A Christmas Romance
The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles

#1: A Christmas Romance Author: LissLocation: Harrow, London PostPosted: Mon Jan 19, 2004 9:21 pm


http://www.chaletian.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=drabbles;action=display;num=1074538267
Alex's story about Giles Winterton and Peggy Bettany, continued from the old site.

And where have they disappeared to!!?[/url]

 


#2:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 2:33 am


Ooh, a new board surely demands new parts!

 


#3:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 3:17 am


*agrees wholeheartedly with KB!!*

 


#4:  Author: RebeccaLocation: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 11:53 am


*Needing more!*

 


#5:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 11:56 am


*adds to calls for more*

 


#6:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 6:03 pm


*adds to calls for more, whilst trumpeting!* Trumpet


Well, where else are you supposed to use this smiley?!

 


#7:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 6:09 pm


I'm going to paste across the single story post from the thread on the old board, as it's not worth archiving such a short thread (1 bit of story and 4 posts of yibble!)
So, Alex posted:
It was Polly not Lala who told Bride....but anyway, you are all wrong. Be warned I might not have time to write anything tomorrow so you can chant till you're blue in the face, it won't make the slightest difference.


Outside it was turning into a really nice day. There was a very gentle breeze and the sun was beginning to break through the clouds, and patches of blue sky could be seen. Polly, Bride and Lala led the way, followed by Maeve, Maurice and Freddie with Peggy and Giles bringing up the rear. They were deep in discussion about the Festival of Britain which had taken place the previous summer, and which Peggy had been to with an old school friend. Giles had not been to the festival (having been at sea) but was eager to hear all about it.

“It just shows,” he said authoritatively, “that whatever people say, the British Empire is alive and flourishing, just as it was one hundred years ago.”

Peggy shook her head, thinking that Giles would have benefited from learning to argue from cause to effect. “The facts simply don’t back that up. Look what happened in Egypt only a few months ago. Just because some old men in Whitehall decide to have a party to prove how great the Empire still is doesn’t mean that it is. We’re no longer the awe-inspiring superpower we once were and personally I don’t think that’s a bad thing.”

“How can you say that? Look at all the benefits we brought to the colonies.”

“Yes we may have brought some benefits, but people should be entitled to govern themselves and to live their way of life without having a series of outsider’s values imposed on them.” Peggy had not had a discussion like this since she left school and was thoroughly enjoying herself.

“Some of these foreigners would still be living in mud huts if it wasn’t for us! The Empire brings benefits and opportunities all round.” He stopped walking and turned to face her. “We, the nation, I mean, don’t go round harming people for no reason, we help them, we bring industry and jobs and education and trade and we defend them as well. Just as we came to the rescue of Poland during the war.”

Peggy stared at him, then started walking again, they were almost at the top of the hill. Could he really be this stupid? “I’m sorry, but that’s an incredibly naïve thing to say. We didn’t colonise India, or Australia, or the West Indies out of the goodness of our hearts! We did it because they had something we wanted and it was there for the taking. And we don’t defend them, we defend our own territory because we don’t want anyone else to take what we think is ours. And we didn’t jump to the rescue of Poland because we believe in supporting the underdog, we did it because we were afraid of a rival Empire. We didn’t rescue them anyway, they’re still occupied, only by different people.” Peggy wound up, her normally pale complexion slightly flushed from walking up the hill. They stood staring at each other for a moment. Neither of them noticed Polly coming towards them. Giles was revising his earlier opinion of Peggy’s intelligence. Even if she had got it all wrong, she certainly knew how to argue. He was angry with her. This girl, even if she was beautiful, had no right to call him naïve and imply that he was foolish.

Polly Winterton was not known for her tact. As she came towards them she asked “What are you two getting so het up about? The relative merits of the works of Josephine M. Bettany or something?”

Giles turned on her angrily. “Will you give it a rest!” he almost shouted, then turning abruptly he stalked off.

Polly turned to go after him but Peggy stopped her. “It’s my fault, I wound him up, I’ll go,” she started to follow him, taking little heed of the direction. She caught up with him after a few paces but he kept walking. Bride, a way away noticed and called out to them “Hi! Peggy! Giles! Where are you going get back on the path!” But she was too late. As the words left her mouth both Peggy and Giles disappeared into the ground!

 


#8:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 6:17 pm


Oh dear! Never a good sign, falling through hills over mine shafts, methinks!

More please!!!

 


#9:  Author: Cumbrian RachelLocation: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 6:20 pm


*chanting until blue in the face* ROFL (right colour, wrong expression...)

 


#10:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 10:21 pm


*joins in chant*

 


#11:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 12:11 am


*tippy toes to edge of hole. Can't see them. Steps back gingerly and wails*

More pleeeeeaaaase!

 


#12:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 12:17 am


ALEX!!!!!!!!

You must NOT leave us all in suspenders like this! (I was going to write "can't" but then I realised she already had!) PLEASE please post more very soon!


Rachel the Quidditch

 


#13:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 12:21 am


You can't leave it like this for long! Get posting!!

 


#14:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 1:21 am


*wonders where Alex is...*

 


#15:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 2:24 am


Hiding in a corner and chuckling aggravatingly, I suspect.

 


#16:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 11:13 am


Aaaaaaaalleeeeexxxxxxx!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come here and get them out of this mess. Pleease!

Or I'll come and keel-haul you Pirate

 


#17:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 11:16 am


Abi wrote:
Or I'll come and keel-haul you Pirate


If you can't find her, how are you planning to do that?


Rachel the Quidditch

 


#18:  Author: KathrynLocation: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 11:22 am


I'm sure we can send a finder ferret out to locate her. She can't hide for long!

 


#19:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 11:24 am


I'll use my special pirate network of spies to hunt her out and drag her to me. Pirate

 


#20:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 2:34 pm


Sorry, I was booking my holiday yesterday. No I'm not sorry in fact.

*gloats*

I'm going to America for 2 weeks and then NZ for 2 weeks and then S. Africa for two weeks, any suggestions or ideas on where to go, but not in the US as that is all pretty much planned.


There was silence. Then Bride, rooted to the spot, lost her head completely and started to shout. “Peggy! Peg! Peggy! Where are you?! Are you all right?!” Polly also stood staring at the spot where Peggy and Giles had been. Attracted by the shouting, Lala, who had been some distance away with the younger members of the party came over.

“What’s the matter Bride? Bride? You must tell me!” her voice was sharp. Bride regained some of her normal composure. She took a deep breath.

“They were there, and then they weren’t,” she said simply.

Lala shook her head impatiently. “Polly,” she turned to her elder sister, “Did you see what happened?” Polly nodded slowly.

“Giles was angry about something and he stormed off that way and Peggy went after him and they went off the path and then it’s like Bride said: they weren’t there. It’s my fault,” she started to get hysterical.

“Did they fall down a hole?” demanded Lala, calm as always.

“Nooooo,” it was Bride who answered, “I think the ground sort of opened up and swallowed them.” She suddenly came to her senses, which was fortunate as Maeve and the boys came running up. “What’s the matter?” asked Maeve. She looked around. “Where’s Peg?” Bride ignored her questions.

“Polly,” she spoke in her best prefecty voice. “You go back to the museum and get help, take these three, go as fast as you can, but don’t do anything stupid like fall over and break your leg. Then phone your parents..”

Lala cut her off. “No, better if she phones the Quadrant, they’re less likely to have hysterics.”

Polly nodded, glad to have something to do. “Come on you three.” She set off at a hard pace, her long legs covering the ground easily. The others followed her. Bride and Lala were left standing alone on the hill.

“It’s better that Polly’s out of here,” said Bride, eventually.

“Yes,” replied Lala, “she has far too much imagination. Now, where exactly did they go down?”

“Over there,” Bride gestured. Lala set off in the direction the older girl had indicated. Bride, for want of nothing better to do, followed her. Lala, being careful to stay on the path, got as close as she could to where the pair had last been seen.

“There?” she asked Bride, who nodded and then asked, “But what are you going to do?”

Lala almost smiled. “A useful little skill I picked up from your aunt.” She opened her mouth and yodelled as loud as she could.

“Good idea,” said Bride and joined in. She took a breath and prepared to repeat the attempt, but Lala stopped her. “Listen,” she said. Bride strained her ears, and sure enough there came, decidedly muffled, an answering cry.


PS I love the new smileys ZZZZ

 


#21:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 2:46 pm


And? And? And? And? And?

Alexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx!


MOREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Please?



Rachel the Quidditch
(Your holiday sounds fab!)

 


#22:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 3:19 pm


Ooooh! They're still alive *suddenly remembers this is not the holocaust and relaxes slightly*

After Giles's comments on imperialism, I don't think I would have minded him going down alone but not with Peggy! Perhaps this will bring him to his senses.

Alex, I know jealousy is a deadly sin but am seriously jealous about your hol - especially New Zealand!

 


#23:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 3:26 pm


I'm not quite sure I wanted him to say those things but I wanted him and Peggy to have a bit of an argument and the Festival of Britain was a convenient thing that happened to spark the conversation. Also he is a product of pre-War Britain and has probably been a bit institutionalised by the Navy, if you see what I mean. Is it believable that he can hold these rather stupid views and not be a terrible person or does it put him across as a complete **** (unwilling to test if there is a censor on the new board)?

Let's try: spoon


ETA seems less bizarre than before at any rate.....just realised I am going to be late for work.

 


#24:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 3:33 pm


Yes, well, thank you for that post, it was very interesting, BUT I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO PEGGY AND GILES!!!!

*very worried by Alex's signature*

 


#25:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 5:39 pm


Very much hoping that Alex posts more soon.
I don't find it unreasonable for Giles to hold the views that he has, he is after all a product if his time, and there are people around, who would be about the same age who still think the same, if anything I'm more surprised by Peggy's enlightened attitude.

 


#26:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 5:50 pm


Agrees with Ellie particulairly since Peggy's dad was part of the 'conquering' empire!

