Just Another Term at the CS
The CBB
-> Cookies & Drabbles
#1: Just Another Term at the CS Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 8:19 am
Chapter 1 – A Bombshell
“Now, girls, I have some news for you,” Mr. Jameson smiled at his daughters across the dining table.
“Oh, have you fixed up for me to go to St. Mildred’s?” Steph asked excitedly. Her father nodded and she grinned delightedly.
“That’s not all, though. The firm have asked me to head up the new branch in England and, after talking it through with Mom, I’ve accepted. So Anne, you’ll be going to the Chalet School in September when Steph starts at the finishing branch.” His younger daughter stared at him mutely. Steph had been wildly excited at the thought of going to a finishing school in Switzerland but Anne had never imagined that the plans would include her. Her mother guessed something of what she was feeling.
“I’m sorry, this has been rather a shock for you, darling. Would you like some time on your own to think about it?” she suggested. At this offer, Anne almost flung herself out of the room, rushing to her bedroom and solitude for her thoughts.
Once she had reached this sancutary she threw herself on her bed and glared at the ceiling. She didn’t want to go to school in Switzerland just because Steph was going there. The sisters were friendly enough but not particularly close, being very different in character and temperament. This was demonstrated by their different reactions to the news they had just been given. Steph was delighted at the idea of going to a finishing school in Switzerland, seeing it as an exciting adventure but full of confidence that she could meet whatever challenges there were to be faced. Though not as clever as her younger sister she was prepared to work hard enough to gain repsectable grades. It was in fact Anne’s tendency to coast along without really applying herself which had decided her parents to send her to the Chalet School, where they hoped she would be pushed and challenged more than was the case at the local high school. Anne was merely aware that they were expecting her to leave her friends, her school, her home.
#2: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 8:21 am
Yay, a new drabble 
Looking forward to hearing more of this!
#3: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 1:10 pm
Her thoughts had reached this rather self-pitying stage when she heard her mother’s footsteps on the stairs, followed by a tap on the door. “Come in,” she called out, sitting up as her mother entered the room.
“Are you all right?” Amy asked. “I know this must all seem very sudden to you.” Anne nodded. “Well, when Dad was offered the job in England we couldn’t really leave you on the other side of the Atlantic. As we had already more or less decided to send Steph to St. Mildred’s, it seemed logical to consider the Chalet School for you. You’ll be close together and we won’t be that far away. I’m sorry about not consulting you, but the final arrangements had to made in rather a hurry. The school does sound very nice, though, and it has a very good reputation; I’m sure you’ll be very happy there. Lady Watson clearly loved her time there,” she concluded, remembering the acquaintance who had first mentioned the school when they were considering sending Steph to Europe for a final year or two.
“Yes, but she was there years ago,” Anne protested. “And I’m not her.”
“That’s true, but I believe the Headmistress is still the same, and that counts for a great deal. Would you like to have a look at the prospectus?”
Anne agreed, reasoning that it was better to know about it now than when she got there as she clearly had no choice in the matter. But she didn’t have to enjoy it, despite Lady Evadne Watson. Truth to tell, she was rather scared by it all, but wild horses couldn’t have dragged that admission out of her.
#4: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 3:33 pm
Oooh! This looks good!
Please carry on!!
#5: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 4:01 pm
Echoes Vikki's plea.
#6: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 4:25 pm
Ohhhhh, eagerly waiting for more!
#7: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 6:22 pm
Looking good - very nice start.
More soon please!
#8: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 6:25 pm
Ooooooh, new drabble. *pulls up a comfy chair*
#9: Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet!
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 6:31 pm
Wow shiny new drabble. More soon i hope 
#10: Author: catherine, Location: York
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 8:09 pm
More soon, please, caz! This is looking really good!
#11: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 10:22 pm
Chapter 2 – Arrival
Anne stood on the railway station platform, her head in a whirl. The past few weeks had been spent travelling all over England, meeting various family members and old friends of Amy. While Mr. and Mrs. Jameson had enjoyed these reunions, Steph and Anne had felt rather overwhelmed. The apparently never-ending stream of cousins of various degrees had been friendly but, as Steph had commented, there was no reason to expect them to be overjoyed at meeting strangers just because they had blood ties. The family had not been to England since Amy had married ‘G.I. Dan’ at the end of WW2, although photos and letters had kept those on each side of the Atlantic abreast of family news.
After the family visits had been paid, Amy and Dan had swept their children round all the tourist highlights of London, determined to make the most of the last weeks together. Anne now felt as though she was going to school for a much-needed rest!
At this point the return of the escort mistress forced her to concentrate on the present. “Anne, this is Daphne Bettany, she’ll look after you until you find your feet. Daphne, take Anne along and introduce her to some folk, answer any questions she has. But try not to overwhelm her,” Miss Wilmot finished with a smile.
Daphne grinned at her charge, “Come on, this way,” she ordered, only allowing Anne time to quickly hug her parents again (the final goodbyes had been said when Miss Wilmot had left them to find Daphne). Just as the girls slipped into place in the lines, the train drew in and the girls marched smartly into the reserved compartments. Anne found herself pushed into a corner seat by the window, the privilege of new girls on the grounds that everyone else had seen the view before. Once everyone was settled Daphne rapidly made the introductions.
“Right, you lot, this is Anne Jameson. Anne, this is George, Liz, Rosita and Hilary. We’re all perfectly nice and you can ask us any questions you like – within reason,” she added cautiously.
Anne nodded, “Thanks.” She fell silent, not sure what to say next. Hilary saw her uncertainty and grinned.
“It’s OK, you don’t have to give us the Third Degree now, but if you do want to know something then just shout. D’you mind if we ask about you? Where are you from – the States? Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
“We’ve just moved from America to London cos Dad’s got a new job. I have one sister, Steph. She’s older than me and has just started at St. Mildred’s. As my parents couldn’t exactly leave me behind when they moved they decided to send me here. Steph was going to go to finishing school in Europe anyway. What about you?”
“George and I are both only children,” Hilary replied, “but Daphne makes up for us: she has three brothers and three sisters.” Liz and Rosita both owned two brothers and the talk turned to exchanges of family news. Anne let the chatter drift over her; she didn’t think she could cope with anyone else’s fmaily at the moment, her own relations had been confusing enough. She wondered how Steph had found the journey earlier in the week. Her confidence had probably carried her through, Anne reflected.
The other girls were well versed in the school’s emphasis on welcoming new girls so they did their best to draw Anne into the conversation and she responded hesitantly but with decreasing shyness. In Paris more girls joined the school party, including Celine who was clearly a leading light of ‘the Crew’ as Anne discovered her friends were collectively termed. Between them, they filled her mind with school facts, history and gossip. This, added to her memory of the prospectus, gave her courage as she stepped off the coach at the Gornetz Platz and she no longer felt as though she was heading into the unknown.
#12: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 10:27 pm
Oooh!!!
More story!!!
Yay!!!!
#13: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 11:22 pm
A new drabble 
It's looking great from her caz!
#14: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent
Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 4:34 am
Thank you caz!
#15: Author: Angel, Location: London, England
Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 6:45 am
This is good.
*watches for more*
#16: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 9:31 am
Chapter 3 – First Impressions
Despite her weariness from the journey Anne woke early the following morning. It took her a moment or two to work out where she was. She squinted at her watch, but as she couldn’t remember what time the rising bell went it was a rather pointless effort. She lat back recalling her first night in the new school.
