pleaded. “Can I keep him? I promise to take good care of him.”
Adam and Emily looked at each other. Another situation to handle with care!
“How will you be able to look after him if you’re at school all week?” Emily asked reasonably.
“Well, couldn’t you or Mother look after him during the week and I would do it at weekends?”
Adam shook his head. “Rosamund is terrified of dogs. She was bitten by one as a child and has hated them ever since. I don’t think we could keep a dog in the house.”
“We could build him a kennel. He could live outside.” Jessica suggested hopefully. “And Spud would never hurt anyone! He’s so friendly.” As the dog was engaged in licking her hand clean at the moment, there was plenty of truth in her statement.
“He couldn’t live in a kennel in this weather,” Emily pointed out. “He’d freeze.”
“No, Jess,” Adam said, gently. “It just won’t work. We’ll have to think of something else.”
“But I want to keep him!” Jessica cried. “I found him! He’s mine. He trusts me. What will happen to him if I don’t keep him? He’ll die if we send him back outside on his own.”
“We’re not going to do that,” Adam said. “He can stay here tonight and we need to think about what’s best. He needs a good feed and a good brush and a warm bed for the night. Tomorrow, we can decide what to do.”
“But…” Jessica began to protest, but Adam interrupted.
“That’s my last word, Jess. I promise we’ll find a good home for him.”
“I hate you!” Jessica spat at her step father and, sinking to the ground, gathered Spud into her arms again. Emily shuddered, thinking of the fleas and decided that Jessica’s clothes would have to be boiled.
“Jess!” Emily scolded. “We’ll do what’s best for Spud, and we can’t do anything more.”
“Staying with me is best for him!” Jessica cried, and her words were muffled as she spoke them with her head buried into Spud’s side.
The sound of the doorbell ringing sounded loudly in the kitchen.
“That’ll be Miss Winter,” Emily said. “She’s come for dinner. Come with me, Jess, and I’ll put some tit bits together for Spud. Then we’ll find him a bed for the night. Adam, would you let Miss Winter in and get her a drink? Dinner will be about half an hour.”
Adam went off to do Emily’s bidding and Jessica reluctantly relinquished her grip on Spud and followed her mother into the kitchen. Emily was as good as her word and put together a plate of tasty leftovers for the dog. While Jessica took these into the utility room, Emily went upstairs to rout out some old blankets on which Spud could make a bed for the night. The little dog ate the food eagerly and lapped up the water which Jessica gave him. Emily returned with two ancient, moth-eaten woollen blankets which would provide a warm and comfy resting place for Spud. Then she ordered Jessica upstairs to change and told her to bring her clothes back downstairs – they would be boiled on the morrow!
#32: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 12:04 pm Poor Adam and Emily - whatever they did would've been wrong.
#33: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your ImaginationPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 3:00 pm I think Jess is going to latch onto the fact that Adam said they couldn't have the dog because Rosamund doesn't like them. I know they had other reasons, but that is probably going to be the one she thinks about (to be honest, I would as well).
#34: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny QatarPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 3:16 pm Oh, absolutely, because Rosamund's wishes are so much more important than Jessica's! However, I really hope they can come up with a satisfactory home for the dog, as it would make Jessica so much happier if they could keep him.
Thanks, Sue.
#35: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 7:23 pm It's not going to work out, is it? And she'll blame Rosamund for it.
Poor kid.
Thanks Leahbelle.
#36: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeriesPosted: Mon May 08, 2006 8:07 pm Oh dear, not promising.
Thanks leahbelle
#37: Author: leahbelle, Location: CoventryPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 4:10 pm Very reluctantly, Jessica left Spud making himself at home on the blankets. He was very tired now that his hunger and thirst had been sated and he was looking forward to a good sleep. He gave his rescuer’s fingers a little lick before she went off.
Jessica was furious that Adam had refused to even consider keeping Spud and she thumped her way upstairs. However, she did obey her mother, being sensible enough to realise that, if she had any hope of persuading her step father to keep Spud, it was better to be on her best behaviour.
Once she had changed, she came back downstairs to leave her clothes in the utility room. Spud was sleeping peacefully, and little snoring noises came from him every so often. He was deeply asleep and did not even stir when Jessica bent down to bestow a kiss on his scruffy head. She left him alone and went to join the family and Miss Winter in the sitting room.
Over dessert, the story of Spud and his rescue was told to the visitor. Miss Winter listened attentively.
“…and I’m not to be allowed to keep him,” Jessica ended bitterly.
“So he’ll need a home?” she asked, thoughtfully.
“He will,” Adam said. “It really is impossible for us to keep him here. Do you know anyone who’s looking for a dog?”
“I might,” Miss Winter took a moment to apply herself to her trifle, then she said, “I used to have a dog. He died two years ago. I’ve been thinking about getting another one for a while…”
“Oh, you could take Spud and I’d still be able to see him!” Jessica cried.