 


#27:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 6:01 pm


Alex thats wrong and well wrong to leave us on the cliff top like that!

 


#28:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 6:14 pm


Get on with it, please!!!!! Laughing

 


#29:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 7:00 pm


You are quite right Alex! He would be holding those views with his background and career. On reflection, I think ellie is right and Peggy's attitude is the more surprising and enlightened.

OK, now we are all agree that Giles is worth saving, how about some more?





















Please!

 


#30:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 7:07 pm


But Peggy has had a quite strange upbringing really, if you think about it. But anyway.



“Giles?” It was quite dark in the hole. Peggy blinked. “Giles?”

Something stirred.

“Giles?”

There was a kind of groaning noise and then Giles used a word Peggy had never heard before but did not need to ask the meaning of. She was glad it was dark and he could not see her blush.

“Giles?” she said again.

“Peggy?” Giles’s voice was a little shaky. He swore again. “Sorry,” he added.

“No, I think it’s probably justified under the circumstances. Are you alright?”

“Um,” said Giles. “My leg hurts. But I think the rest of me is ok. Are you alright?”

“I’m stuck,” said Peggy simply.

Giles struggled into a more upright position so as to view the damage and winced as he moved. Peggy did indeed seem to be stuck. She was lying on her back and a large wooden beam appeared to be pinning her to the floor across her stomach and one arm. A heap of earth covered her legs. Giles tried to suppress thoughts of internal injuries and swallowed before asking “Does it hurt anywhere?”

“No,” she put her free hand up to her head. “Only here a bit.” Giles noticed a trickle of blood running down the side of her face.

“You’re bleeding,” he said.

“Well that we can do something about,” said Peggy. “Have you got a hankie?”

Giles produced a clean one from his pocket.

“Fold it into a pad,” instructed Peggy. “Now pass it here.” She pressed the pad to her head. That’s that taken care of. What about you? Apart from your leg? Anything else?”

“No, just my leg,” he replied.

Peggy asked him a couple of questions and then pronounced it broken. “Try not to move. Do you feel cold and clammy?”

“Not any more than I’d expect to given that we’ve fallen down a mine shaft,” he said.

“Good,” said Peggy brightly, “no internal bleeding then.”

“Do you feel cold and clammy?”

“No more than I’d expect under the circumstances,” she said cheerfully. “I’m not comfortable, but I’m alright. Just stuck.”

“Peggy,” remonstrated Giles, “this is no time for false heroics. Are you sure that beam isn’t hurting you?”

“This thing? Actually it’s not even touching me. It must be wedged on something.”

“Thank God!” breathed Giles.

“Yes, I have been.”

“What?”

“Well it could have been so much worse, this could have been filled with 200 ft of water, or nobody could know we were here, as it is, help is sure to be along soon.”

“A bunch of kids,” said Giles, “they won’t be much help.”

“That is far form the case,” snapped Peggy. “Bride and Lala have their heads screwed on very firmly and have plenty of common sense between them. And even if Polly is a little over-imaginative, she’s not a child. She’s an adult and what’s more she’s a Chalet School girl and not a spineless jellyfish.”

“What’s that got to do with it?” demanded Giles. As if in reply came Lala and Bride’s yodelling. “What’s that?”

“That,” said Peggy, “is one of the many benefits of being Chalet School educated.” She took a deep breath and yodelled back.

 


#31:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 7:13 pm


Ah! Now Peggy and Giles have time to 'get acquainted' and for Peggy to change some of his thinking!

thanks Alex.

 


#32:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 7:16 pm


*applauds*

Thank you Alex Very Happy

 


#33:  Author: LissLocation: Harrow, London PostPosted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 7:40 pm


Alex wrote:
“What’s that got to do with it?” demanded Giles. As if in reply came Lala and Bride’s yodelling. “What’s that?”

“That,” said Peggy, “is one of the many benefits of being Chalet School educated.” She took a deep breath and yodelled back.


I love this!! I like the idea of Giles finding out *exactly* what it means to be a Chalet School Girl. Mr. Green

 


#34:  Author: Cumbrian RachelLocation: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 12:08 am


Fantastic!
But what happens next?
How long until they get out of the hole they're in?

megaphone MORE PLEASE ALEX!

 


#35:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 12:54 am


Alexxxxx!

megaphone PLEASE GET BACK HERE AND WRITE MORE!

I mean, well, are Peggy and Giles going to be stuck there long? Shouldn't they be chaperoned? Are they going to start blaming each other? Will the rescue party arrive to find their skeletal remains after rats have feasted on their corporeal remains?

Oooooooooops, wrong drabble!

But you know what I mean! Please write more before I start thinking too hard about alternatives!!

 


#36:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 1:45 am


And you all mocked me when I suggested they should get stuck somewhere together! Hah!

Great work, btw, Alex!

 


#37:  Author: CathyLocation: Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 2:00 am


Rachel wrote:
Alexxxxx!

megaphone PLEASE GET BACK HERE AND WRITE MORE!

I mean, well, are Peggy and Giles going to be stuck there long? Shouldn't they be chaperoned?


Points out that Peggy and Giles can't get up to much mischief when she's stuck under a beam thingy and he has a broken leg. Tee hee!

Please write the next bit, please please please please please.

Takes deep breath ...

M O R E !!!

(please?)


Trumpet

 


#38:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 2:02 am


*wonders exactly what Cathy is imagining they might have got up to, and thinking it's not appropriate for a CS girl* Shocked

 


#39:  Author: CathyLocation: Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 4:31 am


KB wrote:
*wonders exactly what Cathy is imagining they might have got up to, and thinking it's not appropriate for a CS girl* Shocked


I can't imagine what you mean, KB Wink

 


#40:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 4:57 am


Herump! Of course you don't, Cathy!

 


#41:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 12:19 pm


Yay! Thank you Alex! I hope Peggy manages to knock some sense into Giles......

 


#42:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 1:58 pm


Thank you Alex! This is great!! Looking forward to more!!!

By the way, yourholiday sounds wonderful, but I do hope you realise you aren't going anywhere until you've finished this drabble? Wink

 


#43:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 4:03 pm


Don't worry it's not until June. It'll probably take me that long to finish this thing anyway! Sorry no more at the moment. I promise I'll do some tomorrow. I know where I'm going with it, it's just getting there that's the problem.

 


#44:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 6:35 pm


I hope you find a way to get there soon! Smile

 


#45:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 1:00 am


Apologies for the extreme cheesiness of this part. I'm really struggling to get the words out.



Up in the open, Bride and Lala had started to feel quite useless. Having established that Peggy at any rate was alive, they were relieved to see help arrive in the form of Eddie and another man whom Eddie introduced as Simon Castle of the local Cave Rescue team.

“More help is on the way,” he added reassuringly. “There’s no need to panic.”

“Tell me exactly what happened,” said Simon with a suppressed smile at Eddie’s instructions to two of the most unruffled young women he had ever come across.

Bride summarised the events as they had happened. Simon gazed in the direction that she had indicated was where Peggy and Giles were last seen. He turned to Eddie, “What’s underneath here? More of the same?” Eddie looked blank.

Simon rephrased the question, “Is more of the area likely to give way?”

“There is an extensive network of tunnels under the whole area,” replied Eddie. “That’s why the paths are marked off. It was just a precaution really, I don’t think anyone ever expected that it would give way. I suppose with all the rain we’ve had lately….” He ground to a halt.

Simon shook his head. He turned back to the girls. “You say there are two casualties?”

“That’s right,” agreed Lala, “Giles Winterton, my brother and Peggy Bettany.”

“My sister,” finished Bride.

“Firstly, we need to establish their state. That’s going to be difficult as we can’t get near to the hole. I need to wait for the rest of my team before I make any decisions, but it would probably better to access them through the mine. I assume there are maps available?” he addressed Eddie.

“Yes, but…”

“What?”

Eddie did not speak for a moment, he seemed to be trying to decide how to phrase a difficult issue.

Bride fixed him with a steely glare, which would have driven fear into the heart of any Middle. Whilst it did not quite reduce him to a quivering wreck, it did inspire him to get some words out.

“You see,” he began, “this area of the tunnels, there are a lot of very deep shafts, and some areas are blocked off – the tunnels are partly collapsed.”

“But we know they didn’t fall down a deep shaft,” broke in Lala.

“How can you know that?” demanded Simon.

“Because, we know that Peg is alive and ok. We called and she called back,” said Bride patiently.

“You spoke to her?”

“Not exactly,” replied Bride, “but she must be ok.” Seeing he did not understand, she repeated the yodel, almost deafening the two men who had not expected this. Sure enough, Peggy’s yodel came back just as before.

“Are you sure it was the young lady and not the gentleman?” asked Eddie.

He was confronted by three extremely withering looks.

“Don’t worry, we’ll get them out,” said Simon with a smile.

“But if the tunnels are blocked….” said Lala.

Simon was busy waving to some people behind her. She turned to see a group of people coming towards them.

“This is the rest of the Cave Rescue team,” he said, gesturing towards the others. “Getting people out of blocked tunnels is what we do best.”

 


#46:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 1:13 am


Thank you Alex!!!!!
*chanting again*

 


#47:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 1:14 am


I would say the words came out fine, Alex. I'm glad to see that Giles has progressed to the stage where he's worried about Peggy's well being. In a way, it's rather a pity that neither of them can move....

 


#48:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 3:38 am


Actually, I really liked that, Alex! I'm glad the girls haven't collapsed and are useful! I particularly liked with withering looks! Laughing

 


#49:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 11:57 am


Me too! Why do so many men think that women will panic Question Exclamation Exclamation
We don't have time to do that, even if we had the inclination Exclamation Exclamation

 


#50:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 12:41 pm


Probably because of impressions given in films and novels that women will either faint or go into hysterics at the first opportunity.

 


#51:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 12:43 pm


Yes, that was really good, Alex. I giggled at the two men being deafened by Bride's yodel!

