More shocks 2
The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles
#1:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 11:43 pm

Pat wrote:
I feel that I have a right to comment, as I was born in London ( Crying or Very sad )!!!!


whereabouts in London were you born Pat?

And thank you for more story!!!

 

#2:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 11:50 pm

Thanks Pat. It will be interesting to see how they fit into ordinary life at te school.

 

#3:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 12:22 am

Thank you Pat, nice post - ole Tim is a real idiot isn't he? What's Andrew's (Games Prefect) surname?

 

#4:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 12:28 am

Oh Tim's a right idiot isn't he!
Hope there's more soon!

 

#5:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 3:20 am

Thank you for more story. Glad the boys have to do housework too,


Feels very very sorry for anyone who has to live south od Watford Gap.
It is susch a pity.

 

#6:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:38 am

*Agrees with Sue about the housework angle.*
*Looks forward to the squashing of Tim & (especially) Jem*
*Wonders whether Watford Gap is equivalent to the Mason-Dixon Line*

 

#7:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:58 am

Yes, Tim being brought down a few pegs will be very entertaining! Thanks, Pat!

 

#8:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 9:51 am

Really glad the boys are having to dust! I almost feel sorry for Tim! He's going to come a right cropper.

Kathy - sort of same. Watford Gap is a gap between 2 ridges of high ground where the Romans built the first road North. The canal, railway and M1 Motorway (Freeway) go along the same route. The first ever Motorway Service Station was built there.

It came to mean the gap between the hardworking notherners (or uncouth Northern miners and factory workers) and the civilised Southerners (or effete money grabbers) depending on which side of the gap you live.

 

#9:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 1:41 pm

Please, Pat, let us see Tim come his forst cropper very soon.

 

#10:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 1:42 pm

hammer Tim - how annoying can you get!

 

#11:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 5:40 pm

Carolyn, the right side of the Pennines is theYorkshire side! And I go to uni in the south but live in the north, so I'm qualified to say that The North (East) Is Best.

 

#12:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:29 pm

Sarah, you poor deluded person. Get your innoculations and move to Lancs at once before it's too late.

 

#13:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:30 pm

Not liking Tim at all!!!

 

#14:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 6:37 pm

Feeling sorry for Tim - he is so much out of his element. True CS girls would make allowances for his (non-CS) upbringing.

*enjoying discussions about this Gap thing.

 

#15:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 2:13 am

Carolyn P wrote:
Sarah, you poor deluded person. Get your innoculations and move to Lancs at once before it's too late.




Or Cumbria

 

#16:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 6:51 am

Chelsea wrote:
*enjoying discussions about this Gap thing.


*also very entertained*

 

#17:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 1:52 pm

*Concerned that KB truly understands about civilisation, living in the back of beyond as she does!!* Wink Wink Wink

 

#18:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 2:56 pm

Pat, I thought that your last post would be more story. Where is it?

 

#19:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 3:35 pm

But, I don't feel like a northener, then again I don't feel like a southener either. I think I shall quite happily remain stuck in the middle and sit this one out.

Love the new instalments Pat - I don't like Tim at all, but I can see that he is going to have a difficult time during the next few weeks.

 

#20:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 3:38 pm

Carolyn P wrote:
Sarah, you poor deluded person. Get your innoculations and move to Lancs at once before it's too late.


I do support the Lancs cricket team. But I still prefer Yorkshire/Durham.

 

#21:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 3:41 pm

And we'll sit back, watch and enjoy him having a hard time, won't we, Ellie?

 

#22:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 3:50 pm

Susan wrote:
Carolyn P wrote:
Sarah, you poor deluded person. Get your innoculations and move to Lancs at once before it's too late.

Or Cumbria


Oh, yes, that's certainly as good, but only one of these two counties.

 

#23:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 10:17 pm

Pat!!!! More story please!

 

#24:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 10:30 pm

Joins the general pleas for more story and points out:

I have a visa for the South (born in Essex)
I have a visa for Lancashire ( parents born there)
I nearly have a visa for Yorkshire (lived here 23 years)
Wales just about accepts me (lived there for 3 years)
I have a visa for the Midlands (husband comes from Staffordshire)
Can get a visa for the USA (provided I can persuade son or daughter over there to support me Shocked ) AND can get it either side of the Mason Dixon line!

 

#25:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 6:57 am

Pat wrote:
*Concerned that KB truly understands about civilisation, living in the back of beyond as she does!!* Wink Wink Wink


*wonders how many people Aunty Pat has just offended*

 

#26:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 12:49 pm

*Hastens to point to the big wooden spoon in my hand!!*

 

#27:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 12:52 pm

There's no more yet. Sad

 

#28:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:01 pm

Vikki wrote:

whereabouts in London were you born Pat?

I was born in a nursing home in Muswell Hill, but lived in Palmers Green.

 

#29:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:54 pm

I am re-posting part to include Andrew's surname.

Rosalie Dene stepped forward with her long list of names, and beginning with the First Form worked her way up to the Sixth. Various soft gasps greeted the names of those who had gained their remove unexpectedly, or those who had been left behind their chums, but in general the school listened quietly enough. Finally Rosalie resumed her seat, and the head moved forward once more.
“I shall read out the Form Prefects first,” she said. “Then the School Prefects.” All listened intently as the names were read out. Finally only the small group of prefects names were left, and she smiled across at the Sixth before she lifted the relevant sheet. “We have more prefects than usual, now that we have a co-educational Sixth. This means that the post of Games Prefect will now be held by two people, and we will have a Head Boy as well as Head Girl. The two Games prefects will be Arda van Staa and Andrew Gillard. Head Girl is Michelle Squires, and Head Boy Martin Honey.”

Once the badges of office had been affixed to the uniforms, Prayers were over, and the school were dismissed to go for a brisk walk along the Platz before returning for unpacking, and a series of short lessons designed to allow the staff to set prep.

As the small group of boys disappeared back to their house for unpacking, the Sixth Form girls looked thoughtfully after them, before hurrying upstairs to help Matey with unpacking the rest of the school. Those not required gathered together in their Common Room, and let their tongues free on the additions to their form.
“I like that Martin,” said Penny Stoper. “He has his head screwed on the right way.”
“Your language!” giggled Kitty Johnson. “I do agree though. Tell me, what do you all make of that Tim Brothers?”
“Him!” Helen Marks tone was scathing. “He’s in sore need of taking down a peg or two. I vote we do him that favour very quickly, or he’ll not be fit to live with.”
“Don’t you think his housemates will do that?” asked Penny.
“It will be more effective coming from us. Didn’t he go to an all-boys school before? Most of them have I believe.” Helen had an intense dislike of self-opinionated people, and firmly believed that they should be reformed for their own good, and the benefit of the folk around them.

 

#30:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 5:11 pm

Madge

Madge slowly left the window and settled herself in a chair close to the fireplace, taking the cup of tea Jo handed her almost by instinct.
“Was he very cross?” she asked. “That was Jem, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, it was, and yes he is,” said Jo. “I must confess I indulged myself, and told him exactly what I thought of him. He’s what is called a ‘control freak’ these days, I think. Always believe he knows best and that sort of thing. Try and forget it all for the moment Madge. You need to relax, my dear, and I prescribe some nice long tramps in the mountains to get you set up again. You’ll be old before your time if you’re not careful.”
“Jo, remember that I’m over 60 now. I don’t have the energy I used to have.”
“Then it’s more than time you came here and walked. The exercise will do you the world of good.”
Jo made sure that the conversation remained on light topics for the whole of the light meal, realising that her sister needed to have a break from her worries as far as was possible. When Anna had cleared, Jo persuaded Madge to don coat and outdoor shoes, and come out for a tramp along the Platz, hoping the fresh mountain air would tire her sufficiently to give her a good night’s sleep – something of which she seemed to be in great need.
By the time the evening meal was over, Madge could hardly keep her eyes open, and Jo sent her to bed as if she was a child.

 

#31:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 6:17 pm

there's only one thing to say to that, Pat. MORE, MORE, MORE.

 

#32:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 6:35 pm

KB wrote:
*wonders how many people Aunty Pat has just offended*


*g* Just having fun Twisted Evil *said airily*

Glad Joey is taking Madge in hand.

 

#33:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 7:43 pm

Definitely more please Pat.

 

#34:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 8:13 pm

Ahhhh! Nice to see Joey looking after her sister. Laughing

Madge over sixty is not old - my mother (age almost 67) has decided that, for the first year, she is too old to wear shorts on holiday. I actually don't agree as she's got wonderful legs - much better than mine! My parents are spending 6 weeks Down Under travelling from Sydney to the Barrier Reef, with Ayers Rock (or whatever its name is now!) thrown in!

Oh, and more please Pat!

 

#35:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:10 pm

Uluru, Lesley. I wish I were going to Oz for six weeks.

 

#36:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 9:15 pm

*agrees with Jennie*

*Memo to self: Buy a lottery ticket!*

 

#37:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 11:18 pm

Oh, good for Joey! And I think the girls have the right idea!

 

#38:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 12:31 am

wants to go to Oz tooo but would settle more more story please Smile

 

#39:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 3:21 am

*agrees that more story is an excellent idea*

 

#40:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 11:04 am

I got comments yesterday when I was writing!!!!

 

#41:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 2:15 pm

“I’ll go along with that, Helen,” said Kitty. “I agree that there might be more impact from one of us. We also don’t want that sort of attitude to rub off on anyone else, especially the kids.”
By the time the unpacking was complete, the conspirators had finalised their plans, and Tim was likely to find life hard going for a time. However, that was for the future, and in the meantime each of the forms were given short lessons in order that prep might be set. The boys showed up well during this time, as A Level candidates were expected to, and the staff began to feel that the experiment might well be a success. Nell Wilson, taking the science group, noticed a slightly cool response to Tim Brothers input, but reflected to herself that that was only to be expected, given the opinions she had understood that he held.

By the time the bell rang for Mittagessen the staff had formed a good idea of the level of most of the new people, over and above the information provided by the entrance papers. The Sixth were impressed by their new members – all had been well educated, and had contributed to the short lessons very well. Nothing untoward happened during the meal, and they retired to Hall for the rest period feeling that the two parts of the form would mesh very well together. However, as they helped to pass out the deck chairs Kitty heard a voice muttering behind her.
“I’ve never known anything so daft in my life! What do they think we are? Babies?”
Kitty swung round and looked at Tim scornfully. “We rest to make sure we are fit for the afternoon school activities,” she said. “You have read the prospectus I take it? Then you will know that a number of the girls have family members in the San at the other end of the Platz. Health is very important here, and I would have thought that anyone with any pretence of intelligence would have checked their facts before making a statement like that.” kitty’s voice was low-pitched, and reached only it’s intended target, but Tim flushed slightly at the words and the tone.
“I suppose you have a point,” he muttered, and he picked up his chair and moved away. Kitty smiled to herself, and took her own chair over to her particular chums.