“He’s in pretty poor condition,” Adam warned. “His coat’s a mess and he’s crawling with fleas.”
“But he’s very friendly,” Jessica put in. “He loves me already.”
“I’d need to think about,” Miss Winter said, cautiously. She was not one for making snap decisions.
“Come and see him,” Jessica suggested. “I bet you’ll love him.” She jumped up from the table, despite the fact that most people were still eating and Emily instantly ordered her to sit back down.
“Let her go,” Adam intervened. “Miss Winter has finished her trifle. Unless, you’d like second helpings of course?
“No, thank you, that was delicious but I haven’t even the merest millimetre of space for anymore! I’ll go with Jessica.”
The pair went off. Spud was still fast asleep, and his little feet were twitching as he dreamed. Miss Winter fell in love with him instantly, despite the fleas she could see leaping about his coat. She knelt down beside him and fondled his ears. Spud didn’t stir. He was out for the count.
“He’s lovely,” Miss Winter told Jessica.
“Then you’ll give him a home?” Jessica demanded delightedly.
“Yes,” Miss Winter decided. “I’ll give him a home.”
“Will I be able to come and visit him?” the girl asked shyly. She had never had much to do with Rosamund’s governess before.
“Of course you will,” Miss Winter told her warmly. “You can come round tomorrow and help me bathe him and start to brush out his fur, if you like. And you can take him for walks. I know you like walking.”
“Oh, thank you!” Jessica breathed. It was almost as good as being able to keep Spud for herself.
#38: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 4:38 pm Oh good - that sounds more helpful.
#39: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Tue May 09, 2006 6:53 pm That nice - hope Jessica will be happier because of it.
Thanks leahbelle.
#40: Author: Elle, Location: PeterboroughPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 7:10 am Phew! A near crisis, luckily avoided!
Thanks Leahbelle.
#41: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny QatarPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 4:28 pm And if Jessica becomes friendly with Miss Winter, maybe she can help Jessica's attitude towards Rosamund.
Thanks, Sue.
#42: Author: La Petite Em, Location: CheltenhamPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 4:35 pm This looks promising!
#43: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 4:43 pm Thanks, Leahbelle. I'm really glad they were able to find a solution.
#44: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeriesPosted: Wed May 10, 2006 8:10 pm Oooh goody.
Thanks leahbelle- things are definitely looking up for Jess. Hopefully she'll be happier to come home at the weekends now.
#45: Author: leahbelle, Location: CoventryPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:24 pm At the end of the evening, Miss Winter departed with Spud trotting at her heels. He had woken up and taken an instant fancy to her and she to him. Jessica watched as the pair walked down the path and waved good bye to the little dog. She wasn’t as sad as she might have been. Emily had agreed to her visiting Miss Winter on the morrow and Miss Winter had promised that Jessica could visit whenever she liked. Jessica would have liked Spud to make his home at Moorlands, but she knew that he would have the best possible home with the governess.
The advent of Spud had upset somewhat the uneasy truce between Jessica and the Seftons. Although her heart told her that Spud had found a happy home, she was disappointed that she had not been allowed to keep him for herself. Jessica had expected that her mother, at least, would have been willing; she knew that Emily had had a dog herself in her extreme youth. But Adam had put his foot down. Jessica deliberately ignored his very sensible reasoning that she could not look after a dog when she was away at school all week and decided that it was Rosamund’s silly fear of dogs that had sealed Spud’s fate.
Cue an end to the neutrality that had existed for the past few weeks.
Jessica spent much of the rest of the holidays at Miss Winter’s house. The governess lived in a cottage about a five minute walk away from Moorlands House. Between them, they spent a lot of time bathing and brushing Spud until his fleas were a thing of the past and his coat shone with health. There was nothing much else wrong with him except for under-nourishment, and Miss Winter began to feed him up with tasty tit bits. He was a friendly, endearing little dog and he provided some much needed companionship for Miss Winter.
Jessica had never had much to do with Rosamund’s governess until now. She had seen in her passing and had thought of her as a dull, middle aged lady with too much time on her hands. She discovered that the older lady was far from dull and she had a wonderful sense of humour. Jessica and Miss Winter quickly became firm friends and the pair were often to be found roaming the countryside together with Spud at their heels. When Miss Winter had other things to attend to, Jessica would take Spud out by herself.
This meant, of course, that she spent little time at Moorlands House. The time she did spend there was mostly spent in her room. Relations between Jessica and Rosamund had returned to normal. Jessica either ignored her step sister or was downright rude to her. Adam Jessica tolerated, mainly because she was worried that he would put his foot down about her visits to Miss Winter if she was too outrageous. To Emily, she was distant, only speaking when spoken to and she made little or no effort to integrate herself into the rest of the family’s holiday plans.