The evening had passed in a blur, from Miss Annersley’s speech of welcome to the assembled school until she fell into bed, Anne had felt as though she had barely had time to breathe. So many names and faces, instructions to try to remember and so many corridors she was convinced she would never find her way around on her own. The only repsite had been during Prayers where a familiar hymn and the quiet service had calmed her. Then there had been a short time in the Common Room, with all the girls talking at the tops of their voices. Anne had silently admired the large room with its comfortable chairs and good collection of games, books and magazines, necessary for the long winter months, Liz had explained. It was then that Anne had discovered that Josephine M. Bettany lived next door. Deciding that expressing her preference for L.M.Montgomery would not be a good plan, Anne had satisfied her form-mates with “Really? I’ve really enjoyed her books – those I’ve read.” Had she but known it, her astonishment was identical to that expressed by every new girl on hearing this news. For once, however, the astonishment could not be voiced to one of Joey’s daughters as Cecil Maynard, the acknowledged leader of the Crew, was unaccountably absent. Upper IVA speculated wildly on her whereabouts, but were forced to possess their souls in patience until the next day.
Just as Anne was wondering what Cecil was like and getting it wildly wrong in the bargain (later – much later – she and Cecil were to laugh over Anne’s imagined picture of Cecil with long blonde hair and green eyes!) the rising bell clanged out. The first bathers rushed out of the dormitory and Anne shook herself and jumped out of bed. Daphne had explained last night that she was second in the bathroom and had impressed upon her the importance of being ready to go as soon as the girl ahead of her on the list returned.
The next thirty minutes passed in a flash as girls rushed in and out of dormitories, dashed through their tasks, helped the new girls and generally scurried around to be ready for Fruhstuck. As Carnation dormitory processed down the stairs daphne decided that Anne “would do”. She found it hard to empathise with the girl’s shyness, coming from such a large family herself, but Hilary had cornered her for a few minutes the night before and pointed out that not everyone had grown up in the Chalet School.
“All the customs and rules will be utterly new to her,” Hilary had said. “I reckon she could be an asset to the form but just give her a chance to settle in. She might need more encouragement than most at first.” Daphne had nodded and was determined to do her best to help the new girl out.
Anne liked the light and airy Speisaal, the brightly coloured cloths painted chairs. Though she was not accustomed to the continental style breakfast she made a good meal. But she unwittingly provided her contemporaries with a minor shock.
#17: Author: Nell, Location: London, England
Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 11:15 am
Caz this is great but what was the shock????
#18: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 11:18 am
Wait and see! Why do you think I ended that post there?
#19: Author: Nell, Location: London, England
Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 11:24 am
Ok i won't be subtle then...i knew why you left it there...and now i want more to find out what happens!!!!! more please!!!!
ETA: typos or turtles
Last edited by Nell on Thu Apr 22, 2004 12:39 pm; edited 1 time in total
#20: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire
Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 11:57 am
Stop teasing us, Caz. Post more!
#21: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!
Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 12:16 pm
*echoes Jennie* Pleeeeeeeeeeeease.
#22: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol
Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 3:54 pm
Eagerly waiting for more!
Is Anne's mother Amy Stevens?
#23: Author: Alice, Location: London, England
Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 6:53 pm
oooo, I bet Anne's a vegetarian???
#24: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire
Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 6:53 pm
Wanting to know what shock Anne gave the others, and why is Cecil absent?
Want to know more please.
#25: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......
Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 7:23 pm
*teeters on cliff edge.......*
#26: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 10:01 pm
.
When the prefect at the head of the table offered Anne coffee she refused politely, “No, thank you, I don’t drink it.” Barbara Craven raised an eyebrow but decided it was none of her business, merely ensuring that Anne was supplied with a glass of milk instead. Liz saw no reason to hold her tongue
“Why aren’t you having coffee?” she demanded.
“I don’t like the taste,” Anne replied calmly.
“But…but everyone drinks it here,” protested Rosita.
“Well, I’m not going to. It can’t be a rule,” Anne responded.
“Do you want a refill, Ros?” Daphne broke in at this point, seeing Anne’s discomfort at the attention she was being given. “Pass my cup along while you’re at it. How soon do you think they’ll let us have some games?” Having succeeded in steering the conversation into safer waters she whispered to Anne, “Don’t worry, just ignore them, no-one’s going to force-feed you coffee!” Anne smiled back, grateful for the support, but embarrassed to have drawn attention to herself over such a minor thing.
Daphne took her duties as sheepdog seriously, particularly given Hilary’s comments of the night before, and Anne found her first day much more bearable than she’d expected. During the short lessons they had she found herself well able to keep up with the form and agreed with the others that their new form mistress seemed “fab” and “terribly jolly”. She’d surprised the others in her dormitory with the speed of her unpacking but, as she pointed out, “I’ve been packing and unpacking all summer, visiting different relatives, as well as the move, of course, so I’ve had plenty of practice.”
The Crew came to much the same opinion of Anne as Hilary already had and included her in their activities as far as possible. These were somewhat milder and more law-abiding than usual, due to Cecil’s absence. Daphne’s enquiries of their form-mistress had elicited the information that Cecil had been staying with the Rosomons when the boys went down with chicken-pox. Though Mary and Cecil had not caught it, there were still a few days of quarantine left to run. Miss Carter assured her form that, all being well, Cecil would be restored to them by the following weekend, before moving onto other form business, such as retrieving the correct set of maths textbooks for Upper IVA from the Upper VI form room where they had unaccountably appeared.
#27: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......
Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 10:07 pm
Thank you Caz!!
Looking forward to more!
#28: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US
Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 2:04 am
Very interesting, Caz!
I'm amazed there's so little comment in the books on that ubiquitous coffee. Besides the fact that it tastes nasty (unless extremely well sugar-and-creamed), it was always considered "for grown-ups only" in my neck of the woods. The more extreme factions told kids it would stunt their growth, and recommended another glass of milk.
#29: Author: Angel, Location: London, England
Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 6:53 am
I find I like real coffee, but not the stuff you typically get outside of continental Europe.
But yes, I love this. Will Anne meet Fleur??
#30: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire
Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 9:45 am
I like real coffee, but I don't like instant. I have to drink it black as I'm lactose intolerant, so instant tastes quite nasty to me.
#31: Author: Nell, Location: London, England
Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 11:18 am
Thats cos most instant coffe is quite nasty - but then i'm a coffee snob!!! And will drink real coffee any way from double espresso to latte!!!
And Caz I'm really enjoying this and look forward to seeing what happens between Cecil and Anne on her return...or was i reading more than i should have into your comments earlier?
#32: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans
Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 3:00 pm
I've always wondered what happened to girls who didn't like coffee, yucky stuff!
Enjoying this lots, I like Anne, she sounds nice
#33: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol
Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 4:08 pm
I hate both tea and coffee so would probably be a freak in the CS world!
More soon please
#34: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar
Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 5:36 pm
I don't like milk. Don't mind coffee, but not if it's too milky, as the CS coffee seems to be.
#35: Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England
Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 5:58 pm
Far be it from me to complain but I'm desperately trying to catch up with 'must read' drabbles and have just added this to the list!
I was about to say 'What, an American who doesn't drink coffee!' when I saw Kathy's post and realised that I'd fallen into the trap of generalising about Americans again. sorry Kathy!
Great story, Caz!
#36: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 8:43 pm
Thanks for the comments, glad you're enjoying this.
Angel - No, I don't plan to link this in with other drabbles (apart from borrowing 'The Crew' from 'A Chalet Girl in Trouble') *offers belated acknowledgements and apologies to Lisa T*
------------------------------------------------
Chapter 4 – Cecil
“Cecil Maynard! About time too”. Thus Daphne led the chorus of greetings for her cousin a week or so into term. Cecil, gratified by the response to her reappearance, moved into the Common Room and sank down into a chair.
“And it’s lovely to see you too, Daphne. Have you missed me?” she grinned.
“Desperately, tragically,” responded Liz sarcastically. “Life’s just so unbelieveably dull without you around, it’s hardly worth getting up in the morning.” There was a general chuckle at this, as Liz was renowned for waking – and rising – earlier than most people.
“So what have I missed?” Cecil demanded. Several voices started to fill her in but she protested, “I didn’t mean school news, Mamma keeps me up-to-date. I meant form stuff. What are the new girls like? What about Miss Carter?” Their form-mistress was new to the school; Daphne assured Cecil that she was “decent enough”.
