More shocks for the CS
The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles
#1: More shocks for the CS Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 9:57 am

Sorry Pat, but there was only one little part on the old thread before Robin arrived, so I have added it here to save archiving for a single paragraph.
Links:
part one
part two
part three
part four

The three girls stayed together as much as possible over the next few days. The first day was naturally the worst, as everyone wanted to talk about it. When they found that the cousins could not be drawn on the subject, it began to die down, at least amongst the Third form. The other forms knew very little about it all, but the story gradually made the rounds, until the whole school had the fact more or less straight. It caused something of a stir, and Jo was conspicuous by her absence for the whole of that week. After that, though, it died a natural death as other more immediate concerns came to the fore.

The staff were naturally more reticent, and more protective of Jo’s privacy. Margaret Owen found herself cold-shouldered by the rest whenever she tried to broach the subject, and she soon let it lapse. Jo and Jack had privately told the people resident on the Platz, such as Biddy and Hilary, and all had reacted well. In fact, both Biddy and Hilary told Jo that she had risen in their estimation, having had such a traumatic secret to keep, and having succeeded so well.

Meanwhile, Jo’ surprise visitor had landed in Paris, and spent the night there, before boarding the train for Interlaken.




Starting at Robin's arrival at the Gornetz Platz.

Robin’s train arrived very early in the morning at Interlaken, so she stopped at a nearby restaurant for some Fruhstuck, before boarding the little train that climbed up to the Gornetz Platz. The last part of the journey seemed to last forever, as is often the case, but at length it pulled in to the little station that served the Platz. Robin had told no one that she was coming, so there was no one there to meet her, but she asked a railway official the way to Freudesheim and the school, and set off. After the long journey the walk was a wonderful way to stretch the kinks out of her legs, and she set off at a brisk pace, savouring the wonderful views around her.

More than one curious glance was thrown at her as she walked along the road, for it was not every day that a nun was seen tramping across the Platz. Up ahead, Robin could see a large chalet standing alongside the road, and behind it was a large collection of buildings, connected to one another by covered walkways. This agreed with the description she had been given at the station, and she quickened her pace, impatient now that she was nearing journey’s end. She reached the first building and checked the name on the gate. Sure enough, this was Freudesheim, and she opened the gate and walked up the path, suddenly feeling nervous. Stretching out her hand, she rang the doorbell.

She could hear the great bell pealing inside the house, and then footsteps approaching the door. As the door opened she could see Anna standing in the entrance.
“Ja, mein Schwester? Mag ich Ihnen helfen?“
„Anna, it’s me.“
„Pardon, sister?“
„Anna, it’s Robin. Please let me in. Don’t tell Joey I’m here.“
Anna's eyes opened wide in shock, though she kept her voice very quiet. „Fraulein Robin? Is it really you? Come in. Frau Maynard is in the Salon, through that door.“
Robin walked quietly to the indicated door, and turned the handle. As the door opened, she could see Jo sitting by the fire, knitting, and a woman sitting opposite her, though she could only see the back of her head. She came into the room as Jo raised her head from her work.
„Hello, Joey. Long time, no see.“
Jo’s eyes opened wide, and she went white with shock. “Rob? It can’t be. You’re in Toronto!”
The figure in the other chair leapt to her feet and swung round. Robin guessed that this must be one of the triplets, though this woman in her early thirties was a stranger to all intents and purposes. Then she gave an exclamation as Jo swayed where she stood. Both Rob and the other woman leapt forward, even though Rob knew that she herself was too far away to help. Len, who had only had time to register that a nun had entered the room without Anna’s introduction, managed to catch her mother before she fell, and helped her back to her chair. Jo was shaking, and she was staring at the figure of the nun as if she had seen a ghost.
“Mamma, what’s the matter?”
Jo could only point wordlessly at the visitor, so Len stood up and turned to her.
“Which triplet are you?” asked Rob.
“Len, but who are you?”
“I know its been a long time, Len, but don’t you recognise me at all?”
“Aunty Rob? I thought Mamma said Rob, but I was more concerned with her than taking notice of what she said.”
Jo pushed Len to one side and stood up, rather shakily. She took a few steps forward and grabbed Robin’s hands.
“Rob, I can’t believe my eyes! It is you! What in the world are you doing here?”
“I’ve been transferred to the Paris branch, Jo, and given a weeks leave to visit you. Mother Superior was aware that there were home problems, though naturally she knows no details. Jo sit down before you fall down. I wanted to surprise you, not shock you so much.”
Len slipped from the room, and went in search of Anna. She felt that her mother would benefit from a cup of tea, and that Rob probably needed it after presumably walking from the station. She also wanted to give the two a little time to themselves after the long years of separation.

When she returned a short while later, Jo had recovered herself, and she and Rob were talking nineteen to the dozen, trying to catch up on years in a few minutes. Rob had discarded her head-dress, and was talking nearly as hard as Jo. Indeed, they hardly stopped to eat and drink, and Len grinned and left them to it.

Last edited by Pat on Fri Feb 06, 2004 3:46 pm; edited 2 times in total

 

#2:  Author: Kathryn, Location: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 10:27 am

Ooooh, wasn't expecting Robin to be the visitor!

 

#3:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 11:08 am

*sigh* I loved this scene when I read it on the old board, but I couldn't reply there! As I can reply here, I'll say that I think you captured the characteristics perfectly!

 

#4:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 1:53 pm

That's a nice surprise for Jo, seeing Robin after all those years. Very Happy

 

#5:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 2:37 pm

*repeat post from old board*

Hooray, robin has arrived!

More please

 

#6:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 2:38 pm

I wasn't expecting Robin either. But wouldn't Robin have received photos of the children in her letters? I'm a bit blurry about what nuns are allowed.

 

#7:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 4:18 pm

they probably did send photos! I was a bit taken up by the fact they they never seemed to visit, even when Rob was in Paris before! I promise I'll post some more soon, but I'm busy exploring!! ROFL

 

#8:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 6:52 pm

This is great Pat!! Thank you, and more please!!!

 

#9:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 10:51 pm

*begins to chant*

 

#10:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 11:12 pm

More tomorrow. Smile Smile Smile

 

#11:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 11:16 pm

Pat wrote:
More tomorrow. Smile Smile Smile


Thanks for the update.

*Looking forward to tomorrow.

 

#12:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 11:24 pm

Ooh, it's less than two hours until tomorrow!

 

#13:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 11:39 pm

Wish on KB!! I can't write at this time of the night!!! Wednesday is a quiet day at work!! Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Cool

 

#14:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 12:55 am

We'll expect lots more tomorro2w then Pat!!!!!!!

 

#15:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 1:43 am

Pat wrote:
Rob had discarded her head-dress,



And does she have a shaved head underneath?

Which thread was it where we discussed this for hours??



Rachel the Quidditch (Ooooops! Nearly typed "Robin the Quidditch "!!!!!)

 

#16:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 1:46 am

Must've been before my time, cos I don't remember it!! Confused

 

#17:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 1:47 am

Vikki wrote:
Must've been before my time, cos I don't remember it!! Confused


I thought we discussed whether Robin and all the other nuns would shave their heads on a fairly recent thread on the old board!!!

Don't tell me I am now beginning to believe my own imagination!

Aaaaaaarrrrrrggggggggghhhhhhh!




Rachel the Quidditch

 

#18:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 2:01 am

Looking forward to more tomorrow Pat.

 

#19:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 2:32 am

Rachel wrote:
Vikki wrote:
Must've been before my time, cos I don't remember it!! Confused


I thought we discussed whether Robin and all the other nuns would shave their heads on a fairly recent thread on the old board!!!

Don't tell me I am now beginning to believe my own imagination!

Aaaaaaarrrrrrggggggggghhhhhhh!

Rachel the Quidditch


Calm down, Rachel. I remember it, too. I don't know when, though!

 

#20:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 7:47 pm

Please may we have some more story! Very Happy

 

#21:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 9:54 pm

Hopefully soon, but we had a very silly day at work today. Library catalogue suffered from an attack of the ---, and there was also a QAA inspection for one of our HE subjects, so I got virtually nothing else done!! Screen of Death

 

#22:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 9:56 pm

Pat, may we have some more soon please. I like Robin as an adult.

I don't remember the discussion about nuns heads, although it is something I thought about when writing Con and Margot. Maybe someone should go and start a nuns shaving thread so those who remember can fill in the rest of us, or post a link if it was archived?

 

#23:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 10:16 pm

** Sobs pathetically on KB's shoulder in gratitude for reassurance that my imagination is not taking over the driving seat **

 

#24:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 2:07 am

*huggles Rachel and assures her it's all right*

 

#25:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 2:12 am

** sniffs the snot back and sits up gulping after the tumultuous sobbing **

 

#26:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 2:13 am

*surreptitously leaves the room to change my shirt*

 

#27:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 1:35 pm

*offers Rachel a hankie, KB a clean shirt and looks pointedly at the big blank space on this thread! Pat, where's our story?* poke

 

#28:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 3:00 pm

Joins in Vikki's request for more, please Pat.

 

#29:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 3:12 pm

Yes, more please, Pat. I'm really enjoying this.