The elder Seftons worried about this, feeling that any momentum they had gained was swiftly being lost, but they did not want to stop Jessica going to visit Spud. They knew that would only cause more ructions and no-one wanted Jessica to revert to her previous behaviour. It became evident to Jessica that, as long as she didn’t rock the boat, her visits to Miss Winter would be looked on favourably. Otherwise… This kept her in check to some extent but befriend Rosamund, the main reason for her being unable to keep Spud, she would not. Similarly, Adam, who had forbidden her to keep the dog, received treatment that was no more friendly but stopped short of impudence.
It was with some reluctance that Jessica returned to Redferne at the end of the holidays. She was desolate at having to leave Spud, even though she knew that Miss Winter was more than capable of giving him all the care and attention he needed. Jessica had fallen in love with the little dog and she wished more than anything that she had been allowed to keep him for himself. A few of the girls at school had been granted permission to bring small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. Perhaps she would have been allowed to have Spud at school, but Adam and Emily had not even thought about this as a solution. It has to be said that Jessica was angry at Adam and Emily for not considering her wishes and the fact that Spud had found a loving home was irrelevant.
Worse, because the term began mid-week, Jessica was not to return to Moorlands House until the following weekend, so she had not even the consolation of knowing that she would see Spud in a few days. It spoke volumes for her relationship with her new family that she would miss her dog and Miss Winter more than her own mother.
#46: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:56 pm Oh dear - she's just not got to the stage of considering anything other than her own wants and needs, has she? Probably on going to the CS she'd have come round anyway - as she was a little older, without all the elaborate machinations of Joey and Mary Lou.
Thanks leahbelle.
#47: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 12:58 pm What Lesley said!
#48: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny QatarPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 4:23 pm At least she's not being as awful as she could, though, even if it is because she doesn't want to stop seeing her dog. Thanks, Sue.
#49: Author: La Petite Em, Location: CheltenhamPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 5:12 pm At least she is being sort of civil.
Thanks Leahbelle
#50: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Fri May 12, 2006 5:38 pm Thanks, Sue. I'm sorry that she isn't going to see Spud the 1st weekend of term.
#51: Author: Cryst, Posted: Sat May 13, 2006 8:58 am Just caught up - I love the dog!! It's promising that Jess has found an adult outside thefamily and school who she can relate to. But as ever with this story, I can sense a big "but" just around the corner. Thank you Leahbelle.
#52: Author: KathrynW, Location: LondonPosted: Sun May 14, 2006 11:06 pm Thanks Leahbelle, just done a big catch up and really enjoying this
Kathryn
#53: Author: alicat, Location: WiltshirePosted: Mon May 15, 2006 9:46 am Oh dear oh dear...am just waiting for the next Rosamond crisis
leahbelle this is a fantastic story
#54: Author: leahbelle, Location: CoventryPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 12:42 pm Back at school, and Jessica kept up her commitment to keeping her weekly average at the stated level. She was astute enough to realise that Miss Simmonds would soon speak out if she thought that Jessica was merely doing enough to get by and no more and so she aimed at keeping the average a point or two above 55%. That way, no-one could have any complaints and, even though there were no official netball matches this term, they would begin again in the summer term and she was determined to ensure that her place remained safe.
Although there were no official netball matches this term (it being considered too cold and the weather too dodgy – Redferne had indoor courts, but most of their opponents did not have this luxury) netball practice was still held and there were “friendlies” held on two occasions at Redferne, plus a couple of inter-form matches. With these, and her school work, Jessica found herself kept busy at school and she no longer railed against going to Moorlands for the weekends. In fact, she was desperate for half term so that she could spend some proper time with Spud.
Half term came in the second last week of February. It would begin at the end of morning school on the Wednesday and the girls would return to school on the Sunday evening. As usual, the majority of girls were going home with those that weren’t for whatever reason being invited to the homes of friends or relations and the school would be closed for the duration. Jessica had been invited to spend the break with Beth again and, though she longed to try riding again, her desire to see Spud again was greater even if Emily had granted permission.
Over the past week, the weather had deteriorated. No-one would guess that spring was a mere three or four weeks away. The temperature had plummeted and heavy rainstorms and gale force winds were the order of the day. This showed every sign of continuing over half term and Jessica was disappointed because no-one would allow her to go for runs with Spud in such weather.
Late on Friday afternoon, the weather began to improve slightly and Jessica pulled on her coat and hat and ran across to Miss Winter’s.
“I’ve come to take Spud for a walk,” she said breathlessly as the governess opened the door.
“Come in, Jess,” Miss Winter stood aside to let the girl in. “Hang up your gear and come through to the living room. I’ve just boiled the kettle and there’s plenty for two.”
Jessica obeyed and went into the small living room. She expected to see Spud lying asleep in his usual place, on a cosy blanket in front of the fire, but he wasn’t there. She sat down in one of the comfortable but well worn arm chairs and waited on Miss Winter to return with the tray of tea and biscuits.
“Where’s Spud?” she asked, when they were both served.
“I let him in to the garden about twenty minutes ago,” Miss Winter explained. “He’s been so fed up with this weather and he’s had to keep to the house like we all have. He shot off in the direction of the woods. When you’ve finished your tea you can go out and call him back him. He’ll jump at the chance of a walk with you. He’s missed you!”
