She Conquers by Degrees
The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles

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#1: She Conquers by Degrees Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 9:01 pm

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ETA Whole of Part I is now Available on my Livejournal.
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Thanks to Kathye for a wonderful, wonderful day. Sorry I was so 'out of it'.

For those that were at the gathering today, this is what I was scribbling while you were discussing Gatherings past:
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Joey picked up the letter. The last two years that she'd been teaching full time, the post bag had slowly been dropping off, and often in term time there were days that she received no letters. Seeing as she was now no longer in danger of becoming that 'nice woman, Lady Maynard' through the vigorous efforts of all concerned, she had less time for general correspondence. Her sister hadn't escaped that fate. In spite of taking Senior Literature at Carnbach, she no longer seemed to have any energy, and seldom wrote anything beyond the most perfunctory letters. Students coming to the Oberland from Carnbach seemed far less enamoured of those lessons than their predecessors had been.

Joey on the other hand had been all but ordered by Con and the rest of the children to return to teaching, at first part-time, and then full-time, once Marie-Claire was at the school all day. Some habits died hard, and she wasn't averse to setting essay lessons, just so that she could work on her latet novels, but recently she had found herself wanting more, and had surprised the girls by turning up in the exam halls, first taking O levels and then A levels in Languages, History and English Literature, gaining a total of eight of each, over about four years. She'd been casting around for a new challenge, and the mark on the envelope had piqued her curiosity.

The letter purported to come from an organisation calling itself the 'Open University' and included a basic prospectus and explanation. The letter itself was polite, and explained that they wanted to use some of her Adult fiction for their literature courses.
Joey sat down, grinning like a school child as she realised that she was finally being considered worthy of detailed study. They wanted her input on the courses, including a summer school, and wanted information for some of her Juvenilia, in particular her Nancy books. According to the letter, she was considered to be at the vanguard of juvenile literature and was covering complex topics that others didn't touch.
Joey smiled, putting the letter aside for a detailed reply later, and browsed the prospectus which immediately engrossed her. She wasn't expected in school until after break, which was just as well, given her excitement.
They offered degrees by correspondence, in respected subjects and taught be distinguished academics. Study was by essays, and by tutorials, and she would be able to attend summer schools. And she wanted a degree.

The chimes on the clock jolted her out of her reverie, and she haired across the playing fields in a manner that would have disgraced a third former, and amused the Upper Fourths, whom she was due to be teaching in three and a half minutes.

Last edited by Angel on Wed May 12, 2004 11:22 pm; edited 6 times in total

 

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#2:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 9:15 pm

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Hurrah for Joey (and Angel, for writing this)

*standin around waiting eagerly for more*

 

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#3:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 9:25 pm

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So lovely to have more Angel drabble!

I like it, It's good to see Joey doing something with her time and something that sounds very much like her. I always thought her gift for languages could have been used outside of occasionally her being able to talk to new girls in their own language.

Thanks Angel!

 

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#4:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 9:32 pm

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Glad to see another drabble Angel, like the start, looking forward to the rest.

 

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#5: Part the Second Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 9:33 pm

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That evening Sir Jack, as he had been for the last five years, came in early to find his wife looking more excited than she had in a long time. The house was tidy, a sure sign of nervous energy and some news in the offing.
Supper was salad, Jacket potatoes, and a cheese board, now Jack really was worried. Joey had learned to enjoy cooking since their staff of two had moved on to get married, and it was seldom that he didn't sit down to a hot meal in the evenings.
Stacie joined them, no wiser than Jack about Joey's news, and equally suspicious. Joey continued in her airy manner, apparently unaware that Jack was mentally calculating the dose he would need to calm her down if she continued in this aggravating manner, or Stacie's consternation. She even had the temerity to offer them seconds.
Jack picked up his post, and the two went into the Salon, hand in hand, Joey to play the piano, and Jack to catch up the mail that had arrived for him at home.

Jack wondered how long this game would continue. She'd mastered the art of keeping people waiting for news over long years of practice with schoolchildren. He knew she generally cracked first, but this time she was smiling, breaking off from the practice to hug herself and smile with glee, while her fingers made rhythms that the original composers would have considered obscene, and bore no known relation to the notation on the page.
She played for a couple of hours, while Jack leant back, watching her and smoking his pipe, smiling at her energy, which seemed more benign than he'd first thought. Perhaps there had been too much bad news recently, and he was too quick to think the worst.
Eventually he stood up, his pleasant baritone taming the wilder piano playing. He finished and she ceased, leaning against each other. In the mirror he caught the gleam of mischief in his eyes. He rested his hands heavily on her shoulders, just close enough to her throat to provoke a little unease, and put on his most serious voice. "Now then, Josephine, suppose you tell me what is going on, before you get hysterical and I am forced to dose you."

Joey took her husband's hand and stood, taking him to the window to watch the end of the sunset.

"I had a letter from England today. It's from this 'Open University' program that Wilson has developed. They have open-access degree courses, and want to use my novels as part of the basis for a course unit."
Jack kissed her neck. "That sounds like a cause for celebration." His lips glanced her earlobes and she shuddered a little.
She paused, unsure of how her husband would respond. "And I'd like to do a course with them." Jack paused in his ministrations. She continued hurriedly - "I mean, we've always encouraged our children and wards to pursue education as appropriate, and I'd like to show them that it's never too late, that no matter what they've done in life, they always have options. And I could stay at Plas Gwyn for tutorials, keep an eye on the building works."
Jack was quiet, and quite still. His question was considered, giving little away. "What would you study?"
"History with Modern Languages. And I could still work here, and accompany you to events and..." Jack silenced her with a gentle kiss, and turned her to face him. "You've certainly caught me by surprise. Then again, it'll teach this husband to get complacent about his wife. How long would it take you."
"Five or six years. I'd graduate around my fiftieth birthday, if all went well."
"And you think you could manage it?" He held her tenderly, his eyes searching hers with a surprisingly young look that spoke of concern and promises. She nodded, kissing him.
"It wouldn't be easy, you know. Tonight, I suggest we celebrate, and tomorrow we'll work on it." She nodded, calmer now, and took his hand, leading him upstairs.

 

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#6:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 9:36 pm

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Joey knows how to drive everyone mad by withholding information still doesn't she!

They sound like a happy couple, a fairly real one too

(Much to my embaressment I wondered who on earth Stacie was for moment there, Eustacia Benson right?)

 

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#7:  Author: Chickpea,  Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 9:37 pm

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ooooooh saucy!

I like the idea of Joey getting a new lease of life and a change of direction

 

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#8:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 9:42 pm

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Now this is what I used to picture life in the Maynard house after the kids left to be like. (ie. before I joined the CBB!)

Thanks Angel, for restoring my view of this perfect couple.

By Wilson, did you mean Bill? Or was Open university actually started by someone called Wilson?

 

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#9:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 9:46 pm

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RL gets in the way of posting drabble for a couple of days. Sorry folks. Nagging/Chanting won't work either, however the encouragement so far is already leading to developments, and if I wasn't so shattered you would have more already.

Wilson - the 60s PM was instrumental in founding the OU, IIRC. I'm taking lots of liberties with the precise historical details, but it was around 1965 I think.

 

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#10:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 10:24 pm

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This is good Angel, and great to see a good developemnt of Jack and Joey.

 

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#11:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 10:47 pm

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THis is great Angel.

But I'm a little worried about 'all the bad news' that has happened lately.

 

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#12:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 10:49 pm

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Chelsea wrote:

THis is great Angel. But I'm a little worried about 'all the bad news' that has happened lately.

yes yes. but isn't Jack wonderful (and sexy) in this...

 

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#13:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 11:14 pm

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The moose kept nagging. In the end I gave in. It was simpler. hope you like.

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Joey re-read the letters after lessons the next day. She took them in a little better, noting that they wanted to use her work for pilot materials, which is why they were seeking her permission, as they would be quoted in government reports. She noted that they mentioned similar programmes, and the difference was that this 'University of the Air' would be on broadcast media. It suggested similar courses using old methods, run by London, Chicago and Moscow, and noting the differences.

She stopped for a second, paused, and then recklessly decided to place a call to the information line for the department of External Studies, London University. They promised her a prospectus immediately, once she had re-assured them that she would be able to be in the UK often enough, and gain access to the resources. She listened carefully, and through precise questioning found out how much it would cost, and which units she wished to study. Throwing caution to the wind, she asked for details of enrolment for the coming year, and was promised that the letter would be in the post that evening. Putting the phone down, she grabbed her bag, and drove into Interlaken to make enquiries at the library about the external courses available in Switzerland, and whether she might be able to study at one of the great European Institutions.

Slowly she formed a plan, and when her husband came in that evening it was to a hot dinner - a casserole that she had put on that morning. It was only when he had started to serve himself that he heard her car, and realised that he wasn't going to dine alone.

He watched her fling her things into their places, and sit down with grace. Time had been kind to her figure, and she had come into her beauty in middle age. Lines softened her features a little, complementing her eternal youthfulness with subtle greys. She no longer wore earphones, preferring to wear her hair looped into a single bun at the nape of her neck. Strands had escaped, betraying her afternoon's activity, and as she sat down beside him, he swept them away from her face in an affectionate greeting.

He too had aged well. He still had touches of a military bearing, a pride in who he was, but a humility that meant he met each at the level he or she was most comfortable. His blond hair was perhaps a little thinner, but still a full head, with few white streaks. Through his hiking and mountaineering he had kept fit, and his physique would not have shamed a younger man, enhanced as it was by regular swimming, and games of golf in the club in the valley. It helped that he was appreciated by his wife, and that they took good care of one another, praying together each morning, and for each other each evening.

They discussed their work days, something that Jack had taken a little time to adjust to. Joey had always had her writing, but now she was at school, he found that they talked at a different level - as fellow professionals in some way. She had always had an advisory role for new students, and that continued, as she was not tied to a particular house or form. She worked with the matrons and the chaplains, and now with her fellow teachers. It was an enriching experience, but sometimes he missed being able to lead the conversation with his day, and he wasn't entirely sure how this university idea of hers would affect their relationship further.

She was nervous, although not so infuriatingly as yesterday. This was a slower build, because she sensed that he was thinking carefully. After the rituals of the day - he washed up, she dried - then they sat in their study and talked.

Last edited by Angel on Sat Apr 17, 2004 11:16 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#14:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 11:15 pm

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But isn't Jack wonderful anyway?
This is lovely Angel.

 

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#15:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 11:19 pm

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Quote:

Through his hiking and mountaineering he had kept fit, and his physique would not have shamed a younger man, enhanced as it was by regular swimming, and games of golf in the club in the valley.

pwwwwoar. I'm gonna have sweeet dreams tonight my friends.


On a less lustful note, Angel, this gets better and better. I can't express how much I'm enjoying this sensitive description of Jack and Joey's life.

ETA. Yes Ellie, he is!

 

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#16:  Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 11:22 pm

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Brilliant Angel. I love this depiction of the Maynards' marriage, and I'm swooning over your description of Jack!

 

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#17:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 11:24 pm

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Jack Maynard at 53 = Alan Rickman

 

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#18:  Author: Leigh-Anne, Location: Surrey Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 11:25 pm

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I love Jack too. Angel this is great. (I registered so I could tell you )

 

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#19:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 11:26 pm

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*swoons completly*

does he have his voice Angel?

sod it, he does now...

 

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#20:  Author: Donna, Location: Liverpool Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 11:31 pm

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Phwoar!

*Joins with the swooning completely*

 

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#21:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 11:37 pm

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What a rich relationship! -- good to hear about.

*chuckling over loss of earphones*

 

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#22:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 11:40 pm

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Leigh-Anne wrote:

I love Jack too. Angel this is great. (I registered so I could tell you )

now THAT is a compliment and a half!

 

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#23:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 11:48 pm

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Yes, Jack sounds like AR. The similarity is more in presence and is a physical approximation. Damnit. The Bunny got me again (and RL intervened). This is for those that have seen the clip I linked to. I suggest right-clicking and downloading it.

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Jack and Joey had adapted the house over the years. It was now several apartments, mostly let to old friends, although Stephen and Mike lived there whenever they were at home. Just as Joey had spent weekends with the girls, there had been frequent trips to England that had allowed him to take the boys out for a day or a weekend, and the family had been close, even though it was spread over a broad distance. Some resentments had been aired, and the relationship with Charles was awkward, as it could be with Len.

They had the main rooms on the ground floor, as a single floor apartment, and their study could be divided by a screen if they wished to work. Usually though, it was half-open, and they'd be grateful for the occasional eye-contact.

This time though, they sat at Jack's desk, and Jack opened the conversation. "You know I would not forbid you to do anything, my love." Joey nodded. He had advised her against many things as a doctor, but only Jem had ever had the temerity to order her not to do certain things. He paused and she touched his hand.
"You know I wouldn't do it, if you didn't want me to." She looked awkward, like the coltish adolescent she had once been, and he smiled.
"I would be concerned about you over-stretching yourself. Have you spoken to Nancy Wilmot?" Joey shook her head.
"I wanted to talk to you first." He smiled warmly.
"Thank you. I trust you completely." They kissed, while the wireless that had been on in the background moved to a music programme. "Shall we dance, Lady Maynard?" Eyes alight he led her, kicking the chair away as they danced. A conference in Rio de Janeiro had lead them to some interesting cultural experiences, and as they had been alone, they had indulged. As the beat took their feet, his hands guided her hair, till it fell about her shoulders, dishevelled as they danced the tango in the summer sunset.

 

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#24:  Author: Leigh-Anne, Location: Surrey Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 11:49 pm

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It wasn't my fault... it was Jack's! (and Angel's, of course)

 

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#25:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 11:52 pm

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J & J doing the tango. Oh angel.

on a serious note, what's happened with Charles and Len?

 

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#26:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 11:53 pm

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Why can't I tango with Jack?

 

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#27:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 11:55 pm

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Wow Angel - this is SO good! How could anyone prefer Gilbert Blythe? *shakes head sadly*

(*and thinks Leigh-Anne is very sweet*)

 

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#28:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2004 11:55 pm

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Charles and Len -- the last two I'd expect problems with

 

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#29:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 12:02 am

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This is great Angel!!!!
Glad you're listening to the moose!!!

 

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#30:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 1:02 am

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Wow Angel, this is great. Pleeeeeeeeeeeease can you post some more soon? *winning smilie*

 

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#31:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 5:32 am

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(love the new description!)

 

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#32:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 2:49 pm

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Quote:

Wow Angel - this is SO good! How could anyone prefer Gilbert Blythe?

Well I have to say I prefer Angel's version of Jack to Gilbert, but in their original forms I still prefer Gilbert. Can't someone update him a bit as well to make it fair?

 

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#33:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 3:39 pm

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It's getting better and better. I was in love with your Jack long before you mentioned he was like Alan Rickman but now... *faints* Joey is one lucky woman!

Looking forward to more when the moose and bunny cooperate!

 

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#34:  Author: Rachael,  Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 3:43 pm

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Angel - so this is what you were up to??!

Well done - it's marvellous!

Not quite sure that I can picture Alan Rickman as Jack Maynard but then they're both devastatingly attractive in their own rights (I just find that Alan appeals to my darker side!)

 

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#35:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 4:35 pm

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Angel - welcome back to CBB drabbles - love this, looking forward to more!

 

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#36:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 4:57 pm

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What a wonderful description of a rich and happy marriage. Jack and Joey both seem to have developed so well.

Not suprised to hear about trouble with Len and Charles, they always took the responsibility for the others and bottled things up.

Hope to see more Angel.

 

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#37:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 8:54 pm

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Yes, this is what I was doing.

Thanks. I'm too knackered to write tonight, although Senji was doing nice things to my writing, so I may well post some tomorrow.

OK, Marie-Claire is 7, and Joey is around 45. How old are the rest? Jack's about 53, and the trips are 24. What about the wards - is there a 'series status site' for 'Prefects' i.e. where everyone was at when the series ended?

The OU info has been rendered as accurate as I can, given this is meant to be 1965, assuming Joey to have been born in 1920, and the trips in 1940. Given my mother did O levels, and she's the same age as the trips, or thereabouts, I'm using that info.

Oh, and the rich relationship has been hardwon. Some of you have caught some of the nuances in there, but not all

 

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#38:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2004 9:51 pm

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Really interested to see where this goes Angel! Love Joey and Jack dancing!
More soon please!

 

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#39:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 8:57 am

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Looking forward to see how Jo copes with juggling her job, marriage and demands from the family when she realises just how much work is involved.

 

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#40: More Drabble!! Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 5:28 pm

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After lessons on Monday Joey went to the Head's Annexe to look for Nancy and the rest of the senior staff. Hilda had retired from administrative work the previous year, moving into a chalet she owned jointly with Nell Wilson. The two still taught at St Mildred's and the school, but only during the winter, preferring to spend the summer in their shared cottage on the edge of Dartmoor.
Hilda and Nell owned both properties jointly, which made life simpler - events the previous couple of years had made both women aware of their mortality and hastened their departure from their senior roles.
Neither blamed Joey or Madge, even if it was their children that had caused the catastrophe. They weren't the only ones to blame by a long chalk.

Four women sat companionably around the new formica coffee table - Nancy, Joey, and the two Mademoiselles - de Lachennais and Berne. It amused Joey that both the frenchwomen were now married to Swiss from Interlaken, yet both preferred to be 'Mademoiselle'. She sat down on a brightly coloured chair - Nancy was certainly a follower of present fashion, the geometric designs appealing to her mathematical soul. They chatted amiably, waiting for Kathie Ferrars, as the Deputy Head, to join them.

"That Fel-Middles!" Joey grinned at her as she caught the younger woman's eyes.
"You mean "that Felicity?" I sometimes think there's as much common sense in that head of hers as in a bowl of Cotton Candy." The others laughed at Joey's latest Americanism, which hid her slight nerves. She knew she was in an awkward position - she was a significant shareholder in the business, and responsible for Bettany interests in the company. Nancy was also her boss, and had been a middle when Joey was head girl, even if that was in the Dark Ages. None of this generally mattered - there were a few married staff these days, mostly older than Nancy and all respected her - but somehow this was different.

"Come on Joey, spit it out. You don't want to do more A levels?" Nancy's laughter died on her lips, even though this was a standard line of teasing in the staff room. Eyes swivelled from Nancy to Joey.
"N-no." The emphasis on 'more' gave the usually confiden Joey a larger portion of self-doubt than she was used to. It didn't help that Jack hadn't wholly agreed. "I've decided to do a degree."
Silence.
To make amends, Nancy spoke. "Well, we'd be sorry to see you go, Joey." Other voices chimed in - for all her status as the staff butter-in they were very fond of her.
"You wouldn't, not quite. You know how I've done the A level courses in my own time. Well I thought I might try a degree by correspondence."
"Not one of these 'New' universities they're building?"
"Sort of." Joey wriggled, so much like Cecil in her demeanour that Julie Berne, who had taught that young lady that afternoon had to stifle her laughter. The others picked up, and then abruptly stopped. For the first time in a long while Joey looked genuinely vulnerable as she gathered her books and bag."Sorry to have wasted your time. It was a stupid idea. I see that now." Her audience was stunned as she stood up, and walked out, via the french window. Her head was held unnaturally high, and she looked close to tears.


The others sat quietly, unsure what they had done. Nancy in particular felt awkward, a new Head responsible for upsetting an old hand like that.
It was Kathie that spoke. "You do realise that we were laughing at the idea of her achieving that which we all have and take for granted? We all have degrees, some of us more than one." She paused, studiously avoiding Nancy's eyes, or looking at the MSc gown and hood that resided by the door.

Walking through the door, Joey felt suddenly very hot and flushed. She burst into tears where she stood, leaning against the window. She felt stupid, and angry and foolish and she couldn't remember what she was supposed to be doing at this time of day, or how she was supposed to behave.
Drenched in sweat, she dragged herself to their suite and had an icy shower.