*chants "more soon pleeease"*

 


#52:  Author: RebeccaLocation: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 12:47 pm


Lovely stuff! It didn't come across as cheesy at all.

More please!

 


#53:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 1:11 pm


Yup, not cheesy at all! Worry not!

But we'd love some more please! Smile

 


#54:  Author: LissLocation: Harrow, London PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 1:25 pm


Alex wrote:
“Because, we know that Peg is alive and ok. We called and she called back,” said Bride patiently.

“You spoke to her?”

“Not exactly,” replied Bride, “but she must be ok.” Seeing he did not understand, she repeated the yodel, almost deafening the two men who had not expected this. Sure enough, Peggy’s yodel came back just as before.

“Are you sure it was the young lady and not the gentleman?” asked Eddie.

He was confronted by three extremely withering looks.


Oh, I'm loving this, Alex! More Giles and Peggy please!

I'm really enjoying the way the Chalet girls are squishing every expectation the men have about how women are going to behave.

 


#55:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 2:57 pm


More squishing to come I hope. I'm going away for the weekend btw, so no more until Monday at the earliest.


Peggy was very bored.

“Bored?” asked Giles incredulously. “How can you be bored? Where are the usual range of emotions from sobbing terror of impending death to hysteria?”

“Well, death doesn’t seem to be that impending really and as for the other stuff, I don’t see you sobbing in terror.”

Giles was about to open his mouth to point out that that was entirely different, but for some reason he closed it again. After all, Peggy’s behaviour since he had met her had never inclined towards the hysterical.

“I don’t think either of us are given to such extremes really. You’re right, it is boring, I’m sure they’ll get us out eventually.”

“You know,” confided Peggy, “I’ve been feeling lately that I don’t really have a lot going on in my life. When I was at school, there was always so much going on. I’ve quite wished for more excitement, and here I am, in the middle of an exciting mess as I’ve ever been and I’m suffering from terminal boredom.”

“I’m sorry if the company’s not up to much,” laughed Giles.

Peggy joined in, “I can think of worse people to be stuck in a hole with.”

“Such as….?”

There was silence while Peggy racked her brains.

“This silence doesn’t bode well for me,” said Giles.

“Wellllll, I just can’t think of anyone I know personally who I wouldn’t be quite happy to pass the time of day with down a mine or else where. Miss Stephens maybe.”

“And who might this unfortunate Miss Stephens be?”

“She had the misfortune to be my maths teacher, somewhere in the dim and distant past, which obviously prejudices me against her to start with, but I always had this dim feeling that she didn’t really fit in properly. And she was sooooo sarcastic,” wound up Peggy.

“Were you not very good at maths by any chance?”

“Hopeless. Bride got most of the brains going in our family. I enjoyed school though.”

“It seems to have been a very interesting place - this school of yours. My sisters talk about it a lot.”

“It’s the best school in the world! I wish I was still there, but you can’t go back.” She changed the subject abruptly. “Tell me, what was it that Polly said that made you go off like that, something about my aunt?”

“What aunt? I’ve never heard her mentioned.”

“Josephine Bettany. What was Polly talking about?”

“You really mean you have no idea?”

“No,” Peggy was a little unsure of herself.

“I didn’t know she was your aunt,” said Giles and proceeded to tell Peggy how he had come to read Nancy Meets a Nazi.

“And did you enjoy it?” asked Peggy at length.

“I didn’t finish it quite, but I thought it was well written enough, although the story was far fetched in the extreme. A bit mad really, especially when the woman’s hair turned white.”

“No,” said Peggy, quietly

“What do you mean, ‘no’?” demanded Giles. “I thought it was far fetched, that’s my opinion.”

“It happened,” explained Peggy.

“Someone’s hair turning white or the whole escape thing?”

“Both,” replied Peggy. “It’s all true.”

“Something your aunt heard somewhere?” he asked.

“No, it happened to her, and my uncle, he was with her (it was before they were married) and a group of school girls, and Miss Wilson, my headmistress, she’s the one whose hair turned white. Auntie Jo says he had nightmares until she wrote the book. Dad says that there was quite a lot more that she didn’t write down as it wouldn’t be appropriate for a children’s book. She doesn’t talk about it much.”

“I begin to see, Peggy, why you are so calm to be buried in a pile of rubbish in a mine,” said Giles some time later.

 


#56:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 3:15 pm


This is really good. we've been sort of criticizing the CS for their 'sheltering' of the girls in some other drabbles and its good to be reminded that they did learn a lot to make them strong women.

Love the way the girls are all calm and competent and the men have to adjust their expectations of women!

 


#57:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 4:07 pm


Wow, this is great, Alex. I'm glad they're talking sensibly now. Don't let them be rescued toooooo soon Laughing Laughing Laughing

 


#58:  Author: Cumbrian RachelLocation: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 7:32 pm


Can't wait until the next bit!
Roll on Monday!

 


#59:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 7:43 pm


Yay thank you Alex i'm really enjoying this!

 


#60:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 10:26 pm


Thanks Alex, this is very good.

 


#61:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 10:42 pm


Looking forward to more, soon, Alex!

 


#62:  Author: LissLocation: Harrow, London PostPosted: Fri Jan 23, 2004 11:11 pm


Hope the weekend away gives you time to come up more plot happiness!

 


#63:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 12:18 am


Thank you Alex!
*sits down on the sofa!*

 


#64:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 12:25 am


Thanks Alex, Have a good weekend, though I must say Im looking forward to Monday.

 


#65:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 7:52 am


Only just managed to catch up on this - $%&£* board is only quick early mornings - hence why I'm up so early on a Saturday!!!

Alex this is wonderful - it's so good to see Peggy in such a good light - and see her totally destroying Giles' preconceived ideas about women! Enjoying their talk in the mine so do not want them rescued too soon - but do want more story please!

 


#66:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 7:56 am


Excellent stuff - I love Peggy being bored! It's certainly realistic in that sort of situation!

 


#67:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 1:05 pm


Allllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllex
please may we have some more Smile

 


#68:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 1:07 pm


*joins in Chloe's chant*

 


#69:  Author: RebeccaLocation: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 4:30 pm


*Adds her voice*

 


#70:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 4:40 pm


alex, where are you? You're needed here to post some story.

 


#71:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 8:24 pm


Allliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! We need more story!! poke (poking hopefully with stick)

 


#72:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 8:36 pm


Laura wrote:
Allliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! We need more story!! poke (poking hopefully with stick)


How are you poking her if we cannot find her? Admit, you've kidnapped her and are making her tell you the story whilst hiding it from us. You are, aren't you??

*should probably stop drinking caffine

 


#73:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 9:05 pm


Shocked I think that would be a good idea, Chelsea. Shocked

 


#74:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 10:18 pm


*wishes there was more of this* Crying or Very sad

 


#75:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2004 10:22 pm


*agrees with Vikki*

 


#76:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 12:15 am


KB wrote:
Shocked I think that would be a good idea, Chelsea. Shocked


They do say that the first step is admitting that you have a problem Embarassed

 


#77:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 1:36 am


I'm another one who has only just caught up - looking forward to Monday when we can realistically expect more story!

** Starts making Hot Chocolate for fellow PATIENTLY waiting people! **

 


#78:  Author: Tassie_EllenLocation: Tasmania, Australia PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 2:43 am


*takes hot chocolate* Thanks Rachel! Just the way I like it!

By the way, hope you are enjoying your days away Alex; we're all looking forward to hearing about it - but more story too please...

Loving Giles' realising that not all girls are like Polly and Lala USED to be Very Happy

 


#79:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 10:47 am


*Also takes some hot chocolate - thanks Rachel - oh it's a bit cold - places in microwave to warm up - lovely.*

Looking forward to more story! Smile

 


#80:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 11:38 am


Surely there's nothing wrong with using our time profitably while we wait!

 


#81:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2004 4:34 pm


Does that mean that you're busy writing, KB? *Whistles innocently*

 


#82:  Author: KathrynLocation: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 1:55 am


She's probably busy packing!

 


#83:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 2:21 am


Writing, yes - thesis.

 


#84:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 3:54 pm


aarrrghhh! There's still no more story! They're still down that hole!

Alex, come here and post some more, please!

 


#85:  Author: KatarzynaLocation: Preston, Lancashire PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 4:56 pm


KB wrote:
Surely there's nothing wrong with using our time profitably while we wait!


Excellent the Head thinks that yibbling is a profitable use of time

*don't think my boss would see it that way*

Alex, hope you had a good weekend and look forward to seeing more story

 


#86:  Author: LissLocation: Harrow, London PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 5:38 pm


Maybe Alex decided not to come back from her weekend Shocked

 


#87:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 6:25 pm


Liss wrote:
Maybe Alex decided not to come back from her weekend Shocked


No don't even suggest it Liss!

 


#88:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 8:59 pm


Alex! It's Monday!

*echoes everyone elses sentiments about the pleasure of seeing feisty young women from the CS shattering men's silly illusions of fainting females!*

 


#89:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 10:49 pm


feisty young woman will be stuck in hole until tomorrow at least. depending on how long it takes to hook me up to the blood pressure monitor tomorrow (long overdue investigation into falling over) i will try and do some in the afternoon. would be interesting to see whether bp goes up or down whilst drabbling.

excitingly have just found out i can go and study pharmacy in spetember. have an offer from sunderland, although would prefer london keep your fingers crossed for me please.

*bouncing off walls*

 


#90:  Author: LulieLocation: Middlesbrough PostPosted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 10:56 pm


*huggles Alex through her bp monitoring* Being hooked up to machines gives lots of thinking time....

Congrats on the offer from Sunderland - I was at Sunderland, but I did Creative Arse...ooops, I meant to say Arts. It isn't that far from me, distance wise either. If you end up there, there's a direct line between M'bro and Sunderland.

Hopes you get an offer from London, if that's where you really want to go. student (couldn't find a finger crossing smiley, so you've got a student one instead!)