Jessica gulped down her tea and only accepted two biscuits. Then she rushed out to the garden to shout on the little dog. But, though she shouted for a good ten minutes and ventured as far as the edge of the wood, there was no sign of him. She went back indoors and Miss Winter told her not to worry. He had probably over-excited himself being outdoors again and had gone off on a little wander of his own. She expected that he would be back for lunch, which Spud knew came at six o’clock everyday like clockwork.
“I did so want to see him and take him for a walk!” Jessica sighed. “But I’ll need to get back for dinner then, too.”
“Never mind,” Miss Winter consoled. “With a bit of luck the weather’s on the turn now and you don’t go back to school til Sunday night. There’s still plenty of time for you to walk his little legs off.”
Jessica waited for another half hour and then reluctantly decided that she’d better go home. The rain had begun to fall again and she could see the trees waving about as the beginnings of another gale began.
“You will let me know when he comes back?” she pleaded, and Miss Winter promised to give her a ring on the telephone.
#55: Author: Jennie, Location: CambridgeshirePosted: Mon May 15, 2006 12:47 pm It's good to see that Jessica is concerned about someone, even if it is a dog.
#56: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny QatarPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 1:02 pm I do hope he hasn't run away. I can just imagine Jessica doing something mad to try to find him again.
Thanks, Sue.
#57: Author: KathrynW, Location: LondonPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 2:38 pm I hope Spud turns up soon otherwise I can imagine it effecting Jessica really badly...
Thank you!
Kathryn
#58: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your ImaginationPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 3:03 pm I have a bad feeling about this...
#59: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 4:16 pm Oh dear!
I can't help feeling this is NOT going to be a happy half term......
#60: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 4:55 pm This doesn't sound good ...
#61: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeriesPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 5:28 pm Eeeeep!
And it was all sounding so promising.
Thanks leahbelle
#62: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 7:11 pm Something's happened to Spud, hasn't it?
Thanks Leahbelle
#63: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 7:33 pm Thanks, Leahbelle. I am wibbling about Spud - I really hope that he will be ok.
#64: Author: Rosy-Jess, Location: Gloucestershire-London-AberystwythPosted: Mon May 15, 2006 8:03 pm *hopes that a wet muddy and bedraggled Spud comes home soon*
#65: Author: Elle, Location: PeterboroughPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 9:47 am *hears Jaws type music*
Oh dear! I hope nothing terrible has happened to Spud.
#66: Author: leahbelle, Location: CoventryPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 5:23 pm At eight o’clock, there came a frantic knocking on the door of Moorlands. The family had just finished dinner and Emily and Adam were enjoying coffee in the sitting room while Jessica had been sent up for a bath and Rosamund was reading quietly. Wondering who on earth was hammering on the door at this time of night, Adam got up and answered it. Miss Winter stood there, drenched from head to foot in an old mac and beret. As soon as he opened the door, Adam felt the force of the storm that was raging outside. The rain was pelting down like fury and the wind threatened to rip the door from his hands. The temperature had dropped again and he doubted it was more than three or four degrees. Adam reached out a hand to Miss Winter and dragged her in to hall, wondering what had sent her abroad in such awful weather.
“It’s Spud!” Miss Winter gasped as Adam closed the door, shutting out the cold and wet. “He went out this afternoon and I haven’t seen him since. I’ve been out looking. I’ve called and called and searched, but there’s just no sign of him…”
“The first thing,” Adam interrupted the tirade that was rapidly becoming hysterical, “is to get you out of those wet clothes and get a warm drink inside of you. Emily!”
Emily appeared and Adam asked her to find some dry clothes for Miss Winter while he went to the kitchen to boil the kettle. A few moments later, Miss Winter was sitting in front of the fire, wearing some of Emily’s clothes, and sipping a mug of warm, milky coffee, liberally laced with sugar. When she was feeling warmer, Miss Winter turned to the Seftons.
“What am I to do about Spud?” she asked. “He’s not here by any chance, is he?”
“Jessica’s in the bath,” Emily said. “I’ll pop up and ask her.”
“If he’s not here, then where is he?” Miss Winter cried. “I don’t know where else to look! But if he’s left outside in this weather all not, he could die!”
“He’s a sensible little dog,” Adam reassured her. “He probably got carried away chasing a rabbit or something and has lost himself. I expect he’s settled down somewhere to take shelter and he’ll find his way back to you tomorrow. There’s nothing more you can do tonight. You can barely see a foot in front of you in this rain. You’ll only get ill yourself if you wander round in a storm.”
Miss Winter sighed. “I hate the thought of him being out there all alone.”
“I really am sure he’ll be fine,” Adam said. “There are plenty of sheltered places in the wood. He could even have taken refuge in a rabbit hole. Now, when you’ve warmed up, I’m going to take you back to the cottage. Tomorrow morning, if he still hasn’t come back, give me a call on the telephone and Jessica and I will help you to look for him.”