 

#30:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 3:24 pm

Soon, soon Exclamation Have patience, please. Very Happy

 

#31:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 3:28 pm

Patience? What's that then? Wink

 

#32:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 3:32 pm

Actually, I only posted that so that the end of the TEM would be my 100th post Exclamation Exclamation Exclamation Exclamation

 

#33:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 3:35 pm

Congratulations, but now you have 101 posts, so its time for some more Very Happy

 

#34:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 3:46 pm

I haven't written any more on this yet! Give us a chance Exclamation Evil or Very Mad

 

#35:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 5:07 pm

Here you go then Exclamation

Jo and Rob were closeted together for the rest of the day, stopping only to eat. Even Jack shrugged and left them to it, realising that it was helping Jo to come to terms with all that had happened that term, since Rob had been with her when it all happened. By bedtime they were more or less themselves again, and Jack and Len could both see that Jo was truly back to being herself, and not the shocked and stressed being that they had become used to. That night she slept properly for the first time in weeks, never stirring until late morning, as Jack had given orders that she should not be disturbed. Naturally she was furious when she woke, but by then, Jack was at the San, so she could say nothing to him.

 

#36:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 6:28 pm

Yay thank you Pat!

 

#37:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 7:47 pm

Thank you Pat!! I'm glad Robin has done Jo so much good!!! smurf

 

#38:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 2:54 am

Thank you Pat very satisfying bits of story.

 

#39:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 4:03 am

I'm glad the airing of all these skeletons has helped Joey! But are we going to see more from the girls' perspectives, and that of the sons?

 

#40:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 11:46 am

PB is pretty comotose at the moment Exclamation Sorry Exclamation Exclamation Exclamation

 

#41:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 12:41 pm

Aw! *huggles to the PB*

 

#42:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 1:36 pm

He's managed a little, so I'm posting.

After lunch, Jo and Len took Robin on the school’s favourite walk. The day was bright and clear, and Robin was enchanted with the echoes, as they threw back one of the chants she was used to singing in the convent. On their return, jo disappeared into Jack’s study and came out grinning.
“We have an invitation to Kaffee und Kuchen at the school – or rather, with Hilda. She knows I have a guest, but not who it is! What a surprise she’s going to have.”
“Jo Maynard, you are the limit!” Robin tried to sound shocked but failed dismally. “Do you mean you haven’t told her I’m here?”
“Just that, my dear! Come on, the coffee will be going cold!”

 

#43:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 8:13 pm

Thanks Pat Very Happy

Gently pokes your bunny to keep him awake

 

#44:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 8:17 pm

Yay thank you Pat, any chance of some more though

 

#45:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 8:37 pm

I'll try and get some written over the weekend, but I want to write a chapter synopsis of Librarian to submit to A&C for publication! Embarassed

 

#46:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 11:42 pm

Oooh!! *crosses fingers for Pat!!*
*remembers still has Librarian waiting to be read!!!*
*wonders how to fit more hours into the day!*

*hopes Pat does manage to find time to write a weeny bit more!*

 

#47:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 11:44 pm

I liek soem mroe of oyu get the chance but you've got other things to do so we understand!

 

#48:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 12:50 am

Vikki wrote:
Oooh!! *crosses fingers for Pat!!*
*remembers still has Librarian waiting to be read!!!*
*wonders how to fit more hours into the day!*

*hopes Pat does manage to find time to write a weeny bit more!*


Echo's all four of these statements.
Maybe I should print Libarian out so I can read it when D has the 'puter.

 

#49:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 1:00 am

*echoes three of those comments* *sobs*
*heroically hands Pat some of my carefully hoarded store of PB treats to get mroe story..*

 

#50:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 8:11 am

I do like Jo in this story!

 

#51:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 11:40 am

It's really on on here that Jo becomes so bad. She all right in the books.

 

#52:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 11:55 am

Yes, I agree with that. I like Joey in the books, but set aside that decision here.

 

#53:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 4:17 pm

I know you're busy Pat but we really would like some more! When you've time, of course.

 

#54:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 5:05 pm

Some more please Pat, when you have the time of course.

 

#55:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 5:15 pm

Pat, I don't know how I managed to miss this for so long! I can remember reading the first bits when the new girls were on the train but then nothing! I have just read through all of this - from the first archived bit - it's wonderful! Really like Joey in this, glad that most of the Staff and girls are sympathetic and that her family have all come round.

Would really like more when you have the time! Smile

 

#56:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 5:28 pm

Thanks Lesley. It's always a bit different to read something straight through, especially when it's been written as it's been posted. Glad it still lakes sense! Embarassed

 

#57:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 6:12 pm

*wonders how the girls are doing. First they discover that they share a grandmother none of them knew about, now they've been discarded from the story for days!!

 

#58:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 6:49 pm

Hi Pat, hows your small sparkling purple leaf, I hope hes awake and raring to go!!

 

#59:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 7:53 pm

*seconds Ally's hopes*

 

#60:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 9:03 pm

I wonder what happens to characters in unfinished stories...

 

#61:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 10:09 pm

Pat!!! Where are you? Where's our story? Please!!!!

 

#62:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 10:18 pm

Maybe some people were swallowed up while Liss was working on the new layout for the board. They might be trapped in the old design!

 

#63:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 10:23 pm

smiles at the image of girls trapped in pretty colours, I hope they find their way out!!

 

#64:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 10:26 pm

So do I, or we'll never get more story!

 

#65:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 10:32 pm

aha! so that's what has happened! I thought I'd gone colour blind! Is it my imagination or is it faster as well?

ETA to correct stupid typo

 

#66:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 10:39 pm

I think so!

 

#67:  Author: Grembles, Location: Norwich PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 11:01 pm

KB wrote:
I wonder what happens to characters in unfinished stories...


I recommend Jasper Fforde's trilogy staring Thursday Next to explain fully what happens to unfinished chracters. The third book is all about this but I think it is best to start with the first one, the Eyre Affair.

The author is nice bloke too!

 

#68:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 11:13 pm

Thanks! *adds it to 'look up' list*

 

#69:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 11:55 pm

Please may we have more story! Smile

 

#70:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 12:13 am

I've been watching Dalziel and Pascoe, not getting lost in the colour change. I'll try and write somemore tomorrow, but no promises.

 

#71:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 11:05 am

*Decides that now I have caught up with this I should make an early start on joining the chanters!*

 

#72:  Author: Kate, Location: Ireland PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 12:57 pm

I've been doing a LOT of drabble-catching up lately... and this is my latest! Very good! Smile Can we have more please?
*releases loads of PBs and sends them Pat's way*

 

#73:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 1:31 pm

*hides as a horde of plot bunnies scampers past*

 

#74:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 1:32 pm

*joins the chant*

i hope you get a chance to write some more today Pat! Smile

 

#75:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 4:26 pm

If I can vaguely catch up, now I've sent Librarian off, I might be able to write a little more.

 

#76:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 4:34 pm

I'm another one who has just caught up - I love the way this story has developed, and it's great to see Robin again too. I certainly never exected that.
Looking forward to more, I'm glad to see that Susan has made friends with Rachel, as I recall she wasn't too impressed when they first met.
Good luck with Librarian, btw, and more of this soon please.

 

#77:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 4:43 pm

I've just caught up too! Lovely to see Robin back and being so supportive and Jo coping a bit better. Hope to see more soon. (*subtle hint*)

 

#78:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 4:44 pm

That afternoon, Jo and Robin made their way over to the school. Jo was trying, unsuccessfully, to hide her glee at the surprise Hilda was going to have. Robin looked at her, seeing the return of a Jo that had been hidden for a very long time. The shock she had had when Jack had been reported missing during the War had only intensified the change brought about when Jo had lost her babies. Now she was able to be herself, and everything was bubbling over inside her, as her relief and happiness tried to find expression.

Jo led the way around the school building to the Annexe, thinking that it would be fairer for Robin to avoid the main part of the school. There were enough old girls in teaching posts who remembered her for the word to spread rapidly.
Keeping Robin behind her, Jo tapped on the French windows and entered on Hilda’s answer.
“I’ve brought my guest, Hilda, Guess who it is?”
“Jo, how could I possibly guess? It could be anyone! For heaven’s sake bring the poor soul in here, whoever it is.”
“Well make sure you’re sitting down, my dear, for you’re in for a very great shock.” With those words, Jo whisked herself out of the door, and grabbed Robin’s hand, pulling her into the room. Hilda Annersley sat there, looking so shocked that Jo almost repented of her trick.

 

#79:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 5:43 pm

*applauds*

thank you Pat Smile

 

#80:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 5:49 pm

Adds applause and thanks - I hope Hilda doesn't have a heart attack though Exclamation

 

#81:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 5:55 pm

How lovely for Robin to see Joey as she remembers. Wonder what Hilda's reaction will be?

 

#82:  Author: Tassie_Ellen, Location: Tasmania, Australia PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 2:00 am

That was a nice little bit, Pat, thank you. So can we expect more soon?

yummy *licks lips in anticipation*

 

#83:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 2:41 am

Very nice indeed, Pat!

 

#84:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 3:32 am

Yay!! Thank you Pat!! I can just picture the expression on Hilda's face!!!!

 

#85:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 4:31 am

Oh, me too! *mops eyes*

 

#86:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 10:33 am

Aaaahhh! *pauses to wipe a little tear*. How nice to have a relly happy interlude.

*Notes Ellies remark and steels herself just in case!*

 

#87:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 1:43 pm

Hilda Annersley gave herself a mental shake, annoyed that she had risen to Jo’s shock. Not for the world would she have chosen to give Jo that satisfaction, though from the satisfied grin on that lady’s face, she had noticed the shock.
“Robin my dear! How lovely to see you again. What are you doing in Europe and for how long will you be here?”
“I’ve been transferred to La Sagasse in Paris, and have been given a weeks leave to visit family. It’s wonderful to be here, Miss Annersley.”
“I think it’s time you used my name, Robin. Hilda is not difficult to say.” Hilda crossed the room to the connecting door to Rosalie’s office, and opened it. “Rosalie, could you come in here a moment, please?” She gestured to Jo and Robin to sit down as she returned to her own seat. The door opened, and Rosalie came in, notebook and pencil at the ready. It took her a moment to realise that the Head was not alone, and a second longer to realise who her visitors were. Then she let out a scream.
“Robin! Are my eyes deceiving me? It is you, isn’t it?”
“Hello Rosalie. You haven’t changed a bit. How are you enjoying Switzerland?” Robin was laughing at the expression on Rosalie’s face.