Last edited by Angel on Mon Apr 19, 2004 5:45 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#41:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 5:38 pm

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*wibbles*
Poor Joey, that must have been horrible for her whether they meant it to be or not. And just what is the tragedy you were hinting at?
*wibbles some more*

(It's great though, I never really thought about the fact that Joey was an odd one out without a degree before)

 

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#42:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 6:09 pm

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Joey massacred her dinner that evening. Jack wasn't coming home because of a meeting in Berne, and in a way Joey was glad. And she felt guilty for it. She couldn't cope with him when she felt like this, not knowing who she was. She threw all the brochures into the coal scuttle, before removing them so they could be used for scrap paper.

Essays needed marking, so she brushed her hair out, and let it dry while she sat on the sofa, viciously rewarding miscreants with acerbic comments that were worthy of Nell and Nancy run together.

Words blurred on the page, and she reached for her reading glasses, and knocked over her cup and lamp in the process. The tea was cold, but could still ruin the floor, and she didn't want Mrs Myers to see the stain in the morning. Her live-out house-keeper was the wife of a patient at the San, and Joey didn't want to make more work for her than she needed to.

She went into the kitchen, and poured herself a drink of water, before having to make a mad dash for the toilet. No one had warned her there would be days like these.

 

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#43:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 6:12 pm

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Awww poor Joey, never thought I would see her so vulnerable and unsure!

 

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#44:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 6:26 pm

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Jack woke her by the simple expedience of kissing her twisted neck. She shook awake, feeling stiff.

"Morning." She looked up, bleary eyed from her place on the sofa.

"I don't know what happened."

"Time for you to go to work. I just popped in to collect a clean shirt." She nodded, and picked herself up, looking at the pile of unmarked essays. She had been silly to think she could do the degree. She couldn't even finish what she started. Len, sorry, Helena wouldn't approve.

Sadly, her suspicions were confirmed. A letter was on the table, addressed to her with a return address of 'Mrs Helena Mason, 2 The Croft, Little Leston, Berkshire". It made her smile that there were two others next to it, one from Con, and the other from Margot, and she decided she would keep those for later.

Helena's letter was brief, to the point, and hurt Joey more than Helena could ever have intended, not by the actual sentences, but by the implicit criticism that was written between every line in the letter.

 

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#45:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 6:30 pm

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oooohhhhh, post the letter........post the letter.....

PLEASE

 

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#46:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 6:57 pm

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I did wonder what you were scribbling away at at the gathering and i'm gald you were this is great

 

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#47:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 7:08 pm

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Old trouble, catestrophic,
Len
Hurt by staff
Awkardness with staff
Feeling ill and possible hormonal?
Poor Joey, she is lovely in this and I love the way oyou are writing it.

 

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#48:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 7:22 pm

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Kathye wrote:

oooohhhhh, post the letter........post the letter..... PLEASE

I need to write it

Joey is going through the menopause - I think I've got the symptoms right. If anyone would care to comment, I'd be grateful.

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Joey contemplated calling in sick. She knew she was being unreasonable, that anyone else would think that a letter from her eldest and busiest daughter was something to be happy about, especially when it contained so much news, but she couldn't bring herself to enjoy it, and therefore left it on the table.

She wore a long dark dress into school - she would have liked to try the assymetric print that Con had sent her, but she wasn't sure it would work, or if she would just be mutton dressed as lamb.

First class of the morning included Cecil, who seemed to be altogether too quiet. She had her own small quartet of friends, and seemed more like Joey than any of the others - which led her Mamma to be quite watchful. Cecil looked at her strangely, and Joey wondered what was going on. The incident last year, which had left such a mark on the school, had led to a number of changes, not least in Cecil. She was far quieter, and quite jumpy in many ways. She was also very self-absorbed, used to fending for herself around the others, and could easily be overlooked in their large family.

They were doing French-Latin translation, which led many of the students to groan. Cecil always kept her head down - speaking all the languages of the school so easily was not an advantage when your mother was a language mistress. Except this time. The prep that Joey had handed back was covered in red ink - Joey had not noticed that it was her daughter's hand - and Cecil was livid. She was sitting close to the thermostat for the room, and knowing that her mother was going through 'the change' it was the work of a moment to set it very high. Joey would be teaching there all morning, and by the time that lady realised what was happening, Cecil would be long gone.

 

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#49:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 7:41 pm

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Wow Angel. Wow wow wow. Want lots more of this, ooh Cecil...

 

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#50:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: Preston, Lancashire Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 7:46 pm

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fantastic drabble but so many questions

what disaster did the maynard children cause?
what happened to Nell and Hilda
which member of my family has Len married?

these questions definately need answers and the sooner the better!

 

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#51:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 8:07 pm

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Angel, this is wonderful - looking forward to more!

 

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#52:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 8:10 pm

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Angel, want some more of this, it is soooo tantalising.

 

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#53:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 8:13 pm

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Tantalising? Yep, that is exactly the right word - I am so looking forward to more.
Please

 

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#54:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 8:16 pm

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See you tomorrow

Open season on guesses.

 

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#55:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 9:42 pm

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Angel please tell us what exactly has happened and what Len has written, we need to know!

 

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#56:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 10:24 pm

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Poor Joey, I want to huggle her

Please post more soon Angel, this is so good and there are so many loose ends...

 

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#57:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2004 11:58 pm

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Poor poor Jo - and I never thought I would say that. Know only too well what she is feeling.

Would also like answers to the questions posed above.

 

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#58:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 12:31 am

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*starts a chant for more!*

 

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#59:  Author: Kirsty, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 1:37 pm

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Angel, I'm really enjoying this!

I'm a bit late for the Alan=Jack Swooning Brigade, so will swoon quietly for a few moments by myself. *swoon*

Can't wait to find out what disaster the Maynards have caused the School, and why is Len so horrible.

 

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#60:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 4:10 pm

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So Len (sorry Helena) didn't marry Reg, that much is obvious. I wonder who she did marry and what on earth happened to make her fall out with her mother.

Poor Joey, I want to give her a hug and tell her it'll be alright but I get the feeling you're going to make her fight to get where she's going Angel. Cecil's little prank, very clever and probably understandable- can't be easy having your mother as your teacher!

I've asked before and I will again... what happened last year? What is the tragedy that seems to be looming large behind everyone's actions?

Looking forward to more!

 

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#61:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 6:48 pm

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yes, what was the tragedy?

this is all fantabulous Angel. But we require more!

 

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#62: More drabble Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 7:05 pm

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I'm not terribly happy with the next chunk...

Later that morning Cecil found herself being summoned to the study by a wide-eyed felicity. Cecil never had a particularly clear conscience at the best of times, something she was quite content to live with. Miss Wilmot didn't have the same ability to penetrate the soul that Miss Annersley had had. Felicity, unusually, was more bothered. Cecil's response to the drowning last year had been to draw within herself, while Felicity had appeared to carry on as she had before, albeit with a little more thought. She had even tried to pull her school work up, something she found difficult, and gained her double remove. She was now her form's prefect, even if she was "the cheekiest little monkey ever to grace the Oberland" to quote Kathie Ferrars the day that Felicity had asked if it was strictly necessary to have all her 'S's going the same way as everyone else's.

They arrived at the Annexe, to find Miss Ferrars waiting, as well as Marie-Claire and Geoff. The four were invited to sit down while their teacher poured out elevenses, and they settled themselves comfortably.
She offered them a plate of biscuits while she wondered what to say to them. Normally it was Joey who did this sort of thing.

 

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#63:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 7:13 pm

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Angel please post some more soon, really want to know who drowned!

 

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#64:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 7:13 pm

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*eebles* Too many questions! *feeling very nervous*

 

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#65:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 7:20 pm

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Sooo many questins the only thing for it Angel is for you to post some more please!

 

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#66:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 7:31 pm

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Reg and Marianne Entwhistle were with Jack when Nancy had rung through to the San. In spite of the broken engagement, the two men were good friends, and Jack had been best man at their wedding in the school's Protestant chapel. In fact their friendship was probably stronger because of the broken engagement - Reg was as devout a Protestant as Jack was a Catholic, and the two would often have animated discussions over coffee in the afternoon. Jem seemed keen that Reg would go to the Welsh hospital, but Jack and Reg had conspired to make this not happen, by various nefarious means - both held Jem in great esteem medically, but sometimes his personnel skills left a lot to be desired.

 

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#67:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 8:14 pm

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Glad Reg and Jack are still friends, like the thought of them conspiring against Jem. But oh, oh please tell us more about everyone else *still eebling*

Edited: I meant Reg not Len!

Last edited by pim on Tue Apr 20, 2004 8:23 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#68:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 8:20 pm

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yes and the drowning....

 

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#69:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 8:35 pm

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Jack dropped by the house, to pick up the dress that Joey had requested, and leave behind his medical bag. He saw the letters from his eldest daughters, and pocketed it, meaning to read it later, thinking they might cheer Joey up, as she had been a bit down today.
Reg was in the car outside, and it gave Jack a minute to go over what had happened. It was a pleasantly warm day, and certainly not sufficiently humid to have caused heat-stroke, which is what it sounded like had happened to Joey, although the heating was often kept on very low until quite late in the term, as storms could blow up out of nowhere and make the Platz quite chilly.

Jack slipped in Matrons room first, and found Joey in bed, looking confused. He sat beside her, and kissed her gently. "All right, Old Thing?"

The familiar epithet stung as much as Nancy's unwitting comment about the A levels, and Joey welled up a little, wondering if this was how people really saw her. She must have said the thought out loud, because it was Reg who spoke.

"Suppose you be like that? Does it matter? Because I don't hold with hypocrites who try to be something they're not." The honesty helped - plain talking with the slight yorkshire accent, rather than the rounds of teasing that made her head spin. Jack moved away, while Joey told Reg how she'd been feeling hotter and hotter all morning, but was sure she was being silly, and how lots of women felt like this, and if it was so normal, why couldn't she cope? Reg listened, and Jack slipped away to join his children and ward in the Head's Annexe, resolving to organise a quiet dinner for his wife that evening, somewhere away from it all.

 

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#70:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 8:55 pm

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Oh gosh, I feel really sorry for Joey now!!! *keels over* More please Angel when the Moose is good and ready.

 

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#71:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 9:01 pm

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Thanks Angel
But we still don't know anything more about the drowning!

 

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#72:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 9:06 pm

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Poor Joey! Though I like Reg here, plain speaking in a Yorkshire accent can be most calming

(look at me not asking about the drowning)

 

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#73:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2004 9:55 pm

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Thank you Angel for lovely posts.

(Presents Angel with diploma in tantalising CBBers - 1st class!)

 

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#74:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 3:13 pm

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*wails*
Who drowned Angel???????????

 

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#75:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 4:07 pm

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Thanks Angel, looking forward to more, and I'm sure you'll reveal all when the time is right.

 

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#76:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 7:37 pm

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Not much, as feeling grotty

-------

The Maynards had arrived at the Annexe to find Miss Ferrars waiting, and had shortly been joined by Philippa. Before Jack got there, Kathie sought to explain what had happened.
"Your mother is presently with Matron and Dr Entwhistle. She fainted toady, and will be taken home this evening. It's not serious, but your father will be here shortly. It seems that the heat in the room was too much for her and that she hadn't drunk enough fluid today." Kathie looked round - "she'll be fine, I'm only telling you this because the form she was teaching seem determined to make a regular Penny Dreadful out of it." It was Felicity and not Cecil who looked guilty - the last time she'd heard that expression was when Miss Annersley had been coming round after her accident. Cecil's mind merely wandered off into her dreamland.
Kathie looked at her, and then at Felicity. For all that she and Felicity wound one another up, they had quite a strong understanding. Cecil on the other hand was a queer one, and quite different from the rest of the family.

Later that day, when the school had gathered for Kaffee, Miss Wilmot indicated that the school should consume their comestibles and then proceed to Hall. She looked grim, and a lot of the students wondered whether something had happened to Mrs Maynard. They soon found out.
"It appears that some people can't be trusted not to touch things. Some infantile creature decided to fiddle with the thermostat in Classroom 12, which directly cause Mrs Maynard to collapse with heat-stroke. It must have been someone tall enough to reach, and I would hope that she would have the grace to own up, either to Mrs Maynard when she returns tomorrow, or to myself this evening. That will be all." She nodded to Miss Lawrence, who played the evening hymn 'The Day thou Gavest'.
It was this latter coincidence that pricked Cecilya's embattled conscience. She loved that hymn, and as they sang it walking out, she wondered, too briefly, if she should own up.
Felicity felt like there was something going on. Her dormitory overlooked the drive, and she saw her parents walking across, her mother resting slightly on her father, and looking frail. She had lost a lot of weight, and now it was obvious.

Joey returned to the house, and Jack closed the door behind them.
"I thought we might go out for dinner, if you're feeling up to it. Just Interlaken, but it might give us some time to talk." Joey nodded, by now feeling less wan, and less foolish. "I found Len's letter."

 

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#77:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 7:41 pm

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Ohhh I now see what you meant about Cecil!
Looking forward to see whether she owns up!

 

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#78:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 7:43 pm

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Thanks Angel. Are we going to find out the contents of Len's letter?
Is Cecil going to own up?
So many questions, but I'm quite content to watch this unfold in it's own time.

 

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#79:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 7:59 pm

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Thanks Angel!!
*looks round hopefully, for the next bit.....*

 

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#80:  Author: Chloë, Location: London: when away from home planet! Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 8:33 pm

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Yay thank you Angel, more soon please

 

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#81:  Author: Mandy, Location: Derry, N.Ireland Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 8:56 pm

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I was sure I was onto a winner thinking it was Phil who died and then you brought her in!

This is great, more please.

 

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#82:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 9:48 pm

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So Miss Annersley had an accident - somehow caused by the Maynards and Russells?

Want lots more please!!!

Hope you're feeling better soon,Angel!

 

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#83:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2004 10:57 pm

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I hope Cecil really does own up! So was Miss Annersley involved in the drowning incident or is there another mystery to be solved?

Thanks for that bit Angel, especially if you were feeling grotty!

 

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#84:  Author: Kirsty, Location: Melbourne, Australia Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 7:38 am

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Felix hasn't been mentioned yet! And if the accident/drowning has affected Felicity in a different way to Cecil, maybe that's it?

Still enjoying it very much angel, and feeling very sorry for Joey at the moment.

 

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#85:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 10:16 am

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Ohhh more please, so many Q's so little time to catch up

who drowned where, by who and how !!!

 

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#86:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 1:34 pm

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Wow! Angel, this is incredible. More please. I'm intrigued and scared by all the hints...

 

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#87:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 3:36 pm

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I think Matey drowned. She hasn't been mentioned yet and I think it would have to be a contemporary of Hilda and Nell's to make them more "aware of their mortality".

 

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#88:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 8:04 pm

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I'm really sorry there hasn't been an update today - dayglo green goo has been coming out of my ear, and it's a bit distracting.

This is the best I can do:

Dear Mother and Father,
I hope you are both well and that things are going well at the Sanatorium. Peter has been very busy at work, so of course I take the opportunity to spend as much time as I can with the children. I hope to be able to teach them at home for as long as possible - if we were in Wales, I might have considered sending them to Carnbach, but I couldn't possibly contemplate being separated from them for so long.
I do hope Cecilia will be able to repeat her successful visit - it was so nice to see her, and have some sisterly time together. She always seems to be so on the edge of family life. I always feel that I never spent as much time with her as I did with my other sisters.
Thank you for your news of school - I'm pleased that Miss Wilmot is now head, and Miss Ferrars her deputy. Of course, I'm pleased that I decided to leave Oxford and have my family, but if one can't have that, then one must make do.
I saw Mary-Lou Trelawney in Oxford St the other day - she was just returning to England to give some public lectures at the British Museum, and the School of Oriental and African Studies. She had the nerve to commiserate with me for leaving Oxford, as if I had had no choice in the matter. She doesn't understand that for some a family is education enough, and that you don't have to have a degree, or even any formal qualifications. After all, look how happy you are, and you've never aspired to a degree. Your recent forays into education seemed to be merely for amusement, which is good.
Anyway, I must go. Katie wants to show me her painting.

Love
Helena

 

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#89:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 8:13 pm

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Ouch, how staid and dry, no wonder Joey wasn't happy...and those comments about education!!!

 

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#90:  Author: claire, Location: SOUTH WALES Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 8:45 pm

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This is great Angel

The letter doesn't seem like something you'd write to your mother - does this link to the drowning too?

 

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#91:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 8:58 pm

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Well hasn't Len turned into a snob

 

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#92:  Author: Cathy, Location: Australia Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 9:57 pm

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Well Angel you've managed to convince me — I actually feel sorry for Jo in this one and I'm longing to give Len a kick up the khyber. Little so and so. There were some really cheap shots in that letter.

More please!!!!!

 

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#93:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 10:26 pm

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Quote:

Jack slipped in Matrons room first, and found Joey in bed, looking confused. He sat beside her, and kissed her gently. "All right, Old Thing?"

well, to start with I read this as: Jack slipped into Matron's room first and found her in bed. He sat beside her and kissed her gently.

And then in Len's letter I read that Miss Wilmot was dead, instead of Head.

*looking longingly at bed*

but Angel, apart from my inability to read tonight, I'm really enjoying this, and remain intrigued about the whole Cecil, drowning, Miss Annersley, Len thing.

 

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#94:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge Posted: Thu Apr 22, 2004 10:39 pm

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*giggles at Nicci's reading*

This is great, Angel. Please may we have some more (when you're ready).

 

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#95:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 12:39 am

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Well thank you for the letter Angel and I hope the goo goes away...

Well I suppose Len was brought up to see family as vitally important but still... doesn't sound like our Len much anymore does she, especially the dig about Joey's educational attempts being for fun!

 

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#96:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 12:47 am

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Angel - hope you feel better soon

Quote:

She had the nerve to commiserate with me for leaving Oxford, as if I had had no choice in the matter

I read this as her having no choice in the matter - ie expecting

 

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#97:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 5:58 am

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That was actually a very nasty letter from Len - what on Earth happened to change her? If I were Jo I'd be really upset at that!

Angel, this is really good - more soon!

Hope you are feeling better!

 

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#98:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 10:29 am

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Hope you are feelingf better soon Angel.

This is really good. Feeling very sorry for Jo. Hope we get some answers soon.

 

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#99:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 4:30 pm

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Mary-Lou sat on her bed. She was living in a flat near Oxford St that she had bought through a combination of gifts and her own hard work. Saying her prayers for the day, she stood up, and reached for her letter-writing box. She owed Joey a letter, and something had been nagging at the back of her mind since she had met Len coming out of St James' Spanish Place.
She knew that Len attended there on the rare occasions she was in London, and hadn't previously attached much importance to her choice. She herself usually attended the Kingsway meetings, finding Donald Soper to be a challenging preacher who had many echoes in the teachings she had received at the Chalet School.

She had been doing her D.Phil when Len had taken up her place at Oxford, but after the first couple of terms had seen very little of her. Len had got involved with a religious group at university - not one attached to the official catholic chaplaincy - and had decided that she wished to be known as "Helena" - something that Mary-Lou hadn't entirely understood, but accepted it as being her decision.

Going on digs had taken her out of the country often, although it hadn't stopped her remaining friends with other chaletians at Oxford, Cambridge and London. She'd taken up her post at Kings' eighteen months ago, yet she still saw very little of Len. Con, by contrast, had also elected to do a doctorate, and was studying with Prof Lewis at Cambridge, and they met regularly for coffees and chatter.

In the top of her correspondence file there was a letter she needed to reply to. She had got to know Genny Dark, Professor Plumley's secretary at Egyptology in Cambridge, quite well, and the two young women liked to spend the occasional lunchtime in Grantchester Meadows. She had been invited to go out on the dig at Qu'mram in Egypt with the team as a guest archaeologist, and she needed to accept with pleasure.

She jotted a note to Jack Plumley with a thank you and acceptance, after complementing him on his latest finds. Putting this in an envelope she started on a letter for Joey.

 

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#100:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 4:35 pm

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Ohhh it's interesting to see Mary-Lou's perception of Len and to hear more about Len's background.

 

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#101:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 4:52 pm

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Notes for the last post:

CS Lewis actually died in 1963 - Con was one of his last students therefore, and is actually studying with a different professor Lewis. She and Germaine Greer would have been contemporaries.