Adam’s sensible handling of the situation had calmed Miss Winter down, though she was still desperately unhappy at the thought of Spud being outside all night in such terrible weather. Emily came back downstairs at that point to inform the governess that Jessica had not seen Spud all day. Miss Winter signed again and stood up. She had better get back to the cottage in case the dog had turned up there in the meantime.
#67: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!Posted: Tue May 16, 2006 5:31 pm *wibble*
Poor little Spud!!!
#68: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 6:22 pm Also wibbling .
#69: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 6:49 pm Thanks, Leahbelle. I am wibbling as well!
#70: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny QatarPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 7:08 pm Poor little dog. I hope he comes back safe and sound.
#71: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 8:00 pm Have a bad feeling about this - hope I'm wrong.
(Wonder if Rosamund will say something tactless about it?)
Thanks Leahbelle.
#72: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern USPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 10:14 pm Oh, no! Poor Spud! And here I was just thinking that having an adult confidante would help Jessica no end....hate to see J's reaction if anything's happened to the puppy.
#73: Author: KathrynW, Location: LondonPosted: Tue May 16, 2006 11:22 pm Oh no Poor Spud...I hope by some miracle Spud turns up safe and sound...
Thanks
Kathryn
#74: Author: Elle, Location: PeterboroughPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 11:44 am What do you call a mass of wibblers?
*wibbles in chorus with everybody else*
#75: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeriesPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 12:29 pm *provides harmonic wibbling*
Please tell us what's happened soon leahbelle!
#76: Author: leahbelle, Location: CoventryPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 4:17 pm In response to the wibbling, prepare to wibble some more!!!
Adam saw Miss Winter back to her cottage and then returned to Moorlands to find Emily and Jessica in the middle of a screaming match.
“What’s this about?” he demanded. The two were standing glaring at each other, arms akimbo, fury plain in Jessica’s face.
”Jessica wants to go out and look for Spud,” Emily began, but Jessica butted in.
“How can you leave that poor little dog out there all night in this weather? He’ll die, and it’ll be your fault!”
“Be sensible, Jessica,” Adam implored. “You simply cannot go out and look for Spud. You’d be soaked through in less than five minutes and, if you don’t mind a bout of pneumonia, I do. I’m certain that Spud will have found shelter somewhere and he’ll be back in the morning when the weather’s cleared up.”
“You can’t know that!” Jessica cried. “He could be lying injured somewhere. He could be badly hurt and he’ll die if we don’t find him tonight! I’m going to go and find him and you can’t stop me!”
“You will not go and look for him, and I can stop you,” Adam said firmly. “Let’s have no more of this nonsense. If Spud isn’t back in the morning, you, me and Miss Winter will get up a proper search party, but I’m sure that he’ll be back in time for breakfast. No, Jessica,” as that young lady tried to interrupt again, “that’s my last word on the subject. There will be no looking for Spud tonight.”
“I hate you!” Jessica cried. “You don’t care about Spud at all! You wish I’d never brought him back. He’s just a nuisance to you! Well, I love him and I’ll never forgive you if he dies, either of you!”
Jessica stormed upstairs to her bedroom. Emily and Adam tried to settle back down to relax for the rest of the evening, but it was difficult with Jessica fuming upstairs. If only she would take two minutes to think about things, she would realise that looking for Spud with a storm going on was nothing less than madness.
In her room, Jessica flung herself down on to the settee, thinking furiously. Adam and her mother might have no problems with their conscience leaving Spud out all night but Jessica just could not do it! The thought of the poor little dog, out there in such a storm, frozen to the bone and possibly injured was too much for Jessica to bear. She made up her mind. She would go out and look for him. Adam and Emily need not know anything about it.
Jessica laid her plans carefully. She knew that, after putting Rosamund to bed, her mother and Adam spent an hour or so in the living room listening to the radio. That would be Jessica’s chance to sneak downstairs, She would take her coat, raincoat, beret and boots from the hall and go through to the utility room at the back of the kitchen. She would need a torch and there was a big powerful one in the utility room, together with several sets of batteries. If she left by the back way, no-one would hear the door open and close.
The first part of the plan went off without a hitch. In the utility room, Jessica pulled on her coat and beret. The plastic outer coat would help to protect her against the driving room and her boots were waterproof. She found the large torch and rummaged in a drawer until she found several sets of spare batteries. She had no idea how long she would be, but it was better to be safe than sorry and she had no plan to be wandering around in the countryside with no light.
Jessica was ready. She unlocked the back door and slipped outside, closing the door as quietly as she could behind her. As the biting wind caught hold of Jessica and she saw the driving rain, she almost changed her mind and slipped back inside. But she set her jaw. If it was bad for her, it would be a hundred times worse for a tiny dog.