 

#88:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 1:47 pm

Ah! I'm glad Rosalie is in on the surprise now. Thanks Pat.

 

#89:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 2:03 pm

Lovely, Pat. Thank you very much.

 

#90:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 2:14 pm

Thanks Pat, it was just like Joey to make it all into one big tease like that!

 

#91:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 2:43 pm

Yay, thank you Pat. I loved the surprise.

Can we chant?

 

#92:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 6:57 pm

Thank you Pat may we have some more soon please Very Happy

 

#93:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 7:20 pm

I loved Miss Annersley's reaction to the surprise and her decision not to show her shock!

 

#94:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 7:24 pm

That was sweet Pat. Thanks.

 

#95:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 8:28 pm

Pleeeease may we have some more, Pat?

 

#96:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 1:43 am

Have just caught up with this now. Love all the reunion scenes. Thank you for all the story Pat.

 

#97:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 4:58 am

Thank you Pat!!
*giggles*

 

#98:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 7:09 am

I can just imagine Rosalie reacting like that! *giggles*

 

#99:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 1:49 pm

*wonders if Pat is going to post more today?*
Hint hint!!

 

#100:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 2:06 pm

*Joins in the hinting*

I hope theres more soon Pat

 

#101:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 2:38 pm

“I’m fine, Rob, thank you. It’s lovely to see you. Excuse me a moment.” Rosalie turned and disappeared from the room.
“I know it was a shock for her, but I didn’t think she’d run away!” Rob said mournfully.
“I think it was more than that, my dear. Now, drink your tea before it gets cold.” Hilda was smiling to herself, sure in her own mind where Rosalie had gone. Before long, the sound of footsteps and voices came from the corridor outside. A knock came on the door, which opened to Hilda’s “Herein.”
“What do you…..” Nancy Wilmot’s voice died away as she registered who was occupying the Head’s study, and she stopped dead in the doorway.
“Nancy, stop dithering would you. You’re holding us all up.” Peggy Burnett’s voice came clearly to those in the study, who were all trying to stifle their mirth.
“Nancy Wilmot, get along do. You are no better than you were when you were a schoolgirl!” Matey was clearly on form, and she pushed past Nancy Wilmot into the study, where she too stopped dead in shock.

 

#102:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 3:07 pm

How lovely, I like reunions and robin has been away too long!

Hurrah! A nice shock.

 

#103:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 3:34 pm

Lots of lovely reunions in this thread Pat, and all because Joy, Susan and Rachel went to the CS.
I do hope that it's going to carry on being such a nice story.

 

#104:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 3:45 pm

Oh lovely! I wonder how many of them are there?

 

#105:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 5:32 pm

Yay!! *huggles Pat and sits down to wait for more!!!*

 

#106:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 6:33 pm

How nice!

 

#107:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 7:53 pm

*dying to see Matey's reaction to the surprise

 

#108:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 7:55 pm

Ooooh!! Yes! That should be good!!!

 

#109:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 9:05 pm

Laughing PAt thats brillant, more soon please!

 

#110:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 1:37 am

Love all these surprises and reunions but would like more please.

 

#111:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 2:14 am

Why isn't there any more?! *grumble, mumble, moan, complain*

Let's CHANT!

 

#112:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 3:04 am

*agrees wholeheartedly!!!*

 

#113:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 3:08 am

*still dying to see Matey's reaction!!

 

#114:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 4:23 am

*giggles at Matey's down-to-earth comments*

 

#115:  Author: Tassie_Ellen, Location: Tasmania, Australia PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 5:44 am

I deliberately waited until mid-afternoon (it's almost 4.00pm here) to log on, but there's STILL no more story Shocked

PAAAAAAAT! Where are you?

*realises that it's the middle of the night where Pat is and that she's probably fast asleep, goes off to the kitchen to make herself another cup of tea - anyone else want one?*

 

#116:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 6:12 am

Yes, please, Ellen. Having lots of trouble concentrating on student's thesis, even when helped along by refreshing drabbles.

 

#117:  Author: Tassie_Ellen, Location: Tasmania, Australia PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 6:25 am

Here you go, Kathy - just made a fresh pot. And here's a still-warm-from-the-oven Apple and White Chocolate Muffin to go with it (my favourite snack to have with a cuppa). Good luck with the thesis - at least it will pass the time until Pat gets up...

 

#118:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 9:06 am

Only just managed to catch up on this - anyone else having difficulties keeping up with all the excellent drabbles?

Pat - please post more!

 

#119:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 12:58 pm

*sighs at the realisation that the room is empty and makes tea for myself before sitting glumly on the couch*

 

#120:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 2:01 pm

Awww never mind KB - you just snuggle up and go to sleep - the rest of us will be along soon!

 

#121:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 6:37 pm

Lesley wrote:
Only just managed to catch up on this - anyone else having difficulties keeping up with all the excellent drabbles?


I think most of us are Exclamation

Pat, I was hoping for this story to have been extended when I came back. (In other words for MORE), never mind I'm sure you have an excellent reason, like writing another drabble!

 

#122:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 7:12 pm

What, still no more? PAAAAAATTT! Embarassed Embarassed (that's as near as turning purple from yelling i could get)

Where are you? C'mon, Auntie Pat, we're waiting!
Who's best at batting eyelashes? *goes off to examine various CBBers*

 

#123:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 7:46 pm

Got sent home from work early because of snow!! Need to catch up the threads first.

 

#124:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 10:30 pm

Pat wrote:
Got sent home from work early because of snow!! Need to catch up the threads first.


Darn!! that'll be about a week then!!! Wink (well, that's how long it feels like it takes me some days!!!)

 

#125:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 3:25 pm

Hopes Pat catches up soon, can we have some more please as I like Reunions as well!!

 

#126:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 4:04 pm

*g* That may be how it feels, Vikki, but it certainly isn't how it looks... for you, anyway!

 

#127:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 5:32 pm

Well, It definitely feels that way!!!!

 

#128:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 6:21 pm

Lesley wrote:
Awww never mind KB - you just snuggle up and go to sleep - the rest of us will be along soon!


Thanks, Lesley!

And is there really no more of this after two whole days?!

 

#129:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 6:26 pm

Please come back and post some more Pat.

 

#130:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 6:34 pm

Please may we have some more!

 

#131:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 9:31 pm

Please be patient. I've had a pig of a week, with the RL TEM eating part of the library system! Tomorrow I have a job interview, so I'll be going to prepare for that in a little while. Interesting reading like the Public Library Position Statement! And the Government paper for the future of public libraries! Far more interesting than this!

 

#132:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 9:49 pm

I'm sure it will go well Pat. You're obviously not enjoying your current job, meaning you'll really want this job, so I'm sure your desire will come across in your interview, and that can only be a good thing. Very Happy

 

#133:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 10:43 pm

Let us know how it goes.
*sending best wishes, huggles and prayers*

 

#134:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 7:23 am

Good luck with your job interview Pat! Kiss

 

#135:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 12:31 pm

*huggles Pat and wishes her all the luck in the world!!!*

*looks for a 'fingers crossed' smiley!*

 

#136:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 7:15 pm

*hugs Pat*

Hope everythings ok today!

 

#137:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 7:40 pm

*joins the group hug.

Good Luck Pat!

 

#138:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 8:33 pm

I'm sure you must have had your interview by now Pat, but I hope it all went well.

 

#139:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 11:58 pm

Interview was at 2.45 today, and they said they were hoping to appoint today. It seemed to go OK though it's difficult to tell, and obviously I don't know what the others were like! They haven't phoned, so I suspect that as they normally contact the successful candidate first, and I was probably the last candidate, since I had the least distance to go, I haven't got it! I don't mind, really. We got things sorted out with Umbridge, the computer problem could happen anywhere. There are also interesting changes afoot with regard to the HE provision - Huddersfield Uni taking them over - so there are reasons for staying put. Shame about the extra money though!

 

#140:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 12:04 am

*crosses fingers*

I'm sure it was fine Pat

 

#141:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 12:17 am

*huggles Pat!!*

 

#142:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 12:22 am

Thanks Vikki. I'll probably know for sure on Monday. Meanwhile....



“Well Jo. Up to your tricks again I see! I suppose it was too much to expect you to give us some warning that Robin was here.” Matey was not going to give Jo, or anyone else, any satisfaction. Her years of experience helped her to hide her feelings as well as Hilda. “Robin, my dear, forgive me for not greeting you properly. You are looking very well. How long are you able to remain up here?”
“Just a week, Matey. I’ve been permanently transferred to the Paris convent, as they need a teacher there. You will all be able to visit me once I’m settled you know.”
Biddy rushed forward past Matey, with scant regard for that lady’s dignity, and enveloped Robin in an bear’s hug. She was gabbling something about a lovely surprise, but as she had gone very Irish, no -one was able to make head nor tail of what she was saying.

Before long all the party were sitting around Hilda’s study drinking from the contents of Hilda’s cupboard. This was usually coffee or tea, made on the primus stove that had pride of place there, but on special occasions, such as this, she provided something a little stronger. Before very long, the level of noise had risen noticeably, and Robin, who naturally kept to soft drinks, was soon grinning openly at her old friends.