“And here is our new girl, Anne,” Celine announced, pulling Anne forward as she spoke. Anne smiled nervously at Cecil, having already worked out that she was something of a leader in the form – in mischief at least! Cecil grinned back,
“Hello. I’m Cecil, though you’d probably gathered that. Cousin to our illustrious form prefect,” she gestured at Daphne as she spoke. “You’ll be meeting my mother tomorrow when you go for the new girls’ tea party, so I’ll warn you now, don’t believe everything she says about me.” The rest of the form shouted with laughter at Cecil’s mock-innocent look but Anne felt slightly uncomfortable, not seeing the joke. She was starting to find her feet in the form, being particularly friendly with Hilary and Daphne, and was relieved to discover that she could get by on German days (French held no terrors for her). Now, however, she was at a loss to know how to respond to Cecil’s exuberance. By this point in term she was also longing for some solitude, the chance to curl up with a book and block out the real world for a couple of hours. She avoided being drawn into the game of Impertinent Questions which Cecil had instituted and wandered off down the corridor in search of peace and quiet.
#37: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol
Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 9:13 pm
Ohhh I hope Anne isn't overwhelmed by Cecil for long!
#38: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......
Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 9:15 pm
Ooh! Thanks Caz! More soon please!!
#39: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans
Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 1:00 am
Being overwhelmed by somebody as confident and exuberant as Cecil is hardly surprising I suppose. I'd probably react the same way myself!
#40: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 9:20 am
However Hilary had seen her slip out of the room and nudged Daphne, “Your lamb’s gone walkabout,” she murmured. Daphne looked up and muttered,
“Oh blow!” as she recognised the truth of this statement. Abandoning the game, despite Cecil’s protests, she hurried out into the corridor. Fortunately, she spied Anne almost immediately. She hadn’t gone very far and was perched on a window-sill halfway down the passage. “Are you OK?” she asked.
Anne nodded, “Sorry, I suppose I’m breaking all sorts of rules, I just wanted to be on my own for a bit. Peace and quiet.”
“Yes, you don’t get much of that when Cecil’s around,” Daphne agreed with a smile. “I think she’s been bored during quarantine as well, she’s not usually this bad. But we’re not really suppposed to be here. D’you think you can cope until bedtime?”
Anne agreed unenthusiastically that she probably could, as she was not minded to make a fuss, so the pair made their way back to the Common Room, just escapping being caught by Miss Dene. Cecil scowled at them when they entered, aggrieved at Daphne’s abandonment, but Daphne just ignored it, being used to her cousin’s quick temper. Anne was more concerned but didn’t see how she could have upset Cecil: no-one would mind a stranger not joining in a game, surely. Cecil got ready for bed in near silence that evening. Everyone else was too tired to stay awake but Cecil had been unusually inactive for the weeks of quarantine, and unfortunately stayed awake for an hour and a half, nursing her perceived grievance against Anne.
#41: Author: Angel, Location: London, England
Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 12:25 pm
OOOh, this is good. I'm liking this muchly...
#42: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire
Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 12:28 pm
Oh dear, another Maynard about to cause trouble. That was a gentle hint for more, please.
#43: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol
Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 12:52 pm
Is this another bad Cecil?
More please
#44: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans
Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 1:14 pm
Why is it Maynard children feel they have to be the centre of attention all the time... oh yes, their mother, I forgot.
*scowls at Cecil*
more please caz
#45: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire
Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 2:18 pm
What's bred in the bone...............
#46: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent
Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 2:51 pm
Caz, I'm really enjoying this - more please!
#47: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire
Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 4:04 pm
There's never enough drabble when you want it.
#48: Author: Laura, Location: London (ish)
Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 6:51 pm
Too true. *hint hint*
More please! And Cecil seems so self-obsessed.... (now who could she take after?!)
#49: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 9:18 am
Chapter 5 – Welcome to Freudesheim
“Are you ready to go, Anne?” Daphne asked as she entered the dormitory the following afternoon.
Anne laid down her hairbrush, “Yes, just about.”
“Good, we’re to meet the others by the front door. After the rain yesterday we’re going round by the main road rather than cutting across the grounds so it’ll take longer and Fliss is anxious to get going.”
They hurried downstairs and joined the group of girls in the front hall and Felicity Maynard checked everyone was there. She, along with her friends Lucy Peters and Jean Morrison, were going along to help Joey host the tea-party.
“I still don’t understand why your aunt does this,” Anne commented to Daphne as they set off down the drive.
“It’s like we told you, Auntie Jo was the first pupil the school had and she’s always stayed involved. She taught a bit once as well. She’s always held these tea-parties to get to know the new girls.”
“But why? Isn’t she busy with her writing?”
“Yes, but she always has time for the school. I guess she just likes entertaining, and her parties are always great fun.”
Anne shrugged and the topic was dropped. She didn’t mean to be so contrary and in all honesty was rather looking forward to the afternoon, not least because several people had assured her that Joey served proper English tea on these occasions. However, she didn’t really see what was so special about her hostess’ family. She was accustomed to seeing people as individuals not as part of a family, a view of the world which was strengthened by the differences between her and Steph.
When the girls reached Freudesheim, Joey was at the front door to greet them. Anne saw a tall woman with cropped black hair (Joey’s new hairstyle had been the talk of the Platz for three whole weeks earlier in the year) who was smiling her welcome. “Come in, all of you,” Joey called out. “Felicity and Lucy will show you where to put your wraps and then come along into the Salon.” She greeted each of the girls she knew by name, teasing Daphne about her height and having a gentle word with Elisabeth Andrews who had lost her mother the year before.
“Right, then,” Joey began, as everyone settled themselves in the Salon. I thought we’d begin with some games.” She led them through various lively party games, finishing with an exhausting game of Family Aeroplane. As everyone recovered their breath, Felicity and Jean brought in the tea trolley, which was the cue for photographs to be brought out, and various school legends were recounted with much hilarity. These remiiniscences were followed by paper games, during the course of which Jo contrived to have a quick chat with each of the new girls, assuring her of a warm welcome and a sympathetic ear at Freudesheim if these were ever needed. As many girls had connections to previous pupils of the school, she usually asked about their families as well, particularly if a girl’s face seemed familiar. This afternoon, it was Anne’s face which reminded Joey of someone, but she was unable to place it at all, nor could Anne help.
“No, none of the family have come here. We heard about the school from Lady Evadne Watson, but that’s the only link we have.”
“Evvy? How is she? I haven’t heard from her for a while.”
“She was fine last time I saw her, but one of her sons was quite badly injured in a car accident in the spring. He’s getting better now but they were quite worried about him for a couple of weeks.”
“Oh, poor Evvy. I must write to her. Now, you have a sister at Millie’s, don’t you?”
“Yes, Steph.”
“That must be nice, having her close.”
“Well, yes, I suppose so,” Anne said slowly, “but I still miss my friends from back home; I’d rather they were here.”
Joey was taken aback by this. “Well, you’ll make lots of new friends here,” she said finally, “particularly if the Crew have taken you on. Just don’t let my Cecil lead you into too much mischief,” she grinned, with a hint of the schoolgirl she had once been.
Anne muttered something non-committal. There had been a distinct coolness between her and Cecil since their first meeting which was beginning to throw the rest of the Crew off balance. She liked Daphne and Hilary, and the others – apart from Cecil – were all right but she knew none of them would replace the friends from back home with whom she had grown up. She’d known Shirley and Diana all her life, but was aware she would only have spend four years at The Chalet School.
Anne was the last new girl Joey had to speak to, though she caught Daphne for a few minutes to hear the latest news of her brother’s family. The pair returned to a riotous game of Book Reviews, which Joey allowed them to finish before sending them back to school “on time, for once,” as she put it. Felicity, at least, grinned at these words: usually the new girls’ tea parties ended in scrambled haste as, for some reason, no-one ever remembered to keep an eye on the time.