#77: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 4:29 pm *Wibbles even more.*
#78: Author: La Petite Em, Location: CheltenhamPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 4:54 pm *Wibbly wibbling like the wibbliest wibbler!!!* Poor Spud...
Thanks Leahbelle
#79: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny QatarPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 5:35 pm She is so silly. I really can see why she's doing it, but she's out of her mind! Thanks, Sue.
#80: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 6:22 pm Thanks, Sue. I hope that Jessica will be ok.
#81: Author: Cryst, Posted: Wed May 17, 2006 6:34 pm Oh, bad move from Adam, there. Couldn't he have just put his wellies on and gone out for a little look? Hope Spud turns up. Thank you Leahbelle.
#82: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Wed May 17, 2006 7:45 pm Silly little girl.
Thanks leahbelle.
#83: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, WorcestershirePosted: Thu May 18, 2006 12:58 am But it's so awful to have to abandon a lost animal and to feel like that. Of course it's not sensible, but oh, so understandable.
Joins wibbling choir.
#84: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern USPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 4:34 am *agrees with Tara*
And for once, Jessica's thinking of someone other than herself, even if it is a puppy.
#85: Author: Elle, Location: PeterboroughPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 12:30 pm *wibbles again with all the other wibblers*
#86: Author: leahbelle, Location: CoventryPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 3:49 pm Prepare to keep wibbling a bit longer!!!
She began to run to the wall at the end of the garden which would take her straight into the woods. The rain was so heavy that, when it hit the ground, it leapt back several feet into the air. The wind was strong and Jessica had to battle to keep herself on course. By the time she had reached the end of the garden and struggled over the wall, landing awkwardly on the wet, muddy ground, she was soaked through and the beret was already a thing of the past. Jessica gritted her teeth, turned on the torch and set off on her lonely mission. Over the wailing of the wind, she shouted for Spud as she crashed her way through undergrowth and brush. The rain coat was ripped to shreds within half an hour and she eventually abandoned it, caught on a bush.
Jessica moved quickly to keep herself warm, but it was in vain. The rain soaked her clothes and almost seemed to chill her to the very bone. There was no warmth in the air at all, and the gale made it seem colder than it really was. But Jessica battled on. Soon, she lost all track of time. She lurched from one part of the woods to another, yelling on Spud, shining the torch here and there, but there was no sign of the dog. Jessica trudged on and on, and she got colder and wetter with every step.
It was not until she eventually came to the edge of the wood and stood on open farmland that she realised just how cold she was. She had no idea of the time. It seemed that she had been searching forever, and yet she was sure she had only left home ten minutes earlier. As she stopped and shone the torch across the countryside, its feeble beam only picking out shapes and shadows two or three feet in front of her, a terrible pain gripped her chest. Jessica gasped with the intensity of it and almost dropped the torch. She knew that she had to keep hold of it, otherwise she would never find her way home and so she fought through the pain, doubled over, but with the torch firmly grasped in both hands. The pain eased off and Jessica was able to stand upright again. She thought it must be something to do with the cold and the fact that she was hungry and desperate for a drink. She had not thought to bring sustenance with her.
#88: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny QatarPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 5:18 pm I really hope she decides she's being insane and goes back home now, before she gets lost.
#89: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 5:24 pm Thanks, Sue. I am wibbling about the pain as well now.
#90: Author: KathrynW, Location: LondonPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 6:00 pm Oh dear, that really does not sound like a good thing...I'm wibbling for the long haul now.
Thank you
Kathryn
#91: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!Posted: Thu May 18, 2006 6:30 pm Can someone tell me when it's safe to come out from behind the sofa please?
Just caught up with loads of this. Thanks Leahbelle.
#93: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 7:20 pm Poor girl - and she'll have nothing but trouble when she does get home....
Thanks Leahbelle.
#94: Author: Michelle, Location: Near LondonPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 8:30 pm Poor Jessica... she loves Spud so much, but she never thinks things though. I hope she's okay.
#95: Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, EnglandPosted: Thu May 18, 2006 9:09 pm Would wibble even more if we didn't know she does get home... or she couldn't go to the CS.
#96: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, WorcestershirePosted: Thu May 18, 2006 11:52 pm But what's hapened to Spud? No cosy CS home for him!
Goes out in the rain and wind to call him.
#97: Author: leahbelle, Location: CoventryPosted: Fri May 19, 2006 5:44 pm A bit more wibbling....
“SPUD!” she yelled at the top of her voice. She laid the torch down carefully and cupped her hands round her mouth. “SPUD! SPUD!!!”
Just then, she heard a rustling from behind her and she spun round. She could see nothing as the torch was pointing in the other direction and she caught her breath.
“Spud?” she called.
“Woof!”
From she knew not where, a little dog flung himself at her, almost knocking her over.
“Oh, Spud!” Jessica cried in delight. She picked the little dog up. He was soaked through and his nose as he nuzzled her face was freezing. He was obviously as delighted to see Jessica as she was to see him. “Where have you been, boy, eh?” she asked cuddling him fiercely. “Woof!” he answered.