 

#143:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 12:31 am

*huggles Pat again!!*
Thank you honey!!! Lovely post!!!
Like the thought of them all getting hammered!!

 

#144:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 12:33 am

Except Robin, of course!!! It was only for her young readers that EBD stocked Hilda's cupboard soley with coffee!! I'm sure she'd really have stronger things there - She'd need to, considering the things the girls got up to!!

 

#145:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 12:36 am

You're shattering all my illusions honey....... Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked

 

#146:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 12:43 am

Oh yeah Question Exclamation Exclamation what illusions might those be then? devil devil ROFL

 

#147:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 1:00 am

That the CS staff were NOT a bunch of alcoholics!!!!!!

 

#148:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 1:03 am

Thats lovely Pat, and just what I'm coming to expect from this drabble.

Hope you are feeling OK about the interview and that you hear something soon.

 

#149:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 1:10 am

Totally agree that Hilda's cupboards would contain alcohol! Lovely post Pat - thank you!

 

#150:  Author: Kathryn, Location: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 2:29 am

Vikki wrote:
That the CS staff were NOT a bunch of alcoholics!!!!!!


Uh-huh, and just look at some of the drabbles on this board: alcoholics galore! Shocked Wink

 

#151:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 3:13 am

Vikki wrote:
That the CS staff were NOT a bunch of alcoholics!!!!!!


*suggests that that illusion was shattered many drabbles ago.

I loved Biddy becomin 'richly Irish'.

Thanks for the nightcap.

 

#152:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 3:17 am

I just have this problem with picturing Hilda and Nell swigging back scotch!! (or gin, or vodka, or baileys!!!)

 

#153:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 4:41 pm

Why, it happens in so many drabbles, it seems a perfectly natural thing for them to do. Razz

 

#154:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 4:50 pm

I'm sure they would have had 'a little something' in the cupboard considering they considered Brandy medicinal for children.

Pat, although they said they would appoint on Friday, if it was close they might well wait till Monday - had it happen to me once. When are you coming under Huddersfield UNI? That will probably make quite a difference.

 

#155:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 9:47 pm

It's only the HE provision that Huddersfield are taking - not the FE, and we're predominantly FE!! It all depends on what they want to do for library facilities! Use ours or provide theri own. Also, whether they what an HE Librarian. I'm honestly happy to stay at Barnsley, really. I've loved working there up till the onset of Umbridge. We hope we've worked out how to deal with her now!!

 

#156:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 10:37 pm

Although Jo was in a very good mood by the time she returned to Freudesheim, she was by no means drunk, nor were the rest of the party. All were mature enough to know when to stop, and progressed to coffee, or other soft drinks. Nevertheless, the enjoyment derived from a group of friends indulging in a ’Do you remember…’ session, was enough to make most of them giggly, without the help of alcohol, and Jo was still crying with laughter when they entered the house.
“You look like you’ve had a good reunion, Jo,” laughed Jack as they came into the Salon. “Anna will be serving Abendessen shortly, by the way, so you may wish to get ready.”
Still laughing, the pair made their way upstairs to freshen up.

 

#157:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 11:16 pm

Thank you Pat!

(Hope it's as PatMac said!)

 

#158:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 01, 2004 12:18 am

Thanks Pat. Is Robin going to meet the quods?

 

#159:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Feb 01, 2004 12:34 pm

May we have some more please Pat!

 

#160:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Sun Feb 01, 2004 10:06 pm

echoes Chloe's plea for more!!!!!!!!
please please please please

 

#161:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 12:29 am

Thanks for trhat Pat, I hope you get good news on Monday, but if not, I hope you've managed to get your line manager sorted out for once and all.
Looking forward to more of this story when you can manage it.

 

#162:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 1:54 am

Lovey story Pat. Hope your work issues are sorted.

More story when you can please Exclamation

 

#163:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 2:50 am

*poke's Pat for more*

 

#164:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 3:45 pm

Thank you Pat!! I definitely think Hilda would have needed a drink now and then. Good luck for your job Very Happy Have you heard yet?

 

#165:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 7:17 pm

Any news today, Pat?

 

#166:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 8:08 pm

Joins pleas for more!

 

#167:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 8:41 pm

I have heard absolutely nothing today! So whether they are writing instead fo phoning, I don't know. I was in meetings all morning, and had to catch up on stuff from Friday in the afternoon, plus talk to some bloke who is researching a new student registration database system. He wanted to know what I needed in the way of information for the library system, since we download student records from it.
I'm trying to suggest to my bunny that he comes up with a new shock, but he's feeling very thick at the moment!

 

#168:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 9:21 pm

Consoling hug for Pat, sorry you haven't heard anything from those people.

Oh well, we'll just have to wait for your PB to come up with something.

 

#169:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 11:22 pm

Sorry you haven't heard anything yet, Pat. Very frustrating. I expect the small sparkling purple leaf has picked his (her?) mood from you and needs a little rest to recover from stress. We'll still be here when he recovers. Hugs

 

#170:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 11:26 pm

Sorry you haven't heard anything yet Pat, I guess it does mean that they are writing rather than phoning, but it's horrible waiting.

 

#171:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 11:38 pm

I went through the whole waiting for news after interviews thing last year. It really is one of the worst things to have to do.

 

#172:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 11:41 pm

Especially when they said they were hoping to appoint on Friday!
My PB has a habit of coming up with something as I' droping off to sleep for us both to dream about overnight, so here's hoping!!

 

#173:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 12:36 am

Aunty Pat, love the explanation about exactly how much they all drank from Hilda's Stash.

If your PB refuses to co-operate, send him over this way for a wee vacation - I'll soon have him sorted for you Twisted Evil

 

#174:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 1:44 am

Rachel, dear, this isn't a blood and gore drabble... Wink Wink

 

#175:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 4:11 am

*huggles Pat and apologises for the poke ing!!!!!*

 

#176:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 5:48 pm

Pat, I would take any deadline they give you with a very large grain of salt! I think their reader is rather unreliable.

 

#177:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 7:33 pm

well, i won't be totally surprised if I don't hear anything from GGB as quickly as they suggested! I do have your experience to go by KB!!
Still no news from the public library, though if they posted on Monday with a 2nd class stamp, it will be tomorrow at the earliest.
Meanwhile the bunny nibbled as I was coming home, but I haven't got anything written yet.

 

#178:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 7:46 pm

First little bit, to whet your appetite!

The rest of the week flew by for both Jo and Robin, and almost before they knew it, it was tie for Robin to return to La Sagasse. However, Jo promised that she would visit regularly, as did Robin’s many friends, and she left with a light heart and renewed vitality for Paris. The reverberations continued for a short time after her departure, but as school life brought other things to the fore, the shock of Jo’s quads dwindled and died.

Before long it was time for the Board of Governors for the Chalet School to meet, and Jo and Jack flew to England. The meetings always took place at the Carnbach branch of the school, as that venue was the easiest for most members of the Board to reach. Hiring a car, they drove from the airport to the Russell home in Howell’s village, where they were welcomed with open arms.

 

#179:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 7:51 pm

I do love the descriptions of these reunions! Lovely work!

 

#180: Jo arrives at the English branch Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 8:40 pm

Two days later, Jo and Madge drove down to Carnbach for the meeting. The school was housed in a big old manor house, outside the town, having grown since the split to such an extent that the original house in the town had proved far too small. The school proper was now housed in a state-of-the-art building, with all the latest teaching facilities and equipment. The original manor house held the boarding facilities and dining room, as well as the staff lounge and Head Mistress’s flat. Part of the teaching block also housed the Administrative Headquarters for the Chalet School as a whole, receiving requests from parents for prospectuses, and sorting the applications into those for each of the branches. There was also a very modern Board Room, and it was here that the meeting would take place. Jo had not visited the English branch since to move, nor attended any of the Board Meetings, deeming Switzerland too far away to travel from. However, this meeting was to take some far reaching decisions, and Madge had impressed upon her the importance of her attendance. The staff accommodation housed en-suite rooms for visitors, and Jo and Madge would be using these for a couple of nights.

After settling into their rooms, the two sisters walked across to the Head’s study for afternoon tea. Jo could hardly believe her eyes as she walked through the school beside her sister. Madge grinned at her.
“I did try to tell you Joe,” she said. “You wouldn’t believe me, or perhaps you weren’t really listening, but off in a world of your own. We will be discussing a similar extension to the Swiss branch tomorrow, amongst other things.”
Jo looked at her sister, but said nothing. She had been trying for the past two days to get some idea of what would be on the agenda, and why it was so important for her to attend, but Madge had been at her most exasperating, and refused to divulge a word.

The Head’s study was in reality a small suite of rooms, which included not only her study, and her secretary’s room, but a comfortable lounge where she could entertain guests, with a small kitchenette attached. There was an attractive garden outside, hedged off from the main grounds for privacy, but still affording a view across the countryside.

 

#181:  Author: Dot, Location: Ireland PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 9:02 pm

Guess what I'm going to say, Pat? Wink

More, More, More!! Laughing

 

#182:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 9:22 pm

Wonder what will come up at the board meeting. Enjoying this.

 

#183:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 9:29 pm

Consider my appetite well and truly whetted Pat! Now where's the rest?? Please!

 

#184:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 9:54 pm

My guesses would be wild so I will sit back and wait for the Board Meeting which, I believe, is due to start soon? (how's that for subtle?)

 

#185:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 11:03 pm

PatMac wrote:
My guesses would be wild so I will sit back and wait for the Board Meeting which, I believe, is due to start soon? (how's that for subtle?)

Utterly hopeless, Pat! Very Happy Hopefully more tomorrow, since i now know where I'm going, at least for the time being!

 

#186:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 12:18 am

Looking forward to more tomorrow Pat! Smile

 

#187:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 12:38 am

Thank you Pat, I'm certainly intrigued now, and it's nice to get a glimpse of the other branch of the school too, I've always wondered how it would have developed.

 

#188:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 1:11 am

*wonders what the board meeting is about

*loves the sound of the English Branch of the CS.

 

#189:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 1:15 am

I do like how the English branch has modernised.

 

#190:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 3:16 pm

They were welcomed by the Head’s Secretary, and shown into the lounge. Jo looked around her at the attractive modern décor, which yet kept something of the traditional feel that she was used to. They had not been there many minutes when the Head herself arrived.
“Sorry I wasn’t here to greet you myself,” she said. “Something blew up that I had to deal with. Nothing very serious, but it was best to see to it straight away. Now then, tea will be along in just a moment, so let’s make ourselves comfortable,s hall we, while we wait.”
Miss Grantley was an old girl of the Swiss branch, well known to Jo, who had eased her arrival after three previous expulsions. Ted had become very friendly with her eldest daughter, Len, and her rapid rise to Headmistress testified to her success in putting the past behind her.
Before long there was a tap at the door, and a maid entered wheeling a trolley filled with the normal makings of an English afternoon tea. When all were served, Ted Grantley smiled at her guests.
“When we have finished here, I’ll take you both on a tour of the premises. I know that you have seen everything before, Madge, but it will all be new to you, Mrs Maynard.”
“If you can use Madge’s first name, I’m very sure you can use mine,” said Jo.

 

#191:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 4:44 pm

Ted Grantley as headmistress - that's interesting, I'm sure she would have been good at it though, having not been a little angel herself she should have a good idea what to look out for.
More please Pat.

 

#192:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 5:33 pm

Yay thanks Pat more soon i hope!

 

#193:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 5:35 pm

The Head is really only incidental, in that I had to give her a name!! Since I'm currently re-reading Theodora.....!!!

Tea over, the three women set off for the promised tour. Jo was amazed at the difference a modern school building made to the school environment, and said so.
“We visited a lot of different schools to get an idea of current best practice before we started anything,” said Ted. “As we were spending so much money, we wanted to get it right from the start. All the form rooms have over-head projectors available, and there are a number of colour televisions that can be brought into a room if a mistress wishes to use one of the schools broadcasts.”
Jo was impressed by the modern vertical blinds at all the windows, and the different prints on the walls. These reflected a variety of Twentieth century artists, from art deco to cubism and the latest pop art. She understood very little of these forms, but appreciated the way they brightened up the rooms, and exposed the girls to quality artistic works.
The specialist rooms were equally impressive, Jo finished her tour in something of a daze.
“I hadn’t realised how things had changed,” she said as she made her way across to her room to change for the evening meal. “Is this why you were so insistent that I came across?”
“Partly, Jo. We do want to give the Swiss branch a similar treatment, but there is more to discuss than that. No, I’m not saying anything until tomorrow, Jo. I want to put it to everyone on the Board at the same time.”
With that Jo had to be content, for she knew she would get no more out of her sister until she was good and ready.

 

#194:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 6:45 pm

It's interesting that Madge seems much more up to date than Joey. We've tended to say how Madge just became Mrs and then Lady Russell but if you think about her travels to Canada and Australia, she seems (in this story) to be well up to date.

I wonder what the secret proposal is. It's obviously more than an update of premises and equipment.

Waiting, sort of patiently.

 

#195:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 6:49 pm

The two sisters made their way to the boarding house for the evening meal, and again Jo was in for a surprise. The girls were all wearing their own clothes, rather than the evening velveteens still used in Switzerland. Some girls were even wearing jeans, much to her surprise. She was relieved that silence still seemed to be the rule in the corridors, for so much else had changed. Having enjoyed an extremely good lasagne, followed by a fresh tasting sorbet, Madge and Jo repaired to the staff lounge for the evening. Conversation revolved around the school at first, and then broadened to include the various interests of the staff present. This at least felt the same as the Swiss branch, though when Jo finally retired for the night, she was uncomfortably aware of her sisters quiet amusement at her reactions to the day.

The next day the Governors of the Chalet School assembled in the Board Room shortly after breakfast. Jo and Madge had been joined by Ted, Hilda and Nell, as Heads of the respective branches, and the other share holders. Madge, as Chair, got down to business straight away, pushing through the preliminaries before getting down to the main substance of the meeting.
“The new buildings for the English branch have been operational for just over a year now,” she said. “Miss Grantley, would you give us your report on the effectiveness of the new arrangements, please.”
Ted opened the folder in front of her, and extracted her notes, and a small pile of acetates for the over-head projector with which the room was furnished. Walking to the front of the room, she positioned her first slide and switched the machine on, before moving to the lectern beside it.
“As lady Russell ahs said, we moved onto this site during the summer vacation a year ago. As you are aware, a good deal of research was done before we started building here, and we hoped that there would be little or no adjustments to be made once we had opened. I am pleased to say that this has proved to be the case….”
Ted went on to describe the innovations, illustrating her presentation with slides. When she sat down, there was a scattering of applause, before the Board returned to the business in hand.

 

#196:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 7:27 pm

Ooh, very interesting! I love the character of Ted and I'm glad she's made good. Can't wait to see the reactions to all the changes! I think Jo will be a stick-in-the-mud!

 

#197:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 7:30 pm

Do you KB? that's interesting!!! Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil

 

#198:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 7:39 pm

I thought you'd find it so. *refuses to be drawn*

 

#199:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 7:39 pm

Sooo glad! Very Happy

 

#200:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 7:40 pm

*decides not to react to Pat's attempts at being annoying any more*

 

#201:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 7:42 pm

You don't expect me to post more story, do you? Shocked Shocked Twisted Evil

 

#202:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 7:46 pm

Erm, now you've put me in a tricky situation. If I say yes, you'll laugh mockingly. But if I say no, you'll say 'well, if you don't want any, I won't post any' and then everyone will hate me. I plead the fifth.

 

#203:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 8:13 pm

Pat, it's not fair to make the rest of us suffer while you and KB bicker with each other. Can- sorry, may- we have more please? Soooooooooooooooon?

 

#204:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 8:16 pm

It's all right, Lisa. That won't happen. I refuse to bicker. Wink

 

#205:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 8:26 pm

Love all your posts today Pat - very interesting.

Looking forward to more!

 

#206:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 9:34 pm

Pat, I love the way that the English branch is the more up to date whilst the Swiss is old-fashioned. Will this have something to do with the proposals, which I sense are more than just a building/refurb scheme?

 

#207:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 9:42 pm

More soon please, very curious about what the proposals are Laughing

 

#208:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 9:46 pm

Pat wrote:
You don't expect me to post more story, do you? Shocked Shocked Twisted Evil


I most certainly do! Wink please!

 

#209:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 10:05 pm

Building/refurb wouldn't provide many shocks, now would they?!!!

I was taking pity on KB, who hasn't got Vikki to yibble with!!!!

 

#210:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 1:43 am

Now that you've mentioned it Pat, it actually seems quite logical that the British branch should be more up to date, I always feel that the Swiss school is in a fairly isolated and self contained area where it would be easy to let modern developments pass by.
*Anxious to discover what the proposals are*

 

#211:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 5:19 am

Pat wrote:
I was taking pity on KB, who hasn't got Vikki to yibble with!!!!


I'm very appreciative, Pat, but more story would also help me to feel better!

 

#212:  Author: Tassie_Ellen, Location: Tasmania, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 7:30 am

Thank you, Pat, so much lovely story since last I logged on!

*which is not to say that MORE would not be appreciated Very Happy *

 

#213:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 7:42 am

*agrees that more would certainly be lovely*

 

#214:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 10:56 am

“We would like to update the Swiss branch to the same standard over the summer vacation,” Madge continued. “Hilda, do you foresee any problems with this?”
“Not at all, Madge. The improvements here are very much those I would like to implement at the Gornetz Platz. However, I would very much like to have a tour of the buildings here before we come to any definite decision, and also to have full input into the designs for my own school.”
“That’s perfectly understandable, Hilda. I was planning a tour here in any case, which I thought could take place after our coffee break. I feel it is very important that you have full discretion over what happens at your own school. We have always valued your experience and knowledge, and would certainly not go ahead with anything about which you did not feel totally happy.”
Hilda smiled her thanks, and sat back, relieved that she would not have changes imposed which she felt might not work in her own environment.
The refreshment trolley arrived at that moment, and the meeting broke up as everyone helped themselves to coffee and biscuits. Hilda cornered Ted to discuss the renovations in more depth, and conversation amongst the others became general. As soon as all had finished, Ted led the way to the Boarding House, since at that hour the girls would all be hard at work in the school buildings.

 

#215:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 11:05 am

Perhaps Joey will get some jeans?

 

#216:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 11:21 am

Can you picture it?!! Jo, with her 'modern' hairdo, and wearing jeans! Do you suppose she'd put a crease in them?!!!

 

#217:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 11:27 am

Pat wrote:
Can you picture it?!! Jo, with her 'modern' hairdo, and wearing jeans! Do you suppose she'd put a crease in them?!!!


No, that would be Anna's job!

 

#218:  Author: keren,  PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 12:09 pm

Interesting development.
here we are thinking that the Swiss branch is the main CS branch, while in fact the English branch is much more modern, up to date and progressive (not meant in a bad way)

 

#219:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 1:33 pm

Starting downstairs, they inspected one of the Common Rooms. This was a bright airy room on the ground floor, with curtains at the windows rather than the blinds in use in the teaching block. There were comfortable arm chairs scattered about the room, and a large table at one end where the girls could work on their hobbies. In one corner stood a television, and a record player occupied another corner, with a good collection of records for all tastes beside it. A carpet adorned the floor, and the whole effect was one of welcome and comfort.
“This looks very well, I must say,” commented Hilda as she wandered about the room. “With a television and a record player, how do you control the noise?”
“The girls do that themselves. There is a rule that only one of them may be used at any one time, and the sound must not be audible outside the room. It works very well on the whole, as the result of any infringement is the removal of the equipment.” Ted chuckled, and the rest of the party joined her, knowing that the last things any girl would want was the confiscation of such things.

Upstairs they entered one of the dormitories. Here the cubicles had been retained, but now had walls instead of curtains, though they did not reach floor or ceiling, thus still allowing the circulation of air, so dear to Chalet School authority hearts. A curtain hung in the doorway to each cubicle, matching the curtains at the windows, and retaining the traditional floral theme. Inside, there was a divan bed, covered with sheets and blankets, and a floral bedspread. A small wardrobe for hanging dresses, skirts, etc, and a matching chest of drawers occupied one side of the small room. There was a mirror attached to the wall over the chest of drawers, and shelves for books and ornaments were fixed to the opposite wall. All was as neat and tidy as even Matey could have wished for, though there was a definite personal touch to the place.
“This is lovely,” said Jo. “It is so nice to have everything together, rather than sharing wardrobe space.”
“The girls still share bathrooms,” explained Ted. “However, we now have showers for them, as well as baths, and this means that they are able to have hot showers in the morning. We no longer believe in the efficacy of a cold bath in the morning.” She grinned to herself, remembering how many girls had had more than chill-off baths in her day, whilst advocating the benefits of an ice-cold one.

The tour continued to the staff lounge, with its own kitchenette; they looked in on one of the staff bedrooms – an attractive bed/sitting room, with its own television and tea-making facilities. Finally they were shown one of the rooms provided for the Prefects. This was in essence a smaller version of the staff bedroom, with a study desk, with shelves over it, though without the tea-making equipment.

 

#220:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 1:42 pm

It certainly sounds a very comfortable place.

 

#221:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 2:31 pm

The group walked across to the school dining room for lunch talking animatedly about the things they had seen. Hilda and Nell in particular were discussing ways to implement them into the existing chalets on the Gornetz Platz, as they did not have the luxury of a new build, even for the teaching block. Every place was taken in the dining room, as the school had a large number of day girls, and the noise rose gradually until Ted rose and gave the bell before her a sharp tap. The noise ceased at once, and she smiled round at them.
“That’s better. Some of us really would like to be able to hear ourselves think, and it was getting a trifle too loud for that.”
The girls laughed quietly and continued with their meal, and though the chatter started again, it was at a considerably lower volume.

Lunch over, the Board re-convened for further discussion. Hilda and Nell, having had a little time to consider, were keen to have similar work done in Switzerland.
“I was hoping you would say that,” said Madge. “I think the changes here are all for the good. I appreciate that it will be slightly different for you, in that we are not re-locating the school, and must therefore convert existing premises. Of course, the Boarding House here is a conversion, and works very well. The architect who was involved with the work here has had the plans for your buildings for a couple of months, and has provided me with some ideas. I have copies for you all, and I would like you to take them away with you to study. Let me know what conclusions you come to, please.” Madge then took a deep breath to steady herself. “Now we come to the main item for today. It is marked as ‘Steps forward’ on the agenda, as I didn’t want you to dismiss the item before I could explain it to you. I wish to make very radical changes to the Chalet School to bring it more up-to-date. The refurbishment is the first part of this, as I feel that the school needs to retain its cutting-edge reputation, and we were in danger of losing that. The next phase is far more radical than this, so prepare yourselves for a shock.

 

#222:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 5:10 pm

Oh, golly, what now? Boys? Abolishing the uniform? Please tell us!

 

#223:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 5:16 pm

devil devil devil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil Twisted Evil

 

#224:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 5:20 pm

Pat, you are a FIEND!

Now come on, after such a nice compliment as that, surely you'll post more!

 

#225:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 6:12 pm

Paaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat! Please may we have the rest now, its mean to leave it there

 

#226:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 7:38 pm

But Chloe, I haven't written any more!! perhaps it will turn into one of those drabbles that never gets any further!! Twisted Evil Twisted Evil

 

#227:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 7:39 pm

Ah, so you don't want to be spoken to at the Gathering...

 

#228:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 7:42 pm

What's that got to do with it? I didn't say anything about not being spoken to!! Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

 

#229:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 7:46 pm

Well, why should we share our gossip and jokes with someone who isn't nice enough to share their story with us?

 

#230:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 7:56 pm

And just how much have I shared with you today - tons!!! Just because i choose to leave it at an interesting place, I get all this!! It's not fair!! Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Evil or Very Mad

 

#231:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 7:59 pm

Pat, that wonderful, and you chose your finishing pointr very carefully and calculated to get the greatest effect didn't you. Well done.


*Would still like the next large piece sooner rather than later*

 

#232:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 8:00 pm

Simple solution, hun. Don't leave it at such an interesting place! But isn't it lovely to know how much we love the story? Kiss

 

#233:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 8:02 pm

Of course it was left there deliberately!! Twisted Evil I didn't anticipate quite that reaction though! Rolling Eyes

I may try to do a little more tonight, but I have to go and phone Mum ion a minute. Trouble is that it's all saved at work!

BTW, finally got a letter about the interview today, and guess what - I didn't get the job!!

 

#234:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 8:07 pm

Oh, Pat, I'm sorry about the job! No wonder you didn't like our nagging! *huge huggles*

 

#235:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 8:11 pm

More huggles to Pat.

 

#236:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 9:56 pm

Honestly I'm not bothered about the job. Yes I've been grouching about work, and Umbridge in particular, but we had a good meeting with her that cleared a lot of things up. I'm going to get some support for the library system, so that I don't have to shoulder crises on my own any more. I always loved working at Barnsley College, and felt that was where I was meant to be, so I have to put up with any down side to the job. Besides, I have never known anywhere take so long to notify candidates as this place, so it rather puts me off them!

Started writing the next bit of this!

 

#237:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 10:00 pm

Pat!" That's mean, after all your hints! Aren't you gonna give us more now?

Glad you're not too bothered about the job BTW.

 

#238:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 10:04 pm

I have been looking at the number of applications we are receiving from prospective pupils, and I have to tell you that they are falling. As a company we cannot afford to allow this trend to continue, so therefore we must take drastic action. I have been looking into the ways other schools have been combating this, and the refurbishment programme is part of the solution. Parents like their children to be in a home-away-from-home environment these days, and we must provide this. We have moved away from the concept of a Matron to that of a House Mistress, who is approachable and friendly, so that the girls are more willing to talk about any problems they may have.
However, in out prospectus we promise parents to provide a rounded education for their children, and we are falling down in one major point.”
“Boys!” broke in Jo. “That’s what you mean, isn’t it Madge? My girls have had some difficulty adjusting to university life due to the fact that the only boys they met were family members, and let’s face it, family is different.”
“You are absolutely right, Jo,” replied her sister. “I have had more than one enquiry from parents on this subject, and I think we may have lost pupils because siblings cannot attend the same school. I am therefore proposing that we introduce boys into the sixth form to see how we manage.”

 

#239:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 10:28 pm

This is so exciting! But why only the sixth? The whole school should be allowed to have boys!
More soon please this is great Laughing

 

#240:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 10:55 pm

I thought the last bit was you talking about work (for the first few sentences) and I got very, very confused (not that that is all that unusual). I'm looking forward to reading about the changes.

 

#241:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 11:59 pm

Thank you for all the posts today Pat. Looking forward to more when you have the time!

(Sorry you didn't get the job, but glad you're not that upset about it!)

 

#242:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 12:17 am

Chelsea wrote:
I thought the last bit was you talking about work (for the first few sentences) and I got very, very confused (not that that is all that unusual). I'm looking forward to reading about the changes.


So did I, Chelsea. Embarassed

Thanks for everything you've written today Pat, I'm glad I missed the wait for the revelations though Very Happy

Looking foward to seeing the rest of the reactions.


I'm glad you're not too bothered about the job, as you said, if they take so long to get back to applicants they are probably not very good people to work for anyway.

 

#243:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 2:12 am

Thanks for all the lovely story Pat. Glad yuo finally heard about the job and that you weren't too upset about it. Hope things stay better where you are.

 

#244:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 2:20 am

Thank you for lots of lovely posts Pat!!! Sorry about the job, and may I recommend writing (and posting) more of this as an excellent cure or any lingering blues? Wink

 

#245:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 8:04 am

Excellent ideas, Pat! And I can understand the reason for bringing the boys in one form at a time. They will feel like fish out of water at the start though, won't they? *chuckle*

 

#246:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 11:40 am

Wow, Pat, this is going to be very interesting! I'd have thought it would be harder to introduce boys into the sixth form because younger girls would probably find it much easier to adjust, and also they would then move up the school until there were boys in all the forms. But I'm sure this way will work as well!

 

#247:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 11:53 am

There are a few public schools who have gone down this route - co-ed in the 6th form. that's why I've used it.

 

#248:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 11:54 am

Oh I see, I don't really know much about this ere eddicashun lark Embarassed

 

#249:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 12:01 pm

I've just managed to catch up with this, Pat, way to go!

 

#250:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 12:28 pm

I think Pat's very accurate in introducing boys in the sixth form only at first. I've heard of quite a few girls schools doing that (like Chloe's school) or there are boys schools that have just started letting girls into the sixth form. Will the boys be boarders Pat?

 

#251:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 12:36 pm

Wait and see!!!! Twisted Evil

 

#252:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 12:40 pm

Oh darn, I rushed in because I thought you'd posted more, Pat Sad

 

#253:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 1:20 pm

Hilda, Nell and Ted gasped at the news.
“But where will we house them,” asked Nell, the first to recover. “There is certainly no room in the current buildings in Switzerland. They will need separate houses, surely?”
“The Boarding House here is full as well,” said Ted, but she looked as though a puzzle was on the way to being solved. “May I enquire whether the men surveying the grounds have something to do with this? When I investigated, they said that they had full authorisation, and were able to produce it, too.”
Madge smiled at her. “The men were surveying for the best place for a new building, yes. You are right, it will mean new buildings at both schools. If you have recovered a little, may I have your initial reactions please? We do not want to push this through over any objections you may have.”

 

#254:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 1:24 pm

How will relations between the girls and the new boys be regulated? Will they be able to mix freely?

 

#255:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 1:32 pm

This is really interesting Pat. Presumably the girls and the boys will be in seperate houses?

 

#256:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 1:37 pm

This is being posted as I write it!!

Hilda saw that the others were looking at her to give the lead, and sighed gently. Being the senior Head was sometimes rather trying. However, she dragged her thoughts together. “I understand very well why you feel this move is necessary,” she said. “Jo, I know some of the problems your girls have had adjusting to studying in a mixed environment. They have talked to me about it too. I think that handled correctly, the idea could be beneficial. We must think everything through very carefully, however, as everyone must be perfectly clear when the boundaries lie as regards behaviour and joint activities. I am very interested to hear where you are intending to house them on the Gornetz Platz, for as Nell says, there is no space for a new building anywhere near the school.”

 

#257:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 1:40 pm

Way to go, Pat! Drag 'em screaming and shouting into the 21st century!

 

#258:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 1:45 pm

Oh, come on, Hilda, you must see that this is a good move, and even necessary|!

 

#259:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 1:59 pm

“I know that, Hilda. I have something in mind for that. What I would like to know is, given the accommodation problem can be solved, are you in agreement in principle?”

 

#260:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 2:11 pm

*g* You can hardly blame Hilda and Nell for being conservative. They must both be getting on a bit in this drabble!

Also, from a purely educational perspective, people are always saying that girls and boys learn better separately in some subjects-eg, science- although i have to say (from painful experience Crying or Very sad ) that in humanities, a mixed class in the lower school will sometimes behave better than a ss one. The girls tone the boys down and the boys are often the most imaginative and intuitive.

Lovely, pat- more soon please!

 

#261:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 2:26 pm

Refusing to be rushed on such a crucial decision, Hilda sat back and thought carefully, knowing also that the longer she stayed silent, the more nervous Madge would become. Quite naturally, she felt aggrieved at the way such a monumental change had been presented to them, so she sat pensively, holding Madge’s eyes while she did so, a gentle half-smile on her face.

 

#262:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 2:29 pm

*giggles* Isn't Hilda naughty!!

 

#263:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 2:36 pm

Just caught up onall this Pat - and it's brilliant!

Looking forward to LOTS more Wink

 

#264:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 2:42 pm

hilda is coming the Headmistress over Madge, and loving it!!!! A variation on 'the look'!!

 

#265:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 2:59 pm

Nell and Ted had a hard time keeping a straight face as the silence lengthened, and Madge’s expression became more fixed. Both recognised Hilda’s tactics, though from different sides of the desk. Ted shivered a little, pitying Madge, as she had received the full force of that look during her schooldays. Finally Hilda sat up a little straighter.
“I am in favour in principle,” she said. “You have put forward a good case, but the method you have used to inform us does not encourage us to support you. I would have preferred some consultation before you reached this stage. As it is, I must insist that nothing more is done until we have had time to assimilate the implications, and a full open discussion. I do not believe the Board meeting to be the correct venue for this. If there is nothing more on the agenda, I would prefer that the meeting be closed.”

 

#266:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 3:02 pm

Good for Hilda Exclamation Looking forward to Madge's response.

 

#267:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 3:41 pm

Madge looked at Hilda with a stupefied expression on her face. She had heard of this aspect of Hilda’s character of course, and had valued it, knowing the effect it had on naughty schoolgirls. She had not expected to be on the receiving end, and was at a loss how to react. At last she pulled herself together, unaware of the slight look of satisfaction on Hilda’s face.
“I am sorry you feel like this, Hilda. I only wanted to test the feasibility of the idea before it was put to you all.” Even to herself, her voice sounded strained.
“Don’t you think that the people most concerned would be more able to assess that than yourself?” queried Nell. “After all, our experience is rather more current than your own, is it not?”
Madge flushed slightly at Nell’s tone, and Jo decided that she had been silent long enough, and sprang to her sister’s defence.
“Madge was only thinking of what was best!” she exclaimed. “If you aren’t going to consider this properly, say so, and be done with it.”
“Nobody said we would not support the Chair of the Board, Jo,” said Hilda gently. “We have not reached the stage of support or non-support yet. The proposition has been put to us, and we must consider it. But not, I have to say, today.”
“Just what are your plans for St Mildred’s, Madge?” asked Nell, suddenly. “You rather dodged that question before, but I think we need to have the full facts if we are to come to a considered decision.”
“The San owns some land at the other end of the Platz,” said Madge reluctantly. “I had thought we could build a new school for St Mildred's there, and use the St Mildred’s buildings as the boys boarding accommodation.”

 

#268:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 4:27 pm

Nell just looked at her, and a slow tide of red rose up Madge’s face. Ted was frankly enjoying herself, watching two experts at work. She was quite happy to leave everything to them, as she felt very much the junior amongst them.
“I would like a full copy of these plans, in writing, for each of us,” said Hilda briskly, feeling that finally Madge had got the point. “Without something concrete, and time to study them, I do not feel that I can express any further opinion on the matter.”
“I am sure that the Office can duplicate copies for you all to take away with you,” said Madge, and she went to the internal phone in the corner of the room to make the request. After putting the phone down she continued. “I suggest we break up now and go across to the school for tea. The reports should be ready for you all by the time we finish.” So saying, she picked up her papers, and swept form the room.

 

#269:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 4:33 pm

How funny to see "on the other side of the desk" as it were. I love Hilda in this drabble!

 

#270:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 5:59 pm

I bet Madge never thought she'd be on the receiving end of one of Hilda's looks!

 

#271:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 6:03 pm

Enjoying this greatly! So funny to see Madge stumped by Hilda!

 

#272:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 7:06 pm

Pat, this is wonderful. I love the way Hilda and Nell dealt with that.

 

#273:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 7:54 pm

*lol* Good for Hilda! I'm not surprised Joey jumped to Madge's defence though.

 

#274:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 9:39 pm

Oh ouch! Almost feeling sorry for Madge - having both Hilda and Nell treating her like a naughty schoolgirl! Think they have a point too - after all the idea was rather sprung on them!

Looking forward to more!

 

#275:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 9:51 pm

that's a super example of how a Board should work! Madge is obviously thinking that, as founder, the board is there to rubber stamp her decisions. Good for Hilda and Nell.

 

#276:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 11:02 pm

Pat, I love your ideas for improving the school and the fact that the English Branch has moved with the times. Do I sense some trouble brewing between Madge and Hilda?

 

#277:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 11:20 pm

I had to go home, and Nell and Hilda haven't told me any more. Madge is too shocked at the moment!!!
I'm also getting nudges for a fill-in that I'm trying to ignore at the moment!

 

#278:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 11:44 pm

Pat! This is wonderful!! Feel a tiny bit sorry for Madge though!!!! Wink

 

#279:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 12:28 am

Oh Thank you Pat, it makes a change to see an 'awkward' Hilda. Although Madge did spring the idea on them, I do feel sorry for her, and I think she is quite right about the presence of boys being beneficial to the girls, also, even if the other board members have a financial interest in the school (?) Madge is one who is going to lose most if the number of pupils continues to decline.

 

#280:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 6:28 am

The reactions from the girls will also be interesting!

 

#281:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 11:36 am

I don't think some of them will mind!! I hope the staff know how to deal with schoolgirl crushes.

I hope there is some more soon, please!!

 

#282:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 3:47 pm

Terrific, Pat. I never appreciated what a great tactician Hilda is before this.

 

#283:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 5:35 pm

As the door closed behind her sister, Jo turned to Hilda. “How could you speak to Madge like that Hilda? And you too Nell? She started this school, I’ll have you remember, and she should be able to say how it should change and develop. She has a right to expect support from her Heads, not criticism.”
“Jo, you quite naturally support your sister, but there are ways of introducing radical changes that make the process smooth and easy, and encourages the support of everyone concerned. The way Madge introduced the subject was not one of them.” Hilda was so calm and convincing that Jo stopped short and stared at her.
“Think about it for a moment, Jo,” continued Nell. “We have worked for and with Madge for a very long time. Don’t you think that with an idea such as this, she should have spoken to us about it long before the Board Meeting. Certainly before sending surveyors to look at possible sites for building. She didn’t, so she must expect the sort of reaction that she received then. Hilda, Ted, shall we go for tea?”
The three Heads walked out of the Board Room, leaving Jo with a lot to think about.