#50: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol
Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 10:15 am
Ohhh a mystery!
I can understand Anne missing her friends and knowing that the girls in the CS can never replace them.
#51: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire
Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 11:03 am
So Caz, please clear up this mystery for us. A polite way of asking for more.
#52: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......
Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 1:38 pm
*joins the chanting mob.........*
#53: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar
Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 1:44 pm
So Anne must be related to a previous CS girl. And we have absolutely no clues as to who it could be?
#54: Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London
Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 7:37 pm
oooooh - shiny shiny more drabble!
MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRREEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!
#55: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 9:51 pm
Chapter 6 – The Staff at Leisure
“And why we bother expecting them to think for themselves, I just do not know!” Kathie Ferrars wound up and collapsed back into a comfortable chair in the Staff Room.
“You poor thing,” said Nancy Wilmot, “they have been giving you a hard time. But there’s definitely something amiss with that form – they seem to be behaving more like Juniors than Senior Middles. Jane, can you shed any light on this?” Upper IVA’s form-mistress frowned. As far as she could see, the trouble centred on Cecil Maynard. The girl just hadn’t seemed to settle down this term and that was affecting the rest of the form. She was well aware of Cecil’s connections, however, and didn’t want to voice her thoughts until she was clearer in her own mind. However, she couldn’t ignore a direct question like this.
“I can’t quite put my finger on it but there are definite undercurrents in the form which are distracting the girls in some way. I take it this hasn’t happened before? They’ve only the one new girl, and Anne doesn’t seem to be causing problems. In fact, she seems to be one of the few who listened to my last history lesson. Half of them still confused Mary Tudor and Mary, Queen of Scots in their essay even after I spent half the lesson explaining the difference.” The rest of the staff all managed to look suitably shocked, though the non-historically minded among them made a mental note to look up those two personages as soon as they could. Jane continued, “Rosita even asked me if the king of France was called Francis just because he was the king of France – so it would be easy to remember!” The staff rocked with laughter at this idea.
“What’s the joke?” demanded a golden voice from the doorway.
“Joey!” “How good to see you?” “How are you?” “Are you well?” Such exclamations came from all over the room, and Joey acknowledged them all, before accepting a cup of coffee and sinking down into a chair.
“And what have we done to deserve the honour of your presence?” Kathie asked.
“Guess!” Joey replied promptly.
Nancy looked at her with a grin and began to methodically tick off the possibilities from a mental list. “With Phil and Geoff the age they are I doubt you’re going to have any more additions to your family, and I haven’t heard of any abandoned children needing adoption. You could have discovered new relations but Cecil was with you at the weekend and wouldn’t have kept it quiet for so long. So it’s either news from an Old Girl or mistress…” she trailed off as Joey continued to shake her head smugly. “Josephine Mary Maynard, don’t tell me you’ve already finished the Christmas Play! We didn’t expect it until half-term.”
Joey grinned, “I can take it home until then if you like,” she offered, laughing at the storm of protest her suggestion provoked. “Well, I ran out of inspritation for my book but had some ideas for the play so decided to get on with that while I could. Now, give me all the hanes,” she demanded. “And introduce me to the newbies,” gesturing at an embarrassed Jane Carter. Kathie performed the required introduction and Joey nodded, “Ah yes, you have the pleasure – or otherwise – of taching my Cecil.”
“Mostly otherwise at the moment, I’m afraid,” Nancy put in bluntly. “Oh, not Cecil particularly. But we’ve just been saying that the whole form seems off balance somehow.”
Joey frowned, “Cecil didn’t say anything last weekend. And I can’t see the new girl causing problems. If anything, she seemed quieter than most. But that reminds me, has anyone else seen it?”
“Seen what?” Ruth Derwent demanded, not unreasonably.
“She reminds me of someone, someone I knew years ago, I think, not someone I’ve seen recently. Can’t place it, though. Hasn’t anyone else seen it?” The staff, to a woman, denied seeing any such resemblance and Joey shouted down the idea that Anne just reminded her of Steph. “I haven’t even met her sister,” she protested.
“You know, it could just be someone you’ve seen in the street, or sat opposite on a train,” Kathie pointed out.
Joey was unconvinced, “Yes, well, perhaps. Anyway, she surely can’t be at the root of the problem you’re having. Maybe they’re all sickening for something.”
“Who might be sickening for something? Upper IVA? Not as far as I know,” Matey said sharply. “They all seem fine, which is more than can be said for you, Jo. You look washed out”
Jane was edified to see that Mrs Maynard was clearly almost as in awe of Matey as she was, as Joey admitted, “I know, I’ve been overdoing things a bit. But now the Play’s done, Jack’s put his foot down and ordered me to take things easy, particularly as I’m going to have a very special visitor later this term.” She looked round expectantly, but the staff seemed either too tired to guess or supremely uninterested. She sighed, “Well, if you don’t want to know…”
Rosalie Dene chuckled, “For once, Joey, you’ve been caught napping. Madame wrote to Hilda as well, so we already know she’s coming out to stay with you for a few weeks.”
“Oh.” Joey was at a loss for words, used to being the first with the news every time. “Well then, I’ll just do the other thing I came for, which was to invite Jane for English tea at Freudesheim. Do you have a free afternoon this week? Thursday? Good, I’ll expect you at half-past fifteen. Goodnight all!” She made to sweep out of the room with dignity, but her exit was marred by the handle of her bag catching on the doorknob. Blushing, she disentangled herself and fled down the corridor, pursued by giggles from the mistresses.
#56: Author: Angel, Location: London, England
Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 10:31 pm
oh WONDERFUL
I do like this drabble.
#57: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire
Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 10:40 pm
Very enjoyable, and Anne seems to be a sensible level headed girl, I like her.
Loved the staff scene too.
#58: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England
Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 10:51 pm
Love the handbag...lovely joey touch there.
#59: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans
Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 12:44 am
So who is it that Joey is reminded of? I like Anne more with each new bit. She sounds sensible and I can see how upsetting it would be to leave her friends behind, though it very rarely seems to be a big problem for most new girls.
Looking forward to more when you can.
#60: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......
Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 1:14 am
*chanting gaily for more!*
#61: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent
Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 4:44 am
Excellent couple of posts! Wonder how long it will take before someone dares to mention that it's Cecil causing the troubkle?
More please!
#62: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire
Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 7:38 am
Great new posts. I loved Jo's embarrassment with the handbag, and with not being first with the news.
#63: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol
Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 8:05 am
Loved the interlude with the staff!
Can't wait for more
#64: Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London
Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 10:00 am
Loved the little interlude - MORRRRRE!
#65: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 10:59 am
I'm glad you liked the staff-room scene. I had second thoughts after posting, as I wasn't convinced it worked all that well. Here's a little more:
Chapter 7 – A Little Prep!
The undercurrents in Upper IVA had not gone unnoticed by the Prefects. That Thursday evening Jocelyn Marvell, the Head Girl, had elected to take prep with them for a change, giving Carlotta von Eschenau a welcome reprieve. One or two faces fell when Jocelyn entered and quick glances were cast at Cecil. But, despite Jocelyn’s reputation for terrorising evildoers, she was not minded to let her preparations go to waste. Mlle Berne’s strictures on her Latin prep had detained her and made her late for Games so she had been forced to spend the first part of the netball lesson practising shooting until she could swap into the game. The others who were in the same boat took their turns happily enough but Cecil felt aggrieved. She was a promising player in defence but her shooting was poor and she felt it was wasting time to be practising that when no-one in their right mind would put her in an attack position. She felt thoroughly ill-used, and had consequently plotted to liven up their prep time with a devil-may-care attitude.
Jocelyn spoke sharply to the laggards who were not ready when she came in, telling them to take their seats immediately. Rosita protested, “But Jocelyn, I can’t find my atlas.”