Eventually Jessica put him down. Standing still in the rain and cold had not been a clever idea and she found that she had grown stiff. She wondered how she was ever to manage to put one foot in front of the other to get back home again.
She was no coward, however, and she bent down to pick the torch up. As she did so, that same pain assaulted her chest. It was much worse this time, and she could barely breathe. Spud barked in anxiety as he saw his young friend double up in pain, crying out. Once again, the pain eased off and Jessica was able to stand up, but she felt weak and all she wanted to do was sink to the ground and fall asleep. Spud’s barking brought her round, and she knew she must set off on the long journey home.
Jessica took a step forward and then gave a cry of pain as it felt as if rods of iron were being pushed through her chest. It was no good. She could go no further. She felt herself sway and tried to save herself, but her strength was gone and she fell to the ground. The torch fell from her grasp and it’s light went out. All was darkness. As Jessica fell, her head hit on an upgrowing tree root. Her eyes closed and she knew no more.
#98: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny QatarPosted: Fri May 19, 2006 5:46 pm Sue! How can you do this to us?! Poor Jessica, let's hope she gets found soon.
#99: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Fri May 19, 2006 6:31 pm Glad Spud's OK but wibbling lots about Jessica.
#100: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Fri May 19, 2006 6:37 pm Glad she's found Spud - but poor girl - hope she's found soon.
Thanks Leahbelle
#101: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!Posted: Fri May 19, 2006 9:06 pm Aaaargh!!!
I'm wondering if she's broken a rib getting over that wall, and maybe punctured a lung??
*crosses fingers that Spud can get help!*
#102: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Fri May 19, 2006 10:07 pm Thanks, Sue. I'm really glad that she's found Spud. I hope that Jessica will be ok.
#103: Author: KathrynW, Location: LondonPosted: Sat May 20, 2006 12:11 am Eeek! Poor Jessica, maybe Spud can save the day!
Thank you
Kathryn
#104: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, WorcestershirePosted: Sat May 20, 2006 1:22 am Aaargh and eeek.
Really glad Spud's ok, but major wibbling now essential. Advises Vikki to stay behind the sofa.
If Spud was lost, he's not going to find it easy to fetch help ... Perhaps someone will realise Jess isn't around - they hadn't gone to bed, had they.
#105: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeriesPosted: Sat May 20, 2006 1:06 pm *crawls under desk with laptop*
Maybe Spud could go and bring help?
Thanks leahbelle
#106: Author: leahbelle, Location: CoventryPosted: Mon May 22, 2006 12:20 pm And the wibbling goes on...
At around 2.30am, Miss Winter was woken by a frantic barking and scratching on her front door. She had fallen into an uneasy doze in the living room, sprawled out on the sofa. She had not wanted to go to bed in case Spud returned and she did not hear him. In her dreams, Miss Winter heard the barking.
“Spud,” she muttered.
The barking became louder and Miss Winter sat bolt upright, wide awake immediately. The noise was not in her dream and it sounded as if Spud was doing his hardest to dig through the front door. She leapt up and, dashing into the hall way, threw open the front door. Spud launched himself at her, and she fell backwards under his weight, landing with a thud on the floor and Spud on her chest. He was soaking wet and cold, and something wet and nasty was caught in his mouth, but Miss Winter was so pleased to see him that she allowed him to give her face a good lick before setting him on the floor and returning to her feet.
Spud, however, continued to bark and, when Miss Winter tried to take the length of gray material from his mouth, he growled and backed off. Then he ran back to the door and stood in the open doorway, wagging his tail and staring out down the front path.
“What on earth’s the matter?” Miss Winter demanded of her prodigal pet. She closed the door firmly, shutting out the still cold, blustery weather and Spud issued a long, low howl. “Come on, boy,” the governess coaxed. “What’s in your mouth?”
She eventually persuaded him to give up his prize, and it proved to a piece of material which looked as if it came from a raincoat. Examining it closer, Miss Winter recognised the Redferne colours and she gave a cry.
“This is Jess’ raincoat. Spud, where’s Jess?”
Spud emitted another howl as he recognised his friend’s name, and he began to paw at the door. He had found the raincoat caught around some bushes on his journey home and, tugging at it until it had ripped, had brought it with him. He knew had to bring help to Jessica and he was getting desperate.
Miss Winter was thinking furiously. She would not have put it past Jessica to go out looking for Spud, even in this weather. If she had gone out and had been hurt….
“All right, boy” she consoled the animal, at the same time pulling on her own raincoat and beret. “Let’s see what we can do.”
She wrenched open the door but it was immediately obvious that she could do nothing on her own. The weather had not improved one iota and she possessed no torch. She must go to Moorlands for help.
With Spud running ahead of her, Miss Winter ran as fast as she could to Moorlands. She banged on the door and waited until, a few moments later, an anxious Adam opened the door.
#107: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!Posted: Mon May 22, 2006 1:49 pm Yay!!! Go Spud!!!!
What a little star!
*hopes Jess is okay*
#108: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Mon May 22, 2006 1:59 pm Well done Spud .
#109: Author: KathrynW, Location: LondonPosted: Mon May 22, 2006 3:03 pm I hope Spud has managed to save the day!
Thank you
Kathryn
#110: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny QatarPosted: Mon May 22, 2006 3:17 pm Now Emily and Adam will be glad for Spud! I just hope Miss Winter can find Jessica without any harm coming to herself. And I do believe you are enjoying all the wibbling that we are doing, Sue!
And I do believe you are enjoying all the wibbling that we are doing, Sue!
Well, maybe a little!
#112: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Mon May 22, 2006 7:59 pm Well done Spud! Obviously an illegitimate offspring of Lassie there!
Thanks Leahbelle.
#113: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Mon May 22, 2006 9:42 pm Thanks, Sue. I'm glad that Miss Winter was able to understand what Spud was howling about.
#114: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, WorcestershirePosted: Mon May 22, 2006 11:31 pm Cheers for Spud!
#116: Author: leahbelle, Location: CoventryPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 11:54 am Spud to the rescue!!!
“What’s going on…” Adam demanded and then stopped short as he saw the bedraggled Miss Winter standing on his door step for the second time that night.
“Is Jess here?” Miss Winter demanded.
“She’s in bed,”
Miss Winter shook her head. “I don’t think she is. I think she went out looking for Spud. He brought this home five minutes ago.” She shoved the rain coat at Adam.
“Yes, this is Jess’,” he said slowly. He turned round as Emily called down from the landing to find out what was going on. “Em, look in on Jess, will you?” he asked.
Emily obeyed and a second or two later, they heard a cry from Jessica;’ room.
“She’s not here!”
“You better come in,” Adam told Miss Winter, and the governess was only too glad to come in out of the rain. Spud followed her, but he sat and pawed at the door, issuing that same mournful howl from time to time.
Emily came downstairs and she was as white as a ghost.
“Where’s Jessica?” she demanded of her husband and Miss Winter and then looked on in horror as Adam handed her the piece of material. “She went after Spud! But, Spud’s here – where’s Jess?!”
Emily swayed and would have fallen but Adam caught her in time.
“Calm down,” he said. “Jessica has gone after Spud. Spud has come back by himself. That might simply mean that Jessica hasn’t found him and is still looking. Or…”
“She’s had an accident!” Emily gasped. “I just know it. I can feel it in my bones. Oh, Adam, we must find her!”
Adam turned to Miss Winter. “Would you take Emily to the kitchen and make her a warm drink? I think you need something yourself, too. I must find Jessica.”
“You can’t go out there on your own!” Miss Winter protested. “The weather’s dreadful!”
“I won’t be on my own,” Adam said, even as he pulled on his warm coat and gloves. “I’ll wake up the Tennants. John’s a big strong fellow and I know he’ll help.”
With difficulty, Miss Winter persuaded the distraught Emily to come through to the kitchen. Emily wanted to go with Adam to find Jessica but he would not hear of it. Adam himself set off for the neighbour’s house where he roused his friend, John Tennant. John barely waited until Adam had told his story before throwing on his clothes and outer garments. Adam had brought Spud along since, if the two had been together, the dog would be able to lead them straight to Jessica.
#117: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, KentPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 12:04 pm Thanks, Sue. I hope they will find Jessica soon.
#118: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 12:44 pm *more wibbles*
*hopes Jess will be okay*
#119: Author: KathrynW, Location: LondonPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 1:51 pm Fingers crossed they find Jessica soon...Spud's such a hero!
Thanks
Kathryn
#120: Author: Alison H, Location: ManchesterPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 1:51 pm V impressed with Spud!
#121: Author: Fatima, Location: Sunny QatarPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 3:07 pm Let's hope they find Jessica before she goes down with pleuro pneumonia!
#122: Author: Josie, Location: LondonPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 4:19 pm Finally caught up with this.
Thanks leahbelle. Hope they find Jessica soon too.
#123: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, KentPosted: Tue May 23, 2006 5:31 pm Go Spud - Super Dog!
Thanks Leahbelle
BTW Is Emily a wimp or what????
#124: Author: Joan the Dwarf, Location: Er, where am I?Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 9:02 pm
Lesley wrote:
BTW Is Emily a wimp or what????
Ah, but what can you expect when you haven't had a Chalet education??
#125: Author: Cryst, Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 11:22 pm What a dog!! It could teach those big brutes of Joey's a thing or two. Hope we find her soon and I don't have to join the crush behind the sofa.
#126: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, WorcestershirePosted: Wed May 24, 2006 12:14 am I think if I were Emily, I'd be in those woods like a shot, whether Adam 'let' me or not!
Spud for President.
#127: Author: Elle, Location: PeterboroughPosted: Wed May 24, 2006 7:05 am Superhero Spud!