 

#42:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 2:29 pm

so its started...hope that they manage to make TIm realise that he needs to change so of his ideas but that they aren't too nasty as part of it is his background...

Thanks Auntie Pat!!

 

#43:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 6:53 pm

Unless he is uncommonly thick, I'm sure a few exchanges like that will cool him down!

 

#44:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Tue Mar 23, 2004 9:15 pm

Thank you Auntie Pat!

 

#45:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 12:32 am

Oh thank godness someone took Tim down a peg or two ..... lets hope he gets himself sorted soon.

More please!!!!!!! SmileSmile

 

#46:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 7:07 am

He might pipe down, but I imagine he'll still think things! I am developing the idea that he resents being at the school, perhaps because he had hopes of being Head Boy at his previous school before being uprooted?

 

#47:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 7:16 am

Thanks Pat. Wonder how long it'll take for Tim to start changing his ways?

 

#48:  Author: KB_2, Location: Australia PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 9:58 am

Wonder how long it'll take before we get more story? *hopeful*

 

#49:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 11:05 am

Hopefully not too long.

 

#50:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 7:16 pm

Oh yes more please Aunty Pat Very Happy

Good for the girls, I hope they sort Tim out

 

#51:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 7:45 pm

The following morning Jo let Madge sleep for as long as she wanted to, so that it was not till after 9.30 that Madge slowly opened her eyes, and stretched. Once she had seen the time, she let out a soft yell, and leapt out of bed, grabbed her dressing gown and slippers and almost ran for the bathroom. When she finally came downstairs, full of apologies for her tardiness, she found her sister ensconced in her study, grappling with her latest book.
“Jo, I’m so sorry I’m late. I don’t know what came over me.”
“If I thought you should be awake I would have called you, “ said Jo, looking up from her typewriter. “I thought you needed the sleep, and you obviously did. If you go along to the kitchen, Anna will get a tray for you. I wouldn’t mind a cup of coffee myself, so I’ll come and join you.”
Once settled in Jo’s dining room, Madge with some rolls and jam with her coffee, Jo looked at her sister carefully.
“Have I got a smudge on my nose, Jo?” asked Madge at last. “You’re looking at me so intently!”
Jo laughed. “No. I was making sure that you were OK. You were pretty worn out when you arrived yesterday, you know. That’s why I wouldn’t let you talk about anything. I thought you should have a good night’s sleep, which is what you have had, before you started in.”
“Your language doesn’t improve at all, Jo,” said her sister, but the joking was only surface deep, and it was obvious that Madge’s thought were elsewhere.

 

#52:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 7:50 pm

Thanks for the last two parts Pat, you are dealing with the two threads very nicely together.

Look forward to seeing more of Tim being 'brought down a peg or five', but hope it keeps to the sixth or there could be a lot of trouble ahead.

 

#53:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Mar 24, 2004 9:27 pm

Thanks Pat. Waiting with great interest for how Madge's thoughts go!

 

#54:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 12:41 am

Thanks for the latest Pat - more please!

 

#55:  Author: Tassie_Ellen, Location: Tasmania, Australia PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 12:14 pm

One of the benefits - read "the ONLY benefit"- of not being able to log in for a couple of weeks is the HOOOOJ (as Emily used to say) chunks of lovely story to read!

Pat, this is great! looking forward to seeing both Jem and Tim getting their uppances comed - but not too quickly, let's see them suffering just a leetle bit first... Razz

Ellen *waiting patiently in her little house Down Under for more* (and hoping Lesley's parents have a great time here)

 

#56:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 12:40 pm

It is always good to see people suffer. I don't want to see Tim in particular be reformed too quickly.

 

#57:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 1:41 pm

“What did you say to that Tim Brothers, Kitty?” asked Helen. “Whatever it was, he didn’t like it much. Look at the scowl on his face!”
“He made some remark about the rest period being for babies, and I just put him right on the subject,” replied Kitty. “Now hush up, you folk. We’re not supposed to talk, remember?”

Tim remained quiet for the rest of the afternoon, and brooded over his perceived wrongs. He had been quite happy at his previous school, a well-known public school, and had not wanted to leave. His parents had friends whose daughter had attended the Chalet School, and was now at University studying languages, and they had jumped at the idea of a co-ed Sixth Form when they had heard about it. Tim had been coasting at school. Naturally bright, he found the work easy, and had formed the habit of doing just enough to get a reasonable mark. His parents had formed a bad impression of his friends when they had met them, and were happy with the opportunity for Tim to make new ones, as well as the educational benefits of the change. Much to his disgust, Tim found that he had no say in the matter. He would complete the two Sixth Form years at the Chalet School in Switzerland. He had been popular at his last school, and expected to be able to establish the same relationships with his peers at this school. The reaction so far had stunned him, and he felt that he needed time to think.

 

#58:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 3:51 pm

I'm liking Joey at the moment Very Happy and thanks for the background on Tim

 

#59:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 4:51 pm

That goes a long way towards explaining Tim. I can see trouble ahead for him.

 

#60:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 9:05 pm

Hmmm, looks like Tim's going to need quite a few lessons before he becomes a real chalet school boy!

Lovely, thanks Pat! Laughing

 

#61:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 9:20 pm

H'mmm, feeling rather sorry for Tim - another product of his upbringing!

 

#62:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:27 pm

But he's young enough to change, and his parents obviously aren't too happy with the way he's developed, otherwise they would have let him be.

 

#63:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 1:36 pm

Hopefully he'll do some thinking and realise what he needs to do to be liked.

 

#64:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 1:37 pm

But we'll have an awful lot of fun watching him discover the need to change his attitudes, won't we?

 

#65:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 4:25 pm

Starts a little chant for more!!!

 

#66:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 4:34 pm

Makes the little chant a bit bigger. Trumpet

 

#67:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 5:59 pm

A little bit? Let's deafen Pat with the chant.

 

#68:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 11:02 pm

*joins chant*

 

#69:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 12:48 am

joins the chanting brigade Smile

 

#70:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 2:05 pm

Well, it seems that the chant didn't work. Boo-hoo!

 

#71:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 2:29 pm

Good idea Jennie, do you think if we cry Pat will feel sorry for us and give is a huge chunk?

Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 

#72:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 2:34 pm

We can but hope.

 

#73:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 3:39 pm

Adds to the sobs

Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 

#74:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 4:14 pm

Thanks for all the drabble Pat!
Love the bits with Madge and Joey! More soon please! Laughing

 

#75:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Mar 27, 2004 6:48 pm

Carolyn P wrote:
Good idea Jennie, do you think if we cry Pat will feel sorry for us and give is a huge chunk?

Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad


*doubts it'll work*
*prods Auntie Pat*

 

#76:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 3:01 am

Pat have just caught up with this. Glad to see Jo and Madge getting on well, and Jo looking after Madge too. Nice to see Tim starting to be taken down a few pegs. Sure there will be more comments to be made to him soon.

Joins chant.

 

#77:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 9:30 pm

Madge

Madge spent the whole of that day very quietly, not talking much, and with her thoughts obviously miles away. Jo kept an eye on her, but restrained herself from butting in by an almost Herculean effort of will. She knew that when her sister was ready, she would talk. After they had retired for bed that night, jack complemented her on her restraint.
“You are doing exactly the right thing, Jo,” he said. “Madge will be far better for the time to think things through herself.”
“Oh Jack, it’s so hard! I keep wanting to butt in, but I know it’s the wrong thing to do.”
“Don’t worry too much, Joey. Madge is a strong woman, and will come through this. Now settle down, my dear. It’s late, and I suspect that by tomorrow she may well be ready to talk things through with you.”

Jack was quite right in his surmise, for directly after breakfast, Madge stopped Jo as she was leaving the Salon.
“Jo, I think I need to discuss what I have been thinking about. I need another person’s thoughts and insight. Do you have time to talk now?”
“Whenever you’re ready, Madge. Let’s sit over here by the window, and you can launch in.”
“It’s very strange looking back, Jo. I thought my marriage was all it should be, and all I wanted. I loved the school, but I willingly gave it up to marry Jem. It was normal then for a married woman to stop working, so I didn’t consider anything else. Jem considered himself to be the Head of the Household - again fairly normal for the time, as I understood it. His word was final, and he took all the major decisions, often without talking to me first. I can see now that he believed that a woman could not run her life herself, that she needed a man to look after her, and lead her in the right direction. It didn’t show itself so strongly at first. Looking back, I think it was the Anschluss that strengthened that belief. We all leaned so heavily on his judgement, and followed his suggestions like so many helpless sheep that I think it went to his head. Then it all happened again when we had to pull out of Guernsey, and that reinforced it all. By that time, of course, I took such things for granted. Did you realise that I was not asked whether I wanted to go to Canada?” Jo opened her eyes wide at that, and shook her head. However, she said nothing, letting her sister voice her thoughts without interruption. “He just assumed that I would up sticks and follow him, which of course, I did. I hated leaving Sybs behind, you know, just as you must have hated letting Margot go. Since we have come back, everything has just drifted along, getting deeper and deeper into until that Board Meeting, when I alienated Hilda, Nell and Ted. When I saw what I had done by blindly following Jem’s advice, I was horrified! That’s when I started thinking, and that led to this!”
Jo had by this time moved to her sister’s side and put her arms around her. “Madge, I knew you would be upset, but equally you needed to realise how they felt. I’m only sorry that it has done such damage to your marriage. Have you come to any conclusions?”
“Yes I have. I intend….”
At that moment there was a furious hammering on the front door, shaking the whole building. The two women heard Anna walk along the corridor and open the door. It was slammed open by the person outside, and a voice bellowed out, loud even in the Salon, with the door closed.
“Where is she? In the Salon? Out of my way, woman! I find the way myself - I’ve been here often enough!” On these words the door to the Salon was flung open, and Jem stood on the threshold, breathing heavily, and obviously in a towering rage.

 

#78:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 9:40 pm

Oh good cliff, Pat!!!! Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked

Looking forward to more. Smile

 

#79:  Author: Dot, Location: Ireland PostPosted: Sun Mar 28, 2004 9:40 pm

And?!

 

#80:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 12:04 am

Paaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!!!!!
I can't believe you left it there!!!!!! Shocked

 

#81:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 2:04 am

Pat!!!!
You didn't have to stop there, please return and continue this story forthwith.

 

#82:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 3:31 am

First time I've read this & I've spent rather a long time catching up on it all - far far too late! When do we get the next bit!!! typing PLEASE!!

 

#83:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 11:57 am

Well, if Madge wasn't going to divorce Jem before, I bet she is now.

 

#84:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 12:24 pm

Please let us have some more of this, Pat.

 

#85:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 12:58 pm

He had already found the ethos of the Chalet School to be very different, not just the business of speaking different languages, even out of school, but it had been very clear that the Christian ethos was a fundamental part of everything they did, though it was not talked about or ‘pushed’ at the pupils in the way that had alienated him at home. It was not that he didn’t believe, he told himself, just that it had been forced on him, and he had rebelled against it. Perhaps here he would be able to form his own opinions, without feeling that he had to conform to aspects that he did not think right.

He was shaken out of his introspection during the afternoon games session, which consisted of a fiercely competitive game of football. He was not particularly sporty, preferring more academic pursuits, but sports were an integral part of school life, and he had learnt to enjoy the fresh air and exercise, which at least blew the cobwebs away. He returned to the school feeling happier and more settled in his own mind. He had to spend the next two years here, and he had realised that his life would be easier if he conformed. He had been shaken by Kitty’s response at the rest period, and decided that he didn’t want to make a bad impression on these very confident girls.

 

#86:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 1:06 pm

Pat, I love the way Tim's thinking is starting to change, but how could you leave the Jem situation where it is?

 

#87:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 2:00 pm

She is obviously very cruel. Wink

 

#88:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 2:17 pm

It was easy! The same way that Lesley can leave RCS!!!!

 

#89:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 5:06 pm

*sighs*

Pat, dear, whilst we are all very impressed to know that you have paid attention to and learnt so much from somebody else's style of drabble, do you think you could be kind enough to post a little more so that those of us who are hovering in mid air can descend to the ground? Wink

 

#90:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 5:14 pm

Shouts for Pat to post more drabble very quickly, as it's getting difficult to support Catherine.

 

#91:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 5:16 pm

Aunty Pat how could you!!!!!

Please may we see Madge standing up to Jem!! Very Happy

 

#92:  Author: LL, Location: Tottenham, London PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 5:19 pm

Argh! I can't go on like this!

 

#93:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 5:22 pm

AAAARGH!! Auntie Pat!
Don';t leave it there! Please!!!

 

#94:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 5:43 pm

Joins the desparate pleas for more - Hoping that Madge and Joey are more than a match for him! (sure they are, of course Twisted Evil )

 

#95:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 6:46 pm

That was very interesting Pat, and I like the insight into Tim's thought processes, but I do want to know what's happening with Jem & Madge

 

#96:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 29, 2004 8:47 pm

Pat, cooee, we're all waiting for some more.

 

#97:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 2:20 am

*sets up a search party to go find Auntie Pat!!!*

 

#98:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 12:35 pm

Where has she disappeared to?

 

#99:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 12:36 pm

I haven't disappeared! I'm here!!!

 

#100:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 1:31 pm

so is there any more?

 

#101:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 3:35 pm

Where's the next bit, then?

 

#102:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 4:40 pm

Please Aunty Pat, chants for more Very Happy

 

#103:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 4:58 pm

MORE MORE MORE - pretty please with a cherry on and a large block of chocolate reading

 

#104:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 12:18 am

Love the Jo and Madge scene. Would love to see Jo stand up to Jem really icily politely and ask what he is doing behaving like that in her home.

 

#105:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 6:51 pm

“Jo, please leave us!” Jem’s voice was barely under control, and was curt in the extreme. Jo glanced at her sister’s white face, and settled back in her chair.
“Not just yet, Jem,” she said calmly, though she was feeling far from calm inside her.
“I wish to talk with Madge. In private.” The words were forced out, and Jo looked across at her sister. The mute appeal on her face hardened her resolve.
“No, Jem. Madge wishes me to remain. Please don’t give me orders in my own home. I won’t obey them, you know.” Jo smiled to take some of the sting from her words, but Jem just snorted, and came further into the room, letting the door close.
“I suppose I can’t force you,” he growled, and he came across the room and reluctantly sat down, frowning at the two women. “I want to know what you think you are doing, Madge.

 

#106:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 7:38 pm

Thank you for that, Pat. Good for Joey! Smile

 

#107:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 8:06 pm

Now I see why you said Joey wouldn't leave!!

Good to see more, but better to see even more

 

#108:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 8:56 pm

If that post made sense it's amiracle considering what else I was doing at the time! It actually finished after the first word of the next sentence!!!

 

#109:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 9:03 pm

Pat, MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE. Please *smiles winningly*

 

#110:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 9:43 pm

Thank you Pat and good for Joey!!!

More please Wink

 

#111:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 10:19 pm

Good for Joey - it's her house!

 

#112:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 11:42 pm

Definitely!! More -please!!!!

 

#113:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 12:58 am

Thanks Pat, glad to see Joey standing up to Jem - really looking forward to seeing what happens next.

 

#114:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 11:06 am

thanks Pat...waiting to see how madge and joey handle Jem!

 

#115:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 11:35 am

I hope they tell Jem where to go.

 

#116:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 1:52 pm

Pat, please don't leave it there. Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 

#117:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 12:24 am

Well done Jo. More soon please Pat.

 

#118:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 3:44 pm

Please Aunty Pat I think its time for more!!!!! Very Happy

 

#119:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 4:49 pm

Paaaaaaaaaaaat, please post some more soon.

 

#120:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 5:43 pm

*echoes Jennie's wails*

 

#121:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 2:46 pm

I will try and write some more after Scrapheap Challenge, and before Time Team, ready to post tonight.
Sorry I've not been writing much, but work has called - money to spend on books, and I've been thinking about other things too!!
It is now time to haul the pb back into line!!!

 

#122:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 4:08 pm

Pat, have you given that bunny a good dose of senna yet???? Wink

 

#123:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 6:28 pm

"You have been acting very strangely for months," Jem continued. "I'm not sure when it all started, but your behaviour has changed drastically, and is getting worse! Oh you are the same as you always were in public, I grant you. It's at home where you have changed. You hardly spoke for months, then all of a sudden you start shouting at me; then you go off half-cocked and fly out here with no warnig, and only a short note left for me. I have had to leave important work to come out here let me tell you, so you had better have a good reason for all this!"
"Jem, I told you weeks ago what the position was, but you didn't listen," said Madge patiently, trying not to sound as if she was talking to a rather dim child. "If you are truly ready to listen now I will tell you again. This allstarted almost a year ago now, at the Chalet School Board Meeting where we discussed all the changes that have taken place."
"Last year? What do you mean, last year? It only started a few weeks ago, when you gave me that nonsense about 'being a person in yor own right', and more than just my wife. You see, I did listen, I just didn't understand. You are my wife, and as far as i know, have been happy to be so."
"I know that Jem. I gave up my school and teachig to be your wife after all, and was happy to do so. However, I hadn'y realised quite how much I had given up.

 

#124:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 6:35 pm

Yay! Pat's bunny is back!!!

 

#125:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:40 pm

Thank you Pat - want to kick Jem - can I? Please?

 

#126:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:51 pm

Thank you Pat Very Happy

*Feeds bunny delicous leaves to encourage more writing*

 

#127:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 7:54 pm

Lesley wrote:
Thank you Pat - want to kick Jem - can I? Please?




You certainly can, the question is, may you?!!
Really, Lesley! What would Miss Annersley say??? Wink

 

#128:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 10:52 pm

*Blows mega raspberry at Vikki!!!* tongue tongue tongue tongue tongue

 

#129:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 10:55 pm

*goes off to tell the Abbess*

 

#130:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 9:22 am

Stop sneaking Vikki. You know we all want to kick Jem. Unless you're going to ask her for permission to kick Jem?

 

#131:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 9:45 am

Thanks, Pat. Jennie, I think Hilda will say "Me, too!"

I laughed out loud at "Madge patiently, trying not to sound as if she was talking to a rather dim child."

 

#132:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 12:30 pm

Jem does sound very childlike. I think he's a lost cause.

 

#133:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 2:40 pm

It's okay, she said we MAY kick him as muchas we like!!
She was shocked by Lesley's loose use of 'can' for 'may' though.....

 

#134:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 5:06 pm

Hurrah for Hilda. Do we all dive in and kick him all together, or do we have to do it in turn?

 

#135:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 6:43 pm

Vikki wrote:
It's okay, she said we MAY kick him as muchas we like!!
She was shocked by Lesley's loose use of 'can' for 'may' though.....


Hah, Hilda loves me!

 

#136:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 7:36 pm

Hmmm, can understand Jem's pov though, Madge has left it rather late to realise how much she gave up, no wonder he's confused.
Think I'll stand back from the kicking at the moment, though I won't stop anyone else of course, until I see what happens next. That's meant to be a hint by the way...

 

#137:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 8:16 pm

Pat, Pat, your admiring public are waiting for some more drabble.

 

#138:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 8:26 pm

I'll admire as much of it as you like Pat...in fact the more the better!

 

#139:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 8:56 pm

It's time to start chanting. All together now...........

 

#140:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 9:41 pm

megaphone MORE

MORE

MORE

MORE


With an added fanfare Trumpet

 

#141:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 11:08 pm

Work called today, and I've a report to prepare on our Inter-library loan requests for the last 3 years!!! Trying to make sense of them is 'orrible!! I've been to aerobics tonight as well.
I'll try and find time tomorrow.

 

#142:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 11:16 pm

Trumpet drummer piano Guitar

Adds to the requests.

 

#143:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 11:34 pm

Goody - only half an hour to go till tommorrow and a there'll be a nice new post from Pat Very Happy Very Happy

 

#144:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 11:43 pm

Wishful thinking Dawn! I'm also trying to do some more of Guernsey!!

 

#145:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 11:44 pm

Sorry Pat, but I thought it was worth a try Wink

 

#146:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 11:47 pm

We all try that Dawn!! Laughing it really will be tomorrow morning, after a nights sleep, before i post more.

 

#147:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 1:54 am

*whines*
but Auntie Pa-aaaaaaaaat......................................

 

#148:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 2:00 am

but Im going to be busy tommorrow morning and won't be able to read it then and IT'S NOT FAIR fume
stomps off muttering to herself

 

#149:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 12:41 pm

"I know that Jem. I gave up my school and teaching to be your wife after all, and was happy to do so. However, I hadn't realised quite how much I had given up.
“Last year at the Board Meeting I followed your suggestion and presented the proposed changes as something that was going to happen, rather than something that we could discuss,” Madge continued. “In doing so I very nearly lost the support of some very valuable members of staff. I’m talking about Hilda, Nell, and Ted Jem. They were justifiably annoyed with the way I approached this, and I could have lost them. I didn’t see what was wrong at first, I will admit, but luckily Jo has her head screwed on the right way, and showed me. I was horrified, and started thinking about why I had presented things that way. I had followed your advice blindly, not thinking for myself. That made me think more deeply – how long had this been going on? It must have been a long time for me to behave that way. I have seen the relationship that Jo has with Jack. They discuss things, and come to joint decisions about all aspects of their lives. When did we ever do that, Jem? When did you ever value my opinion?”
“But women need a man’s guidance,” Jem said in a surprised voice. “How can they run their lives without a man to help them?”

 

#150:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 1:02 pm

Good for Madge. Glad she has the courage to stand up to him. Waiting for the fireworks in the next scene.





ETA. Thanks Pat - I think you have given Jem the kick start he needed to be pompous in his interview - but this seems to have donr the trick.

 

#151:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 1:47 pm

Pat wrote:
"But women need a man’s guidance,” Jem said in a surprised voice. “How can they run their lives without a man to help them?


Oooooh, controversial. Does he really believe women have tiny brains and can't look after themselves without men?

 

#152:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 2:06 pm

this version of him!!!

 

#153:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 2:42 pm

Oooooh, thanks Pat.....will there be more soon? And as a bonus it seems to have got Sue doing more Chaletain as well.

 

#154:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 3:50 pm

Kick him, kick him Madge ~ hard


Thanks Pat Very Happy

 

#155:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 4:23 pm

Hmmm. *Prepares to don steel toe capped boots*

 

#156:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 4:25 pm

Don't keep all those boots for yourself, Ellie, hand some round.

 

#157:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 8:44 pm

*grabs a pair of boots*
*looks for a good spot to kick*

 

#158:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 8:49 pm

I've got labelled diagrams in one of my anatomy books Vikki!

Thanks Pat - looking forward to more! Laughing

 

#159:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 9:25 pm

Thanks Lesley!!!

where would you recommend???

 

#160:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 9:27 pm

I thought you'd have remembered your Human Biology classes from school better than that Vikki!!! Fancy having to ask!! I'm disappointed!! Twisted Evil

 

#161:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 9:41 pm

HEy, school was a long time ago!
And my last Biology lesson was nearly TEN YEARS ago!!!

(god! I feel old now!!)

 

#162:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 10:16 pm

Well if enough of us kick him there wouldn't be much left to chance!!! Twisted Evil

 

#163:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 10:34 pm

Leave some for me!

 

#164:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 10:40 pm

Vikki, I left school a few years before you, and I'm pretty certain I remember enough to choose a good place!!! I did Biology O level in 1965!!!

 

#165:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 10:42 pm

Which bit would you like lovie? Wink

 

#166:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 1:58 pm

With thanks to Carolyn

Meanwhile, the Lower Fourth were discussing the new term.
“It’s very dull,” grumbled Jenny Pascoe. “We need to liven things up a bit. Besides, there’s all those new Prefects!” She grinned around at her friends, and they grinned back, knowing exactly what she meant.
“What can we do? We have Andrew on Prep duty tonight – can’t we try something on him?” Karen Masters was an imp of mischief, and usually ripe for anything that was going.
A wicked grin spread across Jenny’s face. “How about a Round Robin,” she said. “One of us starts a story and passes it on to the next person, and so on round the room. We’d have to be careful that we’re not caught though.”
Francis Henderson giggled. “And they can’t even accuse us of passing notes. It’s perfect!”
When Andrew came into the form room to take his first Prep duty, he found the form sitting at the desks with everything ready. He was faintly surprised, since he knew that this would be unusual in his old school, but dismissed it as one of the differences between this school and his last. He was soon to learn that the angelic air of the group in front of him was a signal of trouble to come.

 

#167:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 2:46 pm

He settled at the Staff table and spread out his books, hoping that the quiet industrious atmosphere meant that he would be able to get some work done. He looked out across the sea of bent heads, and settled himself down with his own work. At first he kept an eye on the form, checking that the shuffling and fidgeting were not indicative of anything serious, but gradually he became lulled into a false sense of security, and concentrated more and more on the work in front of him. This was what the naughty Middles had been waiting for. Jenny had used the time to write the first few lines of the story, and now she folded it carefully and passed it to Karen at the next table. They exchanged grins, and settled down again.
Karen opened the sheet and quickly read what Jenny had written. She sucked her pencil and gazed into space as she thought of the next part. Andrew happened to look up at that moment and spotted her.
“Are you having a problem?” he asked. “If you want to bring it out here, I could try and help you with it.”
“Er, no thanks. I was just thinking,” said Karen, quaking at the near escape. She buried her head in her books, but inspiration had struck, and she was able to complete her lines in the story almost straight away. Having so nearly been caught, she checked on Andrew out of the corner of her eye. He looked as though he was buried deep in his work, so she reached behind her and deposited the paper on Francis’ desk.

 

#168:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 3:04 pm

Enjoying this Pat, it's the first test for one of the boy's isn't it?

 

#169:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 3:10 pm

Drumroll.....what will he see, what will he do?

 

#170:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 4:21 pm

Yay, thank you Pat, I'm sure he will prove very capable.

 

#171:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 6:33 pm

More Pat More! Want to see how Andrew will cope!

 

#172:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 9:40 pm

Oooh! More please Pat!!!

 

#173:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 8:47 am

Pat, please don't leave it there.

 

#174:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 8:49 am

Nobody has any patience at all, do they? I'm particularly shocked at Lesley, considering the way she leaves everyone hanging herself!!!

 

#175:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 8:54 am

You know that you'd miss it if no-one shouted for more of your drabbles, Pat.

 

#176:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 1:14 pm

so Pat is there any more...and thanks fro yesterday's post!!

 

#177:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 1:17 pm

there might be if I can stop yibbling on msn!!!

 

#178:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 1:19 pm

Well, no one's tied you in Auntie Pat!!! Wink

 

#179:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 1:58 pm

Twisted Evil Vikki


Francis smiled and added her share, passing it on discretely. Andrew remained buried in his work, and the quiet in the room made him think that all was well. The story had almost reached the halfway point, and landed on the desk of Maureen Lawson. Maureen was as ready for a laugh as most, but was also an inveterate giggler. She started to read what had already been written, and as she read her face became redder and redder as she tried to suppress her reaction. She started to shake, and the other girls who could see her began to get worried. Andrew was going to notice something soon if she kept that up! Arriving at a particularly funny point, Maureen snorted, quickly changing it into a cough. Andrew looked up sharply, remembering his own days as a Middle.
“Do you need a drink?” he asked, looking at Maureen closely.
“Err, no thanks. I just had a little tickle. I’m all right now, honestly.” Maureen was horrified at the near catastrophe, and finished reading without further incident. Then she thought for a minute before scribbling her own contribution. She was just about to pass it on when the story bobbed back into her head, and she snickered quietly. Andrew had been keeping an unobtrusive eye on her since her bout of coughing, and he reacted to the snicker immediately.

 

#180:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 2:06 pm

Thank you Auntie Pat!
*looks innocent*

 

#181:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 2:09 pm

Thank you Pat, is there another bit to come?

 

#182:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 2:41 pm

His eye was caught by the folded paper in her hand, and his expression became grim. “What is that in your hand?” he asked. “Bring it out here.”
Maureen rose reluctantly to her feet and crawled out to the front, her head bowed. Silently she held the offending paper out to the Prefect, who took it, and began to open it. “Stand there and wait until I’ve read this,” he said, and began to skim down the sheet. As he read his expression became a little fixed, and it would have surprised poor Maureen to learn that this was not caused by his annoyance, but by his Herculean attempts to stop himself laughing. Reaching the end he looked up. “There is more than one person’s writing on this. I would estimate that at least half of this form has had a hand in it. I want anyone who has had anything to do with this to stand up.”
To his astonishment the whole form rose to their feet.

 

#183:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 3:06 pm

Oooh, let's see what he's going to do next, pleeeeeease Pat.

 

#184:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 3:13 pm

Why? Twisted Evil

 

#185:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 3:28 pm

Why? Why? Why do you think - I want to know! And stop pretending you've posted more story when you haven't! tongue

 

#186:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 4:02 pm

Ooh lets see how well Andrew holds this...i always love their efforts not to give way to laughter!!

 

#187:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 4:09 pm

Thank you Pat. (Lesley is never going to ask for more again, ever, ever, ever! tongue ) Wink

 

#188:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 4:13 pm

Thanks Pat Very Happy

Please let us hear what they wrote

(pretty pleae with lots of sugar)

 

#189:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 4:17 pm

bawling bawling bawling bawling bawling bawling bawling bawling

 

#190:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 4:19 pm

Adds to Ally's pleas.

 

#191:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 4:21 pm

*Screams louder*

 

#192:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 4:23 pm

Now where did I put my hankie???

shhussss now Aunty Pat this wont hurt, promise Very Happy

 

#193:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 9:30 pm

“All of you?” he asked in astonishment. “There isn’t that many different writing styles on here.”
Maureen, as form Prefect, spoke for them all. “we were all in it,” she said. “We were all going to write some, so really we’re all as guilty as each other.” She was rather surprised at the firmness of her voice, for she certainly felt nervous. Andrew was looking so very stern, and she was feeling so very small and insignificant.
“You do realise that I can’t let you get away with this, don’t you?” asked Andrew, as he frantically tried to decide what he was going to do with them. He was well aware that this was the first test for the boys, and he did not want to fail at the first hurdle. He had a shrewd notion that the sort of punishments given at his old school would not do here, and for the moment he was in a quandary. Then his memory came up trumps and he remembered a conversation in the Prefects Room. ‘Try to make the punishment fit the crime’! Almost immediately he had a brainwave. “You will all report to the Prefects Room after Abendessen. Those of you who have contributed to this epic will read their parts aloud to the Prefects.” The look of horror on the faces in front of him was nearly his undoing, but he managed to keep his expression deadpan. “Now I think you have wasted enough preparation time, don’t you? Sit down again, and don’t let me hear another sound from you.”
It is on record that the remainder of that evening’s preparation passed in total silence, and the form remained subdued for the rest of the week.

 

#194:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 9:34 pm

Nice one Pat!

Are we to be treated to the scene with the prefects?

 

#195:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 9:35 pm

Now lets here them read it Pat Twisted Evil

 

#196:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 9:37 pm

Very good way of making the punishment fit the crime - good for Andrew. (Good job it wasn't Tim in charge I think)

 

#197:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 9:44 pm

Laughing Laughing Laughing

Excellent - shades of consequences!!

 

#198:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 10:04 pm

After Abendessen a very frightened group of Middles gathered outside the Prefects room. They could hear a low buzz of conversation through the door, and the occasional burst of laughter. Francis poked Maureen in the back. “You’re Form Prefect - you knock!” she whispered. Maureen shot a filthy look at her friend that promised vengeance to come, but she knocked softly on the door. It was opened almost immediately by Andrew, who invited them into the room with a wicked gleam in his eyes that was completely lost on the girls. He stood to one side and made formal introductions. “Fellow Prefects,” he announced. “I promised you some entertainment this evening. Let me introduce the Middles concert party.” The little group shot him an anguished look, which he blithely ignored. “They are going to entertain us with the epistle they wrote instead of doing their Prep. Here is your paper, girls. Who is going to start?”
Reluctantly Jenny took the proffered sheet of paper and began to read.
“Once upon a time there was a giant 3ho lived in a huge castle on the top of a hill.” She began.

 

#199:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 10:09 pm

Oh, I am looking forward to hearing this story of the middles...

 

#200:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 10:13 pm

“He was a cannibal, and would come down the hill from time to time to find a victim.” She passed the paper to Karen who took it and began to read.
“He didn’t do that very often, because he didn’t want the supply of people to run out, or to frighten them away. The people were pretty scared of him, but they didn’t know what to do about it.”

 

#201:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 10:25 pm

Francis took the paper with shaking hands. She could see that the Prefects were trying hard not to laugh, and she found it upsetting. This had been supposed to be a bit of fun, but it was now anything but! Jenny and Karen had tears running down their faces, and most of the others looked as though they were about to follow suit. Francis swallowed hard to try and get rid of the lump in her throat. “They were awful cowards, and would run away and hide if they saw him coming. They didn’t want to end up on his dining table.” She passed the paper thankfully to the next girl, looking in disgust at the Prefects, who had given up all pretence at decorum, and were sobbing quietly with laughter.

 

#202:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 10:27 pm

Pat, this is wonderful. Andrew certainly made the punishment fit the crime.

 

#203:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 10:27 pm

Oh this is fun, please don't have mercy upon them and cut it short

 

#204:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 10:29 pm

Don't forget they didn't finish it!!! So I don'y have to either!!

 

#205:  Author: Dot, Location: Ireland PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 10:30 pm

Oh yes you do! Very Happy

 

#206:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 10:32 pm

It only got half way round the class - and it wouldn't have gone that far if Carolyn had suggested this scene earlier!!!

 

#207:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 10:57 pm

ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL

Wonderful Pat! Wouldn't want to be those Middles!

 

#208:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 11:13 pm

“One day a handsome Prince rode into the nearby village, and asked who lived in the castle. He had eyes on it for himself, because his brother would inherit the family home, and they hated each other.”

“So he rode up the hill, and knocked on the castle door.”
“He wasn’t scared because he had his sword and shield, and thought that he would have no trouble killing the giant.”

By this time the Prefects were howling with laughter, and in danger of falling off their chairs. Kathie Ferrars was passing and she raised her eyebrows at the noise. She stopped for a minute, but as the halting voice of a middle filtered through the woodwork, she grinned and went on her way.
“A servant opened the door. The servant wasn’t a giant, but she was still much taller than the Prince.”
Maureen reluctantly took the now crumpled piece of paper and began to read. “’What do you want?’ she asked. “The giant will kill you and eat you if you stay here.” Maureen raised her head. “That’s as far as we got,” she said. “I was passing it on when you caught me

 

#209:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 11:17 pm

ooops! Wonder if Kathie will intervene?

 

#210:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 11:23 pm

Lesley I know it's getting late, but do read carefully dear!! She went on her way!!! Twisted Evil Rolling Eyes Twisted Evil Rolling Eyes

 

#211:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 11:28 pm

sorry

 

#212:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 11:29 pm

that's ok!!! Very Happy

 

#213:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 12:33 am

oooooooh what a good punishment!!

More please Pat Smile

 

#214:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 2:05 am

Ooooh! Yes! more please Auntie Pat!!!

 

#215:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 7:34 am

Well if that doesn't convince the girls that the boys can cope, nothing will!

 

#216:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 12:37 pm

Thank you Pat, that was great, I knew you could do it!

 

#217:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 12:47 pm

Thanks Carolyn! Wasn't too bad once I got stuck in - and at least I didn't have to find an ending since they were caught before that!!

 

#218:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 3:46 pm

What a great punishment. Now can we hear more about Madge and Jem?

 

#219:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 3:47 pm

Bah! Saw Pat had posted again and hoped there was more story Sad

 

#220:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 3:51 pm

So did I and I have to switch off now. Runs off crying.

 

#221:  Author: Shander, Location: Canada PostPosted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 5:45 pm

This is absolutely briliant. I've been chuckling all thorugh that scene. I was afraid Andrew wouldn't know what to do. Yay for Pat!
More please.

 

#222:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 6:42 pm

*huggles Jennie consolingly, and hopes Auntie Pat has some more ready to post!*

 

#223:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Apr 09, 2004 6:54 pm

*Thinks Aunty Pat is the best Brevet Aunt in the world*

Thank you ssoooooooo much!!! Very Happy

 

#224:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 10, 2004 12:56 pm

Pat, I was hoping for some more. Where is it?

 

#225:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 5:48 pm

Brilliant - just caught up on about seve pages! Fantastic, *giggling at the prees and the middles and loving the Madge-Jem bits*

 

#226:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 8:14 pm

OK! I am currently writing Shocks, writing Guernsey, and trying to edit Librarian!!! Which should have priority? And saying all of them is NOT an option!!!

 

#227:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 8:59 pm

But Pat, you know you love it when we clamour for more.

 

#228:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 9:06 pm

If you're editing Librarian for Bettany Press then sorry guys but that ought to take priority.


*prepares to hide*


If you're not, on the other hand, and are just doing it because it has to be done, then your drabbles come first!

 

#229:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 9:51 pm

The idea is for Bettany Press. I want to see about swopping events around a bit perhaps - if that's viable!! Also pick up on bits that could be improved of course!

 

#230:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Apr 11, 2004 9:56 pm

*Thought Pat had posted more story*
*Goes way disappointed*
But Librarian is important too, Pat.

 

#231:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 11:38 am

The form were beginning to get over their initial scare, and their tears had ceased. Indeed they were now beginning to feel almost annoyed at the mirth of the Prefects. The whole idea had been to have a bit of fun, but the near hysteria had made them feel rather aggrieved. After all, it had not been written for the edification of these people, nor to be read aloud in this way, and they resented this making fun of their efforts. Andrew could see the growing indignation on their faces, and pulled himself together.
“Thank you,” he said. “I think you got quite far enough, don’t you? Yes, I know you don’t like us laughing at your efforts, but I really don’t know what else you expected. I hope you have all learnt your lesson, and will refrain from playing silly games in Prep after this. I think we are agreed that this will be sufficient punishment on this occasion,” - nods around the room confirmed this statement - “so we will say no more about it. However, if you should try acting like Kindergarten kids again, we shall have to take a more serious view of it. Do you all understand?” There was absolutely no humour in his face now, and all the other Prefects were also looking grim. “Very well, you may go, and please don’t let us see you here again this term.”
The group of girls crawled from the room, still annoyed at the laughter, but determined not to fall foul of any of the Prefects in a hurry.

 

#232:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 12:21 pm

Thank you, Pat. I see Andrew can cope, but how about Tim? we're all waiting for him to come a cropper.

 

#233:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 4:00 pm

Thank you Auntie Pat!! What time will the next installment arrive? Wink

 

#234:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 4:19 pm

Brilliant Pat, lovely scene in the Prefects Room. Glad the middles got their comeuppance.

 

#235:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 12:53 pm

What happened i found this halfway down page two!!!

 

#236:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 1:33 pm

Other people posted on other drabbles!!! Laughing

 

#237:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 1:37 pm

Ok I'll not be subtle then Pat - do you have any more of this that you would like to post!!!!! If not write some!!!

 

#238:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 3:04 pm

Good job you weren't trying to be subtle there Nell, because you certainly would've failed spectacularly!

More would be very nice though!

 

#239:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 3:30 pm

i'm quite good at subtle as in sledgehammer...think we might have to wait...Guernsey seems to be winning at the moment!

 

#240:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 3:56 pm

Yes, it does, and we'd all like more of both.

 

#241:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 6:14 pm

Thank you for the last post Pat! Laughing

 

#242:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 10:22 pm

Thank you for the next post Pat!!!
(now you HAVE to post it!!!)

 

#243:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 10:24 pm

No I don't Vikki!! Twisted Evil I don't have to do anything!!!

 

#244:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 11:04 pm

*sulks*

 

#245:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 11:39 pm

(wails) but Auntie Pat we need more of this now













please?
pretty please?
pretty please with a bottle of wine?

 

#246:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 7:42 pm

No more yet? Sad

 

#247:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 8:09 pm

I have to confess to doing nothing at all today, not even much work!!! Sorry. I have done some revision of Librarian though. I'll try and write something on ast least one drabble tomorrow - so long as I keep myself off msn!! Rolling Eyes

 

#248:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 8:21 pm

But Pat I love having you to chat to on MSN during the day!!!
Can't you write more drabble on msn then copy and paste???
Wink Wink Wink

 

#249:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 8:24 pm

Like you do you mean Carolyn? I'm going to be a bit late into work anyway tomorrow, as I have to steer my car while Steve tows it to the garage - starter motor has gone!!! I'll see after that, but don't be surprised if I'm shown as offline in the morning!!!

 

#250:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 2:47 pm

Madge

“But women need a man’s guidance,” Jem said in a surprised voice. “How can they run their lives without a man to help them?”
The two women looked at him in amazement, and then burst out laughing much to Jem’s consternation. “I haven’t said anything funny,” he complained.
“Oh dear, that’s done me the world of good!” Jo mopped her streaming eyes and looked over at her sister who was in much the same helpless condition. “Jem you cannot be serious!”
“He is Jo, look at his face,” gasped Madge. “I needed this to reassure me that I was right. He really believes that women are helpless creatures without a man to ‘look after them’. How on earth did you think I managed to start and run the Chalet School before we met, Jem?”
“You had Dick to guide you then,” said Jem almost defensively.
“Only for the move out, Jem. He had to go back to India long before the school opened. I did that myself.”

 

#251:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 2:56 pm

Laughing Laughing
*Still giggling*

Thanks Pat. Love the idea of Jem being serious and Jey just cracking up.

 

#252:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 3:30 pm

Shows what a wally Jem is, and how he just hasn't kept up with the times.

 

#253:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 3:42 pm

Thanks Pat, glad to see more of this, though I do love Guernsey too.

 

#254:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 3:43 pm

ROFL ROFL

Good for Madge, how hopeless is Jem!!!!

 

#255:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 4:07 pm

*giggles*
Thank you Auntie Pat!

 

#256:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 4:08 pm

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh ROFL well I would be if I weren't in the library... *looks around suspicously*

 

#257:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 6:52 pm

Thanks Pat, loved that! Womderful reaction from both Madge and Joey! Laughing

 

#258:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 12:24 am

Love the reaction from Madge and Jo !

 

#259:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 11:58 am

Jo Maynard had had a group of the younger new girls over to Freudesheim for tea at the beginning of term, but no one had been since, much to the mystification of the older girls, who had been expecting an invitation for the boys to go over at any time. There was a rumour that Madame was staying with her, but as she had not made any appearance at the school no one gave it much credence.
“I wonder why Mrs Maynard hasn’t had you all over to tea yet,” said Michelle one day. “It’s way past the normal time for new people to go over.”
“I don’t understand why she should,” said Dan Arkwright. “I know she’s the Founders sister and all that, and lives next door, but it does seem unusual.”
“She was the first pupil the school had,” said Penny Stoper. “She says she still feels like a Chalet girl, and always will. You’ll see when you go over – she wants us all to see her home as our second home in a way.”
“How very strange,” said Tim. His voice still had a slight overtone of superciliousness and Michelle was quick to pounce on it. “Not strange at all,” she said. “Jo Maynard is an integral part of this school and always will be. She’s still very jolly and young in her outlook despite having eleven children of her own as well as a number of adoptees. You’ll see when you do meet her, but until that time it would be better if you kept your opinions to yourself.” Michelle turned her back on the stunned Tim and walked away. Tim stared after her in bemusement, trying to figure out how he had upset her. He had not meant to sound as he had done and was dismayed to find that Michelle’ reaction had taken him aback so much.

 

#260:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 12:13 pm

I actually feel sorry for Tim. Seems like they've given a dog a bad name and hanged him. He didn't say anything differnt than Dan said (or others in other books), though he did say it differently.

 

#261:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 12:19 pm

Hmm, thanks for that Pat. *goes off to don thinking cap and think about this*

 

#262:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 12:42 pm

Oh is Jo going to treat the boys like her own sons and expect them to be able to cope?

 

#263:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 12:45 pm

Shall we chant girlies???

 

#264:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 12:46 pm

Have had a marathon catch up on this! Love the mix of humour and drama! Very Happy

 

#265:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 2:32 pm

We should chant really!!!

Perhaps Jack need to provide the boys with English tea???

 

#266:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 3:27 pm

But, how will she entertain boys? There not likely to go all gooey at the prospect of helping to bath the babies are they?
Like this Pat, thanks

 

#267:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 7:44 pm

Thank you, Pat! Laughing

 

#268:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 8:18 pm

Thanks Pat...hope the boys do bath the babies....equal ops and all that!

 

#269:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 1:45 pm

Joins in the request!!!

*starts a little chant*

 

#270:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 1:56 pm

Auntie Pat, just for you can we have some more please!!

 

#271:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 1:59 pm

Nell Im confused, I thought you posted before me???

 

#272:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 2:00 pm

*agrees with Nell*

Please Auntie Pat? Pretty please?

 

#273:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 2:01 pm

Ally wrote:
Nell Im confused, I thought you posted before me???


Ask auntie Pat too explain... *giggles* we had a little posting battle!

 

#274:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 1:29 pm

“Why do you have such a low estimation of women’s abilities Jem?” asked Jo with a great deal of curiosity. “You expect Madge to run your home for you, but find it difficult to accept that she can make any sort of decision for herself. Don’t you think that there’s a little contradiction there?”
Jem looked at Jo as if she had said something totally unbelievable, and Jo smiled back at him serenely, though the laughter was still dancing in her eyes. He looked as if he was about to launch into speech, but then looked thoughtful. “You may have a point Jo, he said slowly. “I shall have to think about this, but not right now. I have had a long journey and think I shall retire for the night. Come along Madge.”
Madge rose obediently, much to Jo’s surprise, but making signals to her sister to let her go. Relieved that this was not the automatic obedience that it seemed Jo subsided and let them go.
Upstairs in the bedroom there was silence at first as Madge and Jem prepared for bed. Then Jem turned to his wife. “I’m not sure what to make of Jo’s question,” he said. “It’s the role of the man to be Head of the Household. That means making the decisions and guiding the rest of the family. Men are trained to take the lead, it’s the natural order of things.”
“If that is truly what you believe then there is nothing more to say, is there?” said Madge sadly. “There is nothing that either of us can say that will change that stand – it’s too entrenched.” She picked up her dressing gown and put it on, gathered up her hairbrush and walked out of the room without another word.

 

#275:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 1:34 pm

Oooh very interesting!

Good for Madge, we know she is capabale for looking after herself, so Im glad to see her taking some control. Also glad to seem Jem thinking about what has been said, even if he finds it difficult.

Thank you Auntie Pat Very Happy

 

#276:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 1:38 pm

Thank you Auntie Pat!! Echoes Ally's comments about Jem thinking things through. Assume Madge is going to sleep in the other guest room.

Is it too soon to be chanting for more??? Wink

 

#277:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 1:42 pm

That was great Pat.
Wonder how they will get through this?

 

#278:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 3:17 pm

Please post some more Pat, so we can find out how this is going to be resolved.

 

#279:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 3:24 pm

Thanks Auntie Pat! Very Happy
Looking forward to see whether Madge and Jem can resolve their problems.

 

#280:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 4:33 pm

Thanks Pat, I'd like to take it as a good sign that Jem is at least thinking.
Now if he can just decide to act....

 

#281:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 6:39 pm

One benefit of missing nearly a week of CBB is the catching up! I loved how poor (?) Jem is totally mystified by the concept of women having an opinion and love how Joey is dealing with it! Madge, too. She may have woken up late but, boy! has she woken up.

 

#282:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 7:13 pm

Yay!!! More more shocks......
Thank you Auntie Pat!

 

#283:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 8:48 pm

Thank you Pat!

Love Madge Heart

poke Jem

 

#284:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 8:54 pm

Ooooooooooh, thanks Auntie Pat.

 

#285:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 1:47 am

*hopes Jem thinks again*

 

#286:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 9:49 am

What that man needs is an attitude transplant. It might make up for his charisma bypass.

 

#287:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 1:28 pm

Good for Madge. Jem's attitude is dreadful. Glad to see him thinking about it. He needs to think about it again. And again, and again.

 

#288:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 2:14 pm

Jem stared at the closed door with a stunned look on his face. Even during the difficult year just gone they had slept in the same room and he could not comprehend what was happening. Moving in a daze he got into bed and turned out the light, though he remained staring up at the ceiling for some time, his mind in a whirl.

 

#289:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 2:58 pm

I'm actually starting to feel slightly sorry for Jem he so obviously just doesn't have a clue!

 

#290:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 4:09 pm

Ohhh I hope Jem realises how he has been treating Madge soon!

 

#291:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 4:21 pm

*giggles* Poor Jem!

 

#292:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 5:16 pm

Somehow I can't see Jem coming around.

 

#293:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 5:20 pm

I'm not feeling sorry for Jem - he deserves it, after all he put Madge through!

Thank you Pat! Kiss

 

#294:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 6:16 pm

Jennie wrote:
What that man needs is an attitude transplant. It might make up for his charisma bypass.


Please tell me there is no copyright on that quote, Jennie. I really want to use it Twisted Evil

btw, more please?

 

#295:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 6:40 pm

I must apologise for the length of that last posting! I was intending to write more but was over multitasking!!!! Cataloguing new books, dealing with customers, discussing work with colleagues, chatting with Carolyn inone window, and kathye in another!!! Something had to give and it was Shocks!

 

#296:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 9:06 pm

So, any chance of some more now Auntie Pat?

 

#297:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 9:07 pm

Thanks for the little bit, but I agree with Vikki Very Happy

 

#298:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 7:33 am

Feel free, PatMac! Good quotation, isn't it?

 

#299:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 10:27 am

It is a very good quotation.

 

#300:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 12:39 pm

Perhaps we should start a collection of memorable CBB quotations.

 

#301:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 1:31 pm

Bouncing!!!

 

#302:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 1:46 pm

Boing!!! I like this sport. Smile

 

#303:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 7:41 pm

Really hoping to see Pat bring Jem down a peg or twelve!

 

#304:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 6:42 pm

Bumps this back up to remind Auntie Pat of her commitments!!! Wink

 

#305:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 7:49 am

I think Auntie Pat is over - busy at the moment, and no, it's not quads!

 

#306:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 11:31 am

Its learning how to multi-task!! And too many PB's all at once!

ETA: therefore i am waiting paitently until there is more of this but see no harm in just saying that i look forward to more at Auntie Pat's convenience

 

#307:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 1:45 pm

How polite Nell! May I say that I am of the same mind as Nell.

 

#308:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 1:47 pm

Well i can be on occassion, my parents brought me up well!

 

#309:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 9:24 pm

I've just caught up on loads of this. Thanks Aunty Pat.
I'm really pleased that Madge has finally realised Jem was treating her badly and had the guts to stand up to him. Wondering why Jo hasn't invited the boys over for tea yet. Maybe she thinks they can cope cos they are boys ??

 

#310:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 9:24 pm

Sounds like RL has struck with a vengeance! Know the feeling, commiserations Pat

*Bump*

 

#311:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 9:31 pm

I'm tied up in Scandal, work and yibbling on msn!!

 

#312:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat May 01, 2004 12:01 pm

Oh poor Auntie Pat. I'ts just that we do want to see the two obnoxious males given one each of your wonderful set-downs. (Or more, if you can manage it.)

 

#313:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat May 01, 2004 8:01 pm

Tim had been changing gradually as the term had gone on though it had been almost imperceptible. Certainly the rest of the Sixth had seen little difference, but he had been thinking hard. Because of the differences in his outlook he had found himself something of a loner, a situation that was unfamiliar to him. It had however given him ample time for reflection and he was beginning to see that there was a good deal of merit to the way of life practised by his peers and until now scorned by both his former friends and himself. In fact, he could even se the reasons why his parents had insisted on the change of schools for his final two years. He was not yet ready to admit that he had been wrong or to show any outward change - pride still had too good a hold on him for that - but he was keeping a low profile for the time being.

The half Term holiday was fast approaching and the whole school was looking forward to the excursions that would take place during the break. Miss Annersley had decided that the Lower Fourth would go a little further afield than was usual and had booked a hotel for them on Lake Maggiore in northern Italy. With both forms going to the same place it was agreed that there should be a substantial force of both staff and Prefects to keep an eye on them. The school legends were liberally peppered with the exploits of previous Fourths and the powers that be had no intention of letting anything more be added to their number. Thus there were six Prefects down to accompany them and Tim, Andrew and Martin found themselves part of the group.

 

#314:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat May 01, 2004 8:15 pm

OOOOOooooo, half term exploits coming soon to a screen near you!!


Hope this means the bunny is on a roll again Auntie Pat.

 

#315:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat May 01, 2004 9:10 pm

*pulls up a deck chair, and settles down to wait......*

 

#316:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sat May 01, 2004 9:47 pm

Looking forward to another adventure packed CS half term!

 

#317:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat May 01, 2004 10:02 pm

Excellent - a recipe for disaster!

Thanks Pat Kiss

 

#318:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Sat May 01, 2004 10:16 pm

I spot a disaster looming over the horizon ...somewhere in northern italy ......... overnight in a coach ? someone falling in the lake ? someone breaking their neck ?? ........

more please Aunty Pat
*feeds Aunty Pats small sparkling purple leaf and bat*

 

#319:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat May 01, 2004 10:35 pm

Oooh yay, more story, thank you Auntie Pat!!!