Rev Prof Jack Plumley died a couple of years ago, but was the professor of Egyptology at the time of writing (1965). My mother is the 'Genny Dark' referenced in the post, and they did occasionally have women out on the digs.

Angel

 

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#102:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 5:07 pm

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This looks as if it could be interesting.

Nice to see ML getting on, and interesting to see what the girls are doing, there appears to be some mystery with Len.

 

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#103:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 5:15 pm

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I've just read all of this. I like it - it seems quite different to the other drabbles.

 

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#104:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 5:17 pm

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So is Len involved with some sort of cult religious group???

More please Angel!

 

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#105:  Author: claire, Location: SOUTH WALES Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2004 7:12 pm

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Ooh Len and the cult, see why she has changed and the possibility for a spin-off drabble

 

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#106:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 12:55 am

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I'm so impressed with the detail you've researched for this Angel, it just makes it that little bit more real.

It's interesting to see Len from another point of view, I wonder what the other group she got in with was, a CU of some form maybe?

Looking forward to more when you can.

 

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#107:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 11:24 am

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Just read through this from the start, Angel. It's VERY good and so well researched - you must have been working very hard to get all the details right.

Like everyone else, I want to know:

Who drowned?
What turned Len into the unsympatheic prat she seems to be now?
Did Cecil own up?

Poor Joey - everyone being so unsympathetic to her ambitions. I do feel for her.

Jack is lovely and I liked the way Reg is portrayed.

Looking forward to more.

 

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#108:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 3:59 pm

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*wonders quietly how Angel's ear is, and if there might be the chance of a teensy bit more drabble?*

 

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#109:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 6:41 pm

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My first post in about 2 months!

Well, hasn't Len turned into a total snob! OMG what if it's paganism? (imagination running seriously to extremes here...)

And who drowned?!

ps... What on earth is this a sign of?!

 

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#110:  Author: James,  Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 7:02 pm

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Wow, Angel, this is fantastic! More when you get the chance, please

 

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#111:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2004 7:58 pm

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I've just read this through and its fantasic Angel

I hope theres some more soon, and please answer the questions that everyone is dying to know!!!

 

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#112:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2004 9:28 pm

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Neither Miss Wilmot nor Joey received a confession, something which neither found out until a day or two later, and they mutually agreed that letting the matter drop might be a better idea. Joey was feeling silly about the whole thing, and Nancy suspected that she might get to the bottom of it by stealth. She had a suspicion as to whom it might be, and it was likely that she would get more reckless if she thought she had got away with it.

Joey had found that Jack had removed Len's letter to his part of the study. They had had their evening in Interlaken, during which they had discussed the letter, and whether there was anything that they could do about it for the time being. It was the most recent in a string of letters that had begun after Cecilia had stayed with Len a couple of years ago after the Gathering of the Clans at a lakeside villa in Italy. It was the incidents then that had led to the resignations of Nell and Hilda, although they were entirely exonerated. In fact it was their conscientiousness, coupled with the dizziness of Felicity, the malevolence of Cecilia and the common-or-garden naughtiness of Daphne Bettany and some bad coincidences that had caused all the trouble.

Although, if Joey were really honest with herself, it had begun during Len's second year at Oxford. She shrugged the thought off as the doorbell went, announcing the arrival of Biddy Courvoisier, Hilary Graves and some of the other Chaletians in the area. They had formed a committee of the Chalet School Society, and Joey had offered her Salon for meetings. She of course was the honorary President, and as such had no vote, save for the casting vote in a tie of the committee.

She let them in, calling on Biddy to help her in the kitchen, and bring through the coffee and cakes. While waiting for the remainder of the party to arrive, she passed on the news of the family. Jack was in Interlaken, making use of the sunny evening to play Golf (and avoiding the mayhem that a quorum of Chaletians generally entailed), Con was happily doing her PhD at Cambridge, although she found some of her fellow students a little extreme in their views. Len was busy with married life. Margot had completed her stint as an SHO, and would shortly be taking her "final" vows. The Medical Missionaries of Mary, to give them their proper title, insisted that all postulants should wait until they had completed their medical training, and spent some time in service in their own country, before they were able to take final vows.
Margot had dithered about what constituted her 'home' country, as she felt attached to England, Canada and Switzerland. In the end she had gone to join with the Sisters of St Vincent de Paul and the West London Mission in order to spend her time, and was to go on to a posting in Kenya following her profession.
Stephen was happy at university. She avoided mentioning Charles, moving swiftly to Mike who was studying Engineering at Newcastle. He intended to go into the Army, and was looking at going to Sandhurst immediately after his course ended.

 

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#113:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2004 9:32 pm

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Thanks Angel, But we still don't know what happened on the lake!
Will you tell us soon please?

 

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#114:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2004 9:33 pm

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Cazx wrote:

Thanks Angel, But we still don't know what happened on the lake! Will you tell us soon please?

No.

 

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#115:  Author: catherine, Location: York Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2004 9:43 pm

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Thanks Angel! Hope you'll enlighten us sometime soon!

 

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#116:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2004 9:51 pm

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catherine wrote:

Thanks Angel! Hope you'll enlighten us sometime soon!

You will be enlightened. I still haven't figured out how to convincingly work in the backstory alongside the frontstory, although the bunnies are nibbling.

 

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#117:  Author: Bel, Location: Cambridge Posted: Sun Apr 25, 2004 10:32 pm

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angel wrote:

Cazx wrote: Thanks Angel, But we still don't know what happened on the lake! Will you tell us soon please? No.

Aargh, Angel - you're exasperating (but in a good way).

I'm loving this story: it's so believable both with regards to the CS characters and with regard to life.

 

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#118:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 5:04 pm

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Cecilia was probably the most beautiful of the Maynards; she had her mother's mobile features, and the neat arrangement of them from Jack. She was dark-haired, with the same violet eyes as Len. Her hair had movement in it, without being either straight or curly, and generally it hung below her shoulders, or else was gathered in a clip at the nape of her neck. She was not pretty though - something of her soul was reflected in her face, and the fire within was not something that rejoiced in being 'pretty'. She also made the most of herself, having picked up a book two years ago by Dariaux that outlined the principles of Elegance, and had studied it assiduously.
Felicity, on the other hand, had the delicacy of a born dancer, and was by far the most graceful. She was too ethereal to command presence, but drew attention to her like a butterfly in a garden. It was just as well, because she was to leave for the Royal Ballet School at the end of the academic year. She had been studying with a former prima ballerina, who had been treated by the Sanatorium, and had won a scholarship for the following year. She was curious to live in England - having heard so much about it, although never having spent a significant amount of time out there.
Perhaps it was just as well she was leaving the platz behind her, because although she was bright, her work on paper did not adequately convey what she knew, and a lot of time had been given over to caoching her in read and writing. Dancing seemed to help her, and she was a demon when it came to the family scrabble tournaments they enjoyed. But it had been decided that she would not be a prefect, a situation for which she was more than usually grateful.
She had been in Vb for the last couple of years, having taken O levels over some time and gaining 6, it was felt she was unlikely to proceed furthre academically and two thirds of her time was spent in the dance studio.
By comparison, Cecilia wasn't much of anything, not that it was expected of her at thirteen. By far her favourite sister was Helena, and she typically spent at least some of her holidays with her family in Berkshire, when her mother let her. There was something about her though that had Margot's Devil pasted when it came to original sin, and for all her great beauty and personal charisma, she could not be easily described as a nice person.

 

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#119:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 6:14 pm

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Thanks Angel -don't like Cecil very much - doesn't even admit to her sins? Seems she and Len are well suited.

Desperate to know what happened to cause such a scandel/drowning/Heads' resignations etc. But know you'll tell when ready - I'll wait!

 

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#120: More Drabble Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 9:09 pm

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Chapter the Second

--------------------------------

Cecil herself felt very alone as she sat on a grassy hillock, a little away from everyone else. She was taking her French and German O levels this term, and she wanted to revise a little. She stretched out, and then reached for the novel she had brought her with her - one that she had lifted from her mother's library at home, and that was written originally in Czech. She had a German translation, and was trying to get her head around some of the ideas. They seemed radical, far removed from her life on the Platz. She moved her head in the breeze. The only thing she had that marked her out in the family was her beauty, and beauty was not an asset much valued by either her school or her family. She knew she was beautiful - she had been approached by a modelling agency while she was staying with Helena last summer. She had had to keep that secret - Helena was more traditional than their mother in many ways, preferring to keep the children at home, and even talked of engaging a governess for the three when they got older.
Wrapping her arms around her legs, she rested her chin on the book on her knees. She contemplated how she might convey some of the ideas of the book into her own tongues, and played in the space between the languages where thoughts could be no more than half-formed because there were not words, only pictures. Pippa or Felix would fill those places with paintings or sculptures respectively. Con would mould worlds - she couldn't bear those empty spaces, there had to be something to fill them.
But she, she liked to live in the cracks in the linguistic pavements. She had secretly tried to teach herself a little more Greek, preferring to use the letters for their intended purpose, instead of debasing them to stand in for the geometric constructs of the teacher's limited imagination. Maths was more than that, more than just rules and regulations forced down her throat in a second class way.
She just didn't belong here.

She watched as people ran around in the warm summer's evening, wondering what it would be like to do normal things. She liked the Beatles and the Stones, and her penfriends in England sent her news about the latest fashions and sayings. She had got to know Helena's neighbours, and their daughter, who was the same age as Cecilia, had become her best friend. She even knew about the Lake Liga affair, and Cecilia's part in it. Lucy knew that Cecilia hated to be called Cecil, and resented having to go to the same school as the rest of the family. She loathed being treated like a small child, being spoonfed knowledge when she wanted to swallow it up, as rapidly as she could manage. There was no fear for her health, yet they stopped her working at the rate she chose. She could translate well, with flair, and yet her own mother positively coated the recent work in that green ink she used to mark in. She had merely turned the heating up because it was the only currency her mother understood - jokes, pranks 'The Middles Latest'. She didn't understand Cecilia.

Last edited by Angel on Mon Apr 26, 2004 9:49 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#121:  Author: PatMac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 9:34 pm

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Cecil is deep, isn't she. Oops, I mean Cecilia. We're still aching to know what happened, Angel

 

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#122:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 9:36 pm

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PatMac wrote:

Cecil is deep, isn't she. Oops, I mean Cecilia. We're still aching to know what happened, Angel

*grins*

I suppose I'm doing to you what Cecilia loathes having done to her. It's kind of evoking sympathy for her, even while simultaneously disliking her and wanting to spank her.

 

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#123:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 9:43 pm

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Two posts to read! Thanks Angel
Loved reading them!

 

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#124:  Author: Mandy, Location: Derry, N.Ireland Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 9:49 pm

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I haven't decided where my loyalties lie in this one yet. I guess I'll have to have a bit more to help me decide (hint, hint).

 

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#125:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 10:35 pm

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Mandy wrote:

I haven't decided where my loyalties lie in this one yet. I guess I'll have to have a bit more to help me decide (hint, hint).

Hmmm. Hints - try the fact that perhaps all are right, and none are right. And that with me, things are seldom what they seem.

 

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#126:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 10:53 pm

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Safer perhaps, to not form opinions, but to sit back and watch the story unfold, and enjoy the journey.

 

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#127:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 12:40 am

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I'm not sure about Cecilia yet. It does sound like she would be better off if the school wasn't so careful of her and yet... well she doesn't sound very nice really and maybe that's to do with something else altogether.

You've been doing well at dropping hints so far Angel. The lakeside villa, Hilda and Nell's resignations, the involvement of Cecilia, Daphne, Fliss and it would seem maybe Len too. It was nice to hear about the other children too (minus Charles anyway).

I'm really enjoying this, trying to puzzle out where you're heading and which charecter's ideas are closest to the truth (and I really hope Joey comes back to her OU aim eventually!)

 

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#128:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 10:14 am

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Don't like Cecil in this at all, so far!

If Jo is wants to do a degree and learn more you would think she would understan Cecil more.

Maybe Cecil has not tried to speak to her parents coherently about her feelings.

 

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#129:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 10:36 am

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There are so many nasty Cecil's around at the moment, I hope they all reform!

 

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#130:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 7:30 pm

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Rebecca Martin, the present head girl, walked over to Cecilia.

"Your mother's gone and done it this time - we're to have a summer ball to raise funds for the school and sanatorium. A real black tie affair." Cecilia looked slightly interested.
"Are we to be allowed to go?" She had visions of herself in the evening dress she had seen in Vogue, her newly developing figure in a figure-hugging gown.
Rebecca looked scandalised that she would even wish to go, but controlled herself. "No, only the orchestra. I know you're the first Cellist this year, and Plato wants to see you about it."
Cecilia stood up, realising she was unlikely to get any further work done. "I'll go now." She looked up at the other girl. "You look all in. Do you want me to bring you out a drink?"

Rebecca nodded gratefully, and Cecilia returned quickly with a lemonade and two biscuits, before returning inside to dig out Plato.

 

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#131:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 8:11 pm

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Ohhh I wonder how Cecilia will get along in the ball.
It seems to me that she's just going through typical teenage stuff, wanting to be her own person and not a family mould. Am I supposed to feel sorry for her, or approve of her actions?
Angel this drabble is so good , you're really manipulating how we regard the characters!

 

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#132:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 8:23 pm

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Once inside the school, she realised it was utterly deserted. The staff were all outside, even the domestics. A few poor souls were torturing instruments into submission in the music bloc, but the place seemed desolate. Never one to miss an opportunity for mischief, Cecilia contemplated what she should do next.
She shuddered as she saw a loose rope. For all that it was two years ago, that incident still gave her nightmares. Instead she left it, and instead reached for the reel of cotton inside her pocket.

 

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#133:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 8:27 pm

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Argh no another mystery, or so it seems!
Angel please give us some answers soon!

 

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#134:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 8:29 pm

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Thank you Angel!

 

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#135:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 8:30 pm

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You do enjoy tantalising don't you!

Can figure out the rope...but the reel of cotton???

 

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#136:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 8:32 pm

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New section - with added Tantalisation Tonic.

------------------


Joey and Jack were oblivious to the doings of their ninth child. She was sitting in the rose garden at Freudesheim, enjoying the shade of the trees, and the companionship of her husband. Neither said very much, content to be together.

Jack looked fondly at his wife, and wondered if she could be persuaded to leave the garden, and come inside for an hour. Were in not for the fact that they were overlooked by the school grounds, he would have suggested what he had in mind right there and then.

Joey was beautiful. He coloured a little, remembering with shame how he had responded to Melissa that long time ago. Nothing had ever come of it - Nothing ever could now and he would never have wanted it to. Unless you consider the long-buried Joey waking up, and the man inside him responding to that. Or the misunderstandings. He firmly squashed the memory inside him, trying not to think about it, remembering what he had, and now.

----------------------

OK - I think all the hooks are in place on which to hang the story. You will start getting answers now...

 

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#137:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 8:39 pm

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Cecilia wound the fine strands of cotton round her fingers. She'd unravelled the fibres, until a cobweb akin to spun sugar rested in her hands. In the cupboard, beside the ropes, there was a mister for hydrating the plants, and she made gentle use of it, letting the droplets fall onto her confection. She left the cupboard, and took the 'cobweb' and placed it over someone's shoes in the fifth form splasheries....

 

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#138:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 8:41 pm

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Angel you do realise that we will be expecting you to give us answers from now on!
Loved Cecilia's trick

 

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#139:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 8:50 pm

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Cazx wrote:

Angel you do realise that we will be expecting you to give us answers from now on! Loved Cecilia's trick

That will be answers as I define them....

They may of course raise more questions than they answer.

 

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#140:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 9:33 pm

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So now we have a rope to the drowning tragedy thingumyjig. And Jack (almost?) having an affair with somebosy called Melissa, do we know any CS Melissa's?

Cecilia's trick was really very ingenious, I'm impressed with her imagination! Getting the drink and biscuits for Rebecca was nice, looks like there's hope for our Cecilia still...

 

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#141:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 9:54 pm

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BUt what is she going to do to those cookies and drink

 

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#142:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 10:24 pm

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Melissa? Who the hell is Melissa?

 

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#143:  Author: Mandy, Location: Derry, N.Ireland Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 11:03 pm

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Thanks for all those bits Angel (even though I'm still confused!).

 

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#144:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 11:21 pm

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I think Angel is being deliberately confusing.

 

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#145:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 11:59 pm

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starts a club for those who are confused but want more story very quickly

Thank you Angel for those bits

 

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#146:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 12:12 am

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Asks Susan for membership card

 

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#147:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 12:23 am

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tis on it's way

 

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#148:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 5:41 am

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Would like to join please, Sue!

Excellent postings Angel - but really want more!

 

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#149:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:06 pm

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The scream from the Fifth's Splashery kept the school entertained for several days. Felicity had put her slippers on, having come in from outside, and all but over-balanced as she sprang (delicately) away from the offending shoe. She was gasping for breath, having a mortal fear of spiders, something that Cecil knew about and exploited on a regular basis.

Helene, her best friend, got the offending mixture out, and Felicity stood there for some twenty minutes, before hairing out of the room.

"Marya Cecilia Maynard. Get here now!"

 

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#150:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:12 pm

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I approve, a very nice and sisterly trick to play!

*giggles*

 

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#151:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:14 pm

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"Felicity, Cecil, what do you think you're doing." The two miscreants froze in the middle of a very entertaining chase through the school corridors to see the one woman who would really get in the way of their fun.

Their Mother

Nemesis was swift. Joey had come over to speak to Nancy again about doing a degree, and consequently was in no mood for her daughters' antics. The edginess translated to the two being given a Head's report, and being banned from exploiting their Freudesheim privileges until half term. She then turned on her heels, and walked to the Annexe.

"Fliss, you idiot. If you hadn't howled, we'd have got away with it."

"If you hadn't played the goat with me, in the first place, then we wouldn't be in this mess."

"There's a difference between sorting it out between ourselves, and dragging mother into it. No better than sneaking that was." And, leaving her sister totally gobsmacked, Cecilia walked away to do some Cello Practice, before she had to go and report to Matron for the evening's mending..

 

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#152:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:19 pm

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Ouch.

Of all the people to come on that scene... They deserved to be caught making a racket like that though.

Ceclia may have been being the tiniest bit unfair on Fliss though at the end. Nice to see them together liek real siblings though.

(and you do know you've still not answered any of our questions don't you!)

 

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#153:  Author: claire, Location: SOUTH WALES Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:24 pm

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nice trick and does make the Maynards seem more real siblings (and a side effect of your mother teaching at your school)

 

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#154:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:28 pm

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Joey didn't have time to think about the two girls, as she needed to straighten up to go and chat to Nancy. They'd agreed that the Saturday afternoon between four and six would be a good time to have a chat.

Nancy was unsure about what to say. She'd chatted to the others, and realised that Joey might get upset again in a roomful of graduates. The ones that had laughed before were somewhat ashamed of themselves. Nell and Hilda had offered to help Joey with the academic side of things when they were on the same side of the channel. The others had chimed in, and the idea of a study group had been formed. The general concensus was that it would be a good way to keep their skills in shape, and to keep up with their subjects. The idea that Kathie had come up with was that they would have seminars every couple of weeks, led by two members of staff, and any from the San or the Platz that cared to join in, which would be about any subjects of interest to those involved.

First though, she had to contend with Joey. The tap on the door sounded so like a nervous student that Nancy put a smile in her voice, and gaily called out 'Herein'

To find that it wasn't one nervous student, but two. With their Mamma.

 

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#155:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:32 pm

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An answer, thank you Angel!

The study group sounds like a great idea, I'm glad to see the staff more like their usual helpful and friendly selves again.

So they've got to deal with Fliss and Cecilia before they even get round to Joey...

 

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#156:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:37 pm

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Yay!!!
Thank you Angel! love the scene with Felicity and Cecil!!!!

 

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#157:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:49 pm

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Thanks Angel! It's nice to see the Maynard siblings having normal family arguments.