“You should keep your locker tidier, or come to the form-room early enough to find everything before the bell. Go to your desk now. You’ll have to do what you can from memory,” Jocelyn said firmly. Rosita grimaced. She was no great lover of geography and doubted her ability to produce anything that would pass muster without her atlas. (In this she was proved right, as her attempts resulted in a returned lesson for her the following week.)
Jocelyn saw with relief that everyone seemed to be settling down to work. She opened her maths textbook and began reviewing the chapter before grappling with the appalling exercise Miss Wilmot had set. She was not destined to get very far with it that evening, however.
Upper IVA’s English prep was to choose any poem from their anthology and write about why they liked it, as well as to memorise their chosen poem. Miss Derwent hoped that this would help them to think about their responses to the poetry they were reading, as well as giving them practise in articulating their thoughts and exercising their critical faculties. Cecil, however, had found time to skim through the book and had found the most complex poems, and those which included the most difficult words. She had recruited rest of the Crew, excluding Anne, and had told them what to do. Now, casting her gaze round the room, she decided that the time was ripe to begin and raised a hand.
#66: Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle
Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 1:30 pm
Lovely lovely story. Is very true to CS style. Is Cecil going to be in trouble again.? Bet she blames Anne.
#67: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol
Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 4:14 pm
Can't wait to see what happens next!
I think it's very true to EBD's style to have Jocelyn as head girl, she did like to have troublemakers reformed!
#68: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans
Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 6:05 pm
Jocelyn as Headgirl? I nearly cheered when I saw that, very EBD like, I should think she won't go easy on a sinner like Cecil. I am intrigued as to exactly what she's plotting though.
#69: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar
Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 7:00 pm
It's interesting Cecil hasn't recruited Anne to her plan. I'm not liking Cecil in here, but I'm sure Jocelyn will get to the bottom of it all.
#70: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 9:43 pm
I kind of figured KB had started to reform Jocelyn in TOG, I just carried on the process.
----------------------------------------
“Please, Jocelyn, I’m a bit stuck with my English.”
Jocelyn privately agreed with the comment but merely said, “All right, bring it up here.”
Cecil did so, and explained the prep. “The thing is, I don’t really understand all of it but I do want to write about this poem,” she explained. Jocelyn read it through with increasing dismay, wondering why on earth Cecil couldn’t have chosen an easier poem, before beginning the best explanation she could of ‘The Hound of Heaven’. When Cecil still didn’t look happy, Jocelyn concluded, “Look, you don’t have to entirely understand a poem to be able to enjoy it. Sometimes you won’t be able to work out logically why a piece of writing moves you. I’m not sure I can explain any further, you’ll have to make do with that.” Cecil returned to her seat pondering Jocelyn’s words. If that were true, then what was the point of their prep? Forgetful of her plot, she worked some of her confusion into her essay, surprising Miss Derwent with the depth and maturity of her reasoning.
Meanwhile the rest of the Crew, unaware of Cecil’s thoughts, continued to ask Jocelyn for help understanding their chosen poems. The Head Girl was aware something was not quite right about this – surely some of them would have chosen poems they could understand – but she couldn’t refuse to answer legitimate questions. However, when confronted with Robert Burns’ ‘To a Mouse’, and a request for a “translation” from George (who liked it “because my Scottish Nanny used to read it to me every Burns’ Night but I can’t remember what it means”) Jocelyn was forced to concede defeat.
“I’m sorry, George, but you must understand it at least as well as I do. If you really can’t manage then you’ll have to choose another poem.”
George returned to her seat outwardly subdued but grinning inwardly at the success of Cecil’s plan. They had managed to disconcert the Head Girl thoroughly by using purely legitimate means. While the form settled down to work, Jocelyn (as some of the brighter sparks realised) was still on edge, not knowing if someone else would ask for help.
The next incident was genuinely accidental. One of Hilary’s books was lying near the edge of the desk when she nudged it a little too far and, in trying to catch it she sent her pencil-box and contents flying. Daphne and Rosita (glad of the distraction from her geography) went to help her pick up her pencils but they just succeeded in hindering each other. Jocelyn noticed what appeared to be a minor riot developing and demanded to know what was going on.
Hilary scrambled to her feet, “I’m sorry, Jocelyn, I knocked my pencil-box off my desk.”
“All right, but it doesn’t take three of you to clear it up. Daphne, Rosita, please sit down. Hilary should be perfectly capable of picking up a few pencils on her own. Just be more careful in future.” The three hastened to obey and silence quickly descended once more. However, it was an uneasy silence as the disturbance had unsettled the whole room. It wasn’t long before Jocelyn was roused from her work again. This time Liz was the innocent cause. In an attempt to fix her chosen poem in her head she had shut her eyes and was beating out the rhythm of the lines in mid-air. Celine caught sight of her and started giggling. This attracted the attention of her closest neighbours who, following her eyes, also dissolved into giggles at the sight. Jocelyn looked up but, as Liz chose that point to put her rep. aside in favour of geography, her form-mates regained their self-control and Jocelyn never did discover the cause. Recalling her own days as a tempestuous Middle, she wondered if someone had been pulling faces. Alert for another outbreak, she made a hopeless mess of the next two sums and was forced to rework them entirely. Struggling to find her mistake, she jumped violently when the peace of the room was broken by a hideous squealing.
#71: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire
Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 10:34 pm
Poor Jocelyn, this is very EBD, though with quite an ingenious twist, but what or who was squealing? And why?
#72: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar
Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 11:24 pm
I do like how this is very similar to EBD's style. It's really good!
#73: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:05 am
Very true to EBD, yet still totally original! Thanks Caz!
#74: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 8:21 am
This could have been written by EBD herself, can't wait to find out what's squeeling.
#75: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 9:22 am
Like this, and as the others have said this is so true to EBD.
The way it moves from one minor incident to the next, disrupting the whole prep is great, now tell us about the squealing!
#76: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 9:27 am
Strangely, I'm rather concerned how EBD-like you all think it is, as I haven't read much CS recently, and none for about a month (hence the queries in QT). So either it's actually the drabbles influencing me, or the CS is just buried deep in my subconscious...
oh, did you want some more?
--------------------------------------------
Jocelyn looked up, but all the girls stared at her with expressions of equal horror and amazement. Even Cecil, who alone knew the source of the noise, had not expected it to sound quite so alarming. One or two more nervous souls burst into tears and Jocelyn was torn between the need to reassure them and the desire to track down the source of the noise. “Now, come on, there’s nothing to cry about,” she said firmly, raising her voice to make herself heard above the unearthly squeals. “We’ll soon find out what it is. There’s nothing supernatural about it,” she added, accurately guessing the root of most of their fears.
Daphne glanced at her cousin and managed to put two and two together to arrive at four. “Please, I think it sounds like it’s coming from the window, “she volunteered. Jocelyn followed the Form Prefect’s advice and examined the window carefully. She laughed in relief.
#77: Author: Nell, Location: London, England
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 10:56 am
so what was it??? Reminds me of that incident in the Tyrol with a squealer being set off under the window when Jo was taking the middles prep!
#78: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 11:03 am
I'm voting for snails, someone has been talking school history to Cecil!
come on Caz tell us what it is!! please!!
#79: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 11:57 am
Reminds me of Alixe and co in Tyrol to! That's one of my favourite scenes of the series!
Looking forward to hearing why Jocelyn is laughing!
#80: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 1:23 pm
Congratulations to those who guessed correectly!
-----------------------------------
“It’s nothing but a stray snail. I’ll knock it off onto the grass.” She suited the action to the word. At this point a creaking noise from the doorway threw the room into a state of confusion as most of the girls cried out in alarm.
Miss Carter stood at the door and regarded her form with displeasure, making a mental note to ask Gaudenz to oil the door-hinges. She had only come to retrieve a pen from her desk but could sense immediately that her form had been causing trouble and strode to the mistress’s desk. She had no need to call for silence as the form were shocked into it by the grim look on her face, even the more nervous ones choking back their sobs. Jocelyn was annoyed rather than perturbed. A couple of minutes later and calm would have been restored. Now she looked like a complete idiot who couldn’t keep order for toffee. She drew on all her Head Girl dignity:
“I’m sorry if you have been disturbed, Miss Carter. There was a snail on the window-pane and the noise it made traversing the glass was slightly alarming until we discovered what it was.”