Looking forward to the holiday, Im sure it will be lovely and peaceful!!!

(yer like you believe me!) Wink

 

#320:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Sun May 02, 2004 1:18 am

*drags in the bean bag to wait for the next bit*

Thanks Auntie Pat, can't wait!

 

#321:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun May 02, 2004 12:55 pm

Restocking the drabble cupboards - this should be worth waitig for!

 

#322:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun May 02, 2004 3:51 pm

*rummages through Jennie's neatly restocked cupboard, in quest of cookies.........*

 

#323:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun May 02, 2004 5:13 pm

Thanks Pat, glad to see Tim is changing, wonder when other people will notice?
And what about Jem & Made please, when you feel ready to write it of course.

 

#324:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon May 03, 2004 8:15 pm

Very soon, I hope.

 

#325:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue May 04, 2004 12:52 pm

joins those camped out on this thread...this looks exciting enought to wait for!! patiently even!

 

#326:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue May 04, 2004 2:51 pm

Oh yay camping expedition!!!

*Starts to make hot chocolate*

 

#327:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Tue May 04, 2004 5:17 pm

Finds the whipped cream and flakes to accompany the hot choccie Very Happy

 

#328:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2004 6:06 pm

The staff included Peter Stevens and the new History Teacher Mary Pringle, as well as Kathie Ferrars and Rosalind Moore, who as old hands knew which girls were likely to cause trouble. As the coaches rolled away from the school and down the road towards the Thunersee there was a buzz of excitement evident in both of the two coaches needed to transport the forms. The coaches ran south through the Valais region heading for Brig and the Simplon Pass. There had been no snow as yet even at the height of the Pass and the road was still open. The more nervous took care to avoid looking out of the windows as the coach climbed higher up the twisting road. They stopped at the hostel at the top of the Pass, named for Napoleon Bonaparte who had developed the route in the nineteenth century. After a brief stroll around to stretch their legs they were off again, this time winding their way down into the north of Italy until finally they reached the small town of Stresa on the side of lake Maggiore.

 

#329:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2004 7:46 pm

Thanks Pat Very Happy
Can't wait to see what happens!

 

#330:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2004 8:01 pm

More soon please Auntie Pat!

 

#331:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2004 8:07 pm

Highly impressed with Pat's knowledge of Geography.

(Was very surprised to find various countries were not where I had fondly imagined them to be! Probably a result of Geography giving me up, not the other way round!)

 

#332:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2004 9:28 pm

Thank you Auntie Pat! Oooh can't wait to see what they get up to...

 

#333:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed May 05, 2004 11:08 pm

I'm sure that's where the parents went a few months ago, how lovely to be able to read about it.
More soon please.

 

#334:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 1:49 am

That was a lovely post Auntie Pat



Now please can we have another one? Wink

 

#335:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 2:30 pm

Pat wrote:
The staff included...Kathie Ferrars and Rosalind Moore, who as old hands knew which girls were likely to cause trouble


Well if Kathie's going we know there's bound to be trouble!!

Wonderful to read this description of their journey, I did it in the opposite direction with my family about ten years ago, staying at Lake Maggiore and then driving over the Simplon Pass at the top of which the car decided to overheat before travelling onto the Thunensee and stayig there for a night...in a four star hotel!!! Cos no where else could fit the five of us in!

 

#336:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 3:52 pm

What a wonderful excuse for living in luxury. Remember that one, girls!

 

#337:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 6:04 pm

Auntie Pat??
How's your drabble writing hand doing? Wink

 

#338:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2004 1:57 pm

Sending painkillers for Pat's headache.

 

#339:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2004 2:17 pm

Thank you Pat, am now looking forward to hearing what happens during half term.






Must find time to listen to my bunny soon.

 

#340:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2004 8:06 pm

Thank you Pat!

 

#341:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2004 9:19 pm

Thank you Pat, I can't wait for the half term exploits!!!

 

#342:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2004 2:56 pm

Pat, where are you? I wanted some more drabble to cheer up a wet, grey, dismal Saturday.

 

#343:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2004 4:45 pm

Jennie, Auntie Pat is coming down south to visit civilisation this weekend, so she doesn't have much, if any, computer access....

 

#344:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2004 6:02 pm

South? Civilisation? Are you getting confused Vikki? Wink

 

#345:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2004 6:30 pm

No, not confused! Just stirring....... Wink

 

#346:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2004 8:17 pm

Presents Vikki with the Order Of The Giant Wooden Spoon ( Second Class)

Please explain, Vikki.

 

#347:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue May 11, 2004 2:33 pm

What is Vikki to explain...about how the south is the epitomy of civilisation and all that is civilised! But we already know that!

Or that Auntie Pat can't write any more until she extricates herself from the tweenies and fisher price toys!

 

#348:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue May 11, 2004 2:45 pm

I spent Saturday & Sunday with my sister south of London. Sunday night with American cousins from Pennsylvania, and Monday at Kathye's house with various other people and Megan.

 

#349:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 6:36 pm

They were soon settled into their hotel, overlooking the blue waters of the lake sparkling in the evening sun which hung low over the water. Out in the bay they could see green islands nestling fairly close to the shore. The lake was far bigger than either of the two they were used to and they could barely see the opposite shore. After Abendessen they were allowed to walk along the shore line for a little while. The edge of the lake was built up into a promenade at this point and they were able to stroll along the pavement chattering quietly to themselves. The Sixth formers kept a discreet eye on proceedings but the girls were all too tired to indulge in any high jinks and they all returned to the hotel ready for a good nights sleep.

After a good breakfast of croissants and local marmalade washed down with their usual milky coffee the entire party set out to the steamer landing. Both Martin and Tim had visited Italy with their families and would have preferred the strong black coffee with which the Italians started their day, but neither objected, knowing that this was normal fare for the school. Although late in the season there were a number of other visitors waiting for the boat to sail and the party tacked onto the end of the queue in a neat line, while Peter Stevens went to buy the tickets at the booth near the end of the quay. Just ahead of them was a small family consisting of the parents, a girl of about 10 and a boy of 6. they were waiting patiently enough, though it was evident that the boy would have been running all over the place given a chance. However, his father had a firm grip of the small hand and the child perforce stood still and quiet.

When their turn came the Chalet School party filed on board and found places near the front of the craft. It was by no means full and they were able to spread themselves out in some degree of luxury. They were lucky with the weather and had been blessed with a blue sky and bright sunshine. The little boat cut through the water until they reached the Isola Bella. Here they disembarked at set off to explore the small island. They had been allowed to go off in small groups as there was no way that they could get lost on a small island, with instructions to return to the front of the castle in half an hour.

 

#350:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 6:41 pm

Oh new shocks! Excellent - think there'll be a problem with 6 year old?

Thanks Pat! Kiss

 

#351:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 6:49 pm

Oh goody, some more story. Very Happy There's got to be a problem with something - maybe someone will get lost even though it's impossible!

 

#352:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 7:30 pm

Thank you Auntie Pat!!!
Glad you got home safely!!!

 

#353:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 9:17 pm

OOoh yay, thank you Auntie Pat!!

I hope you enjoyed your holiday Very Happy

 

#354:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 9:45 pm

Thanks Auntie Pat, looking forward to what happens when the island is explored!

 

#355:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 10:34 pm

Ooooh, thank you Auntie Pat.

 

#356:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Thu May 13, 2004 4:15 am

Thank you Auntie Pat!

 

#357:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu May 13, 2004 8:55 am

Thank you Pat, I must say I'm suspicious of what a six year old is going to get up to.

 

#358:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 1:12 pm

The whole party enjoyed wandering around the small island, and the subsequent visit to the gardens situated behind the palace. At that time of year there were fewer visitors and they were able to appreciate the beauties of the formal gardens without worrying about other people. The boat picked them up back at the quay and they continued to the Isolo di Piscatore. This was a smaller island, and they settled on the foreshore to eat their lunch looking out across the lake to the Swiss shores. They were free to wander after their rest and the enjoyed exploring the twisted streets of the small village. There was a pretty little church in the middle of the cluster of houses memorable for the four enormous glass busts of Saints which decorated the altar.

As they filed on board the boat to return to the shore they saw the little family again. They were filing on board just ahead of them though they had seen nothing of them on either of the islands. Both parties went to the bows and settled themselves down for the trip back to the shore. It was clear that the small boy was feeling cross for he had an outsize frown on his face and his bottom lip stuck out. He was sitting between his parents who were obviously stopping him from running around the deck as he wished. They were half way to the shore when the older girl murmured something to her mother and both rose to their feet and moved away to the entrance to the cabin. At the same moment the younger child took his chance, leaping to his feet and running across the deck to the railings, his father in hot pursuit. He clambered up the railings and hung over them watching the water rushing past below. Before his father could stop him he had swung too far and with a wild yell fell overboard into the lake.

 

#359:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 1:15 pm

Oh no!!!!!!!
Please let some nice Chaletian save him!

 

#360:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 1:17 pm

Why do I hope it's Tim who jumps in to save that silly little boy?

 

#361:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 1:30 pm

If he does, then we can truly say he has reformed and is a real Chaletian.

 

#362:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 1:34 pm

One of the smoothest conversions in CS history!

 

#363:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 2:14 pm

I hope whoever jumps in can swim!!!

How does the CS attract so many adventures!!

 

#364:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 3:03 pm

Erk! *restrains self from shrieking in shock in the library*

Lat's hope someone saves him, or maybe that a nice doctor with a boat/dog/something comes along to help out... Argh!

 

#365:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 3:12 pm

Before anyone could stop him Martin had leapt to the rail and dived over, performing a beautifully clean dive and surfacing very close to the child who was thrashing around in panic. He obviously knew what he was doing for the boy was expertly held with his head above the water and Martin was treading water and looking around himself for the nearest shore. Tim shot a quick glance around the deck and spied one of the lifebelts hanging from the superstructure. He dashed over and pulled it off the wall, finding the end of the rope as he ran back to the rails. He flung the belt as far out towards the bobbing heads as he could, retaining a good hold on the end of the rope as he did so. The boat was already slowing as Martin reached the life belt and gripped it firmly. As soon as he saw this Tim started hauling the rope in hand over hand. By the time Martin and the boy were alongside the boat was stationary and the crew had opened the gate in the railings taking the rope form Tim. Before long two wet and bedraggled people stood on the deck and the boat was once more on its way to the shore.

 

#366:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 3:13 pm

Whew! Thanks for posting that now AUntie Pat, or I'd have been worrying all afternoon.

 

#367:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 3:21 pm

Thanks, Pat. Let's hope the silly little boy gets a good telling off.

 

#368:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 3:40 pm

Glad to see Tim and Martin behaving like 'proper' CS pupils!

 

#369:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 4:10 pm

Glad all have survived safely. Its a shame they are not up school, I'd love to see Matey administer medicine and tuck Martin up in bed!!!

 

#370:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 5:32 pm

Yay! Thanks Auntie Pat!!!!
A classic CS rescue....

 

#371:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 9:06 pm

Good for Martin and Tim!

Thanks Pat! Laughing

 

#372:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 9:18 pm

Well Tim and Martin certainly worked like a team there Very Happy
Can't wait to see the other pupils comments!

 

#373:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 9:37 pm

I think Martin will be a hero. And Tim too.

 

#374:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun May 16, 2004 9:23 pm

The Captain of the boat whisked the two dripping figures away to the crew quarters where their wet clothes were taken off and they had a brisk rub down with rough towels. They were then given blankets to wrap around them until they could return to their hotels. Martin and the young boy (who was called Oliver Saunders) returned to the deck, Oliver to the arms of his anxious mother and the promise of something a good deal more unpleasant from his father. Martin was embarrassed by his reception when he returned to the school party. Tim had already had to endure their praise and the heartfelt thanks of Oliver’s parents and had been thankful to retire into the background. It was now Martin’s turn. Oliver’s father came across to shake his hand and his mother gave him a tearful hug.
“I don’t know how to thank you, young man,” said Mr Saunders. “My son could have been drowned if you hadn’t reacted so swiftly. I’m ashamed to say that I have never learnt to swim so I would have been of no use to him. There’s a rod in pickle for that young man when we get back to the hotel. He knew full well that he was to stay with us.”
“I’m just glad that I was near enough to help, Sir,” replied Martin. “Don’t be too hard on him. He’s had a sharp lesson already and I’m sure he won’t do anything like that again.”
“I take your point young man. We’ll see how penitent he is when we get him alone. Thank you for everything you have done.”
Poor Martin was red in the face by this time and thankful to retire into the group until they reached the shore when he was hurried back to the hotel for a hot bath and clean clothes. The rest of the weekend break passed uneventfully. They had a long day trip to Pisa on the Monday returning tired but happy to the hotel quite late in the evening. Tuesday saw them returning to school, but for one of their number the changes that had been taking place in his thinking had been reinforced, and the Tim that returned to the Chalet School was not the same as the one who had arrived at the start of the term. In a healthier environment his own good upbringing had had time to emerge and when he returned to his home for Christmas his parents felt that their decision to remove him from his previous school had been fully justified.

As for the wider reaching results of the experiment in co-education, the school authorities were delighted with the initial results. Two years later the whole school was opened to boys, with an extended St Michael’s house to accommodate them. Thus the Chalet School was able to remain in the forefront of education and became one of the leading International schools in Europe.

 

#375:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Sun May 16, 2004 9:25 pm

That sounds suspiciously like a closing sentence.

 

#376:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun May 16, 2004 9:53 pm

Auntie Pat wouldn't have stopped here without telling us that this was the end, would she? Confused

 

#377:  Author: keren,  PostPosted: Sun May 16, 2004 10:11 pm

here I am spending time catching up on over a months worth of this drabble and it stops?????
No romance here in school?
I dont know how you all have time to read drabbles,
I either read the GO list or here, i can't make both.
It was a great story, but stopped a bit suddenly

 

#378:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun May 16, 2004 10:18 pm

Im hoping the next shock will be more drabble!! Wink

Thank you Pat, Im glad Tim began to change for the better

 

#379:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun May 16, 2004 10:29 pm

The story can't be finished yet as we don't know what is happening to Madge and Jem. Hope we find out soon.

 

#380:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun May 16, 2004 10:32 pm

Like that Tim changed for the better. Thanks Pat! Smile

 

#381:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 2:17 am

*sending some very loud 'more's in Auntie Pat's direction!!*

 

#382:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 12:52 pm

That's the Tim part sorted, surely there's more to come? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeease, Pat.

 

#383:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 3:43 pm

After Madge had stalked out of the bedroom she shared with Jem she hesitated on the landing, unsure of her next move. She had acted on impulse and now had no idea of exactly where she was going to spend the rest of the night. As she stood there feeling more than a little foolish Jo’s door opened and Jo herself appeared on the landing.
“Madge! What are you doing here?” she exclaimed. “Don’t say you’ve walked out on Jem!”
“I’m afraid I have,” said Madge ruefully. “He made me mad and I stalked out without thinking of where I was going to spend the night.”
“The beds are all made up in the girls’ room, so you can go there,” said Jo. “Jem must have said something really bad for you to have done that.”
“Just stated his opinion of women’s roles within marriage,” said Madge sadly. “He is so perfectly sure of his own rightness that I understood that nothing I could say would change it. I don’t think that walking out of the bedroom as I did will have any effect, just confirm him in his opinions.”
Jo could see that her sister was upset and hurried her into the triplets room where she tucked her up in one of the beds just as if she was one of her children. “Snuggle down and I’ll get you some hot milk to help you sleep. Don’t try and talk any more. The morning will be soon enough for that.” And Jo whisked herself out of the room and down to Anna’s immaculate kitchen which she proceeded to disrupt comprehensively.

 

#384:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 3:49 pm

Excellent Pat - loved the last line Twisted Evil

 

#385:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 3:51 pm

Yay we got more!!!

Im very interested about what will happen between Madge and Jem, will Jem reform, or is that just impossible!!!

 

#386:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 4:21 pm

Thank goodness there's more! I doubt if Jem will see sense, not for a long time!

 

#387:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 4:35 pm

Thank you Auntie Pat! Very Happy Pim poke Jem

 

#388:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 5:33 pm

Thank you Auntie Pat! But it was very naughty of you to scare us like that!

 

#389:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 5:36 pm

Thanks Auntie Pat! It seems that for all her talk Joey learnt nothing from Frau Mieders in cooking lesson! Laughing

 

#390:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 8:26 pm

Love that last line! Good for Madge and Joey.

Adding to the hammer and poke at Jem.

 

#391:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 9:17 pm

Brilliant last line. Hope for more and more.

 

#392:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 11:02 pm

Laughing at the last line. Very glad this isn't over yet.

 

#393:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 2:58 am

Well done on the Tim front!

But is there hope for the Madge-Jem relationship? Shocked

 

#394:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue May 18, 2004 4:35 pm

Only if Jem manages to bring himself up to date and actually begins to realise that yes, surprise, surprise, women DO have brains and decision-making abilities.

 

#395:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 8:18 pm

Madge did not sleep very much that night despite the hot milk; there was too much going round in her mind for her to settle. On the other hand, Jem had swiftly come to the conclusion that Madge was suffering from what he loosely termed ’women’s problems’, and had slept the sleep of the just. They met at the breakfast table and Jo looked at them both feeling more than a little troubled. Jem looked himself, the successful doctor, knighted for his contribution to medicine, knowing his own worth. Madge had made an effort to hide the signs of a sleepless night, but Jo could see that she was totally exhausted. Neither spoke as they took their seats and the meal was taken in virtual silence, not even Jo caring to break it. Sensing that they needed a degree of privacy, she refrained from her instinctive urge to 'but in' and disappeared into her study, ostensibly to work on her latest book.
“I shall have to return to work before long Madge,” said Jem as the door closed behind Jo. “So if you have had a long enough break I shall phone the airline this morning to book our seats.”
Madge felt such a total sense of disbelief at his words that for a moment all she could do was stare at him. The she pulled herself together and gathered her courage in both hands. The long wakeful night thinking had finally resulted in the hardest decision she had ever made in her life.
“You may book your seat if you wish, Jem,” she said. “I shall not be returning to England with you. In fact I am asking you for a separation. We have grown apart over the years and we no longer think the same way. I’m sorry Jem…no let me finish please… but I have been thinking about this for a long time. I can no longer be the sort of wife that you expect and it seems to me to be clear that you cannot change your ideas. Therefore it is better for us both that we go our separate ways and in due course think seriously about ending our marriage formally.”
“You are surely not talking about divorce Madge? We do not indulge in divorce in this family, it just isn’t done.”
“Jem I have been trying to work things out with you for months but you have never listened to me, not properly, not in the sense of giving time to thinking about what I have been saying. You seem instead to have become more entrenched in your own opinions and more dismissive of mine. Well this is the result and if you find it hard to take, it is no more than I have found in deciding what I have to do. Now I am sorry but I had very little sleep last night and I am tired. I am going upstairs to lie down.” And on those words Madge walked from the room with her dignity wrapped around her like a cloak.

 

#396:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 8:21 pm

Yikes! I wonder if Jem will ever come to his senses, he deserved eberything he got there!
More soon please Auntie Pat Very Happy

 

#397:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 8:36 pm

Im so glad Madge is standing up for herself, and doing what she feels right. Im looking forward to hearing their childrens reactions to this.

 

#398:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 8:45 pm

Good for Madge!!!!
That told him!

 

#399:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 9:33 pm

Thank you shiny Auntie Pat! Good for Madge! Pim:poke:Jem

 

#400:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 11:31 pm

Brilliant pat, love Jem's comment about 'indulge in divorce' as if it some king of luxuary. Shows where he is coming from!

 

#401:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu May 20, 2004 11:51 pm

Good for Madge!
hammer Jem.
Will he never wake up?

 

#402:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 11:25 am

Obviously not! He hasn't a clue!

Well done Madge, very brave!

Thanks Auntie Pat!

 

#403:  Author: Beth, Location: Sunny Isle of Man! PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 1:32 pm

I've just read the entirety of this. It's great!

*formally adopts Pat as a brevet auntie in the hope the talent will run in the family*

 

#404:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 2:23 pm

Great, Pat. Is Jem a pompous idiot or what?

 

#405:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 2:55 pm

Good for Madge. thanks Pat

Jennie, I'm sure he's not a 'what' so he must be a pompous idiot!

 

#406:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 3:06 pm

Thank you. It's good to have my judgement confirmed. LOL Laughing Laughing Laughing

 

#407:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 4:25 pm

Yah!! Go Madge!!!

*Lesley sneaks onto Pat's thread to kick Jem before running back to write more Break!*

Thanks Pat! Kiss

 

#408:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri May 21, 2004 8:33 pm

Jem stood looking after her like a stranded fish, his mouth hanging open and his eyes wide with shock. Then the resolution came back into his face and he strode across to the study door, tapped briefly and entered without waiting for the invitation. Jo was at her desk appearing to be engrossed in her work though in reality she was almost as shocked as Jem at what she had overheard, for Madge had not made any effort to keep the conversation private.
“May I use your phone please Jo?” he said, lifting the receiver as he spoke. Jo merely gestured assent being incapable of speech for the moment. Jem briskly proceeded to book his flight back to England while Jo did her best to maintain the polite fiction of not listening to his conversation. When he had put the phone down he evidently felt that some explanation was needed, for he hesitated and t