 

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#158:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 6:50 pm

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Joey hadn't expected to see the girls there, but Felicity had grabbed her sister and decided that getting it over and done with was the best thing possible. Felicity had had no idea that her mother was in school on business with the head. Cecilia had guessed, but had no idea of what that business was that would bring the two together on a saturday afternoon no less, and Joey had no way of describing the feeling that welled up when their Head began with.

"Joey, you doing a degree sounds like a grea....."

Felicity trod on her sibling's foot at this point, which was a good thing, as Cecilia had been (no matter what her denials later) about to comment that their mother was far too old to go to University.

 

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#159:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 7:46 pm

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But I thought Felicity and Cecil had already been dealt with?

 

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#160:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 7:47 pm

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Sarah_L wrote:

But I thought Felicity and Cecil had already been dealt with?

Head's report means reporting to the head....

 

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#161:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 7:49 pm

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Ahhh, I thought it meant something different. Thanks for clearing that up Angel.

 

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#162:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 8:16 pm

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Bit thoughtless of Nancy to greet Joey like that with the two girls sat there, even if she thought they already knew they were there for a telling off, not on family business.

 

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#163:  Author: Mandy, Location: Derry, N.Ireland Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 8:22 pm

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I hope Joey decides to do the degree. What age would she be now? My mum did hers when she was 50. Graduated at 52.

 

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#164:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 8:22 pm

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Notes to the others:

Nancy didn't know the kids were there. She wasn't expecting anyone bar Joey.

And I needed a way for the children to be told, as Joey refused point blank to tell them herself.

---------------

Nancy turned to the two younger Maynards.

"Why, precisely are you here?"

"We were given a Head's Report." Felicity muttered this, knowing that it being her second this year she could well cease to be her form's prefect. It was also the second that involved her little sister, and were Joey not standing between them the pair might have started scrapping, as they had often done when small.

"Why?"

"Because I screamed, and chased Cecil down the hall."

"And why might you have done this?"

"Because there was a cobweb in my slippers."

"And what has this to do with Cecilia?"

"I thought she put it there."

"So you decided to make an exhibition of yourself with no real proof, in spite of the fact you are a form prefect, and one of our most senior seniors. You also showed your mother up, as well as yourselves. It was merely a matter of good fortune that we did not have visitors to the school. A good account of it you would not have made." Nancy caught Cecil's eyes, and paused. This conversation was being made awkward by a number of complicating factors. Joey, as the teacher that had sent them there, had a right to be there. Joey, as their mother, did not.

Joey's tact had deserted her - she was standing there divided in three. Joey the mother, that wanted to deal with her daughters as she always had. Joey the teacher who accepted that school discipline had to come first. And Joey the person who wanted to feel equal to all this, and wanted to talk as an adult with an old friend about something that was exciting but nerve-wracking. She wanted to be told what to do, how to behave, because she wasn't sure what she was supposed to be, and somehow this was all her fault.

 

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#165:  Author: Kelly, Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 9:03 pm

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Poor Joey.

And thank you angel for more story! Everytime I come onto this thread there seems to be more!

 

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#166:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 9:15 pm

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Even more Angel, thank you! (It's making this essay go much easier )

Well thank goodness Fliss had the sense to squash Cecilia before she said something very stupid and upsetting to Joey and poor Joey for having to sit through that. Can't be easy teaching at your childrens' school!

(I still think Cecila's prank was very funny however much trouble it gets her and Fliss into)

 

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#167:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 9:23 pm

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I feel sorry for Joey, I hope she's going to get through all this (including the Melissa bit) in one piece!

 

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#168:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 9:41 pm

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Does Joey know about the Melissa thing?

 

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#169:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 10:39 pm

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Thanks Angel -some really good post - very difficult being a teacher when your daughters are students!

 

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#170:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2004 11:11 pm

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I don't think I would have been impressed if my mother had been a teacher either!
Thanks Angel

 

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#171:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 11:52 am

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Thanks Angel...I was taught by my mum for two years while doing A level history...mostly it was ok because we've always got on well and I was a good student and loved history...the worst thing was the fact that we called our teachers by their first names and at 17 i just couldn't call her Margaret!

 

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#172:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 6:43 pm

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Joey stood for another second in the silence, and then decided that retreat was the better part of valour. She tried to slip out of the room, but caught first her handbag and then her jacket on the doorknob. Fortunately nothing ripped, but it left Cecilia at least three minutes in which to formulate her outburst.

Felicity was very slight for her age, while Cecilia was far fuller figured, her dark hair hanging beautifully, while Felicity's was high on her head, scraped into a bun, the tendrils that escaped framing her face, giving her a fragile look. Nancy looked at the two girls, and then asked Felicity to wait outside. She was determined to get to the bottom of the matter, but as soon as Felicity had left Cecilia startled her.

"All right, so I did it. I put some moist cotton strands in her slipper, because she's a baby that's scared of spiders, and kills them when they haven't done anything to her, and she's bigger than them."

"And your considered position will ameliorate her phobia precisely how?"

"Exposure therapy." The response was swift, and unexpected. "Obviously, I wouldn't use real spiders, as that would be cruel and unfair to them. But I would like to shake her out of it, before she goes and shows us all up in London."

Nancy looked at her keenly, sure that this was Miss Cecilia's tongue working on the fly, but equally sure something else was behind it. "So, you took in on yourself to act as psychiatrist and therapist, when you are a schoolgirl of 14, whose immaturity never ceases to amaze me."

"How do you expect us to develop that maturity if you keep us so far from what's going on in the world. I don't mean boys. I mean intellectually, confiscating books that you don't happen to agree with. Mill's On liberty for example. How can you justify speaking freely when you do not permit freedom of speech? How can you justify that you know better than we do when we're not allowed to go out looking for that knowledge?"

"How can you justify being so unsconscionably rude when the reason you are here is for a childish prank that you played on an elder sister in a manner more fitting to the day nursery than this school."

Cecilia muttered something, and Nancy icily requested a repetition at soonest convenience.

"I said that if the school is treated as an extension of our day nursery then that is how we will see it. Who else here has gone to the same school all their lives, apart from the Maynard girls? Even the Russells had some time at the English Branch. I didn't get any choice in it, and I didn't want to go to this school just like everyone else in the family. But Mother doesn't listen to her own advice that she's so happy to hand out to every other bloody parent..." Cecilia realised that with her last she had gone to far. Nancy Wilmot was a sweet character on the whole, but this was beyond what she might reasonably expect to get away with.

"You will go to your dormitory, and pack for tonight. With the exception of leave to come in for exams, you are suspended with immediate effect. I realise that over the last two years we have been somewhat lenient with you, hoping that after the accident with Melissa Charlton you might see fit to reform. Obviously this has not been the case. Therefore, we will see if you respond to some time to yourself to think."

Cecilia was white. Whatever she had expected she had not expected this. Miss Wilmot was cruel to bring up the accident - she hadn't intended for it all to happen like that, and it wasn't her fault if they chose to treat her differently because she was Joey's daughter, or because she'd been in part responsible for a fatal accident, in common with Felicity and Daphne. With the anger seething inside her, coupled with the heat of the day, she fainted.

 

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#173:  Author: claire, Location: SOUTH WALES Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 6:54 pm

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You can't leave it there - how were they responsible

MORE

 

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#174:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 7:26 pm

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Joey had heard every word, and didn't know where to look. Felicity was equally ashamed. For the first time in the history of the school a student had been suspended, and it was her little sister.

Neither knew what had brought the abrupt end to hostilities, until Matron was summoned. By this time Cecilia had roused, and was looking angrily at everyone. Matron had been apprised of the situation, and didn't even look at the other two Maynards as she strode past. It wasn't Matron Lloyd, with whom Joey had always got on so well, but a new woman who had come from Northern Ireland, and had little time for Josephine Maynard, although she respected Dr Maynard and Lady Russell.

Matron had been unhappy that she was to miss the evening in order to supervise the two girls hemming sheets, and now she found that one of them had fainted when told she was to be suspended.

Nancy had recovered herself by this time. Joey was very pale, eyes flashing as angrily as ever they had in her most volatile years. Felicity was delicately flushed, Cecilia had a high colour beneath the waxy skin. Nancy took charge.
"Ordinarily I would have involved Miss Ferrars in this decision but she is unavailable. Cecilia, you are suspended for two weeks, and may only enter the school for exams. This is because of your disrespectful attitude, and also because this is the second time this year you have received a Head's Report, in addition to numerous other Reports over the last four years, and the last two in particular. Felicity, you are to spend the evening hemming sheets with Matron Henschell " - at this Matron and Felicity looked surprised. Nancy was a better judge than most people realised. "- and you are to miss the entertainment this evening. Your privileges are revoked. You are no longer to be trusted as a prefect, and will be demoted to the status of Middle for a week, and an ordinary Senior for your remaining time with us." Felicity nodded. Nancy dismissed her, before the girl burst into tears.

When Nancy spoke again, her words were more kindly, as was her face. "Cecilia, I realise that you haven't been having an easy time, and that it was unfair for me to bring up the accident, and I apologise. However, I cannot allow that rudeness to go unpunished, and as previous attempts seem to have had no effect then we must take this course. Perhaps it will afford you some time to think, and reflect on the matter in hand. Maturity is not about simply having your own good ideas, but being able to judge how those ideas will impact upon other people. Your not being at school will inconvenience your parents, and will make life difficult for your sisters and Geoff. You have been thoughtless and impulsive, and have shown that you are not to be trusted. You will go and pack now. You are not to speak to anyone."

Cecilia left, the kindness in the words having nearly undone her. Nancy was left with a shocked Joey. Crossing the room, she put her arms round the older woman in a brief hug, before going to the cupboard.
"Have a brandy. It might perk you up a little." Joey sat down for a few minutes before Nancy continued. "I'm sorry..."

"You were right. Please accept my resignation."

"No. We value you too much, and your daughter is a person in her own right. I think in some ways we are all to blame." Joey shook, spilling some of her drink. Nancy took out two cigarettes, and the two sat by the French Window, smoking companionably.
"How do I tell Jack? And Madge? and Len and..."
"I'll tell Madame. And I suggest that Cecilia should tell each of the family individually, and apologise at the same time. Now, I realise that you won't want to discuss this now, but we've decided to support you in going for your degree, and we've had some thoughts about ways we can make it easier."
"Should I really be doing a degree, when I'm failing a daughter of mine."
"Yes. It's only a shame you haven't done one sooner. And you haven't failed her yet. Maybe this will help her."

Comforted, Joey took her leave, walking across to Freudesheim and her husband with her head bowed.
-----------------

Sorry about the angst. The bunny just took a hold of me and kept on going. Just to make it clear, Nancy didn't make the decision on the spur of the moment - it was already in mind, but the cheek made it unavoidable.

I hope I haven't put too many people off the drabble....

 

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#175:  Author: Jay,  Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 8:02 pm

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Wow Angel, that was great. I'm really liking this. Nancy seems very sensible, Joey has been shaken up somewhere along the way (I think she does know or suspect about Jack's possible dalliance) and is re-evaluating her life, and as for Cecilia... I especially like how you've drawn her - typical teenage rebellion, unsure of her role in the family being the only single daughter, with added guilt and confusion about some unknown accident!

Lots more please!!!!!

 

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#176:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 8:37 pm

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Jack was surprised to see her again so soon. Knowing she only had a few minutes before picking up Cecil, Joey told him as directly as she knew how, clinging to Jack afterwards.

Jack held her, smelling the hints of cigarettes and alcohol, and decided that the next best thing would be bed. He made her sit down in the salon, and pulled on the blazer of his grey linen suit, before going to the car, and driving round to pick his troublesome daughter up. He had no intention of bringing her back immediately, having heard from Joey Nancy's suggestion that Cecilia should tell each of the family herself.

Picking up his fifth daughter from school, he took the bag and put it on the back seat. In the front he cleared away his papers and bade her sit down, before driving out of the school gates, watched by unknown eyes. Cecilia was quiet, leaning against the door. She seemed composed, far more calm at one level than he expected. In many ways she was the most sophisticated of all the children, and he knew that she needed to be handled carefully. They drove down from the Platz and away into the mountains, as far from prying eyes as they could reasonably hope to be. The silence hung between - strangely comforting and also oppressive. To be silent felt right, but to risk breaking it was to risk something that Cecilia didn't know. For the first time she could remember, she was afraid of her father.

Finally, they stopped, and they got out at a spot that took in the entire valley below, and turning to her father, Cecilia saw tears in his eyes.

 

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#177:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 9:05 pm

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Angel - the only way you will put me off of this drabble will be if you stopwriting it. That was exceptional - what a dreadful situation for Nancy to be in - I'm really proud of how strong she was.

Please write more.

 

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#178:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 9:06 pm

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Wow. So much more when I logged on and it's fantastic. (can I be the first to say that I always knew it would be a Russell/Bettany/Maynard who got suspended first)

It would seem that Nancy was right as Cecilia does seem to have been affected by her suspension, and her father's tears. (at least he doesn't seem about to stop talking to her altogether). We still don't know WHY Hilda left but it looks like Nancy's doing a good job of filling her shoes.

So Melissa was a student? Who died? Is this the same Melissa as the one Jack mentioned 0.0

 

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#179:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 9:20 pm

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Angel this is really interesting, Jack was lovely in that.

 

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#180:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 9:33 pm

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Hmm have lots of what if's playing around in my mind now!
More soon Angel

 

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#181:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 11:06 pm

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Wow, so much emotion. Angel, there's no way you could put me off this drabble, it's far too gripping.

 

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#182:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 3:49 pm

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just caught up. Angel this is amazing story-telling. I'm completely entralled. But you appear to have forgotten to include an explanation for what happened with Hilda and Nell....

 

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#183:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 3:51 pm

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I don't think you'll catch Angel out that easily!

 

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#184:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 10:49 pm

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Cecilia wanted to move, to comfort her father. She knew that defeated, haunted look, the one that made him all too human. She had seen it when, after he had hauled Melissa Charlton out of the lake, and giving her artificial respiration, he and Jem had had to pronounce her dead, in front of her younger sister and her brother-in-law.
She had seen it again when two of his daughters and his niece had been implicated in that death, an incident which at its blandest could have been described as merely losing a pretty secretary.
Joey had once remarked how much he loathed to lose a patient, and how deeply he felt it. How much more then did he feel it when he lost a friend, and now he seemed to think he'd lost his daughter.

Last edited by Angel on Fri Apr 30, 2004 11:06 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#185:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 10:58 pm

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This just sounds worse and worse. Jack and Jem couldn't save her, they were trying in front of her sister *winces* that's got to be one of the most horrible scenarios ever, watching your sister die.

Cecilia definately has a good side in the way she's worrying about her dad though.

 

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#186:  Author: Catherine_B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 12:24 am

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Wow, wow and wow again, Angel.

Have just caught up on 10 pages of this and am completely enthralled.

I also agree with the other comments that have been made, your writing style is completely distinct from any of the other CBB drabblers, which makes this very refreshing to read.

Thank you - and may I please add a request for more?

 

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#187:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 6:43 am

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Thank you Angel, a truly terrible event, so Cecilia, Felicity and Daphne were implicated..........how?

More very soon please Angel, as Catherine said this is enthralling.

 

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#188:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 11:18 am

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Wow this is so great, Angel, it's full of emotion and has a degree of suspence hanging over the surface the whole time.
Can't wait to see what happens next!

 

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#189:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 11:41 am

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“What happened?” The words were soft, and as he spoke them he sat down on the flat rock that felt like it overlooked half of Switzerland. Cecilia sat beside him, reaching over and hugging him. The sunlight was starting to wane a little, and the water below looked like a lake of fire. She paused, not sure where to begin now. He returned the hug, and some of the tension left.
Sitting back, she looked at him, the light no longer flattering his face, and shadows appeared where lines had been drawn today. She felt ashamed.
“I was suspended from school for two weeks.” Jack nodded, and she continued. “Mamma caught Felicity and I running in the corridors. She gave us a Head’s Report. We went, and found Mamma there. Miss Wilmot told Felicity off, and then asked to speak to me alone. I was rude. She suspended me. Mamma heard some of what was said.”
“Did Miss Wilmot say anything to you?”
“That I should use the two weeks to think about what I had done, and what I wanted. She said that I wasn’t to be trusted. As if people had been trusting me since The Lake.” Jack nodded – tears weren’t far away for either of them. “Dad, it’s not your fault. It’s me. I don’t really fit in.”
“Thank you. But it is my fault as well. I failed you, and I have to live with that.” More than anything else, this cut Cecilia to the core. She adored her father, and ordinarily the two were very close. “Your mother and I were talking this afternoon, before she went into school. We had a letter from Mary-Lou, and one from Aunty Rob.”
“Why was Mamma in school, Dad?” She then processed the latter part of the sentence, and looked up. “Auntie Rob? What did Godmother have to say?” The joy was very subdued.
“She had a proposal to make, one that Mary Lou had made separately. The reason that your mother was in school was because she plans to do a degree - through correspondence.” Cecilia looked likely to butt in, and he silenced her with a touch on her hand. “She took a lot of courage to go back and ask for their help. It wasn’t easy for her. She had written to Auntie Rob, and Robin had replied immediately, suggesting that it was a brilliant idea. She also said she’d like to get to know her God-daughter better.” The words sunk in. Cecilia sat there open-mouthed, and Jack watched her with genuine amusement on his face.
“You mean, she’d come over here?” There was another hope in her voice that she didn’t dare mention.
“No, you would go to La Sagesse, in Toronto, for a year. Because of your relationship to Robin, your fees would be paid for you. This is assuming that she will have you following recent events. You will have to write and tell her about your suspension from school, and the reasons why.” Jack was unaware that Cecilia had been pouring her heart out to her Godmother for the last two years, and that this was what had prompted the offer from Canada. “She may not trust you to come over after the trouble that you’ve caused. And I am not sure that your mother and I could permit you to go as things stand. I don’t mean that we expect you to behave like an unfledged archangel...”
“Good, I wouldn’t want to tell all the local maidens they were about to be very busy.” Jack frowned, trying to stifle the laughter at Cecilia’s comment.
“...because it has to run deeper than that. We’ve tried to give you principles, but you need to learn to live by them.”
“Like Mr Darcy.” Cecilia reflected soberly. “He had good parents as well, but spoiled himself.”
“Which is what you have done.” The condemnation was there. “So far, there is no reason that I can give for permitting you to go. It would be like rewarding all your sins by sending you to heaven.”
“Or punishing me by sending me away.”
“Yes. Neither of which is the case.” Cecilia nodded. “What we want from you isn’t an overnight change, but for you to look at yourself thoroughly. What I would suggest is that you use some of the time as a retreat – you will be trusted to remain on your own for at least some of the time. Mrs Myers will make sure that you are fed, and cared for. I know that you have investigated our library, and I open it to you. I would recommend that you read something each day from the Bible, and then pick a theme and read around it. Your mother and I will help you if you want, but we want you to decide how you want to live your life. In the evenings you will study with me for your science. And you are not to be in contact with school.”
Cecilia nodded, unable to take in what was going on. She hugged her father, and they walked to the car in order to drive back to the Platz.

 

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#190:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 11:49 am

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It's so nice to see Jack being supportive towrds Cecilia!
Loved the comment about Mr Darcy!

 

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#191:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 12:17 pm

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Thank you Angel.

 

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#192:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 2:04 pm

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Quote:

I don’t mean that we expect you to behave like an unfledged archangel...” “Good, I wouldn’t want to tell all the local maidens they were about to be very busy.”