“On the contrary, Jocelyn, I am sorry that my form can behave so disgracefully. Hysterics are entirely unnecessary in such circumstances, and I had thought they were old enough to have learnt some self-control.” She paused; not for nothing had the afternoon been spent at Freudesheim listening to Joey recount innumerable school legends. “Just as a matter of curiosity, does anyone happen to know how the snail reached the window?” Jocelyn gaped at her but Cecil was already scrambling to her feet, cursing her bad luck.
“It was me,” she admitted ungrammatically. “I put it there this afternoon. None of the others knew about it.”
Miss Carter dismissed Jocelyn to the Prefects Room before telling her form exactly what she thought of them. They all found themselves expected to write letters of apology to Jocelyn for their behaviour and Cecil was also condemned to writing a detailed composition on the habits of snails, to be presented to Miss Carter by Saturday evening. In addition to this she was to lose the Saturday evening entertainment and spend the time hemming sheets in Matron’s room instead. Cecil hated the sight of a needle as much as her mother had done in her schooldays, and it was a long time before she tried to liven things up again.
#81: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 3:12 pm
Well at least this Cecil is honest
Is Miss Carter having trouble fitting in?
#82: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 3:31 pm
What is it that makes you think that, Cazx? (Sorry, I don't mean to put you on the spot, I'm just rather curious about how the characters are being perceived).
#83: Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 3:36 pm
*wailing and whimpering slightly*
Caz! you posted! but it wasn't more drabble!!!
any chance of some more before i go home *hopeful smiley*
#84: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 3:38 pm
Ummm I think I perceived her like that because of the way it said she had been "listening to Joey recount innumerable school legends." To me that suggested that she was not impressed with her afternoon, also the way she barged in on Jocelyn made me think she did not believe Jocelyn could handle the situation.
But don't trust/listen (to) anything I say as frequently jump to the wrong conclusion in books!
#85: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 3:45 pm
No Cazx, I got the same impression of Miss. Carter. I'd think it would be very hard to fit in at the CS unless you got to like Joey straight away and appreciated the legends.
#86: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 4:25 pm
Sorry for this disappointment, Katarzyna. Hope more drabble will make up for it.
Thanks for the comments, Cazx and Sarah. I've added a bit in later on to resolve that. (That's a not so subtle hint that I like feedback! 
)
---------------------------------------------
Chapter 8 – A Rainy Saturday
“When will this rain stop?” moaned Celine dismally. It was the weekend before half-term and it seemed to the Middles as though it had been raining forever. The girls were fed up with being confined to the house, and even the staff were feeling the strain.
“Maybe we could do something,” suggested Cecil vaguely.
“Have you got another trick of your mother’s to try?” Anne asked pointedly. Even as she spoke, she knew it was unfair to rake up the Adventure of the Snail as it had become known. But she was in a black mood that day, having just received a letter from her mother telling her that, due to the pressure of Dan’s work, the Jamesons were unable to fly out to see her and Steph at half-term as they had planned. And she’d hardly seen Steph all term anyway. ‘I might as well be back at home,’ Anne reflected miserably. ‘Then at least Shirl and Di would be around and we could just sit and talk or read.’ She found the rain less of a trial than the others in one respect, as she could never tire or reading as long as there was a constant supply of fresh books.
Cecil flushed at the reminder of the incident and poked her tongue out at Anne, being unable to think of a suitable rejoinder. Daphne, realising that Cecil was spoiling for a row, stepped in. “Why don’t we try doing something a bit different?” she suggested.
“Like what?” Rosita demanded. “We’ve done our evening this term and I’m sick of dancing and indoor games. And don’t suggest dressing-up for pity’s sake. That’s just for kids.”
“You couldn’t get at the costumes anyway. Bill’s got them out for the Guides to practise Needlework on,” Hilary pointed out.
Cecil grimaced, “Thank goodness she didn’t make my patrol do that. Far more fun to be doing First Aid.”
“Particularly when you’re playing the patient?” Daphne teased.
Cecil grinned at her cousin. “Well, it does mean you don’t really have to do anything apart from a bit of groaning now and again,” she admitted cheerfully.
“It was all right for you,” responded Liz. “I had a couple of Third Form kids who didn’t have a clue. I thought I was going to need First Aid after they’d finished with me, the way they wrenched my arm round when they were trying to put me in the recovery position. Bill didn’t half yell at them.”
“You know, the First Aid we do is all very well,” Daphne said thoughtfully, “but it’s all so fake.”
Cecil looked at her cousin with a pitying expression. “Of course it’s fake,” she explained gently. “You don’t expect Bill to break someone’s arm deliberately, just so we can all have a go at bandaging it, do you?”
“No, of course not,” Daphne retorted. “But I meant the conditions. Like, if one of us had an accident in here we’d have to manage ‘til Matey or one of the staff got here with a First Aid kit. What would we use to stop bleeding, for example?”
The rest of the Crew caught on to Daphne’s meaning and joined in the discussion with a will. When Miss Carter put her head round the door half an hour later to check on her form, she was astonished to see them practising First Aid on each other. Daphne broke off from instructing Anne on the use of splints and politely asked what Miss Carter wanted. Quickly ascertaining that no-one was actually injured, the mistress delivered her message.
“Just to let you know that there will be a reading of the Christmas Play this afternoon, so be sure to leave the Common Room tidy before you go to Mittagessen. Then the Prefects have planned some Progressive Games for this evening. I gather they’ve been thinking up some new puzzles for you.” She smiled, having been privvy to at least two of the new ideas, and returned to the Staff Room, leaving an excited form behind her. The Play and the evening’s entertainments drove all thoughts of First Aid to the back of their minds. None of them knew how important the information they had shared would become to two of their number.
#87: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 4:29 pm
Caz, when will it be important? And who will it be important to? I hope you'll tell us soon!
#88: Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly!
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 4:33 pm
Oh crumbs! I hope you tell us soon too Caz!
#89: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 4:50 pm
Now we know something is going to happen in the future. But we don't know when! And we don't know what! I want to know!
#90: Author: Angel, Location: London, England
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 5:11 pm
oooh.
Wonderful hint-dropping, and very true to the CS. Perhaps this should be going in the direction of GGBP as well.
#91: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 5:25 pm
wibble wibble 
who?
when?
where?
what?
why?
how?
#92: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 5:41 pm
Excellent post caz - love all the dropped hints!
#93: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:04 pm
*wibble*
That was a very EBD last line caz and I don't like it one little bit! Not when they all seem to be getting on ok (ish).
#94: Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:30 pm
I like the part about the First Aid. Having been taught various skills since Brownies, my main problem was I could never get past the fact that someone else would always be around to do it! Doesn't Biddy or someone say this in Exile by the way? I could see that being the attitude of many of the CS girls really, especially with Matey! The role playing idea is good, we do that at explorer scouts. Makes it a bit more interesting, though last time I still had issues with it not being real! Then I found myself faced with having to deal with a REAL first aid case in the Lakes - I was team leader and the oldest and most experienced (scary!!!!), and one of the younger, very novice hill walkers sprained her ankle and we had to sort it out. Yes, we worked very much as a team, but that moment when I looked around for someone to take charge and realised everyone was looking at me was very scary indeed!
Last edited by Rosie on Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:31 pm; edited 1 time in total
#95: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:30 pm
*gathers up all the hints Caz dropped, and offers to exchange them for more drabble!!*
#96: Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 11:41 pm
Thanks Caz, it is very EBD to drop hints like that, it must be in your subconcsience {or however you spell that word}.
Looking forward to seeing the actual event.