 


#91:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 2:00 am


Thank you Alex for the story. Hope the bp moniting goes well, and you get lets of ideas fo story. Congrats. on the uni place, hope you end up where you really want to be.

 


#92:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 6:58 am


Congratulations, Alex! *can be patient now*

Katarzyna wrote:
Excellent the Head thinks that yibbling is a profitable use of time


Well, it would be rather hypocritical if I didn't, wouldn't it?

 


#93:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 1:35 pm


KB wrote:
Congratulations, Alex! *can be patient now*

Katarzyna wrote:
Excellent the Head thinks that yibbling is a profitable use of time


Well, it would be rather hypocritical if I didn't, wouldn't it?


Just a tad dearie!!!! Rolling Eyes

Alex? Where are we on the more story front?

 


#94:  Author: LissLocation: Harrow, London PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 1:40 pm


Vikki wrote:
Alex? Where are we on the more story front?


Honestly, Vikki! Don't you read other people's posts? viking

 


#95:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 2:07 pm


Alex, hope the BP thing is going okay. If it's like the one I had, it can be a little disconcerting when it suddenly inflates and deflates!

More story whenever you can get around to it would be most appreciated.

 


#96:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 2:26 pm


Liss wrote:
Vikki wrote:
Alex? Where are we on the more story front?


Honestly, Vikki! Don't you read other people's posts? viking


Well, she did say we might get more this afternoon, and I was hoping that the BP thing was going well, and it is afternoon now......

 


#97:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 4:23 pm


I'm afraid this is about all I can manage, the blood pressure thing is well annoying and goes off every 15 minutes. Looking forward to getting no sleep tonight, maybe I'll just have to stay up all night writing.



In the museum, the cave rescue team were gathered around an ancient and dusty collection of maps. Eddie pointed out the area where it seemed likely that Peggy and Giles would be found, whilst Simon and his five colleagues listened attentively. Dick Bettany and Mr Winterton stood to one side, listening with anxious looks on their faces. The younger members of the party were being ministered to with tea and biscuits by the wife of one of the rescue team. Maeve, Maurice and Freddie were still young enough not to be unduly concerned with the gravity of the situation, that is not to say they were not worried, but they had confidence in the rescue team and in the indestructibility of elder siblings. Lala, Bride and Polly stood close together. They knew that Peggy, at least, was alive, but they also knew that a lot more could go wrong before the pair were truly safe.

Simon was issuing his final instructions.

“Does everybody understand?” he looked round, and the group nodded back. “Let’s go then,” he said briskly. While the group collected their equipment, he said a few words to Dick and Mr Winterton, accompanied by a hearty slap of reassurance on the arm for Dick.

Eddie, with a look of nervous excitement on his face produced the key and led the way out of the building and into the mine.

 


#98:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 4:33 pm


*huggles* poor you Alex. Thanks for the story though! Kiss

 


#99:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 4:36 pm


Thank you - hard luck on the bp front, but it would be a nice bonus for us if you were to spend all night writing....


No, I do hope you get some sleep, really. I'm not that greedy. I am looking forward to the next bit though.

 


#100:  Author: LissLocation: Harrow, London PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 4:36 pm


Hurrah! Thanks for posting, Alex! I'm still slightly concerned by the 'plenty of things to go wrong' theme, though...

Hope the BP thing isn't too bad tonight.

 


#101:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 4:39 pm


Thank you for the nice post, Alex. I hope all goes well with your blood pressure monitoring.

 


#102:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 5:44 pm


*huggles Alex commiseratingly, and thanks her profusely for posting more!!*

 


#103:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 6:26 pm


Thank you Alex

 


#104:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 12:57 am


Thank you for the post Alex. Hope you are getting some sleep.

 


#105:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 4:03 am


*sends over soporific huggle bunny*

 


#106:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jan 28, 2004 8:25 am


Hope you managed to sleep Alex. More soon please.

 


#107:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 12:24 pm


How are you Alex? Hope you didn't sleep too badly and maybe are inspired to write a little more of this..........?

 


#108:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 12:37 pm


Hope you had a good sleep Alex, and that inspiration came to you in your dreams.

 


#109:  Author: kittykatzLocation: Singapore PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 4:31 pm


:lol:

Ooh I really love your story. Is there any chance you'll ever put it all properly onto a website?

 


#110:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 6:11 pm


She's not still asleep, is she?

 


#111:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 6:43 pm


I think she just might be...... Wink

 


#112:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 6:58 pm


Any chance of some more Alex?

 


#113:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 7:15 pm


Vikki wrote:
I think she just might be...... Wink


*wonders if the police should be sent around* Wink

 


#114:  Author: LulieLocation: Middlesbrough PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 10:04 pm


*quickly wraps Alex's house in cotton wool* I know the damage the CBB police can do to a property!!!!
*hopes the noise will wake Alex*

 


#115:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 11:36 pm


All they're going to do is knock on the door!

And maybe a window or two... Wink

 


#116:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 11:45 pm


Sorry, sorry, sorry, I'm really stuck. I know what's going to happen after they get out the mine, I just can't work out how to get them out without writing "Later that day after Peggy and Giles had been rescued they decided to get married. The End" BP thing very very tedious but thankfully over. Also good news I got an offer from KCL woohoo! Laughing

I can't believe that smilie comes up as lol!

 


#117:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Jan 29, 2004 11:54 pm


*lol* I can see why you're stuck, Alex. I hope something will come to you in time!

 


#118:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 12:04 am


Of course there's always the "Later that day just before they were rescued Peggy and Giles were killed in a bizarre accident. The End" option.

Sorry, for a moment there I thought I was the author of a different drabble.

 


#119:  Author: KathrynLocation: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 12:09 am


Aaaahh! Thought you'd posted more! hammer

 


#120:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 4:03 am


*hopes Kathryn will recover from her disappointment soon*

And you may certainly use that ending, Alex - if you want to suffer some of the same fates as are being discussed at the SSOJ...

 


#121:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 7:24 pm


It ok Alex we'll wait fairly quietly!

 


#122:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Jan 30, 2004 9:03 pm


*speak for yourself Chloë!!* Wink Laughing [/list]

 


#123:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 12:18 am


Chloë poke Vikki

Be nice!

 


#124:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 12:27 am


You don't need to take any notice of KB's threat, Alex. She won't be around for a couple of days to carry them out!!!
Wonder what a ROFL smiley would look like!!!

 


#125:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 9:08 am


Pat wrote:
You don't need to take any notice of KB's threat, Alex. She won't be around for a couple of days to carry them out!!!
Wonder what a ROFL smiley would look like!!!


I thought that this was ROFL

 


#126:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 12:19 pm


About an hour later, certain members of the waiting party in the museum had started to pace. No doubt Giles would have been doing the same thing, but for his forced immobility. It was starting to get darker in the hole.

“It’s too early,” said Peggy, when he mentioned this. “It must be going to rain again. Are you still alright? How’s that leg?”

“It aches,” he admitted. There was a pause. “A lot,” he added. “You ok?”

“I’m starting to get cold,” she replied.

“I wish I could do something to help,” he said. “It’s all my fault,” there was bitter recrimination in the last sentence.

“Yes it is,” said Peggy, “but there’s to be no wallowing in self pity. Some of the blame should probably be allocated to me as well but I don’t think there’s a lot of point in trying to work out how much. I have better things to do with my time. Accidents happen. We’re both alive, we will get out of here.” It sounded like a mantra. “We’re both alive, we will get out of here.”

“Just out of interest, what are these better things that you could be doing now?” he asked.

“Giles,” said Peggy warningly, but she was almost laughing.

“Well in that case, tell me all the things you would rather be doing now,” he suggested.

“Eating toasted tea cakes in front of a warm fire,” began Peggy.

“Hmm,” said Giles, picturing it. “That doesn’t sound too bad at all. Go on.”

“Giving Daph he bath, cleaning out the pig, feeding the chickens.”

“Cleaning out the pig,” he repeated, “that doesn’t sound much fun.”

“You said things I’d rather be doing,” she pointed out. “Reading a book, talking to Bride, going out in a boat (in the summer mind), skiing down a slope.”

“Can you really ski?” he asked. “I’ve always wanted to try.”

“I learned when I was very little, in Austria, but I didn’t do much until I was at school in Switzerland. Polly and Lala can both ski, you’ll have to get them to teach you.”

“Lala, maybe. I don’t think Polly would have the patience with me. Sometimes, I still think she hates me.”

Peggy chose to ignore this last comment. “The trick is not to let your toes cross, they do seem to hold a fatal attraction for one another.”

“I don’t suppose I’ll have a chance,” he said. “I’m supposed to away for a couple of years at least, although a broken leg will probably delay the start of that. Can you hear that?”

“What?”

“A sort of scrabbling sound.”

“I do hope it’s not rats,” said Peggy, rather absently.

 


#127:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 12:22 pm


It was not rats.

“CAN YOU HEAR US? MISS BETTANY? CAPTAIN WINTERTON? CAN YOU HEAR US?”

After their first moment of surprise they shouted back with a will.

The voice came again. “WE HAVE TO SHIFT A LOT OF RUBBLE TO GET THROUGH TO YOU, IT MAY TAKE SOME TIME. ARE YOU BOTH ALRIGHT?”

Giles shouted back on their behalf. “MISS BETTANY IS TRAPPED UNDER A PILE OF DEBRIS BUT DOESN’T SEEM TO HAVE ANY INJURIES OTHER THAN CUTS AND BRUISES. I APPEAR TO HAVE A BROKEN LEG. WE ARE GETTING RATHER COLD. I hope they can hear me,” he said in an aside to Peggy.

“I expect they can,” said Peggy dryly.

“HOLD ON, WE ARE COMING TO GET YOU!”

In the semi-darkness, Peggy smiled.

 


#128:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 12:27 pm


I love the way Peggy is coming out with such a dry sense of humour :
"I do hope it’s not rats,” said Peggy, rather absently"
and greatly appreciate teetering on the cliff of possible rats for such a short time!

Hoping it doesn't rain like it is here!

 


#129:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 2:32 pm


Ooh, fabulous - just caught up with this after a couple of weeks ... it's brilliant, Alex Very Happy

Pleased I caught them at the rescued stage so I didn't have to spend any time at the top of mineshafts!

More please - looking forward to their relationship developing!

[Re your hols - don't know anything about NZ but make sure you spend time in Cape Town (Table Mountain and Robben Island, where Mandela was incarcerated) and Kruger to do safari ...............]

 


#130:  Author: PeggyLocation: London PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 5:38 pm


Alex, I love the way you tell this story. You make it seem so romantic.

However, may I just point out that I don't really like tea-cakes very much? I prefer muffins or crumpets.

Everything else in your account is entirely accurate...although I notice you didn't mention how I rather liked the smell of Giles' aftershave...

 


#131:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 5:48 pm


Two more posts, thank you, Alex.

Chloe, If I catch you poking Vikki again, I shall be very severe with you.

 


#132:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 6:40 pm


Jennie wrote:
Two more posts, thank you, Alex.

Chloe, If I catch you poking Vikki again, I shall be very severe with you.


*wonders if Jennie realises that she is threatening the Head Girl.

Thanks for those two bits Alex, I love the conversations between Peggy and Giles.

 


#133:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 6:56 pm


Thank you for the last two posts - wonderful to see Peggy so totally unfazed about the possiblity of rats - definitely not a spineless jellyfish!

 


#134:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 9:33 pm


Rats are ok - they're just squirrels with naked tails.
Thanks for this Alex, it's really enjoyable, though if Peggy would rather be cleaning out the pig I don't know if she's totally taken wit Giles yet, although he seems to be becoming rather more impressed with her.

 


#135:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Sat Jan 31, 2004 10:21 pm


Thanks Alex! This is a lovely story!

 


#136:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Feb 01, 2004 4:04 am


Thank you Alex, glad they did not have to wait too long to be rescued.

 


#137:  Author: keren PostPosted: Sun Feb 01, 2004 8:54 am


Where did peggy pop up from?
Has she been here before, without me noticing?
(I dont always read the names of the posters and just saw this last post)

 


#138:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Feb 01, 2004 12:23 pm


Thank you Alex

Jennie wrote:

Chloe, If I catch you poking Vikki again, I shall be very severe with you.


*mutters*

but its fun why can't i poke her?

 


#139:  Author: PeggyLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Feb 01, 2004 6:46 pm


Quote:
Where did peggy pop up from?
Has she been here before, without me noticing?

Not on this thread, but I did post a couple of times on this thread on the old board.
I am mainly a lurker on the C & D but can't help posting now and then, especially if the thread is About Me! Wink

 


#140:  Author: RebeccaLocation: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Sun Feb 01, 2004 7:00 pm


Chloe: Of course you can poke Vikki. We've all witnessed it! Whether you may or not is another matter. (Witness what an awful influence the CS is on me...)

This is great, Alex!

 


#141:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Sun Feb 01, 2004 7:20 pm


One of the team went back to the museum to give the good news.

“We’ve located them,” he said.

“Thank God!” it came from several directions.

“It’s going to take us a while longer to reach them and we will have to assess the situation more thoroughly but they’re both communicating although they have sustained some injuries between them. I must get back, I just came to give you the latest.”

Dick Bettany grabbed the man’s hand and rung it, “Thank you so much.”

“No problem, hopefully it shouldn’t be more than a couple of hours now.”

Down the mine, a gap had been made big enough for the smallest team member to get through. He followed the tunnel until he came to the area where Peggy and Giles were trapped.

“Hello,” he said cheerfully, “Miss Bettany, Captain Winterton, I’m Harry Grey. We’ll soon have you out of here. They’re clearing the tunnel so that we can get you out, I’ve come to make a preliminary assessment so we know what equipment we need.”

“We’re very pleased to see you Mr Grey,” said Peggy, her voice was a little slurred.

“Peggy,” said Giles anxiously, “Are you ok? You sound funny.”

Harry Grey hurried over to her. “I think you may have a little hypothermia, Miss Bettany,” he said.
“Oh dear,” said Peggy listlessly. “It is a bit damp in here I suppose.”

Harry was examining Giles’s leg. “Perfectly straightforward break here,” he said.

“Is Peggy alright?” Giles muttered. “She seemed alright until quite recently, although she did say she was cold.”

“She’s going to be absolutely fine,” said Harry bracingly. “I must go and report back to the others. Won’t be long.” He disappeared back down the tunnel.

“Won’t be long now, Peggy,” said Giles to her when Harry had gone.

“I’m tired,” said Peggy.

“You cant go to sleep,” said Giles firmly. “Do you hear me Peggy? You’re to stay awake. Tell me about skiing again.”

Harry was making his report. “Captain Winterton has a broken leg, nothing complicated. I’m concerned about Miss Bettany though. She’s half buried by debris, has been complaining of cold, he speech is a little slurred. I don’t think she’s bleeding from anywhere, but we need to get her out as soon as possible. I’ll try and shift some of the debris. Have you got a couple of blankets?”

The blankets were duly passed through.

“We’re going to be a good half an hour at least,” said Simon.

Harry shook his head. “It’s going to be tight. Make it as quick as you can, and have an ambulance standing by.”

“OK, people,” said Simon, clapping his hands a couple of times. “Let’s get on with it.”

 


#142:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Feb 01, 2004 8:18 pm


Yay thank you Alex! More soon i hope Smile

 


#143:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Feb 01, 2004 10:45 pm


Get those blankets in there, quick! Giles, keep her awake! Shocked

I guess it is Giles turn to be strong!

Waiting for more (now we need a 'hurry up' emoticon)

 


#144:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Sun Feb 01, 2004 11:03 pm


More please, when you have a moment, Alex! This is great!

 


#145:  Author: Cumbrian RachelLocation: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Sun Feb 01, 2004 11:03 pm


Can't wait for the next installment!!! This is great Alex!

 


#146:  Author: PatLocation: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Feb 01, 2004 11:09 pm


Please hurry up and post some more!!

 


#147:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 12:17 am


Oh - I didn't expect that! Please hurry up and rescue them Alex - don't leave there so long that Peggy di, I mean get's really ill.

 


#148:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 12:46 am


Ooohhh a cliff - falls down and lands on bouncy castle.

More please!

 


#149:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 2:26 am


OOH get them out quickly. Hope Giles can be stong and keep Peggy awake.

 


#150:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 3:12 am


*tumbles down the cliff, misses the bouncy castle and splats onto the ground, adding to the wounds already recieved from Chloë's poking!!!!!*

More soon please Alex!!!!

 


#151:  Author: keren PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 9:14 am


Obvioiusly her situation will make giles more aware of what he feels about her.
Now I have to wait for the next bit.

 


#152:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 10:31 am


Aaaaaaarrrrrgghhh! I thought that by the time I got back after the weekend they might have started living happily ever after. And they're still down this dratted hole!

OY! GILES! CAN YOU HEAR ME? DON'T LET HER GO TO SLEEP, OK?

 


#153:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 12:29 pm


Well, we can't call this a cliff-hanger as they're stuck down a hole, but please hurry and get them out of there soon, Alex.

 


#154:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2004 2:59 pm


What? Still no story? Shocked

 


#155:  Author: RebeccaLocation: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 11:31 am


Alex?

Where are you?

And where's the story?

 


#156:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 11:55 am


Peggy's probably died of hypothermia by now!

 


#157:  Author: keren PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 12:24 pm


oh,
I thought something would have happened by now!
Well, we used to have to wait a whole week between episodes on those old serieses on the BBC.
(remember the 7 little australians and tree falling on Judy.....)

 


#158:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 12:29 pm


*is intrigued by what keren is talking about*

(I've never had a TV in the house until my student house this year)

 


#159:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 6:00 pm


I thought we'd be reading about the wedding by now. Runs off, sobbing.

 


#160:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 6:12 pm


*also worried that Peggy might be dead by now* Please, don't make us wait much longer for more!

 


#161:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 6:35 pm


Alex- how can you leave poor Peggy sitting there possibly freezing to death??? Please, we need more story.

 


#162:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 7:45 pm


She seems to find it quite easy, Chelsea!

 


#163:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 8:10 pm


Harry did his best to clear the debris which was covering Peggy, whilst Giles tried to keep a conversation going. The heavy beam which had fallen across Peggy was indeed resting on a large rock and not causing any immediate danger to her. He tucked her up with a blanket as best he could and went to tend to Giles’s leg.

“Best thing to do is splint it,” he decided aloud. Then all we need to do when the others get here is load you onto a stretcher and we’ll be away.”

“What are you going to splint it with?” asked Giles, puzzled.

“Easiest thing to splint a broken leg is always the other leg,” said Harry practically, producing a roll of bandage and a scout knife. “Saves all the trouble of having to measure anything else.”

“Did you hear that Peggy?” asked Giles, brightly. “Isn’t that interesting.”

“Miss Wilson,” said Peggy vaguely.

“What?”

“Guides,” she said again more vaguely still.

“Miss Wilson taught you that in Girl Guides?” hazarded Giles. There was no reply. “Peggy?”

Harry paused in his bandaging to go and look at Peggy. He shook her. “Peggy, wake up.” Peggy opened her eyes sleepily. “Tell us what else you learned in the Guides.”

“Yes, tell us,” echoed Giles desperately. He knew the danger she was in if she didn’t get warm soon. She would die and it would be all his fault. If only he had kept his temper with Polly, if only he had looked where he was going, if only…if only Peggy didn’t die. Please, God, he prayed the hardest he had ever in his life. A real prayer from the bottom of his soul, much more than the lip service he had ever offered before. Please, let her be alright.

“Fires,” said Peggy faintly.

“Lighting them or putting them out?” ask Giles seriously determined to keep her talking. Harry returned to finish his handiwork.

“Both.”

“Let her be alright. Let us get out of here,” muttered Giles frantically. “How many matches do you need to light a fire then?” he said aloud.

“Two,” said Peggy.

“Two? Can’t you do it on the first attempt?”

“Rain,” came the faint reply, but it was almost drowned out by the answer to his prayer – the footsteps of the rescue team who had finally cleared the way through.

 


#164:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 8:14 pm


Alex, you are an awful tease!

 


#165:  Author: EllieLocation: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 1:38 am


Well, it's looking sightly more hopeful, but I'm still very worried about Peggy, please don't leave her trapped too much longer.

 


#166:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 7:06 am


*Slightly concerned about how worried I am about poor Peggy, considering I know there's a happy ending!*

 


#167:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 8:35 am


Hang on, Peggy! Keep talking. Giles.

 


#168:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 10:21 am


*joins in the chanting*

Well done, Giles - keep it up and we'll let your court our Peg!

 


#169:  Author: keren PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 10:56 am


Abi wrote:
*is intrigued by what keren is talking about*

(I've never had a TV in the house until my student house this year)


somewhere during the 1970's a televised version of "the seven little australians" written by ethel turner (available through project gutenberg) was shown on english TV.
It is a good book, anyway in the epsiode before last the baby runs under a tree that is falling down and the main character Judy runs to catch him and you see this enourmous tree falling on her and then it is the end of the episode.
This is a GO type book and I highly reccomend you download and read it.
(so, talk about cliff hangers)

 


#170:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 2:52 pm


Right, so rescue is at hand. Now, just when is Giles going to realise how he feels about Peggy.

 


#171:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 4:14 pm


keren wrote:
Abi wrote:
*is intrigued by what keren is talking about*

(I've never had a TV in the house until my student house this year)


somewhere during the 1970's a televised version of "the seven little australians" written by ethel turner (available through project gutenberg) was shown on english TV.
It is a good book, anyway in the epsiode before last the baby runs under a tree that is falling down and the main character Judy runs to catch him and you see this enourmous tree falling on her and then it is the end of the episode.
This is a GO type book and I highly reccomend you download and read it.
(so, talk about cliff hangers)


Ah, *light dawns* thank you keren!!


Well at least she's still alive, is she going to very-nearly-die but Giles saves her life by singing the Red Sarafan? PLease ressure me that thats not going to happen Alex!

 


#172:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 4:15 pm


Huh? What happened there? It just posted twice and I didn't even actually post it twice!!!

 


#173:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 5:42 pm


Alex this is wonderful more soon i hope!

 


#174:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 6:17 pm


Phew no need to resort to the RS, quite short I'm afraid.


Peggy opened her eyes and looked around. She had no idea where she was. She closed her eyes again. The last thing she could remember was Giles voice calling “Hang in there Peggy!” That was right. They had been in the mine, for quite a long time. Either they had got out or they had not. She definitely wasn’t in the mine any more and she didn’t feel dead, not that she knew what being dead felt like of course but she was sure it wasn’t like this. This, then must be…a hospital. Peggy relaxed as soon as she had come to this conclusion. But why was she here? She had only banged her head a bit. She cast her mind back but her recollections were hazy. Snippets of conversation floated through her mind but they didn’t seem to fit. Something about matches and rats. Oh well, thought Peggy, I’m sure I will remember sooner or later. She opened her eyes again.

Faces came into focus.

“Mummy,” said Peggy. “Bride.”

“I told them you’d be fine,” said Mollie Bettany, with a grin. “As if any child of mine would let a little thing like hypothermia get them down.”

Bride said nothing, but just looked at her sister and smiled, unspoken words of reassurance passed between them. A nurse bustled in and took Peggy’s pulse and blood pressure. As she left, nodding to herself, she drew back the curtains that hung around the bed. Peggy realised she was not alone in her room, she was in a ward with seven other people. There were large windows at the end of the bay and she could see that it was very dark outside. Mollie Bettany got up and followed the nurse out of the bay. Bride and Peggy sat there quietly holding hands.

Mollie returned a couple of minutes later. “They say you’re making good progress, Peg, and you can probably come home the day after tomorrow. Bride and I’ll be off now, we’ll come and see you at visiting time tomorrow. Have a good night’s sleep.” She stood up and Bride joined her, still holding Bride’s hand.

“Is,” she hesitated slightly, not sure if she dare ask, “Is Giles alright?”

Bride smiled, “Well he’s got a broken leg, but apart from that he’s doing just fine.”

 


#175:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 6:25 pm


Ahhhhhhh. Very Happy

Thank you!

 


#176:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 6:37 pm


It's a good sign that she asked about Giles (I think anyway!)

 


#177:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 04, 2004 7:22 pm


*sigh* It's definitely a good sign! What a lovely part! Thank you, Alex!

 


#178:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 10:42 am


Hurray - everything's looking positive Very Happy

Now let's have the scene when Peggy and Giles meet for the first time after the accident Very Happy

 


#179:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 10:52 am


Yay! Thank you Alex, that was lovely.

*heaves a contented sigh*

*then echoes Rachael's demand*

 


#180:  Author: KathrynLocation: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 12:08 pm


Yah, they both survived.
That scene is something to look forward to. Though I hope Peggy is still going to remain strong.

*echoing the pleas for more*

 


#181:  Author: RebeccaLocation: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 12:57 pm


Lovely, Alex!

Can't wait for the next bit!

 


#182:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 4:54 pm


So will Peggy sneak into Giles' room or vice versa?

 


#183:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 6:14 pm


There is to be no sneaking of any kind KB!


Before she was collected on the morning she was allowed home, Peggy found her way to Giles’s ward with the assistance of a friendly nurse. The sister was not keen to have visitors out of hours, but Peggy’s new friend persuaded her that Peggy needed to see Giles to reassure herself otherwise the worry might impede her recovery. The sister agreed, after checking that Peggy was ‘decently attired’.

Giles smiled when he saw Peggy approaching.

“Hello,” she said, a little shyly.

“Hello,” he replied, equally shyly, conscious of the looks he was receiving from his fellow patients.

Peggy stood besides his bed feeling rather foolish. “I’m going home this morning,” she said eventually. “I just came to make sure you were alright, and to say thank you for your help…keeping me awake I mean.”

“Any time,” replied Giles with a pleased grin. “Besides,” he added, “it was my fault we were down there in the first place.”

“I seem to remember having had this conversation,” said Peggy firmly.

“OK, OK,” Giles put up his hands in protest. “We’ll call it quits.”

Peggy nodded in agreement. “I suppose I’d better go then,” she said, turning to leave, not able to think of a reason to prolong the visit, unsure as to why she felt the need to stay.

“I’m going to be here for some time,” said Giles before she had taken more than a few steps, gesturing at his leg which was fixed to some kind of contraption. “Would you…would you, come and visit me once in a while?”

Peggy willed herself not to blush. “I don’t think my parents are going to let me out of their sight for a while,” she said, “but as soon as I’m allowed to drive again, I will most certainly come.”

 


#184:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 6:37 pm


Thank you Alex this is wonderful!

 


#185:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 6:50 pm


Well, it was just an idea!

But you did it much better, Alex! I wonder what the people in Giles' ward will say to him?

 


#186:  Author: keren PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 7:21 pm


that is so sweet

 


#187:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 7:56 pm


Lovely. It's moving in the right direction! Smile

 


#188:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 1:37 am


Awww that's really lovely.

 


#189:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 1:39 am


That's really lovely Alex!! Lots more soon please!!!

 


#190:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 12:13 pm


Aaawwwww, that's so sweet Alex. Please write more soon!

 


#191:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 12:16 pm


Yes, more soon please.

 


#192:  Author: RebeccaLocation: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 1:22 pm


*Echoes the pleas for more*

 


#193:  Author: RachelLocation: Plotting in my lair; sometimes in Hampshire, England, UK, Europe, Earth, Milky Way, Universe PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 2:40 pm


Bless their ickle cotton socks!

This is such a sweet tale - a really nice old fashioned romance! Almost makes me regret my vow of "bitter and twisted toward all men" - almost!

 


#194:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 7:12 pm


*sad sigh* I'd been hoping for more...

 


#195:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 4:26 pm


So had I, sighing even more deeply. Feels martydom coming on.

 


#196:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 5:10 pm


Lovely post, Alex - am now feeling all warm and fluffy!
But definitely want more
*clamouring for first snog ..... sorry, chaste kiss!*


*looks sternly in KB's direction*
There is to be no "room-sneaking" whilst you're under my roof, young lady!!

 


#197:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 5:12 pm


Do you think Peggy and Giles are too thick to get on with it? They should be engaged by now!

 


#198:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 6:29 pm


Rachael wrote:
*looks sternly in KB's direction*
There is to be no "room-sneaking" whilst you're under my roof, young lady!!


Is there anyone into whose room I could sneak?

No, I didn't think so!

 


#199:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 7:11 pm


Maybe Rachael is worried about someone sneaking into your room!!!!!

 


#200:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 7:14 pm


Well, if they're so inclined...

 


#201:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 11:06 pm


LOL!

Well, I was thinking of asking a group of handsome, young, medical practioners to the TG ... but if no one's interested ... Wink

 


#202:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 6:34 am


Are you going to guarantee that they're straight, or will that be too much to ask? *feeling rather sorry for the doctors*

 


#203:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 9:34 am


*Thinks that with the number of people going to Rachael's house it'll be standing room only!*

Alex, please come and write more!

 


#204:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 9:42 am


I'm sure we'll squeeze people in somewhere!

 


#205:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 11:42 am


I'm really, really stuck. It's quite hard writing a proposal without it sounding incredibly cheesy. I'm trying, I promise. Also, whilst I quite like romantic gestures towards me, I am basically not very romantic myself which makes it quite difficult. Incidentally, when I was in Waterstones yesterday, I saw a book entitled The Book of Bunny Suicides: Fluffy Rabbits who didn't want to live or words to that effect. I have come to the conclusion that my PBs have gone AWOL and that is why I am having so much trouble, I'm having to write it all myself!

 


#206:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 1:10 pm


Did you buy the book?

 


#207:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 1:50 pm


I saw that book but decided against it as there were a number of others I wanted more.

 


#208:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 1:58 pm


I local cafe has that book but i've not read it yet.

Alex i hope you can write it so you like it soon!

 


#209:  Author: PeggyLocation: London PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 4:48 pm


Quote:
Do you think Peggy and Giles are too thick to get on with it? They should be engaged by now!


Excuse me?! Who are you calling thick? I would like to point out that I am merely a gently-nutured and extremely well brought-up young lady. The fact that last night I had a dream about Giles in his stripy hospital pyjamas is neither here nor there... Wink

 


#210:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 4:49 pm


I'm so glad to hear that you're a nice normal girl, Peggy, but you do have to admit that, in comparison with your Aunty Jo and others, you do seem to be taking your sweet time to get to the juicy end of the story!

 


#211:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 4:51 pm


*giggles at Peggy's dream*

You take your sweet time, Peggy, but don't be too long about it!

 


#212:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 4:59 pm


*can't help feeling there's a slight contradiction in terms there*

 


#213:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 5:10 pm


*wonders how that could possibly be the case* Rolling Eyes

 


#214:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 5:11 pm


Well, what if her sweet time is a long time?

 


#215:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 5:14 pm


Well, that was why I added the qualifier - don't be too long about it!

 


#216:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 5:16 pm


Then that was very thoughtful of you!

 


#217:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 3:09 pm


*hopes Alex's plot bunnies come back soon!*

 


#218:  Author: Cumbrian RachelLocation: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 6:06 pm


*feeling upset at no new story being posted during the last few days Crying or Very sad *

*hoping Alex's plot bunnies come back soon and Peggy and Giles get engaged soon*

 


#219:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 6:43 pm


Well here's the bit you've all been waiting for, only one more bit to come.


As promised, as soon as Mollie and Dick allowed Peggy out of the house she went to visit Giles. When she arrived at the hospital she made her way to the ward where Giles was. He seemed pleased to see her, and there was none of the awkwardness she had felt at their last meeting. Peggy made Giles laugh with an account of Maeve trying to pack her trunk for school, she could never find all of her hankies. She had thought maybe she had already packed them so she had taken everything out of her trunk to check, only to find they were not there and had to repack the whole thing. She was going back to school in two days, Bride and the boys would be departing at various times over the net week or so.

“I expect the girls and Freddie are packing too,” commented Giles. “It will be quiet without them when I get to go home.”

“If your family are anything like mine, you’re much better off out of it,” smiled Peggy, “our house is absolute chaos at the moment! When will they let you out?” she added casually.

“Not for a while,” said Giles with a sigh. “I’ll be here for a few weeks yet, I’d say, then I’ll be allowed home to rest and recuperate. It’ll be a good couple of months before I can go back to work.”

“What about your posting?” asked Peggy.

“I don’t know,” he said, “I’m by no means the only suitable candidate for the job, so I’d say they’re much more likely to send someone else in my place, than delay the whole thing until I’m back on my feet. It’s important that it goes ahead as soon as possible.”

“Will that affect your career?” she asked worriedly. “I’d hate to think I was in some way responsible for it ending.”

“It’s more important that I get better. Besides, I don’t intend to stay in the Navy for ever.” He gave her a meaningful look, but Peggy was oblivious.

They continued to chat easily, Peggy thought fleetingly that there were worse people to visit in hospital, and if she ever had to get stuck down a mine again then Giles would be high on her list of chosen companions.

A nurse came round to say that the visiting period had come to an end. Peggy stood up to leave.

“Peggy,” said Giles. “Peggy, before you go I need to say something. You might think I’ve gone completely mad, you might think you never want to see me again, but I have to tell you this.”

Peggy stood very still, hardly daring to breathe. She found her voice eventually, “What is it?”

“I,” he stopped. “I…. The first time I saw you I thought you were a complete idiot. I very beautiful idiot, but an idiot none the less. No wait, that’s not how I meant it to sound.”

Peggy sat down heavily.

“I made a mistake. I came to realise that you weren’t an idiot at all. You are in fact, the most wonderful, beautiful, caring, intelligent, sensible, lovely person I have ever met. It didn’t take me long to work that out. But I didn’t realise I was in love with you, until I thought I was going to lose you. I can’t bear the idea that I might lose you again. Please Peggy, you can have some time to think about it if you like, but I want to ask you…I…Will you marry me?”

“Mr Winterton, I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask your visitor to leave,” said an approaching nurse.

“You can’t do that!” shouted the man in the next bed. “She hasn’t said yes yet! If you send her away now, we might never know what happens!”

Peggy blushed to the roots of her fair hair at the realisation that the whole ward were listening in.

“Could you just give us a minute?” she said to the rather confused nurse.

“Sister won’t be very happy,” said the nurse, rather grim faced.

“Please?”

She met with a stony faced silence.

“Look,” said Peggy, rather desperately, “I’m trying to think of the best way to accept a proposal of marriage, and it’s rather difficult with you standing there glaring at me.”

“I can see why you love her, mate,” shouted Giles’s fellow patient.

But Giles did not hear him, “Did you say accept?”

“I believe I did,” said Peggy with a smile. “I could hardly do anything else with all these people watching, could I?”

“I really am going to have to ask you to leave,” said the nurse, but she was drowned out by the cheers of the other men on the ward.

“I love you,” whispered Peggy. “But I think I am going to have to go before this gets very out of hand. I’ll come and see you tomorrow.”

“You better not say anything about this until I have a chance to speak to your parents,” said Giles, seriously.

“I thought you said you decided I wasn’t an idiot,” retorted Peggy. “There’s just one person I have to tell, but they will be sworn to secrecy.”

 


#220:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 6:45 pm


Thank you Alex!!! That was lovely!!!!

 


#221:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 6:47 pm


YAY for Giles.

*thinks the nurse is a prat

*loves the other men on the ward

*loves Peggy for planning ahead -
Quote:
if she ever had to get stuck down a mine again then Giles would be high on her list of chosen companions.

 


#222:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 8:07 pm


Oh, that was just lovely, Alex! Thank you so much! And I loved the nurse's timing, as well as the men in the room! Good for them! And for Giles and Peggy! This is going on Liss's site, right?

 


#223:  Author: Jay PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 10:34 pm


Alex, you did that just right. Little bit of giggle, little bit of "awww, sweet" and large amount of "nurse, get lost!". Loved it! Mr. Green

 


#224:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 8:36 am


I love Jay's way of summarising it! Laughing

 


#225:  Author: KathrynLocation: Melbourne/Hamilton until 11 September PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 9:19 am


That scene just suited the characters down to a tee. It was great. Loved the other patients in the ward!

 


#226:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 11:03 am


Awww Alex that is so nice, may we have some more though please!

 


#227:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 11:30 am


Alex that was absolutely perfect! Not at all slushy, but still lovely. Thank you!

 


#228:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 6:05 pm


Last bit, I'm afraid I wimped out rather.



“Hello, Peg,” said Mollie, when Peggy got back that evening. “How’s Giles getting on?”

“He’s fine, seems to be making good progress,” said Peggy, far too casually (Giles? Who’s he?).

“I’m pleased to hear that,” said Mollie, raising her eyebrows ever so slightly. “You’re later than I expected, I thought visiting time finished at 7?”

“It does,” said Peggy. “Maybe I just drove a little slowly or something.”

Or something, thought Mollie to herself. Aloud she said only, “I’m sure Bride must need some help with her packing.”

Peggy seized on this escape gratefully. Nodding she crossed over to the staircase. She stopped at the bottom. Here, she thought, here, I first met Giles. Pull yourself together, came hard on its heels. She made her way up the stairs and found Bride in the sitting room, searching frantically under cushions.

“What is the matter?” demanded Peggy.

“I can’t find one of my books,” explained Bride, “I know I had it here yesterday.”

“Oh, never mind about that,” said Peggy, suddenly realising she would burst if she didn’t tell her news.

Bride looked up at her tone. “What is it?”

Peggy said nothing.

“What is it?” repeated Bride more gently.

Peggy took a deep breath. “I have something to tell you.”


THE END

 


#229:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 6:10 pm


Alex please tell us people's reactions to it all! PLEASE!

 


#230:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 6:10 pm


Aaaawww! Alex. Don't we get to see the wedding?

 


#231:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 6:11 pm


Comments welcome!

I'm going to review it and make a few changes before I send it to Liss for the site. Two main questions,

Can anyone thing of a better topic of argument for Peggy and Giles before they fall down the mine?

and

Is it a bit too sudden the way they suddenly decided to get married?

I think we see Giles's emotions, but none of Peggy's, and I don't want it to appear that she married him just because he asked her to. I know EBDs characters tend to do this "I take it we're engaged" thing but I don't think it's necessarily the best way.

 


#232:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 6:14 pm


Can't believe how quick you two got in!

And EBD wrote the wedding, Jennie, it's in Ruey. I think you'd like it: Joey is very annoying and nudges Mollie at the right moment to stop her crying!

 


#233:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 6:15 pm


Lovely! I read both the last posts together so got the full effect. I wondered how on earth you were going to manage the proposal without getting oversentimental, which would not have suited the characters. I loved the reactions of the other men in the ward!

I don't somehow think that Mollie is going to be surprised at the news Wink

 


#234:  Author: ChelseaLocation: Your Imagination PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 6:18 pm


I loved those last bits Alex.

*agrees with others that seeing the reactions would be good.

 


#235:  Author: LauraLocation: London (ish) PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 7:40 pm


I can't believe that was the end! It was just like Pride and Prejudice, but marginally cuter. Ahhh.

Go Peggy and Giles! Very Happy

 


#236:  Author: Rachael PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 10:56 pm


I guess the mine was damp enough for Giles' shirt to get soaked but too damn dark for us to appreciate it! Wink

Wonderful story, Alex and the proposal was just right for them - I loved the men on the sidelines ... poor old Peggy, she handled that very well!

 


#237:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 1:28 am


Alex the poposal is really good, just right I'd say. Loved the nurse, even is she is a prat. The men on the ward are super. The next bit is brill too of course she would have wanted to tell Bride. BUT I would love to see them telling her Mum and Dad. Couldn't she get her dad to visit him in hospital - if she kept having to visit regularly they would guess anyway.

Shows how good a story writer you are we are never satisfied.

 


#238:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 5:53 am


Thank you Alex, really enjoyed the whole story - please post to the fiction page.

 


#239:  Author: pip_penguinLocation: Melbourne PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 8:22 am


*waves to Alex* Hi!! I'm new here, so you don't know me yet.

I've really enjoyed this story, and have been following it for a few days -- but I only just registered and started posting today. It's fabulously unsentimental and not soppy, yet manages to convey their affections.

Re: your questions
I really like their argument, and think the topic is a good one. And I don't think the way they decide to get married is too sudden... I can see Giles lying in his hospital bed, worrying over his future now that he's stuck for awhile and not able to do his job... and thinking about what he wants to do, as well.

True, we see none of Peggy's... this may be a slight drawback in that we don't really see her motivations. But then I see her having Elizabeth-Bennet-type thoughts regarding marriage. And you've shown enough that we can see her becoming fond of Giles (I love how she "thought fleetingly that there were worse people to visit in hospital, and if she ever had to get stuck down a mine again then Giles would be high on her list of chosen companions.") It does leave the fic feeling more Giles-centric, but not necessarily like she's marrying him out of some obligation.

Thank you, Alex! Like I said above, I've really enjoyed reading this story.

 


#240:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 9:01 am


This was a great story! Thanks, Alex! And I'd love to know Bride's reaction - I bet she squealed, Mollie came running up the stairs and the whole thing came out.

 


#241:  Author: ChloëLocation: London: when away from home planet! PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 10:12 am


Alex wrote:
Can't believe how quick you two got in!


What can i say i liked your story!

 


#242:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 10:27 am


I think I saw Chloe and Jennie's messages panting and wiping sweat from their brows! Wink

 


#243:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 4:33 pm


Alex that was lovely, but PLEASE write a bit more, showing people's reactions when they're told......please!

 


#244:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 11:09 pm


Thank you Alex!!! That was lovely, but I'd also like to see a few reactions!!! Wink

 


#245:  Author: Tassie_EllenLocation: Tasmania, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 10:05 am


Vikki wrote:
Thank you Alex!!! That was lovely, but I'd also like to see a few reactions!!! Wink


*agrees with Vikki (and everyone else)* - please fill in these little gaps, Alex!

 


#246:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 11:48 am


I know the wedding was in 'Ruey' I wanted Alex's view of it!

 


#247:  Author: Cumbrian RachelLocation: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 2:09 pm


*like everyone else wishing there was more story!*

*sending large quantities of PBs to Alex to make her write more!*

 


#248:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 7:05 pm


*watches Alex running for her life from the plot bunnies.........* Wink

 


#249:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 7:15 pm


*offers Alex somewhere to hide*

*waits for Alex's reaction when she sees that the 'somewhere to hide' has a computer for her to write more story*

 


#250:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 9:55 pm


I'm so good to you....



“I’m getting married,” said Peggy.

Bride stared.

“Say something,” said Peggy, nervously.

Bride just stood there looking, it must be said, rather gormless. She opened her mouth as if to say something and then closed it again.

“I haven’t told Mother and Dad yet,” began Peggy. “We’ll have to wait until Giles is out of the hospital before he can come and see them, but I can’t imagine they’d object.”

Still Bride said nothing.

“Bride? Say something, please! Say it’s a good thing, say it’s a terrible idea, say I should enter a convent instead, but talk to me!” Peggy was exasperated and a little concerned.

Bride pulled herself together. “I always knew it would happen one day, I just didn’t expect it quite so soon. And Giles Winterton, you’ve known him less than a month, it’s just a bit unexpected.”

“He’s a good man, Bride, he’s kind and I would really like you to get on with him,” said Peggy, half wishing she had not told her sister.

“Peggy!” said Bride crossly. “You can’t marry him just because he’s a good man with a good job. You can’t marry him just becasue he’s the first man to propose to you. I know you said there was something missing in your life, but this isn’t necessarily the best way to try to find it.”

“But it’s not missing any more,” said Peggy, eyes alight. “I never meant for this to happen, I never meant to fall in love with him, but I did and it’s….I know this is the right thing to do. I don’t want to sound elderly and patronising, but when it happens to you you’ll understand.”

“You’re really and truly sure about this,” said Bride gently.

Peggy’s chin went up. “Yes,” she said firmly.

“Well, in that case,” said Bride, finally smiling, “I’m very happy for you.” She hugged her sister warmly. “Now, tell me all about this proposal. Was it very romantic?”

Peggy shook her head, and related the decidedly unromantic tale of the proposal. When she had finished, it was Bride who was shaking her head. “He really knows how to pick his moment,” she said in disbelief.

“He certainly does,” said her sister indulgently.

******

It was six weeks later that Giles finally came to the Quadrant to speak to Dick Bettany. Peggy had confided in her mother the day before, although unsurprisingly, Mollie had already guessed most of it, and had even tried to take some credit for the proposal, “Aren’t you glad I made you take him out in the garden that day?” she demanded. She contrived quite naturally to leave Dick and Giles alone together at a convenient moment. She sent Peggy back in after a quarter of an hour and then appeared with a tea tray and freshly baked scones.

“It should be champagne really, but I couldn’t procure any at such short notice,” she announced.

“You knew about this?” Dick asked his wife indignantly. Such a question was clearly rhetorical and Mollie did not reply, but continued to pour tea.

“And you knew about this?” he said to Peggy.

“Well, yes Dad, of course I knew.”

“Of course,” repeated Dick. “Did everyone else know as well?”

“Only Bride,” said Peggy in a small voice.

“I can’t believe nobody told me!” exclaimed her father. “I could have prepared a list of searching questions for this…” He stopped short as his wife caught his eye. Peggy caught Giles’s and they both suppressed a smile. Dick regarded them all sternly. “Never mind,” he said and picked up his teacup. “A toast to the happy couple. I hope you’ll give me fair warning of the wedding, so I have plenty of time to work on my speech.”

REALLY THE VERY END

 


#251:  Author: Catherine_BLocation: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 10:05 pm


THANK YOU Alex!!!!

That was perfect - following up on Peggy's self-possession underground which startled Giles so much - love the way Dick is supposed to be all head of the familyish and give his permission, but in fact the women are completely in control!

 


#252:  Author: PatMacLocation: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 10:08 pm


Yay! You just missed one line:

"And they lived happily ever after!" That was great.

 


#253:  Author: AlexLocation: Home again PostPosted: Fri Feb 13, 2004 10:15 pm


*Smug* We aim to please.

Apparently when my dad came to ask my grandpa if he could marry my mum, afterwards nanny came in with a bottle of champagne (and mum) and grandpa was really offended that he was the last to know.

 


#254:  Author: SusanLocation: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 3:59 am


Aww Alex, that just rounds the story off nicely. Thank you.

 


#255:  Author: Tassie_EllenLocation: Tasmania, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 6:39 am


Lovely ending, Alex, thank you.

*going all mushy* when Tom and I told my father we were engaged, he was horrified - because he knew how much Tom loves a good roast dinner, my step-mother's speciality, and because his other 2 sons-in-law also have healthy appetites. I think he was envisaging the carnage if ever the three of them had to be fed all at once!

 


#256:  Author: pip_penguinLocation: Melbourne PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 6:57 am


Awww... thank you, Alex! That did round the story off nicely. Loved it!

 


#257:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 8:28 am


Alex, that was really lovely! Thank you so much for posting it. *giggles at Ellen's story*

 


#258:  Author: LesleyLocation: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 9:45 am


Thank you Alex - that was lovely!

 


#259:  Author: AbiLocation: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 3:35 pm


Thank you Alex - that was perfect!

 


#260:  Author: Cumbrian RachelLocation: near High Wycombe PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 3:43 pm


That was lovely Alex! Thank you!

 


#261:  Author: JennieLocation: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 3:51 pm


Echoes all the thanks winging your way, Alex.

 


#262:  Author: RebeccaLocation: Kendal/Oxford PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 5:10 pm


Thanks for adding that, Alex. Now I'm just sad there's no more.

 


#263:  Author: Caroline OSullivanLocation: Reading, Berkshire, UK PostPosted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 9:28 pm


Thank you Alex. It was a lovely story. Very sad that it has finished. Hope you do send it to Liss to put on the fiction page.

 


#264:  Author: VikkiLocation: Possibly in hell! It's certainly hot enough....... PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 9:59 pm


*huggles Alex*
Thank you for finishing it off for us honey!! That was a truly lovely ending!!!

 


#265:  Author: catherineLocation: York PostPosted: Sun Feb 15, 2004 11:03 pm


That was great, Alex! Really lovely!


Any chance of a sequel? About their life after they got married? Very Happy Wink

 


#266:  Author: KBLocation: Melbourne, Australia PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 8:05 am


You don't want much, do you, Catherine?

 


#267:  Author: Sarah_KLocation: St Albans PostPosted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 4:52 pm


Thanks for the extra ending Alex, very sweet. I think I would have been as sceptical as Bride if I was faced with my sister getting engaged after knowing a guy for 1 month!

 


#268:  Author: kittykatzLocation: Singapore PostPosted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 11:31 am


I love your story. Hopefully it'll be archived properly? I found it a little hard reading in bits and pieces. Apart from that, I really liked it.

 




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