 

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#193:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 2:18 pm

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In the car, Cecilia returned to the subject of the degree. Jack explained what it entailed, and Cecilia asked whether he was happy about it. Jack seemed uncomfortable with this line of questioning, and changed the subject by the simple expedient of taking a couple of corners faster than he should have done. She had always enjoyed his driving, and it distracted her for long enough for him to change the subject to life in general. She told him about the prank, and how she felt about Felicity and being in school. He listened for a long time. When they arrived at Freudesheim, he found his wife waiting for him. She gave Cecilia sandwiches for her tea, and then sent her off for a bath and bed. The girls had a flat of their own, which had come about when the house was being re-modelled. They still came down to the Salon, but Cecilia, Felicity and Pippa had two bedrooms, a small kitchen, bathroom and a study/sitting area that was theirs in the holidays. There was no longer the paraphernalia associated with very small children, and instead the house was divided into flats. Con, when she was at home, shared with the girls, having a sofa bed in the study area, which could be divided off using a curtain. The boys had three bedrooms between them, also with a kitchen, bathroom and sitting-room/study area, and a lot of their possessions resided there. In one wing there was the flat used by Stacie Benson, and the flat that had belonged to Doris Carey and then to Mary-Lou which had been expanded into a guest suite. The ground floor was their flat, with the large Salon, Dining Room and Study, as well as Jack and Joey’s suite of rooms. There was also the cellar, scullery, and house kitchen. Without the live-in helps, they had needed to re-allocate the space, and this had proved the most successful. When the children were mostly settled, then they would lease the flats to married staff, which would provide a useful income. In the meantime it gave everyone his or her own space, while the family had a shared area. Marie-Claire’s room was in the adults’ suite, and generally the family were happy with the arrangements.
Cecilia, it has to be said, complained that she had to share with Pippa, while Felicity got her own room, but this was rapidly squashed by the Triplets, who had pointed out that they had shared a room until they were twenty and it had only changed because Len was married.

Joey and Jack sat down to their supper – a fondue with some Italian wine and followed by fresh fruit. They were in the Salon, and Joey didn’t seem to happy. Jack assumed that in some part it related to the events of the day, and suggested that they should go out for a walk on the Platz to enjoy the end of the sunset. Reluctantly Joey acquiesced, which made Jack more determined she should go out. She needed the fresh air and excercise so that she would sleep, as she was looking as tired as Jack, with smudges under her eyes, and her general affect was subdued.

He wasn’t prepared for her opening question when they got out onto the meadows that surrounded the village.

“Where are we going to church tomorrow? Because we can’t go to the school chapel as usual. She’s not allowed.’


---------------------------
Notes: I shall be Away From Keyboard for the next couple of days. Youth Club tonight - so may post something after, but don't be too optimistic - and then away till late Monday, with an early start on Tuesday, so likely arrival of next chunk will be Tuesday Night.

And thank you for all the encouragement you post to this thread, especially Sarah, Cazx, Carolyn and Lesley, and for the help on IM, when I've randomly pinged people for help. I really do appreciate it.

I didn't expect to be 12k words into it that quickly...

 

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#194:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 3:04 pm

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Looking forward to more when RL allows, Angel. Thank you.

 

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#195:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 3:51 pm

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Great description of Freudsheim Angel, I can really picture what it's like!

 

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#196:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 4:22 pm

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Thank you for that chunk Angel!
(and thank you for the warning about your upcoming absence! We''ll try and keep the noise down while we wait........)

 

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#197:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 4:42 pm

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(...but will we succeed? )

Thank you, Angel, more great posts! (though I'm surprised Hilda didn't think about the church thing).

 

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#198:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 5:08 pm

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Thanks Angel. That was a very measured response from Jack, and a very fair and even resopnse as well, far more even handed that you would expect from most parents faced with a daughter suspended from school, it almost makes me think he had been expecting trouble and had been thinking about Cecil already.

As for the chapels, I know that san staff often came to the school chapel, but there must have beem another one on the platz somewhere, maybe in one of the villages, not as convenient amybe, but still there. What did the school do before the chapels were built?

 

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#199:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 5:25 pm

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caz wrote:

Thank you, Angel, more great posts! (though I'm surprised Hilda didn't think about the church thing).

It's Nancy who is Head now, maybe she isn't as perfect as Hilda! I love Freudesheim, it seems more homely and easier to deal with than it is in the books.

 

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#200:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 6:04 pm

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Just caught up and am enthralled. You have a beautiful style and are really understanding Cecilia's problems and her parents responses to them.

Im looking forward to more, when it comes!

 

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#201:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 6:44 pm

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Angel - this is so good, I'm really enjoying the insights into the different characters and loved the way that Jack avoided the question of Joeys degree by drving faster

 

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#202:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 8:58 pm

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LOL at the Archangel line (which to my shame I had to read twice but when I got it... brilliant!)

Jack and Cecilia's conversation was lovely. He was so concerned and caring and I loved the way what hurt Cecilia most was when he took some of the blame himself, I think she's going to come right in the end from that alone. I also like the idea that Cecilia was very much in touch with Robin, I can see that she'd be a good person to share your troubles with and I hope she does get to go to Canada in the end.

The description of Freudesheim was great, I can't imagine the poor triplets having to share until they were 20, my sister and I were close to killing each other by the time I was ten. Then again I suppose they did have seperate rooms at school.

Interesting point about the chapel... is there another church nearby? I don't know much about the Platz (haven't got many of the later books).

Thanks for those two chunks and for the warning about your absence. Hope you have a good couple of days!

 

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#203:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 10:03 pm

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*blushes very very red*

Thanks for the flowers, guys. I was simply having to sit in the background at Youth Club, so I got a fair bit of writing done.

Jack being calm - well, he didn't know all of what was going on, and, well, you'll see...

---------------------------------------------

“We’ll go to the village, like we alwyas used to. Cecilia will come with us.” The use of Cecil’s full and preferred name caught Joey, and consciously she used the derivative.
“And what exactly did you say to Miss Cecil.”
“We went into the mountains and we talked.” Jack was weary now, and it showed.
“Talked? About what?” About having to face her class on Monday morning. About Felicity having to forego being a Form Prefect...” Jack interrupted.
“That was her fault for making such a young ass of herself.” Joey looked a little mutinous, but she carried on. “We’ve gone to the school Chapel for the last couple of years. What are we to say?”
“Nothing.”
“And what are we supposed to do with her here all day...”
“I took the liberty of talking to her about that.”
“...and what about Canada? She can’t go now...”
“She can and she will.” His voice was firm. “I told her about it, and to my mind Canada seems to be the best thing for her.”
“You did, did you? You agreed...”
“We agreed this afternoon, in light of recent events that she should go to Canada for a year. I saw no reason to change that. This afternoon’s events merely confirmed what we had discussed. Remember Margot?”
“Margot was eight, and we sent her there for the good of her health. Cecil is 14.”
“And I am sending Cecilia for the good of her health and our sanity. Her emotional health. She told me all of what she said this afternoon.” Joey subsided. “Felicity has always had Ballet School to look forward to, and was happy to stay here as she had the chance of studying with a former Prima Ballerina. Pippa has her Art, and we should look to see if she could spend a year at Carnbach. Felix – well, after what happened at that Prep school, I’m glad we were able to send him to Villa Beata, and Geoff will go there too.”
Joey was furious, but held it in. Jack was calm and resolute, noting that she seemed to have a blindspot where Cecilia was concerned, and if it wasn’t to prove as costly as his own towards Charles, then it would need to be dealt with.
“Let it out. Scream at me if you want to. There’s nobody to hear.”
A torrent of anger came out – directed everywhere until it came to rest on herself. Jack was relieved to note that the familiar shape of Reg on the horizon directed itself elsewhere – Reg knew that this was where they came to argue, so that it kept things away from Home, School and San. Joey hadn’t seen him, and was therefore undistracted from her emotions. Steadily she calmed down, and let it go, until she sobbed quietly on his shoulder. Taking her hand in the darkness, he petted her gently, and then led her to the village church, where a light burned by the porch. Unlatching the door they entered and knealt at the altar steps.
In silence they stood and walked back by the road. Both were calmer and as they got to the door they apologised to one another before going inside. As Jack had once remarked to Reg, the reconciliation was the most important part of a good argument. Somewhat subdued, they clung to one another in the darkness, until they fell asleep.

A cloud hung around the house the next morning. The three went to Mass, Cecilia walking a little ahead of them, her rosary in her hand.
One summer she had found a recipe for home made rosary beads, and had gathered petals from the garden, and gum arabic from the sanatorium, among other things, and created her own rosary. Charles had carved the cross for her, and the small plaque at the joining.
Joey turned the words over as she watched her daughter “Ave, Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.” They resonated with her – Jesus had been disobedient in the temple at twelve, surely Mary might understand. Jack walked beside her, carrying their Mass Books. They sat down, the long familiar Latin washing over them, the priest and deacon moving in their familiar liturgical dance. Geoff was there, acting as thurifer, while another of the boys from St Nicholas was crucifer. Peter, one of the doctors from the San was Sub-Deacon, reading the epistle for the day with great calm.
The sermon was on the resurrection appearances, particularly how sometimes we can become unfamiliar with someone precisely because we see them every day, and then, when we see them without expecting to, we can fail to recognise them for who they are.
The words found their home. After communion, Joey walked with Cecilia and the two talked of general things, both still subdued from the previous day.
Jack stayed to talk to the priest and one or two others, leaving the women to go home. A call from the San put paid to all thoughts of Sunday Lunch as a family. He rang Freudesheim, but found it empty, and went with the others to the San.
As the Head of the Sanatorium, Jack was blessed in his gifts. He gone to university when modern medicine was still quite compact as a subject, and had been able to follow many of the advancements of the subject. His time in the Navy and then the Army had equipped him for both surgery and general practice, having worked as a Ship’s Doctor, and then on the battlefields of France and Germany. The rest of his team were emphatically specialists in fields associated with TB – Reg in Cardio-thoracic work, while Peter and James were the Anaesthetists. Rachel Wade worked in Oncology, while Daisy Rosomon did Paediatric work with them.
His broad knowledge meant that he assisted with assessing most new patients, but was also called on to assist in a variety of situations, particularly when no one was sure what would be expected or demanded.
He got to his office to find Sister Graves waiting for him. He scrubbed up quickly, and then turned to listen.
“Sir Jack, it’s Gisela Hilary. They’ve put her in the private ward, near theatre.”
Jack nodded, wordless. She had been in remission for so long, able to teach her ballet again, that although her demise was long expected, it was not expected now. She was Reg’s patient, and he knew what their wishes were. As he reached the door of the ward, he could hear the slow, laboured breaths, interlaced with cries of pain. Reg nodded, and one of the nurses gave him a phial of morphine, which he injected. Slowly, her breathing eased, and then stopped.

Last edited by Angel on Sun May 09, 2004 3:21 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#204:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 10:10 pm

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Thank you for that episode Angel, that was so deep and meaningful.

Totally agree with the scene in the San - have seen similar episodes myself when I nursed on the wards.

 

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#205:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 10:15 pm

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*wipes eyes*
That ending... I was going to say it was such a sad ending to a section of drabble that had been getting more positive but then again, it was a not entirely bad sort of sad. It was a good wake up call to what Jack and the others at the San have to deal with every day.

The service in the chapel, I liked the theme and how it tied in and I hope it might make both Cecilia and Joey look at each other differently, I get the feeling they have been fairly estranged recently.

Was Reg appearing during Joey and Jack's arguement... discussion... whatever it was significant? And what exactly did Felix do???

Thanks for that lovely long section!

 

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#206:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 11:01 pm

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Jack left the San, having signed the death certificates and sat in the gardens. One year the school had made it their project to landscape the area, and now it was a pleasant place for patients to sit.

He knew, intellectually that life always ends - he didn't save lives, merely prolonging them, that God called to Him His own, that he was there to care for those He sent. But it hurt to see someone he knew die, and it didn't stop hurting. He felt a hand on his back, rubbing him gently, and looked up to find Joey there.
"Sister Graves rang me. I came to find you." She held him as the strain of the day flowed out through him in dry sobs. As he had done for her the night before, they walked out into the meadow, and the usually restrained Jack shouted to the winds, letting them whip away his words in the gathering storm. Joey stood back, wind rushing around her, and buffeting her on the path. She reached for him, and Jack realised what was going on.
They ran for the house, making it in time, to find that Cecilia had managed to keep the roast moist, and had put the vegetables in sufficiently late for them to be edible, even if they were a little overcooked.

 

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#207:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Sat May 01, 2004 11:05 pm

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Jack and Joey's marriage is really wonderful here. They seem to have found a brilliant balance and equality <3

Of course Cecilia kept the dinner ready, she is a Chalet School girl after all

Three bits in a day, thank you!

 

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#208:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun May 02, 2004 7:36 am

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Thank you Angel

 

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#209:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Sun May 02, 2004 8:25 am

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Thanks for the last two posts Angel, they were so emotional.
What happened to Felix?

 

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#210:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sun May 02, 2004 8:48 am

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Perhaps someone should compile an orderly list of questions for me.

 

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#211:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Sun May 02, 2004 5:38 pm

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No questions, just thank you for all of this, it is truly wonderful, and despite all the emotions, strangely calming.

 

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#212:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again Posted: Mon May 03, 2004 5:47 pm

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I can't believe I let myself get behind on this, it's soo good and true to life Angel.
*Chants*

 

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#213:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Mon May 03, 2004 11:17 pm

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Jack went to lie down for the afternoon, while Joey rang Kathie to tell her what had happened. It was agreed that it would be better for Felicity to have a few days away - she was anxious about her exams and being demoted, and this would probably make her worse. Having her at home with Cecilia would be raising a rag to a wounded bull. Kathie agreed that it would be best to offer her two options with the promise that if she chose to go to friends she would be allowed the following w/end at home, without Cecilia. The call was a long one; Kathie had planned to call an assembly to deal with the Maynards anyway, and this would remove the necessity for mentioning Felicity in this. The death of Madame Hilary would be dealt with at the same time. It would be felt by the whole school, not that she had taught many, but that those she taught provided an affective barometer of the school, profoundly influencing the collective mood of the community.
Felicity had always been the prize student, spending years with her and putting in several hours a day where she could. There was a barre and mirrors in her room and she would sink into her own world. The collaboration between Gisela and Jack had come about when Jack had sought her advice for Felicity's career. She had watched the then nine year old girl, and offered to teach her, for the first two years as her only student.
Jack and Joey had watched, making sure she ate a balanced diet, but her frame was always sparsely decorated, however much she ate. The individual lessons had brought a steady improvement in her schoolwork, and they had been content to let things take their course.
Knowing most of this, Kathie agreed that it was likely that Felicity would take it very hard. She took the opportunity to tell Joey about the proposed Study Group, which cheered Joey a little, although she was still far too subdued for Kathie's liking. Kathie ended the call with the agreement to tell Amelie de L'ache, the Second Prefect, and Felicity's best friend. Both had been very attached to the irascible Mme Hilary, and it was likely that Amelie would go home to Fribourg for a few days, and take Felicity with her.
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There's another 2k to type up, or thereabouts. Way too late for that now.

 

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#214:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue May 04, 2004 4:23 am

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Thank you Angel - feel sorry for Felicity not only has she lost her position in School, her mentor has died.

 

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#215:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham Posted: Tue May 04, 2004 10:07 am

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Feel very sorry for Feliciity, feels that she had a very raw deal, when Cecil obviously dos things like that often to her ........

More please !

 

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#216:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Tue May 04, 2004 4:30 pm

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Poor Felicity, life has not been treating her well recently.

 

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#217:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Tue May 04, 2004 9:00 pm

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Cecilia made a jug of lemonade and took it out into the garden, surreptitiously feeding a glass of it to Bruno who loved the stuff, even if it did make him ill occasionally. She sat on a swing, and thought how nice if was, for once, to have her parents to herself.
She sat there swinging for some time. Aside from getting suspended, she was happy with her life, and she wasn’t sure now that she really wanted to change. If it wasn’t for the trip to Canada, she wasn’t sure that she could be bothered.
The storm had blown out quickly, and left behind it a feeling of being fresh and new. In the early evening it was easy to forget the conversations she had had with her parents. She wasn’t sad about Gisela Hilary particularly, apart from the fact that her father was upset. That Felicity would be devastated didn’t occur to her.
She swung herself higher before deciding that enough was enough and she should go inside. Her mother was there and wordlessly handed her a notepad and pen. Cecilia knew she had to write to the family – Mamma had made it clear that this meant apologising to all of them, including Auntie Madge. She made a list of the people she needed to write to: Felix, Mike, Charles, Stephen, Len, Con, Margot, Auntie Madge, Autnie Rob, and Uncle Dick.
Ignoring the click of the front door she settled down to her work. The apology to Auntie Madge was the hardest, as she didn’t feel altogether sorry, nor was she particularly attached to her Aunt. The only thing that spurred her on was that Uncle Jem could be quite vicious if provoked, and she needed to lessen that provocation rapidly.
She had managed a decent paragraph by the time a blonde banshee interrupted her. Felicity was hurt and angry; Cecilia was conveniently located, and suddenly very scared.
“Writing your apologies?” Felicity grabbed the pad from her sister and mocked reading from the letter. “Dear Auntie Madge, I’m sort of sorry I got expelled from school and had to spend two weeks at home doing nothing...”
Remembering that her father was sleeping, Cecilia asked for the pad politely, but this prompted Felicity to turn her attention to the list.
“Len, Stephen, Felix... Don’t I get one? Or Pippa? Or Geoff? We’re the ones that have to live with it. Everyone’s whispering you know, or looking at us in church, or talking on walks. You have no idea what you’ve done, have you? Sitting here like Lady Muck, drinking mamma’s lemonade and making Bruno, poor dog, sick. You know we’re not supposed to let him near it. He’s an old dog, and if you’ve killed him, I won’t forgive you. Neither will anyone else. Haven’t you caused enough trouble?”
Felicity’s anger made the delivery of the words quite vicious. Cecilia was now thoroughly furious.
“Well, at least I can write letters, and my writing looks like something written by a Christian and not some ignoble savage. You’re nothing more than a dancer – you couldn’t do anything else.”
“At least I have a career. No one will look at you seriously if you get expelled.” Felicity’s voice dropped in volume, but made up for it in venom.
“I’m only suspended. And I’m NOT sorry. If being a big baby who’s scared of spiders is the only way I’ll get a job then I don’t want one.”
“At least I make an effort. It’s your fault someone’s dead. You gave Melissa that nasty chocolate, and you meddled with that life-belt when you knew that you weren’t to.”
“Well, if you hadn’t been late, mooching around, then she wouldn’t have been in the water, on her own, with no one to watch her. Auntie Nell and Auntie Hilda wouldn’t have had to come and find us and she’d still be alive”
“That is enough.” Jack stood by the door. “Felicity, Amelia has been waiting for half an hour. You were meant to collect your summer dress and leave. Cecilia, you were meant to be writing letters, not feeding Bruno lemonade. Nor were you supposed to be making Lemonade in the first place.”
Both girls protested. Jack didn’t listen.
“I do not wish to speak to either of you.”
The sisters were silent. Felicity grabbed her things and fled, tears coursing down her cheeks. Cecilia grabbed the note-paper and walked into the garden, where she found a corner and balled herself up as small as she could. Learning on a bible, she wrote on aerogramme paper to Auntie Rob first of all, telling her everything – not just about being suspended, but about the arguments with her parents and Felicity, how she was questioning everything, how she didn’t understand.”
Finishing that, she finished the letter to Auntie Madge, which outlined the whole story but with very little colour to it. She made a generalised expression of remorse, and then turned to her siblings. Felix would have heard it from Felicity, so she gave a quick outline, and hoped that the twins were on a falling out week. Stephen, Charles and Mike came next, and this was both more and less straightforward. She was closer to them than the non-singletons, and they often wrote to her, more so than the triplets did. She sucked her pen, inadvertantly turning her mouth the brilliant green that she presently favoured. Generally she wrote to her singleton siblings in Mudglish – the polyglot tongue that combined French, German and English, along with other appropriated words that made even their mother’s hair curl.
Helena had learned mudglish at one time, but now she wouldn’t understand. She talked about leaving childish things behind, and was gettting progressively more conservative in her involvement in the Catholic Church. Con and Margot might be OK, even if they were grown-ups.
It got darker as she stayed where she was. She wondered if they’d notice she wasn’t there. Her father would be asleep again, and probably her mother, if she wasn’t working on her latest novel.
Holding her knees, she rocked, wondering what Anna or Rosli would say. She felt cold, and wondered if she ought to go inside and make her supper. An hour later, she slipped upstairs in the dark, avoiding turning on the lights, and staying in the shadows, thus to be unobserved.
She didn’t see anyone until the morning, when breakfast was a silent affair. Her mother wouldn’t look at her, and her father wouldn’t speak to her.
It wasn’t so early as in winter time, when Joey got up a full hour earlier so that she could get through the bad weather. The path had been mettled to take the bicycles that were popular for adults traversing the Platz, but it was no journey for a small child in the middle of winter, which is why they had boarded since they were tiny, and none of them really wanted to stop once they had started. Most of the Platzervolk were at school during the week, and home at weekends as were some of the Swiss girls from as far away as Berne.

Her father had kissed her goodbye, and Cecilia remembered what she had promised her father. She went to the study, and found a note suggesting places to start. He had left a book open by the note, marked with Marginalia in faded pencil, and an unfamiliar hand, as well as her father’s.
Two fresh notebooks were there also – one to list what she had read, and another for her private thoughts. She took them and started on the beginning of a long long journey, that would take her places that Jack would never have imagined.

Last edited by Angel on Tue May 04, 2004 10:01 pm; edited 3 times in total

 

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#218:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Tue May 04, 2004 9:06 pm

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Love the mudglish, and the comment about writing to Felix and hoping it was one of his and Felicity's falling out weeks.

 

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#219:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Tue May 04, 2004 9:57 pm

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Mudglish sounds like a great invention and very much what kids do speak in to each other if they know more than one language I'm glad Cecila's close to some of her siblings at least.

The argument with Fliss... well we're getting more details about the accident and it does sound so far like it was a lot Cecilia's fault if she messed with the lifeboat but she doens't quite want to admit it entirely as she blames Fliss for her own part. She needs to learnt to think of others, Feliecity's quite right about that, especially that line about her not realising how upset her sister would be about Madame Hilary's death. Fliss does seem to have a pretty hard time of it right now.

I'm hoping between Robin's advice (which I have a feeling is good for Cecilia) and the reading Jack has suggested she's going to grow up more but also hopefully her family will be more understanding.

(and Thank you for those two bits, I've been looking forward to reading more of this all day!)

 

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#220:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge Posted: Tue May 04, 2004 10:05 pm

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Thank you, angel. This is fantastic. I'm really, really enjoying it.

 

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#221:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Tue May 04, 2004 10:17 pm

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Chapter 3

Jack got to the San and went straight to his office. There were two messages already – one from Jem, the other from a supplier in Zurich. Jem’s was uninformative, and it suggested that it wasn’t entirely to do with business.
Two sacks of letters were being sorted by his secretary into the pigeon-holes, and he was left alone, able to go to the small chape for Daily Office. Mass was celebrated each day at noon for the Catholics and one for the Protestants, but the modest daily service was shared, and was generally said by Fr Stephens, the Anglican chaplain shared by school and San.
Many of the doctors liked to join in the simple, familiar service, taking the time to be still before the beginning of the working day, with the ward rounds. Prayers focused on their work, more so than elsewhere in the day, and the psalms and canticles would focus them on their place in the world.
Sometimes Jack would cantor, but usually it was just said, as it was today. It was difficult to say the opening responses, and he wondered whether he was shewing forth praise or pith. The old English words carried him along, until he could walk out feeling a little more at ease with himself. Reg caught up with him, and asked if he needed a coffee, which got a wry smile.
“You guessed?”
“Twice in a weekend, Jack. I’m not daft you know.” Reg paused. “Things not so good?”
“Cecilia got suspended. Joey got upset, I got angry, Felicity got hurt and the argument got nasty.” The emphasis on nasty caught Reg by surprise. There was an agreed silence on the accident, claiming as it had his sister-in-law’s life, and for it to be broken after all this time meant that something had to be seriously wrong. The younger doctor collected his wits and poured the coffee.

----------------------

Last chunk for tonight. I'm knackered.

 

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#222:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Tue May 04, 2004 10:25 pm

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Reg sounds like a good friend for Jack. Whilst the accident being something they don't talk about seems entirely understandable and normal perhaps it if the girls do talk about it and think about it they might learn something, or come to terms more anyway.

It always amazes me just how much effect the words of the Daily Offices can have on me, and on Jack here obviously

 

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#223:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Tue May 04, 2004 10:56 pm

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Wow Angel! Tonights post gave a lot of insight!
Can't wait to see what happens next!

 

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#224:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK Posted: Wed May 05, 2004 8:46 am

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Angel, your characters aren't just part of the story, they have stepped out of the pages and are living. I've never been so intrigued by a bunch of people I thought I knew so well. You're bringing so many new dimensions to them all.

I'm curious about the comment about Charles - how did Jack fail him?

 

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#225:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed May 05, 2004 9:49 am

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Thank you Angel.

 

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#226:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Wed May 05, 2004 5:31 pm

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And thank you from me too.

 

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#227:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Wed May 05, 2004 7:43 pm

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Thank you Angel!
*flops down on the drabble couch to wait for the next bit.....*

 

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#228:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Wed May 05, 2004 8:26 pm

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Companionably the two sprawled onto the balcony. “That’s not all.” Reg’s voice had the authoritative air of a doctor waiting for the patient to admit to all the symptoms so that he could deal with the whole problem, not just the palatable bits. Jack shook his head.
“No. Another San is closing across the valley. Their three patients are coming here. They’re saying they’ve beaten it, that the white man’s plague is over. Does this mean that the Black Man’s scourge is upon us? Or that the Asian Man’s pestilence is to come?”
“We haven’t, the fools.” Reg looked across at his colleague. Jack had been friend, mentor and father for twenty years now, since that chance meeting in Yorkshire. They’d survived the unpalatable truths of one another’s lives, and still trusted one another. That Reg would have been Jack’s son-in-law was neither here nor there – Jack would rather have his friend, than a son in an unhappy marriage. “What then?”
“I don’t know.” Smiling wryly, Jack continued. “I don’t know where my Len got her idea that a woman should devote herself to having children, and being an ‘able helpmeet to her husband’ from. I’ve been a kept man almost since Jo and I married. What Len thinks a doctor earns astonishes me.”
“We’ve never gone short, none of us.” As he spoke, Reg looked at Jack. “Another letter?”
“She blames us for something, and I’m not sure I want to hear her now. I had my suspicions before Oxford, and events afterwards seemed to confirm them.

 

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#229:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Wed May 05, 2004 8:31 pm

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Thank you Angel!
*teeters on cliff edge!*

 

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#230:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Wed May 05, 2004 8:47 pm

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“The SCM affair? She seemed genuinely shocked at them, and she would write to me to ask me if this was what I believed. Seemed to take the ‘asking questions of your husband’ too far.” The two men chuckled, before Reg continued. “She took the reaction to them too far. Got involved in a Catholic group – very conservative.”
Jack nodded over those two years while Len was at Oxford, something had happened to her. The split between Reg and Len had been mutual. However neither of them knew the details of what had happened immediately after, when Len had met Peter Mason and her life had spiralled away from them, from college and from the Chalet School friends she had had all her life.
Phil Graves broke into the conversation with a sharp tap on the door. Second in command at the San, he was another piece of evidence for Jack’s deviousness in keeping staff that Jem wanted to lure to Wales.
“Just had a call from Saint Lazare. Their patients will be with us tomorrow afternoon. Jack nodded, and went back to his office to find that Miss Browne, his plain, middle-aged secretary had overheard and made a note in both the large diary and his own small diary.
Conversations drifted to medical matters, Phil echoing Jack’s concerns about the British Government’s position; although the number of patients was holding steady for them, it was at the expense of smaller concerns. Jack had already mooted the idea of developing as a hospital school to take on children that might not otherwise be strong enough to go to school. Jem had been diversifying the Welsh branch into a cottage hospital for the last ten years, with the aim of reitring fully the following year – he was only the titular head of the Wlesh Branch, spending most of his time on long conferences and research projects, that brought money into the San and kept him from throwing his weight around too much. Madge seemed to go on about half of these trips, apparently sufficiently unreliable that she would only agree a term at a time of lessons at Carnbach.

Last edited by Angel on Wed May 05, 2004 10:09 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#231:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Wed May 05, 2004 9:22 pm

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Seeing that the conversation was effectively closed Reg made a mental note to chase down Joey and Jack for a conversation over supper later in the week. If Felicity was home, then he would invite her, as she’d always got on well with Marianne. It had been Cecilia and Jack who had been closer to Melissa, Jack having infamously commented on how pretty she was, at a time when Joey was at a low ebb, and Margot was in ear-shot. While Phil and Jack discussed a patient, Reg slipped a note into his wife’s pigeonhole mooting the idea, and suggesting they talk about it at lunch. Looking round, he scribbled something more personal for her, that when she found the note when with Daisy an hour later made her blush, and stuff it into her hand-bag before sauntering out to find her husband in a more secluded area of the sanatorium grounds.

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That's the last chunk for the day, because I need to re-write bits of it.

ETA to answer Sarah_K - yes, SCM is Student Christian Movement - a liberal, radical group that are the antithesis of the CU (UCCF) (raving fundies) lot.

ETA II Thanks to those who write 'Thank you' - I feel really appreciated, and it's the best possible encouragement to write more.

Last edited by Angel on Wed May 05, 2004 9:56 pm; edited 2 times in total

 

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#232:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Wed May 05, 2004 9:46 pm

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Aww at Reg and Marianne I liked Reg and Jack chatting, it's nice to see them as friends even without Len, especially as EBD did make a point of saying he was close to Joey and Jack.

SCM? Does that mean Len fell in with the Student Christian Movement or another group I don't know (I've just got this image of any of the CS girls in the SCM today now, could be fun sometimes).

Thanks for those bits Angel!

 

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#233:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK Posted: Wed May 05, 2004 9:49 pm

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ooh, Dr Entwhistle! naughty naughty.

I have to admit that Angel has turned Reg into quite a decent human being. that deserves a reward all of its own!

thanks for all the latest posts Angel.

 

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#234:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Wed May 05, 2004 10:51 pm

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Thanks Angel, is Jack's new secretary deliberately plain?

 

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#235:  Author: James,  Posted: Wed May 05, 2004 10:59 pm

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Hey Angel,
This is really fantastic (and I'm starting to like Reg!!)

More when you get a chance, please!

 

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#236:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Wed May 05, 2004 11:04 pm

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Reg does seem to be a kind, thoughtful man in this.
I like.
Hoping for more when you're satisfied with it.

 

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#237:  Author: lizzieb, Location: Ireland/France Posted: Thu May 06, 2004 3:43 pm

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i've only just discovered the CBB, and joined asap! this is really good - nice to see that the school hasn't got stuck in a rut, and that everyone has a life outside it! thanks for brightening up endless hours in the library while i muddle my way through my degree!

 

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#238:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again Posted: Thu May 06, 2004 6:58 pm

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So have I got this right, Angel? Reg is married to Marianne who is the sister of Melissa who drowned?

You better write some more quick so I can get it all straightened out.


(Subtle hey)

 

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#239:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Thu May 06, 2004 7:15 pm

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Joey came in at lunchtime with a studylist for Cecil. She found her at her desk, by the window of the girls' flat, with her bible open in front of her and books scattered around. She was reading at the speed one would associate with a novel, occasionally checking something in a commentary or concordance, or jotting things in a notebook. Joey wondered how much she was actually taking in, but decided not to say anything, instead leaving a list of work beside her daughter, and going away. She didn't trust herself to speak; the morning had been unpleasant although nothing specific had happened. She was on edge and needed some more coffee, before taking the Fourths for a ramble that afternoon, which would take them up by the railway before branching off towards an abandoned farmhouse where they could draw water and take a rest.

Getting to the kitchen, Joey found that Mrs Myers had prepared a chilled soup and sandwiches for them, which Joey enjoyed. Feeling a bit better she thought about dragging herself back to school, unwilling to face the younger and more tactless of the school's teenagers.
She wasn't sure she should still be organising the summer ball that they were having on reunion weekend. Not least because she felt uncomfortable having to face the other parents when they'd all know it was her daughter that had been suspended from school. Their daughters would have told them, and they'd know. Sinking into a chair, she wondered whether it was her fault, as some people seemed to be suggesting, whether there was something she could have been doing differently. After what had happened with Len breaking up with Reg, and then getting married so quickly, she wondered if it was her fault. Charles was barely speaking to Jack, and was just civil to her. He was at Durham, and Mike had said that things weren't quite right when he'd been to visit. She ignored the fact that Con and Margot were happily settled, Stephen wasn't settled but quite contented, and Mike was moving on from the troublesome teenager he'd been to someone that she and Jack were proud of.
Part of that had been down to Reg's influence - it seemed ironic that she'd kept the would-have-been-son-in-law, but apparently lost the daughter he would have married. She even ignored the fact that she liked Marianne Charlton, and that Reg had married such a decent and intelligent woman was in part due to her influence, including the fact she had kept her maiden name. Instead her brain had segued to Melissa, and tragedy that still had its shadow over the school and her family.

 

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#240:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Thu May 06, 2004 7:38 pm

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She wondered if Melissa would have enjoyed the ball - she was one of those people who had a certain natural elegance about them, something that evaded the harum-scarum Joey, but seemed to have settled on Cecilia. The theme for the Sale was to be the Orient Express, and the evening's ball was to be based around the Orient, with a marquee, and food based around the Middle East. She was supposed to be running the bookstall at the Sale, which was named 'Murder' and would be staffed by Poirot, Hastings and the cast of the Agatha Christie mystery, before going to the ball, and then finishing term the following day. She grabbed the things she needed, including a floppy hat, and ran for the school, banging the door behind her.

Cecilia had begun that morning with Jack's note, and it was only the banging of the door that alerted her that her mother had been and gone. Jack had thought a long time before writing it, and the script was far more legible than the San Pharmacist was used to.
He had included an introduction, explaining that she was perfectly capable of thinking for herself, and perhaps now was the time that she should begin to use that capacity. She was not to do this because she ought, and he would not angry if she did not wish to.
The first step was a form of confession, but it was to make notes in the private journal of the things she wanted to say sorry for, and what she was sorry about - whether that meant getting caught, or the effect on others, or just that she wished she hadn't done it. Slowly she thought about it, before the memories started to rise unbidden and refuse to abate - putting tea leaves in her father's coffee or leaving her first banana skin on a book of her mother's unaware that it would mark. The list grew as she remembered the things she had done to her parents and siblings - making herself ill because she didn't want to go to her brother's birthday party, or running away so that she wouldn't have to leave England. She didn't intend to say sorry for them, because as far she was concerned, she wasn't, but her conscience had a rare opportunity to assert itself. Words flew across the paper at first, until they subsided. At first she laughed at things like putting a Toad into Stephen's shoes, or the worms she'd put in Pip's hair, or the winter that she waxed the skis and sleds so that everyone went down the hillside faster than intended.
The list grew - sometimes she admitted she was sorry she had been caught, but occasionally glimpses of real remorse showed themselves. Slowly the writing became more halting, until she found herself bursting into tears as she remembered her father's face the day before, when she looked at the photo on the desk of the two of them when she was little, and he was giving her a piggy back on a beach in Wales. She read his notes, and laid her head on the desk until she'd calmed down, and could follow the next part, which involved praying through what she had just written. Somehow it didn't seem so funny any more - this time she remembered how other people had reacted, and she had to put it down, and leave it to one side so she could move on to the next task, which was to read the gospels as if she didn't know them. Slowly something inside of her started to awaken, and the next thing she knew the door of the house had slammed, and she had a list of work to do beside her, written in her mother's tersely phrased handwriting.

 

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#241:  Author: Rosea, Location: Edinburgh Posted: Thu May 06, 2004 8:10 pm

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Just wanted to say how great this story is and how much I am enjoying it.

 

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#242:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Thu May 06, 2004 9:38 pm

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Welcome to all the newbies that have posted on this thread. I'm very flattered by all the nice comments people are making.

And more story:

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Jack was subdued for the rest of the day. Gisela had been a friend, and a mentor to Felicity. He avoided returning Jem's call as long as possible, and succeeded in timing it for the moment at which Jem usually broke for a cigarette and was unavailable. Unfortunately, it didn't work, and Jem was on the other end of the line, with his usual brusque manner.
Jack gave him the week's figures, including likely drugs budget and the best location for purchases. There were also some data that he would forward by courier from a drug trial, and as usual Jem wanted to know about the doctors and patients. The words "must get them over here some time" usually brought out Jack's darker side, and a tenacity that would have surprised Jem had he noticed that he seldom actually got his own way in these matters. Jack mentioned Gisela's death, and got a gruff expression of regret.
Jem gave the usual information about the Welsh branch, which Jack had had in far more detail and to a greater level of accuracy a week before from the second-in-command there. He spoke more generally about his own researches and work, with a greater degree of enthusiasm and care than Jack was prepared to give him credit for. Aside from the earlier years in Austria, and the post-war years in the Welsh mountains, Jack hadn't worked much with Jem - about a third of the time that he had been a doctor, the two having shared values but occasionally differing expressions of them.
It was the end of the conversation that Jack was dreading, with the usual brief exchange of family news. Jem mentioned having seen Mary Lou briefly, and having visited his latest grandsons, before turning to Cecil. He meant well, but Jack wasn't feeling sufficiently charitable to take it in that light. He replied cordially enough, saying that Cecil was at home, but declined to take up Jem's suggestions for possible responses, ones which made Jack shiver. The crowning indictment was Jem's query as to whether, seeing what had happened, Joey was going to give up teaching full time, and go back to her writing and being a mother. Jack couldn't resist.
"Actually, no. She's going to be doing a degree next year. By correspondence with the University of London and in History with Languages."
Jem was speechless, and Jack hung up.

 

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#243:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Thu May 06, 2004 9:40 pm

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Good for Jack!
That shut Jem up sharpish!!!

 

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#244:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK Posted: Thu May 06, 2004 9:43 pm

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hurrah for Jack!

don't think much of Jem.

 

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#245:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Thu May 06, 2004 9:54 pm

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It was only when he put the phone down that Jack actually thought about what he’d said. He wasn’t altogether happy that Joey was embarking on this, and he wondered what had made him say that. Mulling it over he returned to the afternoon ward rounds, before leaving at six to go home. Joey was already there, muddy from her walk, and about to run herself a bath before they ate at seven. He kissed her in greeting, noting the tension there, and went to find Cecilia.
She was sitting on the sofa in her sitting room, staring through the photo of them that adorned her desk, as if it wasn’t there. She had evidently been crying – the tissues would have been a giveaway even if her face wasn’t blotchy, and she didn’t seem very subdued. She started when he walked in, and hurriedly tidied up. He sat down beside her, giving her a one-armed hug, before leaning back into the opposite corner of the sofa.
“How’s things, old girl?” She shook her head, and sat silently for a minute or two.
“Mamma isn’t speaking to me. I wish she would. I miss her. I kept wishing there was a photo like that of her and me, just the two of us, but I can’t find one. I really can’t. I looked everywhere, but there’s always someone else – Felicity usually, or Pip, or Geoff or Felix. Not the two of us.” Jack was more relieved than ever that he’d come up.
“You know we love all of you – let me have a look later, see what I can find.”
“Thanks Dad.” The smile was watery, and she changed the subject to what she’d done with her time. He asked what she’d done with the confession, and she indicated her notebook.
“Come on, lets go outside.” Hauling her off the sofa, they went into the garden where they had a modest brazier for burning clippings and such things in the summer. Together they laid some faggots in the bottom, and Jack set light to it.
“Go on, put your notes in from today. The ones you don’t want to keep.” She looked at him. “He forgave you, when you asked. C’mon. Time for a new leaf, don’t you think?” She put the pieces of paper in the fire, watching them burn up one by one until they’d all gone. She didn’t feel much better, but it seemed that was the right thing to do. “What was your science then?”
“Botany, Biology, Chemistry and Maths.” She showed him her mother’s list, and he nodded. They went through things in the garden, until Joey appeared at the French Window, her hair looped up in a towel, and wearing a dressing gown and no make-up. Cecilia hurried away, and went into the kitchen to finish supper, trying to block out the rising tensions in the house.

 

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#246:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Thu May 06, 2004 10:02 pm

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Thanks Angel, this is so powerful, I love what I'm reading!