#97: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 7:56 am
Vikki - I'm confused: were you trying to offer me my own hints back in return for more drabble? I don't need them!
------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 9 – The Prefects in Conclave
“Well, for once half-term seems to have passed without the usual excitements: no burglars, floods or near-death experiences. And even Upper IVA seem to have settled down.” Gwen Thomas leaned back in her chair and regarded her fellow prefects complacently.
“As far as they’re concerned, I think it’s more like an armed truce,” Barbara Craven reponded cautiously. “But it is a relief to have had no alarums while we were away. And the Lower Fourths have been as good as gold since the Abbess squashed them good and hard for that stunt last week. They’re all on their best behaviour in case they lose their parts in the Christmas Play – that’s the next major excitement, I suppose, then home for the holidays.”
Jocelyn Marvell looked up from her book, “You do realise that you’ve just been tempting Fate as hard as you can for the past ten minutes?” she enquired politely. “I hope you realise I intend to hold you fully responsible for the consequences.” The Prefects chuckled appreciatively and Jocelyn grinned. “Now I have your attention, I’d like to propose a Prefects Meeting.” The room erupted into a babble of noise and Jocelyn demanded silence before she condescended to explain. “The Abbess had a word with me yesterday and suggested we start thinking about the Sale.” She laughed as her peers gaped at her in astonishment. “You look like stranded codfish! Why so surprised? You all know we have a Sale every year, and it’s up to us to choose the theme.”
“Yes, but the Sale isn’t until the summer term,” Barbara pointed out. “Unless they’re planning to move it?”
“No, it’s still two terms away,” Jocelyn replied, “but the Abbess suggested we should start thinking about it now. She said that the theme often gets chosen at the last minute and there are always good suggestions which can’t be used because of lack of time. So put your thinking-caps on. Three minutes from now!” There were various groans but the Prefects did as they were bid. When the three minutes were up Jocelyn called for ideas but they all looked at her blankly.
“Come on, some of you must have thought of something.”
“But Joss, so many themes have been used before,” Carlotta protested. “I imagine you are wnating us not to repeat ideas.”
“Certainly not,” Jocelyn retorted. “A pretty poor set of creatures we’d be if we couldn’t come up with an idea between now and the Sale.”
“But it’s so hard,” groaned Aimee. “I thought of Shakespeare, but I’m sure that’s been done before.”
“Twice,” said Jocelyn pedantically, having done some research the night before.
“What about Christmas carols?” asked Maureen O’Toole with a grin. Jocelyn glared at her. “Well, all right, but what about folk songs from different countries?”
“Too much like Many Nations,” Jocelyn responded.
“When was that?” Gwen asked.
“Back in England.”
“So why can’t we do folk songs? It’s not exactly the same, and who’s going to remember anyway?
Jocelyn gave her friend a withering look. “The staff, Mrs Maynard, any Old Girls that come,and some of the San staff too.” She looked round despairingly. “Doesn’t anyone else have any ideas?” she pleaded.
“And you, Jocelyn?” Swanhild Alvarasen asked innocently. “Surely you have an idea?”
Jocelyn grinned and was forced to concede defeat for the present. “Nary one, I’m afraid,” she admitted. “Oh well, keep thinking and maybe inspriation will strike when we’re least expecting it. Now, if there’s nothing else anyone wants to discuss, I declare this meeting closed.”
#98: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol
Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 8:09 am
Thanks Caz, I'd be hopeless at deciding what theme the sale should be.
#99: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire
Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 10:57 am
This is so EBDish, it's wonderful.
#100: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent
Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 9:17 pm
Thank you Caz - more please! *Can't satisfy some people!*
#101: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 11:16 pm
The talk turned to other matters and Barbara’s comments on the situation in Upper IVA were entirely forgotten. Jocelyn herself wandered off to the library with a vague idea that she could find inspiration more easily there. Choosing a theme for the Sale was becoming harder every year, as it was a point of honour for the Prefects to be as original as possible (not that this was always achieved). She was surprised to find the lights already on in the library, as only Prefects and staff would be in there at this time. She was rather embarrassed to find that the other occupant was Miss Carter. The two generally had little to do with each other, but their relations had been rather frosty since the snail incident. Miss Carter looked up as Jocelyn approached the table where she was sitting and attempted to hide the book she was reading. But Jocelyn had already seen the title and raised her eyebrows at the mistress.
“Gypsy Jocelyn!” she exclaimed. Miss Carter had the grace to blush.
“Yes. I haven’t read Josephine M. Bettany for years, but I just started flicking through…” She trailed off. It was ridiculous for her to be behaving as though she’d done something wrong. But the Head Girl merely grinned at her.
“I still read them,” she said. “And that’s my favourite, I think. I prefer the adventure ones on the whole.”
Jane Carter smiled back in relief, and realised with a shock that this girl was older than her own youngest sister. She suddenly recalled a conversation she had had with Kathie Ferrars over half term and decided to take the bull by the horns. “Jocelyn, I’m sorry about that incident in prep with Cecil and the snail. I didn’t mean to undermine your authority, I’m just not used to the way the Prefect system operates here. At my high school, the Prefects basically just ran errands for the staff.”
Jocelyn was astonshed at this but managed to stammer, “That’s all right, I mean…”
“Shall we agree to say no more about it?” Miss Carter said, smiling. “I’ll just borrow this, and leave you to work.” Jocelyn smiled back, then frowned as she remembered why she was there.
“Oh, it’s not work. I was just hoping to find inspiration for the Sale.” Miss Carter looked thoughtful. Joey had told her plenty about the Sale, and she realised how important it was to the school.
“ Have you tried… No, I shouldn’t interfere.”
“Any ideas gratefully received,” Jocelyn said pleadingly.
“Well, you’d have to do the research yourself, but how about Swiss myths and legends, particularly local ones? Though I daresay it’s been done before.”
“I don’t think it has,” said Jocelyn thoughtfully. “And it’s not too like anything else.”
Miss Carter smiled, “I think there’s a book in the history section, possibly in the Junior library though.”
“Thank you, Miss Carter.” Jocelyn began her search and the mistress retired to the staff room, relieved at the weight lifted from her mind. Kathie had been right, the Chalet School did take some getting used to, but it was worth perservering through the difficulties.
#102: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 12:54 am
That was lovely caz. The first time I read New Mistress I thought it must have taken a lot of courage to talk to Mary-Lou and apologise and I think the same about Miss Carter but I'm very glad she did.
That's a pretty cool theme for the Sale too, and completely original (as far as I know) which is VERY impressive.
#103: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 6:54 am
Excellent - very impressed with Miss Carter - and a very feasible mistake when you're not used to the type of authority the CS Prefects have.
Thank you.
#104: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 7:36 am
Yay for Miss Carter!
#105: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 8:13 am
Love the idea for the sale, will we see it happen?
#106: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 9:38 am
That was very nicely dealt with, you showed their embarrassment, and their willingness to build bridges. Love the idea for a sale theme it is so hard to come up with new one's isn't it.
#107: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 1:49 pm
I think Miss Carter did really well there. And I love the idea - are you going to have to do some research into Swiss myths and legends now Caz?
#108: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 10:47 pm
Sorry, there won't actually be a description of the Sale because this drabble only covers Anne's first term at the CS.
Chapter 10 – An Errand
“Cecil, could you take this parcel to Miss Wilson at St. Mildred’s, please?”
“Of course, Auntie Hilda.”
“Why don’t you take Anne Jameson with you as well? Neither of you are needed for the rehearsal at the moment and I’m sure Anne would appreciate the chance to see her sister. I’ll telephone Miss Wilson and let her know you are coming. You can take your elevenses there too, if you like, so don’t worry about hurrying back.”