At tea, there was a slight atmosphere, which some of the mistresses became aware of, though all parties contrived to speak normally to each other. Nothing was said about Madge’s proposal, and conversation centred on the schools. Hilda and Nell were interested to hear what the rest of the staff felt about the renovations, and how the girls had reacted to them. Tea over, they made their way to Ted’s office to await their own copies of the report. Once out of the hearing of the rest of the school, Ted broached the subject on everybody’s mind.
“Hilda, what do you really think about this co-ed idea? You were wonderful with Lady Russell, by the way. I would never dare to speak to her like that.”
“That is simply because I have known her for a very long time, Ted. This is the first time she has done something like this, though. The proposed move to the Oberland was thoroughly discussed by all of us before it reached Board level, and we had thrashed out the pros and cons well before it did. I confess that I am disappointed that she has taken this stance now.”
“I think she understood that, Hilda,” laughed Nell. “I never thought that the day would come when you would come the Headmistress over Madge like that!”
“Nell, your grammar! You sound as bad as Jo does at times!”
“Never mind my grammar, Hilda. I’m very glad you did speak to her like that. I was so mad that I might have said something that I would have regretted later.”
“I have to confess that you made me shiver,” said Ted. “I’m too close to the days when I was on the receiving end of that sort of thing.”
At that moment, footsteps could be heard coming along the corridor, and the three women fell silent. The door opened to reveal Madge, with a pile of reports in her hands. They were not the well produced specimen she herself had had, but were simply stapled together.
“Here you are ladies,” she said, attempting to regain her position. “Here are the copies of the report you requested. Would you mind giving your initial response tomorrow please, as we will need to take this forward quickly if we decide to go down this route.”
“Madge, why did you spring it on us like this?” asked Hilda. “It’s not like you, and I wondered if there was a reason behind it.”
“There is nothing behind it, Hilda. Only the need to modernise our appeal to boost numbers.”
“We shall read these with interest, Madge, “ said Nell, taking her copy from the pile and walking out of the room. Hilda and Ted followed her, and left Madge alone in the

 

#284:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 6:37 pm

Er, in the where, Pat? I don't think we got the last few words.

I can certainly see Hilda, Nell and Ted's POV, though. Neither Jo nor Madge have to live with these changes - the other three do, and should certainly have been consulted first!

 

#285:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 6:43 pm

Thanks Pat. I wonder if the school's losing money, and Madge needs money quickly for some reason?

 

#286:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 6:52 pm

Or maybe Madge has been embezzling and needs to get out of the hole she's dug for herself. Wink

 

#287:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 6:55 pm

Or Jem's been embezzling the San's money and Madge has covered for him. Either that or Madge has a gambling problem

 

#288:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 7:04 pm

I'll take option C thanks.

 

#289:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 7:42 pm

What are you all?!!! Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes

 

#290:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 7:44 pm

Spread over the board, I think.

 

#291:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 7:50 pm

room.

 

#292:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 7:52 pm

Ah, thank you.

 

#293:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 7:57 pm

Don't mention it!

 

#294:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 8:32 pm

Thank you Pat!! This is taking some interesting twists!! May we have a bit more soon please?

 

#295:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 11:17 pm

This is very interesting, why is Madge acting like that. Love Hilda.

 

#296:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 4:03 am

This is getting better and better Pat. I love how Hilda is dealing with Madge.

 

#297:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 9:18 am

Go Hilda - and I think she's fully justified, even Joey must see that! Wonder if there is a serious cash flow problem or that Madge had been bitten by the dictator bug.

More please Pat!

 

#298:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 9:20 am

*mops eyes* I'm sorry, Lesley, but I suddenly had an image of Madge goose-stepping!!!

 

#299:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 10:02 am

KB wrote:
*mops eyes* I'm sorry, Lesley, but I suddenly had an image of Madge goose-stepping!!!


Seems perfectly reasonable to me!

 

#300:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 10:08 am

Glad I'm not the only mad one then!

 

#301:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 11:15 am

Loving this Pat, also love the guesses as to the reasons for Madge being so autocratic.

Moe please

 

#302:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 11:48 am

Come on Pat, please give us the real reason for Madge's behaviour!!

 

#303:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 1:47 pm

*begins the chant*

 

#304:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 2:25 pm

Thank you Pat i just caught up and this is as wonderful as ever

 

#305:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 4:41 pm

Echoes Chloë's post and joins the chant

Definitley option C by the way

 

#306:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 4:46 pm

Hey Pat, thanks for the posts - please tell us what's happening! I'm feeling all curious now, and would hate to end up like the jolly old cat.

 

#307:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 5:21 pm

Why does every drabble around seem to contain at least one mystery? And why do drabble writers keep us on tenterhooks for so long?

 

#308:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 5:23 pm

Because that's at least half the fun of writing drabbles!

 

#309:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 5:24 pm

Definitely! You have to keep your readers guessing! If it was all laid out in front of you, you'd complain it was boring!

 

#310:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 5:43 pm

We none of us want to be boring, do we?

Jo heard Madge come back to the room next to her own, and close the door. She had had time to think about the meeting, and the Heads’ reaction to her sister’s announcement, and she was now convinced that they had a certain amount of right on their side. Therefore she left her own room and tapped on Madge’s door, walking in without waiting for the invitation. Madge was sitting in the comfortable chair with which the room was provided, white in the face and shaking.
“Madge, whatever is the matter? Have Nell and Hilda been at you again?” Jo ran across to her sister and knelt beside the chair.
“No, Joey, they’ve been fine, this time. I’m just angry with the way they spoke to me! After all, I gave then their jobs, and this is how they reward me! How dare Hilda Annersley look at me like that, as if I was some sort of naughty schoolgirl!”
“Madge, I’ve been thinking about the meeting. They were all perfectly happy about the renovations and things, weren’t they? It was only when you got to the question of going co-ed that the trouble started. Couldn’t you have spoken to them about it first, before getting surveyors and things in. Hilda was right when she said that we all discussed the move to the Oberland before it went to the Board.”
“Yes, and think how long it all took! We could have been out there a year earlier if we hadn’t been talking round and round in circles. It’s my school, Jo, and I’m proud of it. I want it to continue as a strong school. We need to modernise, Jo. I see the overall picture, and interest is waning; we aren’t getting the same number of requests for prospectuses as we were, though the applications are still enough to fill the places, at the moment. But we must recruit more pupils, or we shall start to go backwards. I suppose I panicked a bit. Jem suggested the boys side, and I jumped at it.”
“Did he suggest bringing the idea up in this way too, Madge?” Jo was used to Jem, and suspected that he was playing the ‘Man of the House’ role again, overseeing the ‘little woman’.
“He thought that it might speed things up, yes,” conceded Madge.
“I thought so. He can be a bit autocratic at times, Madge, and a lot of people dislike having the law laid down to them. You do rather so as he says, don’t you? Does he ever allow you to present your opinion, or just expect you to follow him all the time? Jack and I discuss everything, and all our decisions are arrived at jointly. He respects me as an individual, which I don’t think Jem always does, Madge, I’m sorry to say.”
“Jo Maynard! How dare you! Jem has been like a father to you, and this is how you thank him!”
“He still thinks he has authority over me at times, Madge. He also thinks that I should do as Jack tells me - he has said so to me. He held you up as the image of the perfect wife, listening to her husband, who is bound to know better than a woman.”
“Joey!” Madge’s voice was a little more uncertain now. “Joey, do you know what you are saying?”
“I’m saying that Jem likes to rule the roost, yes. He’s very old-fashioned like that, and I’m afraid you have rather let him get away with it. Tell me honestly, Madge. If you were in Hilda’s shoes today, how would you have felt?”
Madge looked at her sister in amazement. Then an arrested expression came over her face, as she thought about what Jo had asked. Finally she spoke, and her voice was very quiet. “As the senior Head of the school, I would have been furious at being side-lined in that way,” she said. “Oh Jo, you are so very right. I have alienated the very people who I need to support this venture.”

 

#311:  Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 5:49 pm

Wow, good for Joey! I'm astonished, I didn't think she had it in her! And I do feel a little sorry for Madge, having her world criticised like that!

 

#312:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 5:50 pm

Well good for Madge for being able to see and admit that - now she needs to tell Hilda and Nell.

hammer -Stupid Jem!

 

#313:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 5:53 pm

Go, Joey Laughing

*Thinks Jem is going to get a shock if Madge takes all this on board - which she shows every sign of doing!* Twisted Evil

 

#314:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 5:58 pm

Yay for Joey Very Happy

Sorry for Madge Crying or Very sad

Mad at Jem hammer

 

#315:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 8:29 pm

Yay thank you Pat! Very Happy

 

#316:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 8:46 pm

Thanks Pat! This is great!!
Glad Jo has made Madge see sense!!

 

#317:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 9:42 pm

Wow a strong Joey, thinking about things, seeing her mistakes and then speaking up to Madge, and speaking common sense. Is this a first for a drabble? Great stuff, love it. Will be interested to see how it develops and how it affects Madge and Jem.

 

#318:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 10:47 pm

Look! Stop encouraging the bunnies to go off at tangetns! the story was supposed to shocks for the CS, not for Jem!! Not that he doesn'r deserve them of course! I haven't the foggiest where that last bit came from, it just happened!

 

#319:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 10:51 pm

I'm glad it did happen, Pat - verrrrrry interesting. More please.

 

#320:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 11:20 pm

*Feeds the plot bunnies*

 

#321:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 12:52 am

Pat it was really brillaint. Sending carrots for the bunnies.

 

#322:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 7:00 am

Sending lots more food to encourage plot bunnies to go off at tangents!

 

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