 

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#247:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Thu May 06, 2004 11:31 pm

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Oh I love what you're doing with Cecilia. Having her go through her confession that slowly, writing it all down, and then Jack letting her burn it at the end. It's a great exercise to do and I guess it will have a big effect on her.

As for Jem, well lets just say I prefer Jack. A lot. I think Joey's degree will be good for her so I hope Jack supports her fully. I also hope Cecila does, it might go a long way towards mending things between the two of them.

Thanks for those lovely long bits

 

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#248:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Thu May 06, 2004 11:42 pm

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Thank you for all of today's posts Angel. As wonderful as ever.

 

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#249:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 4:15 pm

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Very short bit. More tomorrow.


The storm that was brewing didn't break over dinner. Joey still couldn't bring herself to speak to Cecilia, and left her to do the washing up, while she went to do her preparation. Jack helped a little with the washing up, but Cecilia insisted on doing it by herself. She could feel the roils of tension flooding the house, and they were emanating from the sofa in the Saal.

 

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#250:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 8:22 pm

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Very short, but still full of atmosphere.

 

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#251:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 8:45 pm

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Just caught up on this after being away -Angel this is outstanding - thank you.

 

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#252:  Author: catherine, Location: York Posted: Fri May 07, 2004 10:46 pm

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Eventually caught up with this, Angel! Well worth the wait!

 

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#253:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sat May 08, 2004 4:10 pm

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OK, I'm worried about posting this. Very worried. I hope it's not too out of character, and please trust me that I do love these characters, and it is necessary, and it will come right in the end.

-----------------------------

Jack left Cecilia and she carried on with the washing up. She heard the door to the Saal opening, and her father asking her mother how the day had gone.
Cecilia looked out of the kitchen window, before deciding that she ought to leave the kitchen tidy so that there was one less thing to incur her mother's silent disapproval.
Folding the tea-towel she left the kitchen far tidier than her parents ever did, and walked past the open door of the Saal. Joey was pausing in her marking unaware that the green ink was dripping on the pale floor. Jack was smoking, the puffs appearing more raidly than usual, his face set waiting for his wife to look at him.
"She's not going to Canada." Cecilia froze, just past the door. "I am not rewarding her bad behaviour by sending her abroad for a year, unless it's to go to a day school in England, or something similar."
"So you would send her away as a punishment then? To a country where sh has no great roots and no real friends in preference to an opportunity for her to spend time with her Godmother, whom we know to have a steadying influence on people. Particularly you." Cecilia caught a glimpse of Joey's flushed face, distorted with anger.
"Why should she go and see Robin and have a good time? You have no idea what it's been like, have you? I spent the afternoon with her form and they would barely look at me, whispering, staring. None of them would chat to me. I was uncomfortable before I even met them, having walked into the staffroom and had all the conversation stop around me."
"So, it's all about Joey Maynard?" Jack's voice was hard and Cecilia shivered.
"That's not fair, and you know it. Phil's been getting some of it as well. She told me some of the seniors though Cecil would be expelled."
"And what was she doing eavesdropping on Seniors?" Cecilia flushed, making sure her shadow didn't cross the door, but didn't dare move now. She couldn't have got away silently if she tried.
Joey ignored that, and went back to the Canada question.
"I'm not paying for her to go."
"Then I shall. Or she shall pay for herself. There is still a little of the Maynard legacy left over, that is hers by right. That will pay for the trip."
"So she's going, and you don't care what I say."
"I will not have any child or ward of mine sent away as a punishment like that."
"She'd have Jem and Madge, and Dick, and Len." Joey sounded defiant now.
"It's not the same. Ask Bride or Margot. And after my conversation with Jem I'm not sure that Cecilia would be welcome in that house."
Joey sounded like she was about to say something else, but stopped. Cecilia stayed where she was, morbidly fascinated by this rare event of hearing her parents argue. She knew they disagreed sometimes, but never like this. Jack carried on, in that same peculiar hard tone.
"He suggested that you should stop teaching and be a full-time mother. After this evening I'm not sure that I disagree with him. I found Cecilia crying because she didn't have a photo of just the two of you, because you won't talk to her, because she thinks you don't love her. Damnit, she needs you, like Charles needed me, and I was too pig-headed to see it."
"What did you say to Jem." Jack paused, unsure how to respond.
"I told him you were going to do a degree. Even if I am unhappy with it, I won't have him telling me what to do, like he does to everyone else, wife and children included."
"So it's fine to use it against me, and against him."
Jack paused again. "No, it's not. I didn't know I was going to find Cecilia in such a state."
"Maybe she needed to realise that she can't carry on like this, that she's got to understand that people won't like her any more. She's not a child, Jack."
"Both Felix and Charles have suffered because they weren't in the right place. It wasn't just because of Melissa, that was just the final straw as far as Charles was concerned." There was a break in his voice, and something seemed to snap. "Joey, I need you. We need each other in this. We're not sorting it out by arguing."
"Jack. I'm sorry but I can't. Just let me think." A horrified Cecil had barely enough to time to hide among the coats. Her mother, tears streaming down her face walked by oblivious. Sliding to the floor among the coats and boots Cecilia repeated the same words over and over to herself, staring first where her mother had gone and then to where her father sat alone, and shattered.
"What have I done?"

Last edited by Angel on Sat May 08, 2004 11:08 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#254:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sat May 08, 2004 4:12 pm

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Caught up on a weeks worth

This is so beautiful and evocative, thank you Angel, and I hopes theres more soon

 

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#255:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sat May 08, 2004 4:24 pm

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More:

Felicity came home on Thursday for the funeral. The house was very still, and felt like broken glass beneath her dancer’s feet. Three people were living there that were disconnected from one another, sleeping in different parts of the house, barely speaking. Her mother had pressed the suit she was to wear – a black jacket and skirt that they had bought for her audition the previous year that made her look more fragile and vulnerable than ever. Joey worried that she had barely eaten, and her face was drawn, a look emphasised by the high cheekbones and the hair scraped back in a bun. That Cecilia had also lost weight that week didn’t escape Felicity’s notice, even if she didn’t see fit to act on it.
Amelie and Felicity went to the school’s Catholic chapel with the others who wished to attend, including several of the staff. Cecilia had offered to help out by preparing some food for those that wished to come back to the house, as some of the girls would prefer to go to that than a formal meal at the San.
She laid out the finger foods, and then went up to her room to work and to avoid her fellow students.

 

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#256:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again Posted: Sat May 08, 2004 4:42 pm

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Looks like Cecil has a lot of good in her after all. On a lighter note I am bizarrely chuffed that the San have in employed a pharmacist. About time too!

 

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#257:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sat May 08, 2004 4:53 pm

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last bit for this afternoon. (maybe some after YC)

The day passed in a blur for Felicity. She was aware that her parents were tired and worn down, and not unreasonably blamed Cecilia, which made her feel worse. By mid-afternoon the guests had gone, and the four of them were left in the Saal. Jack looked around, and then went out to make a phonecall.
"You've got ten minutes. We're meeting Felix in Berne." The raw joy on Felicity's face at the prospect of seeing her twin was only eclipsed by Cecilia's rank uncertainty.
"Am I coming?" Jack glared at Joey, who addressed her first words to Cecilia in four days.
"Yes, go and get your coat." Cecilia's jaw dropped, and she ran to get her things before her mother changed her mind.

 

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#258:  Author: catherine, Location: York Posted: Sat May 08, 2004 4:57 pm

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Looking forward to more later, Angel.

 

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#259:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat May 08, 2004 5:35 pm

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Angel, you had no reason to be concerned about that earlier post. It was a very realistic and honest portrayal of the different viewpoints. Very moving.

Thank you.

 

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#260:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Sat May 08, 2004 10:17 pm

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Echoes Lesley.
Adds thanks.

 

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#261:  Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK Posted: Sat May 08, 2004 10:33 pm

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This is really interesting, Angel - thank you, and more please!

 

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#262:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK Posted: Sat May 08, 2004 10:59 pm

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I really can't get enough of this Angel. those last few posts were even more superb than the previous. Please post more soon.

 

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#263:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sat May 08, 2004 11:46 pm

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Felicity's face was like thunder at first, and Joey realised that it was just as well that they were planning on having her at home that weekend. While they were getting their things Jack made a second phone call, and then hurried out to the car, before remembering something and going back to the phone. Mistified the three women went out, and Jack joined them a couple of seconds later with the faintest semblance of a smile on his face.
"We're staying in Berne for the weekend." Felicity looked uncertain, so he explained that the five of them would stay in a hotel that night, before Joey and Felicity took Felix back the next morning for chapel. He had been asked to give a second opinion of a patient that day, so Cecilia was to stay with some friends of theirs in Berne for the rest of the weekend. Adrienne Desmoines had graduated the previous summer and was working for a couture boutique, and had agreed to have Cecilia for a couple of nights.
Jack also had to see their bankers and do one or two other business matters, which would leave Joey and Felicity time to do some shopping for the following term.
Jack knew that Adrienne was planning to go to Canada to see Robin, her cousin, and had in mind that she might act as co-escort for the trip. He wanted to see how they got on though, before committing himself to anyone. She'd always had a soft spot for Cecilia and Pippa, and he wasn't entirely above exploiting it, especially with the promise that they would be fed by Joey or himself.
That she also knew the value of some quiet time to recuperate from a shock helped.


Felix greeted his twin with uncharacteristic affection. He had always been a sensitive child, and his time at the English prep school he had attended had affected him so badly that Joey and Jack had agreed to his remaining in Switzerland until he went to university.
He was as slight as his twin, and was dressed smartly in his uniform. His physique was shaped by the fencing that he did regularly, and he was lean and fit. Neither of them said much, but some of the shadows lifted from Felicity's face, and it seemed that their natural affinity for one another dispersed her grief.
The five of them went into a restaurant, turning the heads of the other patrons. Felix and Felicity with their delicate features and Felix's good looks turned heads, and Cecilia's natural beauty drew nods of approval. Joey and Jack followed - both striking in their own way. That all of them were tired and drawn didn't seem to matter, and they garnered approval from those around.
Felix took the time to talk to Cecilia, commiserating with her on the suspension before giving her a stream of jokes that were puerile at best. Fortunately Jack and Joey were distracted elsewhere, and didn't notice the two of them laughing, while Felicity went to powder her nose. He commented on the tension, but didn't get any answer because Jack decided they were ready to order and motioned for the waitress to join them and frowned at Felix and Cecilia to be quiet.

-----------------------------

ETA If you'd like the story so far in word format, please PM me.[/b]

 

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#264:  Author: Nina, Location: Peterborough, UK Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 9:36 am

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Angel, this is really good, at the moment it's the first drabble I go to when I get on the board!

 

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#265:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 11:52 am

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Jack had ordered wine with the meal, and by the time they had to go back to their rooms they were all a little more relaxed. He and Joey were walking hand in hand, and the twins were fooling around with each other, Felicity forgetting her dignity a little, and remembering to be a schoolgirl. Felix had lost some of his reserve and was teasing both his sisters. Joey and Jack were talking properly for the first time in several days.
In all this mediocre happiness, it was Cecilia who felt detached from it all. She knew it was the wine talking - in vino veritas - that at heart they were a close family, but it felt false in the light of the emotions of the day. She watched her parents kiss, uncomfortable in their ease with one another around their children. The twins didn't notice, talking seriously about the following year, and Felicity starting at the Ballet School, while Felix was to stay on for another year at Villa Beata.
At the door to their hotel Jack and Joey handed over the room keys to Felix and Felicity and told them that they were going for an evening walk. The three younger ones nodded, and went upstairs, Cecilia making a dash for the bathroom while the other two sat in the sitting area and talked. They had a small suite of rooms - two small rooms separated by screens from a sitting area and a larger room for Joey and Jack. Felicity and Cecilia were sharing, and Felix had a room of his own.
The water was hot, and Cecilia sank in among the bubbles, while Felix and Felicity put the gramophone on quietly and danced to something that was popular when their mother was a girl.
She longed for the Beatles or Elvis or something that would let her forget who she was and where she was. Stephen had promised to get her a Dansette as an early Christmas present, and Mike and Charles were chipping in with records for it. Felicity already had one, in order to do her practice, but she refused to let Cecilia anywhere near it, and certainly not for playing popular music on.
Snuggling among the bubbles, Cecilia let the tensions slip away as she tried not to doze off.

Last edited by Angel on Sun May 09, 2004 3:18 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#266:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 1:34 pm

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It just gets better and better!

 

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#267:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 3:15 pm

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This isn't a proper update, btw, just a slight modification.

Originally I had a reason for putting Felix and Geoff at L'aiglon college. Having done more research about the school, I've decided that it's inappropriate given the reason that Felix and Charles were unhappy at their English prep school and recent problems at L'Aiglon.

Therefore I've decided to create a college called Villa Beata, based on the creche and school of the same name at Fribourg. The setting is just outside of Berne, in the Emmental region of Switzerland, and it's in buildings that formerly belonged to a monastic foundation which closed in the early twentieth century and was re-opened as an international school in the late forties. I will go back and correct earlier posts, but just so there's no confusion...

[Pauses]

I suppose I could give you a small update...

-----------------------------

The following day Joey and Felicity left early to drive Felix to Villa Beata while Jack ate a more leisurely breakfast with Cecilia. Jack’s appointment was at half-past eight, and in easy walking distance of the hotel, so he merely suggested that Cecilia should avail herself of Berne that morning and that they would reunite for lunch at a cafe by the river. He suggested that she might spend some time at the Munster, and as she was up to date with her schoolwork she could use the time profitably doing some reading or else walking around the old town. She looked surprised, and he pointed out that he had actually noticed that she’d been working the last few days, and had taken the liberty of checking her work. He didn’t add that he was concerned that she was working in an effort to avoid the atmosphere at Freudesheim, or that she had had very little time outside.

Joey on the other hand had an easy drive out to Villa Beata, a former monastery on a hillside above Berne that had been converted into a Boys’ International School in the late forties. The roads up the mountainside were far rougher than those on the Platz though, and once or twice she had to adjust rather rapidly to the changes in conditions. They got there before nine, and they went to report to the duty master, who greeted them cordially. Felix dashed off to put his things in his dormitory, and the two women were invited to stay to the brief service, which they accepted. He returned wearing his badge as Head Boy and at a slightly more sedate pace, having made himself a little more respectable in front of the younger boys. He barely had time to say two words, when he was whisked away, and Joey took the opportunity to go inside and chat to the master about Geoff coming that September, and how Felix was getting on
Felicity wandered among the gardens, dressed in a jacket and skirt, and looking like a fragile doll. There was a rose garden near the chapel, and there she found herself being approached by someone she recognised as being Jean-Luc Guyerne, one of her brother’s friends whom she had met the previous summer. He was carrying two cups of steaming coffee and smiled a little shyly as he approached.
“Biggles thought that you might like this.” She accepted and queried who Biggles was.
“M Landonay, he was in the RAF during the war and never stops talking about it during class.” He took a gulp of the coffee, and smiled a little shyly. “Maynard, your brother I mean, asked if I would look after you as he has to do duty this morning in chapel.” He blushed furiously, and Felicity was sure he was going to drop his cup. She wondered what had got into him – he had never been so awkward when he had been staying at Freudesheim in previous summers. She finished her coffee quickly, and then made polite enquiries about his plans for the following year, and whether he was still going to the LSE. He nodded and talked with more enthusiasm, before asking what she planned to study. However her reply was interrupted by the pealing of the chapel bell, and he put the mugs through the open kitchen window and straight into the sink, before offering her his arm to escort her into chapel for prayers.

 

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#268:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 4:16 pm

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Oooh! Do I detect a budding romance?

 

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#269:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 4:21 pm

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Vikki wrote:

Oooh! Do I detect a budding romance?

Vikki - that is a terrible pun. They're in a rose garden.


more story:

Felicity accepted, feeling slightly conspicuous among her brothers fellow students. Joey was escorted in by M Landonay, and they were seated near the choir stalls with the masters that were present.
The service proceeded as they were accustomed to, Joey's voice shaming the mumbled efforts of some of the boys around them. Afterwards Felix kissed them both goodbye and they went down to Berne in order to do some shopping.

They first went to a couple of small shops that Joey usually frequented for herself, and they bought two summer dresses that were more grown up than Felicity had had before. They had the school lists with them for the RBS, and she needed to have clothes suitable for trips into London, as well as needing new ballet shoes, leotard, hair accessories and similar.
Joey wanted some new things for summer, and took the rare chance of a day in the middle of term to get books that she needed, and to enquire at the Librarie Anglaise about the latest textbooks and so on.

By the time they got to the cafe they had arranged to meet the others in, the shopping had necessitated two trips to the hotel to drop off bags, and one stop at a coffee shop to have a pre-lunch coffee. Joey and Felicity sat down outside the cafe and were planning the afternoon by the time Jack arrived, but they were still waiting for Cecilia ten minutes later.

Last edited by Angel on Sun May 09, 2004 4:41 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#270:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 4:41 pm

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well, it was entirely unintentional!!!

ETA And now what have you done to poor Cecilia?????????

 

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#271:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 5:10 pm

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Jack was in a hurry to get to his bankers, so they decided to order without her. She had enough money to get herself a light meal, and it wasn't entirely unheard of for her to pay no attention whatsoever to anyone else's feelings and wander off. She knew her bounds in the city, and generally stuck to them.
Jack said nothing, but Joey was quietly planning exactly what she would say to Miss Cecilia. They arranged to meet for Kaffee at four thirty, and went their separate ways.
Joey and Felicity went back to the bookshop, where Felicity got thoroughly bored, and asked to be excused. Joey looked unsurprised, but agreed, quietly despairing of Felicity ever liking books. However it presented her with a rare opportunity to buy some of the recommended pre-reading for her university course so that she could do some work without anyone actually knowing what it was for.
She went up to the second floor where a small selection of academic books were available, and stared for a moment, contemplating how high the prices were, and wondering if she would be better waiting to go to Foyle's when she was next in London, or, even better, Heffer's if she went to visit Con in Cambridge. She browsed a couple of texts, and selected one, before going back downstairs to choose a novel or two. She wondered how to cover spending so much money, and then decided that as one of the books she had rejected was a translation she would try another bookstore and see if they had it in the original german.
It was in doing this that she ran into Jack after exiting the second bookshop, with two academic books, one in French, one in German, safely concealed in her bag. The more popular history books were safely in a bag from the shop, where she could show him easily. They walked across town, chatting easily before they reached the cafe, and to await their daughters.

 

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#272:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 5:36 pm

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Interesting picture of family life, but what has happened to Cecilia

Thanks for the lovely posts Angel!!

 

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#273:  Author: catherine, Location: York Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 8:22 pm

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Thank you very much for the updates, Angel.


Are you likely to be posting anymore soon?

 

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#274:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 8:52 pm

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catherine wrote:

Thank you very much for the updates, Angel. Are you likely to be posting anymore soon?

No I'm not. I need to do some more research. I just hit a massive block. Nothing to do with what we discussed on MSN though.

It'll be worth waiting for.

 

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#275:  Author: catherine, Location: York Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 9:37 pm

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*relieved*


OK, will hold my horses and wait patiently!

 

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#276:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 9:54 pm

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I am worried about Cecilia, she has been so good lately, I'm sure something terrible must have happened.

 

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#277:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun May 09, 2004 10:48 pm

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Just managed to catch up on this again, Angel this is wonderful, really enjoying it.Hope you get over your block soon!

 

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#278:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 1:16 am

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The network has been down here and now catching up I have no idea where to begin. It's all good though

Felix and Fliss, I like the way that you gave them the natural affinity of twins and yet still let Felix be close to Cecilia too. The conversation Cecilia overheard *winces* well we know that no parent is perfect and that sounded like a horribly real conversation and one I suspect neither Joey nor Jack would have wished her to overhear. Fliss does appear to have an admirer (very cute)

I'm sure there was more I wanted to say but I can't think right now. I'm still loving it though and now I'm worried for Cecila too... hope you get through your block soon

 

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#279:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 3:56 pm

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Just caught up on this, I'm really worried about Cecilia, please let us know if she's alright soon!

 

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#280:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 6:18 pm

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OK. Need to double check facts after this...

This time, even Jack was concerned. Generaly the girls were allowed on their own in Central Berne at 14 - it wasn't a big city, but for Cecilia to be late twice was unheard of. Felicity appeard, somewhat dishevelled, and out of breath.
"Cecil's been arrested."

 

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#281:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 6:22 pm

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*gasps in shock*

*teeters on edge of cliff*

 

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#282:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 6:59 pm

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Oh crikey whats she done now!!!

I hope your not going to leave it there for ages!!

*looks stern*

 

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#283:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Redcar Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 9:38 pm

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Normally I'd think it was just a mistake, but with Cecil feeling like she is I dread to think what might have happened.

 

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#284:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 9:43 pm

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Oh yikes, what has she done?

 

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#285:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Mon May 10, 2004 10:56 pm

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Some one has been learning all about cliff hangers!

 

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#286:  Author: Vikki, Location: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 1:32 am

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*passes round the drabble harnesses!*

 

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#287:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 2:36 pm

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Nice cliff! More please Angel!

 

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#288:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 8:51 pm

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“Cecil’s been arrested.” Jack and Joey looked at one another, automatically reaching for the i.d. they always carried. Looks of horror passed across their faces, the vulnerability of their situation becoming evident – they were visitors in Switzerland, for all that they had lived there longer than they had ever lived in Britain. Felicity didn’t register what they were doing, too busy gulping down the drink that the waitress had brought her. After a few minutes she had been able to tell them what had happened.
After leaving Joey in the bookshop she had gone to the Munster and had seen Cecli in the middle of a crowd, streaming out of the Cathedral. The people around her seemed to be the same age as their elder sisters, and later she gathered that none of them were Swiss. They were carrying things, banners, but what had stood out was their total silence. Felicity had followed at a distance as they had crossed the river towards the district where the embassies were. She wasn’t sure where they were going, but one of the priests was walking beside them, also silent, but very much in charge. They had walked to the US Embassy, and sat down outside, Cecil included.
The police had moved them on after a couple of hours, taking some of them in a van, Cecil among them, and she was taken to the Central Police Station.
Jack went white, and Joey touched his hand to distract him. They seldom talked about his interment at the hands of the Nazis, however brief it had been, but a glance between them showed they understood. Paying the bill, they left and went to the Police Station.
Jack was well known in Berne – he often went there to sort out visas and permits for the staff of the sanatorium, or to accompany girls that needed to renew their student visas. Even so, he was uncomfortabl going in, remembering twenty-five years ago, when an innocent picnic had led to them fleeing across the mountains into Switzerland from Austria.
Joey walked beside him, talking about nothing, ironically the most composed of the two, while Felicity went with them, annoyed with her naughty little sister for ruining their trip to Berne, and contemplating a few choice words of her own.
Cecilia was there, waiting for them, head held proudly with an air of defiance. She returned her coffee cup to the officer beside her and waited while he spoke to her parents in German. Jack gave his name, and after a delay they left. Cecilia was furious with them, as it sounded as if she had been bound over to keep the peace.
She muttered all the way home, only ceasing when the three of them told her to shut up about “wasn’t breaking the peace, we were silent” and “it’s them that’s breaking the peace, not us” and “so much for ‘all men are created equal’”
They got to the hotel, and she was propelled to their suite, and sat on a hard chair.
“Explain.” Joey watched her daughter with the same grim expression she had wanted to leave behind on the Platz, leaving Jack to do the questioning. Her daughter looked back, a near identical expression on her face, lost for words.
“I never, when I came to this country, thought I would have to get one of my children released from Police Custody, and I would like to know precisely what you were doing to be taken there in the first place.” Jack was pale, stiff and very very angry.
“We went to the American Embassy to say we didn’t like what is going on in Viet Nam. Haven’t you always told us that we should stand up for the rights of others. Mamma, Dad, they’re using Napalm”
“And what is that, exactly?” Cecilia floundered, but carried on regardless.
“We went and sat in silence there. The police were asked to move us on, but said I was too young and they wanted to contact Auntie Hilda.”
“And did they?” Felicity couldn’t help butting in, and Cecilia scowled.
“No.” Joey and Jack looked relieved, and Jack carried on.
“You still haven’t told us how you got to the American Embassy and why you went there in the first place.”
“We walked. And I told you. We went there peacefully.” Cecilia sighed theatrically, and rolled her eyes – none of the others were very impressed – before carrying on.”I went to a morning service, like you said, Dad, and someone was preaching there later, and I thought it would be over by lunch, but it wasn'’. I got caught up in the group, and when the priest asked who would stand, I said I would along with the American and Australian students. They had banners and we went outside. I waved to Felicity, to try and get her attention, but she didn't see me and she was on the other side of the road. I remembered Jesus in the temple...”
“The first time Jesus was in the temple, he stayed in the temple. The second time Jesus was in the temple he was 30 years old and able to do as he pleased. You fall into neither category.”
“Jesus was considered an adult at 13”
“Jesus Christ was the Son of God, you are our daughter.”
“His as well.” The mutter was sulky, and for the first time Joey noticed that some of the defiance was ebbing away. Jack looked as if he wanted to shake her.
“Have you any idea how worried we were. And then when Felicity said you’d been arrested...” Joey let the words hang in the air.
“Mamma! You were just as bad at my age, you and Auntie Rob.” Joey flushed angrily, and proceeded to inform her daughter of the differences in the situation, not least that there were adults in the party that Madge knew, and that they reacted to an immediate situation. She finished up by saying that they had survived one trip into exile and really did not want to make another one.
She could feel herself getting hot and angry, and this made her words like razors on Cecilia. Before they could say any more, a knock at the door announced Adrienne Desmoines, their adopted cousin and protegee.
“Bon Soir... Pardonez-moi, I did not mean to interrupt.” Joey stood, grateful for the breeze that swirled through and greeted Adrienne. Cecilia made to stand up, but her father held her in place.
“Adrienne, I am sorry to inconvenience you, but could we step outside for a moment?” Low voices were heard from the corridor, and then Jack re-entered the room.
“I’m sorry Cecilia, but you will be returning to Freudesheim with Adrienne this evening. She has offered to accompany you. Ordinarily I would go myself, but I do not see why either your sister or your mother should have to suffer because of your childishness. We will discuss it further when I return.” Wide-eyed Cecilia grabbed her bag and bolted for the door with Adrienne, who knew about Gisela, and had made the offer knowing that Jack had planned a treat for Felicity and Joey the following day. No one spoke until Cecilia had left, on the edge of tears.

 

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#289:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 8:59 pm

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It's so realistic that Cecilia is getting involved in the Vietnam protests it seems like something she would do!

 

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#290:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 9:02 pm

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Well I don't think Cecilia has done anything that terrible, though in a family like the Maynards I can see it as being considered appalling that she was arrested!

Poor Cecilia - even though i still don't particuarly like her, I do have a lot of sympathy for her!

Thank you Angel, another excellent post.

 

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#291:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 9:04 pm

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Lesley wrote:

Well I don't think Cecilia has done anything that terrible, though in a family like the Maynards I can see it as being considered appalling that she was arrested! Poor Cecilia - even though i still don't particuarly like her, I do have a lot of sympathy for her! Thank you Angel, another excellent post.

The 'What was so terrible' was that she has been suspended from school and ought to be on her best behaviour. She then goes off on her own, beyond bounds, and gets into trouble. Had it got back to Nancy Wilmot or Madge then Joey would have had hell to pay.

another big update to come tonight, but a small bit:
-----------------

Felicity sought and got permission to go to the pictures, and left a couple of hours later. Joey picked up one of the books that she had bought for the course she was thinking of doing. She dipped into random chapters, trying to find a foothold, and finding that her memory was like a sieve, and that she had to re-read passages over and over to try and understand what they were getting at. The language was stilted, and she amused herself by imagining what a novel by one of them would be like.

Last edited by Angel on Tue May 11, 2004 9:20 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

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#292:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 9:18 pm

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Jack was sitting at the low table, completing and compiling forms for the following day, and doing other administrative tasks that he, rather than the San Administrator would have to complete. Three more doctors were joining the San, and some of his established team were transferring to the Welsh San to see how they were adjusting to being a Cottage Hospital. Jem had sent a proposal which Jack was discussing with his bankers about possible directions for the business, including offering private elective surgery given that they had the skills and the team.
Joey knew that Jack was unsure, and watched him for a few moments, as he ran his hands through his hair, and then rapped his pen against his teeth. She wrestled with her book a bit more, and then watched her husband of 25 years until he felt the stare and looked up.
“There wasn’t anything else I could do, was there?”
“Told her she was going to a day school in England? Told her she wasn’t going to Canada? Sent her to Jem on the next flight to England – I seem to remember he had some very effective means of dealing with children when they were naughty, and it seems ours haven’t worked.” Jack slammed his pen down.
“No, Joey.”
“What are we going to do when they find out at school that she got detained by the Police. She’s meant to be suspended.” Joey grabbed her book and hid behind it. Jack resumed tapping, to then pause and added “How are they going to find out? We’ll tell Hilda and Nell, but not Nancy of course. It’s supposed to be a punishment this suspension.”
“Who is it punishing more? Her or us?” Joey looked at Jack as she spoke, and Jack sunk back into his chair. “I don’t know, I really don’t.” Joey stretched her head and neck, her vertebrae clicking into place. She uncoiled her hair, and left it loose around her shoulders, shaking it out. Looking at her husband, sitting there like that, something snapped and she walked across the room and placed her hands on his throat, and started to squeeze

 

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#293:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 9:22 pm

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Angel, how could you leave us on such a cliff?
It's very mean of you!

 

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#294:  Author: ali, Location: medway, kent Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 9:25 pm

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WHAT!!!! *leaves in order to lay down in a dark room.*
Bring me the smelling salts when the next installment arrives.

 

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#295:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 10:40 pm

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*wails incoherently*

Angel, please come and post more very soon!

 

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#296:  Author: pim, Location: the place where public transport doesn't work properly! Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 11:08 pm

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Argh, oh no, *wibbles*

 

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#297:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Tue May 11, 2004 11:38 pm

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WHAT!!!!!!!

That seems rather out of chatacter, but presume there is more to come.

 

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#298:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 12:24 am

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Blimey!

This is absolutely fantastic - I should have gone to bed ages ago but I was hooked. Post some more asap Angel!

 

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#299:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 5:39 am

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Well! Good cliff! Looking forward to more!

 

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#300:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 7:40 am

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gently, kneading the muscles around the jawline in the vain hope of getting them to relax. Jack let her for a while, enjoying the sensation, until he reached up and grabbed her, pulling her over the back of the squashy chair and into his lap. The sensation of flying through the air was somewhat unexpected and he found his wife gracelessly on top of him, his mouth full of her hair. She made the most of the playfulness, glad to get away from the books and escape the doubts that were building around her. She was still flushing hot, but at least her temper had cooled a little. She unfastened the blouse a little, and removed Jack’s tie.
He looked up at her, eyebrows raised, and a boyish gleam in his eye.
“Too hot.” He seemed a little disappointed, and a little relieved at her words. He tickled her, and they found themselves relaxing properly for the first time in a week. Jack reached to the side of the chair when he had escaped his personal human octopus, as she was quite as good at it as he, and less inclined to be merciful. Especially when she was sitting on top of him.
“Now, and no arguing my Lady Josephine” she stuck her tongue out at the use of her hated full name “you are going to the spa with Felicity tomorrow morning.” He handed over the first envelope in his hand, with a stiff piece of card detailing the programme for the morning. “And then, we have reservations in the evening for dinner and the ballet.” He produced two more envelopes, and accepted Joey’s kiss. “Felix will be in Berne tomorrow as usual, so the afternoon is free, and he has permission to come to dinner. Joey confiscated the envelopes, and kissed him again.
“Now then, Sir John, shall I continue that massage?” He flushed a little, but answered with a grin.
Thus it was that Felicity, on her return, found the suite very quiet indeed.

The following morning breakfast was as a family. Felicity cheered up at the thought of the spa and once she had done her exercises dressed in loose cloths and the two women headed to the spa, with Jack driving, and making jokes about being dazzled when he came to pick them up later.
Joey was far too busy that morning to note that the receipt for her books she’d bought had been filed into Jack’s wallet, as was usually the case. Nor had she noticed that one of her books was missing. Jack left them at the door, and drove off, leaving them to be welcomed effusively by the lady in charge.
They began with an hour in the turkish bath, alternating between the spa pool and the different heated rooms. Next came a massage, followed by thalassotherapy, which Felicity later told Phil had nothing on one of Matron’s really cold baths. They also had their hair washed and trimmed
Finally they had facial treatments, and were left to doze in a darkened room for an hour, before they were ready to face the day. They had pretty summer dresses that they had bought the day before, and they wore them with some sandals they had also picked up.
Unusually for them, both had their hair loose when Jack picked them up for lunch, having met Felix in town, and he didn’t recognise them at first. It was Felix that prodded him, and then the twins teased their parents over lunch. Felix had brought two of his friends with him from Villa Beata, and Nikolas and Jean-Luc alternated between polite conversation and chatting up Felicity, who revelled in the attention that normally went straight to her little sister.

 

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#301:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 9:22 am

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A lovely post, Angel. Thank you.

 

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#302:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 9:24 am

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Ohhh it's lovely to see Joey and Felicity being pampered!

 

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#303:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 9:50 am

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Ooh I feel nicely relaxed after that, thank you Angel for some lovely posts!

 

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#304:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 1:53 pm

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Lovely post but what happened to the book???

 

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#305:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 2:49 pm

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Just catching up after a day away. Getting involved in a protest sounds very Cecilia like to me and something that I have a suspicion her parents would have also supported if she hadn't 1) been suspended already 2) gone off on her own 3) got arrested. I'm still hoping for something to make Cecilia and Joey actually sit down and try to understand each other, too many misunderstandings on both sides right now.

I like Fliss getting attention though, I bet she looked good after the day at the spa too

 

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#306:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 6:29 pm

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Agree with you Sarah re Cecilia - that's what I tried to say earlier but it didn't come out well!

Love the last post Angel - also want to know about book!

 

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#307:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 7:16 pm

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Joey, Felix and Felicity had a good weekend, and by the time they got back to the Platz, in time for the evening service, Joey felt ready to face the next week. Felicity looked significantly happier and went back to school able to face her lot with considerably more strength.
Joey and Jack went first to the evening service and then to school before returning to Freudesheim that evening, to find that the house was clean, all the mending had been done and Cecilia was very subdued. She refused to tell them why, but served up a salad for their supper and went to her room in order to go to bed early.
Joey picked up a slight smell of burning, but couldn’t place it. Shrugging, she closed the curtains, noting that one of the hems had been re-stitched where Bruno had been too enthusiastic with Geoff some years before. Thinking of which, Joey went to look for the dog. She had arranged for him to be fed over the weekend, and usually he would waddle in to greet her amiably, before settling to sleep. He was nowhere to be found, and it was when she went to the scullery she realised something was really wrong.
Jack found her twenty minutes later, standing staring at an empty spot with a wet face, when he came to bring her the letter that Adrienne had left.
“Adrienne wrote this: She says they came in on Friday evening and found him asleep. When she looked more closely, Cecil realised he was dead. Apparently she was horrified and kept blaming herself. Adrienne says they buried him under his favourite tree as the weather was so hot yesterday, but that Cecilia thought we shouldn’t be disturbed and that the weekend should continue as normal, so Adrienne went back to Berne that afternoon.”
Joey nodded, tears on her lashes, but unusuall calm. She left the room, and went upstairs to find Cecil crying on her bed. Forgetting everything else, Joey sat beside her daughter and gathered her into what proved to be a soggy hug.
At first Cecil was awkward, but Joey muttered her thanks at her taking care of Bruno so well, and Cecil buried her face in her mother’s shoulder. Joey just about made out an apology from her daughter, and hugged her close.
Jack put his head round the door, and then left them, glad that they were talking to one another properly again.
Confident that when Cecilia left in August it would be seen as neither punishment nor reward, he signed the paperwork, and left it on Joey’s desk to read and complete.
Joey found him an hour later, reading a book. He saw her come in and began to quote to her from it. “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”
Smiling, Joey took her place at the piano, and began to play.

END OF PART ONE



--------------------------------------------

OK, this ought to be my last fiction post on this thread. Look out for Part II "Cracks in the Pavement" coming to a C&D near you.

 

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#308:  Author: Alex, Location: Home again Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 7:22 pm

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There's parts?

Lots of lovely long posts Angel, thanks!

 

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#309:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 7:23 pm

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Alex wrote:

There's parts? Lots of lovely long posts Angel, thanks!

SATB when I last looked.

And you're welcome.

 

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#310:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 9:14 pm

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AAwww Poor Bruno, thats very sad, but Im glad something more postive came from it.

Eagerly awiting the next part

 

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#311:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 9:37 pm

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Awww I'm glad that Joey and Cecillia have got their relationship back on track!
About Bruno, even though he is a dog (I'm terrified of them!)

 

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#312:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 10:24 pm

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That was lovely Angel, very sensitivly dealt with and a good place to break.

 

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#313:  Author: caz, Location: Cambridge Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 10:41 pm

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Thank you so much, Angel. This is truly excellent writing.

 

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#314:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 10:49 pm

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Angel, you are a very, very talented writer. Please give us Part 2 soon!

 

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#315:  Author: Kathryn, Location: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 11:17 pm

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*sniff* poor Bruno. Those last posts have been lovely.

 

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#316:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Thu May 13, 2004 8:25 pm

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Thank you Angel, truly wonderful writing - will await the second part eagerly.

 

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#317:  Author: Beth, Location: Sunny Isle of Man! Posted: Fri May 14, 2004 10:29 am

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Why do I recognise Jack's quote?

BTW I'm really enjoying this...

 

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#318:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Fri May 14, 2004 10:33 am

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Its a quote from the Revelations of Divine Love by Sister Julian of Norwich a 14th century nun find out more here:

Julian of Norwich

 

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#319:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Fri May 14, 2004 11:05 pm

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I quoted it from there, however it's been made famous by various comics - notably the League of Gentlemen, I believe.

 

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#320:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Fri May 14, 2004 11:30 pm

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Thank you for all the replies to this thread, and I'm pleased you enjoyed it so much. New drabble should be generally available towards the end of the month.

The SATB remark wasn't entirely flippant - I have 4 parts in mind - well, you'll see...

 

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#321:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Fri May 14, 2004 11:52 pm

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Looks forward to Part 2.
(has no idea what SATB means, btw, unless it's the contextually inappropriate scholastic aptitude test part B)

Not familiar with the comic references, but the title cut of a Bok/Trickett/Muir album is "Julian of Norwich," with refrain beginning "All shall be well..."

 

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#322:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sat May 15, 2004 12:00 am

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Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass - the parts in a mixed-voice choir. In a single-sex choir they would be Treble, Counter-tenor, Tenor, Bass.

Baritones get thrown in at random.

 

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#323:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans Posted: Sat May 15, 2004 9:09 pm

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I'm very much looking forward to part 2 (and 3 and 4 when they come) that ending was great, sad but probably just what was needed for Joey and Cecilia to come together.

 

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#324:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! Posted: Sat May 15, 2004 10:32 pm

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Trys to be patient until the end of the month........

........fails miserably!!!

Looking forward to part two

 

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#325:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England Posted: Sun May 16, 2004 3:24 pm

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Cracks in the Pavement is now available.

 

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#326:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle Posted: Wed May 19, 2004 12:56 am

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Angel I have just caught up on all this, I ahven't been on the board much lately. Glad I have caught up as I can now start on the next one. Really enjoyed this thank you so much.

 

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#327:  Author: Mandy, Location: Derry, N.Ireland Posted: Thu May 20, 2004 12:02 am

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Thanks Angel for a lovely drabble. I'm sorry about Bruno's death, it reminded me of my dog dying in January (we had her 16 years).

I'm looking forward to reading the next part.

 

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#328:  Author: ravenseyes, Location: New Zealand Posted: Thu May 20, 2004 11:26 am

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This is fantastic. Just read the whole lot in one hit

Just one question - what's burning

 

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