Cecil was less than happy at the idea of going with Anne but she couldn’t exactly tell the Head that she wouldn’t take her because she didn’t like her. So she muttered acquiescence, took the parcel and went to find Anne. Miss Annersley watched her out of sight with a sigh. She, as well as the staff, was aware of the situation between the two girls but it was no part of the Chalet School’s ethos to interfere in friendships and she had hoped that the two girls would sort things out for themselves. Unfortunately, they showed little sign of doing so. Miss Annersley hoped that the walk to St. Mildred’s and back would give them time to talk. Anne seemed to be a sensible girl and Cecil’s current behaviour was most unlike her usual self. Had Miss Annersley been able to see the results of her errand, it is unlikely whether she would have let either girl set a foot outside the school gates. However, no such premonitions troubled her as she returned to her study to tackle a mountain of correspondence.
#109: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 11:03 pm
Uh-oh, what's going to happen.
#110: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......
Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 12:02 am
Oooh!
Any more yet Caz?
#111: Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK
Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 12:41 am
Da da da dum...... (bass drum roll)
What happens next, Caz?
#112: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent
Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 6:49 am
Nice cliff, Caz!!!
More soon please.
#113: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol
Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 11:15 am
Ohh is there were their first aid knowledge comes in handy?
#114: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire
Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 11:50 am
another cliff-hanger, just when I've done my nails with pretty pearly pink nail polish!
#115: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 3:20 pm
Anne and Cecil walked along in silence. They had avoided being solely in each other’s company all term and were now unsure of what to say. Cecil was seething with annoyance that she had had to have Anne come with her. She was beginning to realise that her dislike of Anne had no rational basis but to admit this meant putting herelf in the wrong and she wasn’t prepared to do that yet. Meanwhile Anne racked her brains for something to say but couldn’t think of anything. Just as she was thinking that she couldn’t bear the strained silence any longer, St. Mildred’s came into view.
“C’mon, follow me,” Cecil said curtly. She led the way to the office where they reported very properly to Miss Culver. Gillian grinned inwardly at Cecil as the girl seemed to be on her best behaviour. She smiled at them.
“Thank you, Cecil. And you must be Anne.” That young woman nodded mutely. “I’ll see if I can find Steph for you. Wait here.” Gillian suited the action to the word and left them alone in the room. Cecil looked at Anne awkwardly and moved to the bookshelves. When Steph entered, she barely noticed the dark-haired girl in the corner of the room, seemingly engrossed in a catalogue for office supplies.
“Anne! It’s good to see you. Everything going all right?”
“I’m OK, thanks. How about you?”
“Oh, I’m so glad Mom and Dad let me come here. Though the standard of work’s a bit high but I think I’m doing all right. How are you getting on?” Steph asked, slightly anxiously.
“Well, I was third in the form lists at half term,” Anne pointed out, “so I don’t think I’m doing too badly.”
Steph grinned, “And how are Shirley and Diana? Still writing?”
“Of course,” Anne responded indignantly. “Though Shirley said that Tom said that Phil had said that Mary never hears from you.”
Steph grimaced, “I probably should write back to her,” she admitted, “but there’s so much to do here. And I’ve been asked me to help out with the panto for next term. That reminds me, what are you dong about elevenses? Miss Culver said you could have them with me, but there’s a meeting about the panto in five minutes, which I really ought to be at.”
Anne looked at Cecil questioningly. Cecil glanced out of the window before speaking. “I think we should go back,” she declared. “There a storm brewing, by the look of those clouds. If we make tracks now, we should get back to school before it breaks.” Had she been with any other member of the Crew she might have elected to stay, but Cecil had no intention of being stranded at Millies with Anne.
“All right, then, if you’re sure,” Steph said. She wasn’t quite sure who the other girl was, though Miss Culver had mentioned her name, but she seemed confident she knew what she was doing. “It was good to see you, Anne. I’m looking forward to the Christmas Play, so mind you know your part!” She grinned and ran off to her meeting, leaving the younger girls to retrieve their coats and make their way outside. When Miss Culver returned from her coffee-break to a deserted office, she assumed Steph had seen to Cecil and Anne and settled down to work untroubled by any concern for them.
#116: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire
Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 3:23 pm
That sounds like a recipe for disaster to me. Eagerly awaiting the next bit.
#117: Author: Angel, Location: London, England
Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 3:42 pm
oh dear....
Really enjoying this. Absolutely brilliant
#118: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol
Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 3:45 pm
Uh oh, I'm very worried now!
#119: Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar
Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 4:13 pm
Steph and Anne won't have any experience of the weather, and Cecil seems to be letting her dislike of Anne blind her. I hope it's not going to prove too disastrous!
#120: Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough.......
Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 4:29 pm
*forsees someone getting lost in the snow..........*
More soon, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!!!
#121: Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans
Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 8:41 pm
eep
So Steph's the only one who knows they're walking back now and (is this is a CS drabble) the storm's bound to hit halfway home. Panic stations everybody!
#122: Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks
Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 8:45 pm
Starts assembling flasks/brandy/chocolate (and thats just for us )
#123: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent
Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 10:00 pm
Another cliff! And a good one!
Now will this adventure seal their dislike or will they become bosom friends? Of course that's all supposing they survive..... 
#124: Author: caz, Location: Cambridge
Posted: Sun May 02, 2004 9:45 am
Chapter 11 – Lost!
Cecil set off from St. Mildred’s at a brisk pace, well aware of the dangers of being caught in the storm. However, the weather was worsening faster than she had expected and she hesitated at a bend in the road.
“What’s up?” asked Anne.
“The storm’s coming up awfully quickly. Would you be OK taking a short cut through the pines?” Cecil queried, all animosity forgotten for the moment. Anne nodded and they set off again, Cecil leading the way. Anne was not particularly aware of the danger, trusting Cecil who had, after all, lived on the Platz all her life. She decided to take advantage of Cecil’s less hostile manner.
“Cecil, why do you hate me?” she asked bluntly.
Cecil turned in astonishment. “I don’t,” she replied with equal bluntness.
“Well, why don’t you talk to me?”
Cecil started off along the track again, trying to put into words something of how she felt. “Look, it’s not… I just… Well, you don’t like me either,” she said finally, carrying the war into the enemy’s camp.
“What? But I’ve never…”
“The first evening I was back,” Cecil continued, “you hardly spoke to me, then you and Daphne went off somewhere on your own. And you never speak to me, unless you have to.”
“You ignore me most of the time,” Anne countered. “And you leave me out of things – like that trick on Jocelyn with the poems. The whole form was in on it apart from me.”
“That’s not true,” Cecil said angrily. “You wouldn’t have joined in anyway.”
“How do you know? You never asked me,” Anne protested loudly. Cecil came to a sudden halt, barely heeding Anne’s last words.
“Hang on,” she said in tones of dismay. “I need to get my bearings.” She looked round with growing despair, realising that in the heat of the argument they had missed the turning and wandered off the track. “I think we’re lost.”
Their differences temporarily forgotten, the girls stared at each other in horror. Anne was still expecting Cecil to take the lead. “Can’t you work out which direction we should be going in?” she asked tentatively.
Cecil shook her head glumly, inwardly horrified at the situation they were in. “We’d better head back the way we came and get back on the path,” she said finally. Unfortunately, they had become disoriented and set off on a slightly different bearing, only realising their mistake as the path started sloping downwards more steeply. Just as Cecil began to say, “I’m sorry, this isn’t the right way,” Anne put her foot on a loose stone, slipped, lost her balance and began to slide down the slope. She shrieked as she fell, convinced that she would slide off the edge of the shelf. Mercifully, her fall was stopped by a pine tree. She crashed into it and lay on the ground, still, grey, and to all appearances…dead!
#125: Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent
Posted: Sun May 02, 2004 10:46 am
Now I know that was a really dramatic scene, it's really terrible because the girls are lost, no one knows where they are and Anne's looks to be badly hurt......but that phrase!!!!
Excellent scene thanks caz!
#126: Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol
Posted: Sun May 02, 2004 11:08 am
Can't help but laugh at that phrase!
Hope the situation gets better soon